WYSIWYG NEWS - 3 September, 2006
news at wysiwygnews.com
news at wysiwygnews.com
Sun Sep 3 17:25:38 NZST 2006
Subject: 3 September, 2006
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer.
Whoops! Sorry I missed a week (two weeks' news follows) I
spent last weekend away from home (story follows) and am
frantically busy with preparation for teaching. Hence the gap.
Apologies.
I have probably said it before. Though I am a Wellingtonian by
choice, if I had to choose a next best place to be, I would
choose beautiful Nelson. Mary and I decided it was time to
visit our youngest granddaughter (and her parents). Friday
morning was reasonable with thin sunshine in Wellington as we
drove out to the airport, though there was a distinct bite to
the wind that ruffled the harbour. Wellington Airport is
probably no worse than many others around the globe, but it
seems to me that its iron-fisted monopoly on food franchises
produces undesirable outcomes. Most items of food or
refreshment are in my opinion excessively priced in comparison
to other outlets in the city, and because there is a captive
audience, poorly presented. Fortunately we did not have to
wait long and were soon on one of Air Nelson's new Bombardier
Q300 aircraft. This grandchild of the De Havilland Dash 8 is a
spacious and comfortable 50 seater, and although the cabin
attendant seemed barely old enough to have left school she was
a welcoming and competent presence. Unlike any previous trip I
have had from Wellington to Nelson, this trip took off to the
South and then turned North until it reached Paraparaumu and
only then did it swing to the West towards Nelson. Views of
the northern parts of the Marlborough Sounds were spectacular
and the further West we went, the less cloud there was. At
Nelson, Andrew and Abbey were waiting for us with our latest
(six months) granddaughter, Billie. The sky was blue, the sun
was warm, and there was no wind. Fantastic. Home to their nice
little house at the Eastern side of the city to fuss over and
play with Billie. That afternoon we went for a walk, heading
through a nearby park to emerge in the Maitai Valley. The
walkway beside the Maitai stream is just lovely, and I was
astonished on looking at my photo archives, to learn that we
last did that walk in 1999. There are many signs of spring,
both in the flowers and of course in the farm animals with
lambs and calves aplenty. Day two dawned wet and grey, though
the forecast was for fine by afternoon, so some of us (me in
particular) chose to lie abed with a book for longer than is
usually permitted. Mary had got the waterproof covers fitted
to Billie's pushchair and gone for a long walk, so I was up
and about before her return. That afternoon we all climbed
into Andrew's jeep with their dog, Daisy, and drove out to
Rabbit Island where the dog could run off some of her pent-up
energy and the rest of us could enjoy the scenery at a more
leisurely pace. Distant mountain tops to the West were still
covered in a greater volume of snow than I would have
expected. Many Nelsonians were out for walks with or without
their dogs, or riding horses or generally just enjoying a
lovely landscape in what must be amongst the cleanest air in
the world. Billie of course just went where she was pushed,
but her bright eyes and alert posture indicated that she was
taking it all in. Monday was a bright and fine as the rest of
the weekend, though the news reported extreme rain and
mudslides at home in Wellington. Andrew and I went for a
stroll in one of my favourite places, the marina. My love of
ships and the sea may have surfaced before. Somehow the port
of Nelson has a special character - a mixture of sheltered
blue water reflecting the elegance of pleasure boats, and the
sheer character of a working industrial and fishing port. One
of the things that astounds me is the sheer "Heath-Robinson"
(US = "Rube Goldberg") nature of some of the modifications to
various vessels in the port. Many of the small fishing boats
look to have sturdy seaworthy hulls on which truly ugly
superstructures akin to a builder's shed have been erected. No
attempt is made to make the deckhouse sympathetic to the sheer
line of the deck. Aesthetically ugly, but I suppose they are
cheap and practical. Also surprising was the number of vessels
with serious corrosion problems. Just last year, Greenpeace
was chasing the bottom trawler "Waipori" across the high seas
recording the damage it was allegedly doing to deep sea
corals. Now she is tied up with fist sized rust holes through
her transom and hull, and lesser holes in the ramp up which
her trawl nets were hauled. I would not wish to be in that
ship in a bath tub, let alone at sea in anything over a flat
calm. We paused for a while at a favourite watering hole, the
Anchor tavern, and enjoyed our drinks in the warmth of the day
while looking at the mirrored colours of all the pleasure
boats nearby.
----
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 (renewed this week) 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 My friends Louise and
Clay Sollers in beautiful Northern California. Many thanks guys.
----
On with the News.
Monday, 21 August 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BIG TICK FOR CIVIL SERVANTS' SUPER
----------------------------------
The superannuation fund relied on by over 67,000 past and
present civil servants has come out relatively well in a just-
finished independent review. The Government Superannuation
Fund Authority has been found to be operating a manager
selection process close to best practice, and has delivered
admirable levels of service given its annual operations. The
review found the scheme's fees are reasonable and risk
management is thorough, however it has found that investment
performance from 2001 to 2003 could have been better.
GOVERNMENT DEFENDS JOBSPLUS SCHEME
----------------------------------
The Government maintains its JobsPlus scheme is a success
despite the fact that no records have been kept on how many
participants have returned to benefits. The scheme provides a
subsidy to employers who employ beneficiaries. National MP
Judith Collins is unhappy at the lack of detail about
participants who have ended up back on the dole. However,
Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope says the cost of
finding that out is not necessary when you look at the wider
picture. He says since Labour came to power, the number of
unemployed has dropped by over 30 percent.
(This reminds me of a Doonesbury cartoon in which the strip's
Reverend Scott Sloan claims that his website must get millions
of hits because "it stands to reason". Without records, the
claimed success of the scheme is no more than wishful
thinking. The unemployment figures are at least backed by real
data. - BH)
THE NATION FAREWELLS ITS MAORI QUEEN
------------------------------------
Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu has been laid to rest atop
Taupiri Mountain. The day began with a thick fog blanketing
Turangawaewae Marae on the banks of the Waikato River, which
provided a shield for Dame Te Ata's family to finally seal the
casket that has lain open for almost a week as a steady stream
of mourners filed past to pay their respects. Close to 100,000
people are thought to have visited Turangawaewae Marae in the
six days since the death of Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Dame Te
Ata's eldest son Tuheitia Paki assumed the role of King in a
simple but passionate ceremony as the original bible used in
the coronation of his mother and previous Maori kings was
placed upon his head. Then her coffin was taken in a hearse
from the Turangawaewae Marae to the Waikato river, and then by
waka to the foot of the mountain. Thousands of people lined
the riverbanks, watching the Maori Queen's final journey,
which took more than two hours. Pall bearers carried the
casket from the waka, across State Highway One and the railway
line through the gates of the cemetery then they passed their
burden onto a fresh crew as teams with ropes help pull it up
the steep, bush-clad slopes of the mountain. Thousands of
mourners watched and chanted, but the Maori Queen was buried
away from the glare of the media who were not allowed on the
sacred mountain. The newly crowned King Tuheitia walked behind
the coffin after refusing an offer to be carried up the slope.
Dame Te Atairangikaahu's family and Prime Minister Helen Clark
were among the many in the procession following the coffin.
The new king, Tuheitia Paki, is not well known by the public,
but Maori academic Margaret Mutu says she has no doubt he has
been well trained to take on the role. Auckland University's
head of Maori Studies says she has complete confidence that
the Tainui Royal family knows how to train its leaders.
Professor Mutu says she expects King Tuheitia to be yet
another very capable yet humble leader of Tainui. State
Highway One at Taupiri is now open again after being closed
since seven this morning for the Maori Queen's funeral.
However a 50 kilometre an hour speed restriction was to remain
in place on the highway until seven o'clock.
(Many thanks to long time reader Lydia who found an online
version of the picture I referred to last week, of King
Koroki's funeral. See
http://teaohou.natlib.govt.nz/teaohou/image/Mao56TeA/Mao56TeA0
32.html In my opinion this was an outstanding piece of
photojournalism. - BH)
VISITORS NUMBERS FORECAST TO INCREASE
-------------------------------------
The number of international visitors arriving in New Zealand
is predicted to rise. The Ministry of Tourism has released
data forecasting an annual rise of four percent per annum over
the next seven years. It means by 2012 the country will
receive 3.1 million international visitors a year - an
increase of 700,000 from last year's figure. At least two
thirds of the extra visitors are expected to come from
Australia, China, and the UK.
IMMIGRANTS' CHILDREN'S RIGHTS REINFORCED
----------------------------------------
A High Court ruling has reinforced the citizenship rights of
children born in New Zealand to immigrants. The Immigration
Service had been trying to deport two Chinese families,
including their children. However the High Court has ruled the
children should not be removed from New Zealand because,
having been born here, they have the same right to protection
as any other citizen. In his ruling, Justice Baragwanath found
there is evidence the children's safety would be at risk if
they were to be returned to China and placed with non-family
members.
CIVIL SERVANTS CONSIDER CODE OF CONDUCT
---------------------------------------
At a time when politicians are deciding if they should be
subject to an ethics code, the State Services Commission is
considering a new code of conduct for state sector employees.
It has just begun consultation with employees across the state
sector seeking feedback on what final form the code should
take. State sector employees are already subject to a code,
unlike their political masters. However it is being tweaked
because of recent changes to the State Sector Act, and the
code is to be extended to cover most Crown entities as well as
public service departments.
(It says much about the ethics of politicians that they even
have to ask the question. It also may explain why they are
amongst the least trusted of all occupational groups. - BH)
NZ TEENS NEED MORE SLEEP
------------------------
New Zealand teenagers are not getting enough sleep, according
to a new study. The University of Auckland study found one in
five secondary school students stayed awake too long - mostly
because of extracurricular activities and part time work.
