**** CKPT FOR FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3 *******
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1700 to 1707 NEWS
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First to Fiji where the military is now saying it supports the Prime Minister and is no longer calling for his resignation. The Acting Commander, Captain Esala Telani addressed a parade of 1,000 soldiers and reservists at Suva's Queen Elizabeth Barracks and assured them there would be no coup. And there was unprecedented security at parliament today when the government announced its latest budget. Captain Telani met with Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase this morning and he decribes their talks as good and healthy discussion. Captain Telani says he reassured the Prime Minister of the security of the nation. PREREC
Jellyfish and chips may be on the menu by 20-50. A jaw-dropping report suggests there will be virtually nothing left to fish from the seas by the middle of the century, if current trends continue. The major scientific study has been published in the journal Science. Doctor Reg Watson of Canada's British Columbia University is one of the authors, and thinks he knows where all the fish have gone. PREREC
Just how did the gentle pursuit of whitebaiting turn nasty on the West Coast?
Shots were fired during a dispute at Deadman's Creek, north of Westport yesterday - prompting an armed offenders squad call-out. Some Coasters say the incident highlights increased tensions this season as whitebaiters fight over meagre pickings. Geoff Moffett with this report. PKG
A rare 1975 New Zealand 20 cent coin has sold on Trade me for 2170 dollars. The coin, which was accidentally minted in the shape of a Hong Kong coin is believed to be one of only 10 or 15 originally made. The accident happened when the royal mint was striking 60 milion 2-dollar coins for Hong Kong and 5 million 20 cent coins for New Zealand. The coin has scallped edges, and is thinner than a normal 20 cent peice. Coin Dealer Peter Eccles sold the coin, and believes it is the most ever paid for a New Zealand decimal coin.He joins us now. LIVE
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1720 BUSINESS NEWS WITH
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Child Youth and Family says doubling the sentencing for young offenders may mean they are less likely to reoffend. CYFs and the Ministry of Justice are reviewing youth sentencing, with one option extending sentences in residence from three to six months, and supervision from six to twelve months. The spokesperson for Child Youth and Family, Ray Smith, says they want to target young violent criminals guilty of aggravated assault and burglary. PREREC
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1730 HEADLINES
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SPORTS NEWS WITH STEPHEN HEWSON
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The Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly has broken his promise of earlier this week, by delivering a lecture at his Sydney mosque today. He has also delivered a statement attacking the media. Since his controversial remarks comparing women with unconvered meat, Sheikh Hilaly has been under pressure to stand down. He did agree to take a break from giving sermons. But today he is defiant saying he has no intention of stepping aside and that he intends today's sermon to be a knock out comeback. Well Sydney's 2UE reporter Dane Svenson was at the sermon and joins us now. LIVE
A proposal by Air New Zealand and Qantas to share flights looks set to be turned down, following an announcement today by Australia's competition watchdog. The ACCC has indicated it may deny the application from the two airlines to operate a code-share agreement on trans Tasman routes which would see them sell seats on each others aircraft. Air New Zealand says it's flabbergasted and astounded, and says there are flaws in the draft decision. Neither Air new Zealand nor Qantas is fronting on the issue, but joining us now for analysis is David Russell from the Consumers Institute... LIVE
There'll be mock military manoveurs and a musical pageant in Wellington tonight. The Year of the Veteran and the 90th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association are being marked at the Westpac Stadium. A large crowd's expected to see the massed pipe and drum bands, marching girls and military displays. Georgina Bond was at rehearsals today: PKG
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WAATEA NEWS WITH ERU REREKURA
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A group monitoring transparency in government says there's an urgent need for an independent body to set the rules on election spending. New Zealand's chapter of Transparency International says the recent law change validating unlawful election spending - passed under urgency - has created an impression politicians acted in their own self-interest. The group has written to all party leaders, proposing that an independent body be established to set future election spending rules. Former ombudsman and the group's spokesperson, Mel Smith, joins us now. LIVE
The Green Party has a suite of new members bills to tackle global warming and they're challenging other political parties to support them - or come up with something better. The Greens' release of the bills coincides with the ramping up of rhetoric from the major parties on the issue and tomorrow's International Day of Action on Climate Change. Here's political reporter Liz Banas.PKG
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