One Network News. Item reported on increased cannabis use among young people in Northland and referred to the suspension of students from several schools. It included an interview with a student from Kaitaia College who, when asked how long it would take to get drugs, replied "about half an hour". Complaint by the principal that the interviewer had broken their promise that the item would not reflect badly on the college. Not upheld (accuracy, fairness).
One Network News commencing at 6pm broadcast a lengthy item on the findings of the Starr Report and the possible impeachment proceedings against President Clinton of the United States. Complaint that it was highly offensive for explicit sexual material to be discussed during children’s normal viewing time. Not upheld (good taste and decency, programme classifications, children's interests).
The Edge's breakfast show. Complaint that host's reply to a caller who advocated slapping a woman around was so casual as to be offensive. No tape but broadcaster did not dispute that the exchange had taken place. Upheld: majority (good taste and decency). Subsumed (equity in relation to women). No order.
3 National News. Item investigated customer complaints that Telecom had "hijacked" users of other telephone companies. Complaint that item was unbalanced, inaccurate and unfair. Upheld (accuracy). No order.
Radio Pacific. Breakfast host's error in reporting amount new Maori television station would cost to set up: he repeated $90 million even when told it was $19 million. Complaint that comment unbalance, inaccurate and unfair. Upheld (accuracy). No order (action taken by broadcaster sufficient).
One Network News. Item reported on Nursing Council's investigation into a midwife’s management of the delivery of a baby who subsequently died and six adverse findings. There was a further broadcast in which the broadcaster failed to acknowledge the error it had made in its earlier broadcast. Upheld (accuracy, fairness: action taken insufficient). Order ($500 costs to Crown).
Fair Go. The Authority declined to accept the complaint as the referral did not comply with the statutory time limits.
Water Rats. Scene depicted a man seizing a policewoman and threatening her with a knife. Not upheld (violence).
One Network News and Tonight. Item reported that the Act Members of Parliament had been requested by TVNZ to provide particulars of their assets and business interests. Not upheld (fairness, balance).
Midday. Comment referred to relationship between mortgage rates and wholesale interest rates. Complaint that because New Zealand banks operated under a fractional reserve system, the comment was inaccurate and misleading. Not upheld (accuracy, deceptive programme practice).