WYSIWYG NEWS - 11 June, 2006
news at wysiwygnews.com
news at wysiwygnews.com
Sun Jun 11 23:02:39 NZST 2006
Subject: 11 June, 2006
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer.
Oh! Oh! Oh! Two weeks gone by again. My apologies to all. I
find myself as acting Head of School during the six week
absence of my professor, so things are a bit more hectic than
usual. As some wise person once said, "once it gets over your
head, it doesn't matter how deep it gets after that!"
Last Monday was the official observance in NZ of the Queen's
birthday. Australia observes it this weekend. Her actual
birthday is on April 21. I am sure there is some logic behind
all that, but no matter, I am grateful for the extra day off.
Mary and I went to Wanganui to belatedly celebrate her
father's birthday. The trip up was made in perfect weather for
the time of year. The sky was clear though the temperatures
were low and the air felt moist. At Foxton we stopped at "The
Laughing Fox" for an excellent cup of coffee and in my case, a
very nice Brownie. Afterwards, we noted a new bookshop had
opened across the road. I can never resist second-hand
bookshops, so we crossed SH1 to investigate. O wondrous day,
it was a good class of bookshop, well worth a regular visit on
my part. I purchased copies of Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey
for just $15 each. I was delighted, though heaven knows when
I'll find the time to read them. They were, I hasten to add,
translations, since Greek was not in my school curriculum.
Nearing Sanson, we were treated to a perfect view of mighty
Ruapehu, all ice and soaring majesty. A mountain alone rising
up out of surrounding plains makes a special visual impact. As
we progressed further along the road past Bulls, Taranaki's
near perfect symmetry was also clearly visible. Fantastic!
Knowing that the long weekend always generates massive traffic
problems towards the end of the day, we chose to leave
Wanganui early on Monday, into the teeth of an advancing
Southerly front. Dire forecasts were being broadcast hourly,
but we saw little sign of it. Indeed as we came through a
still sleeping Foxton and headed south towards Levin, we were
treated to the spectacular sight of the high peaks of the
Tararuas, snow capped, sun-tipped, and showing no sign of any
bad weather to come. On through Levin and Otaki, Manakau and
Te Horo, it was not until we reached Paraparaumu that the
towering wall of the southerly front was suddenly visible.
Across the strait from Paekakariki, there was still a crystal
sharp view of the northern parts of the South Island, but once
we reached the top of the Pukerua Bay hill, the rain began.
Nowhere near as heavy or prolonged as the forecast, and with
60 km/h instead of the promised 100 km/h, it was still
unpleasant weather for driving. In the totality of the
weekend, it was a small price to pay.
----
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, 29 May
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EMBASSY SEARCHES FOR NZERS IN QUAKE ZONE
----------------------------------------
Two embassy officials have arrived in Yogyakarta and are
scouring the town's hospitals for injured New Zealanders. An
earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale hit the region
on Saturday morning, killing thousands and injuring many more.
The death toll has jumped to nearly 5000. Thousands of troops
and emergency rescue teams have joined volunteers clawing at
debris with their bare hands on the main island of Java. Power
blackouts and heavy rain since the quake struck on Saturday
have hampered efforts. New Zealand's Ambassador in Jakarta
Phillip Gibson says two officials have been sent to the worst-
hit area. He says they were unable to touch down as the
airport has been damaged, so flew into a nearby town and drove
to the stricken area. He says the pair is finding the
situation harrowing, with hospitals overflowing with people in
need of urgent medical attention. Mr Gibson says as of late
last night three of the four main hospitals had been checked
and no New Zealanders found. Mr Gibson says the embassy has
managed to touch base with some NZ families living in
Yogyakarta, but he adds there are many people the embassy has
been unable to contact. He says telephone communication is
difficult and some people may have moved on, but it is
concerning while people remain unaccounted for. He says they
are concentrating on the backpacker areas as the city is very
much on the tourist map. Indonesia has appealed for foreign
aid to "reduce the burden" on national and local authorities.
New Zealand has pledged $500,000.
(I suppose it's what embassies do, but I always cringe a
little at way the media has to present a local dimension to
someone else's much larger tragedy. Perhaps I might feel
different if a family member of mine was missing, but somehow
it seems to lack sensitivity - BH)
NZER DESCRIBES EAST TIMOR VIOLENCE
----------------------------------
The violence in East Timor is literally on the doorstep of
Virginia Dawson - a New Zealander working in a clinic in Dili.
Thousands of people have been killed and many more have had to
flee their homes as gangs run amok through the city. Virginia
Dawson says about 600 refugees are hiding out in the Bairo
Pite Clinic she helps manage. She says they are trying to run
a make-shift clinic out of an area where about 4,000 people
have been displaced. She says the violence is far from under
control. She says a gang of youths brandishing machetes
threatened the clinic, but she says the clinic is well-
respected and they were able to talk the youths into leaving.
Ms Dawson says it also helps that the Australian army base is
only about 200 metres from the clinic. She says her own staff
have been deeply impacted by the violence; many have lost
their homes and all their belongings. She says they have
brought their families to the clinic for refuge, but they are
still continuing to work through the mayhem. Ms Dawson says so
many people have left, if she and her staff had not stayed
there would be no one left to help. Arsonists and looters have
been attacking targets in central Dili, despite the presence
of peacekeeping troops from New Zealand, Australia and
Malaysia. The house of a leading anti-government figure has
been burned to the ground about a kilometre from the centre of
the East Timorese capital. Looters have also taken about 300
tonnes of rice from a warehouse, which were intended for
refugee relief.
DVT IS A 'ONE IN A MILLION" CHANCE
----------------------------------
The bad news is, blood clots from long distance air travel can
kill you. The good news is, it is extremely rare. A long term
Otago University study has just found one in a million people
aged 15 to 59 will die from a pulmonary embolism after flying
for eight hours or more. Lecturer Lianne Parkin says pulmonary
embolism is the fatal complication of deep vein thrombosis.
She says the small number is a reassuring finding, because
there had been wide publicity of a very few deaths from so-
called 'economy class syndrome'. However, there has been
little conclusive research to date on deaths from deep vein
thrombosis as a result of long distance air travel. Dr Parkin
says until now, studies have concentrated on DVT and used
volunteers. She says in this case, researchers interviewed the
families of people who had died from pulmonary embolism and a
random sample of people on the electoral roll. Dr Parkin says
they found those who flew for eight hours or more were eight
times more at risk of dying from pulmonary embolism. She says
extrapolating that out, one in a million people will die after
flying long distance. Dr Parkin says it is encouraging the
results show the risk is very low.
(About three times better than the odds of winning Lotto, in
fact, yet someone seems to get the division one prize most
weeks. - BH)
COMMISSIONER REBUILDS KAIKOURA HIGH SCHOOL
------------------------------------------
The commissioner in charge of Kaikoura High School is looking
at putting together a new school board as he rebuilds the
troubled school. A commissioner was appointed to the school
after damning Education Review Office report highlighted
problems including high staff turnover, instability and
disruptions to student's learning. Commissioner Jim Crichton
has employed a new principal and is working on sorting out the
new board. He will come up with some ideas on what form the
new board should take which the Minister for Education will
consider. Mr Crichton says the next ERO visit in June will be
a tester for how far the school has come.
GASPS AT MANSLAUGHTER VERDICT
-----------------------------
There were gasps from the public gallery at yesterday's
manslaughter verdict in the High Court at Christchurch. Co-
accused Anthony Peters and Kylie Southon were found guilty of
manslaughter in the shooting of ex-gang boss Ricky Burnard.
Friends and relatives of the two accused gasped in shock as
the verdict was read out just after 3.30pm yesterday after
three days of deliberations by the jury. The verdict
effectively means the jury found them guilty of conspiring to
kill Burnard, but with mitigating circumstances such as
provocation and self-defence. The deceased, who had a history
of violence, had threatened both the accused and attacked
Southon with a bat. Justice Chisholm had advised the jury
during his summing up that a verdict of manslaughter would be
appropriate if they believed Peters was responsible for
shooting "Boof" Burnard, but that he had been provoked or shot
him in self-defence. Peters and Southon have been remanded in
custody and will be sentenced in July.
MORE NZ TROOPS PREPARE FOR E TIMOR
----------------------------------
More than a hundred New Zealand soldiers are preparing to
leave for East Timor. There are already 39 soldiers securing
the New Zealand embassy, while another 124 soldiers are pre-
positioned in Townsville and could leave today. Defence Force
spokeswoman Danielle Coe says the troops are ready to get on
with the task at hand. She says they are eager to help their
colleagues already in East Timor get the situation under
control. Ms Coe adds they are aware it is a volatile situation
and are prepared for what they are getting into. The troops
will fly to Darwin before going on to Dili. Gangs of youths
and rebel soldiers are reported to be roaming the streets of
Dili, where nearly 50 Australian Federal Police are also due
to arrive today. They will investigate the shooting murders of
nine local officers that took place last week.
LABOUR SUPPORT DROPS IN POLL
----------------------------
Labour has suffered the backlash from its budget, while
National has benefited in the latest One News Colmar Brunton
poll. Labour has fallen four points to 38 percent, while
National has risen two points to 47 percent support. Of the
minor parties, the Greens are on five, while New Zealand First
and the Maori Party are on four and three percent
respectively. Disapproval for the Government's performance has
rocketed up seven to 43 percent, which is now above the number
of New Zealanders who approve on 42 percent. However, while
National is up, Don Brash's approval ratings are down a point
to 18 percent, while Helen Clark drops one to 37 percent.
RAILTRAIL OPENS
---------------
The Little River Railtrail on Banks Peninsula got its
officially opening on Sunday. MP for Wigram and Progressive
Party leader Jim Anderton cut the ribbon on the 42-kilometre
trail from Motukarara to Lake Forsyth. The path is designed
for use by runners, walkers and cyclists. Jim Anderton praised
the pathway as a good addition to the area's eco-tourism and
says there are ultimate savings for the health system in
encouraging healthy activity. The contract has been awarded
for another leg to be added on to the walkway which is funded
by The Little River Railtrail Trust and Land Transport New
Zealand.
MAN ARRESTED AFTER HOSTAGE DRAMA
--------------------------------
A man has been arrested after a woman was held for five hours
in an Auckland motel room. Police say the woman was kidnapped
at about midday yesterday when she was taken to the Greenlane
East International Motel. The arrested man has been charged
with attempted rape, abduction, threatening, theft and
aggravated assault. He will appear in the Auckland District
Court this morning.
FIRST CENSUS STATISTICS OUT
---------------------------
The first results from the census are out. Statistics New
Zealand says 4.1 million people filled in forms on March the
seventh. That is a rise of nearly eight percent on 2001.
Seventy-five percent of respondents were in the North Island
on census night. Auckland is the region showing the greatest
growth, with a population increase of nearly 150 thousand to
1.3 million. However the population in the Queenstown Lakes
District rose a whopping 29 percent.
GREENS NOT BUYING RAKON'S STORY
-------------------------------
Green MP Keith Locke does not buy the explanation that
technology company Rakon is giving for its export of high
technology goods. Rakon has explicitly denied supplying
crystal oscillators to the United States for use in its smart
weapons systems. Mr Locke says that does not square with
leaked internal emails which show Rakon is developing a high
G-shock crystal. He says the emails talk about producing
radiation-hardened and nuclear-hardened oscillators, and he
believes this makes it clear they could be used for missiles.
