Top Stories for Tuesday 18 October 2011

Salvors struggle to empty Rena of oil before ship breaks; HMNZS Rotoiti maintains presence within exclusion zone; Uncertainty hangs over Tiwai Point aluminium smelter; Quake victims' families hope for answers from inquiry; New bond issue helps first home buyers in Queenstown; Union says uni hysterical about looming research assessment; France rugby fans thrilled by black and blue pairing; and Fiery crash prompts calls for Indy car safety overhaul.