WYSIWYG NEWS - 20 December, 2006

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 20 December, 2006 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer.  

Christmas shopping in Lower Hutt has changed since we moved 
here in 1980. Back then, it was High Street or nothing. There 
was no shopping mall, and there were far fewer cars about. 
High Street is still there, of course, with its Southern end 
lopped off to make way for new roads and traffic roundabouts. 
Most of the shops on the old main strip are now second string 
affairs. A lot of shoe shops, a pharmacy or two, the odd craft 
shop and some banks. The main body of shoppers have migrated 
to the Westfield Queensgate Mall which stands where there was 
once a large open space and a vastly under-utilized bust 
interchange. Today the mall sits in and around a vast parking 
complex and houses around 150 shops. Despite the glitz and 
glamour of the mall, I feel as if I have arrived from a 
different planet. The products on sale are, for the most part, 
from an entirely different value system to mine. Fashion and 
cosmetics are the biggest sellers, followed closely by coffee 
outlets and fancy housewares. And in this season, there are 
temporary stalls set up in the usually open spaces, and I can 
get my purchases gift wrapped, or I can buy calendars with 
almost any theme from the sickeningly cute to the borderline 
obscene. Taste is not an essential quality of mall shopping. 
Branches of the country's two main book chains, Whitcoulls and 
Dymocks, are too small to be really useful to me, but on the 
other hand are among the few shops selling something that I 
might conceivably buy. Of course, the old fashioned hardware 
store that sells power tools and other toys for guys is a 
thing of the past (except for Rayner & Woodward in Petone). If 
I want to buy tools, I have to go to the mega-stores of 
Bunnings, or the Mitre 10 chain. The closer we get to 
Christmas, the crazier the mall's parking is. A number of 
people have been employed to direct traffic to the spaces 
where there are vacant parks. Occasionally they get a bit 
carried away with their own authority, and try to direct 
people to the upper decks when in fact the poor driver with 
the car load of kids and the empty wallet is merely trying to 
reach the nearest exit. Another five days and it will all be 
over (except for the even more insane post-Christmas sales).

 
---- 
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 John Burland in 
Germany. Many thanks John.

----  
On with the News.  

Monday, 11 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BAN ON FIZZY DRINKS BY 2009
---------------------------

Full sugar fizzy drinks will be banned from schools by 2009. 
The Government has achieved agreement between Coca-Cola Amatil 
NZ and Frucor Beverages to implement the removal. Health 
Minister Pete Hodgson says the agreement will see the removal 
of 1.1 million litres of full sugar beverages from schools 
over the next three years. He says it is a strong step forward 
and will ensure schools can provide healthier alternatives for 
students. Diet fizzy drinks will still be allowed; the 
minister says there is no scientific evidence of any 
significant adverse effects from a daily intake of artificial 
sweetener beyond current usage. It is the world's first 
agreement to stop directly selling all full sugar soft drinks 
and full sugar energy drinks to schools. CCANZ and Frucor say 
they will provide alternatives, including no or low sugar soft 
drinks, fruit juices and flavoured waters. Coca-Cola Managing 
Director George Adams says the industry was prepared to do its 
small part in the battle against rising obesity levels in New 
Zealand. "This is a massive decision for us to make about our 
products. We are taking a proactive leadership position in-
line with our 2003 voluntary removal of fizzy drinks from 
Primary schools - which should signal to the public the 
seriousness of the threat of rising obesity levels. " Frucor 
Beverages CEO Carl Bergstrom says a pivotal part of the 
agreement was the intention to shift consumption to other 
types of drinks. "A key message for people is that they need 
to eat and drink in tune with their lifestyles - so it is 
important that this agreement encourage children, particularly 
those who are not physically active, to choose alternative 
drinks", he says The beverage industry is the first sector 
group to sign a voluntary agreement to help in the fight 
against obesity under the Food Industry Accord. 
 
(I wonder how long it will be before this scheme runs into 
another difficulty. At the end of three years, full sugar 
drinks will be gone, and in their place, artificially 
sweetened drinks. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but a lot of 
people are extremely suspicious of artificial sweeteners. - 
BH)

MOTOR INDUSTRY TARGETS OLD IMPORTS
----------------------------------

The Motor Industry Association wants a crackdown on imports of 
old Japanese vehicles following the Government's draft energy 
strategy release. It says the thousands of dated cars coming 
into the country are not compatible with the biofuels the 
Government wants to replace petrol and diesel. The Motor 
Industry Association says New Zealand new vehicles are in 
direct contrast, with almost all suitable for bioethanol. CEO 
Perry Kerr says there needs to be an age limit for old used 
imports, which are getting older and older. He would also like 
cash incentives for getting old vehicles off the road.

PUBLIC THANKED FOR HELPING STOP ATTACK
--------------------------------------

Auckland's North Shore police are thanking members of the 
public for coming to the aid of a middle-aged couple set upon 
by youths in a completely unprovoked attack. The couple have 
nasty cuts and bruises after being attacked while they were 
out walking just after ten on Saturday night. Local Police 
Commander Les Paterson says it could have been much worse if 
not for motorists in two cars who stopped and pulled the 
offenders off. Police believe the teenagers, aged from 14 to 
17, had been drinking and were wandering the streets looking 
for trouble. Three youths have been charged with injuring with 
intent and police say they expect to locate a fourth in the 
next few days.

