1Sidelined The cancellation of the All Black rugby tour to South Africa was a devastating blow to South Africa, where rugby is the King of Sports - at least among the White population. Close Up talks to Whites, Blacks and former All Blacks living in the Republic of South Africa about the cancelled tour.

2Addiction by Prescription Throughout the 1970s, New Zealanders were being freely prescribed tranquilizers with little or no consideration to the long-term effects of their use. However, the new medical syndrome Valium Addiction resulted in the Health Department moving to deal with over-prescribing. Despite this, there appears to have been no reduction in the number of addicts, and withdrawal from tranquilizers is more difficult than coming off heroin.

3Doubting Thomas For New Zealand's largest local body, the Auckland Regional Authority (ARA), these are troubled times. Massive internal division and personality clashes over its leadership and direction have left the ARA in a position where they may be emasculated by the Minister of Local Government. The controversy centres on the ARA's Chairman, Fred Thomas, who refuses to step down, despite a vote of no confidence in him.