National Radio Midday Bulletin

1. PAYOUTS - Differences are continuing to emerge over payments to senior officials and appointees. Lockwood Smith says that the Tourism Board members who received payments should still get something. This appears to contradict the views of the Finance Minister, Bill Birch.

2. NZQA - The Former chief exec of NZQA says he can't reveal how much he was paid out as it is confidential, however he says because of the publicity he would like to have the confidentiality lifted.

3. COMMERCE ACT BREACH - Panelbeaters have admitted breaching the Commerce Act by blocking insurance companies from buying parts direct from wholesalers at cheaper prices.

4. TOURISM - A new study by Statistics New Zealand show that tourism is the country's biggest export earner when measured in terms of foreign exchange earnings.

5. PILOTS - Airline passengers look set to further disruption with Ansett pilots looking at action.

6. WORK AND INCOME - The new CEO of the Work And Income Department says they have done a good job considering the changes they have been through.

7. COOK ISLANDS - Sir Geoffrey Henry will remain the PM of the Cook Islands under a coalition deal.

8. KOSOVO - A number of European foreign Ministers are to visit Kosovo. The US President is returning home after a trip to Europe including a visit to Macedonia.

9. MEDICAL CHECKS - There are doubts that extra checks would prevent similar mistakes at Ascot Hospital after a man had the wrong hip replaced.

10. EAST TIMOR - The UN Secretary General has decided to delay a ballot on independence in East Timor until the area is more stable.

11. PYLON ATTACKS - Strict bail conditions have been imposed on a man charged with attacking power pylons in the South Island.

12. AUCKLAND PORTS - The ports of Auckland say redundancies are due to greater efficiency and competition.

13. WATSON TRIAL - A witness at the Scott Watson trial has said they heard screaming at 4am in the morning of the day the Blenheim couple disappeared.

14. POLICE MEMORIAL - A bronze plaque commemorating the death of A Mangakino police officer will be unveiled today.

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