WYSIWYG NEWS - 18 June, 2007

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 18 June, 2007
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer. 

Finally, I have my car back. My mother and aunt are back home in
Wanganui, and life in Wellington returns to normal until the next
crisis. The weekend just gone was one of the bleakest for a long while,
with wind and rain and temperatures usually associated with snow
conditions. When the weather cleared occasionally, there were some
pleasant moments of the bright but cold variety. In one such gap, I went
to Sladden park on the Eastern bank of the Hutt River where I watched my
Granddaughter Maggie (two and a half years) play her version of soccer.
She was more interested in swinging on the net at the back of the goal,
but not the ones in the field where she was supposed to play. Her mother
had to retrieve her from the adjacent pitch on three or four occasions.
I got to hold my cute little grandson, Cooper and sheltered him from the
cold wind and occasional drizzle. Eventually Maggie's mother decided it
wasn't worth the hassle, so we abandoned the game for the day. Today the
weather continues, and it will be no surprise if, when the weather
clears, the Tararuas are dusted with the first snow of the season. 


----
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.


Formatting this week is sponsored again by George and Pat in Alexandria,
VA. Glad to hear that Pat is making good progress after surgery, and
warmest good wishes to you both. 
---- 
On with the News. 


Monday, 4 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

STRIKE ACTION IN HOSPITALS DELAYED
----------------------------------

Strike action that would have seen almost three thousand hospital
workers, orderlies and kitchen staff walk off the job, has been delayed.
The Service and Food Workers Union says it has received a new offer from
the DHBs, and its members need time to vote on it. If the offer isn't
approved, strike action will go ahead next Monday. The strike was due to
commence at midnight tonight.

RECYCLE THOSE MOBILE PHONES
---------------------------

Phone giants are joining forces to push recycling, a day out from World
Environment Day. Telecom and Vodafone are using the day to highlight the
need for greater mobile phone recycling efforts to minimise waste.
Vodafone's Head of Corporate Responsibility Raphael Hilbron says they
have collected close to 150-thousand phones over the past four or five
years, saving them from landfills. He says if they are in good enough
shape some are even sent overseas to people in less developed countries.
Mr Hilbron says anyone who has an unused phone lying around can play
their part simply by dropping it off at any Vodafone or Telecom shop. He
says some of the recycled plastics from the phones go towards making
things like traffic cones, bin-liners and buckets. Mr Hilbron says
people need to check they have taken out the SIM-card and the phone
memory has been cleared of all contacts, before they front up to recycle
them.

(I suspect that the people in less developed countries may not be as
grateful as we might like to think for our cast-off phones, many of
which are configured for an obsolete technology such as CDMA anyway. -
BH)

TUATARA UNDER THREAT
--------------------

New Zealand's last survivor of the dinosaur age is threatened by climate
change. Victoria University researchers fear the tuatara, which is one
of the world's oldest living creatures, may become extinct as the Earth
warms up. They say changes in temperature affect the sexes of unborn
tuatara while they're still in their eggs. Previous temperature changes
have been very slow, and scientists fear the tuatara won't be able to
adapt to a rapid change in the climate.

(If I understood the TV coverage of the same item, the idea is that
warmer temperatures result in the birth of fewer females, and the
consequences of that are obvious. - BH)

BOMB-MAKING POPULAR FOR GOOGLING
--------------------------------

A shock for security experts policing New Zealanders using the Internet.
Google Trends has revealed New Plymouth and Auckland have the highest
number of hits per capita when it comes to searching the net for
bomb-making. A security conference in Sydney has been told Perth,
Melbourne and London all ranked lower than Auckland and New Plymouth.
Former Scotland Yard terrorist expert Nicholas O'Brien says the data,
which came from the Google Trends website, reveals exactly who the most
avid searchers for information were. What we can not tell from the
Google data is whether the people doing these searches have some
sinister intent, or are just curious. The spikes in searching seem to
coincide with major news stories on busts of bomb-making cells.

HEALTH SERVICE STRIKES INCREASE
-------------------------------

There have been more health service strikes this year than there have
been since the early 1990s. New figures from Statistics New Zealand show
since 2000 alone, hospital days lost to strikes have increased by nearly
10,000. Opposition Health spokesman Tony Ryall says it is clear where
the blame lies. He says it is about time the Government stopped washing
its hands of the issue and stepped in to sort it out. Tony Ryall says
the Government needs to address the industrial relations debacle that is
the health system, not just throw money at the sector. Two and a half
thousand hospital ancillary staff were set to walk off the job at
midnight tonight. Employers say the strike was organised in such a way
they had no way of planning cover, and have issued lockout notices to
staff. Tony Ryall says it is illegal for District Health Boards to
communicate with employees directly without going through a union, and
there needs to be a culture change in the sector.

Tuesday, 5 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOST FOR RESEARCH CENTRES
--------------------------

The Government is setting up a new Centre of Research Excellence. The
addition brings the total number of COREs in New Zealand to seven and
all are being given fresh funding by the Government. The Centres are
research networks which allow researchers to get together for studies
and programmes. The latest addition to the group will be called The
Riddet Centre and will concentrate on advancing knowledge in food and
botanicals. Tertiary Education Minister Michael Cullen says the Massey
University-based centre will focus on how future foods can aid health,
wellness convenience and pleasure.

JOB LOSSES ON THE CARDS AT SKELLERUP
------------------------------------

Jobs are at risk at Skellerup's Christchurch operations, as the
manufacturer restructures. The firm is blaming the volatile New Zealand
dollar. It plans to move more manufacturing offshore, as it focuses its
business on making technical polymers. Skellerup says there could be
redundancies at its Christchurch operations as a result. Chairman Keith
Smith expects to make a profit before abnormal items of nine million
dollars for the current financial year. However that drops to a loss of
around seven million dollars, once restructuring costs are taken into
account.

GREENS SAY THEY HAVE NO CLEAR FAVOURITES
----------------------------------------

The Green Party says no decision has been made on which party it will
cosy up to at the next election. National's Environment spokesman Dr
Nick Smith attended the Greens' annual conference in Nelson this
weekend, prompting speculation the two parties could be working together
soon. But Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says the party will
await policy before deciding which way it goes. She says John Key is not
Don Brash, but the Greens are not sure of the new National leader's
motivation yet. Ms Fitzsimons says the deciding factor will be which
party is more in line with the Greens' ethos. But she says with no
policies out yet, aligning itself to any party is just foolish. She says
any arrangement the party makes in terms of formation or support for a
government will be based on across the board policy.

