WYSIWYG NEWS - 16 January, 2007
news at wysiwygnews.com
news at wysiwygnews.com
Thu Jan 18 07:29:42 NZDT 2007
Hi Paul,
The service I provide is to tell you what the media is saying. I am not
in the business of journalism. That is what the media said. I have no
spare time to be monitoring the quality of the reprinted material.
Thanks anyway.
Brian
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Clark [mailto:paul.clark at bbc.co.uk]
Sent: Thursday, 18 January 2007 3:04 a.m.
To: brian at wysiwygnews.com; news at wysiwygnews.com
Subject: RE: WYSIWYG NEWS - 16 January, 2007
Hi,
Thanks for your weekly updates. However, I'd like to draw your
attention to an inaccuracy in the item headed "2006 ROAD TOLL LOWEST IN
MORE THAN 40 YEARS". It states that the road death peak was 747 deaths
in 1985. In fact, New Zealand's worst road toll was in 1973 when 843
people died. Incidentally, that was the year before wearing front
seatbelts became compulsory. See
http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/media/2007/070101.html
I know you are dependant upon your news provider, but frankly, it's just
sloppy journalism and it should be corrected in the next issue.
Regards,
Paul Clark (London, UK)
-----Original Message-----
From: news-bounces at wysiwygnews.com [mailto:news-bounces at wysiwygnews.com]
On Behalf Of news at wysiwygnews.com
Sent: 15 January 2007 22:40
To: news at wysiwygnews.com
Subject: WYSIWYG NEWS - 16 January, 2007
Subject: 16 January, 2007
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer.
Happy New Year to everyone. And so, belatedly, begins the
thirteenth year of WYSIWYG publication. Here in Wellington,
there have been just two days of real summer since I last
wrote, but I refuse to let that dampen my optimism that we
should all enjoy a happier and more peaceful year than all
those that have gone before. Inevitably we spent some time
travelling to and from Wanganui, but by way of a change, we
made a trip to Gisborne. Just a little over 50 km, it's not a
long trip by some standards, but aspects of the road make it
seem more arduous than other journeys. True to form in our
region this "summer", we set out in grey overcast with
intermittent rain, getting steadily worse. Once past
Dannevirke, we chose to turn at Takapau taking SH50, the back
road though Onga Onga and Tikokino. This is a minor, but
generally well formed road with far less traffic than SH2
though Waipukarau and Waipawa. About here, the windscreen
wiper developed a squeal which was driving us all towards a
bout of road rage. It was way too wet to stop and get out to
fix the problem, so with gritted teeth we drove on, until at
last, around Gate pa, the rain mercifully eased, and we
carried on along the expressway to Napier. Clean rest rooms on
Marine Parade were a bonus, but I must invite Napier's city
fathers to Wellington, where we will extend the hospitality of
our facilities to them without asking for money in exchange.
Coffee and refreshments happened, and we resumed our journey
Northwards. About 25 km North of Napier, the road suddenly
lurches to the left and climbs for a while before lurching
sharply to the right and climbing up a steep ridge. Over the
top and down into the valley where beautiful Lake Tutira would
be spectacular if only the rain would stop. Of course we were
much further on when the weather did clear, perhaps around
Muriwai, which is adjacent to Young Nick's Head (the
promontory which, on 6 October 1769 was sighted by 12 year old
Nicholas Young, thereby earning himself a gallon of rum as a
reward for the first sighting of Aotearoa, New Zealand on
Captain Cook's epic expedition). Twisting roads and steep
hills suddenly opened out to flat land, and broad sun-drenched
expanses of grapes and maize, with an occasional field of
pumpkin, or in one case, sweet peas. Over the Waipaoa river
bridge and into the city, of which more 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 Amanda Peet in
Canada. Thanks again Amanda
----
On with the News.
Monday, 25 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
----------------
Police are urging motorists heading over the Auckland Harbour
bridge to be patient. Two southbound lanes will be closed for
road resurfacing from Christmas Eve to the third of January.
Northbound traffic is bottlenecked from the Harbour Bridge
back past the North-western motorway onramp. Police have been
inundated with calls about the delays but say so far there
have been no accidents. Further north, traffic is also
building up at the Northern end of Orewa. North of Wellington,
traffic is heavy northbound between Plimmerton and Pukerua
Bay.
POLICE WARN ABOUT PETTY CRIME
-----------------------------
Police are appealing to people working alone in office
buildings over the holidays to take extra safety precautions.
Police report a rise in the number of petty thefts and crimes
at this time of year, including stair dancing. That is when a
person loiters at an entrance to a building with the intention
of stealing handbags and other small items. The issue was
recently highlighted when a woman at the Auckland District Law
Society disrupted a stair dancer and was assaulted. Senior
Sergeant Willie Taylor says people need to use commonsense
when working alone. He says workers need to be aware of people
hanging around the building and once inside lock the doors so
people can not enter at will. Traditionally there's a sharp
increase in petty crimes over the holiday period, with
burglaries a particular concern. Superintendent Hamish
McCardle says if you are going away, lock your house and keep
valuables left in cars out of sight. He says police want
people to have a safe and happy holiday, and they are more
likely to do so if they are sensible and considerate.
1500 PEOPLE FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER
--------------------------------
The tables have been set for New Zealand's biggest Christmas
dinner. Up to 1500 people are expected to sit down at the
Auckland Town Hall for the annual City Mission Christmas Day
meal. Such numbers mean a mammoth catering operation, with 200
kilograms of ham and turkey on offer. Filling out the plates
will be 250 kilos of potatoes, 220 kilos of kumara, 100 kilos
of green beans and 50 kilos of carrots. Auckland City
Missioner, Diane Robertson, says guests at the dinner will be
entertained by a choir, a traditional Chinese dance group,
string quartet and solo artists. Doors open at 11.15.
Tuesday, 26 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
$500 FINES FOR BOATIES
----------------------
A new set of rules and regulations in Queenstown will see
boaties handed a $500 fine for any breach. The instant fines
will apply to anything from failing to carry life jackets, to
swimming in towing lanes to using a boat dangerously.
Harbourmaster Marty Black says they have been pushing for the
rules for years now, to make the waters safer. He says all
breaches relate to offences that could cause injury or death -
and says if people do not obey - it will cost them dearly. The
rules take effect at midnight tomorrow.
DROP IN DROWNING STATS
----------------------
Public awareness has led to a huge drop in drownings in New
Zealand for 2006. For the last five years there has been an
average of 120 drowning deaths a year. With this year almost
over, that number looks set to drop to under 100 for the first
time ever. Water Safety Council Executive Director Alan Muir
says it is a step in the right direction. He says it has been
a very good year in terms of people's awareness of water
dangers. Mr Muir is urging parents of children under the age
of five to be vigilant when they are anywhere near the water.
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS FOR WELLINGTON
-------------------------------
The mass exodus north from Wellington continues to cause
massive delays. Police say it has been taking up to four hours
to travel from the city to Otaki. There is no sign of traffic
easing either, as motorists continue to use State Highway One
to travel north. Good news though in the Johnsonville area
with the fog lifting, making driving less hazardous. Police
are urging motorists to avoid adding to the log-jam and
consider travelling tomorrow. Auckland traffic is flowing well
with no reports of delays or crashes.
(We were at home, relaxing after the family Christmas, so no
impact for us. - BH)
HUGE CROWDS AT RACES
--------------------
Huge crowds have flocked to the Boxing Day races at Ellerslie
in Auckland today. Auckland Racing Club CEO Chris Weaver says
people from all walks of life are taking advantage of the fine
weather. He says it is a bit like the heyday of the eighties,
with the biggest crowd seen at track for ten to fifteen years.
Mr Weaver says it is definitely a modern-day record for on-
track attendance, but admits the crowd will not be near the
100,000 plus of the 1950s and 60s. He expects punters at
Ellerslie to lay out over 1.5 million dollars today.
