Why was NZPA providing material to competitors?

The future of Whitcoulls - one of NZ's most famous and enduring retail chains - is in jeopardy after administrators were called in last night to run the book-retailing business.

Book chains Borders and Whitcoulls have been put under administration in Australia and New Zealand.

Negotiations are continuing for the release of the sister of an Auckland man and her partner who were taken hostage by Somali pirates, with a friend of the couple hopeful a resolution will be reached soon.

The Government should have known about the purchase of 34 new BMW limousines for ministers, but Prime Minister John Key learned of the multimillion-dollar deal from his chauffeur last week.

Julia Gillard's speech to Parliament brought lumps to the throats of many NZ MPs and some admitted to "tearing up" during it.

The Japanese whaling fleet appears to have called an early end to its whaling season in Antarctica, a move which conservationists tentatively say could spell an end to whaling in the Southern Ocean.

The Government should have been told one of its departments decided to sell three-year-old BMWs and buy new ones, Prime Minister John Key says.

Middle distance legend Sir John Walker will become the first New Zealander to present an Olympic medal on home soil next week.

NSW Waratahs strike weapon Wycliff Palu has been ruled out of Friday's Super Rugby opener against the Melbourne Rebels.

Prime Minister John Key says the decision to spend millions of dollars on 34 BMW limousines was made by the Department of Internal Affairs and signed off by the previous government.

John Key and Julia Gillard have signed an agreement under the Closer Economic Relationship to increase investment between Australia and NZ.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced Australia will sell New Zealand apples in her address to the NZ Parliament.

Julia Gillard says Kiwis should not "fear Australia's strength" ahead of the signing of an investment protocol between the two countries.