TV1 6pm News Headlines (First Segment)

Fiji Crisis - Fiji Now - NZ Reaction - Fiji Tourism - Maori Support - Fijian Radio

FIJI CRISIS: Fiji police and the army warn that Fijian Indians and journalists to leave the country after violence continued overnight. The armed mob supporting coup leader George Speight has targeted a local television station and also warned off local and international journalists. Meanwhile Fijian authorities have warned New Zealanders not to come to Fiji.

FIJI NOW: The chief executive of Fiji Television Ken Clark says the situation has quietened into an eerie silence possibly in preparation for more violence later in the night.

NZ REACTION: Meanwhile Foreign Minister Phil Goff has announced a range of measures if constitutional government is overthrown in Fiji. Sporting bodies have already cancelled proposed tours to Fiji. Australia has taken similar action. The Government is also asking journalists not to interview George Speight to stop his propaganda and also for their own safety.

FIJI TOURISM: Tourism to Fiji has dropped dramatically after the reports of the violence. The Government has called on all New Zealanders in the greater Suva area to leave.

MAORI SUPPORT: Maori Sovereignty Groups however are publicly backing George Speight’s move including activist Tama Iti who is travelling to the country. Meanwhile Maori Affairs Minister Dover Samuels and writer Ranganui Walker urge caution over some Maori reaction saying it is better to let Fijians sort the matter out themselves.

FIJIAN RADIO: A Fiji Indian radio station in New Zealand is broadcasting regular updates of the news from a station in Fiji. Over 1500 Fijian-Indian taxi-drivers in Auckland are listening.

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