COLD NEW YEAR
-------------
Don't pack away the winter gear just yet, there is one more
cold snap on the way just in time for the new year.
Summer officially started on December the first, but the month
has been full of cold, wet and windy weather. MetService
forecaster Allister Gorman says the new year should bring some
decent weather. He says we have another cold snap to get
through, but the new year could bring fine weather to most
parts of the country.
(Somehow, a prominent childhood memory is of recurring
newspaper headlines telling tales of woe and misery as campers
were forced to pack up and go home by post-Christmas rains.
Yet we are caught by surprise each year. - BH)
BOXING DAY SALES UNDERWAY
-------------------------
If you were waiting for today's Boxing Day sales to buy late
Christmas presents, you could be chancing it. The Retailers
Association says Boxing Day sales are becoming an increasingly
significant part of the retail calendar and this year look
like being as popular as ever. Spokesman John Albertson says
there are always some bargains, but not necessarily much
variety, as the choice can be limited to leftover stock from
Christmas. He says store owners use the sales to get stock
levels back to normal after ordering big shipments for the
festive season.
(We didn't leave the house. We could see the car parks down in
the valley full to capacity, which was even more incentive to
stay home. - BH)
COMPUTER GAMES BLAMED FOR TEEN DEATHS
-------------------------------------
Computer games and cavalier attitudes are being seen as the
reason youths are dying on the roads. Three Auckland teenagers
were killed when the vehicle they were in crashed off the
North-western Motorway in Auckland during a high-speed police
pursuit on Christmas Eve. National's transport spokesman
Maurice Williamson says today's young people think they are
bullet-proof. He blames Playstations and X-boxes for making
teens think they can drive stupidly and just push the reset
button if anything goes wrong. Mr Williamson believes 15 is
far too young to be behind the wheel of a car.
(The sheer illogic of his position brought forth a storm of
condemnation from technology people, and the belief that
National had better find something else for him to do before
the next election - BH)
Wednesday, 27 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WEATHER ADDS TO TRAFFIC WOES
----------------------------
A smattering of rain is adding to traffic woes as the holiday
exodus from Auckland continues. Police report heavy volumes on
State Highway One south of Mercer and east bound on State
Highway Two toward the Coromandel. They report a number of
minor crashes on the wet roads, adding to considerable delays
and the same for motorists heading out of Wellington. It is
not looking to be a pleasant end of year for most of the
country, as temperatures are set to drop. A low, lying to the
east of Christchurch is set to bring chilly conditions to the
whole of the country. Radio Network weather commentator Philip
Duncan predicts many of New Zealand's hot spots including
Whangamata and Mount Maunganui will be cool at night very cool
early morning.
BIG SPENDERS FOR XMAS
---------------------
December has been a month of records when it comes to shopping
in New Zealand. Retailers who were already celebrating record
EFTPOS transactions and pre-Christmas spend got another bonus
yesterday when Boxing Day spending outstripped last year by 12
percent. Paymark electronic network chief executive Simon Tong
says the electronic figures show December has been a great
month for retailers. He says they broke a few records during
December - they got to the three million mark for transactions
in one day and went very close to a hundred transactions a
second at one point. Mr Tong says overall electronic
transaction volumes are up about seven percent on last year.
Shoppers have spent well over a billion dollars on their debit
and credit cards over the period.
DELAYS FOR AUCKLAND MOTORISTS
-----------------------------
Motorists are being warned to expect delays in Auckland till
early January as the State Highway20 Mt Roskill extension
project gets underway. Transit New Zealand is due to close the
Hillsborough Road /Hugh Watt intersection today, to construct
a temporary roundabout which will be in place for the next two
years. During that time, the Hillsborough Road motorway
interchange will be built. Transit suggests motorist avoid the
area by using the Queenstown Road, Neilson Street and Onehunga
off-ramps travelling to and from the city and West Auckland.
Local motorists are encouraged to use LittleJohn, Olsen, Carr
and Herd Roads.
Thursday, 28 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
POLICE PRAISE DRIVERS LOW HOLIDAY ROAD TOLL
-------------------------------------------
Police are describing as miraculous the Christmas period road
toll. There have only been three deaths, all teenagers
involved in a crash in Auckland early on Saturday morning. It
is the lowest number of road deaths for more than 40 years,
with the annual death toll at 380 compared to 404 last year.
National Road Policing Manager Superintendent Dave Cliff says
people are being more careful. He says to have such a long
period without anyone being killed on the road is a tribute to
drivers. Dave Cliff says safety messages seem to be getting
through but warns the official holiday period does not end
until 6am Wednesday the 3rd of January. He says it is critical
that drivers continue to heed the safety warnings over the New
Year period. The annual death toll stands at 380 compared to
404 last year.
MORE WOMEN SEEK HELP
--------------------
Women's Refuge is advising women to seek help if they are in
an abusive relationship. 43 year old Keleti Seau appeared in
the Manukau District Court today charged with his wife's
murder, after she was found stabbed to death after an incident
on Christmas night. National Manager Heather Henare says calls
for help to refuges around the country are rising. She says
there used to be fewer calls around this time of the year, as
people tried to make things work over Christmas - but the past
.few years have seen no let off over the holiday period.
Heather Henare says there is every indication there will be a
peak in calls this holiday season, given some refuges around
the country are already full.
DOLLAR REACHES 12 MONTH HIGH
----------------------------
The dollar has hit a 12-month high this morning, thanks to our
interest rates. At one point the dollar was worth 70.32 US
cents, before dropping back slightly. Analysts say investors
are attracted to our relatively high wholesale interest rates.
The dollar has risen about two and half percent against the
American currency since the Reserve Bank warned earlier this
month that it may have to raise rates again to battle
inflation pressures.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IS IN AUCKLAND AGAIN
-------------------------------------
Another Cirque Du Soleil show is soon on its way to New
Zealand. Varekai is the story of a young man, Icarus, who
begins a journey in the shadows of a magical forest amidst
fantastical creatures. Promoter Chantel Blanchard says Varekai
is full of colour and energy, with the signature Cirque Du
Soliel drama and acrobatics seen in previous New Zealand
shows; Alegria and Quidam. However, there is plenty of work to
do before the show begins. The Grand Chapiteau under which the
show is performed will be erected at Auckland's ASB
Showgrounds today. It will take more than 100 burly men to
erect the massive blue and yellow tent which seats two
thousand 600 people. Chantel Blanchard says it will take
around seven days to set up the 1,000 tonnes of equipment,
stowed in 73 containers. Varekai premieres on January 5.
EASTER TRADING TOP OF THE AGENDA FOR RETAILERS
----------------------------------------------
Retailers will be pushing for a law change to allow Easter
trading this coming year. That is at the top of the agenda for
the Retailers Association. Chief Executive John Albertson says
at the moment there is a very confused situation around Easter
with a whole range of exemptions. He says there are people
breaking the law and there are different interpretations from
the courts. Mr Albertson says retailers would like to see the
whole thing simplified to allow retailers to open on Easter
Sunday and let every body get on with life. John Albertson
says they will be lobbying MPs when two private members bill
on the issues come up for debate later this year.
GREENS BEMOAN OPENING OF NEW INNER-CITY BYPASS
----------------------------------------------
Wellington's inner-city bypass opens to traffic today. But the
Greens are calling it a tragedy that must never be repeated.
Spokeswoman Iona Pannett says the bypass is the result of the
destruction of an historic part of Wellington. She says
residents have been hoodwinked into believing the road will
solve the city's congestion problems. Iona Pannett says it is
a lost opportunity but lessons can be learnt. She wants the
city to look at new solutions such as light rail which could
have gone from Johnsonville thorough to the airport. Ms
Pannett says building a road through a heritage area meant a
number of 19th century buildings had to be relocated.
