1Fears are growing that Colombian drug cartels are targeting New Zealand and other parts of the South Pacific.

2Despite tougher sentences, accidents involving drunk drivers continue to increase. Now some are calling for a different approach to eradicate the carnage on New Zealand's roads.

3Fisheries officers have swooped on an illegal crayfish fishing organisation in the South Island.

4The paparazzi are gathering outside the London hospital where the Duchess of York is due to give birth to her second child any day.

5Pop star Gloria Estefan is in a stable condition after suffering serious back injuries in a car crash.

6Actor Paul Newman is being sued by a delicatessen owner for a share in the profits of the Paul Newman Salad Dressing and the Paul Newman Spaghetti Sauce.

7A preview of the Academy Awards (Oscars) next week.

8The macabre discovery of a corpse buried beneath the floorboards of an occupied house has ended a six month search for missing Hamilton pensioner James Beaumont.

9A family of three say they are being forced to live in their car because the Housing Corporation is refusing to help them.

10Namibia has officially become the newest country in the world, today celebrating the end of 75 years of South African rule.

11Former Philippines First Lady Imelda Marcos went on trial today in New York. She is facing fraud and conspiracy charges.

12The Northern Hemisphere has today celebrated the start of Spring. What it is that makes eggs stand on end at midday on the equinox?