Copyright © 2000 Brian Harmer
On Friday 28th January, Nelson turned on one of those sunny days of which its inhabitants are so justifiably proud. Colours so sharp you could cut yourself. Andrew, our middle son who was kindly hosting us, decided some tourism was in order since his wife had to do a stock take at her place of work. We set off from their home in Richmond, and drove North West through gentle vineyard country, past Seifried's excellent estate and winery, past the road to Rabbit Island, through fertile farmland and up the hill to Mapua. The road curves around Ruby Bay then up across Moutere Bluff to Tasman, which I think was the heart of the electorate seat of the Late Sir Wallace (Bill) Rowling. Beside the tidal mud flats of the Moutere Inlet, we noticed that it has become a regional fad to spell out some message by gathering up rocks and arranging them artfully in the mud. The messages in metre high letters, range from the banal equivalent of names carved in a tree trunk, to evangelical "God loves you", to the downright scatological. Some are witty, most are not. Perhaps my humour gene has atrophied, but I find no amusement value in those whose ego requires them to deface nature.
The pretty town of Motueka was next, full of people who look as if they trade in a green economy (take that how you will). Backpackers are everywhere, and if you will forgive me for a little stereotyping, there are hikers who, by their very erect posture, and their determination to enjoy everything in the guide books must surely be Europeans. Australians and Americans somehow look different, and act more relaxed and laid back. Perhaps it is that their equipment is more beaten up, less perfect for the job.
On to Riwaka, which as a town is hardly anything at all, but is the home of dear friends Ron and Edith who make a living from growing organic produce. A brief visit, an admiring look at their big hothouses, and an incautious sniff at the barrels of liquid manure (Phwarrr! What a pong!) and onwards we went. Andrew took us on the road between tall fields of hops, past the turn off to Kaiteriteri and Marahau and the Abel Tasman National Park. We went to a part of the Kahurangi National Park signposted as the Riwaka Resurgence. The Riwaka river wells up in full flow, clear and clean in a shaded clearing whence it flows along a creek between beautiful beech trees down towards the coast. Apparently scuba equipped lunatics swim down the hole to explore the extensive cave system under here. I can write the words, though I can not get my head around the concept! Next we set out for the Takaka hill.
I had heard much of this hill but never crossed it before. I was mightily impressed to see cyclists of the very serious variety, with panniers front and rear and a tent rolled across the back, slugging up this long, interminable, never ending, twisting, winding, climb-forever hill. I couldn't manage this hill with just myself on the bike, let alone if I were laden as they were, like a Sherpa. Not even if I had the lowest of granny gears on a 27 speed bike! I salute them. Near the top, just past the site of the annual festival known as "The Gathering", we paused at a tiny tea- room and craft gallery for a morning cup of coffee. The view back across Tasman Bay was stupendous, and so was the blow to my wallet. I guess when you are this far up a humongous hill and there is no competition, you can charge what you want. $3 for a $1 can of coke. $4.50 for a slice of chocolate cake! Ouch! Anyhow, it was a glorious day and we were out with our son who was proudly showing off his adopted province, so I tried not to wince too visibly. A few hundred metres up the road, we came to Ngarua caves on the right. If you have crossed the hill and never stopped there, take my advice and go through the cave system next time. A mere $8 gets you a guided tour through a winding and twisting and artfully illuminated set of limestone caves. The guide and landowner has been doing this for many years so at first hearing, you get the impression that he is on autopilot, but once you engage him with questions he is a very real and amusing personality. It takes about 40 minutes and should not be missed. Moa bones are part of the attraction as there are pot holes down which the big birds fell and met their dark and lonely death. Sadly, some of the stalactites and stalagmites in the caves have been defaced in the past by yet more of the idiots who think that leaving their name behind improves on nature. They might as well lift a leg and leave their mark on power poles for all the respect it earns them.