(As for me, I have now used the bypass. It works well enough.
And if the heritage area were as precious as bypass opponents
claim, why have the buildings been allowed to be tagged by
graffitists? - BH)
Friday, 29 December 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DANGEROUS BIKES RECALLED
------------------------
The Warehouse is urgently recalling a 49 CC off-road mini-bike
sold in its stores during November and December. The bikes
could be dangerous as they have a number of potential
mechanical faults. Corporate Affairs Manager Cynthia Church
says the mechanical faults became apparent to them, when
customers returned many of the bikes on Boxing Day. She urges
anyone who may have purchased the mini bikes to return them to
the Warehouse. She says all customers will get a full refund.
NEW IRB GUIDELINES
------------------
The IRB has laid down new guidelines for the punishment of on-
field infringements in an effort to find consistency on a
global scale. Offences are split into three categories - lower
end, mid range and top end, which has a maximum sanction. The
maximum punishment for physically abusing officials is a life
ban, while the minimum is 24 weeks. Threatening action or
words brings between 12 weeks and five years. The worst case
of testicle grabbing will sideline a player for four years,
while the same goes for biting - the shortest ban is 12 weeks.
The maximum for eye gouging is three years, with a minimum of
12 weeks. Striking with your head can bring up to a two year
ban, while all other offences carry a maximum of one year,
including spitting at another player. A spit enters the scale
at four weeks.
MP CALLS FOR SAFER HOUSEHOLDS IN 2007
-------------------------------------
As if losing weight and giving up smoking is not enough, the
Government wants us to add two more things to our list of New
Year's resolutions. Civil Defence Minister Rick Barker wants
families to make sure they have a household emergency plan. He
also wants everyone to have a disaster survival kit, with
supplies to last at least three days. Mr Barker says events
like this year's Canterbury snowstorms are a timely reminder
that essential services can be disrupted, leaving communities
isolated.
NIWA URGES PEOPLE TO COVER UP IN THE SUN
----------------------------------------
Record low ozone levels over Antarctica has NIWA warning
people of ultraviolet rays this summer - even when it is not
that warm. The size of the hole in the ozone layer means the
risk of burning and subsequent skin cancer is the highest in
New Zealand in six years. NIWA scientist Doctor Richard
McKenzie says this means people have to take extra care during
the middle of the day when ultraviolet levels are at their
highest. He says if you have to be out in the middle of the
day - especially between 11am and 4pm - try to avoid the sun
or wear protective clothing. Richard McKenzie says the irony
is people, particularly children, need sun on their skin to
help produce vitamin D, so some sun is good. He says there
often are not enough ultraviolet rays in winter to produce
this vitamin and this can lead to deficiencies.
(Us that the only irony Dr McKenzie sees? I think the
population should also take precautions against polar bears
and killer penguins. We have seen almost as much of them as we
have of the sun - BH)
RISING $NZ HITTING EXPORTERS' BOTTOM LINES
------------------------------------------
The rising dollar is hitting the profit margins of exporters.
The kiwi finished just above the 70 US cent mark at the close
of trading yesterday. That is a rise of about 13 percent in
just four months. Exporters were hoping for the dollar to end
the year closer to 60 US cents. Chief Executive of Export New
Zealand Bob Walters says the strong currency is hitting
exporters' bottom lines but they are hanging in. He says the
greatest impact is on agricultural exports. Bob Walters says
the continuing weakness of the US currency has pushed up the
value of the kiwi dollar. However, Mr Walters says New
Zealand's current monetary policy is also not working. He says
a substantial rise in mortgage interest rates to check the
housing boom is one mechanism being discussed.
WOMEN'S REFUGE EXPECTS INCREASED DEMAND
---------------------------------------
Women's refuge is gearing up to deal with an influx of women
seeking help from an abusive relationship. Last Christmas
crisis calls rose 10 percent on the year before. South
Auckland Women's Refuge spokeswoman Jan Smith says financial
problems and the stress of Christmas are triggers for
violence. She says 50 percent of homicides are domestic-
violence related and the stresses on a family during Christmas
time can be enormous. Jan Smith says she is expecting an
increasing number of women seeking help in the lead up to the
new year.
2006: THE YEAR OF MURDERS
-------------------------
Pita Sharples has labelled 2006 the year of murders. The Maori
Party co-leader is speaking out in the wake of the Christmas
Day killing of South Auckland woman Atonauga Seau. Her husband
Keliti Seau has been charged with her murder. The man who
spearheaded early attempts to convince the Kahui family to
talk to police says murders are becoming all too common. Dr
Sharples says the country has tried to say it is a drugs,
Maori or Islander problem, when in fact it is New Zealand's
problem. Pita Sharples says New Zealand is in denial about the
level of violence in our society. He says Christmas is a time
for family, for peace and for celebration, and yet our social
organisations expect an onslaught of violence, particularly
from men against their partners. He says Women's Refuge
expects its centres to be full over Christmas and New Year, as
they were last year. Dr Sharples has called for New Zealand to
face up to the problem of rising violence. He says we are on
the eve of a New Year, and it is time to ask what we can do to
ensure that murder is no longer commonplace in our society.
The MP says we need to take courage in addressing what former
Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright referred to as "New
Zealand's dark secret", and create a future we can all be
proud of.
Monday, 1 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DON'T GO TO BANGKOK
-------------------
New Zealanders are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel
in the Thai capital, Bangkok. The warning has been put out by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following a series of bomb
explosions that rocked the city, killing two people and
wounding 30. New Year celebrations were cancelled in Bangkok.
Eight of the wounded are foreigners, hit by two bombs that
went off at midnight. Six bombs went off prior to that. There
are no reports of any New Zealanders being injured in the
bombings. Those hurt were Hungarians, Britons, Serbs and an
American.
QUIET NEW YEAR IN NZ
--------------------
New Year celebrations were fairly muted in most parts of New
Zealand, compared with some previous years. Most of the main
party towns have reported a relatively peaceful night, with
arrests in the main linked to breaches of liquor bans. 44
people were dealt with in Wanaka, about 120 went to the
temporary drunk tank in Mount Maunganui, and there were
handfuls of arrests in other towns. In the UK, gale force
winds and rain have forced the cancellation of many parties
and celebrations, but the annual fireworks display in London
went ahead centred around the huge London Eye Ferris wheel.
Meanwhile under tight anti-terrorist security measures, up to
750 thousand visitors are expected to descend on New York for
the celebrations which will be kicked off by the Times Square
ball drop
FIRE DESTROYS HOSPITAL WING
---------------------------
Staff at a Palmerston North cancer treatment home are shocked
it might have been the target of arsonists. Police are
investigating an early morning fire in the Summer Wing of
Ozanam House, believing it may have been deliberately set.
Ozanam House spokeswoman Claire Murray say it has been
devastating, but there is still enough space for patients who
are booked for treatment. She says it was lucky no-one was in
the wing at the time as patients were home with their families
for the holiday season.
2006 ROAD TOLL LOWEST IN MORE THAN 40 YEARS
-------------------------------------------
The national road toll for 2006 was the lowest in more than 40
years. 387 lives were lost on the roads last year...a little
over one a day on average. It is the first time the tally has
fallen below 400 for a full year since 1963, and a long way
off the 1985 peak of 747 deaths. Road Policing Manager
Superintendent Dave Cliff says while no deaths are acceptable,
he is pleased with the progress that has been made. He
believes most drivers have changed their attitudes and now
have a healthy respect for the roads. Despite the improvement,
Dave Cliff says speed and alcohol remain the most common
contributors to fatalities on New Zealand roads. Meanwhile,
Dave Cliff is urging continued vigilance from drivers for the
remainder of the holiday period. He says the days ahead are
the most dangerous with the traffic set to increase
dramatically as people return home from their holidays. The
holiday road toll currently stands at nine.