(Despite the expressed neutrality, it seems clear that the Green Party's
social thinking is at odds with everything that National holds dear. It
seems an improbable alliance to me. - BH)

CABINET SET TO PRESSURE POWER COMPANIES
---------------------------------------

Cabinet is today expected to look at changing the way power companies
deal with people who get into trouble with their power bills. The
Government plans to put the onus on the company to make sure vulnerable
consumers are taken care of. The move follows last week's death of ill
Auckland woman Folole Muliaga, after her power was cut disabling her
oxygen machine. Helen Clark says it might be a case of back to the
future. She says MP Judith Tizard spent a number of years on the old
Auckland Electric Power Board and is adamant that in those days there
were people who had full time jobs referring clients who could not pay
to agencies which could help them. A public service to farewell Folole
Muliaga takes place tomorrow.

BUSINESSES MARK WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
-------------------------------------

Business attempts to prevent damage to the environment appear to be well
underway. It is World Environment Day today and some New Zealand
businesses are using the occasion to get feedback from their employees
on how to become more green. Colleen Fish from fertiliser company
Ballance Agri Nutrients says staff have some good ideas. She says there
were some specific feedback about how to minimise the damage caused by
chemicals used in fertiliser manufacturing, such as better ways of
preventing spillage from conveyor belts. Ms Fish says a number of other
suggestions about waste management have already been put in place.

SNOW WELCOME AT MT HUTT SKI SLOPES
----------------------------------

The cold snap over the long weekend has been just what Canterbury ski
operators have been waiting for. Around 25cm of snow fell on Mt Hutt ski
slopes on Saturday night, and the cooler temperatures were perfect for
the snow making machines. Ski field area manager Dave Wilson says they
are well on track to opening this coming weekend. He is pinning his
hopes on a cold snap later in the week as another 30-40 cm is needed to
open on Friday.

Wednesday, 6 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

COLD SNAP "WON'T LAST" - NIWA
-----------------------------

The cold snap about to hit the country will not last. NIWA has just
released its outlook for the coming months. Cold weather is expected to
linger for the next couple of weeks, but overall temperatures for winter
are expected to be above average. The warmer temperatures are a
by-product of the Pacific's transition to a La Nina weather pattern.
There will be some relief for drought stricken farmers on the North
Island's east coast, with above average rainfall expected. But it is
likely to rain less than normal on the east coast of the South Island.

(My resident spy in Queenstown tells me that the snow is more of a
dusting than anything else so far.  - BH)

ZESPRI POSTS $21.7M PROFIT
--------------------------

Zespri has posted a $21.7 million profit - an 18 percent drop on last
year. Chief Executive Tony Nowell says the reduced profit is mainly due
to an increase in the loyalty premium. Global kiwifruit sales increased
15 percent from $990 million last year, to more than $1billion this
year. But New Zealand-sourced kiwifruit volumes declined due to a high
level of onshore fruit losses which is estimated to have cost the
industry more than $50 million.

INVESTOR MIGRANT POLICY UNVEILED BY GOVT
----------------------------------------

Significant changes to investor migrant policy have been announced by
the Government. The old policy required migrants to deposit $2 million
with the Government and in return they would be granted residence.
Immigration Minister David Cunliffe has unveiled a new three tiered
approach. He says the first category allows investor migrants with $20
million to gain residence and not need English language skills. Also
created is a professional investor category with a $10 million
benchmark, and a general investor category set at $2.5 million dollars.

(This is repugnant. Nobody should be able to buy their way past the
requirements of admission which should be universal. They should apply
to all or none. - BH)

GOVT PLANS UNVEILED FOR HEARING PROBLEMS
----------------------------------------

The Government is selling its plans aimed at helping children who have
hearing problems. Health Minister Pete Hodgson has been at a
meet-and-greet in Auckland today ahead of next month's roll-out of a $16
million newborn hearing screening programme. He has also been busy
promoting a four year, $8.4 million initiative to provide cochlear
implant support to deaf children.

DEPORTATION LAWS "FARCICAL"
---------------------------

Our deportation laws are being labelled as farcical by New Zealand
First. The party has obtained figures which show 40% of those detained
under the Immigration Act are being held because they have deliberately
obstructed deportation processes. New Zealand First Deputy Leader Peter
Brown says that is a sign our current laws are ineffective and are
putting too much power in the hands of those who should be deported. He
says letting them indefinitely stall their deportation is not
acceptable. Mr Brown says once appeal processes are over, the deportee
should be out of here, end of story.

POWER COMPANY "ALREADY ACTING RESPONSIBLY"
------------------------------------------

Power companies say moves to bring in socially responsible guidelines
aimed at making it more difficult to cut power off are not radically
different from what they are already doing. The issue is being discussed
in Parliament after the death last week of Folole Muliaga. Genesis
Energy, Contact Energy, Meridian and Trustpower all say they are dealing
with community groups and WINZ to alleviate the pressure. Trustpower
spokesman Graeme Purches says it is something they all have to do. He
says disconnecting electricity because of non payment is a symptom of
the problem - not the problem itself. United Future leader Peter Dunne
is calling for an end to political scrapping over the death of Mangere
woman Folole Muliaga. Labour and National have been at each other over
what steps should be taken to make it harder to cut people's power. Mr
Dunne says the scrapping is unseemly and should stop out of respect to
the Muliaga family. He says it is undeniable Mrs Muliaga's death is a
tragedy but believes the current rush to judgements is insensitive and
offensive.

RESIDENTS SEE SOMETHING FISHY IN WATER BILLS
--------------------------------------------

A resident of an Auckland city apartment block is outraged by the amount
she is being charged for water. Becky Nguyen says the cost of the water
at Zest Apartments has dramatically increased because of the
installation of a new user pays system by Wellington-based company Easy
Energy. She was completely shocked at her latest bill $150 for just 25
days' supply and says it was horrible and humiliating receiving a water
bill that high. Ms Nguyen has met with about 100 Zest residents who will
complain to Easy Energy. She says residents found out about the new
system at the apartment's AGM last year, the same day they were forced
to make a decision. Ms Nguyen says to make matters worse, only 22 out of
the apartment's 512 owners voted at the meeting. Neither Zest Apartments
management nor Easy Energy could be reached for comment.

Thursday, 7 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ANOTHER CHANCE FOR WATER SCHEME
-------------------------------

A controversial Canterbury water scheme has been given another chance of
life today in Christchurch. The Christchurch City Council debated for
four hours whether or not to approve a bail-out loan for the Central
Plains Water Trust which plans to take large amounts of water from two
Canterbury rivers. Eventually the vote went eight to five in favour of
the Trust. That means its company Central Plains Water Limited has the
go-ahead to borrow up to $5 million from a local dairy company. Mayor
Garry Moore says the move today was about keeping Canterbury's water
resource in public hands.