(Somehow the interconnectedness of things seems to escape Mr
Locke's attention. Whatever we export to a country that makes
weapons is somehow complicit in the support of that
manufacture. - BH)
ARREST OVER TAURANGA BANK ROBBERY
---------------------------------
A 21-year-old Tauranga man faces five charges following last
week's armed holdup of a local Westpac branch. Adam Leatham
was arrested by police on Saturday and appeared in court this
morning. Police allege he used a pistol to obtain close to
$6,300 from the Cherrywood branch last Tuesday afternoon. A
second charge of aggravated robbery relates to the taking of a
Mitsubishi Mirage which was used as a getaway vehicle. Leatham
also faces a charge of assault with intent to rob after the
attempted theft of another vehicle, plus two other unrelated
charges. He will be back in court on Friday to enter a plea.
BRASH STRIKES TAX CHORD
-----------------------
National's leader has hit back at his political opponents, who
are calling him unpatriotic for highlighting the widening gap
between this country and Australia. Our political editor says
Don Brash has hit all the bases that have in the past struck a
chord with the public. Dr Brash points out that in 1999 after-
tax incomes in Australia were 20 percent higher than New
Zealand. He says today that gap stands at 33 percent. Don
Brash says it is not unpatriotic to warn New Zealanders that
they will be in serious trouble if the country continue down
the path Labour is taking it.
AUCKLAND ROBBERY RING BUSTED
----------------------------
Auckland police believe they have broken a street robbery
ring, with the arrest of five people. The five have been
charged with 20 aggravated robberies in Mount Roskill and
Balmoral over the past five weeks. The police sting was named
Operation Time because the robbers often approached their
victims and asked for the time. The victims were usually
alone. Their money, mobile phones, and bank cards were stolen
with the offenders demanding their PIN numbers. All five
arrested are aged between 15 and 19.
Tuesday, 30 May
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SCHOOLS STRUGGLE TO FILL GAPS
-----------------------------
The usual winter staff shortages are biting earlier and harder
at primary schools in South Wairarapa. Local Principals'
Association President, Kevin MacKay wants former teachers to
consider getting back in front of the class as a reliever. He
says the problem is worse this year than in the past, with
schools struggling to find staff. The problem is not just
caused by full time staff going sick. Full time teachers are
getting more opportunities to take part in professional
development days, and many relievers have landed full time
jobs. Kevin MacKay says that has left principals struggling to
fill the gaps.
POLICE SEARCH FOR MENTAL PATIENT
--------------------------------
Levin police are asking for help in finding a mental health
patient who has failed to return to a secure unit after
special leave. The 47-year-old man has been missing since
Saturday night. Police say he poses no danger to the public,
but Sergeant Dylan Earle says the man is overdue for his
medication and there are concerns for his wellbeing. He says
the man is quite street-wise and is fascinated by trains. He
is 175 centimetres tall, of medium build, wearing a black
padded jacket, tracksuit pants and a beanie.
HURRICANES HOPEFUL HANDBAG HIT ALL OVER
---------------------------------------
It is still unclear whether Chris Masoe's immediate All Black
career is in jeopardy after the now infamous handbag incident.
The Hurricanes and NZRU are still investigating the early
morning altercation in Christchurch after the Super 14 final
on the weekend. Hurricanes CEO Malcolm Holmes confirms Tana
Umaga hit Masoe with a handbag to stop an altercation with a
bar patron after tripping over his foot, and while the whole
thing is a disappointment for the team and the franchise, the
two players involved are also disappointed with their actions.
Holmes concedes it is a pretty unfortunate way to end the
season, with players constantly reminded of their duties when
in the public eye. He says the investigation is yet to be
completed, although he expects the matter to have been fully
dealt with by today. Holmes is unsure what impact it could
have on Masoe's naming in the All Blacks, as that is a
question for the NZRU. Masoe is due into camp today, with the
full test squad training in Auckland.
(Oh no, far from over. There have been some wicked animations
and videos of the All Blacks doing the haka with a pink
handbag on the arm. - BH)
NICHOLAS PAMPHLETS DISTRIBUTORS INTERVIEWED
-------------------------------------------
Protestors who distributed pamphlets containing suppressed
details surrounding the Louise Nicholas police rape trial are
being interviewed by police. So far only protestors in
Christchurch have been spoken to. Those who mounted a similar
campaign in Wellington wonder if they will be next. Lenka
Rochford says just because they have not heard from the
police, does not mean they will not be charged. She says some
people she knows have been charged for offences they committed
six months earlier. 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.
PAK'N SAVE CLEARED TO GO FOR RESOURCE CONSENT
---------------------------------------------
Auckland's North Shore might soon get a long-awaited Pak'n
Save supermarket. The Wairau Road project was put on hold
after the High Court ruled that it should not have been given
resource consent because Transit had not been given enough
time to consider the impact on nearby roads. Foodstuffs, which
owns Pak'n Save, says Transit has now confirmed in writing
that its interests are not adversely affected. General Manager
Murray Jordan says the company now plans to proceed with a
second resource consent application. He says they were
intending to go to the Court of Appeal, but have been granted
an adjournment. The Pak'n Save was due to open in August last
year, but work had to stop in June of that year as a result of
the High Court decision. A resource consent hearing date has
yet to be set.
(Long awaited? Says who? - BH)
POLICE BELIEVE STREET ROBBERS BUSTED
------------------------------------
Police, who believe they have busted a gang of Auckland street
robbers, are looking for victims who have not reported the
crime. Five teenagers, aged between 15 and 19, have been
charged with 20 aggravated robberies. All occurred in Mt
Roskill and Balmoral in the past five weeks. The robbers often
first asked their victims for the time, before threatening
them and making off with money, cell phones, wallets and bank
cards. They picked on people who were usually alone in the
evening. Detectives expect to make further arrests - and have
recovered a number of stolen items.
GPS CONCERNED ABOUT NON-INVITE TO MEETING
-----------------------------------------
A meeting will be held today to discuss controversial plans
for cheaper doctors' visits. The Government will put $110
million dollars towards subsidising doctors' fees for 45 to
64-year-olds from July. However, DHBs are placing conditions
on the new funding, which include a bid to regulate doctors'
fees. DHBs and PHOs are to meet today to discuss the fine
detail of the agreement, but Peter Foley of the GP Leaders
Forum is upset he was not invited. He says he would have
thought the Government would have seen it as important to have
the political voice of general practice present. Dr Foley says
today's meeting is intended to put into operation the national
contract and he is concerned general practice is not properly
represented, even though it is GPs' interests that are being
negotiated away by PHOs agreeing to a contract which could be
detrimental to them.
(A GP of my acquaintance observes that not one of the DHBs in
the country seems able to manage their own budget, and there
is no way he wants them interfering in the management of his
business - BH)
TEEN CHARGED OVER HOME INVASION
-------------------------------
A teenager will appear in court today, after a home invasion
in the Christchurch suburb of Burnside earlier this month.
Earlier this month the couple were woken from their sleep to
find two people in their home. One of the occupants was
attacked with a baseball bat, and taken to Christchurch
Hospital with a head wound. Detective Sergeant Dorothy McPhail
says police have arrested a 15-year-old and charged him with
aggravated burglary. He will appear in Youth Court today.
Detective Sergeant McPhail says they are still trying to
locate the second attacker.
WITNESSES SOUGHT TO STABBING
----------------------------
Police are seeking witnesses to a double stabbing north of
Tauranga. Two youths were stabbed in the chest and back as
they tried to break up a fight involving one of their friends.
The friend had been set upon by a group of 10 to 15 youths at
a party in Whakamarama. Police say it is only by luck that
they are not investigating a double homicide. The two victims
were treated at hospital, and are recovering at home.
Detective Brian Dudley says close to 200 youths were at the
party on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
VOICES MISSING ON ALCOHOL ADS, SAY GREENS
-----------------------------------------
The make up of a Government group to review alcohol
advertising laws is leaving a sour taste in the mouth of the
Green Party. A steering group has been established to look at
how alcohol can be safely advertised, and whether current
advertising and product placement complies with regulations.
Green MP Metiria Turei says the intentions are good but the
panel is missing some crucial voices. She says people on the
receiving end of liquor advertising, such as youth, NGOs and
community groups, are included. Metiria Turei says that can
only undermine the panel's work.
TREE CHOPPING - SENTENCE
------------------------
An Auckland woman has been sentenced to 180 hours community
service for chopping down a tree. Alice Presley admits
removing the 14-metre liquid amber from her Avondale property,
despite twice being refused council permission to get rid of
it. An Auckland District Court judge has also ordered her to
replace the tree with one of a similar size and structure and
look after it. Auckland City Council says the sentence is a
timely warning that the courts take unauthorised tree-felling
very seriously.
CHINESE GARDEN FOR DUNEDIN
--------------------------
The Government is spending $3.7 million to build a classical
Chinese garden in Dunedin. Helen Clark announced the project
in Dunedin today. The Prime Minister says the garden will be a
spectacular site with hopes it will become a significant
tourist attraction. Miss Clark says it will acknowledge the
sister city connection between Dunedin and Shanghai and honour
the role that the Chinese community played in settling Otago
and the rest of the country. The garden will be constructed on
a site gifted by the Dunedin City Council. Shanghai local
government and museum officials will help design it.
DRINKING CULTURE HIGHLIGHTED
----------------------------
The New Zealand drinking culture and the way alcohol is
marketed are the target of a Government review. Ministry of
Health spokesman Ashley Bloomfield says research shows there
is a high level of tolerance of drunkenness in our society. He
says that is not consistent with the message the Government
and other agencies are trying to achieve. Dr Bloomfield says
binge drinking is associated with harm, and the problems
include community and family violence.
POUNAMU THIEF SENTENCED
-----------------------
Otago helicopter pilot Harvey Hutton has been jailed for the
theft of 20 tonnes of greenstone from Ngai Tahu. He has been
sent to prison for 18 months and ordered to pay $300,000 in
reparations. All pounamu seized from Hutton's property is to
be returned to Ngai Tahu.
MASOE FINED OVER HANDBAG INCIDENT
---------------------------------
Hurricanes and All Blacks flanker Chris Masoe has been fined
$3,000 by the New Zealand Rugby Union for his part in last
weekend's handbag incident in a Christchurch pub. Masoe has
admitted striking a member of the public during an altercation
which saw fellow Hurricane Tana Umaga hit Masoe with a woman's
handbag. Umaga has been let off with no penalty, the NZRU
finding he had no case to answer. Umaga has however replaced
the cell phone that broke when he struck Masoe with the bag.
Chris Masoe says he accepts that his behaviour was totally
inappropriate and apologises again for any offence caused. The
incident has not cost Masoe his place in the All Blacks squad,
which held its first training session in Auckland today.
Wednesday, 31 May
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HUNT CONTINUES AFTER VIOLENT SCENES
-----------------------------------
The hunt continues this morning for a man driving a stolen car
involved in a violent scene in Manukau City which has left a
woman in hospital with head injuries. The woman was seen
punching a man through the window of a stolen Ford Telstar in
Otara yesterday morning. The man drove off, and as she tried
to chase him, the woman fell onto the road and suffered
serious head injuries. The man believed to be involved in the
incident was later at Middlemore Hospital with the woman. He
took off across the railway lines when police arrived. A
police helicopter and tracker dogs have failed to find him. He
is a male Maori with a wispy moustache and crooked teeth.
Police say the car he was driving has been used to commit a
series of crimes in the past week.
