EYEWITNESS NEWS. 15/05/1989

News and Current Affairs.

Main Stories:
A new lobby group, comprising Federated Farmers, the Manufacturers Federation and the Consumers Institute, has been formed to tackle high interest rates and the major culprits, according to the group, are the bankers. The Prime Minister also weighed into the debate today, with another attack on bank rates, but some economists say the attack on the banks is a smokescreen. Speakers: Brian Chamberlin (Federated Farmers), David Lange (Prime Minster), Murray Weatherston (Financial Focus NZ), David Caygill (Minister of Finance).

Several major Auckland hospitals face drastic trimming when the specially appointed Commissioner Harold Titter announces his cost-cutting plans this week. Eyewitness News understands that all Carrington hospital psychiatric wards will be closed, a move greeted with mixed feelings but not unexpected. Speakers: Dr Peter McGeorge, Paul Treadwell (Patients Advocate).

Countries throughout the South Pacific are re-examining their Colonial era constitutions and seeking a greater role for local customs in their politics. A report from Vanuatu. Speakers: Father Walter Lini (Vanuatu Prime Minister), Barak Sope (Vanuatu Opposition Politician), George Sokomanu (Former Vanuatu President), Geoffrey Palmer (Deputy Prime Minister), Suliana Siwatibau, Vincent Bulekone (Vanuatu Opposition MP).

Other Stories:
Researchers are warning that an alarming growth of the AIDS epidemic is beginning in New Zealand.

An Australian company has failed in its attempt to takeover Fisher and Paykel.

Meeting between the Soviet Union and China and protests in Tiananmen Square.

Argentinean elections.

Panama elections.

Explosion on US aircraft carrier.