Emerging once more into the bright sunshine, we resumed our journey up to the crest of the hill and began the long and twisting descent towards the spectacular valley below. We paused at the lookout to take in the magnificent vista which encompasses the Tasman Mountains to the West, and the wonderful pastoral landscape of the Takaka valley below. After many turns we arrived at last on the valley floor and gazed back up at the monumental walls of rock over which we had just driven and marvelled. Here it seemed, was the very structure, the skeleton of the planet revealed.
Our first stop in the valley was at farm park at a place called Anatoki, Just a little South of Takaka township. We paid the modest entry fee at the door and found ourselves in a shaded open air cafe cum farm alongside a river. "Go see the eels", we were urged, and so we did. The eels have learned that a few clicks of the fingers in the water signify the arrival of food. Little chunks of raw meat inserted into the end of a split stick brings these huge glossy black serpentine eels wriggling up onto the rocks in search of food. I resisted the word slimy, because I learned that if, after a little time in the water to cool your hand down, you touch the eels, the skin has a strange soft velvet non-slimy feel to it. A bunch of thoroughly ill-disciplined kids dominated the session under the indulgent gaze of their father, so we left and went back to the cafe where we had an excellent lunch with some very nice local wine. Emu burgers were among the interesting items on the menu. I had one and it was very nice, but I am not entirely sure these were not specials to suck in gullible North Islanders. On the other hand, I understand that emu is indeed a dark meat. After a tour of the mules, donkeys, yaks, llamas, alpacas and so on, we moved on yet again, through Takaka township and out the other side to Waikoropupu.
Known far and wide simply as Pupu springs, this was a highlight of the day. Set in a large area of pristine native bush, the springs in a natural basin just over forty metres across, produce millions of gallons of sparkling pure water, welling up through shifting sands, swirling and changing as you watch. Divers report the water is so clear that there is visibility in excess of sixty metres. Across the surface of the water, Welcome Swallows (Hirundo tahitica neoxena) flit and dart, snapping up the omnipresent sandflies (of which more, much more, next week). The bush surrounding the springs has a beauty of its own, though we noticed the almost complete absence of Punga (Alsophila tricolor* - the silver fern). What we had at first mistaken for Punga was the visually similar but more prolific Mamaku (Sphaeropteris medullaris) which is green rather than silver on its underside. Well formed pathways sometimes yielded to elevated boardwalks across swamp or running water. DOC sign work was superb, explaining the history of the area, its special spiritual significance to Maori, as well as the characteristic flora and fauna of the area.
The trip over the hill in the reverse direction was just as spectacular as the journey across, and since my son was driving I could get a good long look again at that stunning panorama from Kaiteriteri around Tasman Bay past Nelson shining in the middle ground to what I suppose must be D'Urville Island in the far blue distance. A pile of cloud beyond marked the approximate location of the North Island. Back almost at Richmond, we paused to sample some of Seifried's excellent product, enjoying a glass of their superb 1998 barrique fermented Chardonnay (for a modest NZ$26 a bottle), and taking a bottle away with us for a special occasion later in the holiday.
Now a diversion from the travelogue which will resume next week. The next day, Saturday, had been selected for the annual soc.culture.new-zealand picnic, to be held at the home of a Nelson based regular. People from as far afield as Auckland and Invercargill attended, despite the steady rain all day. I wont name names, to protect the guilty, but for those who are interested, less sensitive souls than I posted all the gory details in the newsgroup. Suffice it for me to say that despite the rain, our splendid host and her family made about thirty of us welcome in their friendly home. It was just great to meet at last, people who I have known as cyber-persona for years. The intention had been to have a barbecue/picnic on our hosts spacious lawn. Instead, the rain compelled us to stay inside, where we sat on chairs and cushions, nibbling, drinking and talking while the chefs huddled over the barbecue under the eaves. The food was good, the company was delightful, and I look forward to the next such gathering wherever it may be. Whatever else was dampened, spirits were certainly not. I have yet to meet an s.c.n-z regular I didn't like. Perhaps this is because the stroppy ones stay away? This does not of course imply that every absentee is stroppy. In any event, it was a great pleasure to meet them all, and I know we have at least one statement of intent from a subscriber in Texas to attend next years happening.
