Whangarei, Jan 13 NZPA - Two of three people involved in a scam which fleeced a Whangarei courier company out of more than $120,000 worth of goods have had their sentencing deferred.

Tauranga, Jan 13 NZPA - Two young people charged over the death of retired Opotiki schoolteacher John Rowe in November can now be named.

Christchurch, Jan 13 NZPA - A man acquitted in a famous crossbow murder trial has died and the latest prosecution against him -- receiving stolen property -- was stayed at court today.

Dean Christopher Pender was due for trial in Christchurch District Court next week.

Auckland, Jan 13 NZPA - A man, arrested after the fatal shooting of another man north of Auckland last night, appeared in court this morning.

Horizons Regional Council says potentially toxic cyanobacteria, or blue/green algae, is becoming a problem as water levels drop in the region's rivers and streams.

Police in Central District are reminding people to take safety precautions before heading into the bush or ranges after two rescue efforts in the last few days where searchers have had difficulty in establishing a location of the missing person.

Motorists are enjoying the lowest fuel prices since December 2005 according to AA Senior Policy Analyst Mark Stockdale.

Wellington, Jan 13 NZPA - Department of Labour charges against the outdoor pursuits centre which ran a fatal canyoning trip in April will be heard next week.

Wellington, Jan 13 NZPA - The family of a murdered Dunedin man feel "let down" that a woman who helped dispose of his body could be released just over two months after being jailed.

Auckland City Council's Go By Bike Breakfast has a great new location for 2009. The annual celebration of cycling takes place on Wednesday, 18 February 2009 at the Eastern Viaduct, Viaduct Harbour.