CIVIL AVIATION CRITICISM "TOO HARSH"
------------------------------------
At least one aviation commentator believes Civil Aviation has
been slapped a little harshly over a crash in Christchurch
which killed eight people in June 2003. Seven Crop and Food
Research staff, and pilot Michael Bannerman died when a Piper
Chieftain crashed in thick fog near Christchurch Airport.
Coroner Richard McElrea has made 31 recommendations, most of
which recommend changes within the Civil Aviation Authority.
He has criticised the pilot's decision to fly single pilot in
bad weather conditions and at night, and says the conditions
were always going to test Mr Bannerman's competence as an IFR
pilot. The Coroner says a competent single pilot IFR approach
should have landed the aircraft successfully. He criticises
the Civil Aviation Authority for not keeping a stricter eye on
Mr Bannerman. However, Aviation News correspondent Peter Clark
says many of the concerns raised about Mr Bannerman came after
the crash of the Air Adventures plane - and Civil Aviation was
looking into a few made beforehand. He says it may have been a
little slow but Civil Aviation normally allows an operator
time to resolve problems and Mr Clark sees no problem with
that approach. He says it is Civil Aviation's duty to allow a
pilot or operator to fix a problem rather than immediately
come down hard on them. However, the families of those who
lost their lives in the Air Adventures crash want to see
changes to the way the Civil Aviation Authority goes about its
business. Jeff McCall is acting for a number of the families.
He says while the CAA says it has made changes, a huge change
in approach to general aviation is required. He says what is
needed is a conviction that when the CAA finds an entity which
is breaching the rules, it takes them out of the sky. He says
safety will only improve when the authority gets tough on
those flouting safety laws. The CAA has reassured the public,
saying many steps have already been taken to address issues
raised by the crash but Mr McCall says they will watch with
interest, what the organisation puts in place. Family members
say they have no faith that the CAA will adopt the
recommendations made by the coroner yesterday.
(The CAA would be well advised to take it on the chin. The
more they attempt to justify themselves, the worse their
appearance seems - BH)
SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING MAN
--------------------------------
The search for a man missing in bush south of Auckland will
continue at first light this morning. Fears for 54-year-old
Anshan Yang are growing. He has been lost in the Hunua Ranges
since Sunday. He is believed to have strayed from the track
after falling behind his two companions. Mr Yang is lightly
clothed, has no food and it is the first time he has tackled
such a tramp.
PLAN WILL PROTECT POUNAMU
-------------------------
A management plan should soon be in place to help protect
South Island pounamu. Ngai Tahu has announced the plan
following the jailing yesterday of helicopter pilot Harvey
Hutton for 18 months, for stealing 20,000 kilograms of the
precious stone. Around 14,000 kilos have been recovered and
will be returned to the iwi, along with 300,000 dollars in
reparation. Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon says the
management plan is being developed in consultation with the
West Coast rununga and will cover the extraction of pounamu
and its sale to retailers. Mark Solomon expects the plan to be
in place before the end of this year. He says he is satisfied
with the prison sentence which has been handed down to Hutton,
adding that Ngai Tahu is committed to prosecuting those who
break the law. Mr Solomon says although they do not like to
see anyone in jail, this result sends a strong message to
those who break the law.
CONCERN GROWS FOR MISSING MENTAL PATIENT
-----------------------------------------
Concerns are mounting for a missing Levin mental health
patient with a fascination for trains. The 47-year-old man
failed to return to a secure unit on Saturday night. Levin
police sergeant Dylan Earle says the man has been known to
walk the length of the train tracks from Auckland to
Wellington, as well as board freight trains. He says while
there are concerns for the man's mental and physical health,
he does not pose a threat to the public.
HIGH TECH COMPANY "HAS NOTHING TO HIDE"
---------------------------------------
High tech Auckland company Rakon knows a letter is on the way,
which has been prompted by the Prime Minister, wanting to know
exactly what its crystal oscillators are being used for. The
company has already been talking to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs after suggestions they are being used in American
smart weapons. If they are being used for military purposes,
the company needs approval and an export permit. A company
spokesman says they have nothing to hide. He says the
oscillators have hundreds of uses, including in GPS systems -
and they are all listed on its New Zealand Stock Exchange
Website.
"POLICE" EMAIL IS A HOAX
------------------------
A new hoax email is doing the rounds. It claims to be from
police, and suggests the recipients are under suspicion of
financial wrong-doing. The hoax then asks them to fax or email
the sender their details. Police say they are investigating
the email, which contains a trojan virus. Recipients are urged
to delete it, but they do not need to contact police.
TREE WAS PEST, SAYS FINED WOMAN
-------------------------------
The Auckland woman sentenced for chopping down a tree says it
was a pest. Alice Presley has been given 180 hours community
service after getting rid of the 14-metre liquid amber. She
has also been ordered to replace the tree with one of a
similar size. Ms Presley says the liquid amber was costing her
hundreds of dollars in arborist bills, keeping its branches
away from power lines. Alice Presley says she was twice
refused resource consent to cut down the tree, and has never
received a proper explanation as to why she could not.
(The tree - Liquidambar styraciflua - may have been a
nuisance, but I don't see how anyone can expect to get away
with defying the local authority rulings - BH)
ANTI-OBESITY CAMPAIGN COULD SAVE 3,000
--------------------------------------
The Health Minister has released new data which shows between
15 hundred and three thousand lives could be saved in five
years by the Government's anti-obesity campaign. Pete Hodgson
says that shows how beneficial the Government's $76 million
initiative could be. He says New Zealand's obesity epidemic is
its greatest public health challenge. Mr Hodgson says the
figures are astonishing particularly because the Government's
goals are very long-term.
POLICE INVESTIGATING COUNCIL ROBBERY
------------------------------------
Police investigating the armed robbery of the Palmerston North
City Council say it is a process of elimination. A man armed
with a gun threatened customer service staff at about 5.40 on
Friday night, before making off with a substantial amount of
cash and cheques. Detective Sergeant Brett Calkin says police
are trying to speak with everyone in the area at the time,
including council staff to eliminate them from the inquiry. He
says police have video footage of interest from the area. The
offender is described as a Caucasian man in his thirties.
MILESTONE TESTING OF PARKINSON'S DRUG
-------------------------------------
The government has announced funding of $1.3 million for
clinical trials of a new drug to treat Parkinson's disease.
Auckland biotechnology company Antipodean Pharmaceuticals says
the money will be used for phase two clinical trials of MitoQ.
It says MitoQ was invented by scientists at Otago University,
and is recognised internationally as the first compound to
effectively target a key mechanism underlying Parkinson's
disease. Funding body the Foundation for Research, Science and
Technology says the phase two trial is a milestone for
biotechnology here, because it is the first time a New
Zealand-discovered drug has been manufactured and tested all
within this country.
GROUP CLAIMS CHIEF CENSOR 'DESENSITISED'
----------------------------------------
It is being claimed that chief film censor Bill Hastings has
become too desensitised after more than a decade of watching
pornography to continue in the job. Mr Hastings' contract is
up in October but he wants it renewed. However David Lane from
the Society for the Protection of Community Standards says it
is time for him to move on, and make way for someone who can
take a fresh look at what is happening. Mr Lane says Mr
Hastings sees the worst of what is on offer and when he clears
brutal depictions of rape for film festivals and for screening
in public theatres and in the home, something has gone wrong.
ISRAELI OFFICIAL VISIT KEPT UNDER WRAPS
---------------------------------------
The Government appears to have kept under wraps the visit of
the most senior Israeli official to come here in more than 20
years. Israel's foreign affairs head Ron Proser has been in
Wellington today meeting with Foreign Minister Winston Peters
and other officials. Mr Peters says the visit is welcomed as
an opportunity to discuss New Zealand's relations with Israel.
It is an opportunity that was not afforded to the media though
with no mention of it in Mr Peters' weekly diary. Relations
with Israel have been strained with the passport scandal
involving two Mossad spies.
Thursday, 01 June
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REPLACEMENT FOUND FOR TELECOM CHAIRMAN
--------------------------------------
A replacement has been found for retiring Telecom Chairman
Roderick Deane. The Telecom board has appointed Wayne Boyd to
the position, effective from the first of July. Mr Boyd's
background includes law, merchant banking, and business
advice. He was appointed to the Telecom board in mid-2004, and
is currently the Chairman of Auckland International Airport,
Meridian Energy and Freightways. Wayne Boyd also has a
sporting history. He played hockey for New Zealand at colts
level, and coached the national women's team at the 1984
Olympics and the '87 World Cup.
SOLUTION MOVES CLOSER IN SUBSIDY ROW
------------------------------------
A breakthrough has been made in the ongoing battle to get
cheaper doctors' visits for 45 to 64-year-olds. More than 20
highly contentious issues have been resolved. It means PHOs
and their general practice networks can resume local
discussions about how to deliver the $27 cut in the cost of
visiting the doctor. The main sticking point has been the
contention of some GPs that the subsidy from the government,
which would enable them to charge patients less, came with too
many strings attached. They say it amounts to Government
control of fees. PHONZ chairman Sir Ron Scott says DHBs have
acknowledged the problem and agreed to rewrite the binding
nature of the review. He says it will specifically recognise
the ability of GPs and PHOs to set their own fees.
SUPPORT FOR PARKINSON'S DRUG TRIALS
------------------------------------
Parkinson's New Zealand is supporting clinical trials of an
NZ-discovered medication that could be a ground breaking
treatment for the disease. The Government is investing $1.3
million in the drug trial for a new compound called MitroQ.
Parkinson's New Zealand national director Deirdre O'Sullivan
is encouraging those with Parkinson's disease to find out more
about the trial, which will be run by Auckland biotechnology
company Antipodean Pharmaceuticals. She says they should see
if would be a good option for them. Ms O'Sullivan says
currently there are many different varieties of medicine to
treat the symptoms of Parkinson's, but what this medication is
aiming to do is slow down the progression of the disease,
which would be a world first.
MUSIC MONTH COMES TO A CLOSE
----------------------------
Another New Zealand Music Month has come to a close and proved
the local scene is alive and very much kicking. There is more
local music being played on radio than ever before, more
albums sold, more videos on the TV and more feet tapping at
concerts. It has come a long way in the past decade: In 1995
the level of Kiwi music on our airwaves was less than two
percent. Now it has surpassed the 20 percent mark, thanks to a
voluntary quota, increased investment and more exposure for
new musicians. The local presence in the charts has remained
steady. The darlings of the New Zealand rock scene, Shihad,
have taken the cake with their live DVD topping the chart
ahead of the likes of James Blunt, Cliff Richard and the Bee
Gees. Shihad's Live at Aotea Square DVD was filmed at the
launch of last year's New Zealand Music Month and has topped
the chart for two weeks running. Fat Freddy's Drop's
independently produced album 'Based on a True Story' remains
in the album chart for its massive 55th week, and is now six
times gold.
"STOLEN" CHILD IS BACK WITH PARENTS
-----------------------------------
A four-year-old Rotorua child is back with his parents after
being mistakenly taken by a car thief. He was in the back when
his mother's car was stolen outside a medical centre in the
city yesterday. The car was found about half an hour later in
the Pak 'n Save carpark. It is hoped security camera footage
of the carpark will help catch the culprit.
