WYSIWYG NEWS - 1 June, 2006

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 01 June, 2006 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer.  
 
Ever keen to help me in my battle against excess weight, Mary 
accompanied me on a walk around Oriental Bay last Sunday. Low 
grey clouds and a brisk Northerly produced mildly 
uncomfortable walking conditions with the occasional hint of 
moisture in the air. If it's a while since you saw Oriental 
Bay, you might be a bit surprised at what it has become. Many 
of the grand old colonial houses have given way to confections 
of concrete, glass, and steel, with pretentious oversized 
brass plated names or address numbers to emphasis just how 
affluent you need to be to live there now. The bay side of the 
road is relatively little changed. The old boatsheds adjacent 
to the scarcely used Overseas Passenger Terminal are just as 
they always were. The Freyberg pool complex is relatively 
unchanged, though there is a tugboat moored within a little 
breakwater next to it. The tugboat, which is actually a 
floating restaurant, is painted in the white and green of the 
Union Steam Ship Company. She is named Tapuhi II in tribute to 
the old steam tug, Tapuhi which played heroic part in the 
rescue attempts of the Wahine as it foundered in a storm on 10 
April, 1967. The urge to pay tribute is understandable, though 
I wish they had found a different vessel with which to do it. 
Underneath the glass-house eating areas and the paint disguise 
is the noble "Aucklander", a fine Scottish built steam tug of 
some distinction in its own right. I remember its arrival in 
Auckland in 1958 after an epic delivery voyage from the Clyde 
via the Suez canal. She was a handsome and efficient vessel 
that, together with the venerable "William C Daldy" and "Te 
Awhina" used to muscle the great cruise liners of yesteryear 
into place in the Port of Auckland. She is an integral part of 
my childhood memories. You can see a picture of the vessel as 
she used to be at 
http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=6142 
When I first came to Wellington in the mid sixties, the second 
most dominant building on the landscape was the old public 
service hostel tucked into the corner site between Oriental 
Parade and Grafton Road at the eastern end of the bay. As I 
remember it, it was a rather peculiar wooden weatherboard 
building of about three stories, and was home to many a 
country boy or girl from the provinces taking up their first 
job in the city. Of course the most dominant and perhaps the 
most handsome edifice was and still is St Gerard's Monastery, 
though the Redemptorist fathers have long gone. It is still 
used for church purposes but is no longer a monastery. A 
feature of walking along Oriental Parade is that many of the 
dwellings, old or new, have vast picture windows designed to 
make best use of the magnificent view across the harbour and 
all the way to the Tararuas. I imagine these windows to be a 
mixed blessing, providing as they do, a view both out and in. 
I suppose a sensitive soul would wander along with eyes 
decently averted to respect the privacy of the occupants. In 
the real world, I think as many people are intrigued at the 
lifestyles of the affluent as they are by the priceless view 
in the other direction. But, I'm late (again) and must end 
here.  
 
---- 
Any text above this point, and all subsequent material in 
parentheses, and concluded with the initials "BH" is the 
personal opinion of Brian Harmer as editor of this newsletter, 
or occasionally "HH" will indicate an opinion from Helen. In 
all cases they are honest expressions of personal opinion, and 
are not presented as fact.  
 
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 an anonymous donor in 
New York. Thank you to a long time reader.  
 
----  
On with the News.  
 
Monday, 22 May 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
POLICE CALL FOR STABBING WITNESSES 
---------------------------------- 
 
Wellington police are appealing for witnesses to an unprovoked 
attack in the city centre on Saturday night. A man was walking 
along Manners Street towards Manners Mall at about 8:15pm when 
he was stabbed in what police say was 'the side of his back'. 
He turned to see the attacker pointing a knife at him, and 
walked away. He was treated at hospital and is now recovering 
at home. Police describe the attacker as a Maori or Pacific 
Islander aged in his late teens or early 20s. He is about six 
foot tall (1.8 metres) and was wearing a brown or tan coloured 
sweatshirt, and a hat of some type.


(This sort of thing is mercifully unusual in New Zealand, 
though more common than it used to be. - BH) 
 
NOROVIRUS APPARENTLY CONTAINED 
------------------------------ 
 
Health officials in Canterbury will be checking today to see 
if they have contained the infectious norovirus stomach bug. 
The bug infected 20 patients and staff at Christchurch 
Hospital and several at Princess Margaret. It causes diarrhoea 
and vomiting for about 48 hours and is more dangerous to the 
already ill or elderly. It can be passed from person to 
person, and also from contaminated surfaces. Canterbury 
District Health Board chief medical officer Nigel Millar says 
the situation will be formally reviewed this morning. He says 
there have been no more positive cases and Dr Millar hopes 
they have fully contained the outbreak. 
 
(As the unlucky recipient of a bout this illness last year, I 
can testify that it is most unpleasant. It is bad enough in a 
domestic situation where its capacity to spread is limited. In 
a hospital, it is an appalling prospect. - BH) 
 
STUDENT QUESTIONED OVER BABY'S BODY 
----------------------------------- 
 
Dunedin police will this morning interview a 20-year-old 
student over the discovery of a baby's body on Otago 
University's grounds. The newborn baby girl was found wrapped 
in a plastic bag in the garden of Studholme Hall of Residence 
on Saturday night. The 20-year-old mother was admitted to 
hospital earlier on Saturday with severe internal injuries 
from childbirth. She is a student from overseas, and her 
parents are on their way to New Zealand. Detective Senior 
Sergeant Tony Wakelin says it is a tragic situation. He says a 
post mortem examination has been carried out on the baby but 
the details will not be released until police have interviewed 
the mother. Otago University says it has been a shocking time 
for everyone. The mother's friends are receiving counselling. 
 
STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT 
------------------------- 
 
Last night was a huge night for dozens of Auckland high school 
students at the annual "Band of Strangers" concert. Around 50 
Year 12 and 13 students got to perform with some local music 
icons, including The Exponents, Steriogram and Deceptikonz The 
event is organised by the charitable trust "Play it Strange". 
CEO Mike Chunn says it is a chance for high school students to 
play in a band and have their talents heard. He says Music 
Month is about the different ways to celebrate music and "Band 
of Strangers" is about a few students having the night of 
their lives. Pete Hodgkinson played lead guitar with 
Steriogram and he says it was "awesome" and that he was 
"absolutely buzzing" after the gig. Sam Allen played rhythm 
guitar and he was equally excited. He says it was an "mean" 
experience Both young musicians can see themselves playing 
music for a living. Michael Elliott played bass for Steriogram 
and says he loved it. He says he was nervous before going on 
but says once he was out there it was like he had been doing 
it all his life. Richard Tchernegovsk played lead guitar and 
says it was a dream come true. He says it is like a New 
Zealand fairytale to see these people on TV and then find 
yourself playing with them. 
 
