1The Energy and Resources Minister has caused controversy by supporting the controversial mining method known as fracking, even though it is still under investigation by the Commissioner for the Environment and its safety has not yet been determined.

2Locked out Affco meat workers in Ngaruawahia have been joined by hundreds of supporters at a picnic rally. The long-running dispute is taking its toll on families.

3The Christchurch rental situation is so desperate that some people are having to live in sub-standard rental accommodation.

4Other news.

5The PM is en route to Jakarta to discus trade and meet with the Indonesian President.

6United Nations observers are expected to arrive in Syria within hours to monitor a ceasefire that already appears to be in danger of collapsing. Analysis.

7Talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council about Iran's nuclear programme are underway.

8North Korea's young new leader Kim Jung-Un has spoken in public for the first time, calling for a push to a 'final victory'.

9The Government plans to push ahead with its controversial charter school experiment, despite a new study showing it is likely to do more harm than good to under-achieving students. Analysis.

10Other news.

11The Finance Minister has just returned from Canberra where he met with business chiefs. Interview excerpts from this morning's Q+A programme.

12One of China's top political figures has toured Christchurch today to show China's support for the earthquake-damaged city.

13Other news.

14US President Barack Obama is hoping to make taxation the key election issue and portray Republican Mitt Romney as a millionaire who is out of touch with most Americans.

15Other news.