The Firefighters Union says it expects further sackings of its members as two more officers are called to disciplinary hearings. Last night two Dunedin fire-fighters were dismissed after a disciplinary hearing found they had brought the service into disrepute by jostling and heckling Fire Service Commissioner Roger Estall. Now two Auckland officers have been summoned to a meeting with the region commander on Thursday following public meetings at stations around the city. Union President Mike McEnaney is I/V'd LIVE.
The Māori Affairs Minister pours cold water on speculation that he's thinking about breaking away from New Zealand First and setting up a new Māori political party. In a speech today to 300 people at a Māori development conference Tau Henare said Māori political aspirations would be better served by remaining as [illegible] of a coalition Government. Māori Issues Correspondent Chris Wikaira is I/V'd LIVE.
The Presbyterian General Assembly has yet to put the controversial question of homosexual leaders to the vote. More than 500 people have been discussing the issue since nine o'clcok this morning and haven't yet made a decision. Reporter Tanya Oolders is I/V'd LIVE.
1715 BUSINESS HEADLINE
The Consumers Institute and financial experts warn there are high risks involved in borrowing money to buy shares. The warnings follow an offer by the ANZ banks of loans of up to 50-thousand dollars to buy shares in Auckland's International Airport Pkge ex Sharon Brettkelly.
Latest statistics show more than 15-thousand women had abortions last year and for nearly a third of the women it was not their first termination. Statistics New Zealand says there was a 2.7 per cent increase in abortions in 1997, a smaller increase than in previous years - but the statistics show that [illegible] having abortions are getting older. pkge ex Caitlin Cherry.
1730 HEADLINES
The Corrections Department wants to cut staff costs so it can compete with the private sector. Documents obtained by Radio New Zealand show the department wants to cut salaries by thousands of dollars, and reduce annual leave. Justice reporter Corinne Ambler is I/V'd LIVE.
Serial rapist Malcolm Rewa is to get a bill for an eight and a half thousand dollar from the sex abuse service that helped some of his victims. Lawyers say there's no law that makes sex offenders liable for this sort of payment but a prison pyschologist says it could help with their rehabilitation. Pkge ex Karlum Lattimore.
The troubled French territory of New Caledonia takes a significant step towards independence and peace after the French parliament voted to make critical changes to the territory's constitution.. Journalist Helen Fraser an expert in the politics of the region is I/V'd LIVE.
After more than 40-years of selling Girl Guide biscuits, the organisation has decided to sell a chocolate-dipped version from next March. Jill Tomlinson, who is the executive director of the Girl Guides Association is I/V'd LIVE.
1745 SPORTS
It's been dubbed the great frog mystery by some. Scientists from all over the world are struggling to find out why frogs are suddenly dying all over the world. The latest suspected cause being investigated by scientists in the United States and Australia is a fungus normally found in soil.. NZ scientist Dr Bruce Waldman from the University of Canterbury is I/V'd LIVE.
1750 MANA NEWS
New Zealanders are being invited to join the information superway. The Information Technology Roadshow is a joint venture of Telecom and the National Science Technology Roadshow Trust and it's currently travelling the length and breadth of the country, providing a glimpse of the high tech future. pkge ex Karen Gregory-Hunt.