WYSIWYG NEWS - 19 November, 2006

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 19 November, 2006 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer.  

After travelling the parched landscape between Sydney and 
Brisbane less than two weeks ago, the green and somewhat over-
watered road between Wellington and Wanganui is a shocking 
contrast. We set out on Friday morning in pouring rain, and 
got as far as Pauatahanui when we encountered a pair of police 
cars with lights flashing and an "Accident" sign on the road. 
The young police officer suggested we take the Paekakariki 
Hill road. Being a suggestible sort of fellow, I did, and was 
driving at a sedate speed along that narrow winding road when 
I began to wonder why no traffic was behind me. I suspect that 
others who were stopped may have taken the more sensible 
southern side of the Pauatahanui inlet and joined SH1 at 
Plimmerton. For my part, as we climbed through mist and  
driving rain to the summit of the hill, I was worrying about 
rejoining the main highway at Paekakariki, crossing the city 
bound traffic towards the end of the morning rush hour. The 
cloud was so thick that nothing was visible beyond the 
boundary rail, and visibility did not really improve until we 
were about 50 metres from that notorious intersection. My 
fears proved groundless, and there were no cars in either 
direction, so we were on our way once more. The new overpass 
at Queen Elizabeth Park is nearing completion, and I imagine a 
few months more should see an end to the queues on that 
horrible narrow strip between there and Paekakariki. The 
journey through Paraparaumu, Waikanae and Te Horo was 
unremarkable. By Otaki, the rain had cleared and a watery form 
of sunshine made the view more attractive. Wild flowers 
everywhere set off the lush green of the pastoral landscape. 
Stock grazed contentedly, and we made steady progress until 
just before Levin where we had the misfortune to catch up with 
a segment of a house on a big house removal trailer. It must 
have been a very powerful truck. We could see the belch of its 
exhaust stack above the house roof, and hear the bellow of its 
engine. By our estimate, the cost of shifting what seemed to 
me to be a tatty lean-to must have far exceeded its value. It 
had a plastic cat door in the glass panelled rear door, and 
gauze curtains fluttered out of improperly closed windows. 
Fragments of builders paper broke off at the ragged end of the 
building and swirled in the slipstream as the wide load made 
fairly brisk progress northward. Two other trucks carrying 
large buildings Southwards made for interesting travelling as 
each truck moved as far to the left as possible to let the 
oncoming load pass. I wondered briefly if we were becoming a 
nation of snails carrying our shells around with us. 
Fortunately the truck pulled off the road short of the 
Whirikino trestle while its pilot truck went ahead to stop 
oncoming traffic since the house would occupy the entire width 
of the long narrow two lane bridge. Soon after that, we too 
pulled off the road for a good cup of coffee at the excellent 
"Laughing Fox" café in Foxton. By the time we emerged 
refreshed, the truck and its wide load had long gone and we 
didn't see it again. The Foxton straights have become somewhat 
civilised, with several formal passing bays along its length. 
At Sanson the rain resumed in spades. Or is that buckets? The 
wipers on full speed barely maintained visibility and it felt 
more like midwinter than early summer. Vehicles all had their 
headlights on, and as a driving experience, it was most 
unpleasant. Needless to say, no mountains were visible on this 
trip. Indeed we were just barely aware of the green grass or 
newly planted soil adjacent to the road. In places, there was 
a degree of ponding on the road and in the small towns of 
Turakina and Whangaehu, I imagine there was some tension as 
they have suffered badly from flooding in extreme weather 
events recently. It was still raining as we pulled into 
Wanganui with its welcoming boards proudly proclaiming its 
slogan "Well worth the journey". 
 
---- 
Any text above this point, and all subsequent material in 
parentheses, and concluded with the initials "BH" is the 
personal opinion of Brian Harmer as editor of this newsletter, 
or occasionally "GS" will indicate an opinion from our 
editorial assistant. In all cases they are honest expressions 
of personal opinion, and are not presented as fact.  
 
All news items (except where noted otherwise) are reproduced 
by kind permission of copyright owner, Newstalk ZB News. All 
copyright in the news items reproduced remains the property of 
The Radio Network Limited.  
 
This edition of the news is sponsored by 

----  
On with the News.  

Monday, 13 November 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EDEN PARK"SAFER OPTION"-BUT NOT DONE DEAL
-----------------------------------------

The Finance Minister admits Eden Park is a safer option than 
the waterfront for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. But Michael 
Cullen says that hardly makes it a done deal and the better 
option. He says it has still got to complete a consents and 
design process and Eden Park will be looking for a large 
amount of money from the Government. Dr Cullen says that is 
why he changed his mind towards the end of last week to favour 
the waterfront option. He says the issue is not "Do we spend 
money on the waterfront stadium?". Michael Cullen says money 
will be spent anyway, so the issue is which is the better 
long-term value in terms of a New Zealand-wide investment in a 
stadium in Auckland. 
 
