1ANZ and the National Bank have lifted their home loan mortgage rates half a percent to 15.4%, with other banks sure to follow. The Government is furious with the banks and advise borrowers to shop around for the best deal. Interview with Finance Minister David Caygill.

2Customs officers at Christchurch Airport today seized two suitcases full of live Kea, proving that an international bird smuggling operation is targeting New Zealand's native birds.

3The Government has released its eleventh employment initiative today, with Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer travelling to Auckland to talk about subsidising employers to hire the unemployed. However, he was not saying anything new as the 'new' Jobs Plus scheme is almost identical to the current Job Opportunities scheme.

4The value of farmland is booming and experts say farm prices have risen by up to 50% in the past year, especially in Southland, Canterbury and the East Coast.

5The Soviet Parliament is currently discussing plans for major economic reforms. The controversial plan to move from a Communist economy to a free market are under attack from radicals who say the reforms do not go far enough, and conservatives who fear changes will lead to economic hardship.

6Russian Republic President Boris Yeltsin has increased pressure on his leader and political rival Soviet leader MIkhail Gorbachev, declaring the sovereignty of the Russian Republic. Yeltsin could potentially hold the Soviet Union economic hostages by denying access to the huge oil supplies located within the Russian Republic.

7Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke is being blamed for an immigration row about Chinese students amid claims he is too old to lead the country and has lost touch.

8British rugby league player Bobby Goulding appeared in the Auckland District Court today on charges of assault, following the team's night out on the town.