Enough for this week. Next week we shall go South through Brightwater, Golden Downs, Murchison, Reefton, Ikamatua (where?), Greymouth, Hokitika and destinations further on.
Oh ... and a correction from last week. Of course the North West Nelson Forest Park no longer exists. It was subsumed into the vast Kahurangi National Park several years back. Thanks to all the sub- editors who were on the case :-)
On with the news:
All news items (except where noted otherwise) are reproduced by kind permission of copyright owner, IRN Ltd whose current news listing can be found at http://www.xtramsn.co.nz/news/
All material in parentheses, and concluded with the initials "BH" is the personal opinion of Brian Harmer as editor of this newsletter, or occasionally "HH" will indicate an opinion from Helen.
Finance Minister Michael Cullen is still concerned at the way in which TVNZ Board handled the contract with sacked newsreader John Hawkesby. Cullen and Broadcasting Minister Marian Hobbs put TVNZ Chairman Rosanne Meo and five board members through a gruelling session of questions today, set in part by Prime Minister Helen Clark. Before the meeting Clark held a press conference in which she revealed that Hawkesby's $750,000 plus a year contract was put in place well before he left his former employer TV3. After the meeting, Cullen told press that only three members were unaware of the details of Hawkesby's contract. He said he and Hobbs would be meeting with the Prime Minister and cabinet colleagues before announcing a decision regarding the board members fate.
Water in Auckland should be tasting sweet again after authorities flush out the last of a swampy flavoured algae. Three of the dams in the Waitakere ranges run by Watercare were closed after being tainted by a non-harmful algae. Bill Larsen from the Waitakere City Council says the offensive smell and taste should be gone by now. He says at the height of the problem hundreds of complaints were being received every few days. He says there has only been six today - indicating the problem is almost fully resolved. However Mr. Larsen says they will be treating the situation with caution for the next week or so.
A man whom police suspect has sailed away from sex charges, has failed to show up at a court appearance this afternoon. The 40 year old Auckland accused has not been seen since he chartered a Sunsail yacht more than a week ago. Police have issued a warrant for his arrest. Senior Constable Tony Flanagan says there is a slim chance the man due for the court appearance and the man on the yacht are two different people. However, he says he is now confident the person who has taken the yacht is also the man wanted on sex charges.
Women's Affairs Minister Laila Harre has joined the call to ban baby walkers. Ms Harre says the child injury rate with the walkers is "horrendous" and "entirely preventable". She claims New Zealand and international research shows forty percent of children using the devices get injuries. Consumer Affairs Minister Phillida Bunkle agrees and is consulting with various groups about whether they should be outlawed.
(A couple of our offspring had brief experience of these things. I gather the argument is that it puts strain on their spine before they are developed to cope with it. In addition, some children have propelled themselves into other dangers. - BH)
A leading economist believes New Zealand would become exposed to the whims of US monetary policy if this country adopted the US dollar, as ACT leader Richard Prebble is suggesting. BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander understands Mr Prebble's concern over the volatility of the Kiwi. However he says using the greenback as our currency would mean American monetary policy and economic conditions would dictate what our dollar was doing.
(Once, when Tony was less busy, he used to post to the nz.* hierarchy of newsgroups. - BH)
WINZ boss Christine Rankin says the Department will co-operate fully with the Ministerial review set up to look at Work and Incomes management practices. Announcing the review today, State Services Minister Trevor Mallard says the inquiry aims to end the culture of waste and extravagance within the department. When asked about Ms Rankin, Prime Minister Helen Clark said that if a "a real horror story" is uncovered by the review then people at the top would have to take responsibility. In a media statement this afternoon, Work and Income says it will co-operate fully with the review, but will not comment further at this stage.
