By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 20 NZPA - New Zealand were kicking themselves for letting Australia off the hook as two batsmen with big points to prove snatched control of the first cricket test here yesterday.

(Pictures at www.nzpaimages.co.nz, adds police comment)

Wellington, March 20 NZPA - Police have appealed for people with information about the disappearance of Harold Skudder, whose remains were found down a steep bank in Upper Hutt yesterday, to contact them.

NZPA Correspondent

Sydney, March 19 NZPA - New Zealand made a successful start to the Adelaide leg of the International Rugby Board sevens world series by beating Scotland 31-0 tonight.

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - Results from games in the National Basketball League tonight:

In North Shore:

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - A second half blitz from the Blues was just enough to see them home 39-34 against the Brumbies in a free-running, hard-tackling Super 14 rugby match at Eden Park in Auckland tonight.

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - Result of a Super 14 rugby match at Eden Park in Auckland tonight:

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - After two false starts, Brent Arnel thought this test cricket lark was a bit easy.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - Michael Clarke soaked up a standing Basin Reserve ovation then doffed his cap to his ex-fiancee as he ground New Zealand's bowlers into submission in the first cricket test here today.

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - Brumbies lead Brumbies 16-10 at halftime in a Super 14 rugby match in Auckland tonight.

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - New Zealanders will soon have the opportunity to make submissions on whether alcohol should be required to carry health warnings.