National Radio Midday Bulletin

INCIS: The Prime Minster is refusing to say whether she backs Police Commissioner Peter Doone after IBM pulled the plug on the over-budget and three year late INCIS computer. Police Minister Clem Simich today indicated that Mr Doones job was safe.

GE MAIZE: A company wanting to trial genetically engineered maize in New Zealand said there is no chance of GE pollen leaking out of the test sites.

CAMPAIGNERS: Anti GE campaigners have protested outside ERMA where Pioneer are trying to persuade ERMA to grant them a permit to grow the GE maize.

HEALTH: The Coalition For Public Health says changes to hospital business plans to include more patient safety focus will not work while hospitals have a business thrust.

PAREMOREMO ESCAPE: A rapist who escaped from Paremoremo in June made use of inadequacies at the prison – both in terms of staff and physical barriers, a report into the escape says.

HOMICIDE: Police investigating the triple homicide in Totara Heights yesterday are to talk with the sole survivor around midday.

GISBORNE: The Gisborne Chamber of Commerce says millennium celebrations will be a success regardless of whether the David Bowie, Kiri Te Kanawa concert goes ahead. It looks likely to fold today.

ANSETT STRIKE: Ansett have called off another day of flights next week while pilots strike to protest contract amendments.

NEW RUSSIAN PM: A new Russian Prime Minister, announced yesterday, has become the fourth in 18 months, shocking the country again.

WATSON: A witness said a boat similar to the mysterious ketch that police have never seen was seen from a fishing trip. They recall seeing a striking two masted yacht with lots of rope – similar to a ketch that water taxi driver Guy Wallace said he dropped Ben, Olivia and Scott Watson off at.

SKI FIELDS: Skiing is great at the moment and ski fields are thrilled at the prospect of a long season.

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