WYSIWYG NEWS - 13 December, 2006

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 13 December, 2006 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer.  

If you had asked me to describe the Tui (the bird, not the 
beer), I would have said it was a black bird about the size of 
the blackbird, and that the male has a handsome white ruff at 
its throat. Well today I saw it differently. Mary has 
cultivated a number of variegated flaxes around the house, and 
at present, they are all in flower. Tuis love flax flowers. 
They perch on the stem and stick their beak down the long 
flowers and obtain nectar. A couple of these shy but handsome 
birds have been visiting the garden,  and this evening in the 
late sun, one was on the flax just a few metres from our 
dining room window. What a joy to see. Black? Not a bit of it! 
Reflected light showed iridescent blue, and a brown patch 
across the back. The splendid white necktie was clearly 
visible. Of course as soon as I tried to creep away to get my 
camera, he was gone.  No sooner had he gone than waxeyes were 
following behind, dipping their tiny beaks into the same 
flowers.  And while warbling on about the joys of nature, how 
could I not celebrate the annual glory of the Pohutukawa. Each 
day, more trees make the spectacular transformation from olive 
drab to Christmas crimson. And while the European ski resorts 
bewail the lack of snow, here in Wellington there was still 
snow on the Tararuas this weekend, as well as on the desert 
road. Spectacular sunsets have been the norm in the last few 
days, almost certainly as a by-product of the catastrophic 
bushfires in Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales. Despite 
all the customary rivalries, most New Zealanders extend their 
sympathies to the many Australians experiencing extreme stress 
and sleepless nights while these fires blaze with no respite 
from the weather.  
 
---- 
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 "GS" will indicate an opinion from our 
editorial assistant. In all cases they are honest expressions 
of personal opinion, and are not presented as fact.  
 
All news items (except where noted otherwise) are reproduced 
by kind permission of copyright owner, Newstalk ZB News. All 
copyright in the news items reproduced remains the property of 
The Radio Network Limited.  
 
This edition of the news is sponsored by another long-time 
supporter, Amanda Peet in Toronto (not the American actress of 
the same name). Many thanks Amanda. 

----  
On with the News.  

Monday, 4 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THREE NEW BREAST-SCREENING UNITS
--------------------------------

Three District Health Boards are to benefit from new mobile 
breast screening units. Health Minister Pete Hodgson says 
three more breast screening buses are ready to hit the road, 
bringing the total number available to 11 nationally. He says 
the three new buses will operate in the Counties-Manukau, 
Waikato, and Otago DHBs. Mr Hodgson says the Government has 
been working over the past two years to boost capacity to 
cater to increased demand, and to improve access. He estimates 
1000 women a week will be able to be screened by the 11 mobile 
units.

POWER PRICES TO JUMP 15 PERCENT
-------------------------------

You can expect a hefty rise in your power bill from April. 
National grid operator Transpower is today advising customers 
it expects to hike its prices by an average of 15 percent from 
April. The rise comprises a 12 percent increase backdated from 
April this year, combined with a 2.7 percent increase which 
applies from April next year. Originally Transpower announced 
the increase would be 19 percent for the current year and 13 
percent next year. The Commerce Commission stepped in, warning 
Transpower it would impose controls if the hikes went ahead. 
Transpower and the Commission are still in talks. Commission 
chair Paula Rebstock acknowledges Transpower has to give 
customers three months notice of any price hike. 
 
(The fascinating thing to me in all this, is that most of the 
generating plant was built with taxpayer money. - BH)

OVER 80S DRIVING TESTS ABOLISHED
--------------------------------

People over the age of 80 will no longer have to sit an on-
road driving test every two years. Labour promised to abolish 
the mandatory test last year. Under the new system, at age 75, 
80 and 82 and at two-yearly intervals, drivers renewing their 
licence will require a medical certificate showing they are 
fit to drive. GPs will have the option of referring any 
medically fit driver aged 75 and over to take an on-road 
safety test if they are concerned about their ability to 
drive. Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven says the 
changes will remove the stress of older people taking the test 
without unduly compromising safety.

FUEL PRICES LOWER IN NOVEMBER
-----------------------------

November fuel prices are at their lowest for 10 months. The 
Automobile Association says petrol sold for $1.39 per litre 
throughout most of last month, while diesel was 99 cents in 
the main centres. Petrol prices however, rose four cents a 
litre at the end of November, although diesel remained 
unchanged. Mike Noon, AA spokesman says oil companies were 
able to hold prices for most of the month due to the stable 
exchange rate. He says whether prices are rising or falling, 
it is important that motorists have choices to make savings 
wherever they can, whether it is from supermarket discounts, 
fuel efficient driving or through buying fuel efficient 
vehicles. 
 