Teenagers need between eight and nine hours sleep a night. A
national secondary school survey of nearly a thousand students
showed New Zealand youths average eight hours and 40 minutes
sleep daily during the week and nine hours 23 minutes in the
weekend. Researchers found that if extracurricular activities
or after school jobs took a total of more than five hours a
day, sleep suffered. Study author Dr Simon Denny says parents
should be wary of the increasing hours of part time work,
because getting enough sleep is an important part of a healthy
lifestyle.
(Never mind the teens, I need more sleep! - BH)
BABIES AT RISK FROM GROUNDWATER
-------------------------------
Bottle-fed babies less than six-months-old are at most risk
from high levels of nitrate concentrations in water according
to an Environment Canterbury groundwater quality scientist.
Carl Hanson says ECan has monitored nitrate nitrogen in 97
wells across Canterbury and although most have experienced an
increase in nitrate concentrations, some wells have
concentrations that are above the drinking water standards set
by the Ministry of Health. He says higher nitrate levels are
expected in winter, but the wetter weather this year may be
behind the marked increase. Mr Hanson says the main risk is to
bottle-fed babies where the water is used in the formula. He
says unborn babies can also be at risk from the water and food
their mothers consume.
RISING RATES HURTING ELDERLY
----------------------------
Grey Power in the Hastings region says high rates are causing
unnecessary hardship for the elderly. The association is
supporting the ACT party's rates capping bill which aims to
cap rises at the level of inflation plus two percent in any
one year. Grey Power Secretary Marie Dunningham says letters
have been sent to every MP, urging them to support the bill.
She says rate rises threaten to alienate residents and the
bill has the potential to keep rises down to an acceptable
level.
STATS NOTHING TO SMILE ABOUT
----------------------------
The Minister of Health is placing the blame for the declining
oral health of five-year-olds on the National Party. Figures
out for 2004 show almost half of that age group had missing,
decayed or filled teeth. In Northland 69 percent of five-year-
olds have some sort of dental problem. Maori and Pacific
children had significantly worse oral health than the national
average. Health Minister Pete Hodgson blames the state of
affairs on health decisions made by the National Government of
the 1990s which caused a decline in public dental services. Mr
Hodgson says an increase in dental hygienists under Labour is
starting to make a difference. He is promising a shake up of
the oral health system with details to be announced soon.
QUEEN'S SUCCESSOR CHOSEN
------------------------
The Maori Queen's successor has been chosen. Her son, Tuheitia
Paki, has assumed the throne left vacant by his mother.
Political Editor Barry Soper says the elders have chosen the
51-year-old at Turangawaewae Marae, despite the fact Dame Te
Ata had apparently expressed a preference for her eldest
daughter to take over. He believes the elders took a more
conservative option. The crowning ceremony, the Whakawaahia,
is now underway and the funeral procession will begin at
10.30am. Dame Ta Ata's coffin will be taken in a flotilla of
12 waka along the Waikato River to the cemetery at Taupiri
Mountain. Tainui kaumatua and members of local rugby teams
will carry the Queen to the graveside. Final prayers will be
said as she is buried.
Tuesday, 22 August 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INQUIRY INTO RATES LIKELY
-------------------------
A parliamentary inquiry into rates looks likely. National and
the Greens have banded together and hold the majority on the
Local Government select committee which will conduct the
inquiry. National's Local Government spokesman John Carter
says his party has identified 67 laws introduced by Labour
which have loaded costs on to ratepayers. Mr Carter says the
bureaucratic buck-passing will be one of the main issues the
inquiry will consider. He says the inquiry is a major victory
for the country's ratepayers and he has thanked the Greens for
their support.
PARLIAMENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO DAME TE ATA
--------------------------------------
Parliament has begun paying tribute to Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
Prime Minister Helen Clark has spoken of the late Maori
Queen's contribution to Maoridom and the force of unity she
was for the country. Miss Clark says Dame Te Ata saw two
peoples in one nation and wanted to unite them. She said she
knew writing the wrongs of the past would help unite the
country and get them to work together for the future. Dame Te
Ata was one of the first people to become a member of the
Order of New Zealand in 1987. National leader Don Brash says
she played a substantial role as an ambassador for New Zealand
and an ambassador for Maori overseas. Dr Brash said he was
always impressed by her manner, her grace, dignity, and her
mana. Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says Dame Te
Ata's involvement in the kohanga reo movement showed the
importance of raising children in their culture and language.
She says her 40 years of leadership from among the people
rather than in front, was a very powerful form of leadership.
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has spoken through a
translator of the deep sense of sorrow he feels at Dame Te
Ata's passing. ACT leader Rodney Hide remembers Dame Te Ata
for many things, including her beautiful eyes and smile. He
says she was a humble warm person with time for everyone,
great and small.
AUDITOR GENERAL ALARMS PM
-------------------------
The Prime Minister is alarmed the Auditor General has
commented on the election spending row prior to releasing his
final report on the issue. Kevin Brady has confirmed he warned
politicians about their spending practices prior to the
election. Helen Clark says despite what Mr Brady has said, the
way in which parties have handled their Parliamentary
allocations has not changed in a very long time. She says her
key recollection is that the Auditor General has always said
rules needed to be sorted out for the future.
AUSTRALIA REMAINS NO1 TOURIST SOURCE
------------------------------------
A conference on tourism being held in Wellington has been told
the number of international visitors will reach more than
three million a year by 2012, up from 2.4 million last year.
The Tourism Industry Association says the tourists will be
worth about $10 billion to the economy. Association chief
executive Fiona Luhrs says China will overtake Japan and South
Korea in the next few years, becoming New Zealand's fourth
largest market. Australia will remain the number one source of
tourists, followed by Britain and the US.
MAORI SUPPORT OFFENDER BAN
--------------------------
Rotorua Maori have reaffirmed their support to ban recidivist
offenders from the central business district. All but one
member of a Te Arawa standing committee has supported moves to
prevent people with more than five dishonesty-related
convictions in five years from the central shopping area. Area
Commander Inspector Bruce Horne told the committee the ban
will achieve a similar result to the 2003 liquor ban. The
bylaw passed at the start of the month is being checked over
by lawyers before being implemented.
(Supported or not, I suspect that in the end, in a court of
law, this ban is unenforceable - BH)
SOCIAL POLICY MISSES FORGOTTEN PEOPLE
-------------------------------------
The Salvation Army is calling for urgent help for a growing
number of men identified as living miserably on the fringes of
society. The organisation has released a report entitled
Forgotten People, which highlights a national trend of single
men across all age groups who are struggling to get by. It
says the men have little money, have criminal convictions or
mental illnesses and many have children. They are unable to
access social services and live restricted and isolated lives.
At worst, they are sleeping rough and feeding themselves from
foodbanks and rubbish bins. At best, they are living in
hostels. Salvation Army spokesman Major Campbell Roberts says
social policy has rightly focussed on families in recent
years, but unfortunately, men on their own appear to have been
overlooked as a consequence.
QUAKE RATTLES CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND
----------------------------------
There's been a moderately sized earthquake in the central
North Island this morning, but was so deep many people would
have missed it. The tremor measured 5.2 on the Richter scale
and struck at 6.08am. It was located about 30 kilometres
north-west of Taupo at a depth of 170 kilometres.
Seismologists say it was felt at Hokowhito and Marton and may
have been felt in other parts of the eastern North Island.
There are no reports of damage.
OVER 600 RIDERS HERE FOR WORLD CHAMPS
-------------------------------------
The first ever world championship cycling event New Zealand
has seen gets underway in Rotorua today. Over 600 competitors
from 39 countries are competing in four disciplines on and
around Mount Ngongotaha over the next six days in the UCI
Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships. Event Director
Arthur Klap says the 2006 event is the first time in 10 years
the championships have been held outside the northern
hemisphere. He believes the international coverage into Europe
and North America will really put Rotorua on the sporting
event map. One title will be decided today. The teams relay
world championships is on from 1.30pm at the cross country
course on Mount Ngongotaha. Klap says the winners of this
event will lead the opening ceremony parade from the Sound
Shell at 6.30pm. A 72 strong New Zealand team is taking part
in the championships, with Kashi Leuchs heading the New
Zealand relay team.
(From what I have seen on TV, people who engage in this sport
are certifiably mad! Pedalling at full speed down muddy forest
paths, leaping over tall rocks with a single bound, these
people suffered far fewer serious accidents than their courage
or foolhardiness would suggest. Seriously, I admire their
skills, but I am not entirely sure I should back away from the
craziness thing! - BH)
Wednesday, 23 August 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GOVT AGREES TO RATES INQUIRY
----------------------------
There is to be an independent inquiry into rates after all. At
the 11th hour the Government has agreed to an inquiry after
growing political pressure which culminated in an ACT bill
wanting to cap rates at two percent above inflation. New
Zealand First has been arguing for an inquiry from the outset
and the Government has today capitulated. Local Government
Minister Mark Burton acknowledges it was ACT's bill, which he
describes as "potty", that forced the Government's hand. Mr
Burton says the bill's scheduled to come before Parliament
tonight which meant the Government had to make a decision as
to what the most appropriate way forward was.
COMMISSIONER SHOCKED AT STRAP PLANS
-----------------------------------
Children's Commissioner Cindy Kiro says an Auckland's school's
plans to use the strap on children is a shock. Tynedale Park
Christian school has written to parents asking for their
permission to discipline wayward children with corporal
punishment. Corporal punishment in schools is outlawed. Dr
Kiro says whether it is a private school or not, there is no
call for the measure. She says no educationalist should be
pushing the view or encouraging parents to consider the use of
force against children.
