SCOTT WATSON TRIAL: Scientist tells trial it is very likely a hair found on Scott Watson's boat was from Olivia Hope. DNA evidence - "it is my opinion these results very strongly support the proposition that the hair is from…" - this is the second highest category of scientific DNA matching the scientist says. Four blood samples from the boat were also investigated. Some of the samples could have been from Scott Watson the scientist said. Defence zeroes in on an error made by the scientist on Friday when she said she had tested his hair - when in fact she had tested the accused's blood. Defence raised possibility of evidence contamination. There was a cut in the bag. Mr Davidson introduced also the idea of hair transfers - that the hair might have been transferred by a second person to Mr Watson and then to his boat - "yes the jury should consider that" - says the scientist.

SCOTT WATSON TRIAL: Reporter Live From Court: Earlier this year DNA evidence was discredited in a Christchurch case. The Defence is bringing up the possibility that mistakes have been made before by ESR scientists. They also have their own forensic expert.

DEPRESSION: Depression is predicted to be the world's second biggest health problem in the next few years. Man who is depressed who has lost marriage, house and job says he is very despairing. At the moment medication is subsidised but visits to psychologists are not. Depressed man says he should have had counseling. Dr says it would cost $28 million or thereabouts to bring in the changes that are recommended in a report.

ALLIANCE POLICY LAUNCH: Post Election Promise from the Alliance policy - a $200 million development fund. Jim Anderton wants a new ministry of economic development and employment. Labour's economic plans also include economic development. Labour says Jim is talking a bit early on getting a position to head the new ministry. (Close up look later in bulletin at regional town which could benefit..)

COLD FRONT FAILS TO ARRIVE: Little snow that did fall fell in the high country - snow expected to low levels tonight.

NEW HEARING AID: A new hearing aid is bringing new direction to the source of sound. The hearing aid - developed in the US by Cetera- allows you to hear where sounds are coming from. Small digital processor in the air changes the filtering system of the hearing aids microphone. Man says the hearing aid works. The hearing aid will cost $4000.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

CONTACT ALASTAIR THOMPSON

• Mobile - 021707044
• Twitter - @althecat
• Google+

• Linkedin
• Facebook
• Email - alastair@scoop.co.nz