WYSIWYG NEWS - 06 February, 2007

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 06 February, 2007 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer. 

Last week's intro with its unfavourable comparison with 
Gisborne risked outraged comment from the good citizens of 
Wanganui. Well there was no lynch mob when I had to dash up 
there with Mary to attend to my mother in the course of this 
week. Nor have I had any mutinous emails. Perhaps no-one from 
Wanganui reads these musings. Perhaps nobody at all reads 
them. Wherever the truth lies, I find therapeutic value in 
articulating my observations, so I'll carry on.  We needed to 
be there for a 9am medical appointment, so figured that a 5:45 
am start would ensure a suitable safety cushion. The Haywards 
Hill road was quiet, as we drove through the grey light of yet 
another drab "summer" day in Wellington. Around the roundabout 
at Pauatahanui , and onto Grey's road around the Northern 
shore of the Pauatahanui inlet. Despite the slight chop on the 
water, there were a number of handsome birds strolling through 
the shallows seeking their breakfast. Pied stilts, grey herons 
and royal spoonbills all seemed blasé about the traffic 
passing so close. The road leaves the harbour and loops up 
around what used to be the Northern edge of Camborne and 
snakes down to join SH1 at Plimmerton. I say "used to", 
because once rugged farmland is becoming a domesticated 
extension to suburbia.  Happily, the intersection with SH1 now 
has traffic lights, so it is possible to get safely onto the 
highway without too much delay. We drove North through Pukerua 
Bay and then down onto "Centennial Highway", as the coastal 
road between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki is known. On this 
occasion, the sea was choppy with a sullen swell heaving 
itself onto the rocks and throwing a fair amount of salt spray 
into the air. Kapiti was clear and stark against the grey sky, 
but of the hills and islands around the Marlborough Sounds, no 
trace. Along this stretch of road, a wire safety barrier is 
being extended to diminish the incidence of fatal head-on 
collisions in the area. The price to install this cheap and 
nasty looking safety barrier is in the millions for reasons 
that elude me entirely. At Paekakariki, a block of what look 
like motel units is nearing completion where the historic 
Railway Hotel once stood. Beside some ragged looking wetland, 
the narrow two lane road is beginning to look like part of a 
National highway system, and clearly it will soon be finished. 
The road swoops up and over the railway line near McKay's 
Crossing, and yet another landmark passes into history. 
Readers in the US may be intrigued to know that area that is 
now "Queen Elizabeth Park" at McKay's Crossing was the site of 
a major US Marine Corps camp during WWII. According to 
official documents, there were "camps and barracks for 26,542 
personnel in 2,505,925 square feet of tents, buildings and 
huts; hospital beds for 2,340 patients in 59 buildings and 115 
huts covering an area of 151,341 square feet; and 752,480 
square feet of new storage space." Back then it must have been 
a small island of American culture in the back of beyond, 
perhaps an hour by road or rail from Wellington. Thanks for 
being here, guys. Paraparaumu presents a commercial face to 
the world, at least where it meets the highway. All of the 
major fast food outlets seem to be there, and the Coastlands 
Shopping Mall, the Warehouse, and other major chains add to 
the expanse of concrete. Up and over the railway line at the 
end of the town and we are now in rural surroundings again, 
passing Lindale, and soon entering Waikanae. Insurrection 
stopping a little short of actual riots seems to be occurring 
in Waikanae as its predominantly elderly population vigorously 
opposes a plan by a local funeral director to erect a 
crematorium in the town centre. Te Horo, Manakau, and other 
minor centres line the road on the way to Otaki, but at this 
hour of morning, very few signs of life are visible in these 
communities. Plenty of big rigs on the road though, and even 
at the legal limit of 100 km/h they are treading closely on 
your tail. Levin is soon passed and then the long haul to 
Foxton, the straights and up to Sanson. Coffee called, but 
nothing was open and we had to wait until we got to Bulls. I 
recall that an American friend lamented the lack of good 
coffee in NZ (hi George & Pat). I have to say that things have 
changed since then. There are few places where you can't get a  
really good coffee in almost infinite variety of options. I 
don't regard flavour syrups as being an improvement, however. 
Leaving SH1 at Bulls (A town like no udder, it's sign 
proclaims), we continue up SH3 through the gentle pastoral 
landscape on the road to Wanganui. The steady wind has the 
grasses in motion, but alas the clouds obscure both mountains. 
We arrived in Wanganui as the town was stirring to life at 
8:30 am. Medical matters were duly attended to, after which we 
had a light lunch, and then set out on the return journey. 
Many aspects of the road seem different when travelling in the 
other direction, but "backwards journey the describe not will 
I". 