FAMILY FIRST SAYS GOVT FOCUS IS ON WRONG PROBLEM
------------------------------------------------
Family First wants the government to forget new anti-smacking
laws, and concentrate on drug and alcohol problems in
families. Stopping Sue Bradford's bill to repeal Section 59 of
the Crimes Act is top of the lobby group's list of pro-family
policies for the year ahead. National Director Bob McCroskrie
says there are bigger issues in New Zealand families that need
attention. He says we are obviously not being tough enough on
alcohol and drug abuse in family situations. Mr McCroskrie
says the environment we raise our children in sets the scene
for the New Zealand of tomorrow.
NEW YEAR OAFS DOWN IN NUMBER THIS YEAR
--------------------------------------
It has been a quiet and relatively trouble-free New Year in
all the normal hotspots around New Zealand. Police say despite
a number of arrests they are pleased there have not been any
major altercations. The weather may have played a part in the
improved behaviour. Rain slowed down the festivities in Mount
Maunganui with revellers ducking for cover. There were around
100 arrests in the Mount for breaches of the liquor ban and
another 20 or so in Wanaka. Wanaka police say the number of
arrests overall dropped to 44 this year, and that meant
overall families got to enjoy the night. Wellington was also
affected by inclement weather, with a wet and windy night
forcing an event in Civic Square to be cancelled. Meanwhile,
there's been the usual stunning fireworks display to welcome
the New Year in Sydney, but in Scotland, where midnight is
still several hours away, events are being cancelled because
of lousy weather.
POLICE URGE DRIVERS TO TAKE CARE
--------------------------------
The holiday road toll has jumped to nine after a series of
fatal crashes in the North Island. A 41-year-old man died on a
rural road east of Huntly when his four-wheel drive crossed
the centre line and flipped killing him instantly. The man was
not wearing a seatbelt. In another incident two people were in
a car that crashed in Papakura, slamming into a tree on
Settlement Road. One survived and is Middlemore Hospital.
Police say both accidents were the result of speeding and
alcohol. National Road Safety Manager Dave Cliff says the
little things make all the difference. He says the message has
been unfortunately lost on a few individuals with tragic
results. Dave Cliff is renewing calls for drivers to take care
on the roads. He says traffic will increase over the next few
days so drivers need to be extra vigilant.
Tuesday, 2 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEW $3.3 MILLION CHOPPER HITS AUCKLAND SKIES
--------------------------------------------
Some reassurance if you find yourself stuck or stranded in the
great outdoors this summer. Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
will have the most advanced rescue machine in the country
patrolling the skies. It is a BK117 helicopter, valued at $3.3
million. Trust chief Rea Wikaira says the new high-tech
machine will mean rescuers can work in trickier conditions
than they can now. He says the chopper is equipped with an
auto-pilot, weather radar, terrain warning and night vision
gear. Rea Wikaira says the helicopter will be far safer than
any other rescue helicopter in the country.
STRIKES SET TO CONTINUE IN 2007?
--------------------------------
Unions are warning of more strikes this year if employers do
not negotiate reasonable wages. Last year saw an escalation in
industrial action, including strikes involving both doctors
and nurses. Council of Trade Union secretary Carol Beaumont
says too many people are struggling to make ends meet. She
says they will continue their campaign this year around the
minimum wage, youth rates and collective agreements. Carol
Beaumont says if employers do not come to the party, then
there is a possibility of strike action. She says workers want
to negotiate constructively with employers across the
bargaining table.
KIWI ADVENTURERS TO PULL THE PIN IN THE SOUTH POLE
--------------------------------------------------
The kiwi adventurers attempting a trek to the South Pole and
back unaided will be calling it quits today. Kevin Biggar and
Jamie Fitzgerald will reach the South Pole around 10 this
morning. But Mr Biggar says that will be the end of their
record attempt. Kevin Biggar says they have decided not to
make the return trip because Jamie Fitzgerald has been
suffering from a torn hamstring for about 600 kilometres. The
pain has been getting worse the closer they have come to the
Pole. Mr Biggar says they have been in contact with a doctor
during their thousand-plus kilometre trudge. He says after
trying a number of different pain killers and anti-
inflammatory drugs, the advice is for them not to go any
further. The pair have now been walking for 52 days, and Kevin
Biggar says they will rest for a few days before catching a
flight back home. He says they will be back to have another
crack at it at some stage in the future.
Wednesday, 3 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THREE STRIKES AND YOU ARE OUT
-----------------------------
The campaign against drug users on roads or Candor is calling
for the three strike rule to further reduce road tolls.
Spokeswoman Rachael Ford says the road toll could
realistically be reduced to around 100. She says 60 percent of
road tolls are alcohol and drug related and getting tougher on
these offenders will cut down roads deaths. Ms Ford says three
convictions of driving under the influence of drugs or drink
should result in a permanent loss of licence. She says
stronger penalties are the only thing that will get through to
drivers not heeding safety messages.
JUSTICE SYSTEM NEEDS OVERHAUL
-----------------------------
Courts Minister Rick Barker is being accused of having his
head in the sand. It follows figures showing 70 per cent of
New Zealanders think the cost of going to court is too high.
National's Justice spokesman Simon Power says people have to
know that access to justice is available, regardless of their
means. He says the government is quick to make excuses for
those who can't pay fines and reparations, but makes no effort
to assist those who can't afford access to the justice system.
He's calling for a substantial overhaul of the justice and
corrections systems.
WELLINGTON COLDEST IN 70 YEARS
------------------------------
Auckland was the warmest and driest of the country's five main
centres in December. Christchurch was the wettest and
Wellington the sunniest. Statistics released today by NIWA
confirm December 2006 was one of the coldest in the last 60
years - with the average temperature around the country of
only 13.7 degrees. NIWA blames below average sea level
pressures north east of the Chatham Islands which resulted in
more cold southerlies than normal. Wellington was the hardest
hit - suffering its coldest December in more than 70 years.
DUNEDIN BEACHES CLOSED
----------------------
A combination of high winds and strong currents are being
blamed for the high bacterial count that has closed two
popular Dunedin beaches. Swimmers and surfers at St Kilda's
and Middle Beach are being advised to stay out of the water.
The bacteria has come from a sewage outlet. A council
spokesman says routine testing picked up the contamination
which occurs around five to six times a year. He says work is
already underway on a hundred-million dollar extension to the
sewage outfall to help prevent such incidents.
NURSE SHORTAGE FOR AGED CARE
----------------------------
Care providers for the elderly are facing a chronic shortage
of nurses. HealthCare Providers NZ says without registered
nurses they can not guarantee safety and quality of care.
Chief Executive Martin Taylor says public sector nurses have
had a 20 percent pay rise and as a result they are losing
nurses to DHBs . He says they have not received similar
funding to match nurses pay levels. Mr Taylor says their
options are to either have no staff on or have nurses do a
double shift which is not allowed under the regulations.
(The typical pay rates in any aspect of aged care are such
that I am surprised they can remain open. This is a difficult
job that is vastly undervalued in my opinion. Most caregivers
are on or about the minimum wage. - BH)
DOC WARNS OF POSSIBLE LAHAR AT MT RUAPEHU
-----------------------------------------
The possibility of a lahar at Mount Ruapehu is growing. DOC
says the tephra dam at the Crater Lake formed in the 1995 and
96 eruptions is eroding away. Expert Harry Keys says it means
there could be a lahar early this year. He says it all depends
on the rate the lake rises and the amount of seepage and
erosion caused by that rise. Harry Keys and other DOC staff
will revisit the crater lake on Thursday to see if there has
been much change since their last trip there on Friday. Mr
Keys says all the emergency contingencies are in place and
ready should they be needed.
