Dover Samuels x 2 – Fiji Coup –Cook Islands Tourism – Police Complaints – Gas Explosion – OPEC – Zimbabwe – Employment
Discussions - Toothfish
DOVER SAMUELS: The PM is defending her minister of Maori Affairs and her handling of allegations of sexual misconduct
against him. Ms Clark says she had no choice – in the absence of evidence in writing – but to accept Mr Samuels words of
denial of having sex with someone underage.
DOVER SAMUELS: Richard Prebble has denied knowing about the allegations from Februrary as alleged by John Tamihere
Labour MP.
FIJI COUP AGREEMENT: The Fiji Military believe there is every likelihood an agreement between the hostage takers and the
military will be signed today. The coup leaders are still arguing that the transition to a new government should be
quicker than the military has in mind.
COOK ISLANDS TOURISM: Many Cook Islands tourist resorts are struggling to cope with increased demand for accommodation
from tourists.
POLICE COMPLAINTS: A review of the Police Complaints Authority has been announced. The issues to be considered include
the independence of the authority.
GAS EXPLOSION: A generator has been brought in to supply power on the Devonport Wharf following a gas fire and explosion
which burned an electrical cable.
OPEC: A meeting of OPEC has agreed to increase output by 3%. At more than $30 a barrel OPEC members are concerned that
consumers will look for alternatives. The deal is not likely to bring prices down sharply say analysts.
ZIMBABWE: The head of the Europoean Mission in Zimbabwe has denounced the opposition election monitors and voters have
had to deal with.
EMPLOYMENT DISCUSSIONS: The Minister of Labour has written to employers and union groups to develop a code of good
faith. Employers want to discuss practical issues, they say.
TOOTHFISH: An international intelligence network tracing the poaching of toothfish (White Gold) say that piracy is out
of control. A spokesman for Isofish says that the level of illegal fishing is probably three times the level of licenses
fishing.