Wellington, Oct 24 : A new study has shown that one in four New Zealand women are sexually abused as children.

The study, by the University of Auckland, revealed that 23 per cent of Kiwi women in urban areas and 28 per cent in rural areas experienced some form of sexual abuse when under 15 years-old.

The researchers also found that around half of the women had experienced the abuse on more than one occasion and in most cases, one perpetrator was involved, generally a male family member.

According to the team, the average age of the victim at the start of the abuse was nine, while that of the abuser was 30.

Wellington, Oct. 24 : International students will be able to stay in New Zealand longer to seek work under changes announced today.

Immigration Minister David Cunliffe was quoted by stuff.nz.com as saying the changes would allow many international students to stay in New Zealand on a job search permit for up to a year, instead of six months, while they looked for skilled work.

"There is increasing competition for skilled graduates and we need to allow them enough time to find a job in their area of expertise here in New Zealand and not run the risk that they will go elsewhere," he said.

"In many cases, these are precisely the type of skilled workers we need in New Zealand."

New Zealand's Ministry of Health has issued a statement that tests are being conducted on Indian toothpaste which has been banned recently in Canada. The toothpaste was banned by Health Canada after harmful bacteria and diethylene glycol (DEG) was found in many samples. Young children usually swallow toothpaste during brushing and this can result in problems with digestive system. DEG is used as a solvent and also in antifreeze.