(By the end of the week, I was sick to death of the Stadium. 
What I resent more than anything is that the debate over the 
relative merits of the two main contending sites has 
overshadowed the fundamental question. By what mandate does 
the government plan to spend large chunks of taxpayer money 
for a football stadium in Auckland. As far as I know, no such 
enthusiasm was seen while Wellington's stadium was being 
built, or Jade stadium being upgraded in Christchurch. And I 
bet the project to replace Carisbrook in Dunedin would welcome 
a share of it. I do not understand the concept of a "national 
stadium". - BH)

TIGHTENING OVER TERTIARY LOANS
------------------------------

There is to be a tightening up on the tertiary student loans 
scheme by the Government to catch tens of thousands of 
debtors. Currently loan holders residing in the country get 
the loans interest free, but those that go overseas have to 
pay interest. It has seen incentives raised for loan holders 
to leave the country without telling Inland Revenue and 
thereby avoid meeting their interest payments. The Government 
estimates there are around 40,000 such borrowers. Tertiary 
Education Minister Dr Michael Cullen says data sharing will 
now be allowed between Inland Revenue and the Customs 
Department meaning only those entitled to interest free loans 
will be able to access them.

GOVERNMENT CRITICISED OVER OIL FOR FOOD ALLEGATIONS
---------------------------------------------------

The Government is being criticised for the way officials have 
handled investigations into Oil for Food corruption 
allegations involving Iraq and three New Zealand companies. 
The OECD Working Group on Bribery says it is hard to see how a 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade file review of the 
activities of JB Sales Limited and Ecroyd Beekeeping Supplies 
provide any basis for meaningful statements about their 
behaviour. Last November Foreign Minister Winston Peters said 
there had been no evidence of wrongdoing. At the time he also 
said Fonterra had no involvement, despite the fact one of its 
major customers, Vietnam based Vietnam Dairy products, resold 
Fonterra products to Iraq. The Working Group highlights this 
area and says it has concerns about the absence of any law 
enforcement investigation into the allegations. 
 
(I sincerely hope that this proves to be false. I still retain 
a great deal of admiration for our dairy industry. - BH)

WORRIES OVER HOUSE PRICE INCREASE
---------------------------------

Unions are concerned that the latest increase in house prices 
is being described as relatively low. Figures from Government 
valuation agency Quotable Value show that house prices rose 
9.6 percent in the three months ended October 31 from a year 
earlier. It is the ninth consecutive month that house prices 
have slowed and the slowest annual pace since January 2005. 
Council of Trade Unions economist Peter Conway says the 
figures show how far out of reach buying a home has become for 
many people. He says in contrast, wages have risen by an 
average of just 3.2 percent in the last year, which is one 
third of the increase in house prices. He says the median 
house price is now six times the median wage, when three times 
is seen as an affordable level. He is also pointing out that 
in the past 15 years the average household debt has risen from 
60 percent of disposable income to nearly 170 percent.

SPOTTY TEENS "SUICIDAL OVER ACNE"
---------------------------------

Researchers have found a disturbing number of teenagers have 
suicidal thoughts because of their bad complexion. The 
Auckland University study looked at around 10,000 secondary 
school students. It found 34 percent of adolescents with 
problem acne say they have thought about killing themselves. 
The students also reported high rates of depressive symptoms 
and anxiety. Study author Peter Watson says there is 
increasing recognition of the link between skin disease and 
mental health.

PUSH FOR THE CANTERBURY BUS
---------------------------

A full-scale campaign is under way to get Canterbury residents 
onto the buses. Environment Canterbury has begun an 
advertising campaign which aims to highlight the advantages of 
using the bus. ECan chairwoman of public passenger transport 
Nicky Wagner says the key message in the Metro bus campaign is 
the reliability, convenience and economy of the Metro system. 
She says it has to be as quick, efficient and cheap as a car 
system. Ms Wagner says the great thing about a bus is you do 
not have to park it, you do not have to clean it, insure it or 
fill it up. 
 
(Of course you have to wait for one to come. When it does 
come, it may not take you where you want to go. You may have 
to sit next to people who make you feel unsafe. - BH)

SAMOANS HIGHEST OVERSTAYERS
---------------------------

Samoans top the list when it comes to the number of 
overstayers. Official Department of Labour estimates have been 
released by the Government. They show that as of October 31, 
2005 there were more than 3,000 Samoan overstayers in the 
country. Chinese make up the second most numerous group, 
Tongans the third and British the fourth.

