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Prentice offers 'hardest test in years' - Shadbolt
Mayor Tim Shadbolt believes Invercargill voters would favour his political experience over the singing career of challenger Suzanne Prentice.

Prentice takes on Tim Shadbolt for mayoralty
Time-consuming and unproductive "distractions" involving Tim Shadbolt's council are behind Suzanne Prentice's bid to become Invercargill's new mayor.

Polish President's coffin arrives at palace
Thousands of Poles lined the streets of Warsaw as the coffin of President Lech Kaczynski was taken to the presidential palace after his death alongside at least 95 others in a plane crash in Russia.

Kiwis in Bangkok warned to steer clear of protests
Mfat has updated its travel advisory for Thailand in the wake of mounting political protests that have so far seen 18 people killed.

Poland mourns lost President, elite
Poland is confronting the worst political disaster since WWII after its president, his wife and dozens of top officials were killed in a plane crash.

Lodge found in breach of resource consent
The Ombudsman Office has ruled that retaining-wall piles for a luxury lodge at Pakiri Beach are on land reserved for planting bush.

<i>Paul Thomas:</i> The lunatic fringe returns
Paul Thomas writes that there's a widespread assumption of American ignorance, particularly in the heartland.

Anti-nuclear strike force
A nuclear security summit next week is likely to be the tipping point for a push for global disarmament, writes Audrey Young.

Govt's operating balance healthier than expected
The Government's bank balance is better than forecast ahead of next month's Budget, but its income from tax has taken a hit.

Questions marks over Whanau Ora funding
The Maori Party's flagship policy is a step closer - but major details still have to be sorted out.