(It snuck up by four cents almost immediately after this news 
- BH)

CASH BOOST FOR RURAL MIDWIVES
-----------------------------

More money is to be pumped into rural midwifery services. 
Associate Minister of Health Damien O'Connor has announced two 
million dollars will be allocated to the sector from next 
year. He says under the funding scheme, rural midwives will be 
supported in the same way rural GPs are, with the aim of 
ensuring rural community access to health services. Mr 
O'Connor says the package will also help recruit and retain 
midwives in rural areas.

FLIGHTS TO ICEBERGS FROM CAPITAL
--------------------------------

Scenic flights to the South Island's roaming iceberg flotilla 
will be operating out of Wellington next weekend. The icebergs 
which originally appeared off the Otago coast are inching 
their way northwards. Capital-based company Vincent Aviation 
has been running the flights out of Christchurch for the past 
couple of weeks will do a flight out of Wellington this 
weekend. Spokesman Peter Vincent says sightseers on a flight 
recently saw the biggest iceberg yet, which he estimates was 
about half a kilometre long. 
 
(If I recall correctly, the round trip in a Dash 8 will cost 
something in the order of $750. A return trip from Wellington 
to Dunedin might normally be had for under $400. - BH)

DAYTIME DRINK DRIVERS NABBED
----------------------------

The first weekend of Operation Safe December was a busy one 
for police in Wellington with the main focus on night-time 
drink-driving blitzes. Senior Sergeant Doug Rowan says they 
stopped 3000 cars in central Wellington and Lower Hutt between 
Friday and Sunday and as a result 17 drivers are likely to 
face drink-driving charges. He says most of the offending 
drivers were caught at night, but their day-time crack-down on 
driver behaviour in the central city yesterday also resulted 
in three failed breath tests. One day-time breath-test was 
twice the legal limit. Mr Rowan says the night-time blitzes 
targeting alcohol and speed will continue throughout December 
to ensure the roads are kept as safe as possible. 
 
(I got caught up in a random breath test roadblock last week, 
and though I was, at the time, pure as the driven snow, I 
still suffer acute anxiety each time I have to blow into that 
thing. - BH)

KIWIFRUIT TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION
------------------------------

Kiwifruit growers in the Bay of Plenty will get the chance 
this week to see new low drift spraying technology 
demonstrated on local orchards. Shane Max of HortResearch says 
the tests so far have been quite spectacular, resulting in 
reduced spray drift without compromising "bud break". He says 
we now have the technology to make a significant impact on 
spray drift for very little cost. A series of field days will 
be held on orchards in Katikati, Omokoroa and Te Puke and will 
give farmers the chance to see the technology working and 
discuss the results.

RECALL ON SLEEP EQUIPMENT
-------------------------

Fisher and Paykel Healthcare is recalling a piece of equipment 
used to treat people with sleep apnoea. The problem concerns a 
tab on the plastic connector used in earlier models of a mask 
that keeps air flowing to patients. The company says the tab 
on its Continuous Positive Airways Pressure system may break 
off if cleaning instructions are not followed correctly and 
there is a possibility a user could breath it in. Masks made 
since April are not affected by the recall. Most of the masks 
are on the Australasian market and there have been only a 
small number of reported incidents with 0.1 percent of the 
masks affected.

HEALTH SECTOR STRUGGLING AMID STRIKE
------------------------------------

With another two days left of the latest strike which is 
handicapping the health sector, hospitals say it is getting 
harder to cope. Around 1200 medical laboratory scientists from 
15 District Health Boards, three private laboratories and the 
New Zealand Blood Service are striking for seven days in 
support of higher pay. Surgical Services Manager for Counties 
Manukau DHB, Chris Fleming, says the impact of the strike has 
been much more disruptive than the junior doctors' walkout 
earlier this year. Up to 400 patients have had their surgery 
deferred and it will take months to clear the backlog. Mr 
Fleming says as the strike goes on, things get that much 
harder. Elective surgery will resume at Counties Manukau on 
Wednesday. The union says it will be investigating some 
instances where striking workers have been called in to work. 
Union president Stewart Smith says there have been more than 
100 occasions when staff have been asked to provide life-
preserving services. He claims one DHB has admitted some of 
the requests have not been genuine.

Tuesday, 5 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OVERLANDER GETS MAKEOVER
------------------------

A refurbished Overlander will travel between Auckland and 
Wellington seven days a week as of next Friday. The rail 
service has been running three days a week since Toll 
announced its continuation, but will run every day through its 
peak time. Toll spokeswoman Sue Foley says those who travel 
will notice a difference in style. She says there are nice red 
seats, new headrests and carpet. The menu has also been given 
an overhaul. Ms Foley says the Overlander is an icon to New 
Zealand, and now it can be clearly recognised as it travels 
through the countryside. 
 