Tuesday, 14 November 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PERSONAL SAFETY CHECKS ON CARS
------------------------------

Your car may not be as safe as you believe. State Insurance 
has carried out a major review of personal security car 
ratings and discovered many popular cars - such as the Holden 
Barina, the Jeep Wrangler Sport and Toyota Hilux - are 
lacking. Basic tests on facilities such as panic buttons, 
lighting and locking were carried out on 120 models. 
Researcher Adam MacBeth says this first survey will have some 
influence on what people buy. He says consumers should be able 
to make the most informed decision they can when they purchase 
a new vehicle and personal security is definitely something 
that should be considered. He says that matters as much as 
other functions on the vehicle. The survey found the Land 
Rover Discovery and Range Rovers scored the highest for 
personal safety and security.

FRAUDS WON'T BE ALLOWED TO CHEAT ON LOANS
-----------------------------------------

The Government is giving little away about allegations prison 
inmates have been defrauding the student loan scheme. It has 
been alleged inmates have registered as students by forging 
official prison endorsements and applied for loans, course 
related costs, and even student allowances. It is understood 
the practice has spread among a number of prisons. Responding 
to opposition questions in Parliament, Education Minister 
Steve Maharey confirmed matters are under investigation, but 
declined to comment on them as the issue is yet to go to 
trial. He has offered cast iron assurances at the abilities of 
the Ministry of Social Development to catch fraudsters. He 
says at no time does the Ministry accept any case of fraud and 
it always gets its money back.

DIGITAL TV OFFERS FOR CHOICE SAYS TVNZ
--------------------------------------

Television New Zealand viewers are being promised more local 
content on two new commercial-free digital channels. The 
government is pumping $79 million more into the state 
broadcaster to establish the channels, which should be up and 
running by late next year. One channel will be dedicated to 
news, current affairs, sports and documentaries. The other is 
to be aimed at children, families and people with a strong 
interest in arts and drama. TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis 
says viewers will get more choice and freedom. 
 
(While in Australia, I enjoyed commercial free TV, and wished 
we had it here. - BH)

DIABETES EXTINCTION CLAIM "TOO DRAMATIC"
----------------------------------------

Claims from across the Tasman that Polynesian races face 
extinction from diabetes seem a little too dramatic for our 
Health Minister. Monash University's Professor Paul Zimmet has 
pointed to rising rates of diabetes among indigenous 
communities, and has predicted without urgent action some risk 
being wiped out by the end of this century. Health Minister 
Pete Hodgson says diabetes is a serious health issue but he is 
reluctant to accept such dire predictions. He says diabetes is 
a serious condition for Polynesian people for genetic reasons 
and its impact on Maori and Pacific Island communities cannot 
be underestimated.

GREENS SUPPORT STUDENT LOANS SHAKE UP
-------------------------------------

The Green Party is supporting a shake up of the student loans 
system. The Government has announced there will be information 
sharing between Inland Revenue and Customs to prevent loan 
holders going overseas and not meeting their obligations to 
pay interest on loans. Green Party Education spokesman Metiria 
Turei is endorsing the move. She says it will allow students 
to not only go on their OE, but also encourage them to return 
home. Ms Turei says under the old system students leaving the 
country ended up with huge repayment problems, with interest 
and penalties to pay.

HOSPITALS WORK TOGETHER AMID STRIKE
-----------------------------------

Health boards in the greater Wellington region are working 
together to cope with the 10-day strike by radiographers. 
Workers are again citing pay and conditions as the main 
reasons for walking off the job, following a three-day strike 
in September. Contingency plan national coordinator Anne 
Aitcheson says Capital and Coast and Hutt Valley district 
health boards are doing all they can to minimise the 
disruption to patients. She says Wellington, Kenepuru and Hutt 
hospitals are combining resources to smooth the transition of 
patients around the area. Ms Aitcheson says while the hassle 
of having to move hospitals or see private providers is 
unavoidable, it is hoped the strike by around 260 
radiographers at seven DHBs will be over as soon as possible. 
The strike is due to end next Monday.