Thursday, 4 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
STROKE RECOVERY BREAKTHROUGH
----------------------------
A breakthrough New Zealand study has found brain scans can
give important clues into how stroke sufferers can regain
movement faster. Normally each hand is controlled by the
opposite side of the brain. However research by the University
of Auckland has found that stroke recovery is fast-tracked
when patients use areas of the brain that correspond with the
same side of their body. Study leader Associate Professor
Winston Byblow is thrilled with the results as they have seen
a large proportion of patients show improved function. He says
rehab specialists will be able to use the results to better
tailor treatment for stroke patients.
CHEAP TRAVEL DEALS
------------------
The troubles in Fiji and Tonga and the shocking summer in New
Zealand have had a positive flow-on effect for some Pacific
islands. House of Travel has reported a 25 percent increase in
sales as cheap deals are offered by resorts and carriers to
the islands. Retail Director Brent Thomas says New Zealanders
are desperate to get their quota of sunshine. He says
Rarotonga is being seen as a top destination to have a week or
two in the sun.
FARMERS HAPPY WITH LAHAR PRECAUTIONS
------------------------------------
Farmers living in the shadow of Mt Ruapehu are satisfied with
the precautions being taken to prepare for a lahar. The
Department of Conservation has issued a warning for the Crater
Lake. It says water seeping through a natural dam is making
conditions hazardous, increasing the possibility of a lahar
within the next few weeks or months. Federated Farmers Ruapehu
president Richard Steel says the advice they have been given
is not to be too worried. He says it is not likely to be more
then than an ordinary spring flood. DOC says all necessary
precautions have been put in place should a lahar occur.
DEPRESSION A CONCERN AS WE HEAD BACK TO WORK
--------------------------------------------
The reality of 2007 is starting to set in for many of us now
heading back to the office. And there is increasing concern
our mental health may go out the window as we start to deal
with the daily stresses of emails and work. The Mental Health
Foundation's issued a raft of advice to help people cope.
These include tips like bringing in photos of loved ones to
help get you through the day, as well as decorating the office
with flowers. But chief executive Judi Clements says it is not
a "one size fits all policy". She says it is about each
individual finding their own way of coping. Judi Clements says
it is actually a serious problem. She says if people start to
feel moody for a while after Christmas it may actually be a
sign of depression and if it persists, they should consult
their GP. Judi Clements says we need to ease ourselves back
into work rather than being swamped straight away.
SUV DRIVERS OUTED AS UNSAFE
---------------------------
SUV drivers are being outed as some of the most unsafe drivers
on our roads. The New Scientist magazine has conducted a
survey on a stretch of road out of Wellington, and found 55
percent of nearly 12 hundred SUV vehicles were being driven
unsafely. Many drivers were simply using one hand to steer the
vehicle. New Scientist spokeswoman Janine Young says it is
possible drivers of these big vehicles are being lulled into a
false sense of security, thinking the size will help them
survive any kind of crash. Janine Young hopes the figures may
shock and ultimately change driving habits. She says it
appears many drivers believe they will not be hurt if their
SUV was involved in a crash.
Friday, 5 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GREENS DO NOT WANT ARMED POLICE
-------------------------------
Napier police are backing their decision to carry out armed
street patrols to deter aggravated robberies in the days
before Christmas. The Green Party is criticising the patrols
saying it likens our officers to the US police force. Area
Commander Inspector Kevin Kalff says the move was based on the
time of year and information they received. He says there has
been no adverse comment locally, rather good feedback from
both local companies and the public. He says the pleasing
thing is that there were no aggravated robberies in the lead
up to Christmas in the Napier area.
(Though I don't want to see our police routinely armed, recent
discoveries of extraordinary arsenals in the hands of
criminals point to the inevitability of this course of action.
My perception is that the Greens consistently undermine the
police yet are very critical when the best results are not
forthcoming. - BH)
FISHERIES NET SOLID RETURNS
---------------------------
A better than expected profit has been announced by Maori
seafood company Aotearoa Fisheries. It has posted a net
surplus in it's first full year of 16.5 million dollars. That
is almost two million higher than predicted, and three million
more than the previous year. AFL Chairman, Rob McLeod, says
2006 surpassed all expectations despite the climate which was
neither politically nor economically benign to the seafood
industry. AFL is a fifty percent shareholder in Sealord which
returned an after-tax profit of 24.8 million.
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE SCHOOL
------------------------
Smoke alarms have saved a Wellington Primary school from
almost certain extensive damage. A fire was deliberately list
against the outside wall of a main classroom block at Miramar
South School around three this morning. The smoke alarms
brought fire-fighters racing before it could do too much harm.
Police say numerous windows on the school hall were also
smashed during the evening, and two hours earlier someone had
torched a Honda Civic car which was parked adjacent to the
school playing field. They want to hear from anyone who may
have seen or heard any suspicious activity around the school
early today.
OVERHAUL OF JUSTICE SYSTEM
--------------------------
National says the case of armed fugitive Graeme Burton proves
the need for a complete overhaul of the justice system, from
arrest to release. The convicted killer, who was given parole
against the wishes of his victim's family six months ago, is
being hunted by police after breaching his parole conditions
and allegedly assaulting a Wellington man. Police have also
found an arsenal of guns and other weapons in his house.
National's Simon Power says Burton managed to stockpile the
frightening cache despite supposedly being under close
supervision. He says National has a policy of no parole for
repeat violent offenders - and the worst of the worst in our
jails should serve their full sentence.
TUMMY BUG HITS TAURANGA
-----------------------
An outbreak of the norovirus tummy bug has hit Tauranga
Hospital. So far there have been around 18 cases in three
wards. They have been closed to new admissions and visitors
are being restricted to adult family members with no symptoms.
It is believed the bug is also occurring within the general
western Bay of Plenty Community. Bay of Plenty District Health
Board Infectious Diseases Physician, Dr Brian Dwyer, is asking
people to prevent the spread of the virus by ensuring anyone
with a stomach bug does not visit the hospital until 48 hours
after their last symptoms. He says people also need to observe
basic hygiene with hand-washing precautions and avoid eating
raw shellfish.
PHARMAC TO REVIEW HERCEPTIN DECISION
------------------------------------
PHARMAC will take another look at its decision not to fund
breast cancer drug Herceptin after the release of information
about its effectiveness. A study published in British medical
journal 'The Lancet' has found that women who took Herceptin
for a year after surgery, along with chemotherapy, received a
significant overall survival benefit two years later. PHARMAC
medical director Peter Moodie says they will look at the data
over the next few weeks before deciding whether to carry out a
full review. He says there will not be any snap decisions.
THOUSANDS EXPECTED AT INT'L PEACE FESTIVAL TODAY
------------------------------------------------
The Taranaki landscape famous for its history of passive
resistance will today fill with tents and caravans. Thousands
of people will gather for the 2007 Parihaka International
Peace Festival. It features a swathe of artists, including
Dave Dobbyn, Che Fu, Emma Paki, Ladi6 and Opensouls. The
settlement is the historic site of passive resistance to land
confiscation and punitive policies against Maori in the late
19th Century. Director Te Miringa Hohaia says the festival's
message remains the same, as peace is important in any time.
The 2007 festival also marks 100 years since the death of
Parihaka's founding prophets, Te Whiti and Tohu.
RADIATION THERAPISTS STRIKE LIKELY TO GO AHEAD
----------------------------------------------
There appears to be little chance of last minute negotiations
between DHBs and the union for radiation therapists planning
strikes from next week. Walkouts are scheduled for Canterbury,
Wellington, Auckland and Palmerston North in support of a pay
rise. The action will affect treatment for cancer patients.
