APNZ

Two youths who had been charged with assaulting Polish man Roman Skorek have had the charges upgraded to murder.

Private prison operator serco has been been fined $150,000 after a prison dubbed "Houdini'' escaped from the new Mt Eden Corrections facility.

Solid Energy says its staff at Spring Creek Mine, near Greymouth, were never at risk despite the Department of Labour shutting down operations at the mine following three recent incidents.

Doug Bracewell's match-winning performance against Australia in Hobart last year continues to win him plaudits.

Prime Minister John Key yesterday modified Bill English's description of the proceeds of state-owned assets to "our best estimates''.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff are likely to be told on Thursday that the ministry will undergo a major restructure and more than 200 jobs will go.

A Waikato petrol station was destroyed by fire early this morning.

Richie McCaw has learned over the years the importance of putting the bad experiences behind him and looking forward.

A body found in the Turangi River at about 3pm this afternoon is believed to be that of a fisherman.

Long-time Radio Sport commentator Willie Lose has been moved aside, to make way for new weekend sports programmes on Newstalk ZB.