Avalanche – ANZAC Dollar – Timor Death – Zimbabwe – Turkish Education – Indian Drought – East Timor – House
Affordability
AVALANCHE: A rescue operation is underway for two climbers caught in an avalanche in the Hopkins Valley in the South
Island. A friend walked out from the scene of the accident and raised the alarm. They will be dropped in the area by
helicopter.
ANZAC DOLLAR: Finance Minister Michael Cullen is not particularly keen on the idea of an ANZAC dollar. Dr Cullen says
that the bulk of NZ exports are denominated in US Dollars anyway.
TIMOR DEATH: A UN plane is transporting Staff Sergeant Bill White’s body to Darwin from East Timor
ZIMBABWE: European Govenments are preparing military assistance to evacuate white farmers from Zimbabwe if the violence
escalates.
TURKISH EDUCATION: The PM wants NZ universities to capitalise on the huge potential of hosting students from Turkey. She
says that NZ should hold an education fair in Turkey.
INDIAN DROUGHT: A relief operation is underway in India to deal with the drought in Gudjarat and Rajestan. Monsoon’s are
not expected till July – it is very hot.
EAST TIMOR: Australia is considering reopening an investigation into the death of a New Zealander and others in East
Timor 25 years ago. The NZer may have been killed by a man who went on to become an Indonesian minister.
HOUSE AFFORDABILITY: A banking survey shows that rising interest rates is making it harder to buy a home. The
affordability index is mainly down because of rising interest rates.