CEO of the MidCentral DHB Murray Georgel says the union's
claim for three percent for each of the next two years is
difficult. He says the only ones who will be affected by the
upcoming action are the patients. Union spokeswoman Dr Deborah
Powell says the boards' continuing stubbornness is costing the
health sector badly. She says already there are patients
planning to go to Australia, where ironically they'll be
treated by New Zealanders who have already left to get better
pay and conditions. Deborah Powell says it is about time
questions were asked of Health Minister Pete Hodgson and what
kinds of orders he is giving the DHBs. Dr Powell says if the
dispute is not sorted out, more radiation therapists will
leave for Australia.
Monday, 8 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DHB TALKS BREAK DOWN
--------------------
Strikes by radiation therapists will go ahead after last
minute talks this afternoon failed to solve the pay row.
District Health Boards say their offer amounts to a 5.5 per
cent pay rise over two years. The union is asking for six
percent - three percent this year and three percent next year.
Radiation therapists in Palmerston North were the first to
strike - downing their gowns this afternoon. Canterbury staff
will strike for three days from tomorrow. Auckland and Capital
Coast radiation therapists will stop work on the 11th and 15th
of January.
PAROLE SYSTEM IS WRONG
----------------------
A campaigner for tougher prison sentences says the Graeme
Burton incident is a prime example of why the parole system is
wrong. Norm Withers set up a petition to prevent violence in
New Zealand after his mother was brutally beaten. He says
Burton is the type of offender he calls a time bomb, a small
minority of violent offenders who are unable to be
rehabilitated. Norm Withers believes those who commit the
crime should do the time, and not be offered a discount
ticket, that is parole - especially offenders like Graeme
Burton.
(I usually disagree with Mr Withers and the "Sensible
Sentencing" people. I do however, think that people convicted
of crime should serve the full nominal sentence. The whole
parole system has failed us too often. Of course, this would
result in a massive ballooning of the prison population at
considerable expense, but presumably this would be offset by
the elimination of the parole system. Or perhaps a period of
parole might be served after the actual sentence has been
served in full. - BH)
COOLER DRIER WEATHER
--------------------
Holiday makers hoping for some warmer weather may be
disappointed. The National Institute for Climate Research has
released its seasonal climate outlook for January to March. It
is predicting generally westerly and south-westerly winds
which could cause dry, cool conditions for most of the
country. But NIWA scientist Dr Jim Salinger says there is a
bright side as February is usually the warmest month during an
El Nino year. He says the seas around the country will remain
colder than usual. Some parts of the country may see reduced
crop growth between now and March. He says the predicted cool
temperatures and dry conditions are the result of an El Nino
event in the Pacific.
BUSINESS CONFIDENT FOR 2007
---------------------------
It seems many businesses and consumers will head into 2007
confident, in terms of the economy. Newstalk ZB Business
Correspondent Roger Kerr says surveys showed confidence lifted
towards the end of 2006. Although he suspects it will not last
long, given the New Zealand dollar is back over 70 cents, with
consumer debt at record high levels. Mr Kerr says inflation
will drop from three percent to two percent over the course of
the year, but thinks the economy will struggle to achieve one
percent growth.
MP SLAMS CORRECTIONS "PERFORMANCE PAYMENTS
------------------------------------------
Department of Corrections staff are set to receive higher
bonuses this year, much to the horror of National Party
Justice and Corrections Spokesman Simon Power. He says $2
million worth of "performance payments" was handed to over 600
staff over 2005/06, and this financial year $1.3 million has
already been paid out. Simon Power wants to know how the
bonuses can be justified, after what he calls a "shambolic"
year. He says the department failed to take responsibility for
the murder of Auckland teenager Liam Ashley in the back of a
prison van, and allows prisoners to have luxuries like flat
screen TVs and Playstations.
LIFEGUARDS FRUSTRATED BY INDIFFERENT BOATIES
--------------------------------------------
Lifeguards at Pukehina Beach in the Bay of Plenty are
frustrated with the indifferent attitude of boaties in trouble
at the weekend. A number of craft became stuck on the Pukehina
bar when trying to return to the estuary; two were swung
sideways by waves exposing the occupants to extreme danger.
Lifeguards say that boaties frequently had no knowledge of the
area or tide times and many were not wearing lifejackets A
spokesman says even boaties who broke down at sea seemed to
treat their predicament as a bit of a joke.
RECORD WORK LOAD FOR COASTGUARD
-------------------------------
Northern coastguards will be hoping for cloudier skies and
cooler temperatures this week. During the first six days of
the New Year, crews were called out 140 times to various
incidents in the region, stretching from Northland through to
the Coromandel Peninsula. Spokesman Chris Fransham says that
is an unprecedented rate, due in part to summer finally
arriving. He says a lot of the call-outs could have been
avoided with a bit more preparation and basic checks being
carried out, as many incidents involved boaties not fuelling
up before setting out. He says many boaties are heading out
for the first time this summer and are finding they have
problems with their vessels; he adds it is best to take a few
minutes before setting off to avoid all the misery. Mr
Fransham says safety on the water is something which should be
considered a top priority. He says there are always some
people who fail to take the message seriously but the majority
of people appear to be abiding by the rules. Chris Fransham
says they are hoping for a break in the weather so they will
be less busy this week.
Tuesday, 9 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TICK THE BOX
------------
Tragic cases like that of Graeme Burton and Liam Ashley are
being seen a good illustration of New Zealand's new 'tick the
box' attitude towards responsibility. Author Celia Lashlie
says in the last 15 years the focus for people who deal with
troubled youth has been more on what's legal or illegal,
rather than what's moral or ethical. She says people in such
jobs are being told not to use intuition and to do things by
the book. She calls it a 'tick the box' attitude towards
responsibility. Ms Lashlie says the New Zealand public's
responsible for the attitude, because we're quick to complain
about the cost of such services.
PAY DEMANDS UNFAIR
------------------
Pay demands from the union representing Radiation Therapists
are being seen as unfair by District Health Boards. Therapists
in Christchurch are on strike for three days from today, with
workers in Auckland and Wellington striking on the 11th and
15th. Yesterday staff in Palmerston North walked out for three
hours. DHB spokesman Murray Georgel says the 5.5 percent pay
offer is on top of a 25 percent increase over the last five
years, given when they were trying to recruit and retain
workers. He thinks the large increases may now be seen as a
benchmark for union members. But Mr Georgel says they are not
fair and reasonable, and is urging therapists to think about
their patients.
SUPPORT FOR PAROLE BOARD DECISION
---------------------------------
There is support today for the Parole Board for releasing
Graeme Burton. The Board has been assailed over the decision
after the 35-year-old was involved in a shooting which one man
dead. Prisoners Aid and Rehabilitation Society National
Director John Whitty says you cannot blame the board when
Burton was released in July - and did not offend until
December. He says it is unfair to think the board could have
known what would happen five months later. Mr Whitty says the
parole board does its best to prevent risk to the public, and
actually turned down 72 percent of applications last year.
CONCERN AT BATTERY WASTE
------------------------
A controversial battery recycling plant in Petone is being
accused of storing thousands of tonnes of chemical battery
waste with no long-term solution for its disposal. Exide
Technologies is banned from dumping the waste at the
Wainuiomata landfill, so for the last year, has been storing
five thousand tonnes of chemicals in sealed drums. Don Carson
from the Hutt City Council says the company is supposed to be
finding a way to treat the waste so it can be dumped safely,
but that is yet to happen. He says the amount of waste now
being stored is twice as much as the council previously
thought, and with the Wainui landfill almost full, there could
be further issues. "With the volume that Exide is now talking
about," he told Newstalk ZB, "it does raise a number of issues
as to whether it could all go and how rapidly it could go to
Wainuiomata".
TOUGHER TIMES FOR USED CAR DEALERS
----------------------------------
There has been a sharp drop in the number of used cars being
sold. Land Transport New Zealand says just over 9,400 used
cars were registered last month, down 24 percent compared with
December last year. New commercial vehicle registrations also
dropped slightly last month compared to November. The top
selling make of cars last month were Toyota and Holden.