NZ GIRL TAKES ON US SPELLERS
----------------------------
The Olympics of spelling gets under way today in the United
States, and this year, it has a local connection. Nicole
Kennington from Upper Hutt High School is competing in the
79th National Spelling Bee in Washington DC. New Zealand
spelling bee organiser Janet Lucas is there with the 13-year-
old, and says it is a massive event. The final will be shown
live on national TV, which is a privilege usually reserved for
major events such as the Super Bowl. Janet Lucas says Nicole
is geared up for the competition, with a mixture of excitement
and nerves.
LOTTO WINNERS BREAK THEIR SILENCE
---------------------------------
The country's biggest Lotto winners say they had to leave the
country once news of their windfall got out and admitted they
had to sneak through the tiny Northland town of Kaeo where
they bought their winning ticket, to avoid the media scrum.
Auckland couple Geoff and Helen Henderson have broken their
silence, after winning nearly $18 million in last month's
Powerball jackpot, and spoken on Newstalk ZB's Paul Holmes
Breakfast. They say they knew they would not be able to
validate the ticket in Kaeo, because of the media attention,
so they drove through to nearby Kerikeri and had it checked
there. The validating machine flashed the message "Contact the
Lotteries Commission". Helen says they came out of the lotto
shop and Geoff needed to go to the bathroom, so they went in
to a nearby McDonald's outlet and ordered a big breakfast. The
couple says the full impact of the win is still sinking in.
Geoff Henderson admits keeping their privacy is proving a
problem - he says, in fact, they had to leave the country for
a few days after the initial win, to wait until the news had
calmed down. Helen Henderson says initially they only thought
they had won second division because when a member of the
family had read out the winning numbers to them over the
phone, they had read out the bonus number first. The couple
say good friends will keep them grounded.
POLICE ARREST MAN IN CONNECTION WITH KIDNAPPING
-----------------------------------------------
A Black Power gang member wanted by police investigating a
kidnapping and home invasion has been arrested in New
Plymouth. Police have been looking for Wayne Clarke after a
woman was kidnapped, stabbed and beaten in Lower Hutt ten days
ago. The following day the occupants of a Naenae house were
attacked in a home invasion involving two men. Wayne Clarke
will appear in the New Plymouth District Court on several
charges.
WELLINGTON POSTIES WELCOME POSTCODES
------------------------------------
Wellington postal workers are looking forward to the new
postcode system making their lives a little easier. Under the
new four-digit system, the country is divided into around
1,850 new areas, each containing around 10,000 delivery
addresses per postcode. Wellington city's postcode will start
with the number six, while the Kapiti Coast and the Hutt
Valley will start with five. New Zealand Post's Peter Fenton
says it will save posties a lot of confusion. He says for
example there are three "the Esplanades" across the region.
Peter Fenton says it will allow them to deliver the mail more
accurately and reliably, and hopefully eliminate mis-sorts.
POLICE PIECE TOGETHER SHOOTING EVENTS
-------------------------------------
The job of piecing together the circumstances surrounding a
Rotorua shooting continues. Just after 8am yesterday, a 43-
year-old man was shot three times on Devon Street, following a
car chase and collision. Police are still carrying out an
examination of the scene, which remains cordoned off. They are
calling on anyone who witnessed the altercation or saw two
vehicles travelling at high speed along Devon Street at around
8.15am to come forward.
MAN SENTENCED FOR PEOPLE SMUGGLING
----------------------------------
An Indonesian immigrant has been sentenced in the High Court
at Napier to four-and-a-half years in prison for people
smuggling. Deny Setiadi last month admitted 15 charges,
including four of arranging unlawful migration to New Zealand
for material gain. The charges followed the illegal
immigration of seven Indonesians to Hawke's Bay last year.
Although it was argued Setiardi did not have any contact with
the immigrants before they came into New Zealand, his
assistance was described as comforting and encouraging. He
transported the seven from Auckland to Hawke's Bay, arranged
horticultural jobs and accommodation for them and provided
ongoing transport to and from work. He also took a cut of
their wages.
TAURANGA POLICE GET TOUGH ON DRINK DRIVING
------------------------------------------
Tauranga police have warned they will be out in force this
Queen's Birthday weekend, and enforcing the 'three strikes and
you're out' law for drink driving. On a third offence, a drink
driver's car is impounded immediately for a month. Senior
Sergeant Ian Campion says the booze bus will be deployed and
locals and visitors can expect to be breath-tested at any
time. He is calling on drivers to cut their speeds and watch
following distances in the heavy flows of traffic that are
likely.
DONNA IN TROUBLE AGAIN
----------------------
Donna Awatere-Huata is about to find herself back in court.
Hawke's Bay Today reports she has been charged with tax
offences over allegations she has failed to file tax returns
for three years. The former ACT MP is due in the Hastings
District Court at the end of the month. She was released from
jail last month on home detention to serve the remainder of a
two-year, nine-month sentence for fleecing the taxpayer-funded
Pipi Foundation of $80,000.
BOYD TO TAKE TELECOM INTO NEW ERA
---------------------------------
The new chairman designate of Telecom Wayne Boyd says his job
will be to take the company through to a new era. Mr Boyd will
take over the chairmanship from Rod Deane, who is stepping
down from the job from the beginning of next month. Dr Deane
was said to earn $400,000 a year, but Mr Boyd will not be
drawn on what his remuneration will be. He says that is a
matter for the board to decide. Mr Boyd is also the chairman
of Auckland Airport, Meridian Energy and Freightways. He says
he will be reviewing some of his directorships.
Friday, 02 June
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DRIVER CHARGED WITH WASTING POLICE TIME
---------------------------------------
The claim by a Christchurch bus driver that he was assaulted
three weeks ago has ended in charges being laid by police -
against the driver. The 57-year-old man will be charged with
wasting police time. Detective Senior Sergeant John Rae says
more than 100 police hours went into the enquiry, which they
could ill-afford to waste. The man will appear in court in a
fortnight.
(I hope more information is forthcoming on this - BH)
CALORIE COUNTING FOR COUCH POTATOES
-----------------------------------
A message for couch potatoes - get really emotionally involved
in your sport. Auckland University researchers have been
studying the amount of energy people burn up during different
activities. They have found the stress of watching a tense
match can burn up slightly more energy than doing some light
cleaning or looking after children. But at 3.3 on the scale,
it is a long way off actually playing rugby, which rates 8.3.
Cycling uses the most energy, scoring ten - aerobics comes in
at 6.6 and exercising at home 3.8. Housework rates a 4.3 and
child-care just 2.8.
MAN KILLED IN PEAK-HOUR TRAFFIC
-------------------------------
A man is dead after being hit by a truck in peak hour traffic
in Auckland this morning. He was trying to cross the southern
motorway, near the Tecoma Street off-ramp just before 7
o'clock. Two of the three southbound lanes remain open but
drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible. Emergency
services are at the scene and the police serious crash unit is
investigating. Southbound traffic is banked up back to the
central city.
LOCALS INSISTS TAUPO AIRPORT IS SAFE
------------------------------------
A local pilot wants to reassure passengers Taupo airport is
safe. The Airline Pilots Association contends the airport is
dangerous and in desperate need of an air traffic control. It
says the International Federation of Airline Pilots
Associations recently cited 11 special operating procedures
pilots should take before flying into the airport. That has
shocked local pilot, John Funnell, who is also on the
airport's safety committee. He says the committee has been
undergoing standard safety reviews and has not heard a squeak
from the Airline Pilots Association Mr Funnell says the union
has been spreading mischievous false claims about the airport.
He says there is no need for a control tower in Taupo and adds
he has heard nothing of the 'special operating procedures' and
neither have local ALPA members. He says ALPA is negligent if
it has special procedures about which it has not advised local
operators. Mr Funnell says he plans to get to the bottom of
allegations today.
NO APPEAL IN POU CASE
---------------------
The children of Janice Pou have decided not to appeal a High
Court decision clearing a tobacco company of blame over their
mother's death. Kasey and Brandon Pou last month lost their
bid to sue British American Tobacco for failing to inform
their mother of the dangers of smoking. Janice Pou died of
lung cancer in 2002. Her children spent four years seeking
more than $300,000 from the tobacco giant. In his verdict,
Justice Lang said the dangers of smoking were well known when
Mrs Pou started in 1968. Lawyer for the pair, David Collins
says they have this week made the decision not to appeal.
KILBIRNIE SHELL STATION HELD UP
-------------------------------
Cash and cigarettes have been stolen in an aggravated robbery
of the Shell station in Kilbirnie. Police say a man with a
large hunting knife jumped the counter and threatened the sole
male attendant late on Wednesday night. The man is described
as Maori or Polynesian, in his 20s with a black bandanna
across his face and wearing dark clothing including a hoodie.
He left the station in a silver station wagon, and anyone with
any information is asked to contact police.
THREE CHARGED OVER DAIRY ATTACKS
--------------------------------
Three men are to appear in the Hamilton District court charged
after the aggravated robberies of two Hamilton dairies
yesterday. Police Spokeswoman Kris McGehan says the three,
aged 19, 22 and 23, were arrested yesterday afternoon. They
face charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated assault,
assault with a weapon and various wounding charges. The police
say the first robbery was reported just after seven yesterday
morning at a superette in Chartwell, where a person was hit in
the head by the offender, who took cash and other items. At
about 8am robbers hit a Superette in Melville, where an
elderly man was left unconscious and a woman with eye injuries
after they were attacked with a hammer.
BIDS RISE FOR TANA'S HANDBAG
----------------------------
If you are interested in buying the handbag Tana Umaga made
famous, you will need some pretty deep pockets. Bidding for
the item on TradeMe has reached $4, 900, with 54,000 page
views. The bag was used by the former All Black captain to
discipline Hurricanes teammate Chris Masoe in Christchurch
last Sunday. It is not just the Roxy handbag - the broken
cellphone that was inside it at the time of the incident is
also included in the deal. The auction closes tomorrow night.
NZ POST WITHDRAWS MAORI STAMP
-----------------------------
They are all printed and ready to go, but New Zealand Post has
decided to withdraw its new Maori Performing Arts stamps. The
cartoon-style images were intended to celebrate kapa haka.
However some Maori groups say they are offensive. The artist,
Abel Vaireka, says he is disappointed.
(What is amazing is that they apparently got all the way into
production printing before the consultation occurred - BH)
HIDE SAYS NO WAY HE IS STOPPING DANCING
---------------------------------------
Rodney Hide is still practising his dance steps, this time the
Viennese waltz. The ACT MP has been quick to scotch rumours he
has pulled out of Dancing with the Stars. He says he is having
a ball and loving every moment. He is also getting around the
country a bit and enjoying kiwis who will approach him to talk
about dancing, when they would not to discuss politics. Mr
Hide says if he can learn to dance and enjoy it anyone can.
THREATENING TEXTS BEING SENT IN CHRISTCHURCH
-------------------------------------------
Teenagers at a Christchurch high school are being sent
threatening messages of a sexual nature. Police are
investigating the messages. which are being sent from a
Vodafone Prepay cell phone. The number is 021 022 4416. Police
are asking anyone who may know who is using the number to
contact Constable Mat Bailey at the New Brighton Police
Station.
TWO CHARGED OVER NICHOLAS PAMPHLETS
-----------------------------------
Christchurch police have confirmed they have charged two
people with breach of suppression over the distribution of
leaflets supporting Louise Nicholas. A spokesman says officers
are continuing inquiries into whether similar charges should
be laid against people in Auckland and Wellington. The
leaflets contained information suppressed during the trial
which saw Assistant Police Commissioner Clint Rickards and two
former officers acquitted of rape. The two who have been
charged so far, Frances Martin and Daniel Rae, will appear in
the Christchurch District Court on June 21. If found guilty,
they face a fine of up to $1,000.
