* Rainfall: Extremely dry in the northeast of the North Island, and eastern South Island. Record low rainfall in Northland, parts of Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Canterbury, Otago and inland Southland.

Powerco Regulation and Business Manager Paul Goodeve said the Company was cautiously optimistic about the future of regulation in New Zealand following the release of the Commerce Commission's latest determination on electricity distribution pricing.

The nominees for this year's Steinlager Rugby Awards, New Zealand's premier rugby awards, have been announced.

Wellington, Nov 18 NZPA - Slowing immunisation rates have prompted the Health Ministry to consider new ways of reaching its target of 95 percent coverage within three years.

Wellington, Nov 11 NZPA - The Blues were the biggest movers and shakers of the five New Zealand Super 14 franchises who unveiled their 2010 rugby squads today.

The dairy industry and Environment Bay of Plenty said they're committed to working together to solve the Rotorua farmers' effluent non-compliance issues.

Strikes at polytechnics in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hamilton, Auckland and Porirua look set to continue for another week after employers failed to change their position after this week's strikes.

The fight against kauri dieback has received a welcome funding boost this week. Government has pledged almost $5million for a five-year programme to protect New Zealand's native kauri.

The Government is to inject $4.7 million into a programme to help save kauri trees threatened by a disease known as kauri dieback (Phytophthora taxon Agathis).

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Auckland, Oct 22 NZPA - Wayne Smith had a chance to leave his new imprint on the All Blacks structure today when the team's defensive strategies were fine-tuned before preparations for the end of year tour camp wound up in Auckland.