TEMPERATURES ABOVE AVERAGE
--------------------------

If you are not coping well with the sudden cold snap, it is because we
were spoilt in autumn. NIWA has released its national climate summary
for autumn. Seasonal temperatures were at least 0.5 degrees above
average in the North Island, and at least one degree above average
throughout much of the South Island. Rainfall was well below normal in
the east, and in Manawatu and Wellington. Queenstown experienced its
warmest autumn in more than 135 years, while the highest temperature
recorded on a single day was 32 degrees in Darfield. Of the five main
centres, Auckland was the warmest and wettest, Dunedin the driest and
coolest and Wellington the sunniest.

(This weekend 16th and 17th will have altered that. It has been
bone-chillingly bleak, and I have a code id by dose and can't say
"bilk". - BH)

CHARGES DROPPED BY TELECOM
--------------------------

Telecom is to stop charging for its residential phone services. This
follows its decision in 2001 to stop offering new rental phones to
customers. General manager of Consumer Marketing Kevin Bowler says the
decision reflects the affordability of consumers to buy their own
phones. He says existing customers will be able to keep the phone they
currently rent and from July will not pay rental charges for it.

(For clarity, the charge being dropped, is for the very few telephone
handsets owned by telecom and rented by customers. They are all so old,
that the rentals collected on them have paid for them many times over. -
BH)

CANCER SURVIVORS' ISSUES STUDIED
--------------------------------

A first-ever study on the needs of long-term cancer survivors is being
undertaken by Auckland University. The Life After Cancer Study will ask
participants about issues they face once surgery, radiotherapy or
chemotherapy has ended. Project manager, Tanja Ottaway, says most cancer
research to date has focussed on biomedicine, prevention, or treatment.
She says the death rate from cancer in New Zealand is declining meaning
there are more long-term survivors out there.

GAS SECTOR SOLD SHORT
---------------------

Proposed energy policies, and their treatment of the gas sector, are
being put under the microscope. The gas industry claims it has been sold
short by the government in the draft energy strategy. Dr George Hooper,
of the Centre for Advanced Engineering, says while the strategy is
forward thinking, it makes assumptions around gas supply that are not
finding favour. He says the plan does not give enough emphasis in the
medium term to look at the ways New Zealand can improve its energy
security.

NO CHALLENGE TO WIND FARM GO AHEAD
----------------------------------

The Makara Guardians have decided not to appeal the Environment Court
decision allowing Meridian Energy's massive wind farm on Wellington's
west coast to go ahead. The court approved the plan last month, but
trimmed the number of turbines from 70 to 66. Six Makara homes will be
within one kilometre of the turbines and 135 homes within two
kilometres. Guardians spokeswoman Jenny Jorgenson says they have grounds
for appeal, but will not continue the fight because they simply cannot
justify the cost for their small community. She says they would probably
only be able to have the number of turbines trimmed further, not stop
the project altogether. She says their only hope now is that Meridian
decides not to go ahead, as delays have added an extra $120 million to
the original estimate of $500 million, and that means it may not longer
be viable.

(Glory be! The project should have proceeded long ago. - BH)

MINISTER STANDS BY NCEA REVAMP
------------------------------

Education Minister Steve Maharey is continuing to stand by the revamp of
the NCEA. He has delivered a speech at Auckland University saying now is
the time to stand up for the qualification and convince the naysayers.
Mr Maharey says there needs to be a qualification which continues to
reflect the changing business worlds needs. He says managing a public
education system needs continual improvement. Steve Maharey says he
thinks NCEA is dynamic and is a system which will continue to evolve in
a rapidly changing environment.

INTEREST RATES HEADING UP AGAIN
-------------------------------

Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard has decided to increase the official
cash rate quarter of a percent. The official cash rate now stands at
eight percent.

CAN VIDEO GAMES HELP FIGHT OBESITY?
-----------------------------------

Researchers at Auckland University are investigating ways to improve the
physical activity of children. The Health Research Council of New
Zealand has announced its latest round of funding for research contracts
totaling $56 million. Almost $2 million is going to the university's
Clinical Trial Research Unit, to look at ways to prevent obesity.
Programme Director Dr Cliona Ni Mhurchu says their research has already
found that children playing active video games expend more energy than
those playing inactive ones. She says they will be building on that
work. Dr Ni Mhurchu says 330 children will have their weight and health
calculated over a six month period. She says half of the children will
be given active video games while the rest will get standard games. The
programme is already working on obesity prevention in south Auckland and
evaluating the effect of supermarket discounts on nutrition. Results
should be available in 2010.

Friday, 8 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

REWRITE OF MONETARY POLICY LAWS
-------------------------------

As the debate continues over rising interest rates, New Zealand First is
advocating a rewrite monetary policy laws. The issue is firmly in the
political spotlight following yesterday's rise in the Official Cash
Rate, a move that has seen mortgage rates rise and the dollar
strengthen, putting further pressure on margins for exporters. New
Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the country is facing a
currency crisis and there is no action being taken by the Government to
fix it. He is suggesting the Reserve Bank Act be rewritten to put in
controls for the dollar in the same way that there are measures to
control inflation.

POLICE WARNING OVER SCAMS
-------------------------

Police are reminding people if it sounds too good to be true, it
probably is. Several scams are currently doing the rounds. Sergeant
Steve Sharland of the Christchurch police says a member of the public
reported being cold-called by someone offering four nights
accommodation, anywhere in the world, for just $99. The caller said a
website could be checked, then asked for credit card details. Steve
Sharland says while the website could have been completely legitimate,
the offer was definitely a scam. He says in another incident someone was
told they had won a holiday and was asked to fax an 0900 number which
was always busy, but cost $39 per call.

FIRST WIND FARM SWITCHED ON
---------------------------

The Prime Minister has switched on the turbines at the South Island's
first wind farm this afternoon. The blades are now turning at Meridian
Energy's White Hill wind farm at Mossburn in northern Southland. Helen
Clark praised Meridian Energy for the speed of construction and the
Mossburn community for embracing the project. She says New Zealand can
now produce 30 percent of its energy from wind and more than 1,600
megawatts capacity has been approved or applied for.

NO MORE TIME FOR TELECOM
------------------------

Telecom has been denied more time to get paper work together on
unbundling its local loop to competitors offering broadband services. On
Tuesday Telecom requested a delay. But the Commerce Commission ruled
today it was sticking to the time frame for Telecom to provide its first
standard terms proposal. That is due next Tuesday. Telecommunications
Commissioner Douglas Webb says while he understands Telecom's position,
he is concerned at the need to ensure the integrity of the process for
all parties.

