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Wellington, Nov 25 NZPA - Legal argument before a judge will decide whether Arcanie Vincent Optetaia Matagi should face a manslaughter charge over the death of a woman killed in a crash arising from his street-racing in Christchurch's Main North Road.

By Rachel Pinder of NZPA

Auckland, Nov 25 NZPA - The sentencing of a child minder to life in prison for murdering a 10-month-old baby should serve as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders, say police who investigated the crime.

Tauranga, Nov 25 NZPA - Convicted killer and life parolee Dean Wickliffe will stand trial in the middle of next year on drugs and firearms charges.

At a callover hearing in Tauranga District Court this morning, the 60-year-old's appearance was excused.

Oil seed rape or canola growers are being encouraged by Federated Farmers Grains chairman Ian Morten to adhere to the principles of a 'Seed Crop Isolation Distance Mapping Scheme'.

RaboPlus and BikeNZ announced today that RaboPlus is now cycling's principal sponsorship partner in New Zealand.

"Living an abundant life" is an inspiring new book co authored by Rahul and Alika Rai featuring international greats such as Jack Canfield from "The Secret" who created the world best selling series "Chicken soup for the soul" with Mark Victor Hansen.

Tauranga, Nov 25 NZPA - A young man who stole more than $9000 from his sick grandmother's bank account "betrayed a fundamental trust", a judge said in Tauranga District Court today.

John Neil Baker, 26, was appearing for sentence before Judge Peter Rollo.

25 NOVEMBER 2008 - The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) is urging New Zealanders not to let alcohol ruin their holiday season.

The 2008 New Zealand Sharemilkers of the Year say the intangible benefits from entering the competition are ten-fold compared to any monetary reward.

Tararua farm owners and sharemilkers Ben and Nicky Allomes won the national competition on their fourth time entering.

Christchurch, Nov 25 NZPA - Staff and pupils at Christchurch's Wainoni Primary School will get apology letters from a 41-year-old man who caused a lockdown at the school when he threatened to shoot two staff a fortnight ago.