PULL PLUG ON TASERS SAYS MP 
--------------------------- 
 
The Greens want the police taser trial dumped. The trial will 
be held in Wellington, Counties Manukau and the North-Shore-
Waitakere-Rodney area in September. Green MP Keith Locke is 
alarmed the Government has approved the test for a weapon 
which he says has killed more than 150 people overseas. He 
says in addition, Police Minister Annette King has confessed 
that no independent research has been done into the risks that 
tasers pose. Mr Locke says it is questionable whether we need 
to raise the level of violence with the use of pepper spray 
and now tasers, which deliver a 50,000 volt shock. He says 
police should be required to justify the use of tasers. Mr 
Locke says his party has support to campaign vigorously to 
have the trial canned. He says a group of lawyers and civil 
libertarians are concerned this will increase the level of 
violence in policing and they have organised a public meeting 
for next month. 
 
(There are some rough diamonds in the force, but most of them 
are doing the best job they can to keep the community safe. 
Once you convert them from 8,800 mostly well motivated young 
men and women into some sort of collective oppositional 
entity, then they become demonised and their job is made extra 
difficult. - BH) 
 
TWO CHARGED OVER DRUGS IMPORTATION 
---------------------------------- 
 
Customs officials hope a clear message is being sent following 
a huge drug bust in Christchurch. Two 23-year-old men have 
been arrested and charged with importing nearly 1,000 ecstasy 
tablets. The pair were detained after customs officers 
suspected they were smuggling the drugs internally. Customs 
Drug Investigation Manager Simon Williamson says one of the 
men became ill and ended up in critical care. He says the men 
could face 14 years in prison. Simon Williamson says this 
sends a clear message that the cost of smuggling drugs can be 
extremely high. The two men are due to appear in the 
Christchurch District Court today. 
 
ANOTHER NZ ONLINE SUCCESS 
-------------------------- 
 
Another New Zealander has made it big selling her internet 
company. Earlier this year Sam Morgan sold his Trade Me online 
auction site for $700 million to Fairfax. Now Claudia Batten 
from Wellington, who set up software company Massive Inc four 
years ago in the United States, has sold her company to 
Microsoft. Business correspondent Roger Kerr says her company 
developed software that downloads advertising into online 
video games. She has sold the software company for NZ$650 
million. Roger Kerr says the key to her success was finding a 
way for advertisers to get their products in front of 18 to 30 
year-old-men. 
 
OVERTURN ADOPTION ACT URGES GREEN MP 
------------------------------------ 
 
A law which bans gay and lesbian couples from adopting 
children is being slammed as outdated. The 1955 Adoption Act 
has no provisions for same sex couples, although current 
legislation states individuals can adopt, regardless of their 
sexual orientation. The Care of Children Bill did allow for 
women to list their partner on their child's birth certificate 
when they give birth through IVF, but gay men have few 
options. Green Party spokeswoman for children Metiria Turei 
says it is shocking, considering all the work which has gone 
into homosexual law reform. Ms Turei says it just does not 
make any sense and the 1955 law needs to be overturned. 
 
ROCKET MAN BOOKS IN TO SPACE RACE 
--------------------------------- 
 
A Christchurch Internet entrepreneur has booked himself a 
space journey. Opawa man Mark Rocket has paid $300,000 for a 
ride on Virgin Galactic's eight person space craft. It is due 
to lift off late in 2008. Mr Rocket says he is not sure if he 
will be the first New Zealander into space, but he is sure he 
is the first to book. He says he contacted Virgin Galactic 
through their website and has already been over to see their 
rocket development factory in California. 
 
STUDENT MOTHER STILL NOT SPOKEN TO 
---------------------------------- 
 
Dunedin police have not yet been able to interview the mother 
of the baby found dead at Otago University in the weekend. A 
20-year-old overseas student was admitted to hospital on 
Saturday with severe internal injuries from giving birth. 
Police later discovered the newborn girl's body in the gardens 
outside the Studholme Hall of residence. Detective Senior 
Sergeant Tony Wakelin says they may not get to interview the 
woman until late this afternoon. He says a post mortem 
examination was done yesterday, but the results will not be 
released until after the mother has been spoken to. 
 
MARRIAGE NUMBERS DISGUISE DECLINE 
--------------------------------- 
 
The number of people tying the knot in New Zealand remained 
steady last year. Figures released by Statistics New Zealand 
show 20,500 people had marriages registered in 2005, a number 
which stays in line with the annual average. However, while 
the number of marriages has been relatively stable, the 
percentage of marriages has declined over the last 10 years. 
They have dropped to 13.2 per 1000 last year, down from 16.9 
in 1995. The peak level recorded in New Zealand was 45.5 in 
1971. Analysis of divorce statistics shows about one third of 
New Zealanders who married in 1980 had divorced before their 
Silver Wedding Anniversary. Of last year's 9972 marriage 
dissolution orders, less than half involved children. 
 
111 ALTERNATIVE TO BE TRIALLED 
------------------------------ 
 
A November trial in Auckland and Bay of Plenty will see non-
emergency calls to police channelled through a new call centre 
in Auckland. Bay of Plenty operations manager Inspector John 
Canning says details are still to be worked through and they 
will get a briefing on the concept early next month. If the 
pilot scheme proves its worth, the initiative will go 
nationwide. A recent report indicated that 65 percent of calls 
handled by the country's three communication centres are not 
emergencies and recommended they be channelled through a 
separate contact number. 
 
GREEN MP CRITICISED ON SAME SEX ADOPTION 
---------------------------------------- 
 
Conservative lobby group Family Life International is 
attacking Green MP Metiria Turei for pushing for a law change 
to allow same sex couples to adopt. Spokesman Brendan Malone 
says Ms Turei is placing the wants of a social minority over 
the needs of children who would be forced into such 
arrangements. Mr Malone says research shows that loving and 
committed heterosexual marriages are the best environments for 
raising children. He says while the Green party claims to be 
pro-child by advocating an anti smacking bill, they are 
equally happy to condone homosexual parenting, which Mr Malone 
says is detrimental to the wellbeing of young people. 
 
