Wellington, Nov 24 NZPA - A judge has reserved his decision on a bid by "lion man" Craig Busch to get back control of his Whangarei wildlife park from his mother.

Wellington, Nov 24 NZPA - A man may have been murdered in Wanganui because he was wearing the wrong colour clothing, a District Court Judge has said.

Paul Shane Kumeroa, 29, died on September 25 after being left bashed and bleeding on Cross St in Castlecliff two days earlier.

Wellington, Nov 24 NZPA - A ex-policeman has been offered diversion -- a means of avoiding conviction for first offenders -- on a theft charge.

Jason Manu Casson, 31, of Wellington, resigned from the force after being accused of stealing $90.

"New Science Minister Wayne Mapp needs to provide AgResearch with the money it needs to prevent the crown research institute laying off more science staff," says PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

Wellington, Nov 23 NZPA - The two brothers responsible for killing Nia Glassie were out to get each other following their arrests, with one ordering a hit while they were in prison awaiting trial.

Wellington, Nov 23 NZPA - Tony Veitch's lawyer says it is a disgrace the broadcaster's trial on assault charges is unlikely to get to court for up to two years because of huge backlogs in the justice system.

Wellington, Nov 23 NZPA - An American tourist who drove on the wrong side of the road, killing an Auckland woman, has escaped a jail sentence, infuriating the woman's family.

Wellington, Nov 23 NZPA - Convicted killer Dean Wickliffe will likely be released from jail to look after his dying partner.

Wellington, Nov 22 NZPA - The police sex scandal has cost taxpayers more than $19 million, the Weekend Herald said today.

Wellington, Nov 22 NZPA - An Invercargill accountant struck off last year for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars has appeared in court.