George Bush x 2 – Kiwi Bank – Minimum Wage – Lily Bing – Kaitaia GPs – Mobile Operating Theatre – Sounds Speed Limit – Scrooge In Parliament – Terrorist Gun – New Tree
GEORGE BUSH: George Bush is beginning work on naming his cabinet. This morning he began the day with a prayer service. The White House team is expected to be announced in a few days.
GEORGE BUSH: The NZ PM says she is not expecting any changes in NZ-US relations under George Bush.
KIWI BANK: The NZ Post board will decide today whether to back a proposal to launch a Kiwi bank. A report out today says it could take longer than three years for the bank to become profitable. Jim Anderton does not want further delays.
MINIMUM WAGE: The Employers Federation says rises in youth rates and the minimum wage will make employers less competitive.
LILY BING: Defence lawyers are expected to make submissions today in defence of three people charged over the death of toddler Lily-Bing.
KAITAIA GPS: A Kaitaia Doctor says that he and his colleagues may have to quit to avoid burnout. Three of Kaitaia’s eight GPs are leaving.
MOBILE OPERATING THEATRE: A new mobile surgery for rural operations is said to be better equipped than many hospital operating theatres.
SOUNDS SPEED LIMIT: A bylaw restricting the speed of fast ferrys in parts of the Marlborough Sounds comes into effect today. Fast Ferry’s will have to slow down to 18 knots.
SCROOGE: The spirit of Scrooge has been raised in Parliament with allegations that $8000 has been spent on Phillida Bunkle’s hemp curtains. Parliament has now risen for the year.
TERRORIST GUN: A gun in the shape of a cell-phone is being used by terrorists.
NEW TREE: An
unusual new tree has been found in
Australia.