East Timor - Gang Tax Trial - Drugging and Rape Trial - Taxes And Values - Netball Loss - Skiing Looking Good
(…delayed due to a fire alarm at RNZ)
EAST TIMOR - REFUGEES TO BE FREED: International peacekeepers have tightened their grip in the West of East Timor as hopes rise that refugees in West Timor will soon return. The UN says the decision of Indonesia to allow refugees to return is a major breakthrough. The camps in West Timor have been in appalling conditions. The camps are controlled by militia.
GANG TAX TRIAL: The High Court in Christchurch has heard today that a motorcycle club - the Epitaph Gang - has sold its HQ to one member before the club went into voluntary liquidation last week. In the last seven years the club has not filed returns.
DRUGGING AND RAPE TRIAL: The trial of two men accused of drugging and raping a woman has begun in Auckland. The woman victim remembers little of the ordeal. The trial is expected to last six days.
TAXES: Most are willing to pay higher taxes for education health and the environment according to a NZ Study of Values. Dr Alan Webster says the study found confidence in Government is at an all time low.
NETBALL LOSS: The Hillary Commission has rejected suggestions that the Silver Ferns set a bad example by crying after losing the World Championship Final at the weekend. "I did not any bad sportsmanship….let them have their sorrow." Netball NZ is also comfortable with how the Silver Ferns handled the loss.
SKIING LOOKING GOOD: Skifield operators say they are enjoying a better than average season. Skiers can still find snow at four fields. Turoa was desperate for a good season. The resort says it is still enjoying fine spring snow conditions.