Kylie Jones Funeral - Taxi Murder Charges - Fiji Coup - Solomon Islands - Southern Freeze - Ruapehu Snow - Working Visas
KYLIE JONES FUNERAL: 2000 attend funeral of murdered Auckland journalist Kylie Jones. Earlier the accused appears in
court. Northland community centre at Omaha overwhelmed with the response. Former boss says it is "repulsive that
mongrels could do such a terrible thing". Boyfriend also gives eulogy. Speakers talk of her career plans. Many struggle
to find words to explain the murder. 29-year-old Glenn Innes man has been granted name suppression and remanded for
psychiatric assessment.
TAXI MURDER: Accused appears in court for murder of taxi driver in Wellington. He was arrested yesterday on the day of
the funeral.
FIJI COUP: Fiji army soldiers open fire on George Speight’s car after it fails to stop at a checkpoint. The hostage
takers say it was an assassination attempt. The army has apologised for overreacting. Warning shots were gravely
excessive says a spokesman.
SOLOMON ISLANDS: A shaky truce seems to be holding in the Solomons at this stage. The PM is reported to be in hiding. NZ
is running an air bridge to Honiara. Nzers and other nationalities have been being airlifed out by the RNZAF. High
Commissioner says the capital is largely deserted. About 40 NZers remain in NZ and have the security of the frigate Te
Mana at hand. The PM is expected to stand down following a special session of the Parliament on Thursday. NZ Govt is not
charging a fee for evacuees.
SOUTHERN FREEZE: The biggest June snow fall in years blankets the Southern High Country. Some cars left stranded.
Queenstowners have to dig out their cars. Farmers shifting sheep to lower pastures. Two wheel drive cars not safe. Video
of a car driving off road with driver bailing out very dangerously. Augie Auer says it will stay cold for a bit longer
yet. NASEBY: Black forest turns white. Visitors a little surprised with the weather.
RUAPEHU: 8-10 cms of snow today. Severe gale force winds in Wellington tomorrow.
WORKING VISAS: An extension of the working visa programme has been announced with up to 10,000 more working tourists to
be allowed. Backpackers however say they are not impressed with Kiwi hours. Nzers will also be allowed to travel
overseas to work. Lianne Dalziel says this will be a wonderful opportunity for young kiwis. One young Kiwi says it will
be good to see “more races integrating”.