HOPES THAT FIJI COUP COULD NEAR END
The Fiji coup leader George Speight and his supporters are tonight confident the amnesty against prosecution promised to the seven ringleaders will be extended to cover everyone - including those involved in shooting a policeman. This follows another day of talks between Speight and a delegation from the Great Council of Chiefs and the military leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama. (bye-knee-ma-rama). Last night Speight and the military agreed to leave a decision of whether to appoint a military or civilian government to a meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs on Monday. In the meantime the hostages remain confined at Parliament, and Speight is talking of good-faith bargaining. He says to show his commitment to the agreement, he is prepared to release the hostages before the chiefs meet on Monday, as an act of good faith. AUDIO
Our reporter John McDonald is in Suva, he joins me now.
CMAG TO CONSIDER FIJI CRISIS
Commonwealth Ministers will meet in London next week to look at ways to deal with Fiji. Among the options is suspension from the commonwealth. The Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon says while he won't second guess what the Ministers will do, the commonwealth does want to see a return to democracy in Fiji within the 1997 constitution. However, he says, the release of the hostages must be the first priority. PREREC
TRANZRAIL AND AK CITY COUNCIL AGREE ON RAIL
Auckland's local body leaders are hailing as a breakthrough, a deal which will see them take over part of Tranzrail's suburban rail network for 65 million dollars. The agreement announced today after lengthy negotiations will allow Auckland's councils to develop its own rapid transit public transport system, something they see as crucial in easing worsening traffic congestion. Our Auckland correspondent Todd Niall has been following the issue. LIVE
BUSINESS NEWS
NO INQUIRY INTO WAIPAREIRA
A parliamentary select committee has abandoned an inquiry into the Waipareira Trust, but opposition MPs say it's not the end of the matter. The Trust, which provides health and welfare services in West Auckland, has been the target of a series of allegations of financial mismanagement. The Māori Affairs Select Committee was to have looked into the Trust's use of public money, but the Government MPs have used their majority vote on the committee to drop the inquiry. Clare Pasley reports. PKG
FUNDING COULD CHANGE FOR COMMUNITY SECTOR
The Minister responsible for the Responsible for Community and Voluntary sector is Steve Maharey. He wants to the funding of the community sector changed to avoid using contracts based on specific outputs. Mr Maharey joins us now. LIVE
5.30 NEWS & SPORT
DOCTORS IGNORING HEALTH PROBLEMS
The Medical Council says overseas studies suggest up to 160 New Zealand doctors could have severe health problems which have not been notified. The council says this is a worst case scenario, but it has issued a reminder to doctors to tell it about collegues who may be continuing to treat patients when they are unfit to do so. The studies suggest that one to two percent of doctors may be performing poorly because of illnesses such as alcohol and drug addiction. In this country that means about 240 doctors - yet the council only knows of 80. I asked the Council's Health Committee chairman, Dr Mark Adams, why the doctors are not coming forward.
FAISANDER GIVEN 31/2 YEAR SENTENCE
The Lower Hutt business-woman Anita Faisandier, found guilty of 20 charges of fraud involving more than 40-million-dollars, has been jailed for three and a half years by the Wellington District Court. Faisandier, who is 45, offended through cheque-kiting. This involves writing a worthless cheque on an account in one bank, lodging it in another account in a second bank and then drawing [illegible] funds before the cheque is dishonoured. Our Court Reporter Merle Nowland was at the sentencing and joins me now.
HAWKES BAY FEAR PEAK DEVELOPMENT
Time is running out for one of Hawke's Bay feature landmarks Te Mata Peak near Havelock North, which could be a victim of suburban development. The Hastings District Council decided last month to allow some development of the peak after two and a half years of discussion - but has now agreed to re-hear submissions. This means Hawke's Bay residents seeking a ban on development have another opportunity to come up with new evidence to support their case. Heugh Chappell reports on the peak's past - and possible future.
NZ'S ENERGY EFFICIENCY CRITICISED
A four year study of New Zealand energy use shows the energy use patterns of a very rich country - despite the nation's relatively poor economic position. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority released the information today as part of a report comparing energy use in fourteeen countries. A senior scientist with the International Energy Agency, Lee Schipper says New Zealanders have an energy intensive life style. He points high car ownership [illegible] poor home insulation as two reasons for high energy use. And he says New Zealanders will use still more energy as the economy grows - forcing up prices and making it difficult for to meet national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Dr Schipper joins us now.
THIRD ALL SOUTHERN NETBALL FINAL
The Southland netball team The Southern Sting takes on the Canterbury Flames in the Netball Cup final at Stadium Southland in Invercargill tomorrow night. With home town advantage, a sell out crowd and outstanding form prior to the semi-final stage The Southern Sting starts odds-on favourite. A win would be the second title in a row for the team.
Graham McKerracher set out to find out why Netball is so popular in Southland.
CLOSE & THEME