Copyright © 1995 Brian Harmer
I said last week that the weekly publication would revert
to Saturdays from this issue. My wife was discharged from
hospital last Sunday, and had to be hastily re-admitted on Monday,
so I am still here, mid-week, for now. Next week I hope.
Matthew tells me that 123 people registered for WYSIWYG news by
e-mail in the first week. Wow!
On with the News:
******************
GLACIER ON THE GALLOP
---------------------
The Franz Josef Glacier is currently advancing at an average rate of one
metre per day, with peak speeds of 10 metres per day after heavy rain
or snow. This is causing some problems as tourists ignore the ropes
which mark safe paths, and disregard signs warning of danger. They want
their photo taken in front of the glacier, despite lumps of ice the size
of a ten-storey building falling off the face every so often. DOC staff
are concerned that not only the tourists are put at risk, but also anyone
called on to rescue others in the event of an accident. The glacier is now
only 1,500 metres from the bridge at State Highway 6.
RESERVE BANK KEEPS UPWARD PRESSURE ON MORTGAGE RATES
----------------------------------------------------
The Reserve Bank has stated that it is opposed to any lowering of house
mortgage rates. It is quite satisfied that 11% is an appropriate average
rate to achieve its inflation control targets. It would be unhelpful for
the underpinning 90 day bill rates to fall at this stage, it was said.
The market responded instantly with an increase from 9.00% to 9.25%.
The ASB BAnk said it would compete on the market by dropping its six
month fixed rate mortgage from 9.95% to 9.25%
DIPLOMATIC THAW BETWEEN US/NZ
-----------------------------
Fulfilling many predictions that the time had come for a thaw, US Deputy
Secretary of State, Strobe Talbot delivered an invitation to Prime Minister
Jim Bolger to visit President Clinton at the White House on March 27.
This marks a partial thaw in the relationship which has been frigid since
the enactment of the nuclear free legislation over a decade ago. The agenda
of the planned meeting is expected to be trade related according to the PM,
but the deputy secretary of state says that the nuclear free legislation
will be very much an issue. Full restoration will not occur until
the anti-nuclear laws are modified or repealed.
(Most of us hope not, I think - BH)
STATE HOUSE TENANTS TOLD TO GIVE UP EXPENSIVE HABITS
----------------------------------------------------
With the department's performance under critical scrutiny by parliament,
the policy manager of the Housing Ministry struck out at tenants of
state house tenants. He alleged that they choose to spend money on
discretionary options such as Lotto, fast food, taxis, tobacco, and
alcohol. People should be able to control their spending without
excessive hardship, in order to achieve better housing. Dr Murray Coppen
said he was not sure if one of the things people would have to sacrifice
for rents was food. He acknowledged that many of his tenants went to
foodbanks, but was not sure why. "They should rearrange their affairs,"
he said.
(Sigh! The spirit of Marie-Antoinette lives on after all these
centuries - BH)
JELLYFISH PLAGUE
----------------
Many swimmers at NZ beaches have been sharing the water with an unusually
high number of jellyfish this summer. Particularly annoying has been a
small blue type which is about the size of a 50 cent coin, but which
packs a nasty sting. It is a relative of the "Portuguese Man of War", and
has been particularly obnoxious in the Wellington Area.
FERRY WAKE HEARING
------------------
An application for an interim injunction to stop the fast ferries was
declined by Planning Tribunal judge John Treadwell. He wanted the
applicants to prove that they had the means to pay for any damages which
the ferry companies might subsequently claim. The judge also expressed
himself to be nervous about his personal liability in the event that he
found in favour of the applicants but was subsequently found to be wrong
in a higher court.
(This strikes me as a most alarming development - it appears that only
rich people can take action against environmental damage issues.
Furthermore, if judges fear personal consequences, surely the function
of the court is compromised? - BH)
SCHOOLS TURN PUPILS AWAY
------------------------
Many schools are turning pupils away, using their admission policy
statements to determine who gets in and who doesn't. One eighth of all
schools have to turn pupils away on the grounds of overcrowding.
