El Salvador Quake – Maternity Services – Hunua Search – Late Ferries – Economy – Apple Worries – Middle East Air Link –
Wellington Murder – Bank Robbery
EL SALVADOR QUAKE: The death toll in yesterday’s earthquake in El Salvador has risen over 200 as the international
rescue effort is stepped up. Many of the dead died in mudslides.
MATERNITY SERVICES: Health officials are recommending increases to maternity service fees paid to midwives and doctors.
The fee per patient visit is recommended to increase from $22 to $26.
HUNUA SEARCH: There is a delay in bringing the Auckland Police’s Eagle Helicopter into a search in the Hunua Ranges for
two missing children.
LATE FERRIES: Tranz Rail says it sees no need to put another ferry into service to combat delays in service with its
other ferries.
ECONOMY: Economists say that last weeks cuts in interest rates will help boost the NZ economy as world growth rate
expectations cool and export demand falls.
APPLE WORRIES: Wairarapa Apple Growers will tell the government today they have lost around two thirds of this years
crop due to two hail storms. Losses are estimated at over $3 million.
MIDDLE EAST AIR LINK: There are plans to establish a direct air link between United Arab Emirates and NZ to boost
tourism from the Middle East. Phil Goff is in the Middle East promoting trade.
WELLINGTON MURDER: A 31 year old man will appear in court today on murder charges following the stabbing of a woman at
Kaitoke Park at the weekend.
BANK ROBBERY: Six of the eight people charged in connection with the $1 million bank robbery will appear in court today.