STUDY INTO MIGRATION
--------------------

Research into why New Zealanders move overseas will help efforts to stop
the brain drain. A quarter of New Zealanders live in overseas countries,
and that is the highest level of migration in the OECD. Massey
University researcher Kay Thorn says the study will look into why so
many kiwis move abroad. She says understanding these factors will help
retain people and entice skilled workers back.

(It is my belief that New Zealand is regarded by many as a scenic jewel
that is lovely to look at, play in, and raise children in, but that
these attributes do not make up for the sheer dynamism of the great
cities of the world. It is understandable that citizens of New York,
Paris, London, or San Francisco might regard our lifestyle as a little
provincial for their taste ... if the facilities of a big city are what
moves them. It seems to me that these are personal choices that need not
be someone's fault. People who live in the provincial towns of Australia
can move to Sydney or Melbourne if they wish. Auckland doesn't do it for
most kiwis. If you are going to move from Taradale looking for bright
lights then why not San Francisco or Berlin rather than Auckland. That's
my opinion anyway. - BH)

SURPLUS BELOW FORECAST
----------------------

The Government's surplus has come in below forecast. But there is still
plenty of money in the bank. The operating surplus for the ten months to
the end of April was $6.78 billion. That is more than five percent down
on forecast. Treasury says it is because of lower than expected tax
revenue, and investment income.

LEGITIMATE ROLE FOR GE CROPS
----------------------------

It has been found genetically engineered crops have a legitimate role to
play in sustainable agriculture and in some cases are more
environmentally friendly than conventional crops. US researchers
reviewed 42 field experiments involving Bt insect-resistant corn and
cotton in Australia, the United States, India and China. They discovered
that in some cases the GM crops are better for the local insect life
because they do not need to be sprayed with harmful insecticides.
Investigators found that organisms such as ladybird beetles, earthworms,
and bees within these Bt crops fared better in field trials compared
with conventional agriculture which uses large-scale spraying.

(Rationality will not overcome entrenched attitudes, and many New
Zealanders will never be comfortable with nuclear energy or GE, ever.  -
BH)

NEW MOBILE NETWORK
------------------

Telecom has unveiled plans to spend $300 million on a new mobile phone
network. Analysts say it is switching from its current CDMA mobile
system because it faces losing customers to Vodafone's better
technology. Telecom says the new spending will happen over the next two
years. It says its current CDMA network will remain in service for at
least the next five years.

WAREHOUSE TAKEOVER BIDS DENIED
------------------------------

The Commerce Commission has declined both takeover applications for The
Warehouse. Foodstuffs and Woolworths had both applied for permission to
buy New Zealand's biggest listed retailer. Each holds ten percent of
shares in the company. The commission has decided that either deal would
have led to less competition for shoppers.

CULLEN: GOVT SPENDING'S NOT OUT OF CONTROL
------------------------------------------

Michael Cullen is hoping New Zealand has seen the last of the Reserve
Bank increasing the Official Cash Rate in 2007. The bank has increased
the rate for the third time this year, this time to eight per cent,
citing inflationary pressures such as $2 billion flowing into the dairy
sector and increased Government spending. The Finance Minister denies
Government spending is out of control and has challenged the National
Party to say where it would cut spending and services to the public
after its criticism. Michael Cullen hopes the steam will eventually be
taken out of the New Zealand dollar. But he says the reality is the
nation is continuing to borrow and spend. He is putting a lot of faith
in Kiwisaver, which kicks in next month. The Retailers Association says
the Reserve Bank should have taken a wait and see attitude, because
previous rises had begun to bite, slowing down retail spending over the
past six weeks. Chief executive John Albertson says the OCR reaching
eight per cent will have a psychological impact on retail. He says the
competition in the market is going to intensify with few dollars around
and that will put retailers under margin pressure. Economist Gareth
Morgan says now is not a good time to get into the housing market. Dr
Morgan says the market will eventually take a hit and potential
investors should sit tight. He says with any asset it is always good to
buy at the bottom of the cycle and sell at the top. Dr Morgan says a
cutback in Government spending would ease inflationary pressures, but he
says with the election next year that is not about to happen.

MORE AUCKLANDERS GETTING ON THEIR BIKES
---------------------------------------

It seems more Aucklanders are getting out of their cars and onto their
bikes. An Auckland Regional Transport Authority study shows a seven
percent increase in the number of cyclists in peak hour traffic to the
year to March. It monitored 69 intersections in March, with the aim of
working out where to spend $100 million it has set aside for a regional
cycle network. Spokeswoman Trisha Allen says the network includes the
construction of bigger cycle lanes, and a range of facilities to make it
easier for people to choose to cycle to work. Ms Allen says it appears
more Aucklanders are voting with their feet. She says the increase could
be a result of more awareness of climate change.

Monday, 11 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DOLLAR DIPS AFTER RESERVE BANK INTERVENTION
-------------------------------------------

The dollar has tumbled 1.5 per cent after intervention by the Reserve
Bank. The kiwi hit a near 22-year peak against the US dollar on Friday -
76.40 US cents. The Reserve Bank says the dollar's exchange rate level
was exceptional and unjustified. But it says intervention does not
prejudge the future direction of monetary policy.

(Major headlines! This is the first intervention by the bank into the
currency since it was first floated over twenty years ago. Remarkably,
it seems to have worked, and the feared reaction by the big traders has
not yet materialised. On the other hand, the shift was in the order of
$0.01. In fact, as I write this, there is news that a second
intervention has just occurred. - BH)

GOVT TO TOUGHEN POWER COMPANY GUIDELINES
----------------------------------------

The Government has decided to strengthen guidelines on what power
companies have to do before they can cut someone's power. It comes
almost two weeks after the death of Folole Muliaga after power was cut
to her south Auckland home. Prime Minister Helen Clark says they must
tell people where they can get help before their power's disconnected.
She adds companies will be forced to maintain connection to consumers
who rely on power for medical equipment. Miss Clark says if power
companies do not play ball, the Electricity Commission will recommend
regulation. The Government will introduce amendments to the Electricity
Act this year to enable it to regulate in future.

NORTH & SOUTH ARTICLE COMPLAINT UPHELD
--------------------------------------

The Press Council has upheld complaints against a North & South magazine
for an article on Asian immigration and crime. A number of people
complained about the December cover story, written by Deborah
Coddington. The report was headlined "Asian Angst: Is it time to send
some back?". The Press Council found North & South breached its
principles on accuracy discrimination.

