National Radio Midday Report

- Notorious prison escaper Brian Curtis is now back in police custody in New Zealand after eight years on the run. Curtis had been on the run for eight years since escaping from Paremoremo's Auckland Prison - he was found held up in the Phillipines. Curtis will appear in North Shore District Court this afternoon.

- Waitemata District Health Board CEO will repay a $25,000 payment made after changes to his employment contract last year.

- A new trans-Tasman body is to regulate medicines. The announcement follows resolution of a political dispute over food safety standards.

- David Tuhua Poumako, one of the men convicted of killing a Reporoa woman Beverly Bouma in a home invasion three years ago, has died in prison.

- Auckland polytechnic Unitech, claims it was blocked from training more radiation therapists despite a worldwide shortage of such staff.

- School Trustees Association head says trustees can't do their job properly until the government gives more support.

- The outcome of the Probation officers and Corrections department pay talks will be put to union delegates on Monday.

- USA announces China confirmed trials of two Chinese American scholars have begun. The scholars are accused of spying for Taiwan.

- A European delegation will attempt to twist the Australian government's arm today in an attempt persuade it to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

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