Radio Therapist Shortages – China Crisis – Qantas – Prison Payout – Meat Labels – UK Immigration Sentencing – Mental
Health Study – Lake Omapere
RADIO THERAPIST SHORTAGES: The Government is to make it easier for overseas radiation therapists to work here because of
a shortage. The Health Minister says the Minister of Immigration has agreed to fast track immigration applications.
Meanwhile medical schools are being called upon to raise awareness about the profession.
CHINA CRISIS: Diplomats in Washington and Beijing are working around the clock to find a resolution to the spy plane
impasse. Today President Bush himself used the word “regret” about the lost Chinese plane and pilot.
QANTAS: Qantas has confirmed it is holding talks with its NZ namesake about a possible buy-out. Aviation writer Les
Bloxham says that Qantas has too much to lose to allow Qantas to go under. Meanwhile Qantas NZ is operating as usual.
PRISON PAYOUT: The Department of Corrections has made a payout to an inmate who claimed he was illegally searched at
Paparoa Prison. The department is refusing to say how much was paid, and why a payment was made.
MEAT LABELS: MAF will have a new electronic labelling system in place by July which will help it crack down on forged
meat labels. Brian Lynch from the Meat Industry Association says every safe guard needs to be in place.
UK IMMIGRATION SENTENCING: A court in South East England has jailed a truck driver for 14 years for the manslaughter of
more than 50 Chinese immigrants who died in a refrigerated container on his truck. A Chinese interpreter was also jailed
for six years.
MENTAL HEALTH STUDY: A study has found the first ever links between childhood psychosis and delusions and adult
schizophrenia. The finding opens up lots of possibilities for early intervention.
LAKE OMAPERE: The trustees of Lake Omapere say that a Maori Affairs Select Committee report on the lake is very
encouraging. The trustees have spent $50,000 on grass carp so far. The report recommends cleaning up the lake this
winter.