1Wind warnings are in place for the Canterbury region tonight, where 700 homes remain without power after being battered by fierce winds.

2Authorities are working to clear a slip that has cut off State Highway 6 between Queenstown and Cromwell.

3Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker has announced he will not stand at the next election.

4Despite the signing of a formal agreement between the Government and Sky City, opponents say it is not too late to stop the Convention Centre deal.

5Fears are growing of all-out civil war in Egypt after nationwide violence left over 20 people dead.

6Uncertainty still lingers over the Louis Vuitton Cup which is due to begin in two days time.

7Scientists say they may have discovered a new breakthrough treatment for Multiple sclerosis (MS) using two commonly [prescribed drugs.

8South African doctors say they will not turn off life support to former President Nelson Mandela, but confirm that the issue has been discussed.

9Khaled al-Hamad, better known as Abu Sakka, a Syrian rebel fighter who became infamous for eating the body parts of a Government soldier he had killed, has defended his actions.

10The Presidents of Nicaragua and Venezuela are both considering offering asylum to United States intelligence whistle-blower Edward Snowden.

11Spectators at an Independence Day celebration in the United States were forced to run for safety when a fireworks display went horribly wrong.

12Prince Harry has qualified as an Apache Helicopter Commander.

13Hanover boss Mark Hotchin's empty Auckland mansion is being sold, nearly three years after his assets were frozen.

14There are new concerns at the state of the Maori language in New Zealand, with some thinking it is becoming too 'highbrow'.

15The New Zealand Blind Bowls Team (aka The Blind Jacks) have successfully raised over $100,000, enabling them to compete at the World Championships in England.

16Pope Francis has cleared the way for Pope John Paul II to become a Saint after a second miracle was attributed to him.