RUGBY: The Black Ferns will be trying to make it four in a row as an unchanged line-up takes on home favourites England in the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup Final early on Monday morning (NZT). Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans and his Assistant Coach Grant Hansen have made no changes to the starting XV that beat France 45-7 in the semifinal on Thursday morning (NZT). The bench has one change with Auckland loose forward Linda Itunu coming on in place of her provincial union teammate, lock... more>

Article - Businesswire MARKET CLOSE: NZ stocks rise on upbeat offshore markets; Pyne Gould, NZX, Wrightson lead gainsBy Jason KruppSept. 3 (BusinessDesk) – New Zealand stocks rose for their third consecutive session, as positive economic news from offshore markets continued to boost investor confidence, and helped the bourse move above the 3100 mark for the first time since May 20. Pyne Gould Corp., NZX Ltd., and PGG Wrightson paced gainers on the day.The NZX 50 rose 24.9 points, or... more>

Adidas adidas releases exclusive Silver Ferns supporters rangeFor the first time, New Zealand netball fans can deck themselves out in official adidas Silver Ferns supporters gear.adidas has just released a range of women’s T shirt, polo shirt and track top in the national team’s black and metallic silver colours and featuring the iconic adidas logo and stripes and – of course – the silver fern.The silver fern on the clothing is the same stylised emblem that the Silver Ferns have been... more>

New Zealand Government Proposed environmental standard to bring consistency to forestry rulesA proposed National Environmental Standard to provide consistency to how district and regional councils manage plantation forestry has been released today by Minister for the Environment Nick Smith.“Plantation forestry is important to New Zealand. Not only does forestry contribute significantly to our economy, it is also an integral part of New Zealand’s efforts against climate change,” said Dr... more>

New Zealand Government Transport Minister welcomes Waterview developmentTransport Minister Steven Joyce says confirmation today that the application for resource consent and route designation for Auckland’s Waterview Connection – part of Western Ring Route road of national significance – will be assessed by a Board of Inquiry is an important day for Auckland transport and the economy.He says this is another big step towards unlocking the benefits that the completed Western Ring Route... more>

New Zealand Government Hon Dr Nick SmithMinister for the Environment 3 September 2010 Media Statement Waterview Connection goes to Board of Inquiry Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced the decision to refer the New Zealand Transport Agency’s proposal for the Waterview Connection Project to an independent Board of Inquiry under the new national consenting process.“The Waterview Connection project linking State Highway 20 and State Highway 16 is the largest... more>

Article - Businesswire Talley’s target Open Country Dairy disappoints Olam by Paul McBeth Sept. 3 (BusinessDesk) - A presumed jewel in the Affco Ltd crown, Open Country Dairy Ltd., failed to perform to expectations in the last financial year, says Singaporean food and commodities group, Olam International.Affco owns 35% of Open Country, and is subject of a takeover bid from private New Zealand food processor, Talley’s Group. Olam owns a further 25% of Open Country and is exposed... more>

Literacy Aotearoa Wellington's Largest Ever Game of Scrabble Coming In September Wellington's largest ever game of Scrabble on will be happening on September 8 in Cuba Mall.The board is over 20 sq metres and will be set up by Literacy Aotearoa Wellington (LAW) just north of West Bank arcade. Everyone is welcome to come between 12 – 2pm and contribute a word, with every score being recorded. The aim of the Scrabble board is to encourage learners to reach out to organisations like LAW who... more>

New Zealand Government Fulltime court screening for Auckland District CourtMinister for Courts Georgina te Heuheu has announced that everyone entering the Auckland District Court will be subject to security screening from today.“The screening has been made available by the $9 million allocated in Budget 2009 and includes equipment and extra personnel,” Mrs te Heuheu said. “The fulltime screening will then be rolled out to Manukau District Court later this month and to the Christchurch... more>

Campaign For MMP Positive signals on MMP referendum processCampaign for MMP has welcomed positive signals from the Justice Minister about a fair process in next year’s MMP referendum, but says spending caps are still needed.At a Wellington conference yesterday Simon Power confirmed that referendums will be run alongside the general election to maximise voter turnout, that there will be a full education campaign, and that voters will be clearly informed about how to achieve a modified... more>