Hokianga Murders - Timberland - Apartment Building Fire - Chechnya - Susan Burdette - Drinking Age - Poor Knight Oil Spill - Americas Cup

HOKIANGA MURDERS: Police say they are investigating the mental health history of the man at the center of a triple murder in the Hokianga. Two children and a man who came to their aid were killed. Pastor says time will be needed for healing.

TIMBERLANDS: West Coast Labour MP Damien O'Connor says a compensation scheme should be in place before the Government closes down the beech logging scheme.

APARTMENT BUILDING FIRE: Fire service says it is unlikely 50 elderly residents evacuated from a huge downtown fire last night will be able to move back home today. No one was injured.

CHECHNYA: Russia today revealed it has been in secret talks with Chechen leaders. However it says they failed. Meanwhile Russia and China have issued a joint statement criticising the West's practice of using Human Rights to intervene in other nations affairs.

CHECHNYA: Russia today appeared to draw back from an ultimatum

SUSAN BURDETTE: Convicted murderer Teina Poura is to be allowed out on bail while waiting for his new trial for the murder of Susan Burdette.

DRINKING AGE: Hospitality association says demand for its 18+ card has been high since December 1. The $20 card takes about 10 days to be issued.

POOR KNIGHTS OIL SPILL: Northland Regional Council will monitor the Poor Knights Island for long term damage to the environment.

AMERICAS CUP: Four men have been rescued after their boat sank while out watching the America's Cup. They were rescued by other spectators two miles north of Rangitoto.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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