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**** CKPT FOR MON 5 MAY 2008
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1700 to 1707 NEWS
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RAIL BUY BACK: National says the government's deal to buy back rail and ferry assets from Toll Holdings is a needless waste of taxpayer dollars but the government says it's worth it because it gives it complete control of the country's rail network. Our parliamentary chief reporter, Jane Patterson, compiled this report. PKG
The Finance Minister Micheal Cullen says the Government was not prepared to subsidise a private company by tens of millions of dollars a year. PREREC
DRUGS RAIDS: 20 people have been arrested and more than 500-thousand dollars worth of methamphetamine has been seized in raids on gangs in South Auckland and the Waikato. Our reporter Lisa Thompson has been at a news conference at Counties Manukau Police headquarters and joins us now. LIVE
WAIHOPAI ATTACK: The three men charged over the attack on the Waihopai spy base, Peter Murnane, Adrian Leason and Sam Land, have spoken out for the first time after being freed on bail by a Blenheim District Court judge. They were greeted by a small crowd of supporters. CUT
The men have yet to enter a plea to damage and burglary charges. We spoke to Adrian Leason, an organic farmer and teacher. PREREC
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BUSINESS NEWS
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MYANMAR CYCLONE: It could be several days before the full extent of the damage in Myanmar is known following Cyclone Nargis which hit during the weekend. And there are reports that the military government has stopped some foreign aid workers from going to the hardest hit areas. The ABC's Sarah Everingham reports: PKG
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17.30 HEADLINES
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TREASURY TAX: The Government's books are in good shape for tax cuts according to the latest Treasury report. In fact the Government has recorded a cash surplus four hundred million dollars above what it forecast in December. Political Editor Brent Edwards. PREREC
RAIL BUY BACK (2): The government's announcement it's buying back rail and ferry services has prompted many freight companies to says they want to use more rail but there needs to be a lot of work done before they can. And they say they can't fully comment until they see the detail. Rowan Quinn reports PKG
COURT KAHUI: The jury deciding the fate of double murder accused Chris Kahui has been told his infants were almost dead when they arrived at Middlemore hospital. Mr Kahui's on trial for murdering his twin sons Chris and Cru who died of traumatic brain injuries in June 2006 Joy Reid has been in court today and joins us now. LIVE
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WAATEA NEWS
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COURT SISTER: A 71 year old Christchurch man has appeared in court, charged with the murder of his older sister 7 years ago. Denis Kenny Billesdon is accused of murdering Nola Doreen Billesdon in 2001, who was 77 at the time of her death. Chch reporter Monique Devereux has been at the District Court, she joins me now...LIVE
ETS COSTS: Green groups say it would be irresponsible for the Government to cave in to pressure and delay parts of its proposed emissions trading scheme. The Government says rising fuel costs mean it may postpone bringing the transport sector into the scheme. Ian Telfer reports. PKG
DOCTORS STRIKE: The Medical Association is calling on the government to intervene in the industrial dispute between junior doctors and the district health boards. Junior Doctors are to strike for a second time on Wednesday and Thursday after talks broke down last week. The Chair of the Medical Association Dr Peter Foley is with us now...LIVE