National Radio Midday bulletin

NORTHERN IRELAND TALKS: Northern Ireland Peace Talks are continuing despite the deadline set by Tony Blair passing. The main catching point is the disarmament of guerillas.

WTO: Support for the term sharing arrangement for the top world trade job is growing. Now the US and Thailand will support the idea.

SMALL PLANE FEES: New fees for operators of small airoplanes come into effect today. However pilots feel the fees, such as the $22 fee to file a flight plan, could compromise the safety of our airways.

FIREARM CONTROL: The author of a report on firearm control is disappointed the government has rejected the creation of an independent firearms authority.

MAORI RADIO: The future of an April auction of high band radio frequencies now lies with cabinet after the Waitangi Tribunal recommended the Crown delay the auction until they have negotiated with Maori over allocation for them.

ACC: Labour is promising to return to ACC lump sum payouts for workplace injuries and also plans to remove the private sector from workplace insurance by this time next year.

PREVENTATIVE DETENTION: Joseph Martin has been convicted and sentenced to preventative detention for abusing numerous children.

FIRE: A suspicious fire badly damaged a 120 year old church in Tauranga and investigators are continuing to probe the scene.

BIRTH DANGERS: Childbirth has become more dangerous for rural woman as a result of changes to maternity services according to Hokianga Health.

MAORI PRISON UNIT: New Zealand’s second Maori prison unit was opened by Maori Affairs Minister Tau Henare today at Rimutaka Prison.

ISRAELI POLITICS: Israels Prime Minister has done a deal with the ultra orthodox Jewish party to form a coalition with a significant majority in government.

BOOKING TRAMPS: Huts in the Abel Tasman National Park will be subject to a booking system which will cost $14 per person per night.

MORSE CODE: The New Zealand Navy will send its last morse code message today at midday before completing the move to e-mail and internet communications.

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