NARNIA STILL HEADING FOR NZ
---------------------------

Reports that New Zealand is to lose its part in the production 
of the sequel to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe are 
being described as "rubbish". The Times says Disney has axed 
plans to film parts of Prince Caspian here, choosing the UK's 
Pinewood studios instead, thanks to new tax breaks introduced 
by British chancellor Gordon Brown. The movie's New Zealand 
production manager Tim Coddington says there has been no 
change to New Zealand's planned involvement in Prince Caspian, 
the details of which will be released tomorrow. He says New 
Zealand can relax. Earlier reports have stated Prince Caspian 
would be shot in New Zealand in February and March next year, 
followed by four months of filming in Prague. The shoot was 
expected to be worth at least $10 million to this country's 
film industry. Weta Workshop and Weta Digital are believed to 
be creating the majority of the effects for the second Narnia 
film, although the report in the Times claimed the special 
effects would also be filmed in the UK.

GREENS ALARMED OVER IMPORTED TIMBER
-----------------------------------

The Greens are alarmed by the results of a survey it conducted 
on imported timber. Party volunteers visited a selection of 26 
retailers around the country over the past month to find out 
if customers are being fully informed about the origin of the 
timber used in furniture. Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons 
says she is very disappointed that while 12 claimed their 
timber was sustainably logged, only three actually had the 
documentation to prove it. She says 10 retailers did not even 
know if the timer was sustainably or legally harvested. Ms 
Fitzsimons says this shows the need for legislation that 
allows only timber that has been certified as having been 
sustainably produced to be imported. 
 
(Although I am vaguely green - with a small "g", I couldn't 
live in the perpetual state of alarm that these people do. - 
BH)

GOVT OUTLINES ENERGY STRATEGY PLAN
----------------------------------

Some big changes could be on the cards for our transport 
system if the Government's draft energy strategy goes through 
unchanged. Energy and Climate Change Minister David Parker has 
outlined the government's proposals. They include introducing 
renewable fuels as a substitute for petrol and diesel, 
increasing the use of biofuels, updating New Zealand's vehicle 
fleet and developing a shipping strategy in addition to other 
ways of shifting freight. Mr Parker has also highlighted 
increasing support for public transport and non-motorised 
forms of transport.

111 CALLS BEING ANSWERED FASTER
-------------------------------

Police say their emergency call centre is exceeding world 
standards in answering 111 emergency calls. The centre has 
been criticised for problems including the case of missing 
Auckland woman Iraena Asher who phoned the centre from Piha on 
Auckland's west coast more than two years ago. A taxi was 
sent, but it went to the wrong address. Centre manager 
Superintendent Allan Boreham says the world standard is to 
answer 90 percent of emergency calls within 10 seconds. He 
says the call centre answered 91 percent within that timeframe 
and last week managed 97 percent. Superintendent Boreham says 
the improvement is the result of a mixture of better training, 
a change in some tactics, more focus on core business and some 
technological advances. He says the improvement comes at a 
time when there has also been a huge increase in the number of 
emergency calls being made, from 250,000 in 2001 to around 
400,000 now.

HOUSE PRICE GROWTH SLOWS
------------------------

The latest housing figures show house price growth is slowing, 
although property values across the countries are continuing 
to increase. Quotable Value statistics reveal an increase for 
the year to November of 9.4 percent, down from 9.6 percent 
rise in October. That is the slowest pace of growth since the 
monthly survey began in February last year. However some 
regions have seen a seasonal pick-up in prices. Auckland City 
rose to 7.2 percent, up from 6.5. Wellington was unchanged at 
9.8 percent, while growth in Christchurch edged down half a 
percent to nine. Dunedin was up to 4.6 percent and Hamilton 
rose to 8.7 percent. The average national house sale price for 
November was $347,000. The average sale price across Auckland 
was $446,609, for Hamilton City it was $320,215, Wellington 
city $463,453, Christchurch $328,873 and Dunedin $261,799.

CONCERN ABOUT TREATY CLAIM DEADLINE
-----------------------------------

Maori are concerned they will no longer have enough time to 
lodge Treaty of Waitangi claims. Parliament has passed a law 
setting a September 2008 deadline for lodging all claims. 
Senior lecturer of Maori studies at the Auckland University of 
Technology, Dr Paul Moon, says there are more than a hundred 
hapu and whanau groups around the country which have not even 
started their claims. He says smaller tribes do not have the 
sort of money the larger ones have, so have not had the 
resources for investigation. Dr Moon thinks the law is purely 
political, as Labour knows its Maori voters will most likely 
vote for the Maori Party at the next election and is trying to 
grab some votes back from National, which has a strong anti-
treaty line. He believes there is no real need for the 
Government to suddenly install a deadline.

