The Council of Trade Unions says that the job transition proposals from the two main parties both have merits, and a combination of the two packages would be the best outcome to ensure workers don't unfairly bear the brunt of a slowing economy.

At about 10.00 pm on the evening of Thursday 30 November 2008 a male person walked into a bottle store at the Gisborne Hotel and demanded money from the 67 year old store attendant. The attendant was at the front of the store by himself and another worker was at the rear of the store.

The annual New Zealand Health Innovation Awards (HIA) are an opportunity to celebrate and recognise new and innovative approaches to health and rehabilitation.

Media are invited to the HIA Expo, to be held at the Wellington Town Hall, on 4 November.

Manukau is offering two training venues and a live site as its contribution to a regional bid for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The city is also hoping to host a team from the Pacific.

New Zealand cut flower and foliage growers, who export product to the USA, are about to receive an early Christmas present.

The spectacular Targa New Zealand Road Rally is coming to town tomorrow (Saturday 1 November) and high-powered cars, hundreds of participants and support crew are expected in Wellington over the weekend.

31 October 2008 - The AA Directions team is celebrating a significant jump in the title's readership numbers.

31 October 2008 - Public consultation on the Christchurch City Council's proposed Traffic and Parking Amendment Bylaw 2009 will open on Monday, 3 November.

Wellington, Oct 31 NZPA - Chronology of events in the Emma Agnew murder case:

* Nov 15, 2007: Deaf Christchurch 20-year Emma Agnew goes missing after texting her family that morning to say she was planning to meet a man who was interested in buying her car.