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**** CKPT FOR MON 17 DEC 2007
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1700 to 1707 NEWS
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Motorists are facing major disruption in the leadup to Christmas as roadside technicians with the Automobile Association call an indefinite strike. About 130 workers who attend roadside breakdowns voted to go on strike this morning, after negotiations over leave and pay parity issues broke down. The AA says it will work to keep delays to the service it provides its 1-point-2 million members to a minimum by maintaining a skeleton road crew. But the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union is warning motorists to expect long delays as the AA's service comes under pressure. Here's Jim Doody, an Auckland technician and union delegate. LIVE
Joining us now is Simon Lambourne, the AA communications manager. LIVE
New Zealanders will no longer have to pay to visit the Waitangi treaty grounds. The Trust whcih runs the grounds has bowed to government pressure and is scrapping the 12 dollar entry fee for locals. Overseas visitors will still have to pay. The trust says it will make up the shortfall in revenue by encouraging visitors to take part in paid activities like concerts and guided tours. And it plans to build a new visitor centre. But there are fears Waitangi is in danger of being over-commercialised by the board's plans. Rowan Quinn reports. PACKAGE
The Government has signed off a multi-million dollar contribution to a flashier design for the revamp of Eden Park in Auckand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The new design, at just over 240-million-dollars, is significantly less than the 385-million-dollar package for which consents were obtained earlier this year. Cabinet has approved a 190-million-dollar contribution, and the New Zealand Rugby Union will offer 10-million dollars and the Eden Park Trust Board 12-million. Joining us now is Martin Snedden, the Chief Executive of Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited, part of the Rugby Union... LIVE
A reward is being offered for information about a cold-case murder on the West Coast. Police in Greymouth have reopened their investigation into the killing of 25-year old David John Robinson, whose body was found nine years ago on a beach south of Hokitika, with a single bullet hole in the forehead. Detective Segeant Andy Oliver says they're offering 50 thousand dollars as well as immunity from prosecution for anyone with information about what's been labelled an execution-style killing. PRE-REC
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BUSINESS NEWS
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Auckland International Airport's directors have rejected a Canadian fund's 1 point 8 billion dollar offer for up to a 40 percent stake, saying it's too low, would raise debt levels and the fund lacked expertise in running airports. The board's view was a much anticipated response to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board's offer of $3.66 a share. The Canadians were also expecting this result, but remain bullish about their chances of success. To discuss this I'm joined by our business reporter Baden Campbell. LIVE
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17.30 HEADLINES
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The independent MP, Taito Philip Field has lost his bid for a Supreme Court hearing over the legality of the prosecution against him for bribery and corruption. In October the High Court granted the Police leave to prosecute Mr Field under the Crimes Act, and that led Mr Field to take further Court action. His lawyer Simativa Perese says Mr Field had pinned some hope on the Supreme Court. PRE-REC
The meat company AFFCO says it's bitterly disappointed by the Accident Compensation Corporation's threat of legal action, if the company doesn't pay it a million dollars. ACC has withdrawn from mediation over a dispute with the company as to who should foot the bill for injuries suffered by a worker who was shot on the company's premises. Joel Storey was paralysed from the waist down after being shot in the carpark of AFFCO's meat processing plant in Wairoa in April 2003. An AFFCO spokesperson Richard Griffin says the company's position is simple. CUT
Joining us now is Dr Keith McLea, the ACC's levy and scheme management manager LIVE
The police and residents of two Christchurch streets fear lives will be lost as a result of boy racers. Residents say up to 200 cars congregate on their streets on weekend nights. They say the boy racers hurl abuse, throw bottles and light fires, and some locals are scared to speak out for fear of reprisals. Charlotte Graham reports. PACKAGE
A council effort to tackle sewage flooding into downtown Whangarei has struck a problem. No-one seems to give a damn. Here's our reporter Lois Williams. PACKAGE
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WAATEA NEWS
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The lull in horse racing caused by the outbreak of equine influenza in Australia has made way for a different hoof to hit the track. Camel racing has become a very popular event in Sydney this year, especially for Christmas work functions. Party goers also get the chance to be the jockeys on the six camels which compete in each race. I spoke to The Big Camel operator John Richardson about the latest craze to take over Sydney's Harold park. PRE-REC
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