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.

Wellington, March 17 NZPA - Smokers have given the thumbs up to two nicotine replacement products which may become more commonly available, following research from the University of Otago.

New Zealand smokers have given the thumbs up to two nicotine replacement products which may become more commonly available in this country following research from the University of Otago, Wellington .

Acclaimed British theatre star Sir Ian McKellen returns to New Zealand in June for a very limited season of the award-winning production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.

Wellington cricket fanatics can head to The National Bank's National Cricket Club Super Camp on 16 March, to learn new batting, bowling, fielding and coaching skills from the big boys of New Zealand Cricket.

Christchurch-based National MP Nicky Wagner has welcomed this new service which will be rolled out nationally over the next two months.

"I'm really pleased that Linwood will be one of the first places in New Zealand to offer this service," she says.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is expanding its traffic information service for drivers by increasing the number of webcams on State Highway 1 to give people more detailed information about highway conditions before they travel.

Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy is reminding permanent residents that citizenship requirements are changing soon.

"From 21 April all permanent residents who apply for citizenship must have been in New Zealand for five years, rather than three," said Mr Guy.

The New Zealand Fabian Society will launch a seminar series this month in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

A number of New Zealand's Government agencies have just finished participating in an INTERPOL coordinated operation targeting the illegal trade in traditional medicines containing wildlife products.