1United Future Leader Peter Dunne is threatening legal action after it was revealed that private emails between himself and Fairfax journalist Andrea Vance were released to the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) inquiry.

2A documentary that is about to screen at the New Zealand International Film Festival appears to contradict the official account of a New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS) raid in Afghanistan in which two security guards were killed. More information has come to light about the payments to the families of the victims.

3The New Zealand Defence Force has been convicted and discharged over the drowning of Private Michael Ross during a training exercise at Waiouru Army Base in September 2012. However, the judge ruled that the Defence Force was 'highly culpable' in the 25 year old's death.

4Prime Minister John Key has hinted that he may have a 'cup of tea' with ACT Party Epsom candidate John banks at the next election, thereby throwing the party a lifeline. The cup of tea serves as a message from the Prime Minister to Epsom voters that he would "not be unhappy" if they vote tactically and back Banks in the pivotal electorate.

5Jonathan Dixon, the nightclub bouncer who leaked security camera footage of English rugby player Mike Tindall in a Queenstown nightclub, says he will fight his conviction.

6The Ohio man convicted of holding three women captive in his Cleveland house over a decade and raping them repeatedly has been sentenced. Ariel Castro pleaded guilty to 937 criminal counts of rape, kidnapping, and aggravated murder as part of a plea bargain. He was sentenced to life plus 1,000 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

7The Insurance Council (ICNZ) says the storms that lashed Wellington in June cost more than $33 million in claims.

8The Far North District Council has stopped accepting a wide range of plastics (grades 3 to 7) for recycling because China has imposed new restrictions on the types of plastics it will accept from western nations. The policy is called The Green Fence Policy, and is aimed at preventing large amounts of rubbish slipping through mechanized sorting systems to be shipped to China along with the recycling.

9Heritage advocates in Christchurch are appalled by the destruction of the historic Chinese Methodist Church in Merivale.

10Christchurch's new cardboard cathedral has been officially blessed by the Anglican Bishop of Christchurch.

11Former National Security Agency (NSA) whistle blower Edward Snowden has left Moscow's airport after being granted asylum by Russia.

12Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is calling the election a huge farce amid accusations of vote rigging, and is warning a tainted result could plunge the country into crisis. Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF Party is claiming victory.

13Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is tonight being honoured with an Icon Award, which honours those whose work creates a legacy for New Zealand culture.

14Craft beer connoisseurs have gathered in Christchurch to judge the New Zealand International Beer Awards.

15Secret national archives have been released in the United Kingdom a speech written for Queen Elizabeth II in the event of if nuclear war ever broke out with the Soviet Union (USSR).

16A Colorado restaurant's security camera has captured footage of a bear stealing a rubbish bun to feast on its contents.