The Christian Heritage Party is critical of the message being sent by a Fundamentalist Christian preacher who has bought television airtime. Brian Tamaki has come under fire for saying women leaders are a sign of the devil and New Zealanders are living within a "fatherless generation." Christian Heritage Party leader Graham Capill says men need to take up more leadership roles in the home, but he does not support the suggestion that women leaders are the strategy of the devil. Reverend Capill welcomes the idea of having more religious programming on television.
(What on earth can I say about this one? I don't particularly think that WINZ proves it. - BH)
All sailings of The Lynx fast ferry have been cancelled until Wednesday morning. Tranz Rail says this effects one return crossing tonight and three return crossings tomorrow. Passengers will be transferred to other sailings. Tranz Rail spokeswoman Nicola McFaull says The Lynx has been operating on three engines since Friday night. She says the fourth engine has been out of service to make repairs to a cooling pump - and as a result, crossing times have been slower. Ms McFaull says due to this factor, Tranz Rail has decided to take the vessel out of service for 24 hours.
(The Lynx, also known as "Condor Vitesse" is leased. It spends the Southern winter in the Northern hemisphere, serving the Channel Islands from Britain. The wave piercing catamaran is vessel number 044 from the slips of Australia's innovative Incat shipyard. She is a near identical sister to 045 which is in service with the RAN as "HMAS Jervis Bay". An aside ... the original "HMS Jervis Bay" was an Australian crewed armed merchant cruiser which was sunk in November 1940. She engaged in a heroic but impossibly one sided gun battle against the German pocket battleship "Admiral Scheer" while trying to her convoy. Her captain, E. Fegen won for the ships under his protection, a precious 20 minutes in which to scatter and seek the cover of darkness, though he and his company were killed in the process. He was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross ...back to the present ... Top Cat which I wrote about last week is vessel 050 from the same yard, 10 metres longer and a little more flexible in its freight capability than Lynx. Hey, did anyone figure out I love ships? :-) - BH)
West Auckland residents continue to experience problems with their water supply, following the discovery of more swampy flavoured algae. Bill Larsen from Waitakere City Council says the problem has continued, even after three of the dams in the Waitakere Ranges were closed and flushed. He says the Councils continued to get complaints of offensive tasting and smelling water over the last couple of days. Mr Larsen says so far the only solution to the problem has been sending workers to consumers that complain and flushing their water mains. Bill Larsen assures that the water may taste and smell foul, but has been found safe to drink.
(Odd city this one. Can not keep the power running, can not get enough water. When they do get water it tastes funny ... BH)
Telecoms chief executive says its role as New Zealand's leading Internet Service Provider is just part of its vision for the future. Theresa Gattung says the change taking place in the industry showed up in the strong growth Telecom has experienced in its Internet businesses. Xtra's revenue growth was 78 per cent in the second quarter, which Ms Gattung says is quite remarkable, considering it did not exist four years ago.
The Top Cat Ferry company says speed restrictions in the Marlborough Sounds would make running a fast ferry business difficult. Although chief executive Keith Pybus has not heard from Conservation Minister Marion Hobbs directly he says he believes she is concerned about damage caused by wash from fast ferry wakes in the Sounds. Mr Pybus says he understands Marion Hobbs has suggested slowing down the ferries. He says it is impractical to run fast ferries at slow speeds.
(This baffles me. I hear conflicting accounts of the amount of energy in the fast ferry wash. Certainly apart from the extremely aerated foaming efflux of the jet drives, there is no visible heavy wake of the kind made by a conventional displacement vessel. On the other hand I have heard anecdotes of skin divers who say that being in the water when one passes is like swimming in a washing machine. Any physicists or naval architects out there who can comment? - BH)
The Commerce Commission says it is delighted with a High Court ruling which has seen three major oil companies fined more than a million dollars for price fixing. Caltex, Shell and Mobil were found guilty last year, of colluding to scrap a free car wash promotion, which the Commission says, bumped up the companies revenue by more than a million dollars. Commerce Commission chairman John Belgrave price fixing is a major breach of the Commerce Act. He says the fine sends a strong warning to the business world. Caltex was fined $450,000, Mobil $350,000 and Shell $375,000.
