A billion-dollar P manufacturing ring has been busted in Fiji.Commissioner Andrew Hughes (Fiji Police); Det. Supt. Larry Reid (Acting New Zealand Police Crime Manager).
The UN Security Council has unanimously endorsed a joint US-British resolution outlining Iraq's future. The resolution provides for sovereignty to be handed over to an Interim Iraqi Government. Also, a report on the latest violence in Iraq.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Phil Goff, has announced NZ will give $3 million to the new Iraq, comprising humanitarian aid and funds for elections scheduled for next January.
A man who owes almost $100,000 in fines to the courts, Nathan Bentley, has been spared jail. His case highlights the nationwide problem of fine defaulters, who collectively owe over $300 million. Doug Ewen (lawyer for Nathan Bentley); Phil Goff (Minister of Justice).
The new Maori Party today registered its name and logo with the Electoral Commission and declared it might be willing to work with Don Brash after the next election. Dr Pita Sharples (Maori Party co-leader); Tariana Turia (Maori Party co-leader).
NZ's banks may be forced to pay an extra $150 million in tax, according to advice from the IRD to the Minister of Finance. Annabel Young (Institute of Chartered Accountants); Dr Michael Cullen (Minister of Finance).
Aid workers are warning of a humanitarian crisis in Sudan as hundreds of thousands face starvation due to ethnic violence in the Darfur region in the western part of the country. Hilary Benn (British Secretary of International Development).
A suspected ringleader of the Madrid train bombings is among 17 suspected Islamic terrorists arrested in co-ordinated raids across Europe.
In NZ, foreign students are planning a national campaign to protest against proposed fee increases for international students. Garbo Huang (International Students' Association); Fleur Fitzimons (NZ University Students' Association); Kajsa Igelstrom (international student); Rob Rabel (International Office Director, University of Otago); Bill Milnes (NZ Association for Migration and Investment).
Plans by Radio NZ for a new youth radio network have been attacked by some commercial radio stations, who say taxpayer's money shouldn't be used to fund commercial (and competing) radio stations. Peter Cavanagh (Radio NZ CEO); David Innes (Radio Broadcasters' Association); Murray McCully (National, State Services spokesman); Steve Maharey (minister of Broadcasting).