Schools have a variety of locally determined acceptance criteria, mostly
related to living in the area, or relatives already at the school. Some
include requirements that the pupil be involved in community activities,
and some require the applicant child to submit a curriculum vitae.
MAORI HUI REJECTS FISCAL ENVELOPE DEAL
--------------------------------------
The government's proposal to settle all claims under the Treaty of
Waitangi , "once and for all", with a fiscal ceiling of $1 billion was
resoundingly rejected at a hui in Turangi. Sir Hepi Te Heuheu, a respected
elder of the Tuwharetoa people called for the hui at the Hirangi marae.
Over 1,000 representatives of various iwi attended, and rejected the
proposal on the basis that they were no longer content to react to
unilaterally constructed proposals from the government. They seek
to work with the government to put together a joint recommendation on
ways of solving the problems. Many urged rejection of "once and for all"
solutions on the grounds that this would expunge the special status of
Maori as Tangata Whenua. They also rejected the ceiling of $1 billion
as considerably too low.
Both the PM (who was in Europe) and the Justice Minister were quick to
downplay the significance of the hui, saying that it was not fully
representative of Maori. Mr Graham re-iterated that the $1 billion cap
was not negotiable.
IMMIGRATION FROM SOUTH AFRICA INCREASES
---------------------------------------
4,286 South Africans migrated to NZ in the first 9 months of last year.
This is a massive increase over the total of 870 only two years ago.
Britain is still the largets single source of migrants, but North Asia
is now the biggest contributor in the region with 39% of the total.
DIALYSIS DECISION REVERSED
--------------------------
Mr James McKeown, 76, was declined admission to the Auckland renal dialysis
programme, apparently on the grounds that at his age, and with his other
conditions, it was an inappropriate use of finite resources. Mr McKeown
took his case to the media and in the ensuing uproar, the minister of
Health, Jenny Shipley revealed clinical details related to Mr McKeown,
thereby apparently breaking the privacy act. The CHE ordered a review of
Mr McKeown's case, with age excluded as a factor. On the grounds that
he is fit to undertake the process, that he has no other condition that
contra-indicates the procedure, and that it will improve his quality
of life, Mr McKeown will now be admitted to the programme.
Dr Levy, the CEO of the Auckland CHE has referred the policy guidelines
set down by the Core Health Committee to the Human Rights Commission
to determine whether or not they are discriminatory.
The minister of Health has yet to make a public statement, but the outcome
appears to flatly undercut and contradict every statement she made on
nationwide television.
OPPOSITION TO IRRADIATION PLANT AT MANGAKINO
--------------------------------------------
Appeals are being launched against the establishment of a food
irradiation plant at Mangakino (Hydro-electric town, Waikato River, West
of Tokoroa). As well as locals who fear the consequences of an accident,
a major dairy exporter is concerned about the impact of the plant on
the clean-green image of its products.
PHARMACY BUREAUCRACY BLAMED FOR INCREASE IN STROKES
---------------------------------------------------
The body which approves drugs for use in NZ, Pharmac, decided that Aspirin
was a satisfactory substitute for the blood-thinning drug, Dipyridamole
which is used by stroke sufferers, and removed it from the approved list.
Many patients, however, are Aspirin-intolerant and cannot afford the
anti-clotting agent from their own resources. Several patients have
suffered strokes since this decision, and Pharmac are having to defend
themselves against criticism.
CORONATION STREET BACKLASH WINS THE DAY
---------------------------------------
TVNZ's new programmes director decided to cut Coronation St from three
half hour sessions per week to one hour-long episode. A protest group
formed immediately, and petitions appeared on the streets. Coro St.
ratings went up. The protest group met with TVNZ, and it has been
announced that fans will get 90 minutes per week, over two nights.