The principal of a Northland school at the centre of a debate over whether a pupil should be allowed to sport dreadlocks says the decision is now up to the board of trustees. A 16-year-old at Dargaville High School has been told to change his hair or face suspension, as it does not comply with school guidelines. However that has been challenged by the teenagers family and the matter will now go to the board of trustees next month. Dargaville High principal David MacLeod says he is disappointed the issue has been thrown into the media spotlight and says the final call now rests with the board.
(My younger daughter attends a Wellington secondary school at which the principal told us "we have no requirements about haircuts, hair colouring, piercing or tattoos because we have found that those things have no relevance to the learning process." Seems sort of sensible to me - BH)
(Damn straight. -HH)
The National Institute for Weather and Atmospheric Research is predicting more of the same for autumn on the weather front, as La Nina's influence is expected to continue. However, NIWA says La Nina's grip should weaken during the winter. There are expected to be normal winds over most of the country, with easterlies predominating over northern parts of the North Island. Local sea surface temperatures should remain near average with most parts of the country experiencing near average temperatures, rainfall and soil moisture levels throughout the winter.
(Grrr! It has been the worst summer I can recall for ages. Not cold, but not sunny either, and way too much rain. - BH)
Canterbury residents near where Lisa Blakie's body was found say they have been racking their brains trying to remember anything unusual from the day the 20-year-old was last seen. It is now two weeks exactly since Lisa disappeared; her body was found in the Porters River 10 days ago. Police have taken to State Highway 73 today, targeting motorists who may have used the highway about the time Lisa was attempting to hitch a lift. Springfield's Bob White, who has lived in the area for 63 years, says the crimes been hard to come to terms with. He says while the community has dealt with horrific road tragedies, it is the first time he can recall a homicide inquiry coming so close to home.
WINZ is yet to comment on the problems it has experienced with its new student loans system. At least ten polytechs and several universities are having problems completing enrolments of students who are relying on loans. It is suspected there is an error occurring between the institutions computers and the WINZ computer system. This is the first year WINZ has managed student loans, which were previously handled by the universities and polytechs. Student Associations are concerned that some students can not pay their fees or get hold of money to buy food or pay rent until their loans have been successfully processed.
(What a shameful debacle! A suspected error between the institutions? All 20 plus polytechs and universities? The loan scheme worked fine while it was administered within the institutions. For the second successive year, WINZ has stuffed the students. Last year it was allowances, this year it is loans. The inquiry into the previous shambles said this must not happen again! The minister is wringing his hands, but I doubt that any politician can achieve anything here. If this is not the stake through the heart for Ms Rankin, she will survive anything. I don't suppose she personally set out to do it wrong, but she must be accountable for the sheer bumbling ineptitude of her department. - BH)
New Zealand oil companies are predicting further petrol price hikes, due to an all time high for the price of crude oil overseas. Prices for crude oil have risen to over US$30 a barrel, for the first time since the Gulf War. Challenge spokesman Bob Constantine says that equates to over NZ$60 a barrel. He says it is likely the major oil companies will put up their petrol prices by another three cents as a result.
A prisoner on the new home detention scheme has been remanded in custody on three drugs charges. He is one of 86 prisoners nationally who are serving their sentence at home - they are monitored by a special anklet. After executing a search warrant yesterday police allegedly recovered utensils for manufacturing cannabis oil and two caps from his Hastings home. The man had only been on home detention for a fortnight to finish of the last few months of an 18 month sentence. The Corrections Department wont comment on the details of the case because the matter is before the court.
