Nelson Pine's announcement that it plans to shed 60 jobs is a further blow to a region already reeling from job losses at Sealord, say the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and the National Distribution Union.

Christchurch, March 5 NZPA - A district court judge was entitled to consider New Zealand's vulnerability to credit card fraudsters when he jailed a Singaporean couple, a Christchurch High Court judge ruled today.

Wellington, March 5 NZPA - The leader of black market paua poaching operation has been jailed and his partner sentenced to home detention.

The pair took paua, many undersized, from the Kaikoura coast in covert night missions and sold it to members of the Nelson Asian community.

Police in Hastings have arrested two men and recovered a large haul of property stolen from businesses and commercial properties in Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay.

Wellington, March 5 NZPA - Flag-burning Wellington protester Valerie Morse has won another day in court.

Northland horse riders have until the 13th of March to let the Regional Council know how they view the draft road safety plan.

Wanganui mayor Michael Laws today described the passing of the second reading of the council's anti-gang patch bill as "good news, and a step in the right direction in confronting the evil of criminal gangs."

One in two jobseekers would relocate overseas for their dream job, reveals a survey by specialist recruiter Hays.

61 percent of respondents said they would relocate overseas, 21 percent would accept a lower salary and 18 percent would retrain.

The decision by liquor producers to increase prices has been condemned by hospitality retailers. This would cost consumers and could cost jobs if retailers do not pass the increases on said Bruce Robertson, Chief Executive of the Hospitality Association.

The NZ Transport Agency advises of the following closures on the Southwestern Motorway (SH20) to lift beams into place on the new Hastie Avenue footbridge and to complete work on the Walmsley Road off-ramp: