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SECRETS AND LIES: Allegations that an SOE used taxpayers money to try to get its way over the logging of native timber. Jenny Shipley says she stopped logging earlier than expected. Book claims Timberlands used a PR company called Shandwick to try to manipulate public opinion. Allegations about Cath Wallace and a letter to her boss. Tony Ryall and Nick Smith say there is nothing in the book that concerns them - but admit they haven't read it all. Labour expected to use this as ammunition next week.
SECRETS AND LIES: Shandwick says it's role complimented Timberlands and that the book shows they did a good job. Timberlands has also responded saying it is just a typical a conspiracy theory. Helen Clark says Mrs Shipley must explain what Timberlands has been doing.
INCIS: The government is to sue computer giant IBM for walking out on INCIS. Bill Birch says the government has filed proceedings. Yesterday the PM called for an inquiry into the police and government handling of the project. Bill Birch denies that the PM took him by surprise on the inquiry suggestion. No comment from IBM today. IBM will be planning a vigorous defence.
COURTS COMPUTER PROJECT CANNED: The Department of Courts has pulled out of a computer project after spending $2.4 million.
LEILANI REID: Netball world in shock at news of the death of Leilani Reid a former Silver Fern. Wellington Team says it is very hard to come out and play today. Lots of sad people. Reid was committed to her Samoan heritage - she wanted to be an international communicator for Pacific people.
COLD SNAP: Bad Weather has arrived - later than expected - Dunedin under a blanket of snow. Desert Road is open but motorists are advised to be careful. In South Island not as much snow as expected. Dunedin has heaviest dump for several years and two schools are closed. Met Service says the fronts are difficult to predict. Not too much problems with stock. Expected to be dangerously icy tomorrow.
DAVID BOWIE: David Bowie won't be singing in the New Millennium at Bastion Point. He has pocketed $200,000 without setting foot in NZ.
SCRATCH WINDFALL: Two girls win top prize in scratch contest after selling a ticket and then being given it back. The mystery buyer drove off after asking them to scratch it themselves. This afternoon the winner rings in and tells the two girls to keep the holiday that he won.
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SCOTT WATSON TRIAL: Day 43: More evidence supporting crown's case on DNA. DNA expert explains the complexity of DNA analysis. "Because we haven't seen this sequence in 1500 samples this is strong evidence ". Witness does not accept that contamination was significant. Detective Bruce McLauchlan says none of the photographs or videos of Furneaux Lodge showed a mystery ketch. Submissions will be discussed tomorrow without the jury.
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.
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