(Two Christian schools in the Wellington region have declined
to confirm or deny that they too use corporal punishment. As I
understand it, it is flat out illegal under New Zealand law. -
BH)
PACIFIC FORUM VENUE IN DOUBT
----------------------------
The location of this year's Pacific Forum meeting is in doubt.
The meeting, attended by political leaders from around the
Pacific, was due to be hosted by Tonga in late October.
However the ill health of the Tongan King has seen Tonga
signal it will not be able to host the event, which leaves
either Fiji or New Zealand likely to fill the gap. The New
Zealand Government is not commenting on the matter at this
stage. A spokesman from the Prime Minister's office says they
are still to get official confirmation from Tonga or the
Pacific Forum.
NEW DATA SHOWS BUSY YEAR FOR HOSPITALS
--------------------------------------
The Government is claiming its health policies are working. It
follows the release of new data outlining inpatient activities
in the country's hospitals. Health Minister Pete Hodgson says
they show the 2005-06 year was the busiest ever for New
Zealand hospitals and that numbers have improved significantly
since 1999. He says total surgery numbers are up five percent,
elective surgery up over six percent, this in the face of a 29
percent increase in medical cases. Mr Hodgson says more people
are being treated in our hospitals than ever before.
ELECTION SPENDING ROW DOMINATES QUESTION TIME
---------------------------------------------
The pre-election spending row has dominated Parliament as MPs
gather for the first question time in two weeks. National is
focusing on Labour's pledge card and whether spending $446,000
on it helped restore public confidence in the political
integrity of Parliament. Leader Don Brash referred to a
meeting called by Auditor General Kevin Brady, who wanted to
discuss the use of taxpayer money on political advertising. Dr
Brash says Helen Clark declined to attend because the Prime
Minister already had plans at that stage to use nearly half-a-
million-dollars of public money to fund Labour's pledge card.
He has told Parliament that Helen Clark's government is the
most corrupt in New Zealand history, using his general debate
speech to slam Labour, citing Paintergate, Doonegate, the
motorcade furore and the pledge card. He says it is time Helen
Clark paid back the $446,000 and resigned. Dr Brash says it is
outrageous that Helen Clark stole the election. He says she
was not content just to bribe voters, she had to
misappropriate hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer
money.
WANTED - 400 NEW TEACHERS
-------------------------
Recruitment is now the focus for the Ministry of Education as
it seeks to fill over 400 new primary teaching positions in
the New Year. The Government has announced the creation of 455
new jobs as it moves to reduce class sizes and student-teacher
ratios. The new jobs come on top of 3040 teacher positions the
Government has created since 1999. Education Minister Steve
Maharey says steps are being taken to make sure there are
enough teachers to fill the positions. He says now is a good
time to be a teacher if people are considering it as a career
because there is pressure on filling specialist areas. He says
$26 million has been allocated to fund the initiative.
MAORI PARTY WITHDRAWS SUPPORT FOR BILL
--------------------------------------
The Maori Party has decided not to support legislation aimed
at shaking up New Zealand's employment laws. Initially they
had supported National MP Wayne Mapp's 90-day probationary
period employment amendment bill, allowing it to get select
committee. Now they have changed tack. Party Co-Leader Dr Pita
Sharples says now they will be voting against it and indicates
the original support was simply to allow a dialogue on the
matter. Dr Mapp is not happy at the Maori Party's decision,
given a Select Committee is still hearing submissions on his
Bill, and that the Maori Party had not even approached him
about potential compromises. He says there are still chances
to amend the bill and he will not give up on his efforts to
secure a compromise.
(I am delighted to see this. It is akin to the abolition of
the minimum wage in my view. If I had my way, No New Zealand
company would be allowed to outsource any aspect of their
operations to another country unless they were paying at least
the New Zealand minimum equivalent for the same job. I imagine
that economists will disagree, but in my view there is a
morality to not exporting the ability to earn a viable wage. -
BH)
ARABLE PRODUCTION REPORT IS GLOOMY
----------------------------------
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's report into arable
production during 2006 is painting a bleak picture and the
future is not looking too bright either. The report shows
arable farm profitability has fallen 59 percent since 2003,
despite this past year's reasonably good production season.
The report says internationally, there is surplus stock of
many crops so the medium-term prospects are subdued. Report
author Murray Doak says arable cropping, fresh and processed
vegetables and maize are among the most exposed to world
markets and most vulnerable to global influences. The report
also says a high New Zealand dollar during the time when
prices were set did not help. "While the industry is able to
quickly move to fill niche markets, many producers have little
ownership of the industry beyond the farm gate and are not as
readily able to buffer themselves from price variations as
other primary sectors," Mr Doak says.
A DAY OF FIRSTS FOR THE NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL
--------------------------------------------
Pomp and pageantry is on display at Parliament today with the
swearing in of the new Governor-General Anand Satyanand. Judge
Satyanand arrived at Parliament to receive an Indian welcome
followed by the traditional Maori welcome. A hundred men and
women from the three armed services stood in the Wellington
sunshine for more than an hour to honour the new Governor-
General. He is no stranger to firsts; he is the first New
Zealander of Indian descent to take a seat on the District
Court bench and the first to have become Ombudsman. Having
been born and brought up in Auckland, with parents of Indian
descent from Fiji, he is the first person of both Asian and
Pacific heritage to be appointed to the post of Queen's
representative. Today will be the first time an Indian
cultural group has taken part in this ceremony, the first time
Judge Satyanand has inspected a guard of honour and he becomes
the first man without a title to take the role.
(His Excellency was a contemporary of mine at the University
of Auckland in the early 1960s. He was studying law while I
was crashing out of an ill-fated attempt at an engineering
degree. I recall seeing him around the place, but would have
been astonished if someone had, at that time, predicted his
present high office. New Zealand was not as accepting of
diversity in the corridors of power then, as it is now.
Congratulations to the new Governor General. I am sure he will
do a great job. - BH)
BREAST CANCER SUFFERERS HAVE NEW HOPE
-------------------------------------
A breast cancer sufferer says Australia's move to fund the
drug Herceptin shows up the inadequacy of the decision made by
New Zealand's health authorities. The Australian government
will subsidise the breast cancer treatment for early stage
patients from October. Last month, New Zealand's drug funding
agency Pharmac and the 21 district health boards decided that
free access to the costly medicine would not be extended to
include women in the early stages of the disease. The state
already funds the drug for patients in the terminal stage.
Anne Hayden, who has fought to have Herceptin funded for early
stage patients in New Zealand hopes Australia's decision will
give Pharmac the impetus to hold an urgent meeting. She says
the decision came about as new evidence emerged on the drug.
Ms Hayden says it might make the context easier for a positive
decision to be made in New Zealand. Funding Herceptin would
cost up to $25 million a year for around 300 women.
DEVELOPERS CRY FOUL OVER CHARGES
--------------------------------
Developers claim they are being unfairly targeted by councils
trying to find ways of raising money, through means other
rates. Connal Townsend director of the Property Council says
most are taking liberties under the law which allows them to
charge fees to cover developmental costs such as new storm-
water systems. He says the variation between councils is
extreme, with only a few being scrupulous about how they
assess costs. Mr Townsend says the others have a public
philosophy of replacing rates with development contributions.
He says the developer has to pass on those costs to the
consumer, meaning house prices and the cost of other building
projects rise.
NZ IS ON TRACK WITH PANDEMIC PLANNING
-------------------------------------
New Zealand's pandemic planning stacks up well according to an
article in the medical journal, The Lancet. The report,
written by London-based scientists, examines pandemic
influenza preparedness in the Asia-Pacific region. It has
found New Zealand's plans, along with those of Hong Kong and
Australia, compare favourably with the best European
initiatives. The report also highlights a polarity in the
approaches being taken by different nations but commends New
Zealand's strategic approach in harnessing available
resources, such as antivirals and vaccines, for use if needed.
Thursday, 24 August 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TRADEME OPENS TEXT ALTERNATIVE
------------------------------
TradeMe addicts now do not even need a computer to keep up
with their auctions. The online trading site has teamed up
with Telecom to introduce a new text alert and bidding
service. Members will get auction alerts on their mobile
phones, while Bidders will even be able to text bids through
to an auction by phone. Telecom spokesman Kevin Bowler says it
means people can get on with their lives but not miss out on
the close of an auction. Trade Me General Manager Sam Morgan
believes the service is likely to find favour with the 18-35
age group. Members can register to receive status updates and
bid on up to 20 live auctions from their mobile at a time.
TAX BREAKS FOR SAVERS
---------------------
The Minister of Finance has eased his tight fisted grip on tax
incentives and is offering employer tax breaks for
contributing to the KiwiSaver scheme. Michael Cullen has
announced several changes to the scheme today including the
tax exception. Employer contributions to the KiwiSaver scheme
will be exempt from tax, there will be a mortgage component
allowing a contributor to use some of their savings to pay off
a mortgage and the scheme's start up date has been delayed
three months. The scheme is voluntary and allows an employee
to contribute four or eight percent of their gross salary.
They will be automatically enrolled but may opt out within
eight weeks. The taxpayer is kicking in a thousand dollars and
will pay some scheme fees. Five thousand dollars will also be
given to each KiwiSaver who buys their first home. An employer
may contribute a portion or all of the contribution. Dr Cullen
admits it is a fundamental change in his thinking. He says New
Zealand is the only country in the developed world that has no
tax support for savings and no compulsion. Dr Cullen says
given the fact that New Zealand has also got one of the
poorest saving rates in the world, perhaps it is time to admit
that there may be a connection between the two.
TAKE A LONG VIEW ON TRADE FIGURES
---------------------------------
The Minister of Finance is taking the long view on the latest
trade deficit figures. Data released today reveals the trade
deficit for July stood at $745 million, well in excess of the
$425 million predicted. Finance Minister Michael Cullen says
the numbers are not good but it pays to look at the long term
trend. He says one single month cannot be taken as an example
as figures fluctuate from one month to the next. Dr Cullen
expects the figures to improve with the New Zealand dollar now
being at a more reasonable level.
