TV1 News

Iwi Kangaroo - Economy Booming But Slowing - Flesh-Eating Death - Police Under Attack - Mark Todd

Kiwi Kangaroo - A local consortium of businessmen have formed a new company to be known as Tasman Pacific Airlines NZ, a franchise of Aussie carrier, Qantas. Thy will fly in direct competition with Air NZ on domestic routes. It will be a fortnight befor the first plane will be in the air.

Economy - The economy has been booming but is now slowing because of interest rate rises and lack of business confidence. The economy grew 1% in the first three months of this year making an annual total of 4.4% growth - the highest in five years. But the building and property market lacks confidence with permits at a six-year low. Building companies are not replacing staff who are leaving and economists are now saying we are in a "deep hole."

Flesh-Eating Death - A woman has died at Christchurch Hospital after contracting a bug which eats flesh. The bug attack was a result of injury and is not considered contagious.

Police Under Attack - A report released today critisises the police for their handling of child abuse cases. Investigation teams often move to other areas of crime before completing child abuse cases. Lack of coordination between teams - police child abuse managers frustration - and police not trained for child abuse cases are cited as serious deficiencies. Children's Commission Roger McClay described the report as deplorable and says vehicles receive more attention than children in NZ.

Mark Todd - Olympic champion equestrian, Mark Todd, was back in the ring today competing at a small equestrian event for the first time since Britain's Daily Mirror published allegations of sex and drugs against him. The normally affable Todd instructed organiser's of the event not to allow the media near him. This is his last event until his final good-bye expected to be at the Sydney Olympic Games.

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