TV3 News

Friday, 28 January 2000, 6:28 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

John Hawkesby - E-Warfare - Screwdriver Gang - Alcohol During Pregnancy - Oasis Baby - God's Army - Allan Gibbs - Americas Cup - Queenstown

HAWKESBY: TVNZ has ordered to pay former TV3 newsreader John Hawkesby - who worked for 10 days of a three year contract - between $2 and $5.5 million. John Hawkesby has won the award at arbitration but its exact quantum is protected by a confidentiality agreement. Rodney Hide from ACT wants to have the figure made public. Rodney Hide described the blunder as one of the biggest in corporate history. He says it is a big coverup. TVNZ says it will take the case on appeal. Hawkesby says he had asked for the dispute to be held in public at the High Court. He says he is delighted with the award.

E-WARFARE: The fate of Timberlands senior planning manager Kit Richards is in the balance tonight. Timberlands is expected to dismiss the manager. Richards says the words in his email were not meant to be threatening and says he is "taking a lot of heat". The PM has demanded that the Board of Timberlands act on the email. The PM says she fears Richards is just the tip of a pro-logging ice-berg. In another twist ACT has accused Labour of funding the NFA. Helen Clark says it is Ken Shirley who should be embarrassed.

SCREWDRIVER GANG: Two women charged with helping to hide the screwdriver gang by booking hotels for them - at least one in ultra-posh Remuera.

ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY: Women have been warned after a new study suggests that even a small amount of alcohol can hurt a baby in the womb. The study used ultrasound to measure the reactions of babies to surprises. Drinking mothers babies reactions were slower. This contrasts with the official position in Great Britain that a small amount of alcohol is okay . In America women are advised not to drink at all.

OASIS BABY: Oasis singer Noel Gallagher had a drink today following the birth of his first child. He says he feels calm and spiritual. Wife is well and still laughing.

GOD'S ARMY: Twin leaders of God's Army in Thailand. The legend of Johnny and Luther. Followers believe the twins have special powers to ward off bullets. A nun says the 12 year-old generals are amazing. The twins have 300 followers and are fundamentalist Christians. Reports tonight however say their base for God's Army has been overrun by the Myanmar army.

ALLAN GIBBS: Millionaire Auckland businessman Allan Gibbs has been fined for running over a boat with a jetski. He has paid $13,000 in fines and compensation. His lawyer asked for a conviction not to be entered because it might interfere with travel.

AMERICAS CUP: Not enough wind for race three in the Louis Vuitton Cup final today. Some spectator boats are getting too close. Boats will be taught to behave with a public education campaign.

QUEENSTOWN: Queenstown is returning to normal after floods. Beer is back on in McNeils Brewery which has been rebuilt. Improving signs that the Frankton Slip has stopped. Some families are pleased to be back in their houses. Nine residents are still waiting however.

© Scoop Media

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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