(No amount of cosmetic makeovers will turn this particular 
sow's ear into a silk purse. I was very impressed in Sydney, 
to ride on well sprung electric carriages on welded tracks. 
The ride was smooth and near silent. The underlying equipment 
in NZ is still diesel hauled carriages dating from the 1950s 
running on narrow gauge non-continuous track. - BH)

BORDER SECURITY TO BE TIGHTENED
-------------------------------

A major tightening of border security is coming with biometric 
data almost assured to become a fundamental part of future 
immigration laws. Immigration Minister David Cunliffe has 
outlined proposed changes to immigration laws today. Among 
them are plans to take biometric data, such as fingerprints 
and iris scans, from visitors. Mr Cunliffe says such measures 
are hard to rort. He says without the measures the travel 
rights of New Zealanders may be curtailed in other countries. 
Mr Cunliffe say it is also important New Zealand has the legal 
powers to ensure the integrity of its border. He says the 
biometric data would be held subject to strict privacy 
conditions. Other proposed measures are a simplified visa 
system, increased powers and enforcement measures for 
immigration officials and reducing the number of appeal bodies 
from four to one. Draft legislation is to go to Parliament 
next April with the intention of having laws implemented 
possibly in 2008.

HOME USERS FALLING BEHIND IN PC SECURITY
----------------------------------------

Home PC users must continue to be vigilant as computer 
fraudsters get more innovative. International Computer 
Security Day was marked last week to encourage people to keep 
their computer security measures up to date. Brett Roberts, 
director of innovation for Microsoft, says businesses have 
tended to invest in IT security for commercial reasons but 
some home users have tended fall back, sometimes because they 
do not know where to start to secure their computers. "One of 
the biggest problems facing the average home user is that they 
probably know they need to do something, but when they start 
looking for that information it's like drinking from the fire 
hose - there's so much information out there that it drowns 
them. So they do the thing we don't want them to do, and 
that's nothing." Mr Roberts says there are four simple steps 
people can take to protect their PC. They are always use a 
firewall; install anti-virus software which is available in 
shops or online; keep systems up to date, for example by going 
to www.microsoft.com; and use anti-spyware tools. Mr Roberts 
says when it comes to internet banking, if a computer is not 
kept up to date security-wise, there probably will be issues. 
"I think the really important thing here is to just have the 
mindset that if you are going to use a PC for internet banking 
at least take a little bit of time to set it up in a way that 
it is secure and that the security is maintained." He says one 
tool that helps users check machines to see whether anything 
untoward is on it is the malicious software removal tool on 
microsoft.com which can remove a vast number of nasties. Mr 
Roberts says viruses have become more sneaky but the tools to 
protect against them are much better than they use to be. He 
says the mechanisms for updating the tools are also far 
quicker and more responsive than they have ever been.

COMPO FOR HEP C SUFFERERS
-------------------------

People who contracted Hepatitis C through the country's blood 
supply are to receive compensation payouts of up to $70,000 
each. The government has unveiled a $30 million package for 
the estimated 550 people who were infected with the disease 
through blood transfusions before screening began in 1992. 
Health Minister Pete Hodgson says the size of the payout will 
vary from person to person, depending on their circumstances. 
All people who choose to accept their calculated amount on 
offer will receive a statement of acknowledgement from the 
Prime Minister. People who think they may be eligible for the 
one-off payment should call 0800 689 001 for further 
information.

EXHAUSTS STILL TOO SMOKY
------------------------

There are concerns from within the vehicle repairs industry 
new tests for smoke emissions from vehicles are not strict 
enough. The Manager of Motor Doctors in the Wellington suburb 
of Ngaio says no vehicles at his testing station have failed 
the ten second visible smoke test, although he has seen many 
that he believes should have. The AA's Mike Noon says it is 
probably too early to tell if the new rules are having an 
impact, as it will be 6-12 months before most cars have been 
tested for a warrant. He says there are still vehicles on the 
road that are smoking, and says he was behind an absolute 
shocker the other day - and the sooner that vehicle attempts 
to gets its warrant the better. The Motor Trade Association 
says the testing is a first step in getting the worst 
offenders off the roads, and more stringent testing may be 
introduced in the future. 
 
(Police are still too busy with other things to be bothered 
with the paperwork associated with such issues. I admire Mr 
Noon's optimism that owners of defective cars will seek a 
warrant. I fear there are far more unregistered and 
unwarranted vehicles out there than anyone imagines. - BH)

IMMIGRATION LAW CHANGES TODAY
-----------------------------

Changes to immigration laws are being revealed at Parliament 
today. Immigration Minister David Cunliffe will announce 
changes to the Immigration Act following a discussion document 
released in April. It recommended simplifying existing 
regulations, establishing faster decision-making processes and 
better management of the risks associated with immigration. 

NZERS HAVE GENEROUS CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
------------------------------------

New Zealanders might spend less on presents, but a new survey 
names them as having the most generous of Christmas spirit. 
The 2006 AXA Retirement Scope surveyed people in more than 16 
countries on their attitudes to the festive season. While New 
Zealanders spend the least on gifts, they wish their friends 
and family the most in love and happiness and are generally 
positive and relaxed about Christmas. AXA marketing manager 
Ruth Colenso says the survey reflects kiwis' positive natures. 
It also shows they are relaxed and excited about the Christmas 
season. The survey names Hong Kong as top for wishing wealth 
and China for peace. 
 
