13 OCT 2008 - The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says the National's Party's literacy and numeracy crusade will simply support programmes and initiatives which are already in place to lift student achievement.

Wellington, Oct 13 NZPA - A Korean student was choked to death by one of three men who had picked him up hitch-hiking, a depositions hearing was told today.

Christchurch, Oct 13 NZPA - An ESR scientist said today that a pubic hair found inside Emma Agnew's car was likely to have come from the man accused of her murder, Liam James Reid.

13 OCT 2008 - A construction company has been fined $35,000 and ordered to pay $45,000 in reparations following the death of an employee during work at a Nelson subdivision.

13 OCT 2008 - Tertiary students throughout the country are celebrating today following Prime Minister Helen Clark's announcement that Labour will deliver a universal living allowance for all full time students should they be in a position to form the next government following election day.

13 OCT 2008 - Family First NZ says the upcoming election is not just about taxation, and have released family policies which they are encouraging voters and families to check against the policies of each political party.

Wellington, Oct 13 NZPA - A construction company has been fined and ordered to pay $80,000 after an employees died when a trench collapsed on him.

Wellington, Oct 13 NZPA - A Wellington pub's decision to set up smoker-friendly outdoor pokie machines reached the court today, with the Department for Internal Affairs asking for advice on how the move affects the pub's licence.

Wellington, Oct 13 NZPA - More than $4.5 million was spent on investigating allegations of sexual violation by police officers against Louise Nicholas and others.

13 October 2008 - For only the fourth time in NZ Lotteries' history, a 'Must Be Won' draw has been called for Powerball this weekend.