Today is Waitangi Day, the anniversary of the treaty between 
Maori and the British crown, and the effective founding of the 
modern nation. It is a public holiday, and the weather in 
Wellington for the last few days has been beautifully fine 
without getting too hot. See you next week.  

---- 
Any text above this point, and all subsequent material in 
parentheses, and concluded with the initials "BH" is the 
personal opinion of Brian Harmer as editor of this newsletter, 
or occasionally "GS" will indicate an opinion from our 
editorial assistant. In all cases they are honest expressions 
of personal opinion, and are not presented as fact.  
 
All news items (except where noted otherwise) are reproduced 
by kind permission of copyright owner, Newstalk ZB News. All 
copyright in the news items reproduced remains the property of 
The Radio Network Limited.  
 
This edition of the news is sponsored by my friends Clay and 
Louise Sollers in Northern California. Greetings and thanks. 
 
----  
On with the News.  
 
Monday, 29 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NZQA MARKERS NOT TO BLAME FOR COMMENTS
--------------------------------------

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority says it is satisfied 
none of its markers were responsible for derogatory comments 
on some exam papers. An investigation has been ongoing since 
the discovery of the vandalised papers from a school in 
Christchurch. NZQA Deputy Chief executive Bali Haque says 
different markers in different parts of the country marked the 
papers. It is thought a temporary worker at New Zealand Post 
may be responsible for the less than complimentary comments. 
Meanwhile New Zealand Post is refusing to comment on the 
ongoing investigation into how exam papers came to be defaced. 
A spokesman is only prepared to say their investigation is 
continuing and they may have more information tomorrow. 
 
(To clarify, the results forms are delivered in bulk to NZ 
Post who have a contract to fold and insert them into 
envelopes. What surprises me is that this requires human 
intervention. I worked for an organization that had envelope 
stuffing machines as long ago as 1973 - BH) 

NZ SEES FIRST RETAIL EDITION OF WINDOWS VISTA
---------------------------------------------

A new version of the Microsoft Windows operating system is 
unveiled in New Zealand tonight. The midnight launch in 
Manukau is the first in the world for Microsoft Windows Vista 
and the 2007 version of Microsoft Office. It is the first new 
operating system from Microsoft since the launch of Windows XP 
and has been over five years in development. New Zealand 
Marketing manager Brent Colbert says one of its benefits will 
be tougher parental controls. He says it will allow parents to 
see what sites their children are visiting and also limit 
where they go. He also thinks the built-in entertainment 
system will make the whole experience a more pleasurable one. 
Brent Colbert says about three of every five computers 
currently around will be able to use the software. All Black 
Daniel Carter is set to be the first person in the world to 
purchase a personal computer loaded with the latest Windows 
Vista as the clock ticks past midnight into Tuesday morning. 
Carter will pick up his laptop at the Manukau branch of Dick 
Smith Electronics PowerHouse; it will then be autographed by 
the sports star and placed on the auction site TradeMe to 
raise research funds for Cure Kids, a charity for children 
with life threatening illnesses. David Rayner, Marketing 
Manager for Vista, says "As a nation with a strong tradition 
of adopting technology early, it seems fitting that New 
Zealand is also the first country in the world to unveil the 
largest software upgrade ever." 
 
(Hmmm ... non-news, I think. Many of the most touted benefits of 
Vista seem to relate to entertainment and digital rights 
management ... I hardly ever use a computer for entertainment. - 
BH)

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN MARLOW CASE
--------------------------------------

Scotland Yard have charged a man with murder in the Catherine 
Marlow case. A 31-year-old unemployed man who was arrested on 
January 26 has this afternoon been charged by detectives over 
the murder in a London office nearly two weeks ago. He is to 
appear in court later today. The Hawke's Bay family of Miss 
Marlow says it intends to release a statement tomorrow on the 
latest development.

FLYING START FOR YEARLING SALE
------------------------------

The annual yearling sale at Karaka has got off to a flying 
start. However, tension is building for the prize horses that 
are expected to come under the hammer later today. Bloodstock 
spokesman Peter Vela says the sales so far have gone extremely 
well, grossing over $9 million in the opening session, ahead 
of expectations. The top price paid so far is $330,000 but Mr 
Vela is hoping to see a $1 million sale later this afternoon.