(Being somewhat conservative myself, or perhaps that's simply 
"old-fashioned", I would not have adopted the stance taken by 
Ms Turei, but I resent the idea that Mr Malone is trying to 
suppress her right to a point of view. Experience tells me 
that unsupported assertions beginning with "research shows ..." 
or "overseas studies show ..." are usually bogus. Anyone who 
wants to cite research should front up and quote whose 
research, when and where and what the findings really say. And 
they should be honest enough to admit that there are usually 
conflicting items of research in areas such as this. - BH) 
 
Tuesday, 23 May 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
UNIVERSITY BABY CASE "NOT BLACK AND WHITE" 
------------------------------------------- 
 
The results of a post mortem examination on the baby girl 
found dead in the grounds of Otago University are not being 
made public. Police have interviewed the young student who 
gave birth to the baby on Saturday. The baby's body was found 
in the gardens outside Studholme Hall of Residence, after the 
woman was admitted to hospital on Saturday with severe 
internal injuries from giving birth. Detective Senior Sergeant 
Tony Wakelin says it is not appropriate to reveal any 
information about the baby's death yet. He says they do not 
release interview statements or post mortem results before it 
is known whether the case will go to court, as it could 
unfairly influence a trial. He will meet with the Crown 
Solicitor today to discuss whether charges should be laid. 
Dunedin police will seek legal opinion about whether to charge 
the young woman. Detective Senior Sergeant Wakelin says the 
case is an unusual one, and far from black and white. He says 
it is a tough time for everyone, especially the 20-year-old 
woman at the centre of the investigation. However he says her 
physical health is progressing well, and she has a lot of 
support from family and friends. Meanwhile the discovery of 
the baby's body has sparked a review of the support available 
to students on campus. Otago University Students' Association 
President Paul Chong says there is a number of support 
programmes run by both the OUSA and the university itself, to 
ensure that things like this do not happen. Mr Chong says the 
student body is stunned and saddened by the events. 
 
PENGUINS APPEAL FOR BOAT 
------------------------ 
 
The little blue penguins at Auckland Zoo are not about to sail 
away, but they would like a new dinghy. Zoo keepers are asking 
for a donation of a spare runabout which Henry, Ani, Lucy, 
Pluto, MacGonagal, and Coral can use as a shelter from the 
wind and rain. Senior keeper at Auckland Zoo, Bruce Ireland 
says an upturned dinghy makes the perfect shelter for the 
birds. He says they have an old flimsy one there at the moment 
but it is falling apart and a dinghy would look a lot smarter 
in their enclosure. He says anyone willing to part with a 
small wooden dinghy should contact the zoo. Mr Ireland says if 
anyone has a little boat to spare, it would be gratefully 
received. 
 
FOOTPRINT EVIDENCE TRIALLED 
--------------------------- 
 
Police and ESR scientists will meet today to asses a new 
technology. A national shoeprint database has been trialled by 
three police districts for about a year. Inspector John Walker 
says the database can provide information about the brand of 
shoe and can track down the owner by the unique wear and tear 
on the sole. He says it has the ability to turn what has 
always been a manual process into an efficient electronic 
process. He says today's meeting is to ensure all the data 
which is going in is consistent and see what can be done to 
maximise the potential of the system. Inspector Walker says 
the system will be trialled for at least another year before a 
decision about whether to keep it will be made. 
 
NATIONAL, GREENS GANG UP ON LABOUR 
---------------------------------- 
 
A rare show of unity, as National and the Greens prevent the 
Government from easily amending the law to make errant MPs 
leave Parliament if they refuse to toe the party line. They 
have voted against initial attempts to change the Electoral 
Integrity Act, although the law is expected to be amended 
eventually with the support of New Zealand First and United 
Future. National's deputy leader Gerry Brownlee acknowledges 
that Labour will probably still get its way, but he remains 
convinced a law change is unnecessary. Mr Brownlee says MMP 
requires that MPs reflect the policies of the party they were 
elected to represent, but he says if they find themselves 
unable to do that, it is more than likely they will not be re-
elected. 
 
(I am convinced that the list MPs who are explicitly there to 
represent a party rather than in any personal capacity should 
have to stand aside without question. Electorate MPs who 
change horses mid-stream should follow the example set by 
Winston Peters and give their electorate the chance to accept 
or reject the change. It's one of the few things I admired 
about the man. - BH) 
 
ADVICE AVAILABLE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN 
----------------------------------- 
 
Women around the country are being assured there is always a 
place to turn for advice about pregnancy. A 20-year-old 
student gave birth on Saturday morning and was later admitted 
to hospital with severe bleeding from the delivery. Police 
found the baby girl's body that night in the gardens at Otago 
University's Studholme Hall of Residence. A decision is 
expected today on whether the young mother will be charged. 
Pregnancy Help National Coordinator Sharon Crawford says women 
should never feel alone. Her organisation is one of many 
around the country which offers support and advise to women. 
She says they are always willing to talk to parents, family 
members and partners as well. 
 
LUCKY ESCAPE FROM AUCKLAND BLAZE 
-------------------------------- 
 
Four people had a lucky escape from a house fire in the 
Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn this morning. Fire Service 
spokesman Colin Underdown says the blaze was spotted by a 
person on Millais Street who tried to alert the people inside. 
He says firefighters rescued four people; one was treated for 
smoke inhalation. Mr Underdown says the fire started in the 
roof and investigators are on their way to determine the 
cause. 
 
CHAPLAIN ON SEX ABUSE CHARGES 
----------------------------- 
 
Police say there is a possibility more complainants will come 
forward, now the name of a former Salvation Army Captain, who 
is facing sexual violation charges involving children, has 
been made public. John Francis Gainsford will stand trial in 
October on 28 counts of indecencies against young people at 
the army's Bramwell Booth Home in Temuka in the 70s. Detective 
Tracey Miron says the majority of complainants allege the 
abuse took place when they were under 12. She says the home 
took children who were a couple of years old, right through to 
the age of 17. She says the allegations have been made by 
seven people. 
 
POLICE IDENTIFY BOMB HOAXERS 
---------------------------- 
 
Police have identified a group of people involved in a bomb 
threat at Palmerston North District court. The courthouse and 
surrounding businesses were evacuated on May 10 after police 
received a call stating a homemade bomb has been left at the 
courthouse. Police explosive teams searched the area but 
nothing suspicious was found. Inspector Pat Handcock says the 
police investigation uncovered the group involved in the hoax 
but they have been unable to identify the specific caller. He 
says charges have not been laid at this stage, but that may 
change if further information comes to hand. 
 
JURY FINDS KONIA GUILTY 
----------------------- 
 
A High Court jury in Palmerston North has found Feilding man 
David Konia guilty of the murders of Feilding pensioners Ted 
Ferguson and Margaret Waldin last May. The verdicts came only 
an hour into the second day of deliberations, after the jury 
was sent to a motel overnight. The Crown claimed that, 
although there was no DNA evidence linking Konia to the crime, 
the evidence fits together and Konia's involvement was no 
coincidence. However, the defence argued Konia was charged 
with the offence simply because he was "different", adding 
that the lack of scientific evidence showed Konia was not the 
killer. During the trial, one witness, life mentor Gillian 
White told the court she saw Konia regularly in her shop. She 
said he was often anxious and was concerned about himself, and 
heard negative voices telling him to do bad things. In his 
summing up, Justice Ronald Young told the jury the case was 
based on circumstantial evidence and that the lack of forensic 
evidence was not important. He told the jury their decision 
must be made on the facts that are important. During their 
deliberations, the jury returned to ask a number of questions, 
including matching boot and glove print size with Konia, and 
about lighting in key areas. Justice Young told the jury that 
evidence had not been given to answer those questions. He told 
them the questions highlighted the dangers of worrying about 
evidence the court has not heard, adding that the verdict must 
be made only on evidence it has already heard. 
 
