Latest fromAustralasia

Thompson in period of scrutiny
Alasdair Thompson has been dumped from his role as head of the EMA - but he cannot escape media scrutiny.

Attack of the Carl's Jr calories
Notorious footlong cheeseburger is off the menu as part-owner Michael Jones puts his foot down.

Rugby: Northland win scrappy affair
Northland opened their national provincial rugby championship campaign with a workmanlike 19-9 win over Tasman.

'Intelligent' building a gateway to city
Space is now being leased in Hamilton's striking triangular glass Citygate on a prominent corner site.

Watching Brief: Mana Waka's triumphant return
Mana Waka hasn't been shown publicly since January 1990.

Fran O'Sullivan: It's time for more gravitas from Key
We need to hear what really matters from the Prime Minister.

Audrey Young: Pacific party sets tone for better relations
As John Key prepares for a White House visit next week, New Zealand's Pacific role is growing in value.

The climate dissenter holds his ground
Despite weather extremes, an Auckland climate scientist is unconvinced about the role of human-induced global warming.

Paul Holmes: Heavy-handed case all about police ego
Christchurch cops are refusing to admit they've completely stuffed up their treatment of an autistic man.

Carmen case: Friends tell of confessions
Murder-accused Brad Callaghan allegedly confessed to three close friends that he killed former girlfriend Carmen Thomas - and asked them to help cover his tracks, according to police.

Brian Gaynor: Guilty verdicts give directors the message
Some decisions can't be passed off to lawyers or staff, judge rules.