Wellington Police are investigating on behalf of the coroner the sudden death of a woman at her Nevay Road, Miramar, home today.

After being successfully treated for lead poisoning and regaining his lost weight, male kakapo Lee, who was due to return to Codfish Island today, died suddenly at Auckland Zoo last night following a three-hour emergency operation.

Fonterra has announced the proposed appointment of John Waller to its board of directors. Mr Waller is Chairman designate of the Bank of New Zealand and has been a partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers for over 20 years.

Wellington, Oct 29 NZPA - A man was today jailed for at least 18 year for the "callous" killing of his stepson who was repeatedly kicked, beaten with a cricket stump and thrown against a wall.

Wellington, Oct 29 NZPA - A man nicknamed the "Picton Belcher" after going up to women and belching in their faces has been sentenced.

David Browne, 64, was fined $300 by Judge Tony Zohrab in Blenheim District Court yesterday after admitting offensve behaviour.

After weeks of exhaustive elimination tasting The Fine Wine Delivery Company (FWDC) narrowed it down to the top 90 Pinot Noir from the exciting 2007 vintage and showcased these to 700 Pinot lovers over 3-weeks in a series of select tastings throughout New Zealand.

One of Christchurch's most popular events returns on November 5, with another Guy Fawkes Spectacular off the New Brighton Pier.

The final rotation of Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel serving in Timor Leste will return home this Friday 31 October, bringing to an end the last planned overseas deployment of RNZAF Iroquois helicopters.

Wellington, Oct 29 NZPA - A young witness told the Nia Glassie murder trial in Rotorua today wrestling moves practised by adults on children in Nia's home were from a Playstation game.