TV1 News

Defence Forces Downgraded – Aussie Economy – Online Drugs – Online Dangers – Prada Rescue

- DEFENCE FORCES DOWNGRADED: Our Navy and Air Force look set to give up their fighting capabilities, by the order of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Helen Clark wants the Frigate Canterbury to be replaced by a non combat patrolling vessel. A defence analyst said it essentially ends the Anzac relationship.

- AUSSIE ECONOMY: Australia’s economy looks to be heading into big trouble – for the first time in a decade Australia has negative economic growth. But that may not drag New Zealand down with it, despite Australia being our biggest export market. World markets have reacted by selling off the Aussie dollar. Some economic analysts say Australia is probably already in recession. The Employers Federation says a drop in interest rates is the only way New Zealand can avoid following Australia’s lead.

- ONLINE DRUGS: Kerry Bell, a pharmacist already in trouble for selling drugs on the Internet, is in more trouble. Mr Bell has had to pay the maximum penalty for selling online to customers without a prescription and without knowing the appropriateness of the drugs. Internet Magazine claims the doctor is now involved with a new web site selling drugs on line.

- ONLINE DANGERS: There is a warning going out to parents tonight after a survey from the Internet Safety Group found out a worrying number of girls have met people they talk to online in chatrooms, some becoming victims of sex crimes.

- PRADA RESCUE: Team NZ has praised rival Prada for helping to save one of their boats. The Italian team came to the rescue, providing more pumps.

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