STADIUM FOUNDATION MAY BRING CHALLENGES
---------------------------------------

Engineers believe the foundation will be the biggest challenge 
if the $497 million waterfront stadium is built in Auckland. 
Fletcher Construction has been awarded the contract to build 
the platform for the Rugby World Cup venue, on a non-contested 
basis. It is the only firm in New Zealand with a balance sheet 
big enough to tender, without bringing in an overseas partner. 
Andrew Cleland, chief executive of the Institute of 
Professional Engineers, says the foundation of Stadium New 
Zealand could represent the biggest challenge, as ground 
conditions are discovered. He says a new design could be 
required. Mr Cleland says a positive development is that a 
large number of overseas of engineering graduates and 
construction workers have been returning to New Zealand 
recently. Meanwhile, the Green Party is demanding an urgent 
debate in Parliament on the stadium issue. MP Keith Locke is 
concerned the waterfront proposal is being railroaded through 
and believes it has the potential to become a money pit. He 
says Parliament needs to discuss the issue, particularly given 
public opposition in Auckland. 
 
(I think the public opposition in Auckland is like a flock of 
starlings. It seems to swoop and wheel and follow wherever the 
media leads it. - BH)

TOURISTS ADVISED TO TAKE SAFETY MEASURES
----------------------------------------

Tourism New Zealand says the abduction of a young Dutch couple 
at gunpoint does little for the country's reputation as a 
tourist destination. Police are still searching for the two 
men who kidnapped the tourists at Haruru Falls near Paihia in 
the Bay of Islands and drove them around in their campervan. 
The woman was sexually assaulted and some of the couple's 
possessions were stolen. Tourism New Zealand spokeswoman Cas 
Carter says because the country is considered a safe 
destination, some visitors do not take the safety precautions 
they would in other countries. However, she says that does not 
excuse what has happened to the Dutch couple. Ms Carter says 
Tourism New Zealand is promoting the message that visitors 
should take the necessary precautions to keep themselves safe. 
 
(I understand that there was a sign warning people not to camp 
in the area, though I doubt the anticipated risk was what 
eventuated. If the perpetrators are caught, I think they may 
anticipate a rough ride, They have embarrassed the people of 
New Zealand in a big way, and most people seem to feel that we 
owe some recompense to the young couple. - BH)

INTERNET JOB ADS TAKING OFF
---------------------------

A surge in internet-based job advertising has taken the job 
vacancy rate in the September quarter to a new high of 10.1 
percent. The job vacancy rate measures job advertising as a 
proportion of employment. Internet ads recorded a vacancy rate 
of 5.5 percent compared with 4.6 percent for newspapers. ANZ 
economist Steve Edwards says it is the first time internet ads 
have overtaken traditional newspaper-based ads. He says it 
reflects a tight job market with an increasing number of 
employers resorting to the wider and quicker reach of the 
internet to attract the right candidate.

Wednesday, 15 November 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE INDUSTRIAL ACTION IN HEALTH SERVICE
----------------------------------------

While the junior doctors have settled their pay dispute, the 
health sector is about to face more disruption. Med lab staff, 
including those working for DHBs, the Blood Service and 
private labs, are planning to strike for seven days from 
November 29. DHB spokesman Gordon Davies says it will have a 
huge impact on patients, including the postponement of 
surgery. He admits chances of an early settlement are not 
good, with the DHBs offering a 5.4 percent pay increase over 
two years and the union demanding 20 percent. He says that is 
a huge gap and one the DHBs cannot afford to plug.

CAUTIOUS SUPPORT FOR NEW AIRLINE
--------------------------------

Travel agents are cautiously supporting a mysterious new 
Nelson-based airline. Kiwi Pacific has announced it will 
commence passenger, freight and charter operations from early 
next month. It says it will fly between New Zealand's major 
cities and surrounding destinations, including Auckland, 
Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. In a 
media release, the airline says a gap was left in the regional 
carrier market by the closure of the main competitive regional 
airline last year, and it says it intends to "take to the 
skies and offer competition with affordable flights for all 
New Zealanders". The airline is using British Aerospace 
Jetstream, Fairchild Metroliner and Boeing 737 aircraft for 
passenger flights and Fokker Friendship aircraft for freight 
flights. The airline says the Jetstream's leather seating, and 
air conditioning are designed to offer a relaxed environment 
for travellers. Travel Agents Association CEO Paul Yeo says 
the announcement is very interesting and he is looking forward 
to hearing more about it as the plans it has released are not 
too detailed at this stage. He says there is certainly a good 
market between Nelson and Wellington. 
 
