Private building inspection companies have warned up to 20,000 construction projects around the country are at risk of grinding to a halt due to tough new building regulations and the lack of suitably-qualified staff to enforce them.John Ryan (Building Industry Authority); Bevan Smith (Building Certifiers' Authority).
Hundreds of thousands of Russians have rallied across Russia over the Beslan school hostage crisis. A video has emerged, apparently shot by the terrorists, of just what went on inside the school. In Christchurch, marchers have honoured those killed and injured in the tragedy. voxpop (victims/victims' relatives); voxpop (witnesses/Russian citizens).
A four-day strike by Maritime Union members at the Port of Auckland began today. Denis Carlisle (Maritime Union); Geoff Vazey (Ports of Auckland CEO).
A group of gunmen have abducted four workers from an aid agency in Baghdad.
Israeli tanks and helicopter gunships have swept into the Gaza Strip, killing 14 suspected Hamas militants. Palestinians have vowed revenge for the attacks.
Most economists are expecting an interest rate rise tomorrow when the Reserve Bank releases the Official Cash Rate. However, Minister of Finance Michael Cullen has caused a controversy for appearing to 'let slip' in Parliament today that he already knows the rate is indeed to rise. Michael Cullen (Minister of Finance); John Key (National, Finance spokesman); Dr Stephen Burnell (Head of Economics, Victoria University).
Cook Islanders have today voted in a General Election.
The domestic purposes benefit for solo mothers who refuse to name the fathers of their children is set to fall further.
The Head of the Alinghi America's Cup team, Ernesto Bertarelli, has defended his decision to loan money to Team NZ. He is also adamant that former skipper Russell Coutts is ruled out of the 2002 regatta. Ernesto Bertarelli (Head of Team Alinghi); Brad Butterworth (Alinghi Tactician);.