14 May, 2001 Media Statement

An application from Virgin Blue to operate on both the Trans-Tasman and domestic New Zealand routes has been received by the Minister of Transport Mark Gosche.

"I have received a letter from Virgin Blue outlining their request that the New Zealand Government allow them to operate under the Open Skies Agreement with Australia," said Mr Gosche.

"I have asked my officials to meet with Virgin Blue management to progress this request as soon as possible."

"We will also be seeking urgent discussions with the Australian Government who we understand have received the same documentation," he said.

"I look forward to positive discussions taking place with Virgin Blue who are keen to ensure competition expands in the New Zealand aviation market."

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>>