That's Dr John Sairere, one of the survivors of the Papua New Guinea tsunami telling of the destruction wrought on his village by the three huge waves that hit the island nation's northern coast. The full scale of the disaster is still unclear, with officials now saying there are now more than seven thousand people dead or missing. 12 hundred people are confirmed dead, more than six thousand are missing and hundreds of bodies are still floating in lagoons in the disaster area. IV WITH Ignatius Litiki from Papua New Guinea's disaster and emergency service.
New Zealand First has selected MP Peter Brown as its new deputy leader, a week after the surprise sacking from the post of Māori Affairs Minister Tau Henare. The sacking prompted an angry reaction from the party's five Māori MPs, with [illegible] suggestions they could split from New Zealand First and go it alone. The vote for the deputy leader was taken at today's New Zealand First caucus meeting at Parliament - afterwards, they party's leader Winston Peters admitted he feared some of his MPs may have resigned at the meeting. LIVE IV WITH WINSTON PETERS
LIVE IV WITH the new deputy leader of New Zealand First - Peter Brown
1715 BUSINESS HEADLINE
Mercury Energy is heavily criticised in the just-released Ministerial Inquiry into the Auckland power crisis. The crisis earlier this year saw Auckland's central business district blacked out when all power cables serving the centre city failed. The inquiry makes 13 recommendations for Mercury, and the Government. Our reporter Eric Fryberg has been studying the report - LIVE IV
[illegible] IV WITH Minister of Energy, Max Bradford
The controversial chairman of the Fire Service Commission, Roger Estall, may be about to be deserted by powerful friends. Mr Estall has been the target of a concerted campaign from opposition parties since being appointed chairman a year ago. They claim his ongoing relationship with an insurance broking firm that has advised commercial property owners how to reduce their fire levies represents a conflict of interest. Till now the Government has stood by Mr Estall, but there are signs that attitude might be changing. LIVE IV WITH political correspondent, Stephen Harris
1730 HEADLINES
Returning to our earlier story, and the election of the New Zealand First MP Peter Brown as the party's new deputy leader, replacing the sacked Tau Henare. Has the party snatched victory from the jaws of defeat? Has it found triumph out of adversity? Well, at least have the MPs kissed and made up? LIVE IV WITH political editor Al Morrison.
Returning now to our earlier story about the Ministerial Inquiry into Mercury Energy's performance during the Auckland power crisis. The crisis earlier this year saw Auckland's central business district blacked out when all power cables serving the centre city failed. The Inquiry says that Mercury and its predecessor, the Auckland Electric Power Board, were lacking in their risk management and contingency planning, and their operations and asset management practices. LIVE IV WITH Alex Swney from the Heart of Auckland Business Association
LIVE IV with Mercury Energy's general manager for future planning, Dr Patrick Strange.
1745 SPORTS
The Government has released what it says is the first ever national plan to combat drug abuse and stop the growth of a hard drug market. The National Drug Policy identifies cannabis use as a particular problem, and promises better [illegible] programmes and treatment targetted at key groups like Māori, young people, prisoners and those with mental health problems. The plan also promises stronger intelligence systems to reduce drug availability and greater legal powers to seize assets from drug-makers and growers. LIVE IV with our Health Correspondent, Rae Lamb.
1750 MANA NEWS
They've earned over 70 million dollars for the BBC, had a number one pop single and have Russian President Boris Yeltson as a fan. They're the Teletubbies, four cuddly creatures that have captured the hearts of millions of toddlers around the world. They are also proving a hit on New Zealand TV - now toyshops are preparing for the mad rush expected when teletubby dolls are released. PACKAGE FROM Cathy Carpenter