First Segment
HOTEL IN FLAMES: An historic hotel, the Tutakaka, went up in flames this lunchtime with 20 people fleeing as it burnt to
the ground. It’s new owners had only taken possession in Christmas. The hotel was a landmark in a town well known for
its recreational fishing.
-FARMER AMPUTEE: The Canturbury Farmer who survived five days in harsh high country weather while trapped under his
tractor, says he would have cut off his own leg if he could have reached his chainsaw. He is recovering well from his
leg amputation, and expects to be back at work within six months.
-CHEMICAL SPILL: A chemical spill from a truck on State Highway One near Christchurch closed the road for two hours
today.
-TVNZ REVIEW : The Prime Minister has called for a major review into Television New Zealand, and says it won’t approve a
$217 million dollar plan to move to digital technology. The Prime Minister says, the recent pay-outs to ex-presenter
John Hawkesby, shows a spectacular failure at management level. She says the money to move to digital could be better
spent on programming issues. TVNZ head Roseanne Meo says the move to digital and is inevitable and necessary.
-WAITANGI VISIT: There is controversy over remarks made by Dover Samuels who said it was not safe for the
Governor-General to visit Waitangi, while Prime Minister Helen Clark has said her advisors told her that it was safe.
Clark says the comments from the minister represent Mr Samuels personal views. Meanwhile, Maori activist Titewhai
Harawira has said the Minister was out of line, and should resign. Meanwhile the PM’s office has made a blanket ban
stopping all MPs commenting on the issue.
-GOLFER’S WIN: Kiwi golfer Michael Campbell completed a rare back to back double, winning both the PGA’s Heinekin
Classic and the New Zealand Open and carrying away a record amount of winnings. His current form gives him automatic
entry into the British Open and he may be invited to the American Open.