Wellington  - New Zealand's newly elected government Monday signed off on a fast-track programme of legislation to be passed by parliament which includes tax cuts designed to stimulate the economy, Prime Minister John Key said.

Key was talking to reporters shortly before the swearing in of legislators elected in the November 8 poll. His government's detailed programme for the next three years is to be unveiled at Tuesday's official opening of parliament.

Wellington - David Beckham and his LA Galaxy outclassed an Oceania All Stars team 3-0 in an exhibition game in Auckland on Saturday night.

Beckham starred with a brilliant display of football in the first 45 minutes when all the goals were scored, and his side held on in a scrappy second half despite playing the last 19 minutes with 10 men after midfielder Josh Tudela was sent off on his second yellow card.

Although Beckham failed to match the popularity from his last visit to New Zealand a year ago, when he drew the biggest crowd ever to watch a football match in the rugby-mad country.

Wellington  - A year after David Beckham drew the biggest crowd ever to watch a football match in New Zealand, his star power attraction appears to be fading, according to news reports Friday.

Organizers of an exhibition match between Beckham's LA Galaxy side and Oceania All Stars XI on Saturday in Auckland were advertising two tickets for the price of one to try to fill the 32,000-seat Mount Smart Stadium.

Only 14,000 tickets had been sold by Thursday night, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Wellington  - A year after David Beckham drew the biggest crowd ever to watch a football match in New Zealand his star attraction appears to be fading, according to news reports on Friday.

Organizers of an exhibition match between Beckham's LA Galaxy side and an Oceania All Stars XI in Auckland on Saturday were advertising two tickets for the price of one to try to fill the 32,000-seat Mount Smart Stadium.

Only 14,000 tickets had been sold by Thursday night, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Wellington  - A Japanese climber stranded for a week on Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak in its Southern Alps, was airlifted to safety by a helicopter early Friday morning, police said.

The man, who was not identifed, was described as "sick but able to walk." After the rescue, the helicopter returned to search for his climbing companion.

Wellington, Dec. 4 : Kiwi all-rounder Jacob Oram has been declared fit for international assignments, and is likely to turn out for the national side against the West Indies cricket team.

According to a New Zealand Press Association report, Oram returned to action after a month off with Central Districts in last week''s State Championship four-day match against Northern Districts and bowled a total of 36 overs.

Oram, who suffered a hairline fracture to his left index finger attempting a catch in the match, told Radio Sport that he was available for Black Caps selection.

He will play in the four-day match against Otago beginning tomorrow at Napier.