LEAKING LANDFILLS POSE THREAT
-----------------------------
A number of housing sub-divisions built on former landfill sites are
dangerous to the residents who live there. Many are releasing toxic gases
such as methane. Many sites contained waste chemicals including volatile
solvents and pesticides. Houses at Wellington's Southgate subdivision were
evacuated when high concentrations of methane were detected. They were
allowed to return after sealing and ventilation work was done.
MP CARTER LASHES OUT AT CHURCHES - CHURCHES KICK BACK
-----------------------------------------------------
MP John Carter (Nat., Northland?) has said that church leaders should be
given a good clap around the ears . He says that "their constant bleating
about poverty is one of the reasons why a number of New Zealanders believe
poverty is a problem"
The churches came back quickly to say that Mr Carter had clearly not been
reading reports on poverty if he believed it was all a matter of perception.
(It would seem that Marie-Antoinette was an amateur - BH)
CHILD CRIME STATISTICS
----------------------
The office of the Commissioner for Children has been concerned about crime
statistics. Published figures show that violent crime has increased over
the last six years by 66% for young people, and 71% by adults. Changes
to various policies including the reporting of domestic crimes, and
charging people with serious offences where previously a minor charge
would have been laid, are believed to have clouded the statistics.
REVIEW OF CRICKET UPSETS RUTHERFORD
-----------------------------------
An independent review of the NZ cricket team's tour of South Africa was
extremely critical of Coach, Geoff Howarth, and Captain Ken Rutherford
for failing to provide leadership and discipline. The tour was
characterised by late night parties and drinking, according to New Zealand
Cricket's Rod Fulton. The leaked report has angered Rutherford who says
he is hurt and angry over the contents of the leaked report. He denies
responsibility for the issues raised.
PUSH FOR SECOND MMP POLL
------------------------
MP Paul East, eagerly backed by FPP proponent, Peter Shirtcliffe, is
urging that it should be governement policy that there be a mandatory
referendum to re-evaluate MMP after two terms under the new system.
Justice Minister, Doug Graham says these calls are two early. There is
provision for a select committee review of the system in 2002, and
he thinks it too soon to insist on a referendum instead.
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION EXTRACTS
-------------------------------
- A Best Practice Programme (BPP) to assist industry improve energy
management techniques will be launched by EECA (Energy Efficiency
Conservation Authority) later this year.
Modelled on successful schemes operating internationally, it will
provide information, guidance and assistance to industry energy
consumers.
- Dairy land prices rose 21.1% in the year to December.
In over the last six months of 1994 total sales reached $330 million,
against $256 million for the same period in 1993.
- The latest NZIER survey shows business confidence has been positive
for three straight years - the longest sustained period since the
survey began in the 1960s.
- NZ exports to Australia have hit a record high of $4 billion in the
year to November - a 10% increase over 1993.
Australia accounts for 20% of NZ's export market.
- Carpet production has continued its upwards rise, increasing a further
10% in the year to September reaching 9.265 million square metres.
- A programme to encourage companies to adopt environmental management
systems (EMS) will be launched next year by Tradenz, the Food and
Beverage Council and the Ministry for the Environment.
The aim will be to have companies certify their systems to the
ISO 14000 standard - the first internationally recognised EMS standard.
- NZ fisheries lead the world, international experts say.
In NZ for an international conference, marine researchers have praised
our sustainable management systems.
- Actual retail sales rose almost 9% in November, compared to a year earlier.
- A review of Government careers information and guidance has been
initiated by the Education Minister to help ensure they keep pace with
developments in the rest of the education, training and employment
environment.
*****
May I express my sympathy to WYSIWYG readers in the flood stricken parts
of Europe. I know and love the South West of Holland, and it is a real
heartbreak to see this lovely countryside under water.
Thanks for all the e-mail of good wishes for my wife.
See you all next week, hopefully with better news and on a Saturday
Brian Harmer
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