AIR DROPS: Thousands of starving Timorese refugees will receive a ten tonne air drop of food today. Indonesia have
cleared the air space. The air drop will feed 15,000 people for one day and it is hoped the drop will clear the way for
many more which are desperately needed.
TROOP DEABTE: Parliament will debate the deployment of NZ troops in the House at 2pm today.
THAILAND: Thailand will act as second in command in the UN mission.
DEPLOYMENT: The Kiwi troop deployment to East Timor is the most significant since the Vietnam war and will cost $70
million over 18 months. The risks are high for our troops.
ACC MURDER: The man who admitted killing ACC worker Janet Pike has been sentenced to life with a 12 year minimum
non-parole period.
ANSETT: Non flying Ansett staff have avoided being caught up in the lockout of the pilots. Most stewards, baggage
handlers and clerical workers are being paid while not working, but are on call. The lockout is in its second day.
PUBLIC ACCESS NZ: The lobby group Public Access New Zealand is challenging the gifting of Mt Hikurangi to a Maori iwi.
TV3: TV3 says only a few viewers will miss out on free to air sport coverage. TV3 say they reach 97 per cent of the
country. West Coasters are disappointed.
FLOYD: Hurricane Floyd is heading North and coastal cities have basically shut down with workers being sent home. A
massive cleanup in Carolina is now under way.
ERO REPORT: An ERO report on a Grey Lynne pre-school says the environment is unsafe for children and is inappropriately
managed. It says children are belittled and there is no trust between staff.
ISRAELI POLICE: Israeli police have questioned former PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife separately for eight hours over
financial irregularities. They may be charged.
HORSES: Hundreds of horses and riders are being sought for Lord Of The Rings filming.
ENDS