BRIAN TAMAKI NOT A PROBLEM FOR PM 
---------------------------------- 
 
Prime Minister Helen Clark says she did not take offence at 
the Maori Queen having Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki at 
her side when she was welcomed onto Turangawaewae Marae. Mr 
Tamaki has railed against the Government, particularly its 
Civil Union legislation which he has described as the work of 
Satan. Miss Clark says the Dame Te Ata can invite who she 
likes on to her marae. She says she did not notice him during 
the welcoming ceremony, but Miss Clark says she was there as a 
guest and it was not over to her to draw up the guest list. 
 
STUDENTS FAIL IN ALLOWANCES CHALLENGE 
-------------------------------------- 
 
A bid by students groups to challenge changes to tertiary 
student allowances has failed. The New Zealand University 
Students Association had laid a complaint that removing access 
to the independent circumstances allowance was a breach of the 
Bill of Rights. It also queried changes to parental income 
thresholds. Regulations Review Select Committee Chairman 
Richard Worth says they have found the regulations are in 
accordance with the objects of the Act. He says there is no 
due undue trespass on personal rights and liberties by 
limiting access to a student allowance on the basis of age and 
parental income. 
 
TRANSPOWER UNDER COMMERCE COMMISSION 
------------------------------------- 
 
Transpower is to remain under the jurisdiction of the Commerce 
Commission for the time being. The ruling has been made by 
Energy Minister David Parker after the Ministry of Economic 
Development looked at whether Commerce Act oversight of the 
electricity transmission company should be passed to the 
Electricity Commission. Mr Parker says the time is not right 
for that to happen. He says the Commission has a lot on its 
plate at the moment and he does not want to add to that. David 
Parker says Transpower may come under the jurisdiction of the 
Electricity Commission some time in the future. 
 
FAMILIES KNOW WHO BUT NOT WHY 
----------------------------- 
 
It has been an emotional year for the families of two murdered 
Feilding pensioners. David Konia has been found guilty by a 
Palmerston North jury of the brutal stabbings of Ted Ferguson 
and Margaret Waldin. Mr Ferguson's daughter Marie says while 
the guilty verdict brings some closure, it does not bring them 
back or explain why. She says they will never know why but 
they now need to try to move on. David Konia has been remanded 
in custody ahead of his sentencing next month. 
 
MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE FOR MOTHER 
------------------------------- 
 
The mother of a newborn baby girl found dead in the garden of 
a student hall in Dunedin has been charged with manslaughter. 
The 20-year-old international student is due to appear in the 
Dunedin District Court this afternoon. The woman gave birth on 
Saturday morning and was later admitted to hospital with 
severe bleeding from the delivery. Police found the baby 
girl's body that night and Detective Senior Sergeant Tony 
Wakelin says the woman was able to be interviewed yesterday 
afternoon. He met today with the Crown Solicitor to decide 
whether or not to prosecute. 
 
DEAD WELLINGTON MAN SHOT HIMSELF 
-------------------------------- 
 
Wellington police investigating the death of Callan Hogg have 
concluded he shot himself. Police seized Samurai swords, 
explosives, more than $100,000 in cash and drugs from two 
houses after Mr Hogg was found shot two weeks ago. Detective 
inspector Mike Arnerich says they are satisfied nobody else 
was involved in the shooting. He says they have ruled out 
suicide and a toxicology report will reveal if Mr Hogg was 
under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
 
POSTCODES ON THE WAY BACK 
-------------------------- 
 
Big changes are in store for the postal system with New 
Zealand Post re-introducing area postcodes. The codes are 
similar to systems used in the US, UK and parts of Australia. 
Spokesman Richard McLean says every person with a postal 
address will receive a brochure next month telling them what 
the code is for their area. He says all the codes will also be 
available online. Mr McLean says people will be able to type 
in any address or post box around the country and the postcode 
will automatically be returned. Richard McLean says six new 
machines are being located in major centres to sort the mail. 
It will mean redundancies in smaller centres but he says it is 
too early to talk numbers. 
 
(Given the number of web sites that for whatever reason choose 
to key your identity to a "zip code", the change is a mild 
nuisance. I imagine they are much finer grained than the old 
numbers. - BH) 
 
JAIL THREATS NO WORRY TO LEG-SELLER 
----------------------------------- 
 
The prospect of jail time is not deterring a Nelson man from 
selling his amputated leg. Shane Torrance had his leg 
amputated 15-months ago because of diabetes-induced ulcers. He 
tried to sell the leg on Trade Me but the ad was pulled 
because it is illegal to sell body parts. He has since been 
offered free radio advertising and has been offered $4,000. Mr 
Torrance says the police visited him last night and told him 
he could face charges if the sale goes ahead. He says they 
cannot put him in jail for selling something which belongs to 
him. 
 
(There seems an infinite capacity for tackiness in today's 
world. Who on earth would by a used human leg? And why? In the 
event the sale came to a conclusion, but the successful bidder 
declined to follow through and complete the transaction. - BH) 
 
Wednesday, 24 May 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
ANTI-SMACKING BILL MAY BE RE-WORDED 
----------------------------------- 
 
It may have to be re-worded, but Sue Bradford insists her 
anti-smacking bill will not be watered down. The Opposition 
says the Green MP has backed away from her original position, 
after conceding she may have to allow light smacking. Ms 
Bradford says it is not so much that, as making it clear that 
parents will not end up criminals for doing that. She says she 
will need to have another look at the bill to eliminate 
confusion. Sue Bradford says she may insert in the bill's 
commentary, that its intention is not to criminalise parents 
for light smacking or for putting their children in a room for 
time out. However, National argues Sue Bradford's promised re-
wording of the bill or its commentary will not prevent parents 
from being treated like criminals. National's Judith Collins 
says that will not work. She says the bill's commentary does 
not form part of the law and is never going to be taken into 
account. Mrs Collins says Sue Bradford, as a lawmaker, should 
know that. 
 
