1Local Body Elections Wellington Mayor Ian Lawrence has been defeated by Labour candidate Jim Belich. Dame Catherine Tizard is likely to be returned as Mayor of Auckland, Tim Shadbolt has secured a runaway victory in Waitemata City and Barry Curtis has been returned to the Manukau City mayoralty. Hamilton's mayor Ross jansen is back for a fourth term and Sir Hamish Hay has secured a large majority for a record fifth term as Christchurch Mayor. Dunedin's Cliff Skeggs has won a fourth term as mayor, albeit this time as an independent candidate.
2It was announced today that the giant Whakatu freezing works near Hastings is to close. Hundreds of people will lose their jobs immediately, and the ripple effect it is expected to have could be catastrophic for the Hawkes Bay region.
3Hundreds of people are feared dead after a powerful earthquake hit San Salvador today.
4An update on the ongoing row over New Zealand's fibreglass America's Cup yacht KZ7.