A murder-accused decides not to appear in court, ANZ tells MPs its $2 billion annual profit is fair, and an Auckland woman is charged with misconduct in respect to human remains.
1 Yanfei Bao murder-accused waives right to appear in court
The Yanfei Bao murder trial in Christchurch has been paused today due to "logistical matters" relating to the defendant.
The jury was called in just after midday to be told Tingjun Cao, 53, had expressed he does not want to be in court at this time.
The Chinese national has pleaded not guilty and the judge advised the jury his absence was "certainly not" an admission of guilt.
2 ANZ tells MPs that $2 billion annual profit is 'fair'
ANZ's top brass have pushed back against politicians' suggestions the bank is making too much profit.
MPs are scrutinising a series of banks through a Select Committee inquiry into banking competition. The profitability of banking — including how it's changed over time and how it compares to other OECD economies — is part of the inquiry's remit.
3 Auckland woman charged with misconduct in respect of human remains
A woman has been arrested as police investigate "concerns" around burials at Waikumete Cemetery in Auckland.
Police have been investigating the matter since the beginning of August this year.
4 Air NZ flight diverted due to 'disruptive' passenger
An Air New Zealand flight was diverted on its way to Auckland this morning because of a "disruptive" passenger.
Flight NZ-176, from Perth, made a stop in Melbourne where it was met by police.
5 'Small wine tasting': Bayly corrects record in House on drinking
Andrew Bayly has corrected an answer he gave in Parliament yesterday about whether he drank alcohol on the day he called a worker a "loser".
He now says "after the incident and at the end of the day, I had a small wine tasting".
Bayly apologised publicly on Friday after the encounter during a business visit in early October came to light.
ONE ALL BLACKS ANALYSIS
1News digital sport reporter Patrick McKendry suggests one thing will become evident as soon as the All Blacks run on to Yokohama's Nissan Stadium pitch for the Test against Japan on Saturday, and the visiting coaches will be quietly excited about it.
To learn what the coaches may be amped about, check out his full analysis.
ONE BLAZE BATTLE
A drone spotted near a large vegetation fire in Waikato briefly stopped firefighting efforts in the air this afternoon.
Fire and Emergency confirmed the blaze, which is now on its third day, has burned through 1000 hectares of land.
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