The police in Auckland have named the Chinese student they're searching for in connection with the multiple stabbing of three other students in the new suburb of Unsworth Heights. Two people were killed and a third was critically injured at a property in Albany on Sunday. Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Davey is appealing for 22 year old When Hui Cui (pron when-hui swaa) who lives at the house to contact them. Our reporter Sarah Howison was at police media briefing a short time ago and she joins us now. LIVE WITH DROPINS
American plans for a post war Iraq will face an early test in a few hours time when US officials meet Iraqi opposition figures in Nassiriya. The meeting will be overseen by the retired American General Jay Garner who was selected by President Bush to run Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein. But as the BBC's Adam Mynott who is in Nassiriya reports, Iraq's largest Shiite group is boycotting the meeting. VOICER
[illegible] in southern Iraq have warned of a looming humanitarian crisis. More than a week after Basra fell to British forces most of the hospitals in Basra are still without electricity and clean water and major operations have having to be carried out without anaesthetic or oxygen. The BBC's Rupert Wingfield Hayes visited Basra's main hospital and filed this report. PKGE
A parliamentary select committee travelling around the country to hear submissions on the future of the Privy Council as New Zealand's highest court was in Auckland today. The Supreme Court bill, if passed, would see the London-based Privy council replaced with a local Supreme Court. Our reporter Sally Wenley has been at today's hearing. PKGE
BUSINESS with STEPHANIE BAIRD
Health authorities have issued further warnings about shellfish after a sudden rise in toxic phytoplankton in the Bay of Islands. The toxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning have been found at dangerous levels in mussels in the bay - at a spot commonly used by Māori and recreational gatherers. And there is concern the algal bloom that produces the [illegible] may spread. Lois Williams reports. PKGE
New Zealanders are not saving enough electricity to ensure there will not be serious power shortages this winter. Figures released today show savings falling well short of the five percent level called for last week. Meanwhile, industry has released figures showing their plight going from bad to worse due to the high cost of electricity. Eric Frykberg reports. PKGE
Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff and Associate Foreign Minister responsible for Aid, Minister Marian Hobbs have been holding talks with Fiji's government today. The talks have focussed on trade and regional security issues. Radio New Zealand's Phillipa Tolley is on the ministerial tour and she joins me now. LIVE
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SPORT with STEPHEN HEWSON
In a veiled warning to the United States, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan says that statements directed at Syria could destabilise the Middle East. Top aides to US President Bush have accused Syria of testing chemical weapons and harbouring terrorists. They warned that Syria faces economic and diplomatic sanctions if it allows wanted senior Iraqi officials to cross its border. The BBC's correspondent in Damascus Kim Ghattis reports. PKGE
Associate professor in political studies Dr Robert Patman has met United States security experts and policy makers in the course of his work on American national security and foreign policy. I asked him how likely it is that the US would strike at Syria. PREREC
The high profile retrial of six young men accused of taking part in the sexual violation of a fellow schoolmate at a Napier party in October 2001, is nearing its end at the High Court in Wellington.
The Defence lawyers' final addresses to the jury finished earlier this afternoon, and the trial Judge is to sum up tomorrow morning.
The six are charged committing the offence together with" a seventh teenager Andrew Castles, who is now serving a two and a half year jail term after pleading guilty. Our Court Reporter Merle Nowland is following the case and joins me now. LIVE
Environment Canterbury says they may have to stop issuing consents for water to be taken from rivers and bores if predictions of future water shortages prove [illegible] The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, or NIWA, is predicting water shortages for the next 50 years over many parts of the country.
Catherine Wilson compiled this report. PKGE
The Ministry of Agriculture is hoping the soon-to-be-released new biosecurity strategy will mean greater funding for its battle to prevent foreign pests and diseases becoming established here.
The Ministry has been criticised for not doing enough to stop a swarm of new moth pests which could threaten the country's economically-vital forestry and horticulture industries. Our reporter, Kirsty Jones, joined MAF officers on the border protection frontline at Auckland's Port. PKGE
The New Zealand and Australian governments are applying to protect the word ANZAC so it cannot be used internationally, commercially or as a trademark. The move follows an attempt in Turkey to use the word to market a range of food, prompting the two governments to ensure it does not happen in the future. Taryn Schubert reports. PKGE
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