Tuesday, 12 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THERAPEUTICS BILL PASSED FIRST READING
--------------------------------------

Parliament has passed the first reading of the Therapeutics 
Medicine Bill by the narrowest of margins. It has scraped 
through by 61 votes to 60. National Party Health spokesman 
Tony Ryall says the regulation will be costly and restrictive 
and will harm New Zealand businesses. He says there should be 
regulation of therapeutic products, but not such a 
bureaucratic regime. Natural Health Laboratories executive 
director Michael Cushman is also warning of dire consequences 
if the Bill is passed into law. He says the legislation will 
drive small companies out of business and lead to a loss of 
innovation. He says over 95 percent of New Zealand companies 
employ fewer than six people and the cost imposed by the 
regulation will simply kill them.

LATEST HOSPITAL STRIKE A WARNING SHOT
-------------------------------------

The latest union to call a public hospital strike says 
tomorrow's action is merely a warning shot. Around two 
thousand 800 service and food workers will walk off the job 
from 11.30 until one o'clock. Union spokesman, Shane Vugler 
says some support workers are earning the minimum wage and the 
union wants a single national collective agreement. He says 
the striking workers do a wide range of tasks including 
cleaning, catering, orderly work, and direct care for 
patients. Mr Vugler says DHBs will have to start treating 
workers fairly if they want to avoid a more disruptive strike.

GOVERNMENT EXTENDS TAX EXEMPTION
--------------------------------

The Government is extending the tax exemption for employers 
who contribute to schemes other than KiwiSaver which comes 
into effect next July. The benefit will go to the employee 
with Finance Minister Michael Cullen saying their retirement 
nest egg will grow more quickly. Dr Cullen says not all 
schemes will sign up because if they do they will have to 
abide by the KiwiSaver withdrawal rules of age 65 or a minimum 
of five years membership. He says if there is no lock-in then 
there cannot be a concession, because the contributions would 
be effectively the same as putting money into a bank account 
which does not attract tax incentives. Generally, KiwiSaver 
members cannot access their savings until they are 65 or have 
been with KiwiSaver for five years - whichever is later. But 
if there are special circumstances, a withdrawal may be 
allowed for significant financial hardship or serious illness. 
A one off withdrawal may also be permitted to help with the 
purchase of a first home, after being with KiwiSaver for three 
years.

CALL FOR ROADSIDE DRUG TESTING
------------------------------

Concern over the growing use of recreational drugs in the 
community has prompted the Road Transport Forum to call for 
the immediate introduction of roadside drug testing. The Forum 
says if recreational drug use is increasing, it must mean the 
number of drug-affected drivers is up as well. Forum CEO Tony 
Friedlander says police have told him the problem will be 
addressed within the next four years, but he says that is not 
good enough. Mr Friedlander says it is time for the issue to 
be addressed now. He says truck drivers are more often victims 
than the cause of drug related crashes, and he is concerned 
for the safety of his members.

GOV'T $3 BILLION IN THE BLACK
-----------------------------

The Government's operating surplus is once again running well 
above Treasury forecasts. It stands at $3 billion for the four 
months to the end of October, which is nearly 35 percent 
higher than predicted in the budget back in May. Treasury says 
the increase is due to a higher-than-expected tax take and 
gains from investments.

MISSION APPEALS TO CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
-----------------------------------

When stockings and turkey are stuffed for Christmas Day, there 
is still something people can do before Santa takes to the 
skies. Each year the Auckland City Mission gives out 25 
thousand new presents to children in need, 700 food hampers to 
struggling families and feeds 1500 people at the Town Hall 
Christmas dinner. City Missioner Diane Robertson says ten 
percent of Aucklanders are now living in severe hardship. She 
says families are trying to give their children a good 
Christmas and just trying to put dinner on the table, while 
being bombarded with advertising and commercialism. Ms 
Robertson is asking those who have plenty this Christmas to 
give presents, food, donations or their time. Details on how 
you can help can be found at www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz

NZ COULD BE ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENT
----------------------------------

An energy expert believes New Zealand could produce all the 
electricity and bio-fuel it needs from its own renewable 
resources within 30-years. Professor Ralph Sims from the 
Massey University Centre for Energy Research says the 
Government's draft energy strategy should be acted on 
immediately. He says there is plenty that can be done in the 
short term to get the process rolling - for example, windfarms 
are being developed and Professor Sims says the country could 
certainly put more of those around as New Zealand has 
excellent wind resources. He says solar water heaters could 
easily be installed on most people's roofs tomorrow and he 
told Newstalk ZB's Paul Holmes he would like to see mandatory 
solar heating for new homes. "Even in Palmerston North, where 
I live," he says, "which isn't the sunniest place in New 
Zealand, at our house we save something like three quarters of 
our electricity bill for heating year round, and turn the 
power off completely during the summer." Professor Sims says 
he has been arguing for years that New Zealand has enough 
renewable resources to provide for its electricity needs. He 
hopes the energy strategy could be a catalyst for some big 
changes. He says he has been lobbying for changes in the 
building codes for a long time, but admits they have been 
lagging behind in terms of energy efficiency, insulation and 
solar water heating.