(Good grief! Remembering the ill fated Kiwi Airlines and 
Origin Pacific, you would think that an amalgam of the two 
names ought to ring alarm bells. And I am astonished that 
anyone can justify the engineering costs of those Rolls Royce 
Darts in the F27 Friendship. They were fine engineering in 
their day but far surpassed by modern engines as I understand 
it. - BH)

MED LAB SCIENTISTS TO STRIKE
----------------------------

Hospitals are facing more disruption as another discontented 
sector of the health industry prepares to down tools. Medical 
laboratory scientists working at District Health Boards, the 
New Zealand Blood Service and private community labs have 
filed strike action. Around 1200 workers will completely 
withdraw services for seven days from November 29. Union 
spokesman Stewart Smith says it is an absolutely last resort, 
after twice rejecting an offer of four percent over two years. 
He says the DHBs have not responded meaning striking is the 
only course of action. The strike will likely mean elective 
surgery gets cancelled and the union is warning if this strike 
is unsuccessful, workers will strike again. The medical lab 
scientists are instrumental in diagnosing diseases such as 
cancer and diabetes. The announcement comes in the middle of a 
10 day strike by radiographers at seven DHBs. More industrial 
action could be lurking with radiation therapists, junior 
doctors and some DHB clerical and administration staff yet to 
settle their disputes.

MIXED FINDINGS FOR MAORI EDUCATION
----------------------------------

There are both good and bad aspects in a report on the state 
of Maori Education. Ministry of Education officials have 
presented key findings to a parliamentary Select Committee 
today. Spokeswoman Paula Rawiri says the number of Maori 
leaving secondary school without little or no formal 
qualifications has fallen but they are still figuring highly 
in truancy and suspension numbers, and continue to be 
disengaged from the system. She says more Maori are going into 
tertiary studies - however, most participation remains at sub-
degree levels and completion rates are much lower compared to 
other ethnic groups.

WATERFRONT STADIUM HITS TROUBLED WATERS
---------------------------------------

Rugby World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard says there is a chance 
of cost overruns on the stadium project, no matter which venue 
gets the nod. Mr Mallard is trying to keep the government's 
preferred option of a 60,000 seater Auckland waterfront 
stadium alive, after the National Party expressed concerns 
about possible cost overruns. National says it is prepared to 
back legislation clearing the way for the Eden Park upgrade, 
but not for the waterfront option. The lack of support from 
National is not enough to scuttle the plan, if Labour can keep 
United Future and New Zealand First onside. Mr Mallard says 
latest figures he has seen suggest either option could end up 
costing 30 percent more than original estimates. It is thought 
that could be due to China's voracious appetite for steel and 
concrete, which would push up prices. Initial costs for Eden 
Park were around $385 million and the waterfront $500 million. 
Mr Mallard believes Auckland will be showing no imagination if 
it opts for the Eden Park upgrade. He says the waterfront 
stadium could be a real signal of economic transformation and 
a sign Auckland is a modern, go-forward city. A decision has 
to be made by November 14 or the final could be moved to Jade 
Stadium in Christchurch. 
 
(Frankly, I think the threat to go to Jade is empty. Auckland 
would never forgive the Labour Party for this. - BH)

SHOPPERS SPENDING MORE
----------------------

Retail sales rose one percent in the September quarter, due 
primarily to increases in the food and beverage industries. 
Stripping out vehicle-related sectors such as car and fuel, 
the increase was 1.8 percent, which is stronger than the 
markets were expecting.

SKIN CANCER RATES STILL HIGH
----------------------------

New Zealand's skin cancer rates continue to rise. Over the 
past 10 years melanoma rates have increased by 7.5 percent, 
giving New Zealand the highest rate per head of population of 
invasive melanoma in the world. This year's regional Melanoma 
Scorecard developed by surveillance programme MoleMap shows 
Northland, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki have the highest rates. 
The Bay of Plenty has the greatest average increase of the 
disease at between 18 to 20 percent each year. The Gisborne 
region and the West Coast also record high rates. MoleMap CEO 
Adrian Bowling says half of those diagnosed with melanoma are 
aged between 50 and 75.

OWNING A HOME BEING MADE EASIER
-------------------------------

Some Aucklanders could soon own their first homes through a 
new scheme initiated by the Auckland City Council. A 
partnership has been developed with McConnell Property Ltd to 
offer home ownership through a different financial structure 
than offered by banks. General Manager Martin Udale says it 
could see people buying a half a share in a house. The City 
Council will be contributing about $9 million towards the 
scheme. More details on how it will work will be released when 
an agreement is signed at the end of the month.

Thursday, 15 November 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MAN JAILED FOR DAMAGING ENVIRONMENT
-----------------------------------

An Auckland stonemason has been jailed for six weeks for 
damaging the environment. Foketi Puleiku pleaded guilty to a 
total of 12 charges. They relate to damage to several 
protected trees, breaching resource consent conditions, 
damaging a public footpath and dumping rubbish on a public 
reserve. The Auckland City Council says it cost $11,000 to 
remove the earth, branches and other rubbish. During 
sentencing, the Judge noted Puleiku was a repeat offender with 
a blatant disregard for the environment and the law.