CARTER STICKS UP FOR HOUSING NZ
-------------------------------

Housing Minister Chris Carter is making no apologies for a 42 
percent increase in staff at Housing New Zealand. National is 
furious, calling Housing New Zealand a bloated bureaucracy 
that is still not doing its job properly. However, Mr Carter 
has shot back, saying Housing New Zealand was just a landlord 
under National and its role has now changed. He agrees they 
have more staff but says they are doing a lot more work. Mr 
Carter says it is now a multi-billion dollar business engaged 
in everything from building a thousand new houses a year to 
multi-million dollar upgrades to existing state houses.

LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES
----------------------------------------

Eighty percent of people still believe the workplace is the 
ideal hunting ground for true love according to a survey 
across the Tasman. Seventy-six percent of respondents had been 
romantically involved with someone in their office, while 57 
percent have met their partner at work. Many people might not 
be aware of some budding romances though - 66 percent keep 
work relationships a secret to begin with.

BUSINESS GROUPS WELCOME DOHA RESTART
------------------------------------

Business groups have welcomed the fresh life that has been 
breathed into world trade talks. Major powers meeting in 
Switzerland at the weekend have decided to try to restart the 
stalled Doha round. The deal could be worth billions to the 
New Zealand economy, if the EU and America can agree on 
cutting agricultural subsidies. Federated Farmers says it is 
welcome news, but President Charlie Pedersen says there is 
plenty of work ahead. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce says 
the progress made at the weekend is encouraging.

NATIONAL CONCERNED AT WAITING LISTS
-----------------------------------

National claims the waiting list problem is the worst it has 
ever been. Health spokesman Tony Ryall says in the year ending 
October last year, 13,600 patients were referred back to their 
GPs. He says on top of that, 24,000 patients were removed from 
waiting lists because their circumstances had changed, meaning 
they did not need an operation anymore, had gone private or 
had died. Mr Ryall says it gets worse, with another 20,000 
never making it to see a specialist. He says it is a case of 
culling people to make waiting lists look shorter than they 
really are, for cynical political reasons. 
 
(Culling of waiting lists has been practised by the local 
health authorities for decades. I think it is indefensible 
regardless of who is in power. - BH)

MAORI PARTY TARGETS GANGS
-------------------------

The Maori Party wants communities to help crackdown on gangs. 
The party believes individual leaders and chapters should be 
named and shamed, and steps should be taken to investigate 
whether gang insignia should be banned. Maori Party Co-leader 
Pita Sharples says it is time schools started investigating 
whether gang activity is taking place at schools. He says it 
has gone too far when young girls are too afraid to go to the 
toilet at school for fear they will be attacked. He says the 
time has come where a blind eye can no longer be turned to the 
threats gangs pose. The Government is looking favourably on 
the Maori Party call for a crackdown. Justice Minister Mark 
Burton agrees it is not a simple issue and is one the whole 
community has a part to play in. He says the Government always 
welcomes any helpful ideas and initiatives and he is happy to 
look at them with Dr Sharples or anyone else.

RURAL COPS AT RISK
------------------

The police union is concerned rural officers are more at risk 
of being hurt on the job because of a lack of backup in small 
towns. A man will appear in the Masterton District Court 
tomorrow after he allegedly chased his girlfriend to an off-
duty police officer's house in Martinborough and attacked the 
constable. Police Association spokesman Ron Leck says rural 
officers are often forced to deal with potentially dangerous 
offenders by themselves. He says there is no simple solution 
to the problem but the union is conducting a rural review to 
try to improve the safety of officers stationed in small 
towns.

FARMERS DISAPPOINTED ABOUT VARROA DECISION
------------------------------------------

Federated Farmers says a government decision not to try to 
eliminate the varroa bee mite from the South Island is a 
disgrace. The Government has spent $1.5 million looking into 
eradication, but a planned baiting programme had to be 
abandoned after Biosecurity New Zealand was unable to secure 
approval from the manufacturer to use an insecticide. Chairman 
of Federated Farmers' Grain Council Andrew Gillanders says the 
agency has let beekeepers down. He says the eventual spread of 
the varroa mite, which kills bee pupae will decimate the 
population of feral pollinating bees and severely hurt South 
Island agricultural and horticultural industries.

