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**** Checkpoint FOR WEDS 6 MAY
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1700 to 1707 NEWS
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Just weeks before the National-led Government delivers its first Budget its books have gone further into the red as the tax take tumbles. And the Treasury has warned tax income will continue to fall as the economy feels the full effect of the recession. In the Government accounts for the first nine months of the financial year the cash deficit has blown out to nearly 8 billion dollars. Our political editor Brent Edwards has been looking at the books and joins me now. Q&A
The case of a 92 year old woman who got a flesh eating infection because of bad resthome care over many months is NOT an indication of a wider problem according to an industry spokesperson.
The deputy Health and Disability Commissioner has criticised three resthomes over their care of patients with serious wounds.
As well as the woman who developed necrotising faciistis, an 85 year old man died after developing hip ulcers which weren't treated properly and an 89 year old woman got a badly infected bed sore because staff didn't realise what kind of treatment she needed.
None of the resthomes have been named - the deputy Commissioner Rae Lamb explains why. Martin Taylor is the chief executive of Healthcare Providers New Zealand which represents about 80 percent of the resthome and aged care sector. I asked him what he thought about someone getting a flesh eating infection because of inadequate care. PREREC
The Māori Party appears determined to push ahead with a visit to Fiji, and send a delegation including its most outspoken MP, Hone Harawira. The Prime Minister John Key has prevented the party's two co-leaders, and ministers from going, saying he would prefer New Zealand speaks with 'one voice' on the topic of Fiji. But Hone Harawira, remains defiant in his desire to go, saying the deadlock between New Zealand and Fiji has to be broken. Our parliamentary chief reporter, Jane Patterson, has more. PKG
Vodafone says its mobile phone network is being illegally attacked by Telecom, and claims its rival knows full well its causing interference. Vodafone is trying to stop Telecom from launching its XT network next week without proper filtering, by seeking an injunction at the High Court. It says Telecom's new network is causing Vodafone customers to have calls cut off. Telecom says some of Vodafone's evidence is desperate and last-minute.
Our reporter Kim Baker Wilson is at the High Court in Auckland.
Q&A
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1720 TRAILS AND BUSINESS WITH Todd Niall
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A police photographer has thrown a new theory into the mix on the last day of the Crown case in the David Bain trial. The Crown says Mr Bain shot and killed 5 members of his immediate family in 1994 in their Dunedin home, and that he then tried to frame his father Robin for the murders. It opened its case nine weeks ago. Monique Devereux has been in court and she joins us now...Q&A
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17.30 HEADLINES
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The government's plans to rebuild and refurbish state houses in Auckland have been met with skepticism by Housing New Zealand tenants. The plans include spending of 52-million dollars on 150 new state houses and upgrading 120 existing properties in parts of Panmure, Point England and Glen Innes, collectively known as Tamaki. Our reporter Leilani Momoisea spoke to state house residents in Tamaki about what they thought of the plans. PKG
Customs officials are investigating a shipment of unusable weapons that arrived in Dunedin from China, to determine whether to take any legal action. The container, which included grenades, ammunition and mortars, was inspected yesterday by a bomb squad, who determined the contents were safe. Emma Lancaster has been following the story and joins us now. Q&A
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17.45 TRAILS
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WAATEA
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A Wellington jury has heard that a girl who was seriously injured during an attempted exorcism in Lower Hutt didn't believe those accused meant to hurt her. 22-year-old Janet Moses died in October 2007 and nine people are before the Court charged with her manslaughter. Our Court reporter Ann Marie May is following the case. Q&A
A sweeping review of the way New Zealand highways are paid for is already being watered down by the Minister of Transport. A key proposal to replace annual car licensing with a road access charge looks set to be axed. Eric Frykberg reports. PKG
Some Bluff locals have had enough of its latest unusual traffic hazard. Drivers are having to dodge a Hooker's sea lion which has taken up residence on the town's main street. While it's proved to be quite an attraction, the lumbering mammal - which has now been there for a month - has outstayed its welcome. Steve Wilde reports.
PKG