Copyright © 1995 Brian Harmer
Not a good start to the year, and I apologise for the absence of WYSIWYG last week. Both lots of news are included this week. My mother was taken to hospital so Mary and I dashed up to Wanganui to see what could be done, and on her discharge, we brought her back to Wellington so that we didn't have to panic each time we didn't hear from her. Happily she is back to more-or-less normal and yesterday, I drove her back to the River City. Being thoroughly bored with SH1 via Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin, Foxton, Sanson and Bulls, I chose to take the longer and more scenic route over the Rimutaka summit through Featherston, Greytown, Carterton, Masterton, Ekatahuna, Pahiatua, Palmerston North, Sanson and Bulls. Happily the traffic was light, and the only heavy vehicle we encountered on the twisting road over the hills was a Stagecoach bus on charter, and its driver was one of those chivalrous breed who pull aside to avoid holding up faster traffic. Toot to say thanks and off into the distance, down the hill to Featherston. The Wairarapa was still parched nearly white from long weeks with no substantial rain, and the gentle drizzle falling as we drove was likely to make little real impact on soil moisture. The wildflower planting program of which I spoke in the previous issue was even more in evidence, as bright reds and blues mingled with the more normal summer roadside weeds. It being Saturday, most of the small rural towns were busy with folks either out for a drive, or doing their shopping. Here and there, a tractor in a parking slot spoke volumes of the nature of the community. I hasten to add that they were very upmarket John Deeres with closed airconditioned luxury suspension cabs. No Massey Fergusons or Fordsons here! Bypassing Masterton we were soon passing through Ekatahuna where a large building had been demolished, leaving the tiny settlement even smaller than I remember it. I can never pass Ekatahuna without a kindly thought for readers Rob and Jan in Baltimore who extended their hospitality to me when I passed through a year or two ago. Pahiatua is next, and I chose the route over the Pahiatua saddle, climbing up and over a low point in the Tararuas. By this point, the rain had cleared, and there were views forever. Nearing the peak, we could see huge distances to the east, and just a few kilometres further, clear views across the entire expanse of the Manawatu. The saddle road is narrow, winding, lightly travelled, innocent of litter and other rubbish, and the roadside is awash at this time of year with swaying dandelions, buttercups, and daisies. Patches of bush, freshly washed by the recent passing showers made the scenery even more attractive. All too soon, it was down into Palmerston North for lunch, and then on across the plans to rejoin the old familiar road at Sanson.
Any text above this point, and all subsequent 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.
In all cases they are honest expressions of personal opinion, and are not presented as fact. This week's formatting is sponsored by Bruce Hamilton. Many thanks Bruce.
On with the news:
Police have named the woman killed in a car accident in Hastings yesterday. 47-year-old Kiri Maere of Bridge Pa died when the vehicle she was in collided head-on with another on Tomoana Road. Two other people received moderate injuries in the accident.
Police in Hastings have dropped their investigation into the death of a 65-year-old man. Detective Brent Greville says following the results of an autopsy, police are satisfied no other person was involved in Kevin Pyne's death. He says it appears Mr Pyne died as a result of injuries caused from a fall at his home in Willowpark Road.
Evidence of a new type of blue green algae has been found in the Waikato River. An algal bloom in the river is producing a funny taste and smell, prompting a warning against drinking from or swimming in the river. Latest test results on the extent of the original algal bloom came back today. Environment Waikato Water Scientist Bill Vant says while the numbers of this type of algae have now fallen, a new kind of algae has appeared. Toxicity test results on the new algae are due back tomorrow.
A reward is being offered to the finder of an American tourist's life savings. The 30-year-old man has just arrived in New Zealand on holiday after nursing a terminally ill friend for two years. The friend died on Christmas Eve. Police say the man lost the substantial amount of money, kept in a belt bag, while travelling between Haast and Queenstown yesterday. They say the money is in sequential American hundred dollar notes.
A six-year-old Auckland boy mauled by a rotweiler that had wandered onto his parents' section has this afternoon been released from hospital. Troy Signal underwent plastic surgery after he was bitten on the nose, ear and forehead yesterday. His father, Steve Signal, says Troy is a lucky boy and should make a full recovery. But he is angry the Manukau City Council did not act immediately on his call about the dog. He says they told him it was not a priority as the attack was over. Mr. Signal says a dog ranger took the rotweiler away today, but only after publicity about the incident.
Dry weather in Canterbury is good news for the region's wineries, with growers anticipating a good season. Weather experts say the 10 or so millimetres of rain that fell over the weekend was not enough to significantly affect soil moisture. That is a concern for sheep and cattle farmers. However Robin Mundy of St Helena Winery says good rainfall in spring followed by dry weather is good news and he is anticipating April's harvest will be positive. He says the weekend's rain was ideal, and the vines only need another few millimetres between now and harvest time.
Forest and Bird is refusing to withdraw its support of 1080 as a means of controlling pests, despite threats of eco- terrorist action. A group calling itself the Biodiversity Action Group has sent letters claiming to have released 11 possums on the Kapiti Island wildlife sanctuary. The group is thought to be protesting the use of 1080 for possum control, believing it makes hunting less lucrative. But Forest and Bird Conservation Manager Eric Pyle says the poison is essential for the survival of species such as the kiwi. He says aerial 1080 drops can increase the kiwi chick survival rate from less than five percent to more than 50 percent. Meanwhile, the Conservation Minister has declared war on eco-terrorists. Chris Carter is vowing to nullify threats by boosting security on off-shore islands. He says more care will be needed in patrolling access to the likes of Kapiti and Tiritiri Matangi Islands. Kapiti Island, which covers 1,965 hectares, is one of New Zealand's most important sites for bird recovery. The little spotted kiwi thrives there, but is now extinct on the mainland. Stitchbird, kokako, takahe, brown teal and saddlebacks have all been transferred to Kapiti since the 1980s after predator control programmes focussed on removing cats, deer, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, dogs, rats and possums.
