Our misplaced trust in the Government over our role in a far-off war has come back to haunt us.

Sixteen veterans of the Battle of Crete where 671 New Zealanders were killed 70 years ago were honoured today, with wreaths laid at the National War Memorial to mark the battle.

Labour is accusing John Key of using his police security officers more than he needs to.

Civil Defence plans to create "safe corridors" to buildings within Christchurch's quake-ravaged central business district.

Police have named another seven victims of last month's Christchurch earthquake.

More than 10 per cent of buildings demolished in Christchurch following last month's quake were levelled without the knowledge of their owners.

North Island hospitals are receiving Christchurch earthquake victims and plan to send specialists to help in the devastated city.

The Government was this afternoon waiting for details of deaths in Christchurch and a second emergency cabinet meeting will be held tonight.

A New Zealander who managed to flee the turmoil in Egypt says he feared for his safety, and getting a flight out had been "a bit of a gamble". "I just was trying my best to remain calm. It's rather nerve-wracking to have gunfire and so on

Every year a Navy ship is selected to lead the Auckland Anniversary Regatta. Loaded with VIPs and Navy crew, the vessel becomes the guard ship for the regatta and is the platform from which races are started.

The air force's 17 mothballed Skyhawk jet fighters look likely to end up as museum pieces or spare parts after a Christmas deadline passed with no sign of any money from the American buyer.