Food outlets across the country are doing well, despite many having to close for the New Year. The Restaurant Association ran a survey of its members, to asses their financial performance - and were surprised to find an upturn. Association CEO Neville Waldren says he was expecting an adverse impact on sales, but found a few contradictions. He says the restaurants, cafes and takeaways all posted high profits, except in Auckland - where despite the Americas Cup - sales grew by a modest six per cent. Neville Waldren says Wellington registered a 23 per cent increase, and Canterbury had 18 per cent growth.
Chaos could be on the cards as New Zealand largest university starts to take enrolments today. Auckland University students says tensions will rise if there are continuing problems with WINZ administered student loans. In its first official statement on the subject WINZ says it is working hard to rectify a problem which has caused confusion for thousands of students throughout New Zealand. WINZ says it has employed more phone staff and called in extra technical personnel. But New Zealand University Students Association spokesman Sam Huggard says WINZ should have been on top of the situation last year.
The lawyer for a teenager convicted of murder says her client received a fair trial and she wont be appealing. 18 year old Daniella Bowman was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment for the part she played in the murder of 59 year old Raymond Mullins. Two sisters, 15 year old Natalie Fenton and 20 year old Katrina Fenton, were also found guilty of murder. Mr Mullins' body was found in the boot of a car last April - he had been stabbed over 30 times. Lawyer for Daniella Bowman, Marie Dyhrberg, says it's a tragic situation as the young women had no history of violence. However she says its highly unlikely her client will appeal.
WINZ boss Christine Rankin faces another please explain meeting with the Government today. Social Services Minister Steve Maharey wants an explanation from Ms Rankin over why WINZ continues to make blunders over student loan processing. Mr Maharey held a meeting with student groups and officials at the Beehive yesterday, but Ms Rankin was in Dunedin at the time. He says he will get hold of the WINZ boss today over the loans saga because he says the bottom line is the Chief Executive must ultimately take responsibility for his or her organisation.
(How many more "please explain" meetings constitute sufficient grounds for dismissal? I recognise that NZ employment law requires a clear and just process to be followed. On the other hand, for CEO style salaries, one expects a sense of honour which enables the person to say, "I blew it. I'm sorry. I quit" Instead we get "Resignation is not on my agenda." I think it should be. - BH)
ACT MP Rodney Hide says the reputation of Nandor Tanczos will be "shot to shreds" if he doesn't comply with parliaments request to name names. Mr Tanczos claims he has seen MPs who were drunk in parliaments debating chamber. Rodney Hide today moved a motion calling on Nandor Tanczos to name those MPs - to remove the slur which his allegations have cast on all MPs. That motion was passed with no objections. Mr Tanczos said he expected to make some form of statement to parliament this afternoon. However Parliament's Speaker, Jonathan Hunt, says it's not compulsory for Mr Tanczos to name names.
(The member made it clear that he was referring to people who in his judgement had too much to drink at the annual press gallery Christmas party. - BH)
From sniffer dogs to uncover drugs -- to sniffer police. Tauranga police with a good sense of smell have uncovered a sophisticated cannabis growing operation in the suburbs. Police knocked on the door of the Humber Crescent home last night to speak to someone on an unrelated matter. Sergeant Dave Thompson says they noticed a strong smell of cannabis and a subsequent search discovered 170 marijuana plants. A 46-year-old sickness beneficiary has been charged with cultivation and possession.
The PPTA disagrees with claims schools are covering up for incompetent teachers and protecting them from deregistration. Education Minister Trevor Mallard says he is concerned schools are protecting incompetent teachers and allowing them to move from school to school. Post Primary Teachers Association President Graeme MaCann says he believes schools are reporting incompetent teachers because principals and school boards only want good teachers in their schools. Graeme MaCann says if teachers are found guilty of misconduct the Teacher Registration Board automatically has to be notified.
