Latest and Most Recent News in Oceania from Topix (April 2011 Diet)

[Topix]

Gregg Wallace and John Torode present the show from what appears to be a vast, sunlit warehouse.

Source: MasterChef: have things gone stale?

[Topix]

As Britain decides whether to change the way MPs are elected, can we learn anything from Australia, the only major democracy that uses the method on offer? The BBC's Rebecca Keating, an Australian herself, explains how elections work Down Under.

Source: Aussie rules

[Topix]

THE commonwealth watchdog will investigate if excessive force was used to quell dissident asylum seekers on Christmas Island.

Source: Police riot force to be investigated

[Topix]

Is there any benefit to taking iodine after the Japanese nuclear reactor problems? - RS, Tauranga The short answer is no.

Source: No need to go in search of iodine

[Topix]

Former federal treasurer Peter Costello has been recognised for his contribution to society along with 39 other Australians at a ceremony at Government House.

Source: Costello gets gong, slams carbon tax

[Topix]

An anonymous reader writes "As New Zealand politicians are looking to rush through a new copyright law , 92A, which imposes a 'three strikes' regime on people accused of file sharing, some New Zealanders were a bit amused to see Parliament Member Melissa Lee stand up to speak in favor of the bill just hours after tweeting how she was enjoying a ...

Source: NZ MP Enjoys Copyright Infringement, Votes For 3 Strikes

[Topix]

Male humpback whales often combine snippets of classic tunes with new material. Photograph: Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images Humpback whales spread catchy songs to each other through the ocean, research has shown.

Source: Humpback whales spread catchy tunes to each other, study reveals

[Topix]

Coast Community College District Trustee David Grant was dinged with a $200 fine from the Fair Political Practices Commission for failing to disclose campaign expenditures in a timely manner last year.

Source: Former college president fined over campaign filing

[Topix]

If - like me - you are old enough to say, "It didn't used to look like this," then - like me - you're probably seeking places that are still relatively unaffected by rampant tourism.

Source: A taste of the real Fiji

[Topix]

New Zealanders are eating on average one-and-a-half teaspoons of salt each day, prompting a call for Kiwis to halve their intake.

Source: New Zealand health experts are calling on Kiwis to reduce their salt intake.