National Radio Midday Bulletin

1. TOURISM PAYOUTS - The Tourism Minister says that the two former Tourism Board members will be able to keep some of their pay-out money in a deal due to be announced in the next few days.

2. PLANE CRASH - Two Southern Air pilots have been giving evidence to counter claims that the plane involved in the Foveaux Strait crash ran out of fuel. Five people died in the water awaiting rescue.

3. FOREIGN AFFAIRS - The new Cabinet team looking at building up international links has been called on to help support local industry. But the team looks to have a more international focus.

4. WATER CHARGES - Metrowater has proposed dropping some of its charges.

5. METROWATER - An Auckland City Council committee has just voted to retain Metrowater.

6. KOSOVO - The commander of Nato's forces in Kosovo says he is extremely sad at the death of two soldiers. They were the first Nato fatalities. Meanwhile refugees are streaming back into Kosovo.

7. MAORI LOAN COMPANY - A company promoting a Maori development loan is at the centre of a Security Commission alert.

8. EAST TIMOR - The UN special envoy on East Timor says there may be a delay on the referendum on independence due to ongoing violence.

9. WATSON TRIAL - Large charts and photos of Queen Charlotte Sound are featuring in the trial of Scott Watson today, as the prosecution build a picture of movements in the area around New Year's Eve when the Blenheim pair disappeared.

10. AUCKLAND TRANSPORT - TransRail is trying to convince Auckland local politicians to buy into an upgrade of the rail service.

11. POSSUM IMPORTS - A Wanganui textile company is applying to import possum fur from Australia, because the local product is too expensive.

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