Film Venture Taranaki says it has received just one demand over the use of Mount Taranaki in the film The Last Samurai. Reports that local Maori are seeking compensation for the mountain's appearance have drawn a blast from various sources including ACT MP Ken Shirley. He is accusing those responsible for greed and using Maori spiritualism for blackmail. But Film Venture Taranaki manager Peter Avery says just one person appears to be unhappy. He says they have rejected the man's demand and have good relations with other Maori in the area.
Child Youth and Family is investigating an incident in which two Hamilton youths escaped from custody and allegedly led a car stealing spree. Police claim the two joined three other teens but were caught after a high-speed car chase. Senior Sergeant Graeme Patton says the two youths had been put in CYFs care for stealing cars. Child Youth and Family spokesman Stephen Ward says they are looking into the incident and are liasing with police.
Police investigating a triple arson in Te Puke have made a breakthrough and arrested two teenagers. Three fires were lit early on January 4 - with a local bridge, a church and a storage shed at a factory targeted. Two local teenagers have been arrested - a 16-year-old has been referred to youth aid while a 19-year-old is to appear in court on Wednesday on three counts of arson. Detective Lindsay Pilbrow says they are not looking for anyone else and are thanking locals for their help.
Four different investigations are under way into how a Westpac Rescue helicopter struck trees near Masterton. The pilot managed to nurse the chopper to Masterton Aerodrome and hover for over an hour while fire-fighters removed its one remaining skid then built a bed of tyres to provide a soft landing. Crew chief Dave Greenburg is full of praise for the pilot, who is undergoing surgery at the moment for injuries to her hand. He says it is hard to believe the chopper survived the initial impact and the pilot could fly it to safety despite her injuries. He says the lucky survivors owe her a beer.
Lonely Planet travel guides has named New Zealand one of its top five hot spots for 2003. Countries are ranked via a poll of Lonely Planet staff members around the world. They have placed New Zealand in the top five along with Cambodia, China, Turkey and Cuba. Lonely Planet staffers say New Zealand scored the jackpot this year with its "breathtaking" cinematic appearance in "The Lord of the Rings" and subsequent Rings-related marketing. An Australian-based employee says New Zealand will take off this year based on its clean, green, safe image, with Bali- shy Aussies seeking a destination where their dollar still buys more than at home.
Fiji's prime minister and three cabinet ministers have flown over islands hit by Cyclone Ami. The cyclone has now moved away from both the northern islands and the more southern Lau group, and is passing west of Tonga. A New Zealand Orion arrived in Nadi last night and this morning picked up Laisenia Qarase and his ministers along with representatives from New Zealand and Australia. Emergency Operations Centre spokesman Alfredi Naioto says they are surveying the damage. He says they should soon have the information needed to map out what has happened.
The FBI says no charges have been laid against a drunk passenger removed from an Air New Zealand jet on arrival at Los Angeles on Monday. The man had threatened passengers and crew and police were waiting when the plane landed to take him away. He was later handed over to the FBI who let him continue his flight. An FBI spokeswoman says investigators were satisfied he was not an ongoing threat, and are not pressing charges. Air New Zealand says the plane involved was flying from Auckland to London via Los Angeles. It says its crews are well trained on dealing with such incidents.
(This is baffling. Why is any passenger who poses a threat to other travellers not in prison. This outcome sends the wrong message entirely. - BH)
Tranz Rail is back in the firing line over the heat buckling issue. It has been revealed maintenance staff specialising in de-stressing heat buckled tracks were told they were not required heading into the summer. Since then passengers have been experiencing huge delays on long distance and metro routes. Rail Workers Union General Secretary Wayne Butson says it was a bizarre decision. He says they warned Tranz Rail the effects of the lay-offs would be catastrophic and it proved to be the case.
The organisers of the Louis Vuitton regatta are happy to see the end of BlackHeart, as the group claiming to support Team New Zealand withdraws from the spotlight. Louis Vuitton spokesman Marcus Hutchinson says BlackHeart only had a negative impact on the America's Cup, and did not reflect the mood of the New Zealand public. The group's founder, David Walden, revealed his decision on Murray Deaker's 'Sportstalk' show on Newstalk ZB last night. He says the point of BlackHeart was to remind New Zealanders that there is only one team to be loyal to, and to point out the importance to New Zealand of the America's Cup. Unfortunately though, he says BlackHeart has been tainted by association by threats made against some leading Alinghi sailors and their families. That has left the campaign's reputation compromised, and the death threats have destroyed the fun. Mr Walden says it is time for BlackHeart to take a lower profile, although it will not go away. Its website http://www.blackheart.co.nz will continue to publish important facts, but the group will not make any more public statements. David Walden denies that BlackHeart become a vehicle for any lunatic fringe, but admits that radical elements have contributed to the decision to pull back. He says Team New Zealand has not asked BlackHeart to go away, but the group's members are not comfortable to be used to distract Team New Zealand. Mr Walden says he would take a similar stand in future, as it is important to stimulate debate about parochialism. He says after all bills have been paid, any remaining BlackHeart money will be given to Team New Zealand. Swiss syndicate Alinghi appears non-plussed by BlackHeart's change of tack. Alinghi spokesman Bernard Schopfer says BlackHeart has been little more than a distraction and his team will continue to concentrate on the regatta.