Independent Motor Vehicle Dealers Association chief executive
David Vinsen says anecdotal evidence suggests many car yards
have been forced to close with overall sales dropping 20
percent in 2006. He believes there is consumer insecurity and
uncertainty over spending on big ticket items such as cars. Mr
Vinsen says there is also a shift in business models with
dealers moving away from expensive prime location real estate
to cheaper premises. Dealers are also concentrating more on
internet sales.
RURAL HOME CARE WORKERS SHORT CHANGED
-------------------------------------
There is frustration in the rural community about the lack of
support for home care workers who travel long distances with
little reimbursement. Rural Women New Zealand, which operates
the only non-profit rural home service company, says despite
an 18,000 signature petition, the Government has rejected two
of its three recommendations. It says the Government stumped
up extra funding in the past two budgets, but the money has
been absorbed by increased client numbers and holiday pay.
President Sherrill Dackers says staff are travelling long
distances out of the goodness of their hearts and are only
being reimbursed at an average rate of $1.50 an hour.
Wednesday, 10 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SHEEP SHEARING RECORD
---------------------
Shearer Dion King has broken the world solo nine-hour lamb
shearing record. He needed to knock off 851 sheep before five
o'clock. The small rural settlement of Bennydale in the King
Country was the scene for his mammoth effort Dion King
finished with a flourish and a grand total of 866 sheep.
NEW RULES FOR OFF DUTY COPS
---------------------------
Police National Headquarters is drafting a new set of rules
for off duty police officers spelling out what they should or
should not be doing. The review follows sole-charge Taranaki
policeman Jonathan Erwood testing positive for drink driving
as he attended a fatal road crash near Mokau last July. Acting
superintendent Brett Kane says it is important there are
guidelines in place for off duty officers - and he is hoping
to have them in place within a few months.
CHURCH WADES INTO HEALTH STRIKE
-------------------------------
The Anglican Church is wading into the radiation therapists'
current bout of industrial action. The Dean of Holy Trinity
Cathedral in Auckland says the walkouts in Christchurch,
Auckland, Wellington and Palmerston North show a moral failure
in the health system. Bishop Richard Randerson says those
involved have forgotten the reason they are in the job. He
says when primary concerns are overtaken by other issues,
whether it is a pay dispute or something else, then the system
has lost its way. Bishop Randerson says it is time for
striking radiation therapists to go back to work so patients
do not suffer.
(Bishop Randerson makes no mention of the moral issues
surround a just wage. - BH)
IPHONE COMING BUT NOT THIS YEAR
-------------------------------
The new Apple iPhone will not be making its way to New Zealand
until 2008. The company has unveiled its latest invention in
America. The iPhone can be used as a digital music player,
camera and mobile phone. It will not go on sale to the
American public until June 2007 at the earliest. A company
spokesman says the product will be shipped to New Zealand
sometime after that but there is no definite retail date yet
for 2008.
WILL FUEL DROP MORE?
--------------------
There could be another round of petrol price cuts in the
pipeline. Crude has fallen to its lowest levels in 18 months.
The cost of a barrel has slumped more than $US2, to $US54.62.
New Zealand oil companies took three cents a litre off the
price at the pump yesterday.
TREATMENT FOR DOZENS DISRUPTED BY STRIKE
----------------------------------------
Tomorrow's industrial action by radiation therapists will
disrupt treatment for up to 70 cancer patients at Wellington
Hospital. The therapists, who operate the machines used to
treat cancer patients, are staging staggered walk-outs around
the country this week and say they will continue next week if
their pay dispute is unresolved. Therapists in Palmerston
North and Christchurch walked off the job earlier this week
and will be joined tomorrow by colleagues in Wellington and
Auckland. Officials at the Capital and Coast District Health
Board say around 70 appointments for radiation treatment will
be postponed and some patients may be affected more than once.
There are contingency plans in place to provide life
preserving services during the strike.
Thursday, 11 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PETROL DOWN AGAIN
-----------------
Another round of price drops at the pump is underway. Shell
has this afternoon dropped the price of petrol and diesel by
two cents. Caltex has announced it will do the same at
midnight. That means a five cent reduction so far this week,
with all the companies shaving three cents off on Tuesday. It
comes after crude oil this morning fell to its lowest levels
in 18 months.
(Current pump prices are $1.39.9 per litre - BH)
TOXIC SEEDS IN A BOTTLE
-----------------------
An urgent recall has gone out for highly toxic seeds being
sold as a "Message in a Bottle" novelty item. The seeds, if
chewed, could kill a child. Each bottle contains about 12 of
the brightly coloured seeds. The bottle is designed to be
opened so that the recipient can read the message inside.
Biosecurity New Zealand believes 72 of the bottles were
brought into the country. They were sold through Abstractz
Interiors in Onehunga, Lagoona in Mount Maunganui and the
Foxton Bookshop.
DROWNING TOLL AT LOWEST
-----------------------
For the first time since records began, there have been fewer
than a hundred drownings in New Zealand in a calendar year.
Water Safety New Zealand says the provisional drowning toll
for 2006 stands at 87 deaths, the lowest drowning toll since
records began in 1980. In 2005 116 people drowned and the
average toll in the eighties was 180. Water Safety New Zealand
is putting the improvement down to education programmes and
community initiatives.
OBESITY OPERATIONS ON THE RISE
------------------------------
More than 120,000 obese Americans had some kind of surgery to
help them lose weight in 2004, with the biggest increase among
middle-aged people. In 1998, 772 people aged 55 to 64 had
gastric bypass, stapling or some similar procedure known to
help weight loss. That number ballooned to 15,086 in 2004.
Surgery was also performed on 349 youngsters aged 12 to 17.
EXTREME WEATHER FOR 2006
------------------------
2006 saw severe winter snowstorms, floods, wind storms,
destructive tornadoes - and yet it was sunny overall. The
National Institute of Weather and Atmospheric Research has
issued its National Climate Summary. NIWA says the climate was
erratic and sometimes extreme as a La Nina event hit the
country in the early part of the year and El Nino conditions
in the tropical Pacific affected New Zealand from September
onwards. Dr Jim Salinger from NIWA says it is something which
is to be expected as the country is prone to climate extremes
anyway. Dr Salinger says there were 18 storms which caused
flooding - and the only month which did not see any flooding
was March. He says the snow storm in Canterbury in June was
the severest seen in the country since 1945 - but despite that
it was generally sunny all over New Zealand. Jim Salinger says
some of the weather patterns may be repeated during the coming
year. A coy of the full report in PDF format can be downloaded
from NIWA at
http://www.niwascience.co.nz/ncc/cs/aclimsum_06.pdf
BUS SECURITY CAMERAS TRIALLED
-----------------------------
Auckland transport officials are trialling security cameras on
buses in a bid to cut down on vandalism and graffiti. Four
Stagecoach buses in the region will be equipped with the
cameras. The six month trial is being funded by the Auckland
Regional Transport Authority.
ETHNIC YOUTH PREFER INTEGRATION
-------------------------------
A new study shows the country's ethnic youth experience more
discrimination than their Pakeha peers, but are remarkably
resilient. The study of more than 1500 New Zealand adolescents
was carried out by Professor Colleen Ward from Victoria
University. Maori, Samoan, Korean, Indian and Chinese young
people reported higher rates of discrimination than their
Pakeha peers, but they do not lag behind in terms of
psychological and social adjustment. In fact Professor Ward
says Chinese students are better adjusted at school and
Chinese, Indians and Koreans have fewer behavioural problems,
and despite the discrimination, most ethnic youth do not want
to completely forfeit their cultural identity in order to fit
in. They preferred integration - retaining their cultural
identity while adopting NZ culture - to assimilating - which
would mean giving up their own culture.
