1A state of civil emergency is in force throughout the Bay of Plenty tonight following a major earthquake this afternoon, which caused some injuries and significant damage. A national Civil Defence effort has been launched. The first pictures of the damage followed by a live report from National Civil Defence Headquarters in Wellington.

2Prime Minister David Lange ays United States interests are conspiring with National Party politicians and other prominent New Zealanders, to undermine New Zealand's defence policy, by alleging it is tied to Communism.

3United States and Soviet arms negotiators will hold a special session today to discuss Mikhail Gorbachev's offer to remove all medium-range nuclear weapons from Europe with no prerequisites regarding the Star Wars missile defence programme..

4Syrian troops,, which moved into Beirut a week ago, are taking a hardline against any gunmen in West Beirut. However, they have thus far not entered the stronghold of the Islamic extremists who have vowed to drive them out. They are currently carrying out a public relations campaign to win over the hearts and minds of the people of Beirut for their intervention.

5New Zealand's top civil servants should be given a pay rise of up to 27% this year, according to the Higher Salaries Commission (HSC) so that their salaries will be in line with private sector executives. However, the Government has already said it will limit increases to 10%.

6Hedline News 1. Two of New Zealand's three firefighters' unions have renewed their strike plans and say this time they will leave no room for any court challenges from the Fire Service Commission. 2. Petrol supplies are running low around the country, as a result of a strike by the officers of the Union Shipping Group. 3. The Bluff oyster season opened yesterday, but only one oyster boat is working. The other boats are tied up in court over a pay dispute.

7The Government's consumer protection legislation, the Fair Trading Act came into effect yesterday. Retailers now face tough penalties if it can be proved their advertising is misleading, deceptive or falsely represents. An interview with Consumer Affairs MInister Margaret Shields.

8Fears that two female French terrorists were in the Bay of Islands before Christmas now appear to be groundless.

9Worldwatch New White House Chief of Staff Howard Baker has the task of restoring United States President Reagan's credibility in the wake of the Iran-Contra affair and the Tower Commission Report. A look at the job ahead of him and the challenges he is likely to face. Followed by analysis of the choice of Howard Baker as the new White House Chief of Staff.

10Update A state of civil emergency is in force throughout the Bay of Plenty tonight following a major earthquake this afternoon, which caused some injuries and significant damage. A national Civil Defence effort has been launched. The latest pictures of the damage.

11Worldwatch The Gulf War between Iran and Iraq has now been underway for more almost seven years, with over a million lives lost. There is still no end in sight and Western observers say the best outcome would be for neither side to win, and warn that while the fighting continues, the entire world is in danger of being drawn into the conflict. A background to the conflict.

12Update A state of civil emergency is in force throughout the Bay of Plenty tonight following a major earthquake this afternoon, which caused some injuries and significant damage. A national Civil Defence effort has been launched. The latest pictures of the damage.