(BlackHeart forms no part of my idea of New Zealand. - BH)
Waikato Maori have had their Taniwha recognised, and now Northland believes it is their turn. Ngapuhi activists are threatening to hijack Waitangi Day celebrations unless their concerns about a prison near Kaikohe are listened to. They believe the Ngawha prison in the Far North is being built on sacred land and is trampling over the resident Taniwha. Activist Titewhai Harawira says the Government has recognised the Taniwha beside the highway at Meremere but turns a blind eye to the one at Ngawha. She says Ngapuhi wants meaningful discussion with the crown over the issue or else. Ms Harawira says they do not want the Government to make another token visit to Northland for Waitangi Day, and says ministers should only go if they are willing to talk. Meanwhile, Pita Paraone, from the Waitangi Day Organising Committee, believes iwi, the Crown and the public should be able to come together on the country's national day without the threat of protest. He says New Zealand must be one of the few countries of the free world that commemorates its national day in protest, rather than having a day enjoyed by everybody. Mr Paraone says the organising committee has never come out against protesters, but it objects to the form of protest that takes place. His main concern is disruption to the carefully-planned programmes. Mr Paraone is accusing the protesters of refusing to let the country move on.
(I recall that an Irishman offered to bring some leprechauns to clear out the Taniwhas. - BH)
Initial test results on the algal bloom affecting the Waikato River show drinking water to be safe. Blue green algae has appeared in the river extending from the hydro lakes downstream to Tuakau and out to sea. A warning still stands about drinking untreated water from the river or swimming in it. Waikato Medical Officer of Health Dr Felicity Dumble says the test results are only preliminary. She says toxicity tests results are not yet back on the untreated water in the river.
(It may be safe, but is apparently unpleasant - BH)
Air New Zealand is increasing its services between Auckland and Los Angeles to meet demand due to the gap caused by United Airlines' decline. The airline will now run 17 return flights a week, an increase of three. The change is effective from April 30. Air New Zealand's chief operating officer, Andrew Miller, says the decision has also come from a growing demand for flights in general. He says overseas markets are demonstrating significant growth due partly to Air New Zealand's involvement in promoting New Zealand as a destination. Publicity from the America's Cup and the movie Lord of the Rings has also been effective. Air New Zealand began flying between Auckland and Los Angeles twice daily in November last year.
Disgraced cosmetic surgeon Warren Chan has been dealt a harsh blow by the Medical Practitioners Dispute Tribunal. The former Christchurch doctor was found guilty of three charges of professional misconduct last year. The complaints involved botched nose jobs, liposuction and breast operations. The tribunal has just come up with its penalty. Chan has been suspended for three years and fined $15,000. He also has to pay $73,000 in costs. It is understood Chan is now living in Queensland but has been banned from practicing there too due to his convictions in New Zealand. Authorities here are having difficulty contacting him to pass on the bill as they only have a fax number for him.
Animal control officials say the owners behind the second dog attack in south Auckland this week are likely to be prosecuted, despite the dog being destroyed. In the latest incident, a six-year-old boy is in Middlemore Hospital after being attacked by a large bull mastiff cross in a Takanini park yesterday. Animal Control Services manager Ken Muir officers patrolling the area today in search of the animal got a tip off it had been put down. He says they found the body, and it appears the dog had been strangled. Ken Muir says they are pursuing action against the owners regardless.
Arbitration to resolve an outstanding issue from last year's secondary teachers' settlement is underway. Most teachers were given a 12 percent raise after an independent panel ruled on the dispute last August. However teachers without degrees got just 6.5 percent. That is despite a long standing agreement which recognises some qualifications as equivalent to a degree. Today's return to arbitration comes after months of talks, and threats of legal action against the government. Principals claim the outstanding dispute has exacerbated staffing difficulties.
Police investigating an armed robbery at an Auckland bar last week say they are following a number of new leads. They now say it is likely the offenders are associated with other earlier robberies in the city and police fear they could strike again. Four men, two armed with handguns, held up Jack's Bar in suburban Balmoral last Friday night. No- one was injured in the raid, which netted a large sum of money for the robbers.
Police are not saying whether they will pay out any of the reward offered for the capture of the man sought for the killing of Auckland transvestite George Matehaere. Thirty- nine-year Joe Tua Coleman appeared in the Manukau District Court this morning charged with Mr Matehaere's murder. He was remanded in custody without plea to appear again in two weeks. Police appealed to Coleman before Christmas to surrender to them, and last weekend posted a $20,000 reward. Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Hallett says a number of people provided information He says most were not interested in the money but in helping police get their man before the court.
The head of the police anti-terrorism unit is sending out a warning about hoax terrorism stories doing the rounds. Assistant Commissioner Jon White says a series of similar rumours have been circulating, concerning possible terrorist activities. He says they often take the form of someone returning property, such as a lost wallet, and the grateful owner giving them a warning of a possible terrorist attack. Assistant Commissioner White says the stories are hoaxes, which are causing unnecessary alarm and wasting police time. He wants anyone who hears one of the tales to call police, rather than pass it on to someone else.
