National Radio Midday Bulletin

SWISS ACCIDENT: At least one New Zealander is in intensive care after 18 people died in a canyoning accident in Switzerland. South Africans, New Zealanders, Japanese and Australians were on the tourism adventure. One person is still missing and the cause in unknown.

SNOW: The Central North Island has had one of its biggest snow falls in years overnight. The Desert Road is still closed but locals are thrilled. It is still snowing lightly and over 20 centimetres are on the ground in Waiouru. South Island Roads are now all open.

WATSON: The jury has been told a witness is not sure of evidence he gave yesterday – that evidence is that Ben and Olivia boarded a ketch. He is now not so sure. Today he said he also did not know whether the boat was boarded by itself.

LIQUOR: MPs have began debating wide ranging changes to liquor laws. Eleven issues will be debated and most MPs will cast conscience votes on most issues, including a proof of age document and Sunday trading.

SUPPLY: National has won a supply confidence vote to see it through until the election. The result was 61 – 58 with Frank Grover abstaining from the vote as it would have been inappropriate for him to support the matter specifically.

HOUSEHOLD DEBT: The National Bank says skyrocketing household debt could impair an economic recovery.

BLOOD SERVICE: The Blood Service has said HIV could be transferred with transfusions as happened in Australia recently. There is always a small risk but all possible action is being taken to reduce risk.

POLLUTION: Air pollution is very high in Auckland at present. The Wellington Regional Council is looking at a ban on domestic wood fires to reduce smog and haze.

BELGIAN DIOXIN: The Belgian government is withdrawing pork with more than 20 per cent fat from the market as it may cause the cancer causing agent dioxin.

ISRAEL: Israel said it will support a peace accord with Palestine when the leaders from the two countries met.

BRITANNICA: The Encyclopedia Brittanica has stopped printing the books because it sells heaps more CD Roms.

© Scoop Media