Bouma Trial Ends - Mt Cook Mystery - Interest Rates Rise - Winston and Jenny - Health Policy - US Ambassador Row - Ambulance - David Bain Vs Women's Day - Peter Ellis - Pakistan Coup

BOUMA TRIAL ENDS: Beverly Bouma Murder trial ends suddenly as the three accused changed plea to guilty to manslaughter after a 40 minute hearing in chambers before the judge. Last week one of four accused pleaded guilty to murder of Beverly Bouma in an horrific home invasion murder in Reparoa. Policeman says a lot of people involved in the inquiry would feel "real good:". The family say it is like a "huge burden" has been lifted off them.

MT COOK MYSTERY: Michael Goldsmith and John Cousins who disappeared on Mt Cook 36 years ago. The discovery of the bodies has solved the mystery. The bodies were found at the bottom of the Hooker Glacier after being carried 8km's out. Ropes backpack, helmet, camera found with the bodies. Resonable chance these two climbers did the first ascent of the Caroline face.

INTEREST RATE RISES: Another bank has put up its floating interest rate by 0.25%. Banking experts say other banks will follow. The worry say market watchers is where this is leading. The government says it is a sign that the economy is getting going.

WINSTON AND JENNY: Prime Minister kisses a baby today. But Winston Peters is expected to possibly hold the balance of power again. "I have a record of working successfully with many many people including Winston Peters in the past." PM Says. " I intend to work with whoever the public send." Winston is coy about his potential coalition partner. Winston may decide to vote with the government from the cross benches as well. PM says public should get the best from MMP by voting for her.

HEALTH POLICY: Labour is promising to spend an extra $825 million on health over three years. Wyatt Creech photo op at Wellington Hospital - across town Annette King says Nats let company directors run the health system. Labour policy includes disbanding HFA and replacing them with community appointed boards. Helen Clark says reform in Mental Health is obviously necessary. We need to spend another $287 million on mental health she says. National and Labour know health is a key election issue.

US AMBASSADOR ROW: A row has broken out in Washington over the appointment of a new ambassador to NZ. Senator Jessie Helms has a grudge against Clinton's nominee for the role Mosely Braun.

AMBULANCE: The commerce commission says St John and an air Ambulance service were working together to slice up the rescue market anti-competitively.

DAVID BAIN Vs WOMEN'S DAY: Rare victory for David Bain. In an out of court settlement he has received $50,000 in a defamation action against Women's Day. Prostitutes who said . Women's Day have also published an apology. They have said they accept that the article has no basis in fact. Unusual for a prisoner to win a defamation settling. Bain has applied for a pardon and is waiting.

PETER ELLIS: Lawyer representing Peter Ellis is hoping to encourage a Royal Commission of inquiry.

PAKISTAN COUP: NZ High Commissioner meets in Commonwealth meeting in London and decides to suspend its relationship with Pakistan. The Commonwealth cannot tolerate a coup - says Robin Cook. General Musharraf says he feels that the coup has been well received. The former government is seen as being deeply corrupt. Only two Commonwealth companies have ever been suspended before Nigeria and Sierra Leone in 1995 and 1997 respectively. A mission will be headed for Islamabad.

© 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