AIRNZ COVERS ORIGIN GAPS
------------------------
Air New Zealand is increasing its capacity into Nelson to
cover the gap left by the demise of Origin Pacific's passenger
services. The Nelson-based commuter operator ceased operations
a fortnight ago amid a cash crisis, but its more profitable
cargo service is continuing. Air New Zealand Link has decided
to boost flights into the region by an additional 4,600 seats.
Spokesman John Hambelton says the extra capacity over the next
two months will be generated through the introduction of new
services, re-scheduling of others and the use of larger
aircraft.
(A sad sight in our trip to Nelson was all those little
Jetstream aircraft sitting around doing nothing - BH)
NEW PLAN TO IMPROVE TEETH
-------------------------
The Government has announced an action plan to improve the
state of children's teeth. It follows recent data which shows
oral health among the nation's young people is plummeting. The
Government will establish new Community Oral Health Services
which will see an additional $40 million invested into child
and adolescent oral health over the next four years. Health
Minister Pete Hodgson says dental services will be reoriented
from the existing school dental service to the community-based
programme. He says the clinics will be larger, better-equipped
and open for more hours during more days of the year. Mr
Hodgson says in hard-to-reach areas, mobile clinics and mobile
surgical buses will be available.
GUIDELINES FOR PRAYERS AT ASSEMBLIES
------------------------------------
The Ministry of Education says new guidelines on religious
instruction which ban prayers being held at school assemblies
are commonsense reminders. The Ministry is releasing advice to
state primary schools reiterating that under the Education Act
religious instruction and observance are illegal during normal
class hours. Spokesman Martin Connelly says the guidelines are
in response to a modest stream of complaints over the
inclusion of prayer in school assemblies. He says under the
Education Act any religious instruction that is not voluntary
is illegal. He says the guidelines should clear up any
lingering confusion on the matter.
(I think confusion exists alright, and one of the difficult
issues to be addressed is whether or not Maori karakia are
prayers to non-specific or pre-Christian deities. In either
case, I suspect there is debate to come. - BH)
BIG NIGHT FOR LOCAL TALENT
--------------------------
The winners of the Air New Zealand Screen Awards will be
announced in Auckland tonight and there are some big local
names amongst the nominees. The most keenly anticipated is the
award for Best Picture which has four nominees; The World's
Fastest Indian, Sione's Wedding, No2 and River Queen. In the
leading actor category, Sir Anthony Hopkins faces off against
Cliff Curtis in River Queen and Shimpal Lelisi from Sione's
Wedding. Best Actress nominees are Ruby Dee from No 2, Teuila
Blakely from Sione's Wedding and Samantha Morton from River
Queen. Nominations in the various TV categories include
Dancing with the Stars, Bro'town, Seven Periods with Mr
Gormsby, the Insiders Guide to Love and The Big Experiment.
TEACHERS WELCOME SMALLER CLASSES
--------------------------------
A Government offer of hundreds more teachers for primary
schools is being welcomed by the teachers' union. Education
Minister, Steve Maharey, says an extra 455 new primary
teachers will be employed from next year in a bid to reduce
high student-teacher ratios. It will result in schools with
rolls of fewer than 176 pupils being able to reduce maximum
class numbers from 26 to 25. Irene Cooper of the primary
teachers' union NZEI says teachers will notice a difference as
reduced class sizes help them to provide better attention to
individual student needs.
WIIG SAFE BUT CAPTORS WANT PRISONERS RELEASED
---------------------------------------------
The Foreign Affairs Ministry is welcoming confirmation
kidnapped cameraman Olaf Wiig is alive, but is making no
further comment at this stage. Officials are now trying to get
more information about a 90 second videotape of the New
Zealander and his Fox News colleague Steve Centanni which has
been broadcast on Arab television. There were no signs of any
armed men in the video but a previously unknown group calling
itself the Holy Jihad Brigades released the tape of the men
saying they are being looked after, given clean water, food
and clothes and access to toilet facilities. Mr Wiig appeals
for help and urges political pressure be applied on local
government in Gaza. He reassures his family including wife
Anita McNaught. "Please don't worry, I'll do all the worrying
for you." Both men said they want to go home to their
families. It is a week and a half since they were kidnapped at
gunpoint in Gaza. Their captors have set a deadline of 72
hours for America to release all Muslim prisoners. The US has
already responded, saying it does not negotiate with
terrorists. There is no indication of what will happen to the
men when the deadline expires.
Friday, 25 August 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NO BOOST FOR NZ ARMY
--------------------
The Government says it has no plans to match the military
expansion announced by Australia. The Australian army is
getting two new infantry battalions at the cost of $12
billion. The extra troops will respond to crises in the Asia
Pacific region. A spokesman for Defence Minister Phil Goff
says steps have been taken here, such as boosting Naval
resources with new vessels. However a major boost to the Army
does not appear to be on the agenda.
FUEL PRICES BLAMED FOR AIR NZ RESULTS
-------------------------------------
Air New Zealand is blaming a 44 percent rise in fuel prices
for its poor performance, which saw profits slashed by almost
a half. Chairman John Palmer says it is a respectable result
given the extraordinarily challenging business environment the
airline is operating in. The national carrier posted after tax
profit of $96 million, down 47 percent over the previous year.
The airline has declared a final dividend of two and a half
cents per share. Mr Palmer acknowledges it was not the result
they were looking for. The airline is warning that the
escalating cost of fuel will have an impact on the next
financial year's performance as well. Chief Executive Rob Fyfe
says labour costs increased by $24 million but the $275
million dollar fuel expense now accounts for 30 percent of the
airline's operating cost. He says the cost of fuel next year
will be several hundred million dollars more than it was this
year, and it will be a challenge to find ways to improve
performance so as to offset the impact of the fuel prices. Mr
Fyfe says the airline will look at suspending unprofitable
routes and grow the business by announcing at least one new
long haul route per year.
FOOD PRICES INCREASE 0.8 PERCENT
--------------------------------
Food prices have risen nearly one percent. Statistics New
Zealand reports an increase of 0.8 of a percent for July.
Rising prices for the fruit and vegetables subgroup was the
main contributor to this, increasing 4.1 percent. Cabbages
rose 90 percent in July, while broccoli went up 23 percent.
That was offset by falls in prices for stone fruit (down 29.9
percent) and tomatoes (down 11.5 percent). Food prices are
rising at an annual rate of 3.4 percent. Again, the most
significant contribution to this increase came from higher
prices for the fruit and vegetables subgroup (up 16.4
percent).
MAKE THE MOST OF KIWISAVER
--------------------------
People are being advised to make the most of the Government's
new KiwiSaver scheme, even if they do not intend using it long
term. The Government has decided to make employer
contributions to the scheme tax-free and will also kick-start
people's savings by giving $1,000. Financial writer Mary Holm
says workers due for a pay-rise should be asking for that to
go straight to the savings account, rather than their pocket.
She says people unsure about the scheme should sign up for the
minimum 12 months anyway, purely to get the money the
government is offering and then get out if they do not like
it. She says people would be silly not to take advantage of
the Government's offer.
MOVIE PIRATE IN THE BRIG
------------------------
The New Zealand Federation Against Copyright Theft says it is
pleased a South Auckland man has been jailed for two years
after being found selling pirated movies at markets in
Auckland. John Houston had 486 films on his hard drive. The
judge has given him permission to apply for home detention -
but if it is granted, he will not be allowed to own a
computer, have an e-mail account or internet access. NZFACT
Executive Director Tony Eaton says would-be pirates had best
watch out as, while the authorities may not catch you straight
away, they will eventually. He says they are planning to
launch a major campaign on movie piracy in the coming weeks.
COORDINATOR FOR DECLINING HOME OWNERSHIP AREAS
----------------------------------------------
The government will provide funding for an "affordable housing
coordinator" to help more people own their own homes in the
Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough districts. A survey has found
there are growing difficulties with declining home ownership
in those regions. In 2001, home ownership rates in Nelson were
down to 44 percent compared with the national average of 68
percent. Housing Minister Chris Carter says the solutions to
the problem of owning homes lies within the communities and he
hopes a coordinator will help ease the situation. Nelson mayor
Paul Matheson believes outside market forces are mostly behind
the rises, making the region one of the most desirable to
live.
YELLOW PAGES MAY BE SOLD
------------------------
Telecom is looking into selling off its Yellow Pages Group.
The division also includes its white pages and other printed
and online directories. Telecom says options include a partial
or full sale to trade or financial buyers, or even a public
listing. The phone company says the Yellow Pages Group is a
very successful business, expected to generate profits of more
than $160 million in the coming year. However Telecom says
there are significant changes taking place in the online and
local search marketplace and it is now a good time to consider
all the options.
(I wonder, as other players are admitted into the telecom
market, who should have the right to sell directory
information. - BH)
RESEARCH CENTRE HOPES FOR GROUNDBREAKING DISCOVERIES
----------------------------------------------------
It is hoped the launch of a drug research organisation will
produce some groundbreaking medical discoveries. The Maurice
Wilkins Centre for Molecular Bio-discovery was launched
yesterday, bringing together more than 200 researchers in drug
discovery and development. Director, Professor Ted Baker, says
so far, diseases such as TB, diabetes and cancer have been the
focus of the researchers as cures for these diseases are
desperately needed. He believes the organisation can produce
great results. "Nobody can predict exactly which drug will be
successful but we really believe that it's just as possible to
develop good ideas and new possibilities in New Zealand as it
is anywhere." Prof. Baker says the centre is engaging with new
partners to transform its discoveries for use in clinical
trials.
