News and Current Affairs.
Main Stories:
The alleged assault of a woman at a hui has thrown South Auckland tribal groups into turmoil. It has been claimed that Maori activist Titewhai Harawira, head of Auckland’s Whare Paia unit, and two members of her family assaulted two people opposing them in a debate on mental health. Speakers: Ben Carroll (Elder Mataatua Marae), Te Pere Curtis (Carrington Hospital), Waireti Walters (Maori Health Board).
The Social Welfare department has made unofficial moves to return criminal and problem children back to their extended families in the Cook Islands. Investigations show these children are causing increased violent crime in the islands. A report from the Cook Islands on the issue. Speakers: Vaine Vakatini (Mother), Norman George (Police Minister), Ben Nicholls (Chief Probation Officer), Tangatakere Teina (Victim), “Maata” (Exiled Youth), Pastor Tutai Pere (Cook Islands Church), Greg Putland (Social Welfare Department).
A report on the United States Presidential election campaign, pitting Vice-President George Bush against Michael Dukakis, and their views on American foreign policy. Speakers: George Bush (Republican Candidate), Michael Dukakis (Republican Candidate).
Other Stories:
The Government is rushing a bill through Parliament tonight to stop any legal arguments which might slow down court cases involving GST fraud.
Health minister David Caygill has told Parliament there will not be a witch hunt following the findings of the Mason Report into Psychiatric Services. Opposition health spokesman Don McKinnon ealier called for the resignation of Auckland Health Board members. Speakers: Don McKinnon (Oppn Health Spokesman).
Police throughout the North Island are monitoring gang movements tonight, concerned about fresh trouble as gang members converge on the East Coast for the funeral tomorrow of two men shot in Wairoa at the weekend. Meanwhile the Wellington City Council is considering whether to approve a Mongrel Mob convention set for labour weekend. Speakers: Ron Hooper (Homicide Inquiry Chief).
In Christchurch one man is dead and another injured after the collapse of a grain silo.
In a landmark decision the Labour Court has set a precedent for work on the waterfront. The Court ruled the Watersiders’ Union can unload ships, ending the double handling which has plagued the industry since the 1951 dispute.
A tornado hit West Auckland.
An undercover operation has netted half a kilogram of heroin, with a street value of $2 million, that came through Auckland Airport.
The New Zealand film “Navigator” has won six awards at the Australian Film Institute Awards. Speaker: John Maynard (Producer, “Navigator”).
In Yugoslavia a leader of the Montenegro Republic resigned.
Czechoslovakia’s Prime Minister has also resigned.
Algeria’s President appeared on television today appealing for calm after a week of rioting.
Margaret Thatcher is back at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, almost four years to the day of the IRA bombing which killed five of her colleagues.
Media magnate Rupert Murdoch lost half his fortune, almost $2000 million, in the share market crash according to the Forbes list of the worlds richest people.
On the share market the Barclays Index finished up 3 points.