KIWI PIZZAS GO TO LONDON 
------------------------ 
 
Hell Pizza is expanding to the UK, with its first outlet 
opening in London next month. Hell opened its first store in 
Wellington nearly a decade ago and has 51 outlets around New 
Zealand. Now company director Stuart McMullin says they are in 
the process of setting up their first store in London. He says 
there is a huge number of New Zealanders over there who have 
grown to know Hell Pizza over the last nine years. He says 
many are living in the north-west of the city and that is 
where they will be opening up next month. Local companies 
supplying the fast food chain will benefit as well. Mr 
McMullin says some of the ingredients of the uniquely kiwi 
pizzas will be sourced from here. He says those include things 
like kumara chips and corn nuggets. Mr McMullin says the aim 
is to have at least 20 Hell Pizza outlets in the UK by the end 
of next year. 
 
(Lord preserve us. Does the UK need yet another brand of fast 
food? I can't imagine there is any shortage of pizzerias over 
there, and to be honest, the Hell product is adequate, but not 
outstanding in my opinion. - BH) 
 
RADIATION THERAPISTS CONTINUE ACTION 
------------------------------------- 
 
Faltering pay talks are likely to see radiation therapists 
walk off the job again. Therapists in six centres across the 
country struck for 14 hours earlier this month, but 
Professional and Executive Employees Association national 
secretary Deborah Powell says that has failed to move district 
health boards. She says the employers are unavailable for 
further talks until July. She claims they are not taking the 
negotiations seriously, so radiation therapists have little 
option but to take further industrial action. Deborah Powell 
says DHBs cannot even manage a cost of living increase. 
 
DINGHY DELIGHT FROM PENGUIN PEOPLE 
---------------------------------- 
 
The call went out - and the people of Auckland have responded. 
Auckland Zoo's little blue penguins now have four dinghies to 
choose from as a winter shelter for their enclosure. Henry, 
Ani, Lucy, Pluto, MacGonagal, and Coral's old dinghy is 
falling apart. Senior keeper at Auckland Zoo Bruce Ireland 
says after Newstalk ZB ran the story yesterday, he received 
four phone calls from people offering them a new one. He says 
it is great to see people willing to give what they have to 
help the birds out. The best of the dinghies will be kept. 
 
PHONEY ORGANIST SCAM REVEALED 
------------------------------ 
 
Members of the Catholic church are being warned not to be 
fooled by a man posing as the Vatican's official organist. 
Massimiliano Muzzi is touring the world pretending to be the 
official organist to Pope Benedict XVI. Until recently, a 
website publicising his performances even claimed he travels 
the world on a Vatican diplomatic passport. New Zealand is 
reported to be on his of list of destinations. New Zealand 
Catholic Communications Advisor Lyndsay Freer says the man is 
a phoney. She says the only legitimate official organist to 
the Vatican is a man named James Goettsche from America. 
Lyndsay Freer says he has been advised to take legal action 
against the imposter and adds she will be informing parishes 
around the country the man is a fake. Muzzi's agent in the 
United States is reported to have dropped him from the roster 
of artists listed on his website and has apologised to Mr 
Goettsche, who has been the official organist at St Peter's 
Basilica in Vatican City since 1989. 
 
SOAP SHOOTS IN ROTORUA 
----------------------- 
 
The Royal Lakeside Novotel is to be one of the filming 
locations for upcoming Shortland Street episodes. Filming of 
the week night soap is scheduled take place in Rotorua some 
time in the next two weeks, with exact dates firmly under 
wraps. The story line is also a closely guarded secret, with 
producers only saying episodes in Rotorua revolve around a 
medical conference. Novotel director of sales and marketing 
Andrea Richards says they are thrilled Shortland Street cast 
and crew are coming to the hotel. She says it is very exciting 
and also great exposure for the Novotel. The shoot in Rotorua 
is the first outside of Auckland for over two years. 
 
(The entire soap phenomenon eludes me. I saw an episode or two 
when it was brand new, but I failed to see the attraction then 
or now - BH) 
 
DRINK BAN HOURS EXTENDED 
------------------------ 
 
The Wellington City Council looks set to extend the inner-city 
liquor ban. It has been proposed the ban be extended to try to 
combat problems with people drinking in public places during 
the weekend. Deputy mayor Alick Shaw says the Council's 
strategy and policy committee will vote on the proposal 
tomorrow. He says the new ban will run from 8pm on Thursday 
nights to 8pm on Sundays. Alick Shaw says they have received 
plenty of support from the hospitality industry and the public 
for the extended ban. However, the area the ban encompasses 
will not be expanded. 
 
(All very well, but given the underfunding and resultant 
understaffing of police in the region, the police are way too 
busy dealing with burglaries, domestic violence and other 
serious issues to make these technical breaches a priority - 
BH) 
 
POLICE: NO WELLINGTON CRIME SPREE 
--------------------------------- 
 
Police are playing down the amount of violent crime around the 
Wellington region at the moment. In the last two months, there 
has been several aggravated robberies, a kidnapping, a 
stabbing, home invasion and tourists have been bashed on two 
separate occasions. Inspector Mike Hill says it is not as bad 
as people make out but he says the public hears about these 
high-profile cases and assumes there is a crime spree going 
on. Mike Hill says looking at the statistics, there is no 
spree to speak of, and numbers of reported violent crimes are 
holding pretty steady. 
 
PRESSURE FOR HOUSING NZ 
------------------------ 
 
Housing New Zealand bosses have been dragged over the coals at 
a briefing of the Social Services Select Committee today. 
National MP Phil Heatley demanded answers regarding the 
gagging of an independent contractor who tried to go public on 
multi-million dollar financial irregularities within Housing 
New Zealand's business. He sought, and got, an assurance from 
Housing New Zealand Chairman Pat Snedden that such practice 
would never take place again. However, in a sometimes testy 
exchange, Pat Snedden refused to comment on any aspect of the 
matter which is currently subject to an Audit Office 
investigation. 

COULD BE SLOW ROAD TO FAST INTERNET
-----------------------------------

We are being told not to expect any miracles in the time 
faster broadband will be available in New Zealand. 
Communications Minister David Cunliffe has told the 
Telecommunications Users Association that the public and the 
industry need to be realistic about when the unbundling of the 
local loop will take effect. He says the full effects of 
faster internet may not be felt for another two years but Mr 
Cunliffe is adamant the status quo has not been working as it 
has been restricting the development of effective competition. 
Mr Cunliffe acknowledged that many of the association would 
have already read the cabinet paper on the topic - a little 
earlier than he had intended. He said the Government intend to 
introduce a Telecommunications Amendment Bill into the House 
soon after mid-year. Mr Cunliffe says their goal is to reach 
the top quarter of the OECD for broadband performance by 2015. 
 