TAX CHANGES TO KIWISAVER ALARMING SAY ACCOUNTANTS
-------------------------------------------------
Finance Minister Michael Cullen is being accused of setting an
alarming precedent by giving a special concession to the
KiwiSaver scheme. Voluntary employer contributions to the
scheme will be exempt from superannuation withholding tax,
although the total exempted amount will be capped. The
Institute of Chartered Accountants claims Dr Cullen is playing
favourites with his pet scheme. Tax Director Craig Macalister
believes the Government should either give tax breaks to all
savings schemes, or none. He predicts the tax exemption will
inevitably create pressure for savers to pull out of their
existing schemes to get the tax benefit. He says they may do
that without looking at other factors, such as the five year
lock-in rule that some other schemes do not have. Other
changes to the KiwiSaver scheme include the provision for
people to divert half their personal contribution towards
mortgage payments.
Monday, 28 August 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
STRIKE HITS GROCERY OPERATIONS
------------------------------
Progressive Enterprises says strike action has forced it to
suspend its grocery distribution centre operations
indefinitely. About 500 members of the National Distribution
Union in Progressive's three distribution centre have been on
strike since Friday morning and have today voted to continue
the action. Progressive is now suspending operations at the
centres and implementing an alternative supply chain. It says
it cannot meet the unreasonable union demands and has to meet
the everyday shopping needs of New Zealand consumers.
(As I understand it, the principal elements in the claim are a
multi-employer contract agreement or MECA, and an 8% pay rise.
Somehow, the Australian company Progressive enterprises
suggests this amounts to a 30% cost increase for them. - BH)
TV3 BANNED FROM PARLIAMENTARY FILMING
-------------------------------------
Parliament's Speaker says she has banned TV3 from filming in
the debating chamber for three days because the TV network
committed a serious and pre-meditated breach of the rules.
Margaret Wilson has taken the action, effective from tomorrow,
after TV3 filmed New Zealand First MP Ron Mark giving the
finger to National's Tau Henare. Ms Wilson says its the second
time she has banned TV3 for flouting the rules for filming in
the Chamber. She says on both occasions, TV3 admitted it
breached the rules but believed there was a more liberal
interpretation of the rules in place. Margaret Wilson says she
did not accept that argument then and does not now. But TV3's
head of news and current affairs is calling for the rules for
filing in parliament to be changed. Under parliamentary rules
MPs can only be filmed when they are on their feet to speak.
Mark Jennings says the rules are arcane - however he says it
is very important to show the public what happens in the
chamber. He says what TV3 showed was nothing more than what
anyone sitting in the public gallery would see.
(The most common adjective applied to this ruling has been
"arcane". Certainly it makes no sense to accuse the media of
bringing parliament into disrepute by merely showing the
antics of parliamentarians. It is the actions filmed that have
the potential to make parliament look silly, not the act of
showing them - BH)
HYGIENE HORROR AT AKL FOOD OUTLET
---------------------------------
The Auckland City Council is horrified over the hygiene levels
of an Avondale food outlet, which continued to operate despite
being ordered to shut down. Both owners of the T&A Food Market
have been fined $3000 for continuing to operate with below par
health regulations. Auckland City Council Senior Environmental
Health Officer Darryl Thompson says there were a couple of
factors that were particularly disturbing - they had a
infestation of cockroaches, and had children sleeping in the
food preparing area. He says the pair have also been fined a
further $1,100 for the initial breaches. The store is now
owned by a family member of the couple.
MISUSE OF PARKING UPSETS CCS
----------------------------
The number of people misusing mobility parking spaces has
shocked and disappointed Crippled Children's Society. The
organisation, which supports physically disabled New
Zealanders, has carried out a survey which shows half of all
cars parked in mobility parking spaces are there illegally.
Mobility Parking Manager Peter Wilson says this is a shocking
misuse of parking spaces and we should be ashamed. He says
they are really concerned the people who are doing this do not
realise the impact it is having on disabled people's lives. He
says people need to get away from the attitude that a couple
of minutes in a mobility park does not matter.
(People challenged either whine that they were just going to
be a few minutes, or else they are openly defiant. In either
case there ought to be a vigorous campaign of naming and
shaming. - BH)
JOURNALISTS' SECRETS REVEALED
-----------------------------
The typical New Zealand journalist is a European woman in her
thirties, inexperienced at the profession, who earns around
$40,000 a year at a newspaper. These are the findings of a
survey undertaken by the New Zealand Journalists Training
Organisation of over a thousand journalists. The survey also
reveals a typical journalist has no religious belief - and
probably speaks French well enough to conduct an interview
with Jacques Chirac. The survey also shows women out-number
men in the industry, although men are likely to stay in the
job for a lot longer and tend to earn more. Twenty nine
percent of participants find the job appealing, 22 percent are
interested in writing, with just point four percent drawn by
the pay. Men held the better-paid jobs, with 36 percent of
them earning more than $70,000 a year, compared with only 14
percent of women in that pay bracket. Some 12 percent of male
journalists earned more than $100,000, compared with 3 percent
of women. Employers said grammar was the biggest weakness they
saw in journalism newcomers, while knowledge of computers and
attributes like enthusiasm and curiosity were the biggest
strengths.
(I have formed the opinion that journalists everywhere have an
over-representation of contrarians. There are too many who
recast the news through the lens of their own preconceptions
and prejudices, and attempt to belittle other points of view
by sneering and mocking. I recall an age when professional
journalists seemed more objective and comparatively unbiased
than many of the present crop. - BH)
ECAN CHIEF WARNS OF WATER WORRIES
---------------------------------
Environment Canterbury chairman Sir Kerry Burke is warning
people that while there is plenty of water around, the
resource is not infinite. His comments come following the
launch of the Ministry for the Environment's public awareness
campaign on water, challenging people to think about what can
be done to protect it from contamination. He says people
barely worry about the amount of water they use or whether it
will continue to be safe to drink. Some parts of New Zealand -
such as Canterbury - have a more limited amount of water and
they need to make sure they manage it carefully so they can
use it for a wide range of purposes. ECan has the
responsibility of managing water, determining how it is taken
and what it is used for.
PROGRESS REPORT ON CHRISTCHURCH FUTURE
--------------------------------------
A round of public meetings is due to kick off this week so
people can get a progress report on how planning for the
future growth of the greater Christchurch area is going. The
meetings are part of the Greater Christchurch Urban
Development Strategy or UDS which aims to put in place an
holistic plan for growth over the next 30 years or so. The UDS
is a collaborative project between the Selwyn and Waimakariri
District councils, the Christchurch City Council, ECan and
Transit New Zealand. The public meetings will be at the
Lincoln Community Centre tonight, the Limes Room at the
Christchurch Town Hall tomorrow night and capped off at the
Waimakariri Council chambers on Wednesday night. The draft UDS
will be finalised in September and released for public
consultation in October.
GOV'T WELCOMES DISABLED RIGHTS MOVE
-----------------------------------
Moves by the United Nations to formulate a convention on the
rights of the disabled is being welcomed by our Government.
The UN General Assembly has reached agreement for the first
time that the rights of the disabled need to be formally
recognised. Disabilities Issues Minister Ruth Dyson says this
is good news, and is congratulating New Zealand's UN
delegation for their work in getting agreement on the issue.
The convention has still to be formally ratified, with a draft
to go to the UN General Assembly later this year.
CIVIL DEFENCE PLANS FOR MAJOR DISASTER
--------------------------------------
Civil Defence and the Government are planning a major exercise
to help prepare for a disaster in the Wellington region. The
scenario is based around an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the
Richter scale, which would probably see the city cut off for
several days. Civil Defence and Emergency Management acting
director Bruce Ferguson says the exercise will give them and
other key departments valuable practice in how to deal with a
disaster of that scale. One of the key areas to be focused on
is transport: how to get food, medical supplies and help into
the region if roads, the harbour and airport are inoperable.
GPS SAY MONEY ISN'T EVERYTHING
------------------------------
The College of GPs says ensuring poorer patients can get
cheaper doctor visits is only half the picture in delivering
healthcare. The Government has announced it will allocate $43
million to general practices that have capped lower fees,
which will allow GPs to offer their services at "very low
prices". The college says the continued investment in the
primary healthcare sector is welcome, but president Dr
Jonathan Fox says quality care is not just about removing
financial barriers, but also setting standards. He says it
would be terrible if lower fees result in shorter visits or a
lower quality of care. However, National Party health
spokesman Tony Ryall is dismissive of the initiative, saying
under Labour it seems it is someone's address that counts
rather than how sick they are. He says it will see
beneficiaries or low income earners in one part of a city get
more help than similarly needy people in another part of the
same city. Mr Ryall says that is totally unfair. He believes
the money would be better spent on elective surgery and
helping those culled from waiting lists.
Tuesday, 29 August 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXHAUST TESTS TO BE PART OF WOF
-------------------------------
Smoky exhaust tests are set to become part of getting a
warrant of fitness for a vehicle. The new regime is to be
introduced in October. Any car that produces smoke for five
seconds or more, when idling and under increased revs, will
not be allowed back on the road until it is fixed. Associate
Transport Minister Judith Tizard says the aim is to reduce
vehicle emissions and improve health conditions for New
Zealanders. She says it is estimated that vehicle emissions
contribute to the deaths of nearly 400 people annually and
brings costs of $442 million a year.
