NIGHTLINE. 23/05/1991

Australia wants a unified defence force with New Zealand by the end of the century.
Speaker: Senator Robert Ray, (Australian Defence Minister).

Peat fires contributed to a multi car pile up that made State Highway 2 look like a wreckers yard today. Speakers: Jennifer & Caroline Doddorell, (Survivors); Ted Lawrence, (Pukekohe MOT); Geraldine van den Brink, (Resident).

A New Zealand nun, working in Peru, has narrowly escaped execution at the hands of Communist Guerillas.

The Social Welfare Department has smashed a highly organised benefit fraud network operating out of Christchurch. 7 people have been arrested after a four month investigation. Speaker: Jenny Shipley, (Welfare Minister).

Icelandic businessmen in Timaru are promising a multi million dollar fishing venture creating up to 300 jobs. Locals are getting increasingly skeptical.

Wellington City Council has cancelled parking tickets issued in over zealous circumstances.

The Centrepoint Community invited TV3 cameras in today to show life is continuing as usual despite the police raid.

A huge turn out at Tūrangawaewae Marae of well wishers and dignitaries celebrated the Māori Queens’ 25th Anniversary today. Speaker: Te Arikinui Te Ata I Rangi Kaahu, (Māori Queen).

Vaughan Jones wins a prestigious award for mathematics. Speaker Dr Vaughan Jones, (Mathematician).