Wellington, Feb 24 NZPA - A bizarre murder trial in which a woman is alleged to have driven her vehicle into a 4WD while her partner was clinging to the bonnet gets underway in New Plymouth today.

Tauranga, Feb 23 NZPA - A man whose lawyer said he had sought "suicide by police" in Tauranga last Wednesday after a relationship break-up was granted bail today.

Auckland, Feb 23 NZPA - The lawyer for a man on trial for murdering a teenager in south Auckland says he did not have murderous intent and there was reasonable doubt whether he struck the fatal blow.

Tauranga, Feb 23 NZPA - A mother-of-three who admitted supplying cannabis should think of the example she was setting her children, Judge Peter Rollo said in Tauranga District Court today.

Tauranga, Feb 23 NZPA - A middle-aged woman spent her brief few minutes in the dock at Tauranga District Court this afternoon mopping tears from her eyes.

23 February 2009 - The Government announcement of a voluntary health professional bonding scheme for hard-to-staff areas is another step towards alleviating the national shortage of GPs, says College of GPs President Dr Jonathan Fox

Wellington, Feb 23 NZPA - Experts have begun days of putting their views on child abuse studies and the particular injuries suffered by a 17-month-old toddler before a Christchurch District Court jury considering injuring accusations against a 24-year-old man.

23 February 2009 - The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says a voluntary bonding scheme for teachers is good in theory, but the government needs to take a closer look at some of the practical flow on effects.

23 February 2008 - New Zealand College of Midwives (NZCOM) welcomes today's announcement by Tony Ryall, to support New Zealand maternity services through the voluntary bonding scheme.

23 February 2009 - All Black legend Frank Bunce is going head to head with Vodafone Warriors' legend Reuben Wiki in a legendary game of touch rugby to support Kiwi youth. Legend!