Sir Robert Mahuta – David Beattie – Waitangi Four Day Weekend – Waitangi Day Preparations – Child Murder – North Canterbury Death – Shark Attack – Fiji Rugby

SIR ROBERT FUNERAL: A great warrior has laid down his Taiaha. Sir Robert Mahuta is laid to rest. Political leaders assembled for the funeral. In death Sir Robert Mahuta, adopted brother to the Maori Queen, was given a stirrng send off. A band plays. Pall barers including Sir Douglas Graham. He has served us well says Sir Doug. This Tangi has lasted five days. One of the final groups to arrive were a group from the Cook Islands. Sir Robert was taken up the river to his burial. Sir Robert was buried at his endowment college overlooking the Hopuhopu Army base. This was the dying wish of Sir Robert. Here he will oversea the next generation of Maori leaders.

DAVID BEATTIE: Former GG Sir David Beattie died over the weekend. The PM led the flow of tributes to Sir David. Sir David was a Justice for 12 years. Judge Smellie says that Sir David could often tell in advance what verdicts would be. Arts Festival director Carla van Zon described him as a gentle person. The sporting community also misses him. He will have a state funeral.

WAITANGI FOUR DAY WEEKEND: Many NZers have decided to take a four day weekend this Waitangi Day. Sandwich bars turnover is down 50%. Employers believe this is a sign of a modern working environment. No motorway problems in Auckland. Lots of kids away in Wellington. The Italians call it Ponte. The next chance to Ponte is ANZAC day when a five day weekend is possible.

WAITANGI PREPARATIONS: The Government will have someone at Waitangi tomorrow. Minister Tariana Turia will be there. A fleet of seven Waka have gathered . In the absence of the Navy the Waka crews will be raising the flag themselves. A final hui on Waka safety will be held tonight. Waka crews, of all ages, will not be wearing lifejackets. The flag of the Confederation of Chiefs and the Union Jack will be raised.

CHILD MURDER: A Wanganui man has been arrested for the killing of a child. He has name suppression.

NORTH CANTERBURY DEATH: A North Canterbury death will not be further investigated. The brother of the man who died was initially charged with assault. Police say he died of natural causes.

SHARK ATTACK: A shark attack victim in Australia tied a rope around his leg to save his life. He lost a 30cm piece of his leg in the shark attack. The man was surfing alone. After 19 attacks in the last five years most swimmers got out of the water in Perth when a shark was seen. Beach rangers were annoyed however when they went back in after a short while.

FIJI RUGBY: Fiji will be playing sevens rugby in Wellington this weekend but Ministers of the Crown have been advised not to watch. Human Rights campaigners says that it looks like NZ has gone soft. Sports Minister Trevor Mallard refused to speak to TV3 about the Rugby today. Comments that he will buy a pie when Fiji is playing have not gone down well with protestors. Phil Goff says Mallard will be going to the opening ceremony with the Fijians.

© 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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