TV3 6pm News (first segment)

1. TAX CUTS - National has promised another tax cut, but there is a catch if you don't vote for National you won't get it. The small cut for middle earners wouldn't take effect until April, four months after the election. The Treasurer says that the next priority would be cutting the higher rate. Bill English says it is not a bribe but a down payment on the promise of lower tax cuts. Bill Birch says it is an elegant adjustment. Bill English has also promised a dollar for a dollar spend on social services for every tax cut.

2. TAX CUTS - Reaction is underwhelming with the size making little difference. Helen Clark says National has lost the plot and the $400 million cost would be better spent on social services. Alliance says it is bribe for rich people. ACT says National should show some vision.

3. TAX CUTS - Political Editor Jane Young says that the tax cuts won't bring many swing voters over, but will confirm the support of those who want tax cuts. She says the state of the economy is not good enough for a larger cut. Also at the conference Jenny Shipley was praised by John Slater, but Jane Young says that doesn't take away that she has made gaffs.

4. MERCY DASH - Success for the mercy dash to the South Pole with the successful drop of bundles of equipment to help a woman with breast cancer. Six bundles dropped and so far tow have been retrieved, plane is returning to New Zealand.

5. IRAN PROTESTS - A Police crackdown in Tehran has resulted in the death of four students. The move follows days of student demonstration in favour of free speech.

6. COCAINE - Spanish authorities have made a very large cocaine seizure.

7. TREK WEDDING - Unusual wedding ceremonies contine with a couple being married on the Star Trek exhibition site at Te Papa.

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