East Timor – Defence Policy – Derek Fox – Wages of Lotto – Oil Companies In Court – Rural Policing – Fire Alarms – SA World Cup Squad

EAST TIMOR: East Timor goes to the polls today amid fears of violence. Yesterday pro and anti independence forces signed an agreement to remain peaceful today – but it was broken within hours yesterday. Bishop Carlos Bishop has urged peacefulness.

EAST TIMOR: NZ MPs say it is essential an armed international force is sent into East Timor as soon as possible. If violence does erupt the UN can do nothing the MPs say. “To walk away after the event would be a tragedy” – says Ken Shirley.

DEFENCE POLICY: A scathing report on New Zealand‘s defence policy will be released today by the defence select committee. Several National members have written a minority report which will be issued at the same time.

DEREK FOX: Veteran Maori broadcaster Derek Fox and Mayor of Wairoa is to stand in the Eastern Maori seat. Meanwhile a poll shows all current Maori MPs will lose.

WAGES OF LOTTO: State Services Commissioner is coming under pressure over the size of Lotto chief David Bale’s salary. Rodney Hide of ACT believes Michael Wintringham should have done more. Maurice Williamson will quiz Mr Wintriongham today on the case.

OIL COMPANIES IN COURT: The Commerce Commission is taking oil companies to court over collusion over a free-car wash deal in Auckland several years ago.

RURAL POLICING: Police association is backing a South Waikato town’s proposal to have volunteers on the beat with officers.

FIRE ALARMS: The Fire Service is demanding alarms be installed in inner city Auckland flats after a fire in the city at the weekend.

SA WORLD CUP SQUAD: South Africa has named its 30-man World Cup Squad including four players of colour.

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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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