EYEWITNESS NEWS. 22/04/1988

Rob Neale presents the news of the day. Clashes have taken place on the island of Ouvea, New Caledonia, resulting in a number of deaths and the Kanaks are holding a number of hostages. The outbreak comes just 48 hours before New Caledonians vote for new regional councils and take part in the first round of elections for the new French President. Richard Harman reports by phone from Noumea.

Richard Long presents the news. A 19 year old man Michael Lihue is to appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow in connection with the abduction of Leanne McGrath. She had been taken six days ago at knifepoint in her flat. Another woman has been abducted in Christchurch. [Foreign news] Financial and sharemarket news.

Rob Neale presents the issues of the day. The Prime Minister David Lange leaves tomorrow for Europe to argue the case for continued butter sales. He is likely to face a tough battle. Both European and British farmers have been forced to cut back their production in recent years, and now British Conservative MPs are using New Zealand’s anti-nuclear policy as a reason for not giving the same level of support to our case as in the past. Alan McArthew reports from the UK and Europe.

The government’s new policy on broadcasting will be announced next week by Broadcasting Minister Richard Prebble. Changes are expected to be fundamental, striking right at the heart of public service broadcasting, and opening up the airwaves through privatisation and deregulation.

[World Watch] New Caledonian politics.

Richard Long presents the headlines and weather.