APNZ

London hopeful Cara Baker is hoping to put some good lessons into practice in tomorrow's crucial Olympic qualifying 10km open water swim in Taupo.

The 54-year-old man charged with the murder of Christchurch woman Bronwyn Mary Sadler, 47, continues to be assessed at a psychiatric hospital.

The New Zealand men's and women's pursuit teams will ride off for bronze medals at the UCI World Cup event in Beijing.

A man who drowned in front of his anguished partner and children had been up all night drinking and continued during the day before making the fatal decision to take his family to the beach.

Fletcher Building said it had raised US$300 million ($378m) in long-term debt through a private placement (USPP) with US debt investors.

Rough seas and gusts up to 25 knots are hammering the broken ship Rena as oil continues to leak from the wreck.

Two weeks after he was sentenced for drunkenly streaking across a pitch at a Rugby World Cup match, Maurice Bryant found himself stuck on a roof after a few beers, needing rescue.

Diplomatic support for New Zealanders in jail or hospital overseas may end, with private sector companies hired to provide those services under plans to reduce costs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In the war against drugged drivers an advertising campaign reveals the reactions of secretly filmed New Zealanders when they are told the driver of the car they are in is high on drugs.

The future for earthquake-damaged Christchurch Cathedral "is not looking good'', says the outgoing dean.