WELLINGTON is a city of the sea. Its character is defined by the harbour, and by its rugged coastline. That is why news that a new proposal for a marine education centre, looking out on Lyall Bay, is especially welcome.

The upper South Island providing a dramatic backdrop to astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Dave Williams during a spacewalk to replace failed componentry on the International Space Station.

By WEIR, James CONTACT Energy chief executive David Baldwin thinks the country will squeak through the winter without a 1992-style power crisis. Asked if he was stocking up firewood for winter, Mr Baldwin said yesterday: "Well, I do anyway".

By SHEERAN, Garry Power prices spike at 14-times the average price MAKING HAY while the sun shines - the saying is as true for our energy companies as it is for farmers.

By SMALL, Vernon DEAR voter and taxpayer. Prepare to be the proud owner of a rail operation to go with those nice tracks you bought a few years ago.