DETECTION SYSTEM FOR PANDEMICS 
------------------------------ 
 
A national surveillance and early warning detection system 
will be put in place to detect biological threats and plug 
gaps. Environmental Science Research will run the new system, 
dubbed survINZ or Surveillance Information New Zealand. ESR 
general manager Fiona Thompson-Carter says the system will be 
a framework to monitor potential deadly disease outbreaks. She 
says the development is crucial to developing preparedness for 
a pandemic. Dr Thompson-Carter says GPs, public health, police 
and the Ministry of Health will have access to the data and 
says the system is due to operate in 12 to 18 months. 
 
Thursday, 25 May 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
LABOUR TOLD IT NEEDS FRESH APPROACH 
----------------------------------- 
 
Labour is being advised to alter the way it speaks to the 
public or risk losing the next election. The advice is 
contained in a report delivered to a Labour Party regional 
conference earlier this month. The report's author, Clare 
Curran, says National came very close to winning last year's 
election and in many respects, could and should have, because 
National had control of the language, and its messages were 
more coherent than Labour's. She says that is why the vast 
majority of public attention was focussed on National's 
message and National nearly won. Clare Curran says Labour 
needs a fresh approach, and should begin using key words like 
inclusive, creative and proud, and talk about tax as an 
investment in the future. She says Labour needs to position 
itself as being of the people and National as enemies of the 
people. 
 
CONCERNS OVER SEA CONTAINERS 
---------------------------- 
 
The Auditor General has found problems in the way sea 
containers are being handled in New Zealand. An audit has just 
been completed of the way the Ministry of Agriculture and 
Forestry identifies, inspects, and manages imported containers 
that pose threats to the country's biosecurity Auditor General 
Kevin Brady says the Ministry has had more than two years to 
implement a revised Import Health Standard for sea containers, 
yet it is not fully in place. He says this means the Ministry 
is not as effective as it could be in checking, and promoting, 
industry compliance, though he acknowledges the Ministry is 
taking steps to address his concerns. 
 
AOTEA CENTRE CLOSURE "A MISTAKE" 
--------------------------------- 
 
A plan to close Auckland's Aotea Centre and Town Hall while 
repairs are made to an adjacent carpark is being slammed. 
Management for the venues have stopped taking firm bookings 
between 2008 and 2010, due to council repair works planned for 
the Civic carpark. Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael 
Barnett says shutting the venues will mean losing business to 
Wellington, Christchurch and even Australian destinations. He 
says when the last 15 years have been spent marketing the 
Aotea Centre as a world-class conference centre, it is a 
mistake to simply pull out for two years. He says you cannot 
have an on-again, off-again international conference centre. 
He says the cost would be too high. Michael Barnett admits the 
work needs to be done, but the council cannot just take the 
easy option of closing the venues down. 
 
SPECULATION ON TELECOM CHANGES 
------------------------------
 
There is increasing talk of changes at the top of Telecom. 
Pressure has been increasing since the unbundling of the local 
loop announcement and the resulting plummeting share prices. 
Newstalk ZB Business correspondent Roger Kerr says there is a 
view potential investors do not have confidence in chairman 
Rod Deane or his chief executive, Theresa Gattung. He says the 
speculation in the markets is that professional company 
director Wayne Boyd will take the chairman's job sooner rather 
than later, while the future of Ms Gattung will depend on 
whether the new chairman feels she is the right person for the 
job. Kerr says usually the chairman or a small committee of 
the board decides who should be chief executive. 
 
POLICE ON TRACK WITH RECRUITING 
------------------------------- 
 
Wellington district police are well on track to meet their 
recruiting quota for this year, but are still on the lookout 
for more potential officers. Police were promised funding for 
an additional 1,000 officers in this year's Budget, but say it 
is a question of finding them. Inspector Mike Hill, who is 
involved in recruiting new officers for the district, says 
things are looking pretty rosy at this stage. He says they 
need to have recruited 99 new officers by the end of the year, 
and they are bang on target at the moment. Mike Hill says they 
are looking to be a lot more proactive with their recruiting 
this year, attending community events to try to spot potential 
new officers. 
 
FAMILIES COMMISSION SUPPORT BILL 
-------------------------------- 
 
The Families Commission wants parents to be criminally liable 
if they use force to discipline their children. Families 
Commissioner Rajen Prasad has put his case to a Parliamentary 
Select Committee today as the Government considers making 
changes to the Crimes Act. He is urging parliament to remove 
the section that allows parents to use reasonable force. Mr 
Prasad says research shows most child abuse begins with 
violent punishment and using violence as discipline leads to 
greater tolerance of violence. 
 
HARD WORD FROM CHILDREN'S ADVOCATE 
---------------------------------- 
 
Opponents of an anti-smacking bill are getting a serve from a 
children's rights group. A Parliamentary Committee is 
currently hearing submissions on the proposal which could open 
parents up to criminal prosecution if they use undue physical 
force to discipline their children. EPOCH spokeswoman Maree 
Russell does not accept arguments that parents will end up 
criminals if the law is changed. She says the arguments are 
mischievous and vexatious and she cannot understand why they 
have gained the attention they have. Ms Russell says there are 
no circumstances where it is acceptable for an adult to hit a 
child. Fellow EPOCH spokeswoman Sue Buckley says children's 
rights should be given priority over adults because they are 
the more vulnerable group. She says children need legal 
protection from assault as well as adults. 
 
SHARPLES: POWHIRI SNOBBERY FROM PM 
---------------------------------- 
 
The Maori Party is calling for Maori staff at Government 
departments to ban powhiri. It follows recent debate over 
their use after National MPs walked out of a welcome at a 
youth justice facility in Auckland last month. Prime Minister 
Helen Clark then ordered that women could sit in the front row 
at all powhiri at state facilities. Maori Party co-leader Pita 
Sharples says if they are to be done they should be conducted 
properly or not at all. Dr Sharples if they cannot be done in 
conjunction with the local custom then, what is essentially a 
Maori custom anyway, should be dropped. He says he supports 
the extension of Maori culture but objects to the Government 
trying to dictate what form it should take. Pita Sharples has 
labelled the Prime Minister arrogant and ethnocentric for her 
stance over powhiri in Government Departments. Maori Party co-
leader Pita Sharples says Helen Clark does not have the right 
to impose her cultural values on others and is offended at her 
stance. He describes her position as snobby. 
 