(Ms Coddington has made statements criticising the findings of the Press
Council. I think she was wrong to begin with, and wrong now. - BH)

TUCK SHOPS TO GO HEALTHY
------------------------

The Government has confirmed its decision to ban fatty foods from
schools. The Ministries of Health and Education have announced a new
administrative guideline will take effect in June of next year. Schools
will have to review their current practices and ensure all food and
beverages sold in school tuck shops and vending machines are healthy and
nutritious. They will also be required to promote healthy food messages
in both formal and informal teaching activities.

HIGHER SALARIES WANTED FOR PRINCIPALS
-------------------------------------

The union representing primary school staff is hoping the Government
will throw $35 million into the salaries of principals in a bid to
attract more teachers to the role. Principals across the country will
begin meeting with union representatives today, to vote on the proposal.
NZEI President Irene Cooper says with less than seven percent of
teachers wanting to become principals, a higher salary and a push for
sabbatical leave may be the only answer. She says it is important to
ensure the salaries of principals are higher than those at the top of
the teaching scale, otherwise no one will want to apply for the role.
The union meetings will take place over the next two weeks.

POST-NATAL DEPRESSION GOING UNDIAGNOSED
---------------------------------------

A Plunket educator says a study showing a third of mothers suffer
post-natal depression fails to give the whole picture. The Auckland
University study has sparked questions as to why screening for the
illness is not mandatory as it is in some other countries, including
Australia. Liz Banks from Plunket New Zealand says the study only
surveyed European English-speaking women and it is not clear what the
situation is with Maori and migrant women. Ms Banks says many new
mothers often do not recognise their feelings are symptoms of post-natal
depression and some will not speak out when they feel terrible. She says
symptoms include difficulty eating and sleeping and not being able to
enjoy their babies, despite being told it would be a great experience.
Ms Banks says post-natal depression can go on for years if left
unidentified and health workers need to be astute to identify the
condition.

GROUP WARNS OF BILL'S PUBLIC BACKLASH
-------------------------------------

The group pushing for tougher sentences believes there will be a public
backlash if the Government's proposed Criminal Justice Reform Law Bill
gets the green light. The bill aims to increase the use of
community-based sentences and restorative justice programmes. Sensible
Sentencing Trust spokesman Garth McVicar claims the only aim of the bill
is to relieve the prison population. He says it will not go down well
with the public, because there are already so many offenders breaching
community sentences. Mr McVicar says the criminal-friendly justice
system in New Zealand must change and focus on the victims of crime.
National MP Simon Power also has concerns about the bill based on the
increasing number of breaches of community service conditions. He says
there is a general lack of judicial confidence in existing
community-based sanctions and widespread concern about some aspects of
supervision.

HOUSING MARKET STILL HOT
------------------------

Despite the Reserve Bank's best efforts to cool the property market,
house values are still rising. Quotable Value's monthly index rose at an
annual rate of 11.1 percent in May, up from 10.6 in April and 9.8
percent in March. The average New Zealand sale price increased from
$366,032 to $372,552. QV spokesman Blue Hancock says the market is still
strengthening, despite expectations property prices may level off. He
says although immigration appears to be slowing, high levels of
employment are driving the price increases. Prices in the main regions
showed strength with the capital rising 13.3 percent. Christchurch was
up 12.4 percent on a year ago, Auckland rose 7.5 percent, up from the
6.6 percent growth marked in the April year. Hamilton and Dunedin also
reported higher growth rates at 11.8 percent and 8.7 percent
respectively. The trends are also reflected in the provincial cities.
Property values increased in Wanganui at 14.1 percent, Nelson 12.3
percent, New Plymouth 11.3 percent and Tauranga 6.7 percent.

(On the other hand, there were reports over the weekend, of a slight
fall in the price of Auckland housing. - BH)

Tuesday, 12 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WAIT AND SEE ON FINANCIAL MARKETS
---------------------------------

It has been a cautious day on the markets as everyone waits to see what
the Reserve Bank will do next. The currency has sat at the 75 US cent
mark most of the day, after a sharp drop yesterday on news the central
bank was selling the kiwi. Tuatara Management Director Mike Houlahan
says the Reserve Bank never intended to wage trench warfare on the
markets. He says the market has been cautious since yesterday and if
that persists it could lead to investors cashing up their bets - which
is what the Reserve Bank wants. Mr Houlahan says while the Reserve Bank
has only limited resources it also controls the rules, so speculators
need to beware. Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard today told a farmers'
gathering in Waikato the record prices for the country's dairy products
is good news for the economy, but a trade shock in terms of monetary
policy. He says the high export prices will increase inflation by hiking
domestic prices and substantially boosting rural incomes. Dr Bollard
says the economy is already stretched and farmers' spending or investing
their extra income will only add to the pressure. He warns the Bank is
analysing the dairy sector developments and will remain focused on
medium term inflation pressures. Meanwhile the Minister of Finance has
told Parliament the Reserve Bank has reserves of $7 billion for crisis
funding. However Michael Cullen would not say how much there is in the
bank for dealing with monetary policy. He says that is commercially
sensitive. 

CORRECTIONS SLAMMED OVER PRISONER TRANSPORT
-------------------------------------------

Waist restraints are to be used for the transportation of prisoners,
following the release of a scathing report sparked by the murder of Liam
Ashley. The document from the Office of the Ombudsmen says the death of
the 17-year-old in the back of a prison van was an accident waiting to
happen. Liam Ashley was beaten and strangled by prisoner George Baker in
a Chubb van taking them from court to Mt Eden Remand Prison last August.
The report has found the Corrections Department's standards are
inconsistent and unsatisfactory. It says staff transporting prisoners
often were not able to adequately watch over them, and previous safety
warnings about this were not acted on. The Office of the Ombudsmen is
directing the Department of Corrections to undertake a full review of
prisoner transport. Particular areas where it has highlighted problems
are prisoner surveillance, communication between prison staff as well as
transport methods and their impact on inmates. Chief Ombudsman John
Belgrave says it is a judgement call but, given shortcomings in
communication and surveillance, most prisoner transport could be
regarded as inhumane. Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor says waist
restraints will be introduced for prisoners being transported from the
end of August, as recommended in the report. He believes restraints are
the most suitable method for protecting prisoners from each other and
for further protecting the public and prison officers. The Corrections
Minister says it appears Chubb no longer wants to be involved in
prisoner transportation and the role may now come under the wing of the
Corrections Department. Mr O'Connor has again apologised publicly to the
family of Liam Ashley. He says he can assure them the report will ensure
changes, which should prevent a similar tragedy occurring again.

