The 20th annual Variety Bash raised a phenomenal $400,000 for sick, disabled and disadvantaged Kiwi kids during its week long convoy from Christchurch to Auckland from March 7 - 14.

Wellington, March 18 NZPA - The acquittal of three activists yesterday on charges of vandalising the Waihopai spy base near Blenheim does not set a legal precedent, but other defendants may consider using the same "greater good" defence, a criminal law expert says.

Wellington, March 18 NZPA - A lobby group has called for the Waihopai spy base to be closed following the acquittal of three activists yesterday on charges of vandalising the base near Blenheim.

By Hamish Stuart of NZPA

Wellington, March 17 NZPA - Three peace activists walked free today even though they admitted breaking into a Government spybase near Blenheim and slashing an inflatable plastic dome covering a satellite dish.

Wellington, March 17 NZPA - Three men have been found not guilty of breaking into and damaging the Waihopai spy base near Blenheim.

Wellington, March 17 NZPA - A Marlborough forest fire that forced families to flee their homes is now under control, the Fire Service says.

Wellington, March 17 NZPA - The jury retired this afternoon to consider its verdicts in the trial of three men accused of breaking into and damaging the Waihopai spy base near Blenheim.

It's not widely known but in France they drink more Scotch whisky in a month than they do cognac in a year. For Scottish born Charles MacLean it's quirky facts like that which have him smiling.

It's 22 years since Angela Williams at 18 became probably New Zealand's youngest Lotto winner, but she has not been not hung-over with success.

Wellington, March 17 NZPA - Fire crews are waiting until first light before continuing battling a pine forest blaze in Marlborough.