Latest from Australasia

Japan's $212 billion pachinko pastime

The pachinko industry in Japan wants casinos, driven by attendance that has sunk more than 60 per cent since the mid-90s and an uncertain legal status.

Kayaker continues to drift further from land

BBC rejects Rolf Harris investigation

The BBC explains why it won't investigate Rolf Harris's career at the corporation.

Man to go on trial for murder

NZ's subsidies of coal and rail nothing like Australia's

Australian state governments spent A$17.6 billion on subsidies for mineral and fossil fuel industries over six years, including A$8 billion to help transport coal.

Aussie foils RBA as growth rivals kiwi, pound

Australia is forecast to be among the fastest-growing economies this year, making it harder for the central bank to convince currency investors it won't raise interest rates.

Megaports plan stirs fears for Great Barrier Reef

Billy Adams: Abbott goes against climate flow

As balance changes, carriers become option

Zipline thrill ride could harm koalas

Environmentalists say trees that will support a new zipline tourism attraction on the Sunshine Coast are koala habitats.

Harris witness describes pub incident

An Australian woman says she stopped eating and became a 'shell' of her former self after Rolf Harris assaulted her at a London pub.

Defining moments of midwifery care

Today is International Day of the Midwife and we reflect on the changing face of midwives in New Zealand.

Man still critical after motorbike crash

Surf crews prepare for Gallipoli race

A surf boat crew will stage a symbolic row down Auckland's North Shore tomorrow, as they prepare for a commemorative international race in Turkey next year.

Prince George's day at the zoo

Prince George has met Bilby George in a successful first official engagement in Australia for the youngest royal.

Burglars throw chainsaw at police

Burglars who stole guns from a Whakatane property last night repeatedly rammed police cars and even threw a chainsaw at pursuing officers as they made their getaway.

Police allowed dog to maul man - IPCA

Invercargill police used illegal and unjustified excessive force by letting a police dog bite and drag a suspected burglar for almost a minute, an IPCA probe found.

Transgender woman could be moved

A transgender Oamaru woman sentenced on Wednesday to nine months' imprisonment in a men's jail could apply to be moved to a women's prison.