Thanks for all your input on this..... BUT I GOT IT!
Decided to pull apart the wifes mazda, much to her disliking of the idea.
After pullin the center-console apart, removed cup-holders, gear stick knob,boot and surround, AND ALL THE OTHER PLASTIC INTERIOR
Mucked around with the gear lever system, wiggled this... tapped there... twisted that, the reverse lights went off!!!
(oh and back on again once reverse was selected, then off when not in reverse ans so on....)
So, I don't know WHAT I fixed or HOW, I know WHERE to look, not sure WHY, all I know is I didn`t have to fork out cash and take it to a "you-know-WHO"!
I Guess I better go put all back together now huh!
Thanks again ppls!!!