Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ) welcomes the RMA announcements as the first steps in a regulatory reform programme says Chief Executive Derek Baxter.

Wellington, Feb 4 NZPA - Brothers Wiremu and Michael Curtis were today jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 17-1/2 years for the murder of Rotorua toddler Nia Glassie.

Wellington, Feb 4 NZPA - Work and Income is launching a fraud prosecution against a man and woman who allegedly shot at police during a Bonnie and Clyde-style chase in North Otago .

SKYCITY Starlight Symphony organisers are thrilled to announce the final and complete line-up for its upcoming 21 February 2009 show featuring headline performer Brooke Fraser, supported by a raft of superb New Zealand musical talent.

The Public Health Association is delighted the prime minister has signalled a rethink on insulating New Zealand houses.

The Department of Conservation is joining Federated Farmers and the Animal Health Board in seeking to meet with the Westland District Council to clarify the Council's concerns about 1080 operations near water supplies.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says Olympic shot put gold medallist and Manukau resident Valerie Vili's triumph at the Westpac Halberg Awards in Auckland last night shows young people from Manukau can achieve to their highest potential.

Auckland, Feb 4 NZPA - Delays in hearing a drugs charge against him have cost him more than $200,000 in lost earnings, former television host and radio journalist Peter Verschaffelt has told a court.

4 February 2009 - Today's five part package will help shore up business confidence the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

4 February 2009 - Taxis have been given the green light to use Wellington bus lanes in a trial to see if such a move could benefit taxi users and more efficiently use dedicated road space to help ease growing peak-time congestion.