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1700 to 1707 NEWS
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A man has died in an avalanche tiggered by the heli ski-ing group he was part of in the Southern Alps near Methven this afternoon.The five skiers - three clients with two guides - were in the Ragged Ranges and knew the avalanche risk in the area was high.The victim was buried for 6 minutes before his body was found. Another person was also buried briefly, but wasn't hurt.Steve Schreiber is the avalanche programme manager for the Mountain Safety Council.
He joins us on the line now from Methven. LIVE
New research shows swine flu is more easily spread than first thought.
Researchers from the University of Otago in Wellington say this means up to 80 percent of the entire population could become infected, with two-thirds showing symptoms.Hospitals are now under extreme and mounting pressure from swine and seasonal flu, with one saying it may have to seek help from the private sector for some patients.Our Health Correspondent, Karen Brown, as been at Wellinton Hospital's intensive care unit. PKG
The local government minister says all seven of Auckland's mayors should hang up their chains and give the job of running the super city to someone else.Rodney Hide made the comments to a group in Auckland at the same time as the last super city select committee hearings were taking place in Wellingotn.
Rowan Quinn filed this report. PKG
The Retirement Commissioner says the age for collecting superannuation and the amount that is paid out has to change, but no government will face up to the challenge .Diana Crossan has sounded a warning about a looming superannuation crisis after the Government said it wouldn't respond to her 2007 report, but will wait until her next report is done.Here's political reporter Liz Banas.PKG
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1720 TRAILS AND BUSINESS WITH David Reid
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To the U.S now, where dozens of New Jersey politicans, officials and prominent rabbis have been arrested in a sweeping federal investigation into corruption, money laundering, and human organ sales.The 10-year undercover probe is said to have exposed influence-peddling and bribe-taking among a network of public officials, and a separate multimillion dollar money-laundering ring that funneled funds through charities operated by local rabbis.It's claimed those involved met in diners, parking lots, and even bathrooms, in scenes that could have been lifted from the TV series The Sopranos.The FBI thinks this case could make New Jersey the most corrupt state in the US.Investigator Waysen Dunne says those involved exploited people's faith in them PRE- REC
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17.30 HEADLINES
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A Queenstown health action group says funding for hospital services in the resort is woefully inadequate and falling way behind the national average.
Wakatipu Health Trust is demanding answers from the Southland District Health Board.A new report commissioned by the Trust shows the Lakes District Hospital receives less than half the funding of other satellite hospitals in Otago and Southland.Steve Wilde has more PKG
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17.45 TRAILS
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WAATEA
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Fiji's interim government is being accused of crossing a line in the way it's dealing with the Methodist Church.Two former Fiji Methodist Church presidents are expected to appear in court following police questioning over the annual church conference.Yesterday, the church's president and general secretary, along with the country's highest ranking female chief, were charged with defying Public Emergency Regulations and released on bail.They are prohibited from making public statements.The interim government has banned the conference saying it is a political oppportunity for the ousted SDL Party.One of the party's MPs, Dr Mere Tui-salolo Sami-soni, believes the conference will go ahead:
CUTS
Auckland police say they believe the rapist who struck in a central city park has stalked other women and may strike again. Investigators say they are working on the assumption that the man who raped a 30 year old woman late last month is the same person who was acting suspiciously toward another woman near Sunnynook Mall on the North Shore the next day.Both women were wearing headphones and police believe the rapist seeks out victims in vulnerable situations.Detective Sergeant Andy King of the Adult Sexual Assault Team says the rape happened near an isolated part of Victoria Park PRE- REC
The Minister of Fisheries has outlined a plan to set-up fishing areas around New Zealand solely for recreational and customary fishers.Phil Heatley told a gathering of fishers in Nelson he hopes the commercial no-go areas can be operating in the next two years.Geoff Moffett reports. PKG