TV1 News 6pm Bulletin (First Segment)

Waitera Shooting - Waitera Shooting Reaction - Maori Backlash - Police Shootings - Tours Of Duty - Vietnam War

WAITERA SHOOTING: Simmering disquiet after a small town police shooting. Twenty three year old Stephen Wallace was shot dead last night after he went on a rampage smashing shop windows in Waitera. Many locals remain furious on how Mr. Wallace was killed accusing police of racism and neglecting Mr. Wallace after he was shot. A Tinorangatiratanga (Maori sovereignty) flag has been hosted by local Maori on the town’s flag pole at half mast. A witness said the shooting was nothing short of murder. Meanwhile the officer who killed Mr Wallace.

WAITERA SHOOTING REACTION: Helen Clark has also maintained there should be a full inquiry into the shooting. Those who knew Mr Wallace say he was a happy and fun-loving person, a keen sportsman and this outburst was out of character. Friends of Wallace said he had an ongoing feud with a another local who was a policeman and also a volunteer fireman.

MAORI BACKLASH: The Maori backlash in Waitera is running strong, Maori say an uprising in response to the shooting is a possible option. The body of Mr. Wallace has remained at his home.

POLICE SHOOTINGS: Stephen Wallace is the 19th person to be killed by police in this country. From the moment the man was shot the Police Complaints Authority became involved and when Mr. Wallace was killed a homicide inquiry began. Police are taught to use the minimum reasonable force when confronting a suspect. The coroner’s will also make an inquiry.

TOURS OF DUTY: The man killed on a tour of duty in East Timor, Sergeant White, was given a funeral today. Meanwhile 500 more troops are going to East Timor for a six month tour of duty from the Burnham military camp in Christchurch.

VIETNAM WAR: Asia’s last major conflict was the Vietnam War which ended 25 years ago today. Today veterans remembered the war in which 37 New Zealanders were killed. Back home New Zealanders involvement divided the country. All kiwi soldiers were volunteers unlike their Australian and American counterparts.

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