National Radio Midday Bulletin

TARIFFS: The United States has imposed tariffs on New Zealand and Australian lamb exports for three years. The market is worth $230 million dollars for New Zealand and Australia. The tariff is nine per cent, falling to six next year and three the year after.

WTO CASE: New Zealand will file an appeal against the tariffs to the WTO over the next few days. Trade Minister Lockwood Smith is "disappointed" and Prime Minister Jenny Shipley described the decision as "unacceptable". Federated Farmers called the move "outrageous" and said it will hurt Kiwi farmers.

AUSTRALIAN REACTION: The reaction across the Tasman has been equally strong saying it is "not right".

WTO: Thailand's candidate Dr Supachai has offered Mike Moore the first term in the top WTO job under a job-sharing arrangement.

TIMOR: Indonesian loyalists have threatened the United Nations after they announced the elections may have to be delayed until violence subsides.

ELLIS APPEAL: The Crown has told the Court of Appeal that allegations of contaminated evidence were properly investigated during depositions and the trial itself.

WATSON: The jury in the Scott Watson murder trial heard the last time Ben Smart and Olivia Hope were seen was 3am on New Years Day.

AUCKLAND TRANSPORT: An Auckland Council planner said a new underground tunnel transport system for the city is a feasible option.

WELLINGTON FOOD: Seven food outlets in the capital, recently closed over hygiene concerns, will open again soon, the Wellington City Council said today.

NIWA: The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research launched a pilot monitoring centre in Auckland today to help educate farmers on weather risks and minimise damage from extreme weather patterns.

SKATE: Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Skate will step down following his resignation announcement yesterday.

LIBYA: Britain said it was re-establishing full diplomatic contact with Libya after ties were severed following a shooting of a British citizen.

AIR NEW ZEALND: A Boeing 737 had to return to Auckland Airport after a bird smashed a windscreen yesterday.

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