TEXT COMPETITION RUNS UP BIG BILLS
----------------------------------
There are fresh warnings about text message competitions
following a flood of complaints about a TV promotion. The
Consumers Institute is warning about a contest advertised on
TV offering easy prizes. Although the ad says the contest will
only cost 20 cents, the Australian-based company replies and
keeps replying - at a cost of three dollars a text. David
Russell from the Consumers Institute says the messages only
stop when the phone user sends a text asking them to do so He
says many people do not know they are being charged until
after they get their bill or their prepaid card runs out.
POLICE ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS NEW DIRECTIVE
-----------------------------------------
New guidelines to discourage off-duty police officers from
intervening in crimes, have the support of the Police
Association. National Police Headquarters is coming up with a
new set of rules following the case of off-duty constable
Jonathan Erwood who attended a fatal car accident near Mokau
last July, after drinking at a barbeque. Association Vice
President Richard Middleton says the guidelines will still
allow for intervention - if a life or property is at risk. He
says an example is if an off duty officer sees a burglary,
they could call police, but if a life is at risk - they could
go in and help. Richard Middleton denies that is
contradictory, saying a lot of it is common sense.
METHANOL TO BE TAKEN OUT OF METHS
---------------------------------
Methylated spirits bought over the counter will soon no longer
contain the poisonous substance methanol. It is being phased
out because of ongoing concerns about the health risks to
people who drink meths as a cheap alternative to alcohol. The
Environmental Risk Management Authority says methanol will be
removed by June. Three deaths linked to meths drinking were
recorded in 2002/2003, and two dozen poisoning cases were
reported in 2005. Meths will still be a hazardous substance,
that should be kept out of the reach of children.
AUCKLAND HOUSING MARKET REMAINS BULLISH
---------------------------------------
The Auckland property market has refused to bow to negative
commentary, leading to a bumper 2006 for the region's biggest
realtor. Barfoot and Thompson's sales figures for the year
show the average price of properties increased 4.8 percent,
averaging out at just over $480,000. In January 2006 the
average sale was $428,000 - by December it was $524,000. The
company says the market defied the doomsayers, and is likely
to have a strong early run this year. Director Peter Thompson
puts Auckland's resilience down to the region's expanding
population, as everyone who comes in to the region needs a
roof over their heads. He says what happens later in the year
depends on interest rates, but he says they would have to go
up significantly to affect the housing market.
DHBS HOPE TO AVERT MORE STRIKES
-------------------------------
Two more groups of radiation therapists walk out today. Staff
in Auckland and Wellington join colleagues from Christchurch
and Palmerston North who have already downed tools after
turning down a 5.5 percent pay rise over the next two years.
The therapists are seeking a six percent pay rise - three
percent this year and three percent next year. One of those
walking out is Louise Simonsen, who says it is something they
are doing with a heavy heart. She says the therapists would
rather be at work today but feel like they have been backed
into a corner. Louise Simonsen says most patients she has
spoken to support the strike and appreciate the work
therapists are doing. DHBs say although further radiation
therapist strikes are going ahead today, they are hoping to
avert even more in the weeks to come. Spokesman Murray Georgel
says the union's demand would cost about $900,000 a year. He
hopes to be back talking to the mediator in the not-too-
distant future. He says the DHBs are still receiving notices
for strikes in two to three weeks, and he would like to think
those can be avoided.
Friday, 12 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CAR DEALERS FINED
-----------------
Six North Island car dealers have been fined a total of more
than $9,000 for not displaying Supplier Information Notice
cards with used cars. They are Auto Kingdom and J's Cars in
Hamilton, Paragon Motors and Urban Wholesale in Auckland, Car
Court Fairy Springs in Rotorua, and Trademark Autos in Te
Awamutu. The dealers have to pay $300 for each car that did
not carry a SIN card, which shows information like the age,
price and odometer reading of the car. The Commerce Commission
has required dealers to display the cards since December 2003.
It says buyers have a right to accurate information about what
they are buying.
SKIN INFECTIONS ON RISE
-----------------------
The number of children being treated for serious skin
infections in New Zealand is on the rise. Well Child, an
organisation promoting good health for children, says it is
important these infections are taken seriously. One of the
most common infections is cellulitis, an acute bacterial
infection which left untreated can make children sick. Well
Child spokeswoman Marguerite Dalton says they are particularly
concerned at this time of the year when children spend a lot
of time outside playing. She says they are often barefoot and
prone to scrapes and scratches. Children with existing skin
conditions like eczema need to take extra care.
FUEL SPILL REQUIRES MAJOR CLEAN-UP
----------------------------------
Masterton firefighters have been called out to deal with a
significant fuel spill. A delivery tanker was transferring its
load to a truck in an industrial area of Ngaumutawa Road at
around six o'clock last night when the coupling failed.
Masterton Deputy Fire Chief Henry Stechman says a considerable
amount of fuel spilled on to the ground and into nearby
drains, causing a potentially dangerous situation because of
the fire risk, the fumes and possible contamination.
Firefighters wearing protective clothing and breathing
apparatus used sand to soak up the ponding fuel, with others
were on stand-by at the scene in case the situation worsened.
The site has now been turned over to local council
authorities, who will today look at what further steps need to
be taken in the clean-up.
CONSIDER HUMAN RIGHTS, PM TOLD
------------------------------
The Greens are urging Helen Clark to place human rights at the
very top of her agenda when she meets with East Asian leaders
in the Philippines this weekend. MP Keith Locke has sent the
Prime Minister a letter asking her to raise what he calls the
nation's dire human rights situation with its President Gloria
Arroyo. He claims since the President took office in 2001
scores of trade unionists, political organisers, priests,
lawyers, judges and journalists have been systematically
murdered in a wave of extra-judicial killings. In particular
Keith Locke is urging Helen Clark to raise with President
Arroyo the jailing of 73-year-old parliamentarian and former
trade union leader Crispin Beltran.
TODDLERS NEED TO EAT MORE FRUIT
-------------------------------
An Auckland University study has found toddlers need to eat
fruit at regular intervals rather than as a snack to give them
enough iron. The research looked at the dietary habits of
children aged between six and 23 months. It found children who
had regular juice and fruit at fixed meal times had higher
levels of iron in their blood. Researcher Deborah Brunt says
parents need to think seriously about how they feed their
children, as without enough iron, their brain development can
be stunted. She says the food needs to be presented in a way
which is attractive and acceptable to youngsters. She says
parents need to take a more proactive approach, as low iron
levels in young children will affect their education in later
life.
HOTEL CHARGES LIKELY TO JUMP
----------------------------
The cost of staying in a hotel is likely to jump from April
this year. The accommodation industry is predicting changes to
the Holidays Act which come into effect that month are likely
to be passed on to the consumer. Under the legislation,
employees must have a minimum of four weeks annual leave. The
Hotel Council says labour-intensive businesses like theirs are
in for major cost increases. CEO Mark Oldershaw says staff
rosters are already somewhat of an art form, and the changes
will make them even more difficult. He says ultimately it is a
commercial decision for each individual hotel.
DEADLY SEEDS STILL AT LARGE
---------------------------
Biosecurity New Zealand has launched an investigation after
potentially fatal seeds made their way into the country. The
seeds from the plant "Abrus precatorius" are contained in
novelty "message in a bottle' jars. The plant is commonly
known as the rosary pea, and officials are worried young
children could mistake the brightly-coloured seeds for
lollies. They are highly toxic and can be fatal if chewed, and
Biosecurity New Zealand senior advisor George Gill says they
also pose a slight risk to the environment. Symptoms of
poisoning by the seeds are seen after a delay of hours or
days; victims suffer nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain
and diarrhoea, burning in throat followed by ulcerative
lesions of the mouth and oesophagus. Six bottles of the seeds
are still missing. They were sold in Onehunga, Mt Maunganui
and Foxton. Anyone with one of the bottles should contact
Biosecurity on 0800 80 99 66.
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