(Hmmm. In general, I admire Pita Sharples, but when it comes 
to one group dictating how the other should behave, then 
that's a sword with two edges. The episode that triggered the 
current spat took place in an environment that was not 
specifically Maori, and at which it had been agreed, no 
powhiri would occur. Very often, in public venues, both Maori 
and Pakeha groups are involved, and each is entitled to a view 
on who should sit where. Otherwise one culture overwhelms the 
other. - BH) 
 
POLICE DELIVER MASSIVE DRUG BUST 
-------------------------------- 
 
Auckland police have announced the biggest methamphetamine 
bust in New Zealand history. Ninety-five kilograms of crystal 
methamphetamine and 150kg of pseudoephedrine - which is used 
to make the drug P - have been seized coming into New Zealand 
ports. Police have made six arrests, including two New Zealand 
residents, a Hong Kong national and three Chinese nationals. A 
search warrant at the properties of the Auckland-based 
offenders also uncovered three hand-guns, one pen-gun, an M-16 
assault rifle and false passports. The consignments were 
concealed in shipping containers originating from China, and 
is by far the largest quantity ever seized, far surpassing the 
previous high of eight kilograms. The drugs had an expected 
street value of $135 million and is believed to have been 
destined for the New Zealand market. 
 
EASY RECIPE WRITER FROM NZ WINS PRIZE 
-------------------------------------
 
A New Zealand foodie has been judged one of the best when it 
comes to effortless yet stylish recipes. Annabel Langbein has 
been presented with "Best in the World for Easy Recipes" at 
the Gourmand World Media Awards in Kuala Lumpur. She scooped 
it with her latest book "Assemble: Sensational Food Made 
Simple". Annabel Langbein says it is one of the most exciting 
and fun things she has done. She says her prize was an 
incredible four days in Sabah, in northern Borneo followed by 
a five-star treat in Kuala Lumpur. 
 
ARMLESS DRIVER PLEADS NOT GUILTY 
-------------------------------- 
 
An armless Tauranga man is pleading not guilty to a charge of 
dangerous driving. Colin Smith was allegedly caught driving 
with his feet at 121kph. The 31 year old beneficiary was 
pulled over on State Highway 29 at Papamoa on March 23 and has 
been remanded to reappear on June 20. 
 
P BUST NEW DIMENSION 
-------------------- 
 
A major drugs bust in Auckland is being described as a new 
dimension in the New Zealand drugs scene. Methamphetamine and 
pseudoephedrine worth an estimated $135 million has been 
seized by customs officials. Customs Manager Simon Williamson 
says the drugs scene in New Zealand has reached new 
proportions. He says unfortunately this is the level of 
activity being seen in the country. He says up until now most 
drugs of this major amount would have been in transit to an 
offshore country. Police have also recovered hand guns, a pen 
gun and an M-16 assault riffle from a search at an Auckland 
property. Six people have been arrested, they include two New 
Zealand residents of Chinese ethnicity, a Hong Kong national 
and three Chinese nationals. They face a range of drugs and 
firearms charges. 
 
TRIO FACE MORE SEX CHARGES 
-------------------------- 
 
The three men acquitted of raping Rotorua woman Louise 
Nicholas are to stand trial in relation to allegations of 
sexual offending against a second woman. Assistant Police 
Commissioner Clint Rickards, and former police officers Brad 
Shipton and Bob Schollum are alleged to have committed the 
crimes in the 1980s. The complainant, who has name 
suppression, is not Louise Nicholas. In March an Auckland High 
Court jury found the three not guilty of 20 charges of 
historical sexual abuse against Mrs Nicholas. Extensive 
suppression orders surrounding the Louise Nicholas case and 
the upcoming trial remain in force. 
 
Friday, 26 May 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
BUTCHER FINED FOR ORGANIC CLAIMS 
-------------------------------- 
 
A West Auckland butcher has been fined for falsely claiming 
his meat was organic. Jason Arthars and the organic butchery 
he has since sold, Clark's Organic Butchery, have been fined a 
total of $10,000. Both admitted 11 charges of deliberately 
labelling products as certified organic and allergy free, when 
neither claim was true. Commerce Commission Fair Trading 
Director, Deborah Battell says Arthars has abused the trust of 
consumers and unfairly tainted all honest organic traders. The 
business was sold early this year and the new owners of 
Clark's Organic Butchery are not associated with the 
offending.

(I often wonder how much organic or halal meat is as 
described. And if it was not, how would you know? - BH) 
 
HERCEPTIN DECISION CLOSE 
------------------------ 
 
A decision on whether to fund the breast cancer drug Herceptin 
more widely is drawing closer. The drug used in early stage 
breast cancer was given the nod by Medsafe in March. Since 
then, PHARMAC's Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory 
Committee has been considering whether to extend public 
funding of the drug. Spokeswoman Dr Dilky Rasiah says the 
committee is expected to make its recommendation to the drug 
funding body in about two weeks. PHARMAC will then make a 
recommendation to District Health Boards. Initial indications 
are that Herceptin will cost DHBs an additional $30 million a 
year, although PHARMAC is working with the supplier to make it 
more affordable. 
 
DEMAND FOR METH NOT GROWING 
--------------------------- 
 
The Drug Foundation doubts that yesterday's big 
methamphetamine seizure means demand is increasing. 
Methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine worth around $135 million 
was seized in Auckland - the biggest meth bust in New Zealand 
history. Six people are in custody. It is believed they were 
all destined for the local market and the bust has sparked 
concern from Customs that the local drugs scene has reached 
new proportions. However, Drug Foundation executive director 
Ross Bell believes methamphetamine use has been stable over 
the past five years. He does not believe demand is increasing, 
but rather that Customs is having more success at the border. 
 
SIR ED IS NZ'S MOST TRUSTED PERSON 
---------------------------------- 
 
New Zealanders do not trust politicians but they love 
firefighters. Little has changed in the occupational rankings 
in the latest Reader's Digest trust survey. Firefighters are 
still the most trusted professionals, followed by ambulance 
officers, pilots, nurses and doctors. At the other end of the 
scale are politicians, car salesmen, telemarketers and 
psychics. As for the most trusted person - Sir Ed has made it 
to the top once again. More than 50 years after reaching 
Everest's summit, Sir Edmund Hillary remains wrapped in the 
hearts and minds of the nation. One survey respondent says she 
rates Sir Ed so highly because she sees him as the nation's 
father figure. She says he has done things for the good of 
others above his own needs. Sir Ed is followed on the most 
trusted list by Olympians Sarah Ulmer, the Evers-Swindell 
twins, Peter Snell and Hamish Carter. She may have been shown 
the door by TVNZ, but Judy Bailey still appears to be the 
surrogate mother of the nation. The former One News reader has 
ranked 18th on the list of the people New Zealanders most 
trust. She is the highest rating TV personality in the survey. 
John Campbell is the next best placed current affairs or news 
host in 29th place. Close Up's Susan Wood is well behind in 
54th place, and Paul Holmes is between Theresa Gattung and 
Michael Cullen in 67th. Destiny Church founder Brian Tamaki is 
the least trusted person on the list, with Tariana Turia and 
twinkle-toed Rodney Hide close behind. 
 
