Rankin Trial – Northland Bashing – Lisa Blaikie - TVNZ
RANKIN TRIAL: DWI CEO Christine Rankin said she was told she was a sex object, as she made her case against the Crown in
her $818,000 claim in the Employment Court. Rankin said Mark Prebble said the shortness of her skirts were a
distraction, and said Social Services Minister Steve Maharey said her look didn’t fit the department. Rankin said State
Services Commissioner Michael Wintringham let her down in not reappointing her, after leading her to believe she would
be a star in the public service. The Crown is portraying her as being bad at her job.
NORTHLAND BASHING: The son of bashed Northland teacher Sue Brown is charged with three offences in relation to the
attack on his mother. Sue Brown remains in a serious condition, with horrific head injuries.
LISA BLAIKIE: The man accused of killing Timaru Hitchhiker Lisa Blaikie has been committed to trial.
TVNZ: The Government has announced TVNZ will become a Crown Owned Company required to fulfill the charter while
remaining a profitable company. The change will mean a cut to the amount of profit returned to the Government, how much
remains unresolved. Ministers will have a greater role in TVNZ’s direction, raising concerns about political
interference. Broadcasting Minister Marion Hobbs says that is already accounted for within the charter itself. Critics
still say there’s a danger of only politically correct material coming out of the broadcaster. The gap between what TVNZ
made as an SOE and what it will make as a CrOC will have to be accounted for by the Government.