Wellington, Sept 29 NZPA - The supporters of Timaru businessman Allan Hubbard have written to Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias, arguing his situation has become a human rights issue because he has undergone a trial by media.

Wellington, July 27 NZPA - New Zealand is considering imposing further sanctions on Iran as part of an international bid to halt its nuclear programme. The European Union (EU) and Canada announced yesterday they would adopt new sanctions on Iran.

Wellington, July 27 NZPA - The European Union has signed a regional fisheries management convention to set rules for fishing on the high seas from western Australia to South America.

Wellington, July 26 NZPA - This year's Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting will be a chance to talk about development, Prime Minister John Key says.

Wellington, July 26 NZPA - Extreme social and economic disadvantage faced by Maori has been highlighted as an ongoing concern by a United Nations indigenous human rights expert during his visit here.

Wellington, July 23 NZPA - A Hastings company says its success in winning a major contract to survey the border between the oil-rich nations of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait recognises its technological capability in aerial surveying and mapping.

Wellington, July 21 NZPA - The Defence Force (NZDF) has been severely criticised by Auditor-General Lyn Provost for the way it handled a case of wrongly claimed allowances by officers seconded to the United Nations.

By Shabnam Dastgheib and Maggie Tait of NZPA

Wellington, July 20 NZPA - A United Nations indigenous human rights expert says he's seen some initial positives during an official visit to New Zealand, but will take a few months to comprehensively report on developments since his predecessor visited in 2005.

Wellington, July 19 NZPA - A United Nations expert on indigenous peoples rights will look at issues surrounding Treaty of Waitangi settlements and socio-economic issues faced by Maori during his six day visit to New Zealand.