Hastings, Sept 9 NZPA - Hawke's Bay merchant banker Sam Kelt has been convicted of deliberately kicking a passing car as he walked down the middle of Hastings' main street to buy a late-night burger last year.

Wellington, Sept 9 NZPA - Nearly 650 prisoners will have been evacuated from Christchurch men's and women's prisons by late tomorrow, the Corrections Department says.

Wellington, Sept 9 NZPA - People wanting to help clean-up following Canterbury's earthquake should contact the Waimakariri District Council in Rangiora.

Auckland, Sept 9 NZPA - A man charged with two counts of aggravated robbery in Miranda on the Firth of Thames is to stand trial next year.

Michael Thomas Metera, 43, appeared at the Manukau District Court today for a callover.

Wellington, Sept 9 NZPA - Victims of Saturday's massive Canterbury earthquake could react in many different ways but all reactions should be seen as the "normal reactions of sensible human beings" to adversity, a leading psychologist says.

Wellington, Sept 9 NZPA - The man jailed for the rape and murder of 15-year-old Christchurch schoolgirl Marie Davis has lost a bid to have his conviction and sentence overturned.

There have been marked changes in the groundwater beneath the Canterbury Plains following Saturday's earthquake and the continuing aftershocks, says Environment Canterbury.

By the end of tomorrow close to 650 prisoners will have been evacuated from Christchurch Men's and Women's prisons. Commencing on Monday prisoners were moved to Otago and Auckland Women's Facilities.

The New Zealand Geographic Board today gazetted 15 place name proposals that did not receive objecting submissions from the public.

The Board made final decisions on these place names when it met on 3 August 2010.

The following are of possible interest to media:

The long awaited arrival of the Matangi trains was welcomed by the Green Party today.