With 17 days to go until the start of the World Cup, and 42 days for the tournament to run, ticket sales are still $30.5 million short of the $268m target. NZ will still lose $39m if all the tickets are sold.

As John Key prepares for a White House visit next week, New Zealand's Pacific role is growing in value.

PM slips behind Abbott as preferred leader for first time.

Todd Carney completed his stunning return to league by picking up the RLIF International Player of the Year award.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has refused to back Labor's Harry Jenkins for the role of speaker in the new parliament.

A decision on which of the two major Australian parties will be able to form a minority government is likely to be announced at 5pm.