Ten thousand capsules of the drug thalidomide have gone missing while en route to Palmerston North Hospital, prompting a warning from health officials to pregnant drug abusers. Thalidomide can cause serious birth defects. Medical officer of health Donald Campbell says the drugs have no street value, and can only be used for their intended medical treatment with a special permit from the Ministry of Health.
Cool nights are helping to get the Waikato river back to normal. Latest test results on the extent of the algal bloom show levels of algae are now within the recommended guidelines. However, the public health warning against swimming in or drinking from the river remains in place until levels are consistently low. Environment Waikato water scientist Bill Vant says it appears the reduction in the blue green algae is down to weather conditions. He says however a return to hot balmy weather could lead to another increase in algae numbers.
An elderly man who suffers from Alzheimer's syndrome is still missing, despite an extensive search. Graham Salmond went missing from his home at Pleasant Point near Timaru, late Tuesday night. Police say he woke in a confused state and went for a walk. The search for him has included the Pleasant Point urban area, and Totara Valley Road where Mr Salmond used to farm. It is thought possible he may have been given a lift out of the area. More than 50 police, fire and civilian volunteers have been searching for him.
An escaped prisoner and three people who allegedly helped him have made court appearances in Tauranga today. Stephen Hudson was found in a police armed offenders squad raid on a Papamoa house last night, after his escape from Manawatu Prison at Linton. He had been on the run since he and fellow prisoner Michael McKegg escaped on December 14. McKegg had already turned himself in. Hudson was remanded in custody pending his transfer back to prison. The other trio arrested at the same time for harbouring him also appeared in court.
The Reserve Bank has advised the public that some older 20 cent coins are temporarily causing confusion among some shoppers. Corporate Affairs Manager Paul Jackman said in the weeks prior to Christmas demand for cash throughout New Zealand was so high the Reserve Bank released a large volume of coins. Included were some 20 cent coins that were minted thirteen years ago and then not used until now. "It appears that some of these coins, while in storage, over time discoloured slightly from lack of use and the Reserve Bank has now received three reports of people confusing these cupro-nickel coins for two dollar aluminium-bronze coins," Mr Jackman said. "These twenty cent coins have a very faint yellow colouring near the rims, and it is that which seems to be causing the difficulty." The discoloured 20 cent coins feature a Maori carving, as opposed to a kiwi, and are dated 1990, he said. About 2.5 million of the coins were issued, there being in total about 143 million twenty cent coins in circulation. "As the coins get used, bouncing around in pockets and purses, the tarnish should wear off, solving the problem. However, in the meantime if people are unsure, they should look closely at the design of the coins and the numbers indicating value. "The Reserve Bank regrets this confusion and will be reviewing its procedures in relation to holding non-issued coins for long periods of time," Mr Jackman said.
An earthquake centred in Cook Strait has been felt strongly in Wellington and the Upper South Island. The Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences says the quake was centred 40 kilometres north of Picton, was 70 kilometres deep and measured 4.9 on the Richter scale. There are no reports of damage at this stage. The tremor is one of several jolts to be felt in the area in recent hours.
(I was at work when this one hit. It was quite a jolt, and those who felt it did more than the usual blasé pretence at ignoring it. - BH)
Police in Wainuiomata north of Wellington are investigating the suspicious death of a 22-year-old man. The man's body was found in Hugh Sinclair Park, just after midnight. Police have yet to determine the exact cause of death.
It is all hands on deck at Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill today after workers were ordered back to work by the courts. Around 280 staff walked off the job on Friday afternoon, protesting the latest round of redundancies. Carter Holt Harvey was last night granted an interim injunction which brought the action to a halt. Union secretary Andrew Little says the workers were disappointed but understood the court's ruling. He says the boiler room staff were first back on the job this morning to get the mill up and running so the rest of the workforce could join them. The union hopes to resume negotiations with the company on Tuesday.
Police have released the name of the six-year-old boy killed at a Mount Maunganui speedway last night. He was Zane McHardy-Marshall, the grandson of the promoter of the speedway at Bay Park Stadium. Police say he was playing in the pit area of the speedway after racing had finished, late last night. The boy was killed about 11.15 after he ran between a slow-moving car and trailer unit. Police are interviewing witnesses and the driver of car and trailer unit. OSH are also investigating. Officials at the speedway say all the correct safety measures were in place.
The first fisheries surveillance flight this season to the Southern Ocean and Ross Sea has begun. An Air Force Orion has left Dunedin on an 11-hour mission. It is the 6th consecutive year New Zealand has undertaken fisheries flights in the Ross Sea. Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff says surveillance will target illegal fishing of the Antarctic toothfish. He says the flights are a warning to those fishing illegally that they are being watched and that action will be taken against them. Mr Goff says the flights are part of New Zealand's contribution to protecting the fragile Antarctic environment. The toothfish is in big demand overseas, and may be connected with organised crime.
Two people are dead after their cars plunged off a bridge and into a creek in the Manawatu. The accident south of Feilding was reported to police by a member of the public at 20 past nine this morning. A crane has been brought in to lift the two cars out of the creek. He says at this stage it is unclear how the accident happened. Keith Richardson says the Awahuri to Feilding road is now closed to all but emergency crews.
