Growth Slows – Auckland Fire – Doctors Strike – Tariana Turia – Horomia on Turia – Climate Change – Petrol Prices –
Enrolment Ballot – McCahon At Te Papa – Colombia
GROWTH SLOWS: The Finance Minister Michael Cullen says a decline in all but two regions over the June quarter was to be
expected. The National Bank Regional growth survey was released this morning.
AUCKLAND FIRE: 50 Auckland rest home residents were evacuated from their rooms last night during a fire in Herne Bay.
DOCTORS STRIKE: A breakthrough may be near in the Junior Doctors pay dispute. A possible deal will need to be approved
by hospital CEOs before it becomes a formal offer to doctors. The doctors have been seeking a 20% increase.
TARIANA TURIA: The government continues to face a torrent of criticism over comments from Minister Tariana Turia on Post
Colonial Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr Michael Cullen has distanced the government from Ms Turia’s comments.
HOROMIA ON TURIA: The Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia says government efforts to close the gaps are still on
track. He says he and Tariana Turia are united on basic policy issues.
CLIMATE CHANGE: The World Wide Fund For Nature is warning that 20% of species in delicate eco-systems could become
extinct due to climate change.
PETROL PRICES: The NZ owned company Challenge Petroleum will decide today whether to raise petrol and diesel prices. The
company says it is facing the same problems as other oil companies.
ENROLMENT BALLOT: A ballot is going to be held todauy for 3rd form enrolments at Tawa college.
MCCAHON AT TE PAPA: A Colin McCahon painting that cost Te Papa $1.78 million was value for money according to a
spokesman. The painting will go on display today.
COLOMBIA: The US President has touched down in Colombia to lend his support to the “war on drugs” to which the US has
committed $3 billion.