Deisel Problems – Super Borrowing – UK Race Riots – Phillipines Kidnapping – Indonesia – Goff Off To Tibet – TVNZ Split
– Warehouse Bank – Fatal Police Chase – NZ Herald Strike
DEISEL PROBLEMS: The NZ Refining Company says it will meet with insurers today to discuss compensation for fishermen who
cannot put to sea. The company has already agreed to pay for repairs on motors.
SUPER BORROWING: The Government is rejecting Opposition claims that the government is borrowing the money to put into
its Super Fund.
UK RACE RIOTS: Police have restored order to the streets of Oldham in Northern England where race riots had broken out.
Asian youths have been standing their ground against right wing groups. Many of Oldham’s population were born in
Britain.
PHILLIPINES KIDNAPPING: Three Americans are among 20 people kidnapped in he Phillipines.
INDONESIA: Indonesian President Abdurrachman Wahid is threatening to declare a state of civil emergency if Parliament
goes ahead with plans to impeach him. However it is unclear whether Wahid’s orders, if they come, will be followed by
security forces.
GOFF OFF TO TIBET: The Foreign Minister leaves today for Tibet still unsure whether he can meet with political prisoners
there. He has yet to receive a reply on his request to meet with named political prisoners.
TVNZ SPLIT: The Broadcasting Minister says she wants to split BCL off TVNZ so it can concentrate on being a public
broadcaster. A cabinet decision on the proposal has been postponed following Alliance concerns.
WAREHOUSE BANK: The union representing banking and insurance workers, Finsec, says that a Warehouse WestpacTrust tie-up
will lead to job-cuts. It also says that more people will be drawn into debt as credit will become more easily
available.
FATAL POLICE CHASE: A Police Complaints Authority investigation is underway following a fatal police chase in the
Waikato.
HERALD STRIKE: New Zealand Herald Journalists are returning to work this morning to consider a fresh pay offer following
four days of rolling strikes. Tony Wilton says the union is still concerned about the employer trying to push some staff
out of the collective contract. Meanwhile Herald Editor Gavin Ellis says that this part of the deal is non-negotiable.