WINDFARM HAPPY ABOUT ENERGY STRATEGY
------------------------------------

A wind farm company is in no doubt New Zealand could generate 
all its future electricity from renewable sources. The 
Government's draft energy strategy looks at ways to cut 
Greenhouse emissions and make the country carbon-neutral. 
Chris Freear CEO of New Zealand Windfarms is envisioning a 
future where wind energy makes up a large portion of the 
nation's electricity generation. He says the strategy reflects 
the reality New Zealand could become carbon-neutral in the 
future. Mr Freear says wind is an abundant, economical and 
reliable fuel that has been blowing a gale in New Zealand for 
centuries and it is not going to stop. He says one issue is 
the placement of turbines, but he says the country is 
fortunate to have so many windy hills.

DHB WELCOMES SUGARY FIZZY DRINK BAN
-----------------------------------

The phasing out of sugar-laden fizzy and energy drinks in 
secondary schools is being welcomed by the Canterbury District 
Health Board. The government has reached a voluntary agreement 
with Coca-Cola Amatil and Frucor Beverages, which will see the 
drinks removed from schools by 2009. Fruit juices and diet 
drinks will still be able to be sold at schools. Canterbury 
DHB Community and Population Health general manager Evon 
Currie says schools struggle to cope with the problems caused 
by low physical activity and poor nutrition and the agreement 
works in their favour. Health Minister Pete Hodgson is 
praising the drinks' companies for their leadership, saying 
regulating against sugary drinks would have been costly and 
would not have resulted in the issue moving as quickly as it 
has. "Over the past 12 months, New Zealand families have made 
tremendous progress in recognising the serious threat poor 
nutrition and a lack of activity pose to the health of our 
children. This agreement forms only a small part of what will 
be necessary to address this challenge, but shows that the 
government and the food industry are serious about playing our 
part."

POOL SICKNESS PINPOINTED
------------------------

The children admitted to hospital with respiratory problems 
after playing water polo at the West Wave Aquatic Centre in 
Henderson, west Auckland are expected to make a full recovery. 
Up to 10 people who were competing in the northern region 
under 14 division became ill from breathing chlorine gasses in 
the air above the pool. The chemical build up is thought to 
have been caused by poor ventilation. Dr Denise Barnfather 
Public Health Medicine Specialist for the Auckland Public 
Health Service says fortunately the levels were not high 
enough to cause severe illness. She says when chlorine dioxide 
is present at less than five parts per million, people suffer 
irritation of the respiratory system. Dr Barnfather says 
exposure to higher levels can cause bronchial spasms, which 
none of the children showed signs of. She believes the 
children will not suffer any long term effects. Most of the 
water polo players have been discharged from hospital. The New 
Zealand world championship swimming trials are taking place at 
the centre today.

WIDESPREAD SUPPORT FOR ENERGY STRATEGY
--------------------------------------

There is widespread support from electricity and business 
circles for the Government's draft energy strategy. Ensuring 
energy is renewable is a key strategy in the plan. Lines 
company Transpower says it is already working with proponents 
of renewable generation projects and will work to ensure 
electricity gets where it is needed. Generator and retailer 
Trustpower agrees with the Government that New Zealand has a 
number of sustainable options on its doorstep that it can make 
the most of. Business New Zealand is welcoming the report's 
long-term focus, saying it will help provide a stable business 
environment into the future.

STUDENT LOAN THRESHOLD CHANGES
------------------------------

Student loan holders will now be able to earn a little more 
before having to make repayments. The Government has announced 
a change in the income threshold for New Zealand-based 
borrowers based on the annual movement in the Consumer Price 
Index. Student loan holders will now have to begin making 
repayments once they earn $17,800 dollars, an increase of just 
over $700 on the previous sum.

Wednesday, 13 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FLU PANDEMIC LEGISLATION PASSED
-------------------------------

Legislation which enables New Zealand to respond to a possible 
flu pandemic has been passed under urgency. The bill gives the 
Government the powers necessary to respond to a major outbreak 
of an infectious disease by amending and updating current 
legislation. Health Minister Pete Hodgson says we know from 
diseases like SARS, that outbreaks of infectious diseases pose 
different challenges today compared to 50 years ago. He says 
the government needs new legal powers that reflect modern 
realities and that is what this legislation delivers.

INQUIRY INTO RATES BEGINS
-------------------------

The dependent inquiry into rates is underway. Panel chairman 
David Shand says it is gathering existing information and 
planning the consultation process so it can make rapid 
progress in the New Year. It will invite written submissions 
at the end of January and hold forums in February and March.

EDEN PARK REVIEW EXTENDED
-------------------------

The Government's review of the design and costing of the 
proposed Eden Park redevelopment has been extended. Rugby 
World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard says the technical 
evaluation will now include an assessment of the various 
options available to deliver the seating requirements 
including the existing designs and other combinations. Mr 
Mallard says this evaluation will not be completed until late 
next month but that will not affect redevelopment timelines. A 
progress report was received today, showing delays in 
accessing key information. Mr Mallard says the government has 
also sought international stadium architectural expertise and 
that information won't be available until late January.