(Ha! On Feb 18th, 2001, WYSIWYG carried an item that said "The
owners of vehicles which belch excessive smoke will soon be
fined $150. Transport Minister Mark Gosche has announced a
tough new regime called the "Ten Second Rule". He says the
crack down will be on vehicles which emit a continuous stream
of clearly visible smoke for 10 seconds or more. Mr Gosche
says a report into air quality in Auckland and Christchurch
recently found that both cities have above-average national
air quality guidelines. The new regulations come into force on
March the 1st. Mr Gosche says for the first six months,
offending motorists will receive warnings but after that, they
will be liable for the $150 fine." That law duly came into
force, but as most people know the police have never had the
resources to make that kind of thing a priority, so I can
recall no case of a prosecution under that law. - BH)
AKL CAR DEALER BREACHES FAIR TRADE ACT
--------------------------------------
An Auckland car dealer has admitted breaching the Fair Trading
Act after he offered customers a free flight if they bought a
car. The Court found the promotion, run by Tower Motor Group
in Auckland was misleading as anyone who wanted to use the
flight had to pay for inflated accommodation on the Gold
Coast. The Commerce Commission is also prosecuting the
promoter of the flights, which have been offered by more than
50-businesses, mostly car yards. Tower Motor Group was fined
$15,000 for breaching the Fair Trading Act and agreed to pay
$1,000 to each of the three customers who bought cars during
the promotion.
(I love it when these sorts of people get caught. - BH)
COKE FAILS TO WIN OVER ANTI-FAT CAMPAIGNERS
-------------------------------------------
Anti-obesity campaigners are dubious about the value of Coca-
Cola's new labelling initiative. The company is putting the
number of kilojoules on the front of all its soft drinks,
juices and energy drinks. It will also improve the nutritional
information shown on the back of the label. But Fight the
Obesity Epidemic spokeswoman Robyn Toomath is not convinced
the new labelling will make a difference. Ms Toomath says
agencies like Coca-Cola are doing huge promotions and the
likelihood that changing the labels will have any affect is a
bit far fetched.
COUNCIL VOTES ON SUBSIDISED BUS FARES
-------------------------------------
Environment Canterbury councillors will be voting tomorrow on
a move to grant a stay of execution on the slashing of
discounted bus fares for certain groups. In the past, people
with intellectual or congenital disabilities who were involved
in an approved work scheme were entitled to reduced bus fares.
However groups with other kinds of disabilities approached the
council claiming the discount should be across the board. This
has resulted in the move by ECan to slash the discount
completely from the end of next year. Councillors will vote on
a motion to continue the scheme until then - meanwhile they
will investigate alternative sources of funding from central
government.
FIGURES SHOW ECONOMY IS UNEVEN
------------------------------
New labour force figures are being held up as another example
of New Zealand's current uneven economy. There are two sectors
of the economy where it is hard to find skilled people to fill
the many jobs available: construction and health. However,
there are decreases in jobs in other large industries such as
retail, agriculture and manufacturing. Newstalk ZB business
correspondent Roger Kerr says the economy is going through a
re-balancing process away from consumer spending, to
exporting. He says other recent data from Canterbury suggests
the pressure on the tight job market has eased, and it is
getting easier to find skilled employees.
NZ ROWING CAN CRACK CHAMPAGNE
-----------------------------
The annual Congress of the International Rowing Federation,
FISA, has confirmed Lake Karapiro will host the 2010 World
Rowing Championships. This vote formalises FISA's July
recommendation for the World Championships to go to Lake
Karapiro. That recommendation had caused the other candidate,
Amsterdam, to withdraw its bid, but the final decision still
had to be ratified at today's FISA Congress. Rowing New
Zealand CEO Craig Ross is delighted but not surprised. He says
they were also the front runner and the fact the FISA Congress
accepted the recommendation is comforting news. Ross says they
can now really get started on the planning for the event.
WOMEN TAKE THE LEAD AT HOME
---------------------------
A new survey has found women are still more likely to do most
of the housework, cooking, shopping and caring for sick
children. The Massey University study has revealed that in
just a third of New Zealand households, couples are likely to
share the responsibility for such chores. It finds men are
more likely to stick with repairs, putting out the rubbish and
maintaining the car. Lead researcher Professor Phil Gendall
says only two percent of New Zealanders approve of mothers of
young children returning full-time to the workforce. He says
40 percent of those surveyed believe a child under five
suffers when their mother works full-time, although 83 percent
of the nation approves of married women working full time
before having kids. Lead researcher Professor Phil Gendall
says the belief is consistent with surveys done in the past 20
years.
CHALLENGE FOR DISABLED RIGHTS
-----------------------------
New Zealand has been a key player in the creation of a UN
disabled rights convention and the Human Rights Commission
wants us to lead the way in integrating it. The treaty has
been adopted by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights
Commission says New Zealand ambassador Don MacKay gained
worldwide admiration for the way he managed negotiations. It
says the challenge is now to ensure our domestic performance
matches our international leadership. Chief commissioner
Rosslyn Noonan says there are several areas where New Zealand
is falling down, a key one being access to public transport.
PARLIAMENT ON TV - WARTS AND ALL
--------------------------------
A media commentator says New Zealanders should be able to see
the bad in parliament - as well as the good. Brian Edwards
says politicians do not need the protection of outdated rules
in Parliament when it comes to showing what goes on in the
debating chamber. The Speaker has banned TV3's cameras for
three days because the channel aired footage of New Zealand
First MP Ron Mark giving the finger to Tau Henare. Brian
Edwards says the ban is unfortunate. He says politicians are
elected representatives and people should be able to see how
they are behaving. On the flip side, Brian Edwards says it is
a tiring job and people will fall asleep from time to time,
which is something viewers really do not need to see.
SUPERMARKET SUSPENDS DSITRIBUTION CENTRES
-----------------------------------------
Progressive Enterprises is moving to ensure its supermarket
shelves are kept full, despite strike action by its stock
deliverers. About 500 National Distribution Union members who
work for the Foodtown, Woolworths and Countdown group have
been on strike since Friday and have voted to continue the
action. Progressive has decided to suspend its grocery
distribution centre operations indefinitely and deliver goods
directly to its stores. Managing director Marty Hamnett says
the company would prefer to keep its distribution centres
open, but claims it cannot meet unreasonable union demands. He
says only half the chain's goods come from the distribution
centres and fresh goods are not affected. He says Progressive
is always prepared to negotiate - but not until striking staff
return to work.
Wednesday, 30 August, 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NO SIGN OF END TO DISPUTE
-------------------------
There's no sign of workers at Progressive Enterprises'
national distribution centres returning to work any time soon.
Progressive Enterprises and the unions representing workers
went back to the negotiating table today, but it was not long
before talks collapsed. National Distribution Union
spokeswoman Laila Harre says employees will not go back to
work until the company agrees to give workers at all three
distribution centres equal rights. She says Progressive has
broken its promise to the workers and is now trying to starve
them into submission which blatant bullying.
ZIMBABWEAN IMMIGRANTS TO GET RESIDENCY
--------------------------------------
The Government says a group of Zimbabwean immigrants will be
granted residency status - regardless of whether they have
HIV. Around 800 Zimbabweans who fled the Mugabe regime are yet
to apply for residency - and it is believed to be due to
uncertainty over their HIV status. Rules require mandatory
screening before residence applications are approved. But
Immigration Minister David Cunliffe says the refugees will be
given residence regardless of their health status, as long as
they meet other character and security checks. He says the
decision has been made for humanitarian and health reasons.
SHELL, BP DROP FUEL PRICES AT PUMPS
-----------------------------------
It will be a little easier on the pocket at petrol pumps. Oil
companies have cut fuel prices. Shell initially dropped 4
cents off the price of a litre. BP dropped 5 cents and Shell
countered by matching that. Regular is now $1.60.9 per litre
and premium $1.66. Caltex and Mobil says they are monitoring
the market. Diesel remains unchanged.
(Some slight astonishment from me at three consecutive price
drops. I still don't regard $1.61 as cheap petrol but it's
better than $1.71 a few weeks ago. - BH)
ROTORUA BENEFITS FROM BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS
----------------------------------------
Economic spin offs from the mountain biking world
championships are likely to be considerable. Tens of thousands
of visitors from around New Zealand and the world attended the
event at Mount Ngongotaha last week. Chamber of Commerce CEO
Roger Gordon says the international exposure Rotorua has had
will undoubtedly convert into more visitors coming to the
city. He says he particularly expects to see more mountain
bike enthusiasts.
ASTRONOMERS INTERESTED IN METEOR SHOWER
---------------------------------------
Auckland Observatory is keen to hear from anyone who witnessed
Monday night's meteor shower on the East Coast. Just before
10pm, many Hastings residents heard a large explosion which
some thought could be the forerunner to an earthquake, while
others believed it was a car crash. However the explosion was
due to a meteor shower. Despite the loud noise, it was not
large enough to register on seismology equipment at GNS
Science, based in Wellington. Akina resident Abby heard the
sound of a huge explosion and braced herself for the
accompanying shake. However she says that did not come, ruling
out the possibility of an earthquake. Abby says she then
contacted friends in Flaxmere, Mahora and Parkvale who also
heard the explosion. The Education Officer at Auckland's
Stardome Observatory, Jennie McCormack says she would like to
hear of any first hand reports from residents who witnessed
the explosion. Her email address is jennie at stardome.org.nz
HEART FOUNDATION APPLAUDS RESEARCHERS
-------------------------------------
The Heart Foundation is applauding the work of local
researchers in the field of a serious hereditary disease.
Researchers at Auckland University have developed at test for
Long QT syndrome, a cause of sudden cardiac death. Medical
Director Professor Norman Sharpe says while the condition is
rare, it is potentially very dangerous for those who have it.
He says with modern treatment the syndrome can be well
managed.