CAR IMPORT WARNING OVER STADIUM SITE
------------------------------------

Shipping companies are warning a waterfront stadium in 
Auckland will throw the country's two billion dollar a year 
car and truck import industry into chaos. The warning comes 
from three companies who between them import more than 70 
percent of the new and used vehicles that come through the 
port. Kiwi Car Carriers CEO Terry Riches says they will lose 
their berths and wharf storage and no-one has come up with a 
viable alternative. He says they are the ones most affected by 
the proposed stadium yet no-one from the Government or any of 
the councils has bothered to talk to them. 
 
(That alone should endear the stadium to the Greens? - BH)

REBUILDING TRUST IN TVNZ BRAND
------------------------------

Television New Zealand's CEO admits the state owned enterprise 
is failing to meet its financial targets. Rick Ellis has been 
giving evidence at a Parliamentary committee. He says a 
softening in the market place, particularly in July, August 
and September, was reasonably significant. Mr Ellis says the 
losses incurred in that first quarter cannot be earned back. 
He will not reveal the exact amount of debt involved. Rick 
Ellis says he would be happy to give the committee that 
information in private, but he is loathe to reveal it publicly 
because of the competitive marketplace in which TVNZ operates. 
TVNZ's CEO also told the committee that internal staffing 
problems have contributed to a significant drop on ratings, 
particularly for One News. Mr Ellis says there has been a 
ratings erosion for the flagship show, which has been caused 
by several factors, mainly increased competition and the 
growth of new media contributing to greater market 
fragmentation. However, Mr Ellis admits bad publicity 
surrounding internal issues with the company has compounded 
that. He says TVNZ has suffered brand and image damage over 
the past couple of years. Mr Ellis says a big part of his job 
is to re-build trust and credibility in the TVNZ brand. 
 
(I think the arrogance of those who "do lunch" at the public 
expense is coming home to roost. - BH)

NZQA BOSS STANDS UP FOR NCEA
----------------------------

The boss of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority is making 
a stand for NCEA. It comes as 136,000 students prepare for the 
2006 exam season and follows recent criticism of a decision to 
allow text language in some tests and the use of basic life 
skills to gain course credits. NZQA chief executive Karen 
Poutasi says many may think of School Certificate and Sixth 
Form Certificate as the good old days, but she can assure them 
NCEA is a much better process. She acknowledges NCEA has been 
the subject of a lot of criticism but she says parents and 
employers can have great confidence in it.

TREATY DEAL "OUTRAGEOUS" - MAORI PARTY
--------------------------------------

The Maori Party is angry over the latest Treaty of Waitangi 
settlement. MPs have voted in favour of the Ngati Mutunga 
Claims Settlement Act which allows the transfers of assets and 
money agreed to in last year's deed of settlement. It will see 
the Taranaki iwi receive a formal apology from the Crown and a 
compensation package worth just under $15 million. The 
Government is talking up the settlement, saying it builds the 
relationship between the Crown and Maori. However the Maori 
Party describes the deal as outrageous, given the true value 
of Ngati Mutunga's losses and the fact they have had to spend 
more than $400,000 on negotiation costs. Waiariki MP Te Ururoa 
Flavell points out that that military action in Taranaki on 
the behalf of the Government did not end until the invasion of 
Parihaka in 1881 and that conflict with the use of arms was 
spread over not one, not two but forty years of violence. "The 
passive resistance of Taranaki iwi and hapu was punished with 
land deprivation, burning and ransacking of homes; destruction 
of crops; and the assault of the pen," he added. He says a 
cash settlement of $14 million, with $400,000 of that already 
spent on negotiation costs, does not cut it when one considers 
the travesty of justice experienced in Taranaki. He says Ngati 
Mutunga was required to carry the bulk of the costs 
themselves, including the voluntary commitment of so many of 
their people over the years, many of whom did not survive to 
see the settlement reach its fulfilment. 
 
(I have considerable sympathy for this point of view. Parihaka 
is a blot on our history. - BH)

OBESITY SOLUTIONS DISCUSSED
---------------------------

Healthcare professionals, food manufacturers and academics are 
meeting at Auckland University today to discuss policy changes 
which could be implemented to fight the obesity epidemic. 
About 150 people will discuss the causes of the rise in 
obesity, existing policies and ongoing research in the area. 
Associate Professor Robert Scragg says until recently, the 
focus has been on marketing, but legislation and policies also 
to be examined. He says taxation issues will also be discussed 
as it was a successful strategy when encouraging people to 
quit smoking. Mr Scragg says the purpose of the discussion is 
to talk about what could be done at the top level to control 
the damage.