Tuesday, 30 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HIGH NZ DOLLAR BLAMED FOR MILL CLOSURE
--------------------------------------

The Southland Chamber of Commerce says the New Zealand Dollar 
is far too high and is starting to hit communities hard. The 
comment comes following the news Southland's Bright Wood 
Timber mill is to close in March, taking 100 jobs with it. 
Chamber head Richard Hey says this is not the first time he 
has called for something to be done about the value of the 
dollar. He says the pressure is on the Reserve Bank to come up 
with an answer urgently. However, he says it appears the 
Reserve Bank does not have any answers, and nor does Finance 
Minister Michael Cullen. Richard Hey says the mill closure 
will have flow-on effects for the whole Southland economy.

AVIAN MALARIA PUTS NZ'S NATIVE BIRDS IN JEOPARDY
------------------------------------------------

New Zealand's native bird population stands on the brink of an 
epidemic of epidemics. Landcare Research has revealed avian 
malaria which is transported by mosquitoes is on our shores 
and has already wiped out many overseas bird species. Dan 
Tompkins from Landcare Research says it is a real concern. He 
thinks there are already some things in New Zealand which 
could cause problems and they need to know more about them. 
Dan Tompkins says it is the first survey they have done for 
over 50 years and the result of how prevalent avian malaria 
is, has been a shock to them.

CHARITIES COULD BE LOSERS FROM BILLBOARD BAN
--------------------------------------------

Charities could be the big losers if Auckland City Council 
goes ahead with plans to ban billboards from the CBD. The 
council is currently calling for submissions on its 
controversial billboard bylaw review. The Outdoor Advertising 
Association says charities and events like the council's own 
AK07 Arts Festival will lose out if the proposed bylaw is 
passed. Chairman Duncan Harris says three-quarters of a 
million dollars worth of advertising was donated to charities 
in 2006. He says at least 75 percent of that donated space 
would be gone should the council go ahead with the proposal. 
 
(FUD! - BH)

KEY HOT ON WELFARE DEPENDENCY
-----------------------------

Expect changes to the welfare system under a John Key led 
National Government. That is among issues he is raising in his 
state of the nation speech in his boyhood suburb of Burnside 
in Christchurch today. In his speech John Key is making much 
of what he calls the "Kiwi way" and is making some pointed 
comments about welfare dependency. He says it robs people of 
motivation and aspiration and of a stake in their own society, 
While not explicitly endorsing a work for the dole approach, 
John Key says obligations will be put on beneficiaries, and 
National will use the welfare system to motivate beneficiaries 
to change their lives. Our political editor says Mr Key is 
exploiting his own rags to riches story to show that anyone 
can do it. Barry Soper says John Key is also talking about a 
plan to ensure children attending low decile schools will have 
food in their stomachs at the start of the day, by the 
government challenging business to come to the party. There 
will also be a drive to get more children playing sport.

BUILDING CONSENTS ON THE DECLINE
--------------------------------

It looks like the brakes are going on the construction sector. 
The building industry has been booming in recent years. 
However, latest Statistics New Zealand figures show the number 
of building consents being issued is dropping off. Nearly 2000 
consents were issued in December 2006, down more than 500 on 
December 2005. The North Island saw the biggest decrease, with 
the Auckland region copping the biggest reduction in consents 
issued. More than $300 million worth of non-residential 
building consents were issued in December 2006. But that was 
down 12 percent on the value of consents issued in December 
2005.

POWERING THE FUTURE SYMPOSIUM
-----------------------------

New Zealand's first symposium on how the future should be 
powered gets underway in Auckland tomorrow. The forum, hosted 
by Auckland University, has attracted overseas energy experts. 
Event organiser Dr Robert Kirkpatrick says the event is 
designed to promote high level debate on New Zealand's 
national energy strategy announced last year. He says America 
has spent considerable time and money researching alternative 
energy for cars, including substituting fossil fuels for 
ethanol made from corn. Dr Kirkpatrick says the Americans are 
way ahead in this area and even subsidise farmers to grow 
corn. He hopes the symposium will become an annual event.