Family members are helping police solve a homicide investigation in Taumarunui. The body of 59-year-old Haamuera Henare was found in the driveway of his rural home early yesterday morning after police were called to the house to investigate a domestic dispute. It is believed Mr Henare died from injuries after being struck by a car. Detective Sergeant Graeme Rumble says it is too early to speculate when an arrest will be made. He says police have spoken to a number of family members in connection with the death and are not seeking anyone else.
Warnings have been issued about the dangers of 11 traditional Chinese herbal remedies after it was revealed they contained toxic substances. Three of the banned medicines were found to contain the herb aristolochia, which can cause renal failure, while others had arsenic and the ability to interfere with heart medication. Ministry of Health Senior Medical Advisor Dr Stewart Jessamine says anyone using the remedies should see their doctor. The following medicine products which contain prescription medicines including sildenafil, ephedrine and arsenic are being withdrawn: Guan Xin Su He capsules; Long Dan Xie Gan Wan pills, Zhiyuan Xinqinkeli sachets. These products contain aristolochic acid, which has been linked to severe kidney damage and urinary tract cancer. Wei Ge Wang tablets all contain prescription medicine sildenfil, which interferes with some heart medication and could be fatal to some people. Sang Ju Gan Mao Pian tablets contain pharmacy- only medicines which can only be sold at pharmacies. Yen Qiao Jie Du Pian capsules contain 450mg of paracetamol along with an antihistimine and anti-infammatory, which can cause peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. The following products contain prescription medicines: Niu Huang Jie Du Pian tablets; Xiaoke Wan pills; Shuen Feng cream; Zentel Albendazole SK and F tablets; Dezhong Rhinitis drops.
Police hope a two year jail term will send gangs the message that possessing guns is not acceptable. A Gisborne Black Power member has been locked up after pleading guilty to a charge of possessing a sawn off shotgun and ammunition. Wayne Hira was arrested as a result of a police operation just before Christmas. A spokesman for Gisborne Police says the case is part of the ongoing investigation they are conducting into gang activity in the region. He hopes it shows gang members that possessing guns will not be tolerated and will bring severe, appropriate penalties.
Human remains found near the mouth of the Wairoa River in northern Hawke's Bay have been confirmed as the body of 65- year-old Malcolm McKay. Mr McKay disappeared while crossing the Esk River mouth on a four wheel motorcycle 10 days ago. The Esk River is around 40 kilometres south of where the body was found. Police say local Maori are planning to place a rahui on the stretch of coast where the body was found, banning collection of seafood until further notice.
Tauranga police have released their initial findings into the death at the weekend of a young boy at Baypark Speedway at Mount Maunganui. Traffic head Sergeant Colin Gyde says they believe it was a dreadful, tragic accident. Six year- old Zane McHardy-Marshall was killed when he ran between a slow-moving car and trailer in the pit area while he was briefly unsupervised. Zane was the grandson of Speedway promoter Peter Harford. Sergeant Gyde says police investigators have looked into all the circumstances, and says there does not appear to be any criminal liability involved. He says that police will now pass their reports on to Occupational Safety and Health. Speedway New Zealand is also investigating the incident.
Police investigating a sex attack in central Auckland last night are asking potential witnesses to come forward. A woman claims she was raped by two men in a parking building on Upper Queen Street. One man has already been arrested in connection with the offence and will appear in court tomorrow. Police want to hear from anyone who was in the Upper Queen Street area between 1am and 2am. In particular, they would like to speak with the occupants of a white Nissan car which pulled up outside the parking building while the victim stood outside it with one of the two men.
Fisheries officers have just unveiled details of a major crackdown in the Bay of Plenty, where vehicles were stopped at random. Operation Umbrella covered an area from Maketu right down into the East Cape over the weekend. Fisheries officers from Tauranga and as far away as Wellington took part. Tauranga-based Compliance Manager Brendan Mikkelsen says locals and holidaymakers were pulled over. The officers' haul included undersize and excess crayfish, paua, shellfish snapper and kingfish - 35 breaches in total.
A second commercial airport in Auckland, based at Whenuapai, would be of huge benefit to the region as it faces the challenge of rapid population and economic growth, according to local government leaders. The eventual departure of the air force from Whenuapai is a significant loss to the economy of Waitakere city, but also represents an opportunity to bring new life into the area, say the Mayors of Waitakere, North Shore and Rodney. Waitakere City's Mayor Bob Harvey says the development of a commercial airport at Whenuapai makes sense at many levels. "Waitakere City looks forward to pursuing this option with the support of both regional and central government." He says growth in Auckland's west and north makes another airport essential. "Many Aucklanders have had the frustration of having to leave home for any flight from Mangere hours and hours before the actual departure time, simply because there is so much traffic congestion on the road slowing us all up "A potential new second airport at Whenuapai will allow domestic and Pacific region travellers to have a faster alternative." Mr Harvey also noted that the motorway construction across the north west will also have a beneficial impact on development of the airport option at Whenuapai. "With the completion of highway 16 and 18 from Waitakere to the North Shore right past Whenuapai by 2006/7, we will have world class infrastructure ready to cope with the traffic demand from any upgrade to the airport. It makes sound sense to kick-start the economy of the north-west by establishing a powerful economic centre using facilities that are already available." Virgin Blue is being courted as a potential user of the Whenuapai Air Force base, when it is vacated in the next five years Mr Harvey says Virgin Blue has announced a major fleet upgrade and he has spoken with the airline about making Whenuapai its New Zealand centre of operations. However, it is believed Virgin Blue wants to wait until the outcome of the proposed Air New Zealand/Qantas alliance before making a decision. Mr Harvey expects the airline to make an announcement in the next few weeks.