SUPERMARKET DISPUTE IS HEADING TO COURT
---------------------------------------
The supermarket supply dispute is heading to court. Unions for
locked-out workers at Progressive Enterprises want an
injunction preventing the company operating what they call a
secret distribution centre in Auckland. The National
Distribution Union and the EPMU are filing an application in
the Employment Court on behalf of 500 workers who supply
Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths stores. NDU National
Secretary Laila Harre says an Auckland logistics firm has been
called in to perform tasks normally carried out by the locked
out workers. She says that is illegal under the Employment
Relations Act. The threatened industrial action is likely to
cast a shadow over mediation talks today.
NEW MARKET FOR OLD BUTTER WRAP
------------------------------
Our dairy industry waste products are being worn and walked on
in China. Fonterra is shipping used butter wrap to China,
where it is being used in the production of polypropylene
products such as clothing and carpet. It is part of a drive by
the dairy giant to reduce its waste landfill by 90 percent by
June 2010. Already Fonterra says it has cut landfill deposits
down by 60 percent over the past two and a half years. The
market for Fonterra's used plastics, such as old cheese and
milk powder bags, was discovered by rubbish contractor
Envirowaste.
REALITY SHOW HEADS TO NZ
------------------------
Great Barrier Island could be the next location for an award-
winning BBC reality TV series. Lion Television met with
islanders last night to discuss its bid to film the next
series of Castaway on their home patch in the Hauraki Gulf
next year. On the first series of Castaway in 2000, 36 people
lived on a deserted island in Scotland for a year and learned
to live and build their own community. The ground-breaking
series is seen as the first of the reality genre, which
spawned the blockbusting "Survivor" series. This time there
will be just 12 people and the show will last for 12 weeks.
The people chosen to be castaways will reflect all aspects of
British life: all ages; all backgrounds; a variety of skills
or none; and with a range of personalities. Lion Television is
in talks with the Department of Conservation and the local iwi
and is promising to use the local community for labour,
transport and accommodation. An unofficial fan website says
the castaways will explore the best ways to live in close
quarters with people that they may not have much in common
with, draw on personal skills to develop the infrastructure of
the island and, in the process, discover more about themselves
as individuals. It quotes Peter Fincham, the controller of
British TV channel BBC One as saying "It's really exciting to
think Castaway will be back on BBC One. Fans of the previous
series will recognise it, but we've got a few twists and
surprises up our sleeve."
INCOME SPLITTING PLAN FOR FAMILIES
----------------------------------
United Future wants income splitting to be installed as
financial recognition of the work mothers do the home. Their
idea comes in response to a Massey University study which
suggests just two percent of New Zealanders approve of mothers
of pre-schoolers being in full-time employment. United Future
says it shows a lot of people have a lot of common sense. It
says stay-at-home parents play a crucial role in the nation
and an income splitting policy would recognise that. MP Gordon
Copeland says current Government policy is tilted towards
assistance and tax breaks for working mothers. The party says
income splitting would mean the earnings of parents could be
combined then halved, meaning lower tax rates.
(I rarely agree with United Future, but have long supported
the notion of income pooling by families for taxation
purposes. - BH)
WELLINGTON DENIES EXCESSIVE CHARGES
-----------------------------------
The International Air Transport Association is pulling no
punches in its latest review of Wellington Airport's financial
situation. The association claims the airport had a profit
margin of 75 percent, which is "an embarrassment" and puts it
amongst the highest in the world. However, Wellington Airport
chief executive Simon Draper says the figures the association
has chosen are selective. He says when they get around the
table to set the fees with the airlines, there is no room for
any skulduggery. Mr Draper says it is an excruciatingly
detailed process, with every adjustment having to be
justified. He says they can be taken to court if they set the
charges too high, which has happened in the past. He says much
has been made of their 75 percent increase in landing charges
in 2002, but it only amounted to around $3.50 per flight,
adding they now have a state of the art new terminal to show
for it. However, Air New Zealand's chief financial officer Rob
McDonald is not buying the claims that Wellington's fees are
similar to comparably-sized airports in Cairns or Adelaide. He
says the amount the airport charges for an Airbus A-320 to
depart is significantly higher than the two Australian
airports, and there is only so much the airline can absorb.
Rob McDonald says at the end of the day, they simply have to
fly into Wellington, so they have to pay what the airport
wants, and pass the costs onto the consumer.
(I have recently been in some dispute with a PR person from
Air New Zealand over the inflexibility of their ticket non-
transferability rules. I was told that it was an IATA "law". I
pointed out that IATA was a cartel, not a law making body, and
that in its own submissions to the European Commission, IATA
agreed that non-transferability was a matter for the
commercial policy of each member airline. The Air New Zealand
PR person then went into a circular argument that boiled down
to "it's our policy - get over it". Until Air New Zealand
allow me to give a ticket I have bought and paid for to
someone else, they are in no position to take the moral high
ground about monopoly behaviour. - BH)
Thursday, 31 August 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WELLINGTON CBD FACES DAYS WITH NO GAS
-------------------------------------
Central Wellington could be without gas for up to two more
days. Powerco says more water has been pumped into the gas
pipes than was initially apparent. A team of more than 70
civil contractors, gas fitters, engineers and water
reticulation specialists are trying to remove water from the
pipes and restore the supply. The gas has been out in the
capital's centre since yesterday morning. Powerco says it is
sparing no resource to get the supply flowing again.
(Nevertheless, as of today, Sunday, most businesses in the CBD
are still without gas. This is something of a baptism of fire
for Helen, since the restaurant which she manages has been
open for just over two weeks and suddenly there is no gas.
However, they have been managing to provide a constrained menu
using other heating sources, and have been doing quite well in
the circumstances. - BH)
PROGRESSIVE DENIES BREAKING LAW
-------------------------------
The operator of three of the country's biggest supermarket
chains denies it is breaking the law. Lawyers for Progressive
Enterprises have begun their defence as the unions
representing 500 distribution workers who have been locked-out
try to bring an injunction. Progressive's lawyer told the
Employment Court the company is not using logistics company
Linfox to carry out the work of the locked-out workers. He
says Linfox has been doing more work since the industrial
action began because suppliers themselves are asking them to.
Meanwhile Union support for locked out Progressive
distribution staff is growing. The Nurses Organisation claims
the 500 National Distribution Union workers are being bullied
by a mega-company whose only interest seems to be increasing
the return for Australian shareholders. Spokeswoman Cee Payne-
Harker says nurses know the value of collective agreements and
value theirs across all public hospitals. She says it simply
does not make sense for Progressive distribution staff in
Palmerston North to earn more than their counterparts in
Auckland and Christchurch. The Judge has indicated he will
reserve his decision on this matter until at least tomorrow
and may order both parties to return to mediation to settle
the pay dispute.
LARGEST MOTOR VEHICLE INSURER FINED
-----------------------------------
The country's largest motor vehicle insurer has been fined
nearly $130,000 for breaching the Fair Trading Act. IAG and
parent company State Insurance and NZI have pleaded guilty to
30 breaches of the Act in the Auckland District Court. The
court found the insurers misled customers about their right to
choose a windscreen repairer when making a claim. The Commerce
Commission is pleased with the penalty. Chairwoman Paula
Rebstock says the case attracted considerable interest since
the Commission began investigating in 2004.
BREAST CANCER DRUG GETS FUNDING
-------------------------------
PHARMAC has announced it is to fund a taxane drug for use in
early stage breast cancer. The decision to fund Paclitaxel
from tomorrow is expected to see up to 550 women with early
breast cancer treated with the medicine. Taxanes are a class
of chemotherapeutic drug funded for a number of cancers
including ovarian, fallopian and metastatic breast cancer.
Medical Director Peter Moodie says clinical data show using
taxanes can help women with breast cancer live longer. The
widened funding will cost DHBs 12.5 million over five years.
Earlier this year PHARMAC decided not to fund Herceptin for
early stage breast cancer sufferers.
MINISTER CARS BAD EXAMPLE
-------------------------
Gas guzzling Ministerial cars are being highlighted as a bad
example for the Government to be setting. Green Party Co-
Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons is taking the Government to task
over the poor fuel economy of the 85 strong executive car
fleet. She says the vehicles go against the message the
Government is pushing in its fuel saver website, and produce
on average six tonnes of carbon dioxide each a year. Ms
Fitzsimons says in a time when there are concerns about peak
oil and climate change it is shocking the Government is
driving us even faster to the brink.
(The website referred to is www.fuelsaver.govt.nz but in my
opinion the information is so generic as to be not very
informative. - BH)
DOLLAR REACHES NEW HIGH
-----------------------
A word of caution not to move too quickly to assess the
implications of the rising New Zealand dollar. It reached a
five and a half month high overnight of around 65 US cents.
UBS senior economist Robin Clements says there is no
indication that level will be sustained. But he says as it
stands, it is undoing some of the relief that exporters have
been seeing. He says as usual there are winners and losers,
but he is expecting the dollar to slide down.
NO GUARANTEES OVER KIWISAVER
----------------------------
United Future's Gordon Copeland is upset that National's John
Key is giving no guarantees that KiwiSaver will continue if
his party is elected to power. Mr Copeland says that is
surprising given that Mr Key is a member of Parliament's
finance committee which unanimously adopted KiwiSaver. He says
Mr Key's position is not dissimilar to Rob Muldoon's in 1975
when he won the election for National on a promise of
scrapping the fledgling Superannuation Fund. Mr Copeland says
it was the worst decision made by any Government in his
lifetime.
SHELVES START TO EMPTY IN DISPUTE
---------------------------------
Shoppers might see less of the basics on the shelves at
Progressive supermarkets today. Progressive Enterprises, which
runs Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths supermarkets met with
the unions representing workers yesterday, but talks quickly
collapsed. Workers are seeking a collective agreement which
will give employees at the Auckland, Palmerston North and
Christchurch distribution centres equal rights. Progressive
Enterprises says the ongoing dispute will be tough on
supermarket workers. And workers are also feeling the pinch of
not being paid - but it seems neither side is willing to back
down. There is no sign of when talks will resume.
