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**** CKPT FOR THUR 29 JAN 2009
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1700 to 1707 NEWS
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Banks have heeded a message to drop interests rates in the wake of today's cut in the Official Cash rate. The Reserve Bank governor has dropped the rate by one and a half percentage points to 3.5 percent, which is the lowest it has ever been. Alan Bollard told the retail banks they must pass the benefits of today's cut on to customers. CUT
The Finance Minister, Bill English, has welcomed today's move by the Reserve Bank, which he says will help get NZ through what he calls the sharp edge of the recession. PREREC
In the wake of the cut to the Official Cash Rate, Kiwibank, ANZ, National, Westpac and BNZ have reduced their fixed and floating home loan rates. Cherie McQuilkin reports. PKG
The United States President Barack Obama's huge financial stimulus package has cleared its first hurdle in Congress, with the House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, declaring the vote: CUT
However, not a single Republican voted in favour of the bill. Michelle Bachman is a representative for Minnesota. CUT But Democrat Henry Waxman, a long-serving congressman from California, disagrees. CUT.
Although the President's package passed through Congress, he had wanted support from both sides of the house for his plans. From Washington, Jonathan Beale, has more: VCR
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BUSINESS NEWS
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The government says it's acting on an election campaign promise to cut waiting times in hospital emergency departments. It's seeking public and sector feedback on 14 recommendations on how hospitals can reduce waiting times to a maximum of six hours. Here's the Minister of Health Tony Ryall. PREREC
An 18 year old fisherman, who battled a huge blue marlin for more than two hours, is now waiting to hear whether he's set a New Zealand record. Nick Dobbyn was taking part in a game fishing tournament off Great Barrier Island last weekend, when he speared the 213-kilo marlin. PREREC
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17.30 HEADLINES
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The number of people receiving the Unemployment Benefit has risen for the first time in 10 years. The Government says that's not unexpected given the current economic climate. Here's our political reporter, Chris Bramwell. PKG
The chairman of the Otago District Health Board has refused to resign after being asked to do so by the Health Minister Tony Ryall. Richard Thomson last week briefed the Minister on the background to the 17 million dollar fraud committed at the health board between 2000 and 2006. Mr Thomson maintains he should not be held responsible, and he's received support from a former Health Minister. Emma Lancaster has more. PKG
The Crown has called its final witness at a depositions hearing for seven men charged in relation to the death of a South Auckland liquor store owner. Navtej Singh was shot and killed in June last year during an aggravated robbery in his store. Anitelea Chan Kee, Jason Naseri, Myron Felise and Tino Felise are charged with Mr Singh's murder. Eti Filoa and Walter McCarthy are charged with armed robbery and Mefiposeta Chan Kee is charged with disposing of evidence. Our reporter Sam Morrah joins us now LIVE
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WAATEA NEWS
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The Bay of Plenty town of Murupara is bracing itself for the possibility of gang retribution, over the hit-and-run death of a teenager on Tuesday night. 16 year old Jordan Herewini died from multiple injuries, received after a ute stolen from his family's property on Matai Street was used to pursue him. Jacob Te Kurapa is the chairperson of the Murupara Community Board - I asked him how the town is faring almost two days on from the incident. PREREC
To the Australian Open now. Joining us from the tennis at Melbourne Park is our correspondent, Dave Luddy. LIVE
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