National Radio Midday Bulletin

TAX CHARGES: NZ First will thoroughly investigate the tax affairs of one of its top list candidates, Suzanne Bruce, after she has been charged with 13 tax offences relating to GST offences. If the charges are proven she will not be a member of parliament, Peters says.

ACT: The ACT policy to end Treaty of Waitangi claims is expected to be a key priority for the party in a coalition with National.

ALLIANCE: The Alliance has launched a 30 step Maori development plan to help Maori close the gaps in progress between Maori and non-Maori.

PAKISTAN: The Commonwealth is expected to give Pakistan a two year deadline to restore democracy or be expelled.

MISSING: More than 40 people are still misssing and 15 are confirmed dead after an Italian apartment building collapsed. More bodies are expected to be recovered.

CANCER: The appeal for money for a young cancer sufferer is underway again. Liam Holloway is now trying new medical treatment in Mexico after his cancer returned. The family is trying to sell their house to raise the necessary funds.

HOSPITAL: The building of New Zealand’s largest hospital has begun today in Auckland. The foundations will be laid next year and will be completed by 2004.

SIDS: There has been a significant reduction in the number of cot deaths and sudden infant death syndrome over the last year, the Ministry of Health says.

ARREST: A woman has been arrested and charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in a domestic incident in Kaitaia.

FERRY: A heavily laden ferry has capsized on the Amazon river; At least three are dead, 40 have been rescued and dozens are missing.

FARMS: At least nine farms have been flooded after heavy rain in the Bay of Plenty.

NEW YORK: New York is employing under cover police officers in an attempt to track down racist cabs who will not pick up black people. They may have their cabs impounded if caught.

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