DRUGS TESTS PLANNED FOR MOTORISTS
---------------------------------

The Government is pushing safety as the key driver behind 
plans to introduce drug tests for motorists. Legislation is 
already being drafted and will go before Parliament next year. 
Concerns about potential breaches of civil liberties were 
expressed when a pilot scheme for drug testing of motorists 
was trialled in the South Island in 2004. Transport Minister 
Annette King says those concerns have to be weighed against 
the safety of other motorists. She says innocent people have 
the right to travel without being faced by drivers under the 
influence of illegal drugs, and thereby causing accidents or 
deaths.

LOCAL LOOP UNBUNDLING LAW IS PASSED
-----------------------------------

Parliament has passed a bill which unbundles the local loop. 
MPs voted 119 to 2 in favour of the Telecommunications 
Amendment Bill. Only ACT opposed it. The bill was passed under 
urgency. Local loop unbundling allows telecommunications 
operators to use the twisted-pair telephone connections, 
currently owned by Telecom, which link the telephone 
exchange's central office to the customer premises. The 
Government announced in May that it would require the 
unbundling of the local loop, in response to concerns about 
the low levels of broadband uptake. New Zealand is the 29th 
out of 30 OECD countries to unbundle the local loop. - the 
only country that has not yet unbundled its local loop is 
Mexico. The Government says the legislation allows the 
Minister of Communications to set a three-way operational 
separation with Telecom, and gives the Minister and Commerce 
Commission powers to ensure that settlement will be achieved. 
It ensures access to "naked DSL". Communications Minister 
David Cunliffe says the passing of the bill marks the 
beginning of a new era. TelstraClear agrees that today's 
passing of the Bill is a turning point for New Zealand 
consumers and now a real choice is not too far away. Chief 
Executive Dr Allan Freeth says the broad political support for 
the Act is encouraging, but it is also a signal to the 
industry that New Zealanders are not prepared to wait for 
better services. He says for a long time, New Zealanders have 
been told that they cannot have the kinds of services enjoyed 
in countries overseas. Dr Freeth is promising next year 
TelstraClear will show customers what is possible in an open, 
competitive market.

(I hope the promised positive effects of this come soon. I may 
have mentioned previously that my "up to 7.5 Mb/s" ADSL 
struggles to deliver 2.4Mb/s. I have heard all the excuses, 
finger pointing and duckshoving, and believes someone ought to 
be on trial for this. - BH)

XTRA AND YAHOO!7 TEAM UP
------------------------

Telecom's Xtra internet service is getting alongside Yahoo!7, 
in a joint venture between the international internet giant 
and Australia's Seven Network. The new partnership replaces 
the current deal between Telecom and Microsoft, which expires 
in March. Telecom will hold 49 percent of the venture, with 
Yahoo!7 owning the rest. Telecom Chief Executive Theresa 
Gattung says Yahoo! is recognised as a global leader in online 
services and Xtra is the online market leader in New Zealand. 
"Not only does Yahoo! provide global reach in the online 
arena, it also has a proven track record of partnering with 
other leading telecommunications companies including BT in the 
United Kingdom, Rogers in Canada and Verizon in the USA." The 
Yahoo! Xtra joint venture will replace the existing XtraMSN 
site in the portal space with the initial raft of Yahoo! Xtra 
services due to go live around March 1, 2007. When the joint 
venture company is formed Yahoo!7 and Telecom New Zealand will 
each have three board members. Yahoo!7 will appoint the 
chairman.

MORE COMPLAINTS DUE TO HIGHER STANDARDS
---------------------------------------

The Police Association believes the expectation of high 
standards and the ease of making complaints is the reason for 
so many complaints about the language and attitude of 
officers. The Police Complaints Authority says about 10 
percent of the cases it dealt with in the 12 months to June 
fell into that category. Association President Greg O'Connor 
believes police are better behaved than ever. He says while 
there will always be bad apples, in general the police force 
is incorrupt and efficient.

RECYCLING URGED OVER CHRISTMAS
------------------------------

People are being encouraged to check recycling collection 
times for over the holiday period. The Packaging Council says 
about 30 percent more waste is generated over the Christmas 
period. The consumption of products in glass containers rises 
by almost 200 percent. Executive Director Paul Curtis says 
people should take responsibility for the packaging they use, 
especially when they go away on holiday. He believes most of 
it can be recycled as 95 percent of the population has access 
to good quality recycling facilities. He is encouraging people 
to keep the country green.

DECLINE IN STROKE DEATHS
------------------------

New research shows a dramatic decline in the number of 
Aucklanders who die following a stroke. A study by the George 
Institute for International Health in collaboration with 
Auckland Hospital and Auckland University shows 40 percent 
fewer patients have died from strokes in the past 25 years. 
The study attributes the improved survival rate to increased 
hospital admission and brain imaging during the most severe 
phase of the illness. More than 7,500 strokes occur in New 
Zealand every year and while the stroke rate has declined in 
Caucasian populations, it is on the rise for Maori and Pacific 
populations. Dr Valery Fiegin from Auckland University's 
Clinical Trial Research Unit says improved acute care in 
hospitals can be thanked for the increase in survivors but he 
says the development means more demand on health resources. He 
believes more work is needed in implementing rehabilitation 
strategies.

