News, sport and weather.
Main stories:
A fire in a tourist hotel in Puerto Rico has killed up to 80 people and left 100 injured.
Police in Timaru have seized a fishing boat which they believe may have been used to dump the bodies of two missing men at sea. The two friends, Paul Chapman Wilson and Stephen James Hartley, haven’t been seen since Boxing Day and Police now believe they are dead.
1987 dawned almost quietly today, without much of the violence that’s marred celebrations in other years. In New Zealand the year ticked away with Police around the country out in force, just in case.
The Prime Minister David Lange says his New Years message to the nation is not one of political promises, but policies. He spent day one of 1987 at the races, and he’s forecasting the majority of New Zealanders will still be backing him and his Labour Government at the end of this election year. Meanwhile Jim Bolger was on holiday with family and friends at a motor-camp. Speakers: David Lange (Prime Minister), Jim Bolger (Leader of the Opposition).
Other Stories:
The 1987 road toll already stands at one after a woman was killed in Mangere today. Meanwhile 1986 was one of the worst years for road deaths in recent times, with 770 people killed in motor accidents.
South Africa’s President has said there will be a general election there soon, but only white voters will take part.
The southern Cook Islands are still under threat from Cyclone Sally.
Dunedin is enjoying a tourist boom this summer. A record number of people have called at the visitor centre, which is so busy that extra staff have been called in to deal with the rush. Speaker: Suzanne Hannagan (Centre Supervisor).
An American dog has been allowed into Dunedin, bypassing usual quarantine regulations. Speakers: Peter Toma (Scientist), Magya Holdy Toma (Dog Owner).
Nine cars 80 years or older have been driven from Auckland to Wellington, in an re-enactment of the 1906 AA Reliability Contest. Speaker: Ross Jones.
Sport:
Racing in the America’s Cup resumes tomorrow. Speaker: Chris Dickson (KZ7 Skipper).
It was a day of records at today’s Auckland Cup at Ellerslie Race Course, both on the track and at the tote. Speakers: Greg Childs (Jockey), Robert Caddigan (Jockey).
Wellington has won the first round at the National Women’s Softball Championship, while Auckland has done the same at the Men’s Championship.
Women’s National Cricket Championship.
Asian Youth Basketball Championship match between China and Taiwan.
Weather.