16 February 2001 Media Statement

Defence Minister offers his condolences

Defence Minister Mark Burton has extended his sympathy and deepest condolences to the family of Squadron Leader Murray Neilson, who was killed today while piloting a A4-K Skyhawk in Australia.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Squadron Leader Neilson and my thoughts at this terrible time are with his family.

"Squadron Leader Neilson’s death will have a profound impact on his family, his friends and the members of No. 2 Squadron and indeed all of the Defence Force.

"There will be of course a full investigation into the accident. But our first priority is to ensure all possible support is available to Squadron Leader Neilson’s family.

“I know that the Government and all New Zealanders will join me in conveying our deepest sympathy to family, friends and colleagues”, Mark Burton said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>