1. ALLIANCE - The Alliance will be the first political party off the blocks when it launches its election campaign in Auckland this afternoon. It will be then multi-cast to eight centres.
2. EVACUATION - US Authorities have put a complete news black out on the doctor at the centre of an emergency evacuation from the South Pole.
3. EAST TIMOR - Humanitarian agencies in East Timor say continuing clashes will make it difficult to persuade refugees to return to their homes.
4. RUSSIA - Russian forces are said to be moving closer to gaining the upper hand in the war against Islamic rebels in Chechnya
5. EUROPE - The European Union have agreed to joint rules on dealing with international crime such as trafficking in humans, money laundering and other matters.
6. EARTHQUAKE - California has been hit by it worst earthquake in seven years. There have been no reports of serious injuries.
7. WHEELCHAIR - Two New
Zealanders have one gold medals in the world wheelchair
competitions in
Christchurch.