COMMERCE COMMISSION APPROVES SALARY CAP
---------------------------------------
Expect more Rico Gear-type transfers over the next six years
of the Air New Zealand Cup. The Commerce Commission has
authorised the NZRU's planned salary cap for the new domestic
competition and major provinces may be required to shed some
highly paid players. While there will be some form of discount
due to the limited involvement of the country's best players,
NZRU Deputy CEO Steve Tew says it could be a juggling act for
some of the stronger unions. He says each side will have to
weigh up a player's value and if they cannot fit it under the
$2 million cap, they need to look at loaning players out. The
salary cap will begin this season and has been authorised for
the next six years.
HANDBAG BIDDING NONSENSICAL
---------------------------
Bidding for the bag Tana Umaga used to whack Chris Masoe over
the head has turned nonsensical. It has skyrocketed past $100
million. People competed against each other to place
ridiculously high bids for the past 40 minutes. It is unclear
at this stage whether Trade Me will pull the auction. Whoever
bids the highest amount for the bag has a legal obligation to
purchase it, otherwise they can be taken to court. The seller
of the handbag is being urged to give some of her takings to
charity. A potential buyer says the earnings should go to an
abuse prevention charity. Someone else has asked for cash for
the Epilepsy Association so two kids can swim with dolphins in
Australia. The seller says she believes giving some of her
profits to charity is a good idea, but also points out she has
a student loan. She says she is unsure how she will spend the
money.
(It finally sold for about $23,000 - BH)
Monday, 05 June
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SECOND FORMER HOUSING NEW ZEALAND EMPLOYEE SPEAKS OUT
-----------------------------------------------------
Concerns of a "cover-up" culture at Housing New Zealand. A
second former employee has come forward after leaving the
state housing provider, claiming financial mismanagement.
Similar claims from a separate contractor are currently being
investigated by the Auditor-General's office....findings are
due out later this month. National's housing spokesman Phil
Heatley says these people seem to feel they did not get a
decent hearing when they worked at Housing New Zealand. But he
says they are prepared to speak out once they have left. Phil
Heatley says Housing New Zealand should be a transparent
organisation, and willing to listen to its staff. He is
calling for a Select Committee inquiry into the organisation's
financial practices and the way it deals with staff concerns.
FEWER PRISONERS TESTING POSITIVE FOR DRUGS
------------------------------------------
The number of prisoners getting caught with drugs in their
systems is falling. Random tests carried out by the
Corrections Department found 15-point-six percent of prisoners
had been taking drugs. The figure is down two percent on last
year, and nearly half what it was in 1998. Corrections chief
Barry Matthews says it is a good result, especially since
prisons are operating at 98 percent capacity. He says staff
have been vigilant tackling the flow of contraband into jails.
Barry Matthews says a number of measures have been put in
place to stop drugs getting in.
BAD WEATHER WORRIES POLICE
--------------------------
Many people will be heading home today after a long-weekend
away, but police are warning those who do not need to travel
to stay off the roads. The holiday toll is currently at three,
after fatal crashes in Canterbury, Manawatu and New Plymouth
so far this weekend. Road Policing Inspector John Kelly says
there will be a lot of traffic, so drivers must pay attention.
He says bad weather will make driving treacherous in many
areas, so people need to drive to the conditions and people
who do not have to be out should stay at home. Inspector Kelly
is disappointed this year's toll has already matched the total
for the whole weekend last year.
(This was the weather I was talking about at the top of this
week's edition. It seems the weather skidded of to the East
and missed most of the North Island - BH)
POLICE RELEASE MORE DETAILS ABOUT MYSTERY MAN
---------------------------------------------
It has emerged the man who was dumped outside Tauranga
Hospital with serious head injuries is an illegal immigrant.
Police have yet to get final confirmation of the man's
identity, but believe he was from an Indonesia and had been
working in the kiwi fruit trade. He was dumped by a group of
four or five Asian men on Friday. Detective Lindsay Pilbrow
says the man is still fighting for his life. He says the
police are keeping an open mind on how the man came to receive
his injury, which involved some kind of force to the back of
the head. It is possible he suffered a fall. Lindsay Pilbrow
says police are still keen on sightings of the Asian group,
and of a dark Japanese hatchback used to drop the injured man
off.
HUSBAND AND WIFE MARK DOUBLE HONOUR
-----------------------------------
His and hers Queens Birthday Honours have been handed out to
an Auckland couple. Don McRae becomes an officer of the New
Zealand Order of Merit for services to architecture, the
theatre and the community. His wife Elizabeth also becomes an
officer of the Order for her contribution to acting. She may
be better known to some as Marge, from the early episodes of
Shortland Street. Don McRae says it came as a complete
surprise to them, as all they have done is stick to their old-
fashioned values. Mr McRae says they have strived to get
things done for the community, rather than seeking
recognition. He says they are having close family members
around today to celebrate.
HOUSING NEW ZEALAND DENIES BUDGET BLOW-OUT
------------------------------------------
Housing New Zealand is disputing new budget blow-out claims.
Former Healthy Housing manager Brian Capaloff alleges the
programme exceeded its budget by five-million dollars in its
first year. But Housing New Zealand spokesman Tom Bridgeman
denies there was a blow-out. He says funding for the scheme
was re-evaluated, after it was found more homes needed the
programme than first thought. He says Housing New Zealand's
board acknowledged that and put more money into the programme
in its first year to deal with the extra work. Tom Bridgeman
says the issues Mr Capaloff raises have been resolved. He says
the programme is now very successful and runs to budget. The
findings of the Auditor-General's inquiry into separate claims
of figure-fiddling by another employee are due out later this
month.
Tuesday, 06 June
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
D-DAY REMEMBERED IN NEW BOOK
----------------------------
The recollections of 13 New Zealand war veterans who were
present at one of the biggest events in history are being
launched in a book today. More than 10 thousand kiwis served
with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy during the D-Day
landings - 62 years ago today. "The Big Show" is a compilation
of interviews with 13 of the men involved in the campaign.
Editor Alison Parr says the book is the first time that group
of men have been acknowledged and represented. She believes
readers will be surprised at the extent of their involvement
and by the feats they achieved. Ms Parr says it was a great
privilege to interview the men and hear their unique stories.
CALLS FOR CRACKDOWN ON PARTY PILLS
----------------------------------
Calls for tougher rules around party pills are gaining
strength since a 17-year-old was charged with driving while
under their influence. National MP Jacqui Dean is working on a
bill to restrict the availability and advertising of party
pills. She says it is bad enough our youngsters are
endangering themselves. But Ms Dean says when they get behind
a wheel they put others in danger too. She says it is
frustrating that young people can walk into their corner dairy
and see party pills alongside jelly beans. Jacqui Dean says we
need to act swiftly to shut down the party pill industry.
SPEED AND ALCOHOL SUSPECTED IN FATAL SMASH
------------------------------------------
Police believe speed and alcohol may have contributed to a
fatal crash near Levin at the weekend. A car went off the road
at road works on State Highway 57 early on Sunday morning,
landing upside down in a creek and trapping both the
occupants. Police say a woman died at the scene, while the 42-
year-old man who was driving was flown to hospital with
moderate head injuries. Other crashes in Canterbury and
Taranaki have brought the holiday road toll to three.
Inspector John Kelly says while the toll is relatively low, he
would like to see it lower. But he says given the bad weather
around the country, it is probably about as good as could be
hoped for.
MARK INGLIS TO HAVE FINGER-TIPS REMOVED
---------------------------------------
Mark Inglis will lose the tips of several of his fingers
following his Everest expedition. The amputee mountaineer is
back in Christchurch Hospital and expects to have them removed
tomorrow. Five of his fingers were affected by frost-bite
during last month's climb and three are particularly badly
damaged. Mr Inglis says his stumps will also be "investigated"
while he's under anaesthetic as they also suffered frostbite.
OPPONENTS OF TASER GUNS MEET IN AUCKLAND
-----------------------------------------
A group gathers in Auckland this evening to voice its
opposition to the introduction of Taser guns. Police are due
to start a trial with the stun guns in September. The Taser
guns fires barbs which penetrate the skin and give an electric
shock of 50 thousand volts. The Campaign Against The Taser
says there needs to be an independent inquiry. Tonight's
meeting is being chaired by Sir Paul Reeves and is expected to
hear calls for the introduction of strict rules and safeguards
to prevent the misuse of the electric shock equipment.
HELEN CLARK REJECTS CLAIM FROM GREENS
-------------------------------------
The Prime Minister is disputing a claim by the Greens that
Labour tends to reward its enemies rather than its friends.
Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons made the comment during a
speech at her party's weekend conference, following the
election of Russell Norman to replace Rod Donald. Helen Clark
says Labour had no choice but to seek support from New Zealand
First and United Future after the election. She says her
responsibility was to deliver a Labour-led government and that
is what the country got. Miss Clark says Labour was ready and
willing to form a government with the Greens, but it was not
to be.
US PRAISES NZ FOR ANTI-SLAVERY EFFORTS
--------------------------------------
The United States has given New Zealand the thumbs up for
addressing modern-day slavery. The Department of State
Trafficking in Persons Report has placed New Zealand in the
top tier of countries it monitors for human trafficking. The
report also acknowledges the national plan of action that the
Government is working on. US Ambassador Bill McCormick
applauded New Zealand's efforts to prevent trafficking and
address issues around trafficking. He says the report is an
attempt to create partnerships in the fight against modern-day
slavery and America looks forward to learning about the anti-
trafficking measures employed by New Zealand.
BACK TO COURT FOR MAN OVER SEX ATTACKS
--------------------------------------
A man is due back in court this week on 25 charges linked to
two sexual assaults in Auckland. The first happened on
Thursday, when a 17-year-old and her 12-year-old sister were
abducted while getting into their car in Manukau City. The
offender forced the teenager to drive to a nearby street,
where she was sexually violated. She was then driven to West
Auckland where another attack took place. The second incident
happened on Friday, when a 29-year-old woman was abducted
while getting into her vehicle in the inner suburb of Grafton.
She was also driven to West Auckland and sexually violated.
Police arrested a man on Saturday and charged with him rape,
sexual violation and a raft of other offences. He was granted
interim name suppression during an initial appearance at
Waitakere District Court, where he will reappear tomorrow.
CAMPAIGN BUILDS TO OPPOSE TASER GUNS
------------------------------------
Anti-taser campaigners are stepping up the fight to prevent
the stun-gun being introduced to the police force. New Zealand
police plan to begin trials of the equipment in September. But
that has concerned a number of people who have formed The
Campaign Against The Taser. Spokeswoman Marie Dyhrberg says
the weapon is potentially lethal. She says there are fears the
introduction of the taser could change policing without public
debate and full scrutiny. A public meeting on the taser will
be held in Auckland this evening.
MARINE EDUCATION CENTRE OPPOSED IN WELLINGTON
---------------------------------------------
Local residents are voicing their opposition to the Wellington
City Council over plans to build a marine education centre at
Te Raekaihau Point. Construction on the multi-million dollar
centre was due to start late this year. However, residents'
spokesperson Cathy O'Hagan says the location of the proposed
centre is a sticking point for some, because the area is one
of the last places where there are no buildings on the seaward
side of the road. She says they are keen on the idea of a
marine centre, just not at the proposed site. Ms O'Hagan says
she has received over a thousand submissions against the
building of the centre, which she will present to council
tomorrow.
