TV1 6pm News

1. HOME INVASION - A Rotorua family is reeling from a terrifying home invasion earlier today. The adults and two children were tied up by a man who entered their home with a knife. He then demanded money, drunk beer and played music and lit a fire in the kitchen and cut a gas line to create a potentially explosive situation. The husband wriggled free and alerted neighbours, police apprehended the man who appeared in court today. He could be the first to face the Government's home invasion laws.

2. CHILD DEATH - A second person has been charged in relation to the death of a four year old who died after a severe beating in Wanganui

3. WHOOPING COUGH - Health officials are warning of another whooping cough epidemic. Many more cases than usual, one Southland family has had three of five children catch the disease.

4. PHONE CARDS - Phone card holders are celebrating a major victory after Telecom did a U-turn and said they would replace unused phone cards that are set to be obsolete. Previously they said there would be no refunds. Telecom also say it will reimburse the costs of the man who took them to court over the issue. Card holder have until Jan 1 to apply.

5. IRRADIATED FOOD - Irradiated food may be back on the table after a 10 year ban. The decision was made alongside that made by Australian and NZ Health Ministers on GMFs. There will be strict controls on the foods, however safe food campaigners are not happy at the move saying consumers do not want such food. Meat producers are interested as it reduces food poisoning. Government says the food will be labelled.

6. QUEEN MOTHER - The Queen Mother has celebrated her 99th birthday and did walkabout to greet well-wishers. Her frailty showed, but she still stayed on her feet for half an hour before her electric buggy was rolled out.

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