WRANGLING COUPLES URGED TO SEEK FREE HELP
-----------------------------------------

Couples going through a separation are being advised to seek 
help to sort out the living arrangements of their children. 
Relationship Services says free services are available at the 
Family Court and families should take advantage of them. 
National Practice Manager Jo-Ann Vivian says recent high 
profile custody disputes highlight how bad things can get for 
separating families. She says children often become invisible 
in times of separation as parents get caught up in their own 
emotions. She says it is critical for children to be cared for 
during those times. Ms Vivian says many parents try to sort 
out the situation by themselves, but her experience shows the 
process is a lot smoother with a bit of help. In recent 
wrangles over custody, Tauranga police are looking for a nine-
year-old girl believed to have been taken by her mother during 
a scheduled visit. She had been placed in the interim custody 
of her father. Six-year-old Jayden Headley was returned to his 
father's care after being missing for five months. His 
grandfather Dick Headley and mother Kay Skelton face 
kidnapping charges.

EMPLOYERS BACK CALL FOR PERSONAL TAX CUTS
-----------------------------------------

Bosses are urging the Government to cut personal tax as well 
as company tax. The Employers and Manufacturers Association 
says businesses are expecting a tax cut by next year and chief 
executive Alasdair Thompson wants a reduction to personal tax 
as well. He says if the Government believes the cuts would be 
inflationary, they should be channelled through compulsory 
saving schemes such as Kiwisaver. Mr Thompson is calling for 
the tax cuts to be included in this year's Budget rather than 
next year as an election sweetener.

Wednesday, 31 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PETS THREATENED WITH STOLEN 1080 POISON
---------------------------------------

An anonymous letter has been sent to a West Coast newspaper, 
threatening to use stolen 1080 poison to kill pets and 
livestock. One-hundred kilograms of 1080 pellets were stolen 
from Target Pest Contracting in Westport last week. Recently 
residents in the small West Coast town of Barrytown expressed 
outrage over the Regional Council's plan to drop 1080 over the 
Paparoa Ranges, fearing it would kill animals and contaminate 
their water supply. Senior Sergeant Geoff Scott from Westport 
police says the letter's author "wants to show the public the 
agony 1080 causes to animals." 
 
(I'm not a pet person, but the idiots responsible for this act 
of mini-terrorism need locking up on a remote island somewhere 
far to the South of New Zealand - BH)

POWER PYLONS GET NOD
--------------------

There is outrage at the Electricity Commission's decision to 
allow Transit to build pylons from Waikato to Auckland. Anti-
pylon lobby group New Era Energy says the commission has bowed 
to political pressure. Spokesman Bob McQueen says it is 
disappointing the strength of character the previous 
commission showed in rejecting the Transpower proposal has not 
been followed through. Mr McQueen says he was expecting a NO 
decision and he is surprised and disappointed . He says there 
are better technology options than 70 metre monster 
transmission towers coming into Auckland. 
 
(Professor McQueen may be right about there being better 
technologies, but where will this small country find the funds 
to pay for underground transmission of the required capacity? 
- BH)

100,000 KIWIS ARE DRINKING DODGY WATER
--------------------------------------

In New Zealand there might be water everywhere, but there are 
some drops you should not be drinking. A Health Ministry 
report out today shows 24 percent of our drinking water fails 
to meet bacteriological standards. It says more than a hundred 
thousand people are drinking water with unacceptable E-coli 
levels. A further 84 thousand live in areas where suppliers 
have failed to take appropriate action once E-coli was found. 
There are also almost half a million of us who are drinking 
water from supplies where there is insufficient technology to 
determine the standard. 
 
(Happily for me, Wellington water is among the best there is. 
- BH)

NZ WORKERS SAVING MORE FOR RETIREMENT
-------------------------------------

Working New Zealanders are pessimistic about the likelihood of 
receiving Government superannuation in the future. And more 
are actively saving for retirement, according to the third AXA 
retirement survey. AXA chief executive Ralph Stewart says the 
good news is New Zealanders are saving 51 dollars per month 
more for their retirement than two years ago, with average 
savings of 231 dollars a month. He says the flip side is that 
almost two thirds of those surveyed indicated they did not 
think there would be Government superannuation available for 
them in their retirement.

GOVT'S SURPLUS RISES
--------------------

The Government's operating surplus is now more than 20 percent 
above forecast. For the five months to the end of November the 
surplus stood at $3.48 billion, $625million or 21.9 percent 
above forecast on the back of gains from investments. Treasury 
figures show tax revenue was in line with forecasts, but 
investment income for the Government's superannuation fund and 
other agencies was around $600 million higher than forecasts. 
Expenses were in line with forecasts, while revenue was $389 
million ahead of expectations. The Government's net cash 
position, which is the difference between all income and 
spending, operational and capital, has a surplus of $725 
million. Government debt stands at $6.76 billion or 4.3 
percent of GDP. New Zealand is effectively debt free when 
assets of the Superannuation Fund are taken into account with 
the balance being a surplus of $74.9 billion. Treasury 
forecast an operating surplus of $6.26 billion for the fiscal 
year to June 30 2007 in its December Half Year Economic and 
Fiscal Update.