Social Welfare officials are denying reports they marched into an Auckland Primary school classroom and took away a young pupil, to the distress of her classmates. Child Youth and Family Area Manager, John Hoult, admits his department acted on a court order, after being asked by a lawyer to help expedite the return of a child to her father in Wellington. But he says reports the police were also involved are wrong and his staff went and spoke to the schools principal. John Hoult says the incident was handled appropriately by his staff. He says such events arising from custody disputes are distressing but rare, occuring about ten times a year.
(It seems children in the class were greatly disturbed by the sudden appearance of officials in their class and the child's unwilling departure. I have some sympathy with that concern. I have less with the position of the principal who says she will not let that situation be "perpetuated" in her school again. Assuming she meant "perpetrated", she is wrong. She has no power to intervene in the execution of a court order. The officials could have summoned police to enforce their needs, which would have compounded the trauma. - BH)
A ship which travelled close to New Zealand waters carrying a cargo of nuclear fuel, was potentially unsafe, according to a report. The document, examining Britains Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant, shows workers falsified safety records on the recycled fuel. Some of the radioactive material was on board a ship bound for Japan, which travelled through the Tasman. The report says the Sellafield plant was poorly run, and five people have already lost their jobs over the inaccurate safety records. Meanwhile, Greenpeace says the report shows the nuclear industry can not be trusted.
Five Australian tourists remain in Greymouth hospital with serious injuries following an accident yesterday afternoon. The rental van carrying eight tourists lost control and crashed south of Harihari. Greymouth Hospital says all five remain in a serious condition. The other three tourists were discharged from the hospital yesterday.
A jury will decide whether Mark Middleton is guilty of threatening to kill the man who murdered his step daughter, as the case is sent to trial. A depositions hearing has been taking place in Wanganui today, to decide whether Karla Cardno's stepfather should stand trial over the alleged claims. Mark Middleton has pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening to kill Paul Joseph Dally. Dally grabbed 13 year old Karla from a street in 1989, and tortured her for two days before killing her. He is serving a life sentence at Auckland Prison.
(Mr Middleton used the fame from the utterance of his threats to stand for parliament in Wanganui. To my astonishment he gained over 3,000 votes. - BH)
Police heavy handedness is being alleged in the case involving Alliance deputy leader Sandra Lees press secretary. Moana Sinclair has pleaded not guilty to four charges relating to incidents while she was driving a Ministerial car last Sunday. The charges were for speeding, driving while forbidden to do so, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer. Ms Sinclair's lawyer, Helen Cull says all charges will be vigorously defended, particularly the charges of resisting and assault. She says her client was dragged from her car by her ankles and upper body, thrown to the ground, handcuffed then dragged to a police car. Ms Sinclair's next court appearance will be on March 13th. The Alliance says she is likely to remain on full pay while she continues to be stood down from her duties.
Auckland University students are refusing to accept WINZ boss Christine Rankin's claims that her staff are not to blame for the student loans processing debacle. Thousands of students have been unable to enrol and pay for living expenses, because of delays in processing their loans applications. WINZ boss Christine Rankin is denying the problem is widespread, and says it should be resolved by next week. However, Auckland University Students Association spokeswoman Stephanie Thompson says Ms Rankin appears to be covering up for her department's inadequacies. She says students are once again on the receiving end of another WINZ bungle.
Kiwi superbike racer Aaron Slight is to undergo brain surgery in Sydney this afternoon after suffering a stroke. His agent Ian Miles says Aaron has not been feeling well for about a year and it came to a head on Monday when he had to pull out of a testing session. Mr Miles says it was not until Aaron underwent a brain scan two days ago that it was revealed he had had a stroke and had a ruptured blood vessel bleeding into his brain. Mr Miles says it is just amazing that he still managed to race last season and come fourth in the world.
(I understand the operation was successful - BH)
Date: 17 February 2000 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
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