National Radio Midday Bulletin

Fijian Crisis - Kite Fishing - Drug Problems - Ferry Speeds - Fireworks Factory - Maori & Police - Solomon Islands - Organic Foods - Wood Pigeon - Pope’s Birthday

FIJIAN CRISIS: There are reports that seven armed people are holding the Fijian Prime Minister Mahendra Choudry hostage in Parliament buildings in Suva. Shots have been fired but nothing else is known as yet.

KITE FISHING: The Civil Aviation Authority are alerting pilots to the problem of kites especially those used in fishing which are a danger to aircraft if they are flown too close to airports.

DRUG PROBLEMS: A visiting pharmacology professor says the cost of primary health care costs can be made much lower if medication is not used correctly.

EYE DISEASES: An international conference of eye doctors has come together to discuss new ways to treat common eye afflictions.

KIWI DOLLAR: The New Zealand dollar has rebounded in trading after hitting a 15 year low last night.

FERRY SPEEDS: Bylaws are being considered to restrict the speed of fast ferries travelling through the Malborough Sounds, halving the limit.

FIREWORKS FACTORY: Dutch authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the two men who owned the fireworks factory which exploded last week killing 20.

MAORI & POLICE: The signing of a formal agreement between Maori and Police in the Bay Of Plenty – a memorandum of understanding to improve relations.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Cuba has denied Australian media report that it was considering military intervention in the Solomon Islands to help the government with rebel problems

ORGANIC FOODS: At an organic conference Jim Sutton says he doubts the grower’s aim to make New Zealand 100 per cent organic would be feasible.

WOOD PIGEON: Maori and DOC staff have launched a campaign to save an endangered wood pigeon – the “Kukupa”.

POPE’S BIRTHDAY: More than 7000 priests bishops and Cardinals have come together to celebrate Pope John Paul II’s birthday amid interest as to whether he would retire.

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