HOSPITAL WORKERS STRIKE
-----------------------

Almost 3,000 service and food workers will down tools in 
public hospitals today. The workers will strike for an hour 
and a half from 11.30am in a bid to encourage District Health 
Boards to negotiate a single national collective employment 
agreement. The union says today's strike is merely a warning 
shot, and longer strikes will be exercised if no progress is 
made. Spokesman Shane Vugler says wages for workers, who 
conduct a range of tasks including cleaning, catering, orderly 
work and direct care for patients, have been driven down over 
the years by modern day scrooges. DHBs say little disruption 
is expected and the strike will not convince employers to 
agree to a collective agreement.

GOVT SAYING NOT NOW TO TAX CUTS
-------------------------------

The Minister of Finance is taking a "maybe later" approach to 
tax cuts. Michael Cullen has highlighted comments made by 
Reserve Bank Governor Allan Bollard who has said further 
fiscal loosening through tax cuts would cause more 
inflationary pressure. Dr Cullen told a business gathering in 
Wellington last night the Government cannot ignore the 
warning, but nor will he read the bank's message as an excuse 
to sit still. He says the Reserve Bank is not saying "never" 
to tax cuts, but it is saying "not now".

Thursday, 14 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CLUES FOR A HEALTHY CHRISTMAS
-----------------------------

If you cannot think of what to get your dad for Christmas, a 
leading epidemiologist is advising buying him a doctor's 
visit. Auckland University professor Rod Jackson has compiled 
the Southern Cross Health Test, which 21,000 people completed 
online. He says nearly seven percent of those who did the test 
have a ten percent or higher risk of a heart attack or stroke 
in the next five years. Professor Jackson says if people are 
stuck for a present idea for an over-45 male, book him in for 
a cardiovascular risk check-up. He says another key result 
that stood out to him is the fact that more than 21 percent of 
people who did the survey prefer dark blue milk. Professor 
Jackson says no New Zealander should drink dark blue milk on a 
regular basis. He says anyone who drinks green milk instead of 
dark blue will consume 1.3 kilograms less saturated fat each 
year and will also gain six days of energy. He advises 
switching to light blue, then green - and says once people are 
used to that, dark blue milk will taste like cream and be 
quite unpleasant.

TRADE ME EXPANDS
----------------

Trade Me is expanding into the commercial and rural property 
market. Staring today, the online auction site will offer 
specialist functionality and sub-sites for people wishing to 
buy and market rural property. Trade Me's head of business 
Mike O'Donnell says it is the result of approaches from real 
estate companies and investors. The company says it has led 
the real estate category of the New Zealand Internet since its 
launch last year, receiving more than 200 percent more 
visitors than any other site.

NATIONAL SLAMS ENERGY PLAN
--------------------------

"Lacking" is how National is describing the Government's draft 
action plan on energy efficiency. Greater use of energy 
efficient devices, more sustainable farming practices and a 
greater emphasis getting energy from renewable resources are 
key points in the plan. National Party Energy spokesman Gerry 
Brownlee says the report is packed with phrases like 'develop 
proposals and assess trends', but the action in the plan is 
very much missing in action. He says the energy strategy 
report is disappointingly short of anything that could be 
considered a reasonable response to the country's deepening 
energy crisis.

ARMY DRIVER TRAINING TO BE ENHANCED
-----------------------------------

The army is to implement a range of initiatives to enhance the 
driver training regime, following a review sparked by a string 
of fatal Unimog crashes. There have been eight fatal crashes 
involving army Unimog vehicles since 1994. A review last year 
found most of the accidents in military vehicles are caused by 
errors made by drivers under 25. The army says one of the more 
significant initiatives it will introduce, is ensuring young 
drivers continue to gain experience in a supervised 
environment after the completion of courses.

GOVERNMENT CONFIDENT OVER DRUG TESTS
------------------------------------

The Government is confident it will be able to accurately test 
for most illicit drugs when new drug driving laws come into 
effect. The law, which allows impairment testing on drivers, 
will mean police can take drivers in for blood tests if they 
seem to be impaired. Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven 
says it is already possible to test for most drugs including 
cannabis and amphetamines, but he admits testing for P is 
tricky. He says blood-tests are being developed world-wide and 
he is sure methamphetamine will be able to be picked up in 
those results. Harry Duynhoven says testing for the party-pill 
drug BZP will also be a problem area. The Government hopes to 
have the legislation brought in by the middle of next year.

BILLBOARD BYLAW APPROVED
------------------------

Certain areas of the Auckland CBD could be free of billboard 
advertising within two years. The Council's Planning and 
Regulatory Committee has approved a draft Signage and 
Billboard bylaw with a view to having it adopted before the 
next council elections. It has allowed submissions on the 
proposal until February 28 and wants it adopted by the May 
full council meeting. The Signage and Billboard industry says 
the proposal will lead to more than $35 million in lost 
revenue and more then 150 people will be laid off. 
 
