CityJet – Tobacco Tax – New Ambassadro – BOP Floods – Yachting Betting – Dairy Mega-Merger – EgyptAir – Hunger Strikers – Drinking Cards – Armistice Day – Libraries And The Internet

CITYJET: CAA is continuing the suspension of Cityjet and is asking half of its pilots to step down immediately. Cityjet boss says he will be asking for volunteers to take leave without pay and outstanding leave . Steve Mosen maintains the CAA has a vendetta against the airline. “What they think is politics we think is our rightful job” – say CAA.

TOBACCO TAX: Four political parties have found common ground on tax. Anti-smoking campaigner asked whether the parties would raise tobacco tax. National Labour the Alliance and NZ First all support rises in tobacco tax. Later in response to questions on Coromandel Labour’s Michael Cullen said at current polling the Green’s were not important for Labour’s election chances.

NEW AMBASSADOR: The US Senate has confirmed Carol Moseley-Braun as Ambassador to NZ. Sparks fly between Whitehouse and senate over ethical allegations from Senator Jesse Helms. In Senate Mr Helms was the only voice of dissent. In the vote 96 in favour to 2 noes. Confirmation confirmed. Supporters thrilled with the result. “She has no ethical problems, end of story” – says MB spokesman.

BOP FLOODS: Heavy rain has closed State Highway 2 and the road to Opotiki. People were prepared for the flood. Sightseers are being moved on. A watch is to be kept on the Whakatane river.

YACHTING BETTING: Yachting sports national body is facing legal action over its decision to allow betting on the Americas Cup. Complainants won’t say what they have said but have said they have been getting legal advice. The TAB says the pool is doubling everyday.

DAIRY MEGA-MERGER: Kiwi and Northland have agreed to join the proposed Dairy Mega Coop. The Dairy Group and Kiwi are also in merger negotiations and a breakthrough may come today.

EGYPTAIR: Flight recorder shows EgyptAir flight 990 began what appeared to be a controlled descent before it encountered problems. Data indicates descending to 19,000 feet in a controlled fashion. Investigators are still recovering data from the last few seconds. No evidence of accidental thrust reversal as feared.

HUNGER STRIKERS: Hunger strikers health condition is worsening says doctor and Deputy Auckland Mayor. Sensible procedures need to be arranged the Dr says. He plans to fax the PM and Immigration Minister today about the men's condition.

DRINKING CARDS: Hospitality industry is not concerned that only 200 people have applied for HANZ 18+ ID cards so far. Applications only opened last week. 30,000 cards have been made up and he expects there to be a rush now and then another one from December 1 when the law comes into effect. Fines for underage drinkers have doubled.

ARMISTICE DAY: Silence falls at War Memorial museum in Auckland as a small crowd commemorate Armistice Day. Last Post played. NZ and Australia have agreed to build a permanent memorial in Gallipoli.

LIBRARIES AND THE INTERNET: Calls for libraries to be better managed as people spend more time on the internet. There is a concern that Adult-Non-fiction has become largely online, says a librarian. Libraries need to manage presentation of information in books better.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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