Fiji Murders – Christine Rankin – NZ Post Board – Mystery Winner
FIJI MURDERS: The family of the New Zealand victim of a brutal double murder in Fiji believe it may have been
politically motivated. The director of the Fiji Red Cross, John Scott, and his partner, a New Zealand man, were hacked
to death in bed. John Scott may have been to be called as a witness in the George Speight trial, and he was a vocal gay
rights campaigner. Fiji is noted for its homophobia. Rumour in Fiji says it is looking more and more like an execution.
CHRISTINE RANKIN: State Services Commissioner Michael Winteringham has faced another day of grilling by Christine
Rankin’s lawyers in the Employment Court. He said he was hurt at Christine Rankin reporting him as saying he was
celibate. He said he made a “rather self-deprecating comment” that was misrepresented in court. Mr Winteringham said the
ministerial inquiry into the Department of Work and Income so soon into the Labour/Alliance Government was hasty. Mr
Winteringham conceded that Mrs Rankin had received glowing reports on her performance, but said he was convinced she
wasn’t right for the job.
NZ POST BOARD: A boardroom crisis at NZ Post is now so bad that SOEs Minister Mark Burton is threatening to use his
power to sack directors. Board Chairman Ross Armstrong raised concerns that his deputy may have leaked sensitive
documents about the company’s consultancy work in South Africa. Helen Clark is electing to stay out of it. Mark Burton
has not expressed confidence in the board. MPs from both ACT and National have called for the Auditor General to
investigate allegations about the board.
MYSTERY WINNER: Our biggest ever lotto millionaire, who won 8.2m on Powerball on the weekend, remains a mystery tonight.
However, previous winners say staying mum is the way to go. All lotto outlets have been ordered to keep the winner’s
identity secret. 363 days to claim the win.