Wellington, Oct 23 NZPA - Tests have revealed a rape victim's blood on Liam Reid's shoe, his DNA under her fingernail, and on the rope he is accused of using to strangle her, a scientist told the High Court in Christchurch.

23 October 2008 - Driver fatigue may have contributed to more than 30 deaths on New Zealand's roads so far this year says ACC, so the organisation is reminding anyone motoring off for the long weekend to be alert to fatigue.

23 October 2008 - The New Zealand Transport Agency would like to remind motorists that the scenic State Highway 16 (SH16) alternative route is usually less congested than State Highway 1 (SH1) and can save time when travelling to and from Northland this Labour Weekend.

Wellington, Oct 23 NZPA - A Singaporean couple's bid for release on bail six weeks after their arrest on credit card fraud charges has been rejected by the High Court.

23 October 2008 - Police divers were scouring a section of the Waikato River today searching for a man missing since Saturday evening.

23 October 2008 - Three people have been jointly charged with the murder of Featherston man Paul Irons.

23 OCTOBER 2008 - The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) welcomes the announcement from the National Party that, if elected to lead the next government, there will be an increase in funding for medicines.

23 October 2008 - Curran Street on-ramp and the two northbound clip-on lanes will be closed from approximately 7pm on Saturday 25 until 10am Monday 27 October and again, from approximately 10pm Monday night until 5.30am Tuesday 28 October.

23 October 2008 - The Government's plan of action on sharks does little to protect them because it continues to allow shark finning, Forest & Bird says.

23 October 2008 - The NZMA has welcomed the announcement of the members of two medical commissions - one for senior doctors (Senior Medical Officers) and one for doctors-in-training (Resident Medical Officers).