(Bah humbug. Another meaningless survey with unstated 
parameters - BH)

NZ NOT BLUE ABOUT TRAVEL POLL
-----------------------------

The co-founder of the Lonely Planet travel guide says it is 
not at all surprising New Zealand has been voted the world's 
second best travel destination. The 2007 "Bluelist" involves a 
worldwide poll of 32,000 travellers who have voted Australia 
the favourite, followed by New Zealand, Britain, Thailand, 
Greece, Italy and America. Lonely Planet co-founder Tony 
Wheeler says the outdoors nature of New Zealand always 
attracts rave reviews from travellers, who are able to ski, do 
white water rafting and go on walks, but he says people also 
like the friendliness of the locals and the fabulous scenery. 
Wellington is listed as one of the world's top 10 cities on 
the rise and is "gaining in reputation as a place to be in the 
Southern Hemisphere." Belfast, Belgrade and Perth were also on 
the list. The capital's weather gets a passing mention, but 
the emphasis is on arts, culture, music and the restaurant 
scene. The Bluelist says youthful energy abounds in 
Wellington, with hip-hop dance-offs, plenty of live music and 
cafes, fashionable bars and bookshops. It describes the city 
as more beautiful than Seattle or Melbourne. Diving the 
Rainbow Warrior wreck in Northland is listed as one of the top 
10 dive experiences in the world, while tramping the Milford 
Track is one of the best 'slow travel' adventures in the 
world. George Hickton, CEO of Tourism New Zealand, says the 
recognition of New Zealand is all the more important as it 
comes from the people who are experiencing it first-hand. "The 
world is moving more and more towards listening to what those 
who are experiencing the product have to say - blogs, podcasts 
and web forums are becoming increasingly important in 
spreading the word about destinations. I am delighted that New 
Zealand has been ranked so highly." He says the high ranking 
is the result of the New Zealand tourism industry working hard 
to ensure the quality of the tourism experience is as high as 
possible. 
 
(We have done very well in a whole range of "independent 
surveys", and oh how we love to read that others like NZ - BH)

TRAFFIC LIGHT COUNTDOWN FOR PEDESTRIANS
---------------------------------------

It is hoped new clocks on traffic lights in central Auckland 
will reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians. 
While there will still be a red and green man to show when to 
cross at traffic lights, a clock will indicate how many 
seconds the pedestrian has to cross the other side of the 
road. Auckland City councillor Richard Simpson says180 
accidents in the city over the past five years have involved 
pedestrians and with more than 40,000 people walking along 
Queen Street each day, it is important they are looked after. 
He says the initiative is used in other parts of the world and 
will make the city more pedestrian-friendly. He says for too 
long Auckland has evolved around the motorcar. Land Transport 
New Zealand will decide within six months whether to introduce 
the technology nationwide.

MORE 20C COINS ORDERED
----------------------

The Reserve Bank is trying to figure out where all the newly 
issued 20 cent coins gone. Currency manager Brian Lang says 
five million new 20 cent coins have been put into circulation 
and another 10 million will follow in the next few days, in 
time for Christmas shopping. Mr Lang suspects the problem is a 
combination of people hoarding 20 cent pieces and retailers 
dispensing more of the coins than in the past. 
 
(Someone suggested on radio the other day that the shortage is 
because all the 20c coins are lurking in Wellington City 
Council parking meters. It takes 20 of the little critters to 
buy an hour's worth of parking. - BH)

NZERS WORRIED ABOUT PERSONAL DETAILS
------------------------------------

Credit card fraud is the biggest concern for New Zealanders 
when it comes to security according to the latest survey by 
Unisys Security. Spokesman Graham Alston says nearly 60 
percent of people surveyed are either very concerned or 
extremely concerned about the misuse of credit card details, 
but he says in reality, the level of actual incidence is very 
low by world standards. However he says all the 18-34-year-
olds surveyed want more measures to protect their identity. He 
says there is a high level of acceptance for newer technology 
such as voice recognition and finger print and eye scans. Mr 
Alston says that indicates people are willing to give up a 
little bit more personal information to have an additional 
level of security. Mr Alston believes banks will be interested 
to determine whether the level of concern about identity 
security is actually changing people's behaviour.

PREDICTION ECONOMIC GROWTH SLUGGISH
-----------------------------------

A new study predicts economic growth will remain sluggish in 
the year ahead. The study by the New Zealand Institute of 
Economic Research says inflation has peaked, paving the way 
for interest rate cuts in 2007. It is keeping its growth 
forecast at 1.5 percent for the year to March 2007, picking up 
to 3.5 percent from 2009 to 2011. The latest official data 
shows New Zealand posted growth of 2.3 percent for the year to 
September.


