6.30 NEWS & TOP HALF. 05/06/1985

News, current affairs, sport and weather.

Main stories:
Joe Walding, NZ’s High Commissioner in London and former Labour cabinet Minister, dies. Interview: David Lange (PM).

Firemen’s Union wants independent investigation into health problems suffered by firemen who attended the chemical fire at ICI in Auckland, six months earlier. Concern dioxin is the cause. Interviews: Arthur Monk (Firemen’s Union), Mike Harwood, Willy McDonnell, Larry Jones (firemen).

Timaru by-election. Jim McLay campaigns.

Government commission advises removal of import licences for textiles and garments, causing widespread concern in the industry over likely loss of jobs. Interview: Peter Rudkin (NZ Textile and Garment Federation).

University Entrance to be abolished and replaced by Sixth Form Certificate. Interview: Russell Marshall (Education Minister), Tony Steele (PPTA President), Ruth Richardson (National).

Petrocorp criticises government for skimming revenue off its profits. Speakers: David Lange.

Second runway for Auckland airport to be built.

Top Half:
400 forestry workers march in Rotorua to protest proposed restructuring of NZ Forest Service. The government proposes to split the service by handing care of native forests to a separate department. Forestry workers are concerned that environmental conservation is being prioritised over jobs. Interviews: Geoff Watts (NZ Workers Union).

Bruce Burnett, founder of the AIDS Support Network, dies. Interviews: Kate Leslie (AIDS support network).