ECONOMIC GROWTH PLAN FOR WELLINGTON
-----------------------------------

A committee has recommended the Greater Wellington Regional 
Council rubber stamp a proposal controlling the region's 
economic growth for the next 30 years. The Wellington Regional 
Strategy Committee, made up of local body, community and 
business representatives from across the region is 
recommending the council create one body to control economic 
development. Committee member, Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy 
says if the council signs off on the strategy, it will appoint 
board members to form a new economic development arm which 
will then begin to shape a business plan.

WATER QUALITY IMPROVING
-----------------------

Latest figures shows the quality of drinking water is 
improving. Two percent more New Zealanders or 80,000 people, 
were found to have access to safer tap water in 2005 than the 
year before. The review looks into the levels of certain 
bacteria, such as e-coli, in tap water. Paul Prendergast of 
the Ministry of Health says although only 76 percent of New 
Zealanders have tap water free of e-coli most of the non-
compliant supplies are in rural areas where stricter 
monitoring needs to be put in place. The study was part of the 
annual review of drinking water quality.

BUSINESS SUPPORTS KEY'S BENEFIT POLICY
--------------------------------------

John Key has rallied support from the business community with 
his first major speech as National Party leader. In his state 
of the nation address to the Burnside Rugby Club in 
Christchurch he talked about the need to encourage 
beneficiaries to work for their payments. Alasdair Thompson 
from the Employers and Manufacturers Association agrees. "We 
have got, as a country, to do everything we can to shift those 
people from state dependency into work and getting them into 
work at an early stage is really important." Mr Thompson and 
says the union supports other measures such as the now-
rejected idea of a three month probation period for new 
workers. He says there are too far too many people coming out 
of the education system who cannot read, write or do basic 
maths. He says people need to have the right skills to get 
into the workforce and that must start at school.

Thursday, 1 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

REPORT INTO GM BUNGLE RELEASED
------------------------------

MAF has released its final report into the botch up that saw 
genetically modified corn seeds slip into the country late 
last year. It confirms MAF's original statement that it was an 
error of judgement by an inspecting officer, compounded by a 
lack of appropriate supervision. Director-General Murray 
Sherwin says the report identifies some deficiencies and he 
agrees fully with all the recommendations to fix the faults.

EVERYONE WELCOME AT WAITANGI
----------------------------

Organisers of the Waitangi Day commemorations hope the 
controversy already swirling around the event will not ruin 
the day. Matarahurahu hapu leader David Rankin is demanding 
that Hone Harawira and his mother Titewhai stay away from 
Waitangi. He says they have disgraced the marae, New Zealand 
and Waitangi Day by continually protesting for political gain. 
Waitangi Day organising committee co-chair Pita Paraone says 
he is used to this type of talk, and is more interested in 
getting people involved. He says the committee has worked hard 
to put a programme together to enable people to come and enjoy 
themselves. Mr Paraone says everyone's welcome - especially 
the Harawira family.

GOVT PLEASED WITH CHARITIES REGISTER
------------------------------------

The Government is applauding today's launch of the Charities 
Register. Michael Cullen says the register will improve the 
sector's transparency and accountability and will boost public 
confidence. However Green MP Sue Bradford fears the register 
could be used by the Government to silence critics in the 
voluntary sector by cutting their funding. She claims the 
Charities Commission is a threat to the independence of such 
groups, as it has the power to de-register them if it thinks 
they have become too vocal.

FAKE STAMPS SEIZED
------------------

Thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit stamps have been 
seized at the border. Customs staff at the Auckland 
International Mail Centre intercepted $150,000 worth of $1.50 
and $3.00 New Zealand stamps last week. A subtle colour change 
alerted staff to the fact that the stamps were fake. They came 
from Asia and were bound for an Auckland address. A man has 
appeared in the Auckland District Court charged with obtaining 
a document for pecuniary advantage. He has been remanded in 
custody and is due to reappear in court later this month.