OPINIONS WANTED ON NEW POLICE ACT
---------------------------------

Police bosses want feedback on whether there should be a code 
of conduct for police staff to adhere to. The team reviewing 
the outdated 1958 Police Act has released its final discussion 
document on conduct and integrity. Project Manager 
Superintendent Hamish McCardle says it outlines quite a change 
from the old act which merely sets out outdated rules 
including forbidding officers from lying down on duty. It is 
suggested the act be replaced with a document that inspires 
officers to do good. Superintendent McCardle says details on 
the Police Act can be found on the website 
www.policeact.govt.nz. Online submissions close at the end of 
January.

Wednesday, 6 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MINISTERS' EMAILS HACKED
------------------------

The deputy Prime Minister has confirmed that ministerial email 
accounts have been the target of hackers. Michael Cullen has 
been responding to questions about the security of ministers' 
computer systems in the wake of Don Brash's stolen emails. Dr 
Cullen says it is impossible to give a 100 percent assurance 
on these matters. He says security systems on the ministerial 
system are kept up to date on a daily basis, but that has not 
prevented attempts to get into it. Dr Cullen says there have 
been incidents of people trying to hack into the system which 
have been identified and specific blocks have been put in 
place. 
 
(I speculate that some of this activity is now taking place as 
a direct consequence of Hager's book, "the Hollow Men". There 
are many who are eager to prove that Hager may have accessed 
Don Brash's files by such illicit means. Personally, I doubt 
it. Until the present time no-one has come up with any 
evidence to support their rock solid convictions in either 
direction.  - BH)

CENSUS: POOR MAORI EDUCATION STATS
----------------------------------

The poor performance of Maori in the education system is being 
further revealed in the 2006 census results. The statistics 
reveal just under 40 percent of Maori aged over 15 have no 
formal qualifications. This compares with 25 percent of the 
general population. Just under 29 percent of Maori have post-
school qualifications, well short of almost 40 percent of the 
general population. 
 
(Is it really poor performance? Or could it be that formal 
education is something that many Maori simply do not value? I 
don't know the answer to either question, and I am not stating 
the latter as if I had stats to back it up. It is a question - 
BH) 

11.1% IDENTIFY AS NZERS
-----------------------

Statistics New Zealand believes its decision to create a new 
category for those wanting to be classed as New Zealander has 
been justified. For the first time, those who wrote in New 
Zealander or Kiwi on census forms have been published under 
the title of New Zealander rather than European. Census 
General Manager Nancy McBeth suggests the option has proved 
popular. She says 11.1 percent of people identified New 
Zealander as their only, or one of several, ethnicities. The 
figure is up from two percent in 2001. In the census two 
thirds of people identify as European,14.6 percent as Maori 
and 6.9 percent as Pacific Peoples. The number of people 
identifying as Asian has increased by almost 50 percent to 9.2 
percent. 

(The difficulty with this is that we now have a massive 
discontinuity in our statistics. Anyone who regards themselves 
as a New Zealander can lay claim to this title. Whether it is 
important to know statistics relating to ethnic groups is an 
open question.  - BH)

CENSUS POPULATION CRACKS 4 MILLION
----------------------------------

We are getting older, embracing technology and have more 
neighbours. Statistics New Zealand has released the 2006 
census results. The decision to publish New Zealander as an 
ethnicity in its own right has seen just over 11 percent of 
New Zealanders identify with the category, up from two percent 
in 2001. Of all New Zealanders, 67.6 percent identify as being 
European. The country is not getting any younger, with a 
median age of almost 36. Three quarters of New Zealanders have 
access to a cellphone, while over 60 percent access the 
Internet from home. The population has increased by the 
biggest-ever margin in a five year period, surpassing the four 
million mark. The data results shows that on census night the 
usually-resident population was 4,027,947. That is up 7.8 
percent from 2001 and is the biggest growth recorded in a five 
year period in this country. The Auckland region had the 
biggest increase with 12.4 percent followed by Canterbury with 
8.4 percent. In the general population there is further 
evidence of a man drought with there being around 97,000 more 
women than men. The census statistics also reveal just how 
well we are, or are not, getting paid. They show over 43 
percent of Kiwis aged over 15 have an annual income of $20,000 
or less a year. Eighteen percent earn more than $50,000, and 
just 3.7 percent earn more than $100,000 dollars annually. 
Almost half of Maori over the age of 15 earn $20,000 or less a 
year and just over 10 percent have annual incomes greater than 
$50,000.

ITUNES LAUNCHED
---------------

It has been a long time coming for iPod owners. Apple has 
launched its iTunes online store in New Zealand. Apple vice 
president Eddy Cue says the site allows New Zealanders to 
download millions of songs and thousands of videos and 
podcasts. He says the available downloads include local 
artists including Fat Freddie's Drop, Pluto, the Black Seeds, 
The Datsons, Shihad and Bic Runga. Music downloads cost $1.79.