(To my mind, it would be simpler, and probably cheaper in the long run,
to have vans with individual cubicles. The ombudsman shied away from
this on the grounds of cost. I think he overlooked the cost of ongoing
squabbling about alternatives. - BH)

MINOR PARTIES PROMISE TO BEHAVE
-------------------------------

Four of the minor political parties in Parliament have signed up to a
code of conduct. The Green Party, Maori Party, United Future and ACT
have promised to behave themselves and are asking their colleagues to
join them. ACT leader Rodney Hide, himself a firebrand in the debating
chamber, describes the New Zealand Parliament as second rate. He says it
should be an institution seen with pride. The 13 MPs who belong to the
parties say they will behave in a manner that enhances the dignity and
decorum of the debating chamber and will refrain from personal attacks.

EDEN PARK APPEAL WITHDRAWN
--------------------------

People living near Eden Park have withdrawn their appeal against the
ground's redevelopment. Resource consents were issued for the project
earlier this year. The Eden Park Redevelopment Board says it has reached
an agreement with the Eden Park Neighbours Association, which includes
changes to the height and bulk of the South Stand, to reduce shading on
nearby properties.

ILLEGAL DUMPERS COST RATEPAYERS THOUSANDS
-----------------------------------------

Auckland ratepayers are at risk of paying even more to deal with
illegally dumped rubbish if the practice continues. The city council has
completed a three week operation to clean up more than 26 tonnes of
rubbish from the Otahuhu Reserve on Great South Rd. Environmental
Infrastructure manager Renee Corner says they found 100 bags of domestic
refuse, 139 car tyres, several sofas, fridges, freezers and a car door.
The clean up cost $40,000. There were nearly 5,000 incidents of illegal
dumping over the past year costing ratepayers about $1.5 million. Ms
Corner says anyone caught illegally dumping rubbish will be fined $500.

MANY SCHOOLS TAKING THE HEALTHY PATH
------------------------------------

The Minister of Education believes most schools have headed down the
track of healthy tuck shop food, even before the release of new
guidelines. The new rules will force schools to get rid of fatty and
sugary foods by the middle of next year. Minister Steve Maharey does not
believe it will be too big a job for schools, but Judy Hannah of the
Principals Federation says the new guidelines are just another major
administrative task for principals that they simply do not need. One of
the catering companies which supplies a number of Auckland schools says
the changes are unnecessary. Boyled Eggs caters for around 12 Auckland
school canteens and aims to provide healthy food. Spokeswoman Julie
Kozlowski says there is no need to ban any foods as schools have
naturally been leaning towards more healthy options. She suggests
banning certain foods is not preparing kids for the real world where
such food is freely available.

EAST COAST FARMERS URGED TO ACT
-------------------------------

Veterinarians are advising farmers in drought-stricken areas of the East
Coast to act early to avoid animal health and welfare problems.
Gisborne-based vet Dr John Meban says the recent rain has not been
enough to rescue the situation for some farmers and because the impact
of poor nutrition creeps up gradually, farmers may not realise how
undernourished their animals have become. He says underfed stock is
vulnerable to many problems including worms, liver fluke, lice, mineral
deficiencies and infectious disease and farmers should weigh their
animals and physically condition score them. Dr Meban says as the
lambing and calving season approaches, it is important that farmers
assess their feed situation and plan ahead for the last third of
pregnancy when the greatest demand comes. He says de-stocking is a hard
decision to make, but should be done sooner rather than later. Dr
Richard Wild, from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, says stock
sent for slaughter must be fit for transport so must be able to stand on
the truck and walk off at the end of the journey. He says the distance
they need to travel may determine whether slaughter is an option. Dr
Wild says under the Animal Welfare Act owners are responsible for
ensuring their animals? welfare needs are met and MAF veterinarians work
closely with other professionals to help farmers make the best decisions
to cope with the drought.

(Rain over the last few days has been heavy enough to break the 15 month
drought that has afflicted the East Coast. The benefits may take a while
to materialise. - BH)

NEW FREEVIEW CHANNELS NAMED
---------------------------

TVNZ is fleshing out some of the details on its new Freeview channels.
The two new channels finally have names. TVNZ 6 will launch at the end
of September and will carry children's programming and so-called safe
family viewing until 8:30 at night, with arts and drama programming
later in the evening. The other channel has been named TVNZ 7 and will
screen news and current affairs programmes. It will not start until
March 2008.

(This seems consistent with our propensity for imaginative naming such
as "North Island" and "South Island" - BH)

MORE KIWI $ VOLATILITY PREDICTED
--------------------------------

The BNZ's chief economist fears the Reserve Bank's moves to lower the
New Zealand dollar will result in heightened volatility of the currency.
The RBNZ sold more than $500 million New Zealand dollars yesterday,
shaving its value by around 1.5 cents. Reserve Bank Governor Alan
Bollard says the current levels of the exchange rate are exceptional and
unjustified in terms of the economic fundamentals. "This action does not
prejudge the future direction of monetary policy, which as always will
remain dependent on emerging economic trends." Dr Bollard says the
intervention is consistent with policy targets, which require monetary
policy to avoid unnecessary instability in the exchange rate. Tony
Alexander from the BNZ says the RBNZ has been spooked by the unusually
strong rise in the kiwi. He believes the intervention was not justified.
He says if the intention is to get inflation down to two percent in the
next 24 months then there was no need to act because the economy will
have to go through a slow growth period anyway. Mr Alexander believes
the intervention will create more volatility in the kiwi as it may
attract speculators from overseas who are willing to punt the RBNZ moves
again. National Party leader John Key support's the RBNZ's actions,
although he says it is something of a gamble. He says it is the actual
intervention that is significant not the value of it. Mr Key says global
hedge funds have far more gun powder than the Reserve Bank. He says the
intervention will spook some investors while others will see it as an
opportunity to buy New Zealand dollars at a more competitive rate. Mr
Key expects more intervention to follow. Pundits believes the Reserve
Bank would have spent between $300 million and $1.5 billion yesterday.
It is the first time the RBNZ has intervened under current rules. The
kiwi peaked at US76.40 on Friday, which is its highest since 1985, when
the RBNZ permitted the currency to trade freely. The New Zealand dollar
stands at 74.98 US cents after overnight trade.

NZ UNIVERSITY INVOLVED IN CLIMATE CHANGE FILM
---------------------------------------------

Victoria University in Wellington is involved in a feature length film
about climate change. The film is a collaborative effort between Oxford
University which has centres for Earth and Environmental Sciences and
Atmospheric Physics, and Victoria's Antarctic Research Centre. It will
be produced by DOX Productions. Director of Victoria University's
Antarctic Research Centre Professor Peter Barrett says the film will
focus on scientists in the field, explaining climate issues as many
people find the subject hard to understand. He hopes it will motivate
people to take action. The movie is due to be released in 2009.