(Sir Edmund has been at the top of the list for a long time, 
but he is starting to sound his age. The tinkle toes reference 
is that Rodney Hide is currently a competitor on TV One's 
"Dancing with the Stars" - BH) 
 
INDEPENDENT SERVICE STATIONS FACE CLOSURE 
------------------------------------------ 
 
There are predictions the days of independently owned petrol 
stations are numbered. The Institute of Economic Research is 
warning of further petrol price hikes. The Motor Trade 
Association says the spiralling cost is squeezing petrol 
stations' already tight profit margins of four to five cents a 
litre. During the same period he says the big oil companies 
are enjoying increased profits. Spokesman Andy Cuming says 
around 30 independently owned stations closed last year and 
many more are staring down the barrel of closure. He says 
there is a real fear motorists will have to travel further to 
fill up at centrally based oil company-owned sites, if 
independent operators are forced to close down. Around 850 of 
the country's 1400 service stations are independently owned, 
many of them in small rural communities. 
 
POWER STRUGGLE WITHIN NGAI TAHU 
-------------------------------
 
All is not well within Ngai Tahu. The future leadership of the 
tribe will be decided tomorrow morning. Chairman Mark Solomon 
has narrowly survived challenges to his leadership in the 
past, but damaging emails leaked to media reveal a massive 
power struggle in the organisation between him and chief 
executive Tahu Potiki. His challengers are Gary Waaka, James 
Daniels and Te Maire Tau. It is understood that if Mr Solomon 
is re-elected, then the opposing candidates will swing in 
behind one candidate in another bid to oust him. If that 
fails, then Tahu Potiki, the chief executive, is expected to 
resign. 
 
STABBING SUSPECT ARRESTED 
------------------------- 
 
Wellington police have arrested a man in relation to a 
stabbing that occurred on Manners Street last weekend. Police 
say the man had confronted another person and stabbed him in 
the back as he was trying to walk away. Detective Sergeant Tim 
Leitch says the 17-year-old has also been charged over two 
knife-related incidents which happened on Courtenay Place and 
Dixon Street prior to the stabbing. He is facing a raft of 
charges including assault with a weapon, two counts of 
kidnapping, criminal damage, two charges of assault with 
intent to rob and wounding with intent. 
 
NAKED MAN MYSTERY FOR ROTORUA POLICE 
------------------------------------ 
 
Rotorua police are calling for sightings of a late night 
prowler who appears to be partial to stripping off. On 
Wednesday, just after 11pm, a 20-year-old woman looked out a 
window in her Pohutukawa Drive home to discover she was being 
watched by an unknown man. Sergeant Percy Ruri says the man 
then fled to an alleyway, took his clothes off and then walked 
toward Te Ngae Road. He says the incident is so bizarre police 
are unsure what to make of it. The naked man is described as a 
male Caucasian, in his early 20s and with a bald head. When 
the man was clothed he wore a light blue or grey jumper. 
 
HIDE DEFENDS DANCING OUT OF PARLIAMENT 
-------------------------------------- 
 
ACT Party leader Rodney Hide is defending his recent lack of 
presence in Parliament. The slimmed down MP has been making 
headlines with his dancing moves. However, he has been in 
Parliament for just three of the last 10 sitting days and has 
failed to voted on more than ten parliamentary bills. Rodney 
Hide says he is flattered to be missed as MPs are often away 
for months without anyone noticing. He reckons it proves he is 
an 'impact player' in Parliament - and maintains he has been 
doing all his core work despite the dancing. 
 
MAN TO BE CHARGED OVER NICHOLAS LEAFLETS 
---------------------------------------- 
 
At least one of the people involved in the distribution of 
suppressed information about the Louise Nicholas police rape 
trial is to be charged. Leaflets containing suppressed 
information were distributed in Christchurch's Cathedral 
Square in April. The protest then moved to the police station. 
In a controversial move, Canterbury District Commander Sandra 
Manderson came out to greet the protestors. Activist Daniel 
Rae says he was approached by police this week. He says they 
indicated charges will be laid over the distribution of the 
suppressed material. Rae says he is preparing to defend the 
charges. It has now emerged one of the reasons why the 
information was supposed to be suppressed is that the three 
men acquitted of abusing Mrs Nicholas, Assistant Police 
Commissioner Clint Rickards and his former police colleagues 
Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton, are also alleged to have 
committed sexual offences against a second woman in the 1980s. 
That suppression order was eased after the New Zealand Herald 
won the right to publish the fact there will be a second trial 
but other strict suppression orders surrounding this and the 
Nicholas case continue. 
 
PIG ON THE LOOSE IN WEST AUCKLAND 
--------------------------------- 
 
The hunt is on in Taupaki, west of Auckland, for a lost pig. 
Brownie is hard to miss. She is 1.5m long, 70cm high - and 
pregnant, or sometimes called "with-piglet". She escaped under 
the boundary fence and wandered off down the road. Her owner 
followed Brownie's tracks until they ran out and is now 
desperate to find her. She says the pig can be approached. 
Apparently Brownie is very friendly, despite a rather scary 
and growling rumble. If anyone sees Brownie they should call 
09 810 9006. 
 
SHOPKEEPER TURNS WEAPON ON ROBBER 
--------------------------------- 
 
Hamilton police are looking for a man who entered a Victoria 
Street store wielding a metal bar and demanding money. He 
smashed the counter before the store keeper grabbed the bar 
and chased him from the shop. Police say the man has been 
described as a dark-skinned Caucasian or a light-skinned 
Maori. They are looking for any further witnesses. 
 
COURT GETS TOUGH WITH INTERNET FRAUD 
------------------------------------ 
 
The harshest ever sentence for Internet fraud in New Zealand 
has been handed down to an Auckland teenager. 19-year-old Mark 
Hayes has been sentenced to two-years and 11-months following 
his conviction for fraud after accessing Trade Me members bank 
accounts. Trade Me spokesman, Mike O'Donnell, says fraudsters 
leave deep footprints on Trade Me and the company is committed 
to prosecuting them. He says this should serve as a reminder 
for people to never use a public computer to access personal 
information. Mr O'Donnell says between Christmas and the New 
Year period of 2004 the man hacked bank accounts and e-mail 
addresses. He then used the e-mail details to access people's 
Trade Me accounts. Mark O'Donnell says Hayes would used the 
hacked bank accounts to purchase items before the bank found 
out and reversed the payments. The sellers then asked Trade Me 
questions when the payments they had received were reversed. 
The real owners of the accounts knew nothing about the 
transactions and this sparked the interest of Trade Me 
authorities. Mr O'Donnell says a total of seven people had 
their identities stolen. 
 
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