An American geologist detained and tortured by China's state security agents was jailed for eight years today.

If the All Blacks fail to win the World Cup, Prime Minister John Key will taser captain Richie McCaw, Key joked to business leaders in Korea today.

Rob Gray finds that all you really need to ride around the world is a motorbike and a fair bit of determination.

General David Petraeus has formally assumed command of the 130,000-strong international force in Afghanistan.

Anamarie Ewins wants to deliver another sporting milestone for New Zealand and become the first woman to row solo across the Tasman.

Equities slid overnight amid further signs of economic weakness in China, Europe and the US.

Jim Eagles visits strife-torn Kyrgyzstan and finds stunning scenery, friendly nomads and plenty of fermented mares' milk

Sleepy, spectacular Laos has had its share of grandeur, writes Brett Atkinson.

New Zealand defence personnel and a Television New Zealand film crew in Afghanistan were involved in a bomb scare while on bomb disposal patrol.

Sholto Byrnes experiences Malaysian hospitality, from its coral reefs to cosmopolitan cities.

Artistic director Karen Grylls should be justifiably proud of the diversity and range of music that her 46-strong choir will be singing.

Global celebrations of Jackson's brilliant but troubled life kicked off with the unveiling of a memorial in London yesterday.

An encounter with a corrupt border guard almost sees the 51st Traverse team stranded in no man's land.

There are calls for UN peacekeeping forces to intervene as violence between the majority Kyrgyz population and Uzbeks intensifies.

Kyrgyzstan's Government is demanding that Britain extradite the man they say is responsible for stoking vicious riots.

A so-called 'honour killing' has stunned India's capital.

Despite warnings of bandits, corrupt police and endless forests, the 51st Traverse team make good progress through Russia.