NO NEW MAORI SEAT
-----------------

There will be no increase in the number of Maori seats when 
the 2008 election is held as there were not enough extra 
voters on the Maori roll to qualify for an increase in seats 
from seven. Statistics New Zealand's decision is based on the 
number of people enrolled on the Maori roll and the last 
census. However Statistics New Zealand says there will be an 
extra general electorate in the North Island. The 
Representation Commission will meet to draw up the new 
boundaries which will be based on existing data and population 
projections.
The change means the number of general seats rises to 63, 
while the number of list seats falls from 51 to 50 in a 120-
member parliament.

NZ UNABLE TO COPE WITH EATING DISORDERS
---------------------------------------

A New Zealand girl with an eating disorder has been sent to 
Australia for treatment because facilities at Auckland DHB are 
unable to provide the necessary care. The Ministry of Health 
says it is unusual for anorexics to be transferred to 
Australia because services in New Zealand take most, if not 
all, of the demand. However, the Ministry admits there is a 
lack of specialists in the field of eating disorders. A review 
into eating disorder services in underway and will be 
completed by June.

TV AD REVENUE FALLS
-------------------

Television advertising dropped by nearly four percent in the 
2006 year, adding to the woes of Television New Zealand. The 
state broadcaster is looking to shave $10 million off its 
operations and a number of jobs look set to be shaved. 
Television Broadcasters' Council figures show advertising in 
2006 was nearly $26 million less than in 2005, although 
council executive director Bruce Wallace says members are 
reporting strong airtime sales for the beginning of this year. 
He says shows like Lost, Dancing With the Stars and rugby 
matches attracted strong support from advertisers.

TOO MANY HOMELESS SAY BUSINESSES
--------------------------------

The Auckland City Council is being criticised for not doing 
enough to keep homeless people off the streets. The Newmarket 
Business Association has noticed an unprecedented number of 
people sleeping rough and begging on Broadway this summer. 
General Manager Cameron Brewer says the council has spent 
almost $150,000 on its Homeless Action Plan but has no 
solutions. He says sometimes as many as four beggars will 
linger around Broadway in any given day. Mr Brewer says it is 
incredible that street traders selling trinkets need a permit 
to be on the streets, but beggars can do what they like. 
 
(Homelessness is truly appalling, especially if it impinges on 
our own ability to prosper. I would respect Mr Brewer more if 
he expressed any kind of concern for the homeless themselves. 
- BH)

HOUSING MARKET CONFIDENCE RIDING HIGH
-------------------------------------

Confidence in the housing market has hit its highest level in 
three years. ASB Bank's housing confidence survey for the 
three months to the end of December finds a net seven percent 
of respondents think it is a good time to buy a house, 
compared with six percent the previous quarter. ASB chief 
economist Nick Tuffley says there is a new lease of life in 
the market and it mirrors greater business and consumer 
confidence. He says at the moment, there is no sign of the 
industry slowing down. Last week, Reserve Bank Governor Allan 
Bollard warned the official cash rate would rise next month 
unless the housing market cooled.

RETIREMENT NOT SO GRIM
----------------------

People are being too pessimistic about their retirement 
according to the Retirement Commission. A study by fund 
manager AXA shows almost two thirds of New Zealanders doubt 
pensions will be available for them once they retire. But 
Commission spokeswoman Robyn Cormack says there is a tradition 
of helping people in their old age and it is unlikely any 
future Government would ignore that. However she says it is 
important to remember that superannuation provides only a 
basic level of income. AXA's retirement survey also shows that 
more than 60 percent of respondents expect to continue working 
after the age of 65. Ms Cormack says that suggests people are 
finding it harder to save and think they will need to stay 
longer in the workforce. She also believes it may indicate 
people want to have more income in retirement.

LANDOWNERS GEAR UP FOR COURT BATTLE
-----------------------------------

Court battles are looming as farmers plan to fight 
Transpower's giant pylon plan. Landowners are upset the 
Electricity Commission has given the transmission upgrade the 
initial go ahead. Four hundred and 26 pylons reaching nearly 
60 metres will carry power between Whakamaru in South Waikato 
to a substation in South Auckland, a distance of 185 
kilometres. Underground cables will be used between South 
Auckland and Pakuranga and a second underground section will 
be built to the Otahuhu substation if needed. The lines will 
be able to carry 440 kilovolts but will initially carry 220kV. 
Auckland Federated Farmers spokesman, John Sexton, says the 
new line is unnecessary as existing lines could be upgraded. 
He says Transpower is threatening to take farmers to court if 
they refuse to allow access to their land and is expecting to 
use the farmers' roads and gateways free of charge. He says 
landowners were happy to provide land when power was cheap, 
but under today's commercial profit-driven system it is only 
fair they be compensated. He says letters were received from 
Transpower this week threatening court action if workers were 
refused access to properties. Mr Sexton says Transpower and 
the five big generating companies made a $2 billion profit 
last year.

