Tom Bradley presents the news. Police will work through the weekend to recover the bodies of the nine people killed in a light plane crash near Whanganui last night. Protesters demonstrated in Auckland on the anniversary of the coup in Fiji a year ago. A new pricing system for mail begins next month at New Zealand Post. Redundancies within Telecom have reduced staff morale to an all time low. Established South Island building company Williamson Construction Co. has been placed in receivership. The new government in France is expected to have an inquiry into the allegations that French military shot three Kanaks in cold blood after they surrendered in the caves at Ouvea in New Caledonia. [Foreign news] Kmart is to open a dozen stores around Auckland in the next few years, and is also looking at expanding to other centres. Financial and sharemarket news.
Rob Neale presents the issues of the day. The Auckland Hospital Board will consider whether to close down Carrington Hospital’s controversial Maori Health Unit Whare Paia, one of three options before the Board. Sir Frank Rutter, Auckland Hospital Board Chairman, is interviewed about the crisis. Employment and associate Education Minister Phil Goff has outlined a new income maintenance package for young people. If the measures gain Cabinet approval, payment will be gauged on financial need. A background report outlines the issues, including the low payment for tertiary students which is a disincentive for young people to get higher qualifications. Phil Goff, Employment Minister, is interviewed in the studio. Part two of the tourism report, outlines the problem of tourism being unaffordable for New Zealanders in their own country.
[World Watch]
Tom Bradley presents the headlines and the weather.