The company that recruited a Defence scientist who made false claims in his CV also put forward an accountant who ripped off her employers.

The recruiter which appointed a top-level Defence staffer, despite his false CV claims, says a review shows its appointment process was correct.

John Key has ordered an inquiry into how former top defence scientist Stephen Wilce was given top security clearance by the SIS.

Stephen Wilce, head of the Defence Technology Agency and NZ's chief defence scientist, has quit over allegations he falsified his CV.

One of NZ's top Defence officials is under investigation after it was alleged he told "massive porkies" - including that he was an Olympian - and embellished his CV.

US troops yesterday found themselves battling heavily armed militants assaulting an Iraqi military headquarters in the centre of Baghdad.

The wild winds forecast for Canterbury tonight are unlikely to reach full force in Christchurch.

Safety first is the message authorities want to convey as many displaced locals face a second night away from their homes.

Some residents in the earthquake zone may be without power until the end of the week, says lines company Orion.

A formal curfew is now officially in place in the Christchurch central business district until 7am and those who breach it may be arrested, say police.

President Barack Obama has brought down the curtain on the seven-year conflict in Iraq.

Police Commissioner Howard Broad has criticised the appointment of an officer - who was censured for trying to pass information to the Brad Shipton defence team - to a senior role.

An Australian soldier has been shot dead in a fierce firefight with Taleban insurgents.

The CIA has videotapes of a September 11 plotter being interrogated in a secret prison.