A new report into witness reliability in Scott Watson's second attempt before the Court of Appeal has been challenged by the Crown.

Watson was found guilty of murdering friends Ben Smart and Olivia Hope in 1999.

The pair were last seen getting off a water taxi onto a yacht in the Marlborough Sounds on New Year's Eve.

Open Justice reporter Catherine Hutton says the report presented as evidence by the defence today argues many witness accounts were unreliable in his trial.

Meanwhile the Crown responded, saying there were many holes in the contents of the report.

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A new report into witness reliability in Scott Watson's second attempt before the Court of Appeal has been challenged by the Crown.
Watson was found guilty of murdering friends Ben Smart and Olivia Hope in 1999.
The pair were last seen getting off a water taxi onto a yacht in the Marlborough Sounds on New Year's Eve.
Open Justice reporter Catherine Hutton says the report presented as evidence by the defence today argues many witness accounts were unreliable in his trial.
Meanwhile the Crown responded, saying there were many holes in the contents of the report.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Catherine Hutton: Open Justice reporter on the new updates in the Scott Watson trial

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0e03b809-590a-4081-b820-b18b006d4071/transcript

There's assurance scoping work on a second Auckland Harbour crossing is still under way, with plans expected mid-year.

Two Transport Agency reports have detailed defects in the 67 year-old bridge, and warn it's at risk of failure.

It says without long-term strengthening work, month-long lane closures, truck limits, and more wind-related restrictions are on the cards.

Chris Bishop says he won't be the Transport Minister who produces a pie-in-the sky idea that turns to custard.

He says they're taking an evidence led approach, engaging with the market, doing geotechnical assessments and extensive studies.

LISTEN ABOVE

There's assurance scoping work on a second Auckland Harbour crossing is still under way, with plans expected mid-year.
Two Transport Agency reports have detailed defects in the 67 year-old bridge, and warn it's at risk of failure.
It says without long-term strengthening work, month-long lane closures, truck limits, and more wind-related restrictions are on the cards.
Chris Bishop says he won't be the Transport Minister who produces a pie-in-the sky idea that turns to custard.
He says they're taking an evidence led approach, engaging with the market, doing geotechnical assessments and extensive studies.
LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Bishop: Transport Minister on the progress being made on a second Auckland Harbour crossing

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/938dd9cc-e742-4772-a348-b44800643c55/transcript

A new poll has the coalition returning to power - despite a drop in support for the minor Government parties. 

The latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll has National up slightly to 30 percent and Labour down to 31.9 percent.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the minor parties have taken a hit, with ACT and NZ First looking less solid than they did in earlier polls. 

LISTEN ABOVE

A new poll has the coalition returning to power - despite a drop in support for the minor Government parties.&nbsp;
The latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll has National up slightly to 30 percent and Labour down to 31.9 percent.
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the minor parties have taken a hit, with ACT and NZ First looking less solid than they did in earlier polls.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the coalition looking likely to lead according to new poll

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/157af232-21a5-4b1a-b77a-b4480061d9f0/transcript

The Australian federal budget is set to be delivered tonight, and it's promising big changes.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the budget will feature 'more than the usual amount of savings and more than the usual amount of reform'.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this will appeal to younger voters, as concerns have been raised about intergenerational inequality and the housing market. 

LISTEN ABOVE

The Australian federal budget is set to be delivered tonight, and it's promising big changes.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the budget will feature 'more than the usual amount of savings and more than the usual amount of reform'.
Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this will appeal to younger voters, as concerns have been raised about intergenerational inequality and the housing market.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent ahead of the 2026 Australian federal budget being handed down

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/692ce578-906d-444b-92c6-b4480059a6d3/transcript

Catherine Hutton: Open Justice reporter on the new updates in the Scott Watson trial

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