TV1 6pm News Headlines (First Segment)

Nz Soldier Dies In East Timor - Dover Samuels Reveals Name Of Woman - Parekura Horomia Appointed As New Maori Minister - Baby Girl Death Inquiry - Free Education In Invercargil

NZ SOLDIER DIES IN EAST TIMOR: New Zealand’s first official combat casualty in almost 20 years – Private Leonard Manning was killed in East Timor in a fire fight with over nine well armed bandits. His body was taken from the area today after an investigation into the scene was made. In Parliament there was a moment of silence for the man. International attention is now on Indonesia, and NZ Foriegn Miniister Phil Goff is asking the Indonesian government to act more decisively to end the refugee camps on the Indonesian-Timor border.

- DOVER SAMUELS REVEALS NAME OF WOMAN: Using Parliamentary privilege Mr. Samuels named the woman who had made allegations of rape against him when making a statement to Parliament. Both the woman’s family and rape crisis have said Mr. Samuels has gone too far abusing his rights as an MP.

- PAREKURA HOROMIA APPOINTED AS NEW MAORI MINISTER: Mr. Sameuls also returned today to vote for his successor as Maori Affairs Mininster against the Prime Ministers advice. Mr. Samuels voted for John Tamihere rather than the Prime Minister’s pick first time MP Parekura Horomia, who was chosen by caucus this morning. Mr. Horomia says he is confident he can do a good job in the position.

- BABY GIRL DEATH INQUIRY: Meanwhile Police in Carterton continue to inquire over the cause of the death over a 23-month-old baby girl who was admitted to hospital yesterday and later died.

- FREE EDUCATION IN INVERCARGIL: Invercargill wants to offer free tertiary education to students with locals picking up the tab – a cost of $11 million over two years. Students further north are considering the idea.

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