(I know it's Christmas, but I have never heard such an 
outbreak of turkey gobbling as arose from the advertising 
industry when this came up. You would swear that they were 
talking about something really important. - BH) 

DRAFT ENERGY STRATEGY RELEASED
------------------------------

People are being encouraged to have their say on maximising 
energy efficiency. A draft Energy Efficiency and Conservation 
Strategy has been launched at Parliament. Its targets include 
better insulated homes, greater use of energy efficient 
devices, more sustainable farming practices and a greater 
emphasis getting energy from renewable resources. The 
Government is seeking public feedback ahead of releasing a 
final strategy next June.

COUNCIL STAFF WALK OFF JOB AGAIN
--------------------------------

Staff working for Christchurch City Council are taking more 
strike action today. Hundreds of employees will walk off the 
job from 11am for 24 hours, resulting in the temporary closure 
of the city's libraries and service centres. Essential 
services such as water supplies, sewage treatment, rubbish 
collection and Eco Depots will not be affected. General 
manager of human resources Philippa Jones says the Southern 
Local Government Union has rejected salary increases of 
between six and 21 percent over a three year period. Around 
1100 council staff walked off the job for several hours last 
week in support of their pay claim.

TREATMENT SETTLEMENT PROCESS CRITICISED
---------------------------------------

The Government is being urged to pay close attention to 
criticism of the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process. In a 
presentation to a consultation hui, former High Court and 
Maori Land Court Judge, Justice Eddie Durie, has highlighted 
major flaws within existing processes. He claims the 
Government is overly-determining how tribes should form and 
with whom the Government should negotiate settlements. He says 
as a result, settlements frequently override the interests of 
smaller hapu. Justice Durie says the Law Commission believes 
the approach is conceptually wrong as it raises the prospect 
the Government will be seen to be choosing those with whom it 
prefers to deal. He says it is the inherent right of tribes to 
determine their own structures.

BROADBAND BATTLE NOT OVER
-------------------------

The first step in the broadband battle has been won, but the 
all-out war is yet to come. Parliament has voted 119 to 2 in 
support of the Telecommunications Amendment Bill which forces 
Telecom to open up the local loop to its competitors. Internet 
New Zealand Executive Director Keith Davidson is pleased, but 
says the curly bit lies ahead. He suggests the Ministry of 
Economic Development which will oversee the unbundling will 
need to be well-resourced as it will have to fight against 
delaying tactics from Telecom, which will be trying to get the 
best out of the deal. Mr Davidson says the legislation evens 
the playing field, but the unbundling process will be the 
final leveller.

DOUBTS ABOUT DRUG TESTING
-------------------------

The Drug Foundation has doubts about the effectiveness of 
tests to judge whether a driver is under the influence of 
drugs. Under the proposal, driving while impaired with illegal 
drugs would become a new offence. Police would carry out 
roadside impairment tests which include eye examinations, 
motor skills and balance tests. Foundation executive director 
Ross Bell is concerned the test will not be accurate enough. 
He says unlike the alcohol breath test, drug testing is not 
specific. Mr Bell predicts police will have a lot of trouble 
actually getting people to undertake them. He believes more 
should be done to prevent people from driving after taking 
drugs in the first place. He says educating people such as 
truck drivers and those who attend dance parties is also 
necessary. Penalties for driving while impaired with illegal 
drugs would carry the same penalties as drink driving.

Friday, 15 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THREE CHILDREN BURIED IN LANDSLIDE
----------------------------------

Tragedy in a small Manawatu township where three children have 
been crushed to death by a collapsing cliff. Three children, a 
girl and two boys, aged between eight and thirteen died when a 
cliff collapsed at a popular picnic spot in the Pohangina 
Valley, 25 kilometres Northeast of Ashhurst. Senior Sergeant 
Tom Ireland says it is not yet clear how the accident 
happened. He says it appears the cliff face fell on the four 
children as they were walking underneath it. Mr Ireland says 
three of the children died at the scene, while the fourth is 
in Palmerston North Hospital with minor injuries. The dead 
children are believed to be from two local families. The 
reserve and a nearby camping ground have been closed to the 
public.

LET WOMEN FIGHT, SAYS COMMITTEE
-------------------------------

A Parliamentary Select Committee is recommending women be 
allowed to serve in combat roles with our military. The 
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee has reported back 
on the Private Member's Bill of Labour MP Lynne Pillay. It is 
advising the Bill, which would remove the last exemption for 
sexual discrimination in our armed forces, be passed into law. 
Ms Pillay says it is great news. The Bill will have its second 
reading in Parliament next year.

NEW ZEALANDERS ARE HAPPY WORKERS
--------------------------------

New Zealanders appear to be relatively happy with their lot at 
work. An international survey has found 64 percent of 
employees are happy in their jobs. Most also think their 
bosses are doing a good job. This country ranks 13th globally 
for employee happiness. The most contented workers are in 
Denmark.

