1Fonterra's contamination crisis is deepening with more products being recalled and some countries banning Fonterra products. The scandal is now threatening to damage New Zealand's international trade reputation.

2Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has just named September 7th as the date for a general election.

3Revelations that Police obtained cameraman Bradley Ambrose's text messages while investigating whether he intentionally recorded the so-called 'teapot tapes' have been labelled "outrageous".

4The family of Edward Linder, a homeless Auckland man whose death is now being treated as a homicide, say he will be sorely missed.

5Christchurch's nightlife has almost returned to its pre-earthquake state.

6Two American software experts have proved that it is possible to hack a car while it is being driven and take over the controls.

7Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara has been named in the All Black squad for the first time today, and Piri Weepu has been dropped from the team.

8American embassies across the Muslim world are within hours of shutting down in response to a terror threat from Al Qaeda.

9The vicious killing and mutilation of a dog in South Auckland has sparked intense anger from the public. A new website launched today pledging thousands of dollars to find the person who committed the crime.

10Middlemore Hospital has reduced the number of days patients spend in hospital beds by 20,000, and say it has achieved this by 'working smarter'.

11Canterbury researchers believe they have found a way to increase biodiversity and bee populations on farms without having to use valuable productive land.

12Thousands of horse riders are urging Parliament to allow them back onto trails reserved for cyclists and walkers, because roads are becoming too dangerous.

13New York photographer Richard Renaldi is taking portrait photos of random strangers posing as loving family members for a project called "Touching Strangers" to examine the concept of breaking down barriers between different people.

14The first talking humanoid robot has been sent to the International Space Station where it is intended to act as company for a Japanese astronaut currently stationed there.