(I think it would be loony! Imagine arriving at Virgin Blue from Australia and then having to transfer to Air New Zealand Link for a regional connection. I imagine the runways at Whenuapai would need a significant upgrade. They were laid in great hexagonal blocks for the USAAF during WWII. If memory serves, the jet blast from the BOAC Comet IV flights used to disturb the blocks in ways that Electras and the like didn't. - BH)
There are more signs New Zealand's tourist industry is growing healthier. Latest figures show a steady increase in total "guest nights" in accommodation around the country. Total guest nights increased 10 percent to 2,500,000 in November last year, compared with November 2001. Auckland recorded the largest increase, up 22 percent. Minister of Tourism Mark Burton is welcoming the results of the survey. He says tourism is becoming a key driver of economic development in New Zealand. He notes that in 2001, international visitors spent an average of nearly $3500 each in New Zealand, adding up to an injection of nearly $6 billion into the economy. He says that is an increase of 95 percent since 1997. He says that tourism represents 10 percent of New Zealand's GDP when it is combined with domestic tourism returns of nearly $7 billion.
The AMP's Home Affordability report shows that house sales in the past 12 months reached a record yearly total of 99,658. The main drivers for residential sales were favourable and stable interest rates, high levels of immigration, job growth and revived investor interest in the residential market. AMP Banking's deputy managing director Michael Guggenheimer says the rise in house sales shows the housing market is not only buoyant but sustainable. He says strong economic strength and continuing immigration means the high residential market activity is likely to continue through 2003. However, high activity in residential sales over Spring 2002 flowed through to the Home Affordability Index, which showed a 3.3 percent decline in the December quarter. In the past four quarters, home affordability has continued its trend downwards, with consecutive quarterly falls of 4.7 percent, 14.9 percent, 0.1 percent and 3.3 percent. Nationwide, in the past 12 months, houses have become 24.4 percent less affordable than a year ago. Nine of the 11 regions surveyed recorded a quarterly decline in home affordability. Southland recorded the steepest decline of 17 percent, followed by Otago with 15.2 percent, Nelson/Marlborough 12.5 percent, Wellington 7.9 percent, Auckland 3.8 percent, Taranaki 2.6 percent, Hawkes Bay 1.7 percent, Canterbury/Westland 1.2 percent and Waikato/Bay of Plenty/Gisborne 0.1 percent. Only Northland and Manawatu/Wanganui recorded a quarterly improvement in home affordability. Homes in Northland are 3.9 percent more affordable due to a lift in wage rates more than offsetting a rise in house prices. In Manawatu/Wanganui, house prices fell, resulting in a home affordability improvement of 2.2 percent. Nationwide, the median dwelling price rose 5.4 percent from $185,000 to $195,000 over the December quarter. Southland remains the most affordable region to buy a house, followed by Taranaki. Manawatu/Wanganui has overtaken Otago as the third most affordable region. Auckland remains the most expensive place to buy a home.
Police are yet to formally charge a man in custody after a night of terror which stretched from Thames to Auckland. A 34-year-old South Auckland man is being questioned by police. Events began at around 7.30 last night at the farming settlement of Pipiroa near Thames, where two women were slashed with a sword and left with partially severed arms and multiple lacerations. It is alleged the offender then travelled to a shopping centre in Pakuranga. Around midnight, several shots were fired at a group of three men, leaving a 25 year-old dead. Inquiry head, Detective Inspector Steve Rutherford says the three men, who were sitting in their car, did not know the alleged offender, who was on his own in another vehicle. He says the shots were fired after the three men got out of their car, apparently to talk to the man. Mr Rutherford says the suspect then drove to East Tamaki where more shots were fired as officers gave chase in a police car. The man is then thought to have held a couple hostage at an East Tamaki house. During the five hour siege the woman escaped and a male occupant was freed shortly before the offender turned himself in just after six o'clock this morning. Detectives are still at the scene of the sword attack at Pipiroa and the road leading down to the property is cordoned off while. A reporter at the scene, Sarah North, says a weapon has been recovered, but police have not yet released a description of it. Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Whitehead says police are trying to establish who lived at the property and investigations are understood to be centred around an industrial shed which has accommodation attached. An investigation by forensic scientists will be carried out at the site later today. The ambulance officer who was called to the scene describes what he saw inside the Pipiroa house as 'chaotic'. Dennis Dixon says when he arrived, the house was a complete mess, with furniture, and clothing strewn around. He says one woman was lying on the floor just inside the doorway with her hand severed, and another woman was lying on a bed a few feet away, also badly injured. Mr Dixon says the women were losing a lot of blood and needed to be resuscitated. He says the original 111 call came from a man on his cellphone who reported someone had fallen off a roof, but Mr Dixon says that is not what they found upon arrival. The two women who were attacked are being operated on at Middlemore Hospital where a hospital spokeswoman says one has had both hands partially amputated at the wrist, as well as lacerations to her head, neck and arms and is described as being in a critical condition. Surgeons have been unable to reattach the severed hand of the second female victim. She also suffered lacerations, and is described as being in a "very serious" condition.