SCHOOL'S JUNK FOOD RULES GO TOO FAR
-----------------------------------

A Christchurch family thinks their school's move to encourage 
healthy eating is going too far. The family claims teachers at 
Linwood Avenue Primary School have taken food away from their 
children because of its status as a health promoting school. 
The children's grandmother Marie O'Malley alleges the school 
is refusing to allow chips, muesli bars, sausages or biscuits 
in lunch boxes which makes it hard to provide varied and 
affordable lunches for the children. She says she understands 
why the school is discouraging junk food, but believes the 
rules have gone beyond a joke.

SURGERY BACKLOG AFTER STRIKE
----------------------------

District health boards say the week-long strike by medical 
laboratory workers has had a significant impact on hundreds of 
patients needing surgery. Around 1200 staff from DHBs 
nationwide, the New Zealand Blood Service, Wellington 
Pathology, Medlab South and Southern Community Laboratories 
return to work this morning, but their pay dispute continues. 
Workers want a five percent pay rise per annum. The boards are 
offering 5.5 percent over two years. DHB spokesman Gordon 
Davies says there is a backlog of surgery which needs to be 
cleared. He says delayed specimen testing and postponed 
elective surgery has affected a significant number of patients 
around the country. The Medical Laboratory Workers Union has 
not ruled out further strikes if employers do not put what 
they regard as a decent pay offer on the table.

HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS ABOUT NEW IMMIGRATION ACT
-----------------------------------------------

There is concern that changes to border controls could impact 
on human rights. From next year, changes to the Immigration 
Act will streamline the visa system. A single appeals tribunal 
will be introduced, there will be changes to detention and 
employers will be required to make sure their workers are in 
the country legally. The Immigration Service will be able to 
take biometric information such as fingerprints and iris 
scans. The Association for Migration and Investment says the 
changes will also give authorities the right to keep secret 
the information they use when considering migrant 
applications. Acting spokesman Bill Milnes says it gives the 
authorities the power to deny a permit based on any 
information, from any person, whether true or false. He 
believes the basic tenets of natural justice are being removed 
and the changes are in breach of what any New Zealander would 
consider fair. Mr Milnes does not accept the new system will 
make it easier for desirable migrants to enter the country, 
but says it will make it a lot easier for the Immigration 
Service to remove people they do not want.

Thursday, 7 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

REAL ESTATE AGENCY FINED FOR DECEPTION
--------------------------------------

An Auckland real estate agency has been ordered to pay near a 
million dollars after being found guilty of misleading and 
deceptive conduct. Premium Real Estate breached its fiduciary 
duty when it undersold a luxurious cliff top home in Milford, 
then resold it six months later for nearly a million dollars 
more. The High Court found the Milford home was sold at 
$600,000 below its $3.25 million market value. The second 
sale, for $3.5 million, was to a property developer for whom 
Premium was already acting on other property transactions. 
Premium must pay $900,000 in compensation, commission refund, 
interest and costs. 
 
(The company concerned plans to appeal the decision - BH)

FISHING QUOTA LAWS TO BE CHANGED
--------------------------------

After a string of lost court cases, the Government has 
announced it intends to rewrite the Fisheries Act. It has lost 
around three out of every four court cases where fisheries 
companies have challenged quota cuts. Fisheries Minister Jim 
Anderton says the Government intends to remove ambiguities so 
that quota decisions can be upheld on the side of caution and 
sustainability. He says at present cases are being lost 
because fisheries scientists are unable to state beyond a 
reasonable doubt their position - when challenged on 
scientific evidence about fishing impacts.

SLOWDOWN EXPECTED IN HOUSING MARKET
-----------------------------------

There are predictions things may slow down for the housing 
market in the short term. Reserve Bank Governor Allan Bollard 
has left the Official Cash Rate unchanged, but warned interest 
rates may not be stable for long. Dr Bollard says a lot 
depends on inflationary pressures, particularly with the 
housing market. Real Estate Institute President Murray Cleland 
is not predicting any upsurge in the market in the next few 
months. He says it may slow a little bit over the festive 
period as people get sand in their toes and enjoy the beach. 
Mr Cleland is pleased the OCR has been left unchanged. 
 
(This prediction appears more or less every three weeks for 
the last several years. No sign of it yet. - BH)

HELP ELDERLY STAY IN OWN HOMES
------------------------------

There are calls for the Government to do more to allow older 
people to stay in their own homes. The Council of Christian 
Social Services is looking at case studies of implementing 
supported independent accommodation for the elderly. Spokesman 
David Hanna says there is a significant gap in the continuum 
of care for older people because of a lack of such 
accommodation. Mr Hanna says the Government needs to 
strengthen work on the Housing Innovation Fund including 
increasing and extending funding beyond 2008. He says more co-
operation is also needed between DHBs, WINZ, Housing New 
Zealand and local authorities.

