National Radio Midday Report
Salmonella – Health Pay – Air NZ – Rankin Case – Enza – Middle East – Paddington Disaster – Tertiary Education Meetings – Queenstown Killing – Noel MacKenzie – Instant Fines – Dress Standard
SALMONELLA: An outbreak of the 160 strain of salmonella is spreading across the country and putting people in hospital. A doctor says is the worst example of this strain he’s seen, and cases abdominal pain and diarrhoea for a week.
HEALTH PAY: State Services Minister Trevor Mallard says he is looking into reports that some public hospital CEOs got what appeared to be bonuses as part of restructuring. National Health Spokesperson Wyatt Creech says the public will be disappointed with the increase in salaries at the top.
AIR NZ: The Government says it may receive details of the Singapore Airlines proposal to increase its stake in Air NZ later today. Qantas has reacted angrily to the Singapore Airlines plan, saying it’s a back door attempt to take control of the aviation industry on both sides of the Tasman.
FIRE AGREEMENT: The industrial agreement reached for the Fire Service last week is currently undergoing ratification by union members across the country after an agreement was reached last weekend.
RANKIN CASE: The Crown has filed an appeal against the ruling that an $880,000 grievance claim by DWI CEO Christine Rankin can be heard by the Employment Court.
ENZA: The country’s main apple exporter Enza says it stands by its figure of $50 million it says is debt dating back to the old apple and pear board and is proposing all pip-fruit growers pay a levy to finance the debt.
MIDDLE EAST: The Israeli Government says it is reassessing the cease-fire with the Palestinians in the light of continuing Palestinian violence.
PADDINGTON DISASTER: The British Government says it will ensure the recommendations of a report on the Paddington rail disaster in 1999 are implemented.
TERTIARY EDUCATION MEETINGS: University and Polytechnic representatives say informal talks with Government ministers have been constructive.
QUEENSTOWN KILLING: Queenstown policeman Trevor Burton broke down in the witness box when giving evidence in the preliminary hearing into his wife’s killing. The couple’s son Mark Edmond Burton is charged with murdering his mother Patricia. Burton spoke of his son’s deteriorating mental health.
NOEL MACKENZIE: The head of the investigation into killing of Tauranga man Noel MacKenzie says there has been a huge response from the public since a call went out for information.
INSTANT FINES: MAF staff have issued nearly $10,000 worth of fines after just two days a new regime of instant fines for people bringing food through immigration.
DRESS STANDARDS: The Race Relations Conciliator has apologised the to the Wellington Club for publicity on his not being allowed into the club because of his dress standard.