FEARS WELLINGTON COULD BE HURT AS DESTINATION
---------------------------------------------
A local MP is trying to make sure Wellington is continually
promoted as a top destination. Former Mayor Mark Blumsky is
concerned a possible code-share between Air New Zealand and
Qantas out of Wellington could hurt the city's tourism. He
says Air New Zealand has done a great job of promoting the
city in the past, and that has to continue. Mr Blumsky says
the other main concern he has is ticket prices, since there
will not be any competition as there will be in Auckland. He
says he has spoken to Air New Zealand chief Rob Fyfe about the
issue and he seemed receptive.
TRIAL UNDER OVER AXE ATTACK
---------------------------
The trial is getting underway in Auckland of the man charged
with throwing an axe through the window of the Prime
Minister's electorate office. Tim Selwyn has already admitted
two charges of intentional damage, but faces two further
charges linked to the 2004 incident. He is contesting a charge
of being party to a seditious conspiracy and publishing
statements with a seditious intent. He maintains the charges
are akin to those that would be laid in a more authoritarian
country, such as Zimbabwe.
LUCKY ESCAPE FOR OVERDUE TRAMPER
--------------------------------
An overdue tramper found southeast of Rotorua was extremely
lucky to escape unscathed according to police. The 47-year-old
woman was located in the Whirinaki Forest Park yesterday
following a major search and rescue operation. Detective
Sergeant John Wilson says the Tauranga woman became lost on
Sunday after taking a wrong turn. He says it was fortunate she
found a hut to spend the night in because it was snowing.
Detective Sergeant Wilson says this incident highlights the
need to go into bush fully prepared. Police seek man who
assaulted tourist Police are on the lookout for a man after a
British tourist was assaulted in a local backpackers' hostel
over the weekend. Police say a man confronted the 18-year-old
woman in the toilets at the X-Base backpackers on Cambridge
Terrace early on Sunday morning. She fought him off and he was
last seen walking towards Vivian Street. The man is described
as being in his 30s, with a shaved head, about six feet tall
and wearing dark clothing.
BODY IN RIVER CASE - TRIAL
--------------------------
A man facing charges of kidnap, rape and murder has been
committed to trial in the Christchurch District Court today.
Peter Waihape has pleaded not guilty to the five charges,
including the murder of a 24-year-old sex worker in December
last year. The woman was run over in a car park in Chester
Street East, before her body was dumped in the Avon River.
Waihape also faces charges involving another woman. Name
suppression is in place for both victims. Waihape will
reappear in the High Court on August 4.
ARREST AFTER ATTACK ON POLICE DOG
---------------------------------
A man has been arrested following a knife attack on a police
dog in Hawke's Bay. Police were called to a rural property off
State Highway 50 just after eight o'clock this morning, where
the man was reported to be acting suspiciously. Senior
Sergeant Mike O'Leary says the man was tracked for a short
distance before he started stabbing himself. He says that was
the dog handler's cue to deploy the dog, but the man began
stabbing at the animal. Senior Sergeant O'Leary says the man
has been taken into custody and the dog is undergoing
emergency treatment in Havelock North.
DOUBLING OF GRIEVANCES AT CYF
--------------------------
A doubling in the number of personal grievance cases at Child,
Youth and Family has the National Party concerned. MP Anne
Tolley has obtained details which reveal the number of
personal grievance cases taken against the department has
almost doubled, from 24 in the 2001-2002 year to 45 in 2005-
2006. She is questioning the recent merger of CYF and the
Ministry of Social Development and asks how it will fix this
trend. Ms Tolley says the Government was warned the merger had
the potential to be destabilising and have no benefit for CYF.
She's now demanding the Government offer a public assurance
there will be an improvement in performance at the department.
ASSAULTS WERE PREMEDITATED SAY POLICE
-------------------------------------
Police say two sexual assaults carried out last week were
premeditated. In the first attack last Thursday a 17-year-old
and her 12-year-old sister were kidnapped by a man in Manukau
City where the older one was violated. They were then taken to
west Auckland where another attack happened. Then on Friday
the man is alleged to have abducted a 29-year-old in Grafton
and taken her to west Auckland where he sexually violated her.
Detective Sergeant Megan Goldie says the attacks were
calculated, with the man accused of waiting a long time for
his alleged victims. A man is facing 25 charges and will
reappear in the Waitakere District Court tomorrow.
NZERS "ENCOURAGED TO BREAK THE LAW"
------------------------------------
The Crown is continuing to present its case at the trial of
the man who put an axe through the window of the Prime
Minister's Auckland electorate office. Timothy Selwyn last
year pleaded guilty to the attack. However he pleaded not
guilty to two charges of publishing with seditious intent.
These charges relate to two leaflets Selwyn is accused of
leaving, one at the scene of the attack and another two
kilometres away. The Crown says the pamphlets encouraged other
New Zealanders to break the law through similar crimes in
response to the foreshore and seabed legislation, which the
pamphlets claim is an injustice to Maori people.
OPERATION UNDERWAY ON INJURED DOG
---------------------------------
A surgical examination and x-rays have been carried out on a
police dog stabbed near Hastings this morning. Two-year-old
German shepherd Edge was transferred to Massey University's
Veterinary Hospital. He was allegedly stabbed by a 53-year-old
man who was running from Hastings police and stabbing himself.
Massey's soft tissue veterinary specialist Barbara Kirby has
examined Edge and is now operating on him. Edge's handler,
Senior Constable Dave Whyte, accompanied the dog to Palmerston
North with paramedics on Hawke's Bay's rescue helicopter.
Wednesday,07 June
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NO BUS RIDE FOR MICHAEL CULLEN
------------------------------
Michael Cullen has been quick to respond to the first demand
being made on him by the new co-leader of the Green party.
Russell Norman says the Finance Minister should come and see
him - and make the trip by bus. He says they can then discuss
the state of public transport and the Greens' concerns over
the amount the government plans to spend on roads. Dr Cullen
is happy to talk, but isn't so interested in the bus trip. He
says it would be cheaper and better for the environment, if
they just had a chat over the phone.
PHOTOGRAPHY TO BE SHOWCASED IN AUCKLAND
---------------------------------------
Aucklanders are likely to find works of art in odd places in
the coming weeks. The Auckland Festival of Photography is on
this week and all exhibitions are free. Festival Founder and
Director Julia Durkin says the event started in 2004 with
about 10 exhibitions and events - now there are around 50
right across the region. She says one of the strategies of the
festival is to allow new audiences to see art and part of that
is putting the exhibitions in different spaces. Venues include
the Tepid Baths and Avondale Bowling Club.
DEFENCE TO OPEN IN SEDITION TRIAL
---------------------------------
The defence will open its case this morning in the trial of an
Auckland man accused of publishing pamphlets with seditious
intent. Timothy Selwyn last year admitted to putting an axe
through the window of the Prime Minister's electorate office.
He is defending two charges of creating pamphlets calling for
civil disobedience. Selwyn claims the attack was in response
to the injustice Maori were facing with the Foreshore and
Seabed legislation. Yesterday, the Crown called a range of
witnesses, including journalists, forensic computer experts
and Police officers who investigated the attack. The Crown
says the pamphlets were left for media and were written with
the intention of encouraging other New Zealanders to commit
lawlessness.
DATE RAPE DRUG LEAVES COUPLE SERIOUSLY ILL
------------------------------------------
Police fear another shipment of the date-rape drug GHB has
come into the country. It follows an incident on Auckland's
North Shore on Monday night. A woman and a man were admitted
to hospital in serious condition, apparently after taking the
drug. North Shore police say the couple apparently took the
substance voluntarily, with champagne. Senior Sergeant Chris
Powell says the woman in particular was in a bad way and close
to death. He says they do not get a lot of GHB on the Shore,
so it appears a new shipment has arrived. Senior Sergeant
Powell says the drug comes in liquid form and is odourless,
but with a slightly salty taste.
ISLAMIC BANKING OFFERED AS ALTERNATIVE
-------------------------------------
Islamic banking is being offered as an alternative to those
sick of bank charges. New Zealand Asia Institute spokesman
Pradeep Kanthan says the financial system is based on the
belief that charging interest is a sin. He says that means
when the bank lends money to a small business, it doesn't
charge interest. But he says an open book of accounts is kept
and the bank shares in the profits of that business. Leading
experts in Islamic banking will address an Auckland University
lunch next week.
ANGER OVER DRIVE-THROUGH BROTHEL
--------------------------------
An Auckland man is furious the property next door is being
used as a drive-through brothel. Andre Le Roux of Papatoetoe
says the lot has been vacant for about a year and local
prostitutes have found it is a convenient place to conduct
their business. He says up to five cars a night drive round
the back of the house and park-up just metres from his bedroom
window. Mr Le Roux sometimes asks the couples to move on, but
says he has been copping some abuse. He says he is concerned
for the safety of his family and others in the neighbourhood.
CONCERN GROWS FOR WOUNDED POLICE DOG
------------------------------------
Hawke's Bay police dog Edge has made it through surgery but
vets say his injuries are more serious than first thought. The
dog is being looked after at Massey University's veterinary
hospital, following an operation that ran late yesterday. Dog
Supervisor Sergeant Al McRae says the latest report he has had
is that Edge is in a stable condition and has had a blood
transfusion. He says the next 24 hours will be crucial. Edge
was left critically injured after being stabbed several times
by a man who began to harm himself while running from police
near Hastings yesterday morning.
ASTRONOMICAL EVENT DRAWS SCIENTISTS TO CANTERBURY
-------------------------------------------------
International teams of astronomers will be gathering in
Christchurch next week to witness a rare astronomical event.
In the early hours of June 13, the occultation of a faint star
by Pluto will occur. Occultation is when the motion of the
Earth and Pluto bring the planets exactly in line with a faint
star and this causes the shadow of Pluto to track across the
earth. Astronomers are excited because the event gives them a
rare opportunity to study Pluto and its atmosphere.
Astronomers from France and the USA will gather at the
University of Canterbury's observatory at Mt. John to get the
best view in the world
STABBED POLICE DOG STABLISES
----------------------------
The condition of Edge, the Hawke's Bay police dog, has
stabilised. The two-year-old German Shepherd was stabbed at
least twice yesterday morning near Hastings. Edge was
initially flown to Havelock North and then Massey University
in Palmerston North to undergo more than three hours of
surgery. Veterinary surgeon Barbara Kirby says Edge is a very
lucky dog after one stab wound went through the chest,
narrowly missing his heart. She says Edge received a
transfusion of greyhound blood from the hospital's blood bank.
(If my count is accurate that's four items for a single dog. I
like dogs, but this sentimentality seems a bit over the top -
BH)
APPEARANCE IN COURT FOR TAME ITI
--------------------------------
Tame Iti has shown up at the Rotorua District Court, one day
after a judge threatened to have him arrested if he failed to
do so. Judge James Weir issued the warning after Iti failed to
attend a pre-trial hearing on firearms charges. The prominent
Maori activist's appearance this morning was brief, but there
was still a moment of drama. Judge Weir had to ask the 58-
year-old twice if he understood the trial process, to which
Iti eventually replied "I heard you". The trial begins next
week and is set down for five days. Iti is accused of
brandishing and firing a shotgun before members of the
Waitangi Tribunal at Ruatoki early last year.
