F-16 Aftermath – US Reaction - Air Force Worries - Oil Find - Tasman Millionare - Beltless Deaths - Snake Find Two - Rat Plague

F-16 AFTERMATH: The has been a dog fight in Parliament over the Government scrapping of the F-16 deal with National accusing the Government of trying to bludge from defence partners the United States and Australia.

US REACTION: United States defence officials and Ambassidor Carole Moseley-Braun have said they are disappointed that the deal to lease 28 F16 planes will not go ahead.

AIR FORCE WORRIES: Meanwhile the Air-force has had a dent in it’s morale with the air-force expecting a enlistment boost if the deal to lease the planes went ahead. It is also worried about the Government which is currently studying a report recommending closing many bases and moving all main air operations to Ohakea.

OIL FIND: An American oil company has claimed it may find up-to 100 million barrels of oil in two massive oil fields in the south Taranaki

TASMAN MILLIONARE: A 27-year-old New Zealander across the Tasman has struck gold with when he became worth at least $250,000 million after his internet retail business merged with two other major Australian telcos.

BELTLESS DEATHS: Four people who died on state Highway 1 near Whangarei this morning could have survived if they were wearing seatbelts say Police.

SNAKE FIND TWO: Just days after a snake was discovered in Petone another has been discovered in a container at the port of Lyttleton. It is believed to be from Indonesia.

RAT PLAGUE: A rat plague around Auckland has meant that rat exterminators were flat out dealing with calls from business, homes and local bodies.