1Telecom and Vodafone have united in a plan to build a new under-sea internet cable between New Zealand and Australia. Is a new cable really necessary and will it generate more competition and thereby lower internet prices?

2The Government has confirmed it plans to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes. However, its introduction will be dependent on the outcome of legal challenges by tobacco companies in Australia.

3Wellington coroner Gary Evans is recommending the Government changes the law so that driving disqualifications are not served at the same time as prison sentences.

4A new Convention Centre at Auckland's Sky City casino looks set to proceed, despite an Auditor-General's report finding the Government gave Sky City special treatment in the tender process. Analysis.

5South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has reappeared in court overnight, charged with the premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

6Is there a way to make online shopping fairer, so that New Zealand retailers are not penalised by the availability of cheaper purchases offshore?

7Thousands of native birds could be saved each year thanks to a new type of trap made by Wellington company Good Nature.

8This Friday will mark two years since the devastating Christchurch earthquake of February 2011. A look at how Sydenham has turned adversity around into something positive.