ADVICE OVER BAIN APPEAL SOUGHT BY POLICE
----------------------------------------
Police are consulting with Crown Law over the decision to
allow a convicted mass murderer the right of appeal. David
Bain was jailed in 1995 after being found guilty of murdering
his whole family in Dunedin. Bain's lawyers have been granted
leave this morning, to appeal his conviction by The Privy
Council. The case is expected to be heard early next year. The
Office of the Police Commissioner will not provide comment on
the ruling just yet, citing the need to first see details of
the decision.
MANHUNT CONCERNS - POLICE
-------------------------
Police in south Auckland are searching for a terminally-ill
Mongrel Mob member who is armed and considered to be extremely
dangerous. There is a warrant out for the arrest of Tifiga
Atanoa in relation to a number of offences. Detective Senior
Sergeant Neil Grimstone says Atanoa has a number of firearms
and is committing crimes to fuel a massive methamphetamine
habit. Detective Senior Sergeant Grimstone says the man is
terminally ill with cancer and is therefore in a situation
where he does not have a lot to lose. Atanoa is described as a
33-year-old Polynesian, approximately 1.83 metres tall with a
large tumour on the side of his neck. Police are appealing to
the public - especially members of the criminal fraternity -
for information.
TWO IN COURT OVER BOY'S DEATH
-----------------------------
Two men charged with reckless driving causing the death of a
12-year-old boy have appeared in the Taupo District Court.
Mani Wall died on New Year's Eve last year after he was hit by
a southbound car on State Highway One. One of the men has been
charged, despite his car not actually hitting the victim.
AUCKLAND TAXI FIRM LOSES LICENCE
--------------------------------
Auckland taxi operator Economy Taxis has lost its licence. A
Land Transport New Zealand investigation has uncovered several
serious breaches of the taxi regulations, including false
rosters and false logbook entries. LTNZ has also found drivers
operating with expired Certificates of Fitness and drivers
licences, and without Passenger Service Licences. It says it
found a general lack of control by company management over its
members and drivers, to the extent Economy Taxis couldn't give
an accurate figure of how many taxis were operating in its
fleet. Any Economy taxis found operating will now be ordered
off the road.
DRUGS RAID IN HAMILTON
----------------------
Ten people have been arrested following raids on three
Hamilton houses, believed to be linked to the manufacture of
methamphetamine. Eight search warrants were executed with the
assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad this morning, in
relation to firearms offences, stolen property, car thefts and
thefts of property from vehicles. Police found chemicals and
equipment in the houses in Norton Road in the suburb of
Frankton, and Pine Avenue in the suburb of Melville. They say
the chemicals could be used for the manufacture of
methamphetamine. Detective Inspector Pete Devoy says they are
not full-scale meth labs but ESR staff from Auckland have been
called in.
Thursday, 08 June
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HELP SOUGHT IN HUNT FOR GANG MEMBER
-----------------------------------
Police are appealing to south Auckland's criminal community to
help them find an armed Mongrel Mob member with little to
lose. Tifiga Atanoa is wanted in connection with a number of
crimes. He is considered extremely dangerous and should not be
approached. Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Grimstone believes
Atanoa is in possession of a number of firearms and is
committing crimes to finance his methamphetamine habit. He
says the Mongrel Mob member is dying of cancer.
PLUNKETLINE GETS A LIFELINE
---------------------------
PlunketLine has found temporary funding allowing it to exist
after July. McKesson was recently awarded the contract to run
the helpline in conjunction with Healthline from July the
first. That upset Plunket and many of its supporters who vowed
to keep PlunketLine alive. President Kaye Crowther says the
Plunket board has agreed to pay for the helpline until more
permanent funding can be found. She says the board funding has
been committed until Christmas. PlunketLine's number remains
the same - 0800 933 922
COUNTRY'S BIGGEST SHOPPING CENTRE OPENS IN AUCKLAND
---------------------------------------------------
Sylvia Park is being touted as not just being more of the
same. The Auckland shopping centre, which will be the
country's biggest, opens today. Developers Kiwi Income
Property Trust says 57 shops will open their doors. Chief
Executive Angus McNaughton says that is just a taste of what
is to come and by the end of August around 200 stores will be
open, including eight Australian retailers not seen in New
Zealand before. He says that includes top women's clothes
stores Kookai and Roxy. Mr McNaughton says the whole project
is expected to be completed by late next year at a total cost
of nearly 400 million dollars.
(And oh what chaos followed. Bargain hunters from all over
Auckland flocked to Sylvia park and caused monumental gridlock
on the surrounding motorways and arterial routes. Journeys
that normally took 10 minutes were taking over two hours.
Estimates of losses to other businesses run into the millions
- BH)
CALLOUS ATTACKS BY YOUTHS
-------------------------
Hastings police are searching for two groups involved in what
are being described as callous attacks. The first involved a
32-year-old woman who was set upon by a large group of teenage
girls, while she was walking in Mahora yesterday afternoon.
She was chased by four of the teens into York Street where she
was assaulted with a blunt weapon. The woman made her way to
Hawke's Bay Hospital to have treatment on cuts and bruising.
The second attack involved two 15-year-old female high school
students, who were walking on Gascoigne Street just after
three o'clock.
THEY WERE CONFRONTED BY FIVE YOUTHS.
------------------------------------
One of the girls was grabbed around the throat and forced to
hand over her bike. Senior Sergeant Greg Brown says the
assaults are part of a growing trend towards youth violence.
Police are seeking witnesses to both incidents.
MORE TAXI OPERATORS EXPECTED TO FALL
------------------------------------
It is predicted that more companies will follow the Auckland
taxi outfit which has been ordered off the road. Land
Transport New Zealand has revoked the operating licence of
Economy Taxis, taking about 300 cars out of operation.
Investigations found serious breaches of taxi regulations,
including operators driving while disqualified and without a
passenger service licence. Taxi Federation executive director
Tim Reddish believes more companies will go the same way as
Land Transport increases its enforcement activity. He adds
that with the taxi industry so overcrowded, it will not be bad
thing. A 72-year-old Northland woman who has had her nose
surgically removed because of cancer has been told she will
not get a prosthetic replacement in the near future because
she is too old. Kaitaia man Peter Burson is taking up her
cause, saying the treatment she is receiving from the health
system is disgraceful. He says an 18-year-old man who received
serious burns to his face in a methamphetamine explosion - and
was in hospital at the same time as the woman - got his
replacement nose in only six weeks. The woman has a hole in
her face where her nose used to be and she is too embarrassed
to go out in public. Mr Burson is taking up her case with
Northland MP John Carter.
BID TO KEEP OPEN BOARDING HOUSE
-------------------------------
The owners of a Paraparaumu boarding house are trying to find
ways of raising enough money to keep the facility open. Pam
Watson and her boarders were moved out after Kapiti Coast
District Council inspectors found extensive mould and rot in
several rooms and no fire exits or escapes. Ms Watson says she
is just doing the maths to find out if she can afford a
mortgage, to pay for the repair work. She says builders have
told her there is probably 60 to 70 thousand dollars worth of
repairs needed for the house to bring it up to standard.
ALLEGATIONS FLY OVER CAB DECISION
---------------------------------
The owner of Economy Taxis plans to lay a complaint with the
Human Rights Commission over his treatment by Land Transport
New Zealand. An LTNZ investigation has shut down his operation
for shoddy practices, putting his 300-strong fleet off the
road. But Pakistani owner Rafaqat Raja says he has been
harassed for being a foreign-born head of one of the country's
biggest taxi companies. Mr Raja says taxi companies rely on
drivers to be honest about things such as their immigration
status and have no power to check such issues. He says when
one company terminates a dishonest driver, they join another
company within five minutes. Mr Raja says it should be LTNZ's
job to check such details, but they put the responsibility on
the shoulders of the taxi firms.
HICCUP IN POLICE DOG'S RECOVERY
-------------------------------
The police dog stabbed near Hastings earlier this week has had
to have a second blood transfusion. Edge remains at the animal
hospital at Massey University in Palmerston North, after
Tuesday's attack. Police say the transfusion followed some
minor internal bleeding and the dog came through well. Vet
staff are still cautiously optimistic about his recovery. His
handler has managed a few hours' sleep, but has been by the
dog's side since the attack. There's no word on when Edge will
be well enough to return to duty.
(That's five! - BH)
SEDITION TRIAL JURY OUT
------------------------
An Auckland jury has retired to consider its verdict in the
case of the man accused of publishing pamphlets with seditious
intent. Earlier, the jury was given some food for thought in
the rare sedition case. It is now considering whether two
pamphlets distributed by Timothy Selwyn contain seditious
intent. The 32-year-old has already pleaded guilty to putting
an axe through the Prime Minister's electorate office window
in 2004. The Crown argues that the pamphlets meet the sedition
requirements of inciting lawlessness or disorder as readers
are led to infer that they too should axe windows or something
similar. But the defence highlights a good faith provision
which states dissent in a democracy is only seditious if it
descends to violence or lawlessness. Counsel Mark Edgar says
the attack was unlawful but not lawless as it did not denote
violence and was rather a one-off symbolic act.
COUNSELLORS CALLED IN BY SCHOOL
-------------------------------
Counsellors have been brought in to a Gisborne school, after
one of its student was killed riding his bike. The 11-year-old
was hit by a truck at a roundabout on his way to school this
morning. He was a year seven student at Campion College. A
school spokesman says specialist counsellors are working with
students in the boy's class to help them come to terms with
the tragedy. Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed
this morning's accident.
TRACTOR ACCIDENT KILLS MAN
--------------------------
A 56-year-old Central Hawke's Bay farm worker has been killed.
The accident happened at around 10am near Waipawa while the
man was working on a tractor. Sergeant Dennis Tatere says the
tractor has been recovered and taken back to a garage in
Waipawa. Police crews are still at the scene and OSH
inspectors are also investigating.
SEDITION TRIAL VERDICT
----------------------
The man who attacked the Prime Minister's electorate office
with an axe has been found guilty of one charge of publishing
with seditious intent and not guilty on another. The pamphlets
were distributed after 32-year-old Timothy Selwyn put an axe
through the Helen Clark's electorate office window in November
2004.
FOODSTUFFS' STAKE IN WAREHOUSE
------------------------------
Foodstuffs has increased its stake in "The Red Shed" to 5.1
percent, at the close of its offer to buy a ten percent share.
The top supermarket chain's $5-per-share offer for the Red
Shed closed at 5pm today. Shares in the Warehouse have closed
down 0.39 of one percent at $5.06, after jumping 30 percent
yesterday when Foodstuffs announced its intentions. It appears
Warehouse shareholders were not convinced the five dollar
offer was fair value for the stock. At one stage the shares
were trading at $5.13, before easing back to $5.05 early this
afternoon. The Red Shed entered the grocery market today,
opening at the Sylvia Park mega-mall in the Auckland suburb of
Mt Wellington..
Friday, 09 June
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NO CHARGES AFTER BOY RUN OVER
-----------------------------
Rangiora police says no charges will be laid against a driver
or the parents of a 13-month old boy who was hit by a car in
his driveway last month. The child was struck by a reversing
vehicle that was being driven by one of the parent's work
mates. The boy suffered a broken neck, leg and head injuries
and is still recovering in Starship Hospital in Auckland.
Senior Sergeant Peter Cooper says following an investigation,
the driver of the vehicle will not face charges and says
police found no evidence of neglect by the parents.
