News, sport and weather.
Main stories:
The arrival of a French military aircraft in the Cook Islands today with cyclone relief aid has caused speculation that the French will use the disaster as a way of improving its political influence in the South Pacific. The aircraft also brought more than 50 military personnel to assist in reconstruction work. Two plane loads of aid have gone to the Islands from this country. Speakers: Sir Tom Davies (Cook Islands Prime Minister).
The Prime Minister has responded angrily to suggestions here that New Zealand’s relief efforts in the Cooks may have been upstaged by the French response.
New Zealand’s campaign to fight sexual attacks on children is being labelled behind the times and inadequate by professionals working with the young victims of abuse. In spite of moves to introduce legislation giving social workers and the Police more powers to fight the problem, those working on sexual abuse cases says the system keeps failing through outdated attitudes and a a lack of resources. Speakers: Brenda Strathern (Social Worker), Kate Casey (Child Protection Unit), Dr Ian Hassell (National Advisory Committee).
Other stories:
Soviet Foreign Minister’s appeal for ceasefire during his visit to Afghanistan.
War between Chad and Libya.
Prince Edward is considering his future with the Royal Marines.
A report on the environmental impact of a proposed irradiation plant in the Auckland suburb of Mangare was made public today. Speaker: Graeme Campbell (ARA Chief Planner).
Engineers have found more problems with the Auckland Harbour Bridge and are considering major structural work on the highest spans of the clip-on outer lanes.
The Government’s user pays policy is forcing maps of New Zealand out of some tourist brochures. Lands and Survey has introduced huge increases to copyright charges on all its maps of the countryside and the added expense is proving too much for members of the Tourist Industry Federation. Speakers: Tony Stanford (Tourist Industry Federation), Bob Burns (Department of Lands and Survey).
Sport:
New Zealand’s America’s Cup syndicate has been taking a close look at the controversial new sail being used by Australia IV. Speakers: Tom Schnackenberg (Sail Designer).
Benson & Hedges Tennis Open results.
Shell Trophy cricket results.
Bonecrusher is coming home from Australia. Speaker: Sean Ritchie (Strapper).
National Archery Championships in New Plymouth.
Weather.