Wednesday, 13 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GROCERY BILLS RISE
------------------

Food prices increased 0.3 percent in the month of May. Statistics New
Zealand figures show the main contribution to the increase came from
higher prices for tomatoes, which were up 52.7 percent. In the general
fruit and vegetables category, prices rose 2.3 percent. The most
significant downward contribution came from lower prices for mandarins
which fell 43 percent. Meat, poultry and fish prices rose 0.6 percent,
with higher prices for chicken pieces, sausages and bacon. These
increases were partly offset by lamb and hogget prices falling 8.2
percent. Prices for the grocery food subgroup fell 0.5 percent. The fall
was driven by lower prices for chocolate biscuits and potato crisps. The
most significant upward contribution came from higher prices for cheese.
For the year to May 2007, food prices rose 4.1 percent.

(I wonder for how much longer can the supermarket chains slog it out
with petrol vouchers. If I spend $40 in either of the big two, I get a
voucher for 16c/litre off petrol. Suits me fine. - BH)

CALL FOR "NZ" SMOKES TO BE PULLED
---------------------------------

The Smokefree Coalition and the Maori Smokefree Coalition are calling
for the immediate withdrawal of cigarettes they believe exploit the New
Zealand image. The cigarettes are made in Luxembourg and come in black
packaging and are branded as "New Zealand", with a silver fern on the
box. They are sold in New Zealand airport stores, described as
luxuriously mild cigarettes. Smokefree Coalition Director Mark Peck says
the cigarettes are an outrageous attempt to exploit New Zealand's image.
"Travellers through New Zealand airports are being encouraged to take
something clean, green and nuclear free home with them to smoke. This
association of our nation's positive attributes with poisonous and
addictive cigarettes is despicable." The coalitions say the World Health
Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to which New
Zealand is a party, calls for the reduction or elimination of duty free
tobacco sales altogether.

MAJOR PROVIDER JOINS 20-HOUR SCHEME
-----------------------------------

The country's largest childcare provider will trial the Government's
20-hours free scheme. The Auckland Kindergarten Association says it has
reluctantly opted in on the plan. It will charge parents 50c extra an
hour to cover the cost shortfalls of the plan. General Manager Tanya
Harvey says because the Government will not allow mandatory fees, that
income is not reliable. She says the decision will be reviewed over the
next six months and if the financial viability of the organisation is
threatened it will look at withdrawing from the scheme. Ms Harvey says
parents and teachers have been told of the decision.

(Most of the larger child care organizations seem to be treating the $20
as a subsidy rather than a complete payment. The sheer bloody-minded
arbitrariness of expecting all kindergartens to be happy with the
average cost is breathtaking. By definition, approximately half of them
have const structures that are above that level. - BH)

MORE POWER WANTED FOR RESERVE BANK
----------------------------------

Timber processors want the Reserve Bank to be given more options to keep
inflation under control, rather than resorting to lifting interest rates
or tinkering with the currency. Dave Anderson, chairman of the Wood
Processors Association, says it should never have got to the stage where
the central bank intervened to try to bring down the value of the New
Zealand dollar. He accuses Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard of taking
a blunt instrument to the economy instead of being able to achieve what
is really necessary. Mr Anderson believes the Government needs to
provide the Reserve Bank with other options, so that Dr Bollard does not
have to take the broad approach of raising the official cash rate to
target specific areas such as the housing market. He believes mortgage
levies and capital gains taxes should be explored. Mr Anderson claims Dr
Bollard has caused significant damage to the export sector because of
the rise of the dollar. The New Zealand dollar is currently trading at
75.21 US cents. It reached a post-float high of 76.4 during the weekend.

ANOTHER SKI FIELD OPENS FOR THE SEASON
--------------------------------------

The ski season is gathering a little more momentum in the South Island.
Mt Hutt opens today, following the opening of Coronet Peak on Monday. A
mountain spokesperson says conditions are good for beginners, novices
and intermediate skiers and snow boarders. Excellent snowmaking
conditions over the past few days have allowed a base of approximately
20-25 centimetres to be formed. Other ski fields in the South Island are
due to open later in the month.

(I think it is a somewhat marginal opening - BH)

CONSUMERS CONFIDENT ABOUT PROSPECTS
-----------------------------------

A survey into consumer confidence shows New Zealand is the fourth most
confident country globally. The latest Nielsen Online Consumer Opinion
Survey, looks at people's perception of the local economy, job
prospects, spending habits and major concerns. Managing Director Steve
Mitchell says the resilient housing and job markets influenced the
survey. Seventy-seven percent of local respondents believe the state of
their personal finances in the year ahead will be good or excellent. The
figure is well above the global average of 57 percent. New Zealanders
also continue to be optimistic about their job prospects with 84 percent
saying job prospects over the next 12 months look good or excellent.
Consumers cited health and the economy as their major concerns over the
coming six months. However, the number of kiwis who thought it was a
good time to buy slipped from 60 percent in the second half of 2006 to
58 percent. The figure compares with 40 percent globally. The survey
reveals a substantial number of New Zealand consumers are focused on
debt reduction with 47 percent allocating their spare cash to paying off
debts including credit cards and loans. That represents a one point
increase from 2006. Other financial priorities include saving (42
percent), holidays (36 percent) and home improvement/decorating (30
percent.) Mr Mitchell says New Zealanders are increasingly concerned
about paying off debt which may indicate that confidence levels will
decrease further in future surveys. The survey polled 26,486 people in
47 countries. More than 500 New Zealanders took part. It is unlikely to
be welcomed by the Reserve Bank, in light of Governor Alan Bollard's
attempts to halt consumer spending by raising interest rates and
intervening in the currency market.

PM PUSHES NZ BUSINESSES ACROSS TASMAN
-------------------------------------

Prime Minister Helen Clark heads to Brisbane today as she continues her
push to promote New Zealand companies. Miss Clark is trying to convince
more Australian businesses to consider the option of working with New
Zealand companies and is looking into what options there are for others
to expand across the Tasman. She says exporters have been working hard
to get their products on overseas markets, even although the New Zealand
dollar has been high. She says many just need a push to help them
capitalise and more should be done to explore the full potential of the
Australasian market. Yesterday Miss Clark was in Melbourne exploring how
food and drink companies can grow and will today be looking at the work
carried out by biotech companies in Brisbane.

