Fiji Coup: McKinnon, Arson, Travel – Prison Reform – Hamilton Casino – Sweat Shop – Truancy – West Coast Compensation –
Auckland Rail
FIJI COUP – MCKINNON: Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon cannot confirm this morning that the Fijian President
has been given a go ahead to form a government. Some reports say the Great Council of Chiefs has approved the formation
of a new government by Ratu Mara, and that George Speight has also been offered an amnesty.
FIJI COUP – ARSON: The premises formally occupied by George Speight – the Fji Hardwood corporation – have been burnt
down. Speight was sacked from his job in the corporation recently.
FIJI COUP – TRAVEL: Travel companies say they expect more people to cancel their holidays to Fiji because they can no
longer get any travel insurance. Meanwhile a Fijian tourism boss says warnings in NZ and Japan have led to a large
reduction in arrivals.
PRISON REFORM: Proposals to allow conjugal visits and to allow young children to live in Prison with their mothers are
strongly opposed by the National opposition. The literature shows that strengthening family ties helps stop reoffending,
says Matt Robson.
HAMILTON CASINO: The head of the Casino Control Authority says she is concerned that the High Court forund that the
authority was biased in its decision on the Hamilton casino. Justice Fisher yesterday overturned the Casino application.
SWEAT SHOP: The Labour Department is applying to the employment tribunal to recover up to $500,000 off a sweat-shop
operator in Auckland. Thai workers were paid $200 a week for working up to 26 hours at a time.
TRUANCY: Truancy service referrals are up sharply .
WEST COAST COMPENSATION: The Buller District Council will meet to day to consider the $120 million compensation offer
from the government. The Buller Mayor says the decision should be taken as quickly as possible and says he will vote to
accept.
AUCKLAND RAIL: Auckland’s local bodies and Tranzrail have missed the deadline to resolve a dispute over who should
provide commuter rail services in Auckland.