DIABETIC CHILDREN APPEAL TO HUMAN RIGHTS COMM
---------------------------------------------

Diabetes Youth New Zealand is lodging a case with the Human 
Rights Commission today claiming diabetic children are being 
discriminated against. The organisation says families with 
children who suffer diabetes are currently excluded from 
seeking disability support. It says the Ministry of Health's 
definition of disability excludes children whose disability 
arises from a 'personal health' condition. President Adrian 
Coombe says the issue has been addressed in some regions but 
not others. He says that has resulted in access to a full time 
Carer Support Subsidy being inequitable.

TOURISM OPERATORS NOT IMPRESSED ABOUT EXTRA TAXES
-------------------------------------------------

A survey of tourism operators shows they are not happy about a 
proposal to force visitors to help pay for Auckland's Rugby 
World Cup stadium. The Tourism Industry Association says 97 
percent of members who took part in the questionnaire oppose 
the suggestion of bed or airport taxes. Chief Executive Fiona 
Luhrs says 99 percent of respondents want a mix of government 
funding, local government rates, commercial investment and 
sponsorship to fund the construction. She says the association 
has never had such a strong response from their members on an 
issue. Ms Luhrs says New Zealand is not a cheap destination 
and added costs could deter travellers from coming here. 
 
(My own view is that those who stand to benefit should bear 
the costs. At present, just as with the Americas Cup, it looks 
as if the taxpayer will be sucked into the trickle-down theory 
once more. Some people got richer. It was not the taxpayers at 
large. - BH)

CAPITAL COULD SUFFER AS AIRLINES ABANDON CODE SHARING
-----------------------------------------------------

Flights through Wellington could suffer after the decision by 
Air New Zealand and Qantas to abandon plans to share flights 
across the Tasman. The decision has been made two weeks after 
Australia's competition watchdog, the Australian Competition 
and Consumer Commission, issued a draft judgement, rejecting 
the proposal. Air New Zealand believes it is becoming too 
expensive to pursue the proposal. Aviation commentator, Peter 
Clark, is surprised Air New Zealand has given up the battle 
after all the work it has put in. He says the national carrier 
has said in the past that if things get tough, it will reduce 
its operations out of the capital. He says Air New Zealand 
might have to look at cost cutting measures including using 
smaller aircraft and reducing the number of flights. The code 
share deal between the rival airlines, would have allowed them 
to stem the losses incurred from the 6,300 empty seats per day 
on the trans-Tasman route by working together on pricing and 
services. 
 
(Air New Zealand's Rob Fyfe claims that there are 6,300 empty 
seats on trans-Tasman flights each day. I have to say, not on 
any aircraft I have been on in recent years. There are few if 
any empty seats when I travel. - BH) 

LACK OF PICKERS MAY SEND PRICES SOARING
---------------------------------------

A labour shortage is threatening supplies of fruit and 
vegetables. Vegetable growers are being forced to either pick 
their own crops or mulch crops back into the ground because of 
a lack of workers. There are now fears the prices of some 
fresh produce could sky rocket. One of those affected Harjit 
Singh of Hamilton fruit and vegetable store Vege King says 
something has to be done and soon. He says he does not care 
where the labour comes from or who they are, as long as they 
are prepared to work hard. Mr Singh says it is a real problem 
which is affecting growers' livelihoods. He says asparagus and 
strawberries are two crops which are at threat.

Friday, 16 November 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ANOTHER STRIKE AT TVNZ
----------------------

TVNZ staff across the country have walked off the job again 
this afternoon and are vowing to stay out until midnight 
tonight. Mediation is due to get underway on Monday as union 
members campaign for a five percent pay rise and an extra week 
of leave. The employees say they have been offered a 2.25 
percent pay increase and no extra annual leave.

RSA TREASURES LOST IN FIRE
--------------------------

The Foxton RSA has lost most of its treasured memorabilia to a 
large fire. The Easton Street building was destroyed after a 
fire broke out in the kitchen yesterday afternoon. 
Firefighters spending most of the night fighting the blaze. 
Palmerston North's Chief Fire Officer Rodger Caulder says 
thankfully the few people who were in the building at the time 
got out quickly and safely. He says while firefighters could 
not get much memorabilia out, some was salvaged. Mr Caulder is 
applauding the volunteer crews which he says did an 
outstanding job in trying to save the building.

