Christine Rankin – Police Complaints – Cervical cancer – Putsma Dies – Paraglider Found – Cyclone Sosi
- CHRISTINE RANKIN: A short time ago Dept of Work and Income CEO Christine Rankin’s lawyer said Ms Rankin is taking
legal action against the Government as the Government’s restructuring of social services effectively leaves her out of a
job. Her lawyer alleges political interference is behind the move. Social Services Minister Steve Maharey was not
offering comment today. Work and Income and the Dept of Social Policy are being merged into one department. The
Government says the merger isn’t linked to Ms Rankin. Ms Rankin’s contract ends in July.
- POLICE COMPLAINTS: Police will no longer investigate serious complaints against their officers. A report on the Police
Complaints Authority recommends independent judges deal with police complaints. The Police Association says the change
may increase the appearance of independence but not effectively change anything.
- CERVICAL CANCER: A row developing over a crucial aspect of the Cervical Cancer Screening Inquiry Report. Critics say a
law change the Government wants to implement to comply with the recommendations of the report compromises patient
privacy by delving into their medical records.
- POUTSMA DIES: Cervical cancer sufferer Colleen Poutsma, who blew the whistle on gynaecologist Graham Parry’s medical
mismanagement, died this morning at her Paihia home. Her case brought other women with complaints about Dr Parry out of
the woodwork. Mrs Poutsma was 48 years old and is survived by her husband Jack and three children.
- PARAGLIDER FOUND: The body of NZ paraglider Gene Larson has been found in Australia.
CYCLONE SOSI: Cyclone Sosi is set to make Easter weekend a wet one for the North Island. Boaties are being asked to take
early precautions.