QUEENSTOWN CONFERENCE ON HUMAN CELLS
------------------------------------
Scientists are to demonstrate how switched on they are today
when it comes to molecular biology. A conference in Queenstown
gets underway later on the human cell, involving top
researchers from around the world. The convenor of the
conference, Auckland University professor Peter Shepherd, says
there have been exciting breakthroughs in cell discoveries in
recent years, with drugs such as Herceptin and Gleevac
revolutionising cancer treatment. He says New Zealand has very
active research in this area, and the conference will link our
researchers in with the rest of the world.
NATIONAL TAKES LEAD OVER LABOUR
-------------------------------
National has taken a big lead over Labour in the latest
opinion poll. It is nearly eight points clear in the Herald-
DigiPoll survey. National has 46.4 percent, with Labour
slipping to 38.7. The last time National was this far out in
front was in early 2004, after Don Brash's controversial Orewa
speech on race-based policies. The poll comes as Labour deals
with the fallout from the Phillip Field affair. The Greens are
the only other party to top the MMP threshold of five percent.
New Zealand First is on 2.8, behind the Maori Party on 3.4.
Helen Clark remains preferred prime minister on 52.4 percent,
more than double the figure for Don Brash.
NZ CONSUMER CONFIDENCE HOLDS UP WELL
------------------------------------
New Zealanders remain among the most confident consumers in
the world, despite growing concern over the economy.
ACNielsen's latest Global Online Consumer Confidence Index
puts this country at number seven for consumer confidence. The
New Zealand part of the index has slipped nine points in the
past six months, but still remains well above the global
average. Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard will be happy to
know people are spending less on home entertainment, holidays,
clothes and new technology. In fact, 45 percent of the 500 New
Zealanders surveyed say they are putting their spare cash onto
paying off their credit card, loans or other debts. ACNielsen
managing director Steve Mitchell says, "It is apparent that
while consumer confidence in New Zealand remains high, it
could be vulnerable to factors such as the continuing high
cost of petrol and a slowing housing market. This may have a
flow on effect to consumers' discretionary spending as
consumers typically react by tightening their purse strings
when faced with uncertainty."
Friday, 1 September 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
X-RAYS TO BE SENT OVERSEAS
--------------------------
The Hawke's Bay District Health Board says sending x-rays
overseas for analysis will relieve pressure on its own
radiologists. The DHB is the first in the country to trial
Australian technology to send x-rays to trained professionals
in northern hemisphere countries. Acting CEO Win Bennet says
there is a national shortage of radiologists and Hawke's Bay
is feeling the pinch after a few departures over the past few
months. Mr Bennet says the six month trial relieves local
radiologists of too much pressure while still maintaining a
quality service.
(This is a serious risk. As I recall, we had a major scandal
when Dr Michael Bottrill misdiagnosed large numbers of cancer
smears. The field of telemedicine has long been unclear about
how to handle issues of licensure across national or other
jurisdictional boundaries. If a radiologist or any other
diagnostician in Turkey or Albania or wherever makes errors of
the kind made by Dr Bottrill, how will they be brought to
account? - BH)
SUPERMARKET MEDIATION UNDERWAY
------------------------------
Mediation between Progressive Enterprises and the National
Distribution Union has started after the parties were ordered
by the Employment Court to talk. In an unusual move, the court
has asked a judge to preside over the discussions, which are
being held in Auckland. The dispute is in its seventh day and
supermarket shelves have some empty spaces. At Foodtown in
Greenlane this morning a dozen protestors with placards have
been asked to move by management, which has threatened to call
the police. The distribution workers are getting a lot of
support from shoppers and people driving past.
OUTDOOR DINING RENTS
--------------------
The rise in outdoor dining rents on the pavement is fair and
equitable according to one Christchurch City Councillor.
Councillor Barry Corbett say the bar owners will be paying
about $20 dollars a day for the outside space which is small
compared to what they are forking out in indoor rent. He says
the rise is fair and represents an increase from about $5000 a
year to $8000 for most bar-owners. Meanwhile the strip bar
owners who have been fighting the change are due to hold an
emergency meeting later this morning to discuss the matter.
They claim paying a higher rent than bars on the Auckland
viaduct is unreasonable.
(Councillor Corbett seems to be coming at the problem from the
perspective of his own estimate of what the market will bear
rather than from any reasonable estimate based on what it
costs the city to allow this practice. He seems to overlook
the value to the city of the vibrant restaurant stream along
"the strip". - BH)
SALLIES URGE GOVT TO TACKLE GAMBLING
------------------------------------
The Salvation Army is calling on the Government to increase
the problem gambling levy, in light of alarming trends. Today
is Gamble Free Day and the army says 14 percent of food-bank
users have gambling problems, compared to the national average
of just over one percent. Army spokesman Major Lynette Hutson
says these are people who can least afford to gamble but are
wooed by a faint glimmer of false hope. She says as the
Ministry of Health consults on its gambling harm document, it
should consider increasing the problem gambling levy.
"OUR PLACE" IS A SUCCESS STORY
------------------------------
Te Papa is the most visited museum in Australasia. The Council
of Australasian Museum Directors annual survey ranks Te Papa
number one for the fifth year in a row. Chief executive Dr
Seddon Bennington says this year also saw the museum reach a
milestone of 12 million visitors since opening on February 14
1998.
(Te Papa has had its share of doomsayers and critics,
including me. Personally, my preference would always be for a
conventional museum such as the brilliant one in Dunedin. I
prefer to see the artefacts themselves rather than a dazzling
display of curatorial art. The artefacts are the essence of
why I visit a museum. Nevertheless, the public have flocked in
their millions to "our place" since its opening. That is a
considerable achievement. - BH)
STAPLES BRING FEAR TO POST OFFICES
----------------------------------
New Zealand Post is surprised to hear claims of staple-fear
sweeping its Post Shops. Callers to Newstalk ZB have been
complaining about staff at Post Shops being unwilling to
staple together bills they have paid because of safety
concerns. Customers have been told that their bills will not
be stapled because staff are concerned about the possibility
of repetitive strain injuries, as well as OSH issues. The
customers say getting their paper work stapled together after
they have paid their bills is something they have expected for
years. New Zealand Post spokesman Richard MacLean says he was
not aware staples have suddenly become very dangerous, but he
says they launched a top level inquiry, which was met with
laughter. Mr MacLean says there has certainly been no official
edict from New Zealand Post headquarters about the use of
staples. He is assuring people staples do not pose any danger
to either staff or customers at Post Shops.
CALL TO UPSKILL EXISTING WORKERS
--------------------------------
Businesses are being encouraged to think about up-skilling
staff members next time they find themselves short of a
particular talent. The Department of Labour has released its
Skills in the Market report showing unemployment at a record
low 3.6 percent. It also shows skills shortages have fallen
sharply over the past year and a half; however, Deputy
Secretary Monique Dawson says shortage of skills remains a
major issue for the economy and is here to stay. She says in
the past business have responded to rising demand for goods
and services by employing more people, but that is no longer
feasible. Ms Dawson says employers need to look at training
existing staff members for new tasks as with a bit of
training, the right person for a particular role could be
already on the payroll. Ms Dawson says additional training of
staff is an investment in the staff member, the business and
the economy.
SUPERMARKET RIVAL WON'T CAPITALISE ON DISPUTE
---------------------------------------------
Progressive Enterprises' competition is refusing to hit the
supermarket company while it is down. Some shelves in
Foodtown, Woolworths and Countdown are looking bare as the pay
dispute between Progressive and around 500 of its distribution
workers drags on. Foodstuffs general retail manager Mark Baker
says trading at its New World and Pak 'n Save stores has been
normal throughout the week. He says anything that affects
supplier products getting to supermarkets is unfortunate for
consumers. Mr Baker hopes both parties come to an amicable
agreement as soon as possible. Mr Baker says they have not
noticed an increase on normal trading numbers through the week
and adds he is not looking to capitalise on Progressive's
problems. An Employment Court judge has ordered Progressive
and the union representing distribution workers to go back
into mediation.
CBD REMAINS GAS-FREE ZONE
-------------------------
Many customers in central Wellington will be facing another
day without gas today. Around a thousand Powerco customers
will have to make do again as more than 70 workers try to
restore gas to the distribution network. It has been three
days since water was discovered in the pipelines supplying
Wellington's CBD. Powerco spokesman Stephen Nicholls says
teams have been mobilized to sites around the city. He says
the key priorities are to ensure the network is safe and to
restore supply to all properties as soon as possible. Mr
Nicholls says progress is being made on both fronts but says
it could be at least another day before everything is
restored.
MIGRATION IN THE SPOTLIGHT
--------------------------
Australia is defending its refugee detention centres after
being put on the spot during a New Zealand visit. Members of
the visiting Australian Joint Standing Committee on Migration
have been quizzed by their New Zealand counterparts,
especially about the practice of holding women and children in
the centres. Liberal Senator Stephen Parry says the centres
are a good deterrent. He says if they allowed women and
children to freely integrate, without holding them in
detention centres, people smugglers would use them as a shield
to get illegal immigrants into the country. The Australians
are urging the New Zealand Government to up its game on
letting refugees into the country. MP Don Randall pointed out
to the Parliamentary Select Committee that Australia takes in
14,000 refugees every year and New Zealand only around 790. He
acknowledges that on a per capita basis New Zealand performs
well but could easily accept a few more.
(I had never understood that deterrence was an appropriate
response to refugees. Refugees are surely those people who are
escaping from dire situations such as "persecution, war,
terrorism, extreme poverty, famines, and natural disaster" -
Wikipedia. The appropriate response to people genuinely in
these situations is compassion, not barbed wire or
imprisonment in detention centres. - BH)
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