Olympic Direct Action Gets Kiwis Jobs – Anti-Gay Films – Paeroa Murder – Palmerston North Murders – Christchurch Murder
Arrests – Tauranga Murder Conviction – Colombia – Spot Is Not
OLYMPIC DIRECT ACTION GETS KIWIS JOBS: Kiwi would be security guards – who missed out on jobs due to red tape after
crossing the Tasman for the jobs – today occupied the officers of Sydney Olympic organisers in downtown Sydney. They
received support from Australia trade unions. SOCOG succeeded in slashing the red-tape to get the workers their jobs
after concerns that trade unions might disrupt the Olympics.
ANTI-GAY FILMS: Two Christian anti-gay films have been cleared to be screened in New Zealand. The censor had previously
banned the films. The Court of Appeal has now overturned the bans. A law lecturer says it is an important case for
freedom of expression. “It protects opinion no matter how popular or unpopular they are.” Gay groups are unhappy
however. Christian groups however say they are delighted and will screen the videos throughout the country.
PAEROA MURDER: Another murder, the sixth this week, in Paeroa. This time a woman who has suffered injuries to her head.
PALMERSTON NORTH MURDERS: Police in Palmerston North are seeking evidence in relation to the murder of a mother and her
seven-year-old daughter. The community feels gutted. Police are examining the scene of the murder closely looking for
forensic evidence. The neighbourhood is described as “quiet normally”. The father of the murdered girl is believed to
have been out of town the night the mother and daughter died. The police are not saying much about the murder except
that the scene inside the house is “absolutely ghastly”.
CHRISTCHURCH MURDER ARRESTS: Hard pressed Christchurch Police are relieved at the arrest of three men for the murder of
Robert Harman at the weekend. Harman was found bashed to death and burned on Godley head. The trio appeared in court
separately and were granted name suppression till 4pm this afternoon. One of the accused is described as an “escort
director”. The case and two other big murder inquiries in Christchurch mean that many other cases are not being
investigated. The killing of Lisa Blaikie remains unsolved.
TAURANGA CONVICTION: A conviction for murder has been entered against the leader of the Tauranga Filthy Few gang.
COLOMBIA: US President Bill Clinton has made a one day trip to Colombia. There are fears that US advisors will become
embroiled in a civil war in Colombia. The US is sending 60 helicopters and up to 500 military advisors to fight a drug
war. In the past three years cocaine production in Colombia has increased by 140%. Colombia’s drug trafficers and rebels
are one and the same. There are concerns
SPOT IS NOT: Spot is not. The Jack Russell terrier who starred in Telecom commercials has died aged 13 in Sydney. NZers
loved the dog. The owner of the dog has spoken in the past about how spot loved seeing himself on the telly. Telecom has
compiled spot highlights which will play on Sunday night across all the networks.