ICEBERGS UNLIKELY TO BE GLOBAL WARMING
--------------------------------------

An oceanographer says the sight of icebergs floating off the 
coast of Dunedin is unlikely to be a sign of global warming. 
The icebergs are now visible with the naked eye from some 
Dunedin hill suburbs, although they are best viewed through 
binoculars. Mike Williams from the National Institute of Water 
and Atmospheric Research, says it is certainly a rare 
occurrence and the only other recorded sighting was in 1930. 
He says if such an occurrence starts to happen every decade, 
it probably would have something to do with global warming, 
but at this stage it appears to be just a freak event. 
 
(TV coverage shows some spectacular views of the icebergs. 
Obviously they will not survive much further North, but the 
local helicopter operators made a quick and unexpected 
windfall flying tourists out for a closer look - BH)

TRAINS SET TO TAKE STRAIN IN WELLINGTON
---------------------------------------

Rising oil prices could see changes afoot for Wellington's 
northern suburbs transport plan - while the ink is still 
drying on the decision. At yesterday's Greater Wellington 
regional council meeting, the ongoing issue of the northern 
suburbs transport strategy had its final outing, with the main 
discussion centred on whether the council favoured a busway or 
trains for the line? A busway was effectively ruled out by a 
Government directive saying they were only interested in rail 
upgrades for the line. Passenger transport committee chairman 
Glen Evans says the decision has not been set in concrete, and 
if the price of petrol skyrockets in years to come, there is 
scope for changing it. However, Glen Evans says at this stage, 
trains are where it is at for the line. He says the council is 
putting in an order for 12 new rolling stock units, and work 
will also take place to widen and deepen the tunnels to 
accommodate the new trains. 
 
(I wonder if they will include the double-decker capacity of 
Sydney's efficient trains? - BH)

PRIORITY BUS ROUTE TRIAL IN CHRISTCHURCH
----------------------------------------

Buses will be given priority on one of Christchurch's busiest 
bus routes during a joint three-month trial involving 
Environment Canterbury and the City Council. Two bus boarders 
on Hills Road, which extend from the footpath and out across 
the parking area means buses will not have to pull in and out 
of traffic. The bus boarders are being trialled at two bus 
stops on the west side of Hills Road to make the number 70 
Queenspark service more efficient, with faster passenger entry 
and exit times. The council says giving buses priority is part 
of work carried out under the Public Passenger Transport 
Strategy. The Queenspark, Colombo Street south and Papanui 
Road service are the three busiest bus services, and the 
council says all three corridors will have a variety of 
priority measures in the future.

INSTITUTE QUESTIONS EXPORT STRATEGY
-----------------------------------

Questions are being asked this morning about whether New 
Zealand is going the right way about getting exports into 
foreign markets. A report by centrist think-tank the New 
Zealand Institute says the current approach relies heavily on 
securing a multilateral deal through the World Trade 
Organisation. However Chief Executive David Skilling says that 
approach is at risk, with the suspension of the current Doha 
Round. He thinks the country would be better off focusing on 
the Asia/Pacific region, in particular Australia, America and 
China. Dr Skilling also believes the country needs to be more 
aggressive in showcasing New Zealand, through national 
branding and cultural diplomacy. He says New Zealand needs to 
become more serious about competing to win in international 
markets.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY PICKS UP
--------------------------

Economic activity has picked up in the September quarter - but 
the National Bank's regional trends survey shows the economy 
is still slowing down overall. Nationwide activity increased 
by 0.8 of a percent in the third quarter, an increase from the 
half a percent gain shown in the previous quarter. However the 
annual rate of activity is unchanged at 1.8 percent. The Bay 
of Plenty regional economy recorded the largest quarterly rise 
in economic activity during the quarter, expanding 2.8 
percent. The West Coast and Southland were next fastest, 
recording 2.3 and two percent respectively. The worst 
performer was Taranaki, which recorded a decline of 0.4 of a 
percent. The survey also revealed business confidence inched 
up very slightly, and consumer confidence rose in every region 
except Wellington. Commodity prices dropped across all the 
regions in local terms, mostly thanks to the strengthening of 
the New Zealand dollar. Retail sales rose over much of the 
country, as did house sales. Employment eased over most of the 
country, with the greatest fall recorded in Southland, and the 
greatest gain in Wellington. The two smallest regional 
economies - Gisborne and West Coast - were the fastest growing 
areas when viewed over the whole year to September; both 
expanded 3.4 percent, while the two slowest growing economies 
were Nelson-Marlborough and Auckland.

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