Tight race as NZ goes to polls today

New Zealand goes to the polls today to elect a new government in what is expected to be a closely fought election.

Prime Minister Bill English, 55, a father of six and former farmer, is hoping to return to office. Mr English, a staunch Catholic who leads the National Party, faces popular opposition Labour leader Jacinda Ardern, who became party leader last month, rejuvenating her party and the election.

Fresh round of Nafta talks today

Negotiators from Canada, Mexico and the United States will gather in Ottawa today for the third round of talks on modernising the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), with many tough items yet to be broached. US President Donald Trump says he will ditch the pact unless major changes are made. Last month, Canada suggested it could walk away if the US pushed to remove a key dispute-settlement mechanism.

Singapore Pharmacy Congress

The annual Singapore Pharmacy Congress opens today, with experts gathering to discuss developments such as tapping information technology in medication practices and management.

The event, held at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, will also cover the practice of pharmacy in the community, as well as topics such as smoking cessation and diabetes prevention.