Friday, 2 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SECOND REPORT ON TASER TRIAL
----------------------------

Police have released their second incident report on the 
ongoing trial of the taser. This comes just days after the 
Auckland District Law Society voiced concerns about the casual 
use of tasers and the lack of guidelines. There have been a 
total of 56 incidents involving the taser since the trial 
began in September last year. Only eight of those incidents 
have resulted in the weapon actually being discharged. 
Incidents where it was used include shocking a pit bull dog 
which had run at police, and on a number of offenders who had 
weapons and were aggressively resisting arrest. In a most 
cases, offenders cooperated with police once the taser was 
trained on them.

EXTRA FUNDING FOR MIDWIVES
--------------------------

Midwives are applauding the latest announcement of government 
funding for the maternity sector. Health Minister Pete Hodgson 
has declared $11.4 million-worth of funding is being set aside 
for Lead Maternity Carers. The move is a result of discussions 
between the ministry and the New Zealand College of Midwives 
over the past 12 to 18 months. College of Midwifery Advisor 
Norma Campbell says she is thrilled the sector's concerns have 
been recognised.

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE ON 1080 REVIEW
--------------------------------

Submissions have closed now on a review of the use of the 
controversial pesticide 1080. The Environmental Risk 
Management Authority has been looking into the use of the 
poison, which is considered by pest management groups to be 
the most cost-effective way to control vermin and possums in 
remote areas. However, opponents of the poison claim it may 
threaten water supplies and other animals such as deer and 
hunting dogs. A hundred kilograms of 1080 has recently been 
stolen on the West Coast, possibly by an outraged protestor 
who has written to a local newspaper threatening to use the 
poison on local animals.

RECORD VISITS IN DECEMBER
-------------------------

More people than ever before visited New Zealand in December. 
Statistics New Zealand says 319,000 people arrived here in 
December last year. That is the highest number recorded for 
any month, and up four percent on the 307,000 visitors who 
came in December 2005. The increase is being put down to more 
visitors arriving from Australia, the United Kingdom and 
China. However, Japanese tourists numbers are dropping off, 
with 13 percent fewer people coming from there in December 
2006 than in the previous year. More than 2.4 million people 
came here in total last year.

NZ FIRST AWAITS ADVICE ON OVERSPEND
-----------------------------------

New Zealand First is still waiting for legal advice on whether 
it will pay back money overspent at the last election. The 
Auditor General says the party owes more than $160,000. Last 
October New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said he would 
seek legal advice on the matter and, depending on what was 
said, promised his party would repay the sum.

PROFIT RISE FOR TELECOM AS CEO RESIGNS
--------------------------------------

As Telecom's chief executive Theresa Gattung announces her 
resignation, the company has posted a 16 percent rise in 
profit in the second quarter and has raised its full year 
forecast. Telecom's net profit for the December quarter is 
$228 million. The result compares with a net profit of $1.96 
million last year after a $897 million write down of the 
company's Australian operations. Telecom says the planned sale 
of its Yellow Pages are progressing well and there is strong 
interest from buyers. A dividend of seven cents has been 
declared. Chairman Wayne Boyd says Ms Gattung will leave at 
the end of June. "She has overseen a major strategic shift to 
make Telecom the number one IT services company in New 
Zealand." Ms Gattung has been with the company since 1999. 
Telecom has launched an international search for a new CEO. In 
early trading, Telecom traded 12 cents lower on $4.80.

AIR NZ DISPUTES LAW SUIT ALLEGATIONS
------------------------------------

Air New Zealand is slamming the Australian law firm suing the 
national carrier and several other airlines. Melbourne firm 
Maurice Blackburn Cashman claims the airlines are involved in 
international air freight price fixing. Air New Zealand 
General Counsel John Blair says the action appears to be 
another attempt by an opportunistic law firm to target large, 
high-profile corporates. He says he is yet to see anything 
which makes him think Air New Zealand has breached competition 
laws.

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