Massey University has announced the appointment of Cas Carter as the new Assistant Vice-Chancellor (External Relations).

The Centre for Defence Studies has signed an agreement with the New Zealand Customs Service to provide professional education for Customs employees.

Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey and the Comptroller of Customs, Martyn Dunne, signed the agreement at the Manawatu campus yesterday.

The University's School of Aviation yesterday welcomed the latest additions to its fleet - two Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft that complete the $8 million 14-aircraft purchase announced last year that put the school at the forefront of international aviation training.

Industrial action including strikes continues today at some of the six polytechnics covered by the ITP MECA. Union members resumed industrial action earlier this week after mediation between them and their employers failed to resolve the long-running dispute.

Points of interest:

- Smoking inquiry to highlight possible law changes, go after tobacco companies

- Gangs have killed no more than 500 New Zealanders since 1970, tobacco has killed 100,000

Points of interest:

- Groser "pretty optimistic" about New Zealand push for UN Security Council seat, but it will be "a massive amount of work"