NURSES PAY DISPUTE MAY BE SETTLED
---------------------------------

After more than a year of negotiations the country's largest 
collective agreement appears to have been settled. The Nurses 
Organisation and the Medical Association are recommending the 
settlement for primary health care nurses and administrative 
staff. If accepted, the settlement will cover around 2500 
members and 580 workplaces. The settlement will see practice 
nurses with five years experience get a 19 percent pay rise as 
well as improved conditions. NZNO advocate Chris Wilson says 
the pay rise is a move towards pay parity with nurses in 
public hospitals.

WOMEN DO EVERYTHING
-------------------

An Upper Hutt researcher says women fought for the opportunity 
to do anything, but have ended up doing everything. Ella Kahu 
has analysed of the Ministry of Women's Affairs 'Action Plan 
for New Zealand women and how it relates to real life 
experiences and has found a huge gap between policy and 
practice. She says part of the Government's policy vision for 
women is the freedom to choose whether to work or stay home to 
care for children, but in practice, she says paid work is 
valued more than caring roles, which is a concern. She says 
the importance of caring for other people is being lost 
amongst the pressure to take up paid work. Ms Kahu says the 
government talks about promoting flexibility in the workplace 
but in reality, that flexibility is not there.

MORE ASIANS GOOD FOR NZ
-----------------------

An increasing Asian population is considered to be good for 
New Zealand. There were more than 350,000 Asians in the 
country at the time of this year's census, up nearly 50 
percent on five years ago. Asians are the fastest growing 
ethnic group in the population. Asia New Zealand Foundation 
chairman Sir Dryden Spring says New Zealanders should be happy 
with the development. He says Asians bring diversity to the 
community and a lot of good skills and work ethics. Sir Dryden 
Spring says the Asian economy is also strengthening, so it is 
good to be closely linked.

MORE MONEY NEEDED FOR MAORI EDUCATION
-------------------------------------

Professor Russell Bishop of Waikato University believes the 
only way to turn around the poor performance of Maori in the 
education system is to invest more in it. While 25 percent of 
the general population aged over 15 have no formal 
qualifications, the 2006 Census shows the figure for Maori is 
40 percent. Prof. Bishop says cash is the only way to beat 
what he says is an achievement gap. He says over the years, a 
little amount of money has been thrown in to address the 
problem but it is simply not enough. He thinks it is a waste 
of time blaming students and teachers for the poor figures.

DIABETES NZ UNHAPPY ABOUT KFC'S INVITATION LIST
-----------------------------------------------

Three Christchurch city councillors are under fire from health 
professionals. Deputy Mayor Carol Evans and councillors Barry 
Corbett and Gail Sheriff will attend the opening of KFC's new 
store in Shirley tomorrow. Murray Dear, president of Diabetes 
New Zealand claims it is almost as if the council is giving a 
tick of approval to a food outlet which does little for the 
health and nutrition of New Zealanders. He says local body 
politicians should think about what engagements they attend. 
However, Mr Corbett says the opening is a networking 
opportunity and a chance to find out more about other 
commercial endeavours the company is developing. He says 
eating foods such as KFC is an individual choice.

INTEREST RATES REVIEWED TODAY
-----------------------------

The Reserve Bank's last monetary policy statement for the year 
will be announced this morning. Most economists are expecting 
governor Alan Bollard to leave the Official Cash Rate 
unchanged at 7.25 percent. BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander 
believes the rising kiwi dollar will be a key reason why there 
will not be a rise in interest rates. He says the Reserve Bank 
will be wary of the dollar putting pressure on exporters and 
weakening the sector. But Mr Alexander predicts Dr Bollard 
will issue another warning about inflationary pressures and 
will not rule out another rate hike in the new year. He says 
fixed interest is influenced by what is happening overseas 
especially in the United States and there is an increasing 
possibility of interest rates falling there next year.

Friday, 8 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LESS CASH BEING FED INTO POKIE MACHINES
---------------------------------------

New figures show spending on the main forms of gambling fell 
by over two percent to less than $2 billion in the 2005-06 
year. The Department of Internal Affairs is attributing the 
drop to reduced spending on pokie machines outside of casinos, 
which fell by almost 12 percent. There has been an almost 15 
percent rise in spending on Lotteries Commission products, 
which is said to be due to the introduction of the Big 
Wednesday draw.

BREAST PHYSICIANS LOSE STATUS
-----------------------------

Breast Physicians are no longer classed as specialists in New 
Zealand. The Medical Council has decided to revoke the 
specialist status of the doctors. Five doctors currently 
practice as breast physicians in New Zealand. Deputy 
Chairwoman Dr Deborah Read says the training and professional 
development programmes for the profession do not meet 
specialist standard. She says the profession can reapply for 
specialist status in the future, but she says a lot of work 
would need to be done in the meantime.