VIOLENT CRIME UP, OTHER CRIME DOWN
----------------------------------

Violent crime is up, but all other crime is down, according to 
Statistics New Zealand figures released today. The report 
reflects police figures from 2005 and shows a continuation of 
the general decline in the crime rate from a high in 1992. The 
single largest category of crime was dishonesty, accounting 
for more than half. Violent crime has risen 10 percent from 
1996, but Statistics NZ says it is largely due to an increase 
in offences at the lower end of the scale. Government 
Statistician Brian Pink says a 50 percent increase in minor 
crime - such as threats and intimidation - may have been 
influenced by reduced police and public tolerance for such 
offences. Murder rates have been stable for the last 10 years.

COURSE TARGETS ICT SKILLS SHORTAGE
----------------------------------

A new initiative has been launched to address the skills 
shortage in information and communications technology. 
Microsoft New Zealand, key technology providers and ACE 
training have developed a Diploma in Computer Technology 
programme for business graduates and people with business 
experience. Microsoft spokesman John Bessey says it is a 
course designed to ensure graduates are guaranteed a job. He 
says what sets it apart is that it is designed specifically 
around the practical use of technology based on Microsoft 
curriculum. At the end of the course, students get a year's 
internship with a partner or customer of the scheme. Mr Bessey 
says about a dozen people will be part of the initial intake.

TOYS AND BOARD GAMES TOP PRESENTS
---------------------------------

Outdoor toys and board games are starting to make a come back 
for children this Christmas. The Warehouse reports that while 
electronic gear such as gaming consoles, CDs and DVDs are 
still strong sellers, there is a move back to swingball sets 
and water play sets. Warehouse spokeswoman Cynthia Church says 
in a move away from overseas trends, board games are strong 
sellers. Pre-school learning toys are also very popular. Last 
year, Roboraptors were the most popular children's gift and 
this year the trampoline has made it into the top ten but the 
number one gift nationwide, is a box of chocolates. In 
Wellington, the capital favourite is chocolate coins. 
 
(Give them books! Reading is the key to so much more. - BH)

GPS EMBRACING COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES
-------------------------------------

It seems GPs are embracing the use of complementary medicines. 
A report in today's Medical Journal looks at the responses of 
300 GPs. Ninety-five percent referred patients to one or more 
forms of complementary and alternative medicines while 20 
percent practiced forms themselves. The type most commonly 
performed by GPs is acupuncture and the most referred to 
option is chiropractic manipulation. Researcher Louise Poynton 
says while fewer GPs are choosing to administer the medicine 
themselves, more are referring patients to specialists. She 
says GPs want alternative therapies included in medical 
education.

INSTITUTE'S PLAN FAILS TO IMPRESS
---------------------------------

The Associate Justice Minister is calling for more changes to 
the way the real estate industry is governed after being less 
than impressed with a proposed reform package. Following 
complaints about the conduct of real estate agents, Clayton 
Cosgrove has met with the Real Estate Institute at Parliament 
in an effort to put in place an independent complaints and 
disciplinary regime. However, Mr Cosgrove says he is 
disappointed with what he describes as an underwhelming reform 
proposal put forward by the institute. He says the industry 
needs to show house buyers it has a fair, open and transparent 
system. Mr Cosgrove says the Ministry of Justice now has the 
opportunity to develop a range of recommendations for an 
independent regime that will protect consumers. Recent cases 
highlighting agents' behaviour include a case where Premium 
Real Estate was found guilty in the High Court in Auckland of 
misleading and deceptive conduct over the sale of a house in 
the suburb of Milford on Auckland's North Shore. A house which 
sold for $2.5 million sold for nearly a million more five 
months later. Another complaint came after a Napier agent 
reduced the prices of two properties to half their value in 
order to buy them himself.

PARENTS NEED TO BE MORE TECHNO-SMART
------------------------------------

Police in the central Otago town of Alexandra are reminding 
parents about the dangers of cell phones after what they 
believe is their first case of a young person being sexually 
groomed. A 46-year-old Alexandra man is facing several charges 
including sexual grooming and sexual connection with a 14-
year-old girl. Acting Detective Sergeant Ian Kerrisk alleges 
the man met the girl through work and over a period of months 
sent sexually explicit texts before sexual activity took 
place. He says parents need to be aware of such dangers and 
educate their children about personal safety. An internet 
safety group believes another way for parents to protect their 
children is for them to become familiar with the new 
technology which enables criminals to have more access to 
young people without being observed. Martin Cocker from 
Netsafe says lines of communication with children should be 
open to counter the predatory nature of the crime.

CALL FOR REGULATION OF ADVENTURE SPORT INJURIES
-----------------------------------------------

A 111 call centre worker has been given a rap over the 
knuckles by the Police Complaints Authority. A report which 
looks at the circumstances leading up to the fatal police 
shooting of a knife-wielding Iraqi man finds a 111 call taker 
did not get important details. Haida Mahdi was shot by a 
police officer while threatening his wife's life with a 
carving knife at his Pakuranga home in August 2004.The Police 
Complaints Authority report says the call centre worker who 
spoke to Mr Mahdi's wife did not try to find out whether a 
weapon was involved or whether threats to kill had been made. 
It says the information would have assisted police officers 
attending the scene to be fully prepared for what they were 
about to face. The report acknowledges there were language 
barriers during the calls.

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