HEADLINES & NEWS
Child advocates are demanding stronger measures and better resourcing to stop the neglect and abuse of children following a controversial conference at Parliament today. The forum to debate the merits of mandatory reporting of child abuse, was organised by the National Party and attracted more than 140 representatives of community agencies, professional groups and politicial parties. But government MPs stayed away, with the Social Services Minister Steve Maharey saying he remains opposed to mandatory reporting. However, Claire Silvester reports that some groups at the conference are warning that they are losing patience, and want a harder line on reporting child abusers. PKGE
[illegible] Kelly, from the College of Paediatricians, works at Starship hospital where reporting of child abuse is mandatory. He was at today's conference, and says he understands why so many of his colleagues who work elsewhere don't always report child abuse because they think it will do more harm than good. PREREC
The Prime Minister Helen Clark is looking for a tough stance on upholding democracy from the South Pacific Forum in Kiribati this weekend. Regional security and a response to events such as the coup in Fiji are expected to dominate the meeting of South Pacific leaders. It follows a meeting of South Pacific foreign ministers earlier this year which drew up a series of resolutions on the importance of democratic rights and what can be done when those principles are breached. Helen Clark says the forum is one of the most important in years - I asked her if she expects a strong statement condemning the Fiji coup. PREREC
The young cancer sufferer, Liam Williams-Holloway, who was taken into hiding to avoid mainstream medical treatment last year, has died. The five year old had been in Mexico for alternative treatment for neuroblastoma cancer - he died on [illegible]. Last year, his parents Brendan and Treena refused to continue Liam's chemotherapy at Dunedin hospital and took him into hiding. A public appeal raised over 700 thousand dollars to send him overseas for alternative treatment - a family friend Jude Battson told me that Liam's progress had been erratic. PREREC
BUSINESS NEWS with PATRICK O'MEARA
Scientists are intensifying their warnings on the extent of climate change. They are upgrading their assessments of global warming so far and making dramatic predictions for the next hundred years. Eric Frykberg reports that the comments come in a leaked draft report by the United Nations-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC. PKGE
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The Travel Agents Association is telling members to warn customers about the risk they run of developing blood clots during air-travel. The clots - dubbed the 'economy-class syndrome' - are being blamed for the death of a British tourist after a 20-hour Qantas flight from Australia to London earlier this month. Our Tourism reporter Sarah Gregory with that story. PKGE
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees is criticising as "woefully inadequate" Indonesia's response to disbanding the West Timor refugee camps. The UNHCR evacuated its staff from the camps last month after militamen killed three UN workers. The killings prompted a UN Security Council resolution calling on Indonesia to disarm and disband the militia and restore law and order in the camps. A Security Council delegation visits East and West Timor next month. The UNHCR spokesperson in Dili, Peter Kessler says Indonesia is not doing enough to repatriate refugees. PREREC
Hydroponically-grown cannabis is increasing in popularity - and police say the trend is making their fight against the drug more difficult. The National Drugs Intelligence Bureau says users see indoor cannabis as being more potent and better value than drugs grown outdoors. Corin Dann Reports. PKGE
The New Zealand paralympian Peter Martin has had his gold medal in the shot put at the Sydney Games confirmed after a protest by an American athlete was rejected. The Hamilton tetraplegic initially finished second behind the American Val Don Jacobson - but Jacobson was ruled ineligible for the class. Martin will get his gold later tonight, bringing New Zealand's medal total to 12 - four golds, six silvers and two bronzes. The Paralympics finish on Sunday - I asked New Zealand's Chef de mission Dave Curry about morale at the games. PREREC
The Otahuhu District Court in south Auckland, which has dealt with some of the country's most notorious criminals, held its final court sitting today. It's being replaced by the new 23-million dollar Manukau District Court, which staff hope will see a major improvement in facilities and atmosphere. Eileen Cameron takes a last look at the old court. PKGE
Despite the record floods which ravaged the Tararua District early this month, one of the country's most renowned trout fishing competitions is netting some great fish. The Pahiatua Trout Fishing Carnival began at Labour weekend, and [illegible] tommorrow - Jill Galloway reports. PKGE
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