The Government expects to announce next week the frequency the Maori Television Service will be broadcast on. Cabinet has had to decide whether the service should be on the channel currently held by TV4, or a new UHF frequency. MTS bosses are understood to favour the TV4 option. Prime Minister Helen Clark says Cabinet is very close to signing off the deal. She is unable to give the exact date of when the station will be on air, but hopes it will be during the course of the year. The service was supposed to be on air six months ago. The MTS has encountered a number of teething problems including the dumping of its CEO John Davy after the Canadian was jailed for faking his CV.
Wellington rail commuters are being reassured about the safety of the local train lines. The Land Transport Safety Authority has given permission for the lifting of speed restrictions on some lines. The restrictions were imposed after a series of derailments due to high temperatures buckling the tracks. LTSA spokesman Andy Knackstedt says the authority is keeping a close watch on the lines and commuters need not be worried.
An elderly woman whose car went down a bank into the Whanganui river has had a lucky escape. Police think her car was clipped by another vehicle along Wanganui's Somme Parade. When emergency services arrived they found the woman lying on mudflats next to the river. Constable Andy Reed says the woman appears to have been thrown from the vehicle. He says the fact that the mud was soft because of the low tide may have saved her life. Details on the extent of the women's injury have not been made available. Police inquiries are continuing.
An operation targeting Wellington's boy racers has been deemed a success by Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast. Hundreds of young drivers were stopped by police last weekend and turning bays on Kent and Cambridge Terrace were blocked off to prevent them using the area as a race track. Kerry Prendergast says the operation will continue until other measures to deal with the boy racers are implemented. She says that includes finding them a place to gather that takes them off the streets.
A group opposing the construction of an inner-city by-pass in Wellington wants further talks to take place to consider transport initiatives in light of a funding delay. Transit New Zealand has announced that most of the national funding for roads over the next decade will go to Auckland, and some projects, such as the Wellington by-pass, will have to wait. Spokesman for the group Campaign for a Better City, Roland Sapsford, says even though Transit is not coming up with money for the by-pass, the Government is offering funding for more creative ideas on transport. He says people need to stop whingeing and think outside the square.
One person is dead and at least two others have been seriously injured in a road smash north of Upper Hutt. Police say a van and a car collided at around 7:45am near Te Marua. Sergeant Dexter Trail says motorists in the area should expect long delays as the debris is cleared.
There has been a good response to the country's newest news source, "The Weekday News". The new evening paper went on sale last night at selected stores around the capital, and was also available to those catching commuter services. It contains news supplied by IRN, AFP and local reporters. Managing editor, Ian Macfarlane says almost all of the 10,000 print run was sold and the feedback has been very good. He says the only hitch was a technical one which delayed the paper's printing. That meant last night's edition did not make it onto the inter-island ferry, the Arahura, but it will available onboard tonight.
One of the victims of the Pipiroa sword attack will undergo further surgery this morning. Renee Hills has already spent a marathon 27 hours on the operating table where surgeons have successfully reattached her wrists which were slashed during an incident in the Hauraki Plains settlement on Tuesday night. She is now in a stable condition in Middlemore Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. Surgeons say it is too early to predict how much use she will regain of her hands. Middlemore's surgical manager Chris Fleming says that after finishing work on Ms Hills' hands at 3am, surgeons decided to hold off before repairing lacerations to her neck. He says they cleaned and stabilised the wounds last night and will complete the job today. The other victim, Simonne Butler, who had to have her hand amputated, is recovering well in ICU and is unlikely to need anymore surgery today. Surgeon Tim Brown, who was part of the first team working on the women, says it is still too early to predict how rapidly the women will recover. He says the process of helping them to regain feeling in their hands could take years and they have short-term issues to counter such as the risk of infection. A 34-year-old south Auckland man, Antonie Dixon, has appeared in court and faces a variety of charges relating to incidents which happened after the sword attack on the women. Dixon has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Mangere man James Te Aute in the east Auckland's Highland Park shopping area. He also faces a kidnapping charge in relation to a couple who were held hostage in East Tamaki for more than five hours. Dixon is charged with using a firearm against a police officer, which allegedly stemmed from an incident during a police pursuit. He has been remanded in custody until next week, and will undergo a psychiatric examination.
The man accused of murdering a 10-year-old Auckland boy has been committed to the High Court for trial. Zhen Li is charged with the murder of Wenda Dai and the attempted murder of the boy's mother Hua Dai in September last year. Li's defence counsel conceded at the start of depositions that there is a case to answer. Through a translator, the Chinese national entered two pleas of not guilty. He has been remanded in custody to appear on March 5.
A New Zealand broadcaster, known for his distinctive style, has died. TVNZ's entertainment guru Dylan Taite died peacefully at his home in Auckland last night. A TVNZ spokesman says Mr Taite was involved in a minor car accident before Christmas and had not been feeling well since. He lapsed into a coma this week. Dylan Taite worked had in television since 1970 - those years including a stint with TV3. Dylan Taite was most recently producing on TV One's flagship current affairs show Sunday. Amongst his passions were music and soccer.
Three helicopters with monsoon buckets are making a final assault on the fire on Mt Maunganui, assisted by light rain. The blaze that broke out yesterday afternoon has destroyed about 50 percent of the vegetation on the hill, mainly on the seaward side. Helicopters will be concentrating their efforts on the area above the hill's main beach and ground crews are working on smaller outbreaks. The camping ground at the base of the hill, which is full of holidaymakers, is not in any immediate danger.
