1The National Party kicked off its election campaign in Auckland today with a taste of its economic vision for the future. However, while Opposition leader Jim Bolger laid out National's economic goals, neither he nor Finance spokesperson Ruth Richardson were willing to provide details about how they would be achieved.

2Finance Minister David Caygill and Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash signed a contract today, giving the Reserve Bank political independence to slash inflation to within 2% in three years.

3Wellington's Sesqui Carnival has been given another infusion of cash and a last-ditch promotion campaign. However, the Wellington City Council is prepared to pull the plug on the festival if it keeps losing money.

4Fire fighters are battling a large forest fire in the Kaweka Ranges in Hawkes Bay. A large scrub fire earlier threatened houses at Pukerua Bay north of Wellington, but has now been brought under control.

5The National Party is selecting its election candidate for the key marginal Eden electorate tonight. All the nominees are women.

6An independent study into the effects of Cyclone Bola in 1988 says the devastation is likely to be repeated in a similar weather event.

7Ross Sayers, a former New Zealand Rail Chief has been accused of squandering public money in New South Wales.

8Four million people are facing starvation in the northern Ethiopian provinces of Eritrea and Tigre.

9External Relations Minister Mike Moore met with United States Secretary of State James Baker in Washington DC today.

10Update The National Party has selected Christine Fletcher as its election candidate for the key marginal Eden electorate tonight.

11Three Australian fliers are replicating Sir Charles Kingsley-Smith's 1928 Trans-Tasman flight in a replica Southern Cross.