EXTRAORDINARY VERDICT IN SEDITION CASE
--------------------------------------
The guilty verdict handed down to Timothy Selwyn is being seen
by some as extraordinary. The 32-year-old was found guilty on
one charge of publishing a pamphlet with seditious intent and
not guilty on another. Criminal law expert Scott Optican says
he has never heard of a prosecution for a seditious pamphlet
being brought. He believes it is free speech to call for
lawless action and only becomes sedition when that call is for
immediate action and is capable of producing results. Mr
Optican says Selwyn has been found guilty of sedition for an
act of free speech.
TRIAL ORDERED DESPITE GUILTY PLEA
---------------------------------
A complicated legal journey lies ahead for the man who has
pleaded guilty to the murder of a Christchurch prostitute.
Peter Waihape pleaded guilty at the High Court in Christchurch
yesterday to the murder of the sex-worker in December last
year. The 29-year-old also pleaded guilty to the kidnapping
and rape of another woman. He will appear in the High Court in
August for sentencing on these charges. However Waihape will
defend charges of kidnapping and rape in the case of the
murdered woman, whose name is suppressed. He will appear in
court on the seventh of July so a trial date can be set out
for him to face those charges.
WARNING ISSUED OVER DOWN'S TEST
-------------------------------
Doctors, midwives and laboratories throughout the country are
being warned of new concerns over antenatal screening for
Down's syndrome. A report on the current practice of
amniocentesis in New Zealand suggests more normal pregnancies
may be adversely affected by the procedure than the numbers of
Down's syndrome foetuses detected. The Ministry of Health has
sent letters to health professionals highlighting the
concerns. Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling is an
invasive test which carries a risk of miscarriage of between
point five and one per cent. The Ministry is concerned the
tests are being provided to women who may not have an
increased chance of having a child with Down's syndrome and
who have not been informed about the risk of losing their baby
because of the test.
HUGE MESS FROM PET FOOD SPILL
-----------------------------
It has taken nine hours to clear Auckland's southern motorway
at Redoubt Road after several tonnes of pet food was spilled
over the road. The pet food came from a truck that hit a lamp
post, a car and a bridge about 9.30 last night. The clean-up
operation was made more difficult by rain that turned the
spillage into a slushy mess.
SOUTH AUCKLAND RAPIST TO BE SENTENCED
-------------------------------------
The 18-year-old convicted of the rape and attempted murder of
a 14-year-old south Auckland girl is being sentenced today.
David Mamea was last month found guilty of the 2004 New Year's
Eve attack. He had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of
aggravated robbery. But he pleaded not guilty to the rape and
attempted murder charges, claiming he was forced to stab the
girl by a group of men who held him at gunpoint. The jury
found Mamea guilty of those charges, but not guilty of being a
party to rape, which relates to an unknown accomplice. Mamea
faces a maximum prison term of 20 years on the rape charge and
14 years on each of the attempted murder and aggravated
robbery charges.
AOS CALLOUT LEADS TO TWO ARRESTS
--------------------------------
Two Southland men will face drugs and firearms charges after
an Armed Offenders Squad call out early yesterday Armed
officers was called to a Wallacetown house after a local
resident heard shots and saw a person carrying a firearm. A
police spokesman they surrounded the Dunlop street house where
a 28-year-old man surrendered and has since been charged with
drug offences and unlawful possession of a firearm The 22-
year-old was arrested at a different address and has faces
several firearms charges. Police say alcohol was a factor in
the incident. It has been a busy time for the Invercargill
Armed Offenders Squad with five call outs in the last couple
of weeks
SCHOOL CANCELS DANCE TO STOP PARTY
----------------------------------
The Christchurch secondary school which has cancelled its
school dance, says it had no choice. Rangi Ruru senior
students were planning to hold the function this weekend, with
some girls spending hundreds of dollars on their outfits.
However spokeswoman Carolyn Murgatroyd says the school was
warned earlier this week of a planned after-party gathering
for up to 800 kids from across the city. She says the school
and the students who organised the dance then made the
decision to can the event, because of concerns for the safety
of partygoers. Ms Murgatroyd admits some students are not
happy with the decision.
(Many who were not going to the dance are now going to the
party anyway - BH)
SEDITIOUS MATERIAL REPUBLISHED ON INTERNET
------------------------------------------
The Auckland man found guilty of publishing pamphlets with
seditious intent may be in further trouble for republishing
the material on his website. Timothy Selwyn is due to be
sentenced next month, after a jury found a line in the
pamphlets was an act of sedition. The line called on like-
minded New Zealanders to take similar action, after he had put
an axe through the window of the Prime Minister's electorate
office. An exact transcript of the offending material has now
been republished on his website.
ETHNIC INEQUALITIES BLAMED ON TOBACCO
-------------------------------------
New research shows making New Zealand smoke-free would reduce
ethnic inequalities. An Otago University study titled Decades
of Disparity has today been published online in the
international medical journal The Lancet. It shows up to ten
percent of the gap in death rates between Maori and non-Maori
non-pacific people aged between 45 and 74 is attributed to
tobacco smoking. Lead author, Associate Professor Tony
Blakely, says tobacco control in New Zealand is an extremely
important public health move. He says not only does each
ethnic group win, it would also reduce the racial inequalities
in this country.
PROSTITUTES COLLECTIVE WELCOME PLEA
-----------------------------------
The Prostitutes Collective is welcoming the guilty plea of the
man accused of murdering a sex-worker but is perplexed by
pleas on not guilty to other charges. Twenty-nine-year-old
Peter Waihape pleaded guilty yesterday at the High Court in
Christchurch to the murder of a sex-worker in December last
year. In a surprise move, however, he denies charges of raping
and kidnapping the prostitute but has admitted the same
charges in relation to another woman. Prostitutes collective
spokeswoman Anna Reid says she is surprised by the denial of
the other charges. She says it seems odd that he has pleaded
guilty to some charges and not others and at this point its
hard to make head or tale of it.
CANCER PATIENTS FACE DELAYS
---------------------------
Cancer patients face treatment delays as radiation therapists
go on a three day strike over stalled pay negotiations. They
are seeking a five percent pay rise, but DHBs maintain
previously negotiated pay increases, which kick in this year,
already constitute a three percent pay increase. District
Health Board spokesman Murray Georgel says non-union radio
therapists will be covering essential services. He says they
have negotiated with the union for more radio therapists to
lend a hand for emergency treatment if required. Mr Georgel
says essential treatment for 164 patients will continue but
330 patients will have their treatment deferred.
DERAILMENT DAMAGES MAIN TRUNK LINE
----------------------------------
A wagon derailment on the main trunk line in North Canterbury
near Waipara yesterday has damaged the line, causing delays
for train services. Toll New Zealand spokeswoman Sue Foley
says at around six o'clock last night a grain-carrying wagon
on a freight train derailed. She says the incident has
impacted on passenger train service to Picton, and buses have
had to be arranged for pre-booked passengers. Sue Foley says
work on the line is expected to be completed this afternoon.
MAMEA JAILED FOR 16 YEARS
-------------------------
David Mamea has been sentenced to 16 years in prison with a
minimum non-parole period of 10 years. The 18-year-old was
last month found guilty of the rape and attempted murder of a
14-year-old south Auckland girl. He denied the charges,
claiming he was held at gunpoint by a group of men and forced
to stab the girl. Earlier he had pleaded guilty to a charge of
aggravated robbery. Crown prosecutor Steve Haszard had asked
Justice Lang to take into consideration the impact the crime
has had on the victim and her family, and Mamea's refusal to
name his co-offender. Defence lawyer Mary Tuilotolava says
Mamea is keeping his co-offender's identity secret as he fears
for his and his family's safety.
GREENS WANT SEDITION LAWS REVIEWED
----------------------------------
The Greens are calling for a review of the country's sedition
laws. The party is making its claim after Aucklander Tim
Selwyn was found guilty of publishing with seditious intent
yesterday. The offending pamphlet saw Selwyn call on other New
Zealanders to take similar action to his, when he put an axe
through the Prime Minister's electorate office window.
Spokesman Keith Locke says the country seems to be going back
to the dark old days when sedition was used to suppress
political dissent. He says we might next see farmers facing
charges for encouraging others not to get their dogs
microchipped.
NATIONAL ATTACK BACKFIRES
-------------------------
The Minister of Health is attacking his opposition counterpart
over funding for frontline hospital staff. It follows attempts
by National MP Tony Ryall to expose growing bureaucracy within
the health sector. Health Minister Pete Hodgson says the
efforts have backfired as hiring figures show three times as
many doctors and nurses have been hired than administration
and management staff under the Labour Government. He says he
appreciates Tony Ryall's help in putting the great health
bureaucrat myth to rest.
MOTHER APPEALS TO FUGITIVE
--------------------------
The mother of a wanted south Auckland fugitive has made an
emotional appeal for her son to give himself up. Tifiga Atanoa
is wanted in connection with a number of crimes. He is
described as a terminally-ill and an armed gang member with a
P addiction. Atanoa's mother Nia is pleading for her son to
come forward, saying he has angered and shamed the family. She
says they want to see him so that he will not have to be shot
by police. Nia Atanoa says her son needs to be humble and come
forward so he can see a doctor and be dealt with by police
officers. South Auckland police believe Atanoa is armed and
using methamphetamine. Police think he is using motel units in
south Auckland as a safe haven and are asking moteliers to be
extra vigilant.
SENTENCE PLEASES POLICE
-----------------------
South Auckland police are pleased with the sentence handed
down to a teenager who stabbed a 14-year-old girl ten times
before raping her. David Mamea has been sentenced to 16 years
in prison, with a minimum non-parole period of 10 years; he
was found guilty of the crimes in April. He had earlier
pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary. At this afternoon's
sentencing Justice Graham Lang said he took into account the
fact Mamea has shown little remorse and that he refuses to
name his co-offender who also raped the girl. Detective Senior
Sergeant Sue Schwalger says this is everyone's worst nightmare
and it has ruined the victim's life. She says Mamea now has
plenty of time to reflect on what he done. She says police
have not given up on finding the second man. Detective Senior
Sergeant Schwalger says this has ruined the victim's life, and
Mamea still holds the power to help her by telling police the
other man's identity. She says the victim is happy Mamea has
been put away so he cannot do this to anyone else, but the
girl still lives in fear of Mamea's co-offender, who remains
at large.
WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO INCEST
-----------------------------
A Christchurch woman jointly charged with her husband has
pleaded guilty to committing incest with her 17-year-old
daughter. In the District Court this afternoon the 46-year-old
woman pleaded guilty to having a sexual connection with her
daughter. The Crown alleged the offending took place between
February and July last year, when the young woman moved back
to live with her parents. Meanwhile a report will be conducted
to determine whether the complainant's 48-year-old father is
fit to stand trial. The man suffered a stroke earlier this
year. The 46-year-old woman will be sentenced on July 7.
MCDONALD'S TARGETED BY UNION
----------------------------
McDonald's burger restaurant chain is now the target of the
Unite union's 'Upsize My Pay' campaign. Workers and their
families and friends with placards have been gathering outside
Auckland's Point Chevalier McDonald's for a two-hour protest
against low pay. Union spokesman Joe Carolan they are seeking
a $12 an hour minimum wage, secure hours and the abolition of
youth rates, but he says McDonalds is still offering the bare
minimum wages and conditions to workers and refusing to
bargain seriously. The union recently successfully negotiated
a better pay deal with Restaurant Brands for workers at Pizza
Hut, Starbucks and KFC.
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