Tertiary students say a plan to keep young secondary teachers in the country fails to address the level of debt teachers really face and the teacher shortage. The Education Minister is considering a $1,500 student loan credit for graduate teachers who stay in New Zealand after their initial two-year registration period. But the University Students' Association says graduate teachers have an average debt of $21,000 and about a quarter of them are considering leaving the country. Co-president Rosamond Connelly says they are able to earn $300 a day in the UK, so the Government's plan is unlikely to stop them going.
Three people have been rescued from a silo and taken to hospital in south Auckland. Ambulance services received the call from Atlas Concrete in Wiri just before 10am. It is understood the group was trapped in a silo containing sand and a chemical agent. Fire crews have just completed the rescue. Three people have been taken to Middlemore Hospital with respiratory problems. Two others involved in the rescue are also being taken to hospital with similar injuries.
Environmentalists want the Government to name and ban exports from a British company which illegally exported live moth eggs to New Zealand. A 29-year-old Auckland moth and butterfly enthusiast has been convicted of breaching New Zealand's bio-security laws after the commercial company sent him moth eggs in a plain white envelope with no customs declaration. Forest and Bird spokesman, Geoff Keey, says if the eggs had hatched, the moths could have become a major threat to New Zealand's economy and native flora. He describes the incident as astonishing and highly irresponsible. Mr Keey says the Government is spending more than $100 million to protect New Zealand's environment by eradicating the painted apple month and the last thing it needs is more environmentally damaging moths coming into the country. He believes there should be no second chance for "playing fast and loose" with New Zealand's biosecurity system, because too much is at stake. Mr Keey says there is no way of knowing what other moth eggs the company has sent to New Zealand. The species sent in the envelope were the scarlet windowed moth, which attacks grape, apple, pear and plum trees; the giant or royal silkworm, which feeds on native tree species; the citrus swallowtail butterfly which also favours natives and citrus fruit; and the pale tussock moth, which is a forest pest in Europe and is related to the painted apple moth which the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is trying to eradicate from west Auckland.
Air New Zealand plans to take the unions representing cabin crew to court after the airline was served notice of a series of strikes next month. International crews plan to strike for 24 hours on February 5, followed by 48 hour strikes on the 7th, 10th and 13th. The move follows a breakdown in negotiations on rostering issues, including overseas rest periods. Air New Zealand's chief executive Ralph Norris claims the strikes are unnecessary and urges the unions to discuss the issues. He says the airline will seek an injunction to prevent the strikes as he says they are unlawful because the bargaining process had concluded. Meanwhile, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce claims Air New Zealand's move to increase freight rates to Australia is a kick in the teeth for exporters when they are struggling to compete because of the rising dollar. Exporters have been told rates to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will rise by 15 percent from February 16. Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett says it does not look good when the airline is seeking Commerce Commission approval for an alliance with Qantas.
The influx of well-paying overseas students may be driving foster parents away from providing care for New Zealand children. With a shortage of foster parents available nationwide, the New Zealand Family and Foster Care Federation believes home care for foreign students is having an impact. Federation chairperson Pat Sumter says that while many of those taking students in would not normally be foster parents, she believes the financial returns are drawing some away. She says controls on home- stays are less restrictive and students tend to have fewer behavioural issues than foster children, which makes the option more attractive.
Air New Zealand is pushing ahead with legal action to stop a strike by its flight attendants despite accepting an offer of mediation from the Labour Department. The airline says it will file papers with the Employment Court. Mediation will get underway next Tuesday to try to avert a series of stoppages due to start in 12 days. Air New Zealand says it has put forward a number of proposals to try to settle the row over demands for extra time off after long haul flights, but all have been rejected.
Gisborne police are scaling down their investigation into the death of a man in the city's Botanical Gardens. They are no longer treating it as suspicious. The body of a man was found in the Gardens around 6.30am on Friday by a jogger, sparking a homicide enquiry. Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott says a scene examination is still underway but police expect to finalise their enquiry into the man's death later today. It is understood a gun was found with the man's body with ammunition nearby.
The long-running dispute over whether secondary teachers without degrees should get a pay rise has been resolved. The Government agreed to send the issue of G3 equivalent teachers back to the Alternative Disputes Resolution Panel, which broke last year's deadlocked teacher pay negotiations. The panel has ruled that to get the latest pay increase, a teacher without a degree must hold a qualification that is equal to or above a degree on the National Qualifications Framework. However, it says the matter of teachers in specialist areas where such a qualification may not be available should go back to the Ministerial Taskforce on teacher remuneration.
It may not be the best weather for camping in the upper North Island. As people in the Auckland province take advantage of the last holiday weekend this side of Easter, the MetService warns they may be in for a rough time. Strong westerly winds are forecast over much of the region easing only on Sunday. Weather ambassador Bob McDavitt says there will also be some rain to cope with. He says it will be showery, with the wettest areas in the west. The main showers will be tomorrow and again on Monday night.
Bomb disposal experts have donned protective suits as they prepare to deal with two suspicious packages at the US embassy in Wellington. Police have evacuated the embassy and cordoned off surrounding streets. X-rays reveal one of the packages contains wires and the other a powdery substance. The packages were delivered just before 3pm today, and the building was quickly emptied. Meanwhile, a cordon remains around the building in Fitzherbert Terrace, causing some disruption in the capital.
Date: 23 January 2003 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
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GBP 0.3383
JPY 64.87
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