Latest from Asia

Mongolia: Broken leg spells end of a dream
A mishap on the road sees one of the 51st Traverse team members being sent back to NZ.

Chinese investors claim they are blocked from NZ
Wealthy Chinese investors say strict fund transfer policies are preventing them from becoming investor migrants in New Zealand.

Death for Malaysian in Indonesia maid murder
A Malaysian court sentenced a man to death for murdering his Indonesian maid in a landmark verdict.

61 people killed as trains crash in east India
Two trains collided in east India, killing 61 people and injuring many more.

Poker hopefuls head south
Fifteen lucky poker players are headed from Auckland to Queenstown this week for a chance to strike it rich.

New Delhi, India
The grand vision British architect Edwin Lutyens had for New Delhi during the Raj is still apparent in its wide tree-lined boulevards, intersecting roundabouts, parks, fountains and footpaths.

NZ named third-best place to die
NZ is one of the best places to shuffle off the mortal coil, according to a new index.

Beijing: Conquering the great wall
It takes more than a T-shirt to appreciate this ancient wonder, writes Jim Eagles.

IMF head says Asia will help prevent global double-dip
Economic growth in Asia and Latin America will help the rest of the world avoid a double dip recession, says the head of the IMF.

<i>Fran O'Sullivan</i>: NZ behind eight ball on China's pool table
New Zealand may find itself economic toast if it doesn't get a comprehensive China strategy together - and fast.

Bethune backs Sea Shepherd explanation for ban
Pete Bethune says he fully supports Sea Shepherd, despite the organisation "booting him out" during his trial in Japan.

Peter Bethune returns home
Anti-whaling activist Peter Bethune has arrived back in New Zealand, ending his five month-long nightmare.

A meeting with Mongolian nomads
As the 51st Traverse team continue on across the Mongolian steppes, they encounter some local hospitality.

India: Finding romance in Rajasthan
The medieval Samode Palace is a magical introduction to rural Rajasthan in India.

Govt uses rugby diplomacy to boost China ties
The Government is using "rugby diplomacy" - sending former All Blacks to China - to strengthen trade links.

No hard feelings over Norman protest - Chinese VP
Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping says he has put Russel Norman's protest behind him.

Profile: Phil Davenport
Kiwi Phil Davenport keeps the cogs running at exclusive bar and restaurant KuDeTa in beautiful Bali.

Sea Shepherd did 'deal' with Japanese
A deal negotiated with the Japanese resulted in a suspended sentence for anti-whaling activist Pete Bethune, but means he won't be on the next Sea Shepherd protest.

Key announces new trade agreements with China
Food safety, science and film production are the latest areas to benefit from New Zealand's free trade agreement with China.