COUNCIL STAFF STRIKING
----------------------

The union representing striking Christchurch City Council 
workers says it is irresponsible of the council not to have 
budgeted for wage and salary increases. Around 1100 workers 
walked off the job today for three hours in the first of two 
strikes planned for this month. The strike affects libraries 
and service centres outside the main Tuam Street offices. 
Staff at the Auckland City Council are holding similar strike 
action today. Southern Local Government Officers Union 
secretary Peter Lawson says the council cannot expect 
employees to fund new infrastructure and community 
developments through the sacrificing of wage rises. He claims 
the council has failed to include pay increases in its budget. 
But Phillippa Jones, Christchurch Council's general manager of 
human resources, says the council takes a lot of care in 
putting its budget together. Mr Lawson says its unprecedented 
that the staff of two of the largest councils in New Zealand 
take strike action together.

WINE SCANDAL'S IMPLICATIONS
---------------------------

Winemaker Allan Scott says the integrity of the Marlborough 
wine industry has taken a hit with the Wither Hills scandal. 
Wither Hills' 2006 Sauvignon Blanc wine has lost its five star 
rating from Cuisine magazine after tests showed the sample 
entered in its annual competition differed from that which was 
available in supermarkets. A wine from the same batch was sent 
for judging in other competitions. However, an audit by the 
New Zealand Winegrowers Board has cleared the winery of any 
intentional wrongdoing. The board accepted the explanation by 
winemaker Brett Marris that the variations occurred 
inadvertently. Mr Scott says publicity of this kind damages 
the reputation of the area's wineries and is a wake-up call 
for the industry to look at how wineries operate and are 
categorised. Mr Marris has stepped down as the chief judge of 
the Air New Zealand Wine Awards and has returned medals the 
controversial wine has won but he says the incident has turned 
into a media fiasco. 
 
(From where I sit, this is the most monstrous beat-up. The 
Wither Hills wine won five stars. It is therefore a good wine 
by any standard. A different pressing in the same season was 
so close to identical that several experts could either not 
tell the difference, or preferred the later stock from the 
supermarket shelves. In short, the second batch was also 
excellent, and at least as good as the first. As far as I am 
aware, no-one of any credibility is suggesting that Wither 
Hills made a special batch for competition purposes. The whole 
competition thing has become way too precious in my view. I 
have more admiration for Mr Marris than for the judge who 
created all this moral panic. - BH)

TEXTING MAY HAVE CAUSED FATAL CRASH
-----------------------------------

Police suspect a teenager driver was texting moments before a 
fatal crash in the Bay of Plenty. The 16-year-old was killed 
instantly when the car she was driving veered off the road and 
hit a parked trailer unit at Awakeri just after 5pm yesterday. 
Her male passenger was taken to Whakatane Hospital with 
moderate injuries. Whakatane Constable Michael Chelley says it 
is thought the young woman was using her phone just before the 
crash. He says it is a tragic reminder that the smallest 
mistake in a vehicle can result in death. Constable Chelley 
says police will not know for sure what caused the crash until 
they have spoken to the passenger.

BLACK CAPS BEAT SRI LANKA 
-------------------------
The Black Caps have beaten Sri Lanka by five wickets in the 
first cricket Test in Christchurch. The New Zealanders 
successfully chased down the 119 runs required on day three, 
finishing 119 for five. Jacob Oram ended unbeaten on 12 with 
Brendon McCullum not out 14. Muttiah Muralitharan was the best 
of the bowlers, taking three for 34. Earlier today New Zealand 
mopped up the Sri Lankan first innings at 170. Kumar 
Sangakkara was the tourists' sole shining light on a gloomy 
day, finishing 100 not out. He was left stranded in bizarre 
circumstances however, with his final partner Muralitharan 
running himself out as he sought to congratulate Sangakkara on 
his century. The series now moves to Wellington, with the 
second and final Test beginning at the Basin Reserve next 
Friday. 
 
(This latter item really belongs to next week's news. 
Americans and others who don't understand cricket should 
ignore this ... it will only make things worse. It has occupied 
a lot of column inches in the last few days. At issue is the 
action of the NZ wicket keeper McCullum who removed the bails 
of Muralitharan at a time when he clearly but mistakenly 
thought the ball was dead and was going to congratulate his 
team mate Sangakara on an excellent century. Given that New 
Zealand have been allowed to do likewise by the Sri Lankans in 
the recent past, I think this stinks. The New Zealand team and 
its management have said that its within the rules and they 
don't see that it is outside the spirit of the game. I beg to 
differ. It may be within the rules, but so was Trevor 
Chappell's notorious underarm delivery of 1 February 1981. New 
Zealand has nursed that grievance for twenty five years. Now 
it has given away the moral high ground. Any time I hear 
"underarm bowl" I am now going to think "Muralitharan's run 
out". Shame! Cricket fans can see this at 
http://www.cricket.mailliw.com/archives/2006/12/11/video-of-
muralis-run-out-v-new-zealand/ but fast forward for about 
three minutes. - BH)

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