(Don't you love the ambiguity of that headline? Reminds me of a possibly
apocryphal WWII headline attributed to the Daily Mirror, which allegedly
said "Eighth Army Push Bottles Up Germans" - BH)

AUCKLAND TO HOST ANOTHER WORLD CHAMPS
-------------------------------------

It may not be in the same league as the Rugby World Cup, but Auckland
will host another international championship in 2011 - the Tae Kwon Do
World Championships. It is estimated 800 competitors from more than 50
countries, 80 umpires, officials and media will attend the event at the
Vector Arena in March. Graeme Osborne, Tourism Auckland CEO, expects the
event to bring wide-ranging economic benefits to the city.

Thursday, 14 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EMPLOYERS REQUEST PUBLIC TRANSPORT SUBSIDIES
--------------------------------------------

Auckland employers are suggesting government and local body
organisations should subsidise workers to take the bus or train, instead
of their car to work. The Northern Employers and Manufacturers
Association is presenting the proposal to the Auckland Regional Council
and Transport Authority next week. Under the scheme, employers, workers,
the council, LTSA and transport companies would share the cost of the
fare. Employers and Manufacturers Association chief executive Alasdair
Thompson says the Regional Council is already budgeting $30 for every
new trip on public transport next year. He says boosting the number of
people using public transport should help reduce that cost, as well as
dramatically cut road congestion.

RETAIL SALES DROP IN APRIL
--------------------------

A drop in retail sales has picked up where Alan Bollard has left off.
The dollar has fallen today on the back of figures showing retail sales
fell more than one percent in April. The move has cooled expectations
the Reserve Bank may raise interest rates further when it reviews the
Official Cash Rate next month. The 1.2 per cent drop in retail sales in
April was the largest monthly drop in three years. The dollar fell
sharply in reaction to the news, hitting 74.70 US cents before
recovering slightly. Statistics New Zealand says motor vehicle sales
fell more than four percent in April. Earlier this week the dollar
dropped nearly two percent, following unprecedented intervention in the
currency markets by the Reserve Bank.

NZ HIGH COMMISSIONER EXPELLED BY FIJI
-------------------------------------

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Fiji has been expelled. Fiji's
interim government has declared Michael Green persona non grata. New
Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has deplored the action, saying
expelling diplomats is not the way for neighbours to act. Mr Peters says
the move is just one step below breaking relations. Mr Peters had urged
the interim government to reflect further, but says it seems to be going
ahead with the unjustifiable action. He says the New Zealand Government
will now be considering its next move. Mr Peters says there will
undoubtedly be consequences for Fiji, as other countries will view the
situation very seriously. Fiji's expulsion of the diplomat follows New
Zealand and Australian criticism of the interim government set up
following a military coup in December.

(Totally bizarre. The general consensus seems to be that Mr Green was
behaving in exactly the same way as all the other allied diplomats, but
that the last straw for Bainimarama was that Green was accorded VIP
guest status in a recent rugby match between Fiji and the Junior All
Blacks. Not only did the New Zealanders win, but the commodore was
himself not accorded VIP status. - BH)

SLIGHT INCREASE IN NUMBER OF ABORTIONS
--------------------------------------

The number of abortions performed in New Zealand has increased slightly.
The latest Statistics New Zealand figures show 17,930 terminations were
performed in the year ended December 2006. That is 400 more than in
2005, and follows a decreases of 3.7 percent between 2004 and 2005.
Women aged between 20 and 24 had more abortions than other age groups.
The median age of women having an abortion has remained stable over the
past 20 years, at around 25-years-old.

FIGURES DEFY MANUFACTURING DOOMSAYERS
-------------------------------------

Manufacturing activity increased last month. The Business New Zealand
Performance Manufacturing Index shows a rise of 2.4 points from April to
56.8. A reading above 50 points indicates that manufacturing is
generally expanding. Business New Zealand economist John Pask says
manufacturing has faced tough issues including an ongoing high dollar,
rising interest rates and cost pressures, but he says the sector
continues to defy the doomsayers. Mr Pask says the continued growth in
new orders augers well for future growth prospects.

FARMING AND COMMUNITY TACKLED
-----------------------------

AgResearch and the University of Queensland are teaming up to look into
issues that confront agriculture on both sides of the Tasman. Prime
Minister Helen Clark announced the establishment of a chair in Systems
Thinking and Practice while visiting Brisbane. AgResearch chairman Rick
Christie says the whole environment in which farming occurs needs to be
looked at, including the rural community and economic situation. He says
in past decades, New Zealand has dealt with community and economics
separately to the detriment of farming. The new position will consider
how to use research to bring together the environmental, social and
economic realities of farming and the rural community.

WANTED: MORE BLOOD
------------------

People are being encouraged to donate blood today, to mark World Blood
Donor Day. This year's campaign highlights the importance of ensuring
new babies and mothers have access to a safe and consistent supply of
blood and blood product. Blood Service spokesman Paul Hayes says only
four percent of New Zealanders donate blood which is mainly due to
people not recognising the need. He says child birth is one area where
extra blood is often needed unexpectedly and quickly, so it is important
there is a safe supply available. The Blood Service is urging people to
donate blood more regularly.

TILLS RINGING AT FIELDAYS
-------------------------

The economic benefit to the country of the National Fieldays at Mystery
Creek is expected to be several hundred million dollars. Tens of
thousands of people are expected to attend the Southern Hemisphere's
biggest annual agricultural event in Hamilton this week. Professor Frank
Scrimgeour, from Waikato University's Management School says an economic
impact analysis calculates direct visitor expenditure at more than $8
million but the second and more substantive factor is the activity which
comes from the sales of product over the following months. He says sales
for Waikato companies were worth more than $100 million last year and
nationally almost $400 million.

Friday, 15 June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FINES OVER CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
------------------------------------

The owners of New Plymouth's Pak'n'Save have been fined nearly $30,000
after four workers suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. Melody Holdings
Limited pleaded guilty of failing to take all practicable steps to
ensure the safety of the employees. Four workers were rushed to hospital
last year where they were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, three
ended up in intensive care. Judge Allan Roberts today released his
reserved decision to fine the company $25,000 and ordered it to pay
$1,000 in reparation to each of the workers. The Labour Department's
Taranaki Service Manager Brett Murray says the employees had a lucky
escape. He says the incident highlights the potential dangers of poorly
ventilated workplaces.

GP TRAINEE NUMBERS TO DOUBLE
----------------------------

GP shortages are finally being tackled, with the number of trainees
being boosted over the 100 mark. Health Minister Pete Hodgson has
announced the increase which will see GP training places increasing from
54 last year to 104 in 2008. Royal College of General Practitioners CEO
Jane Dancer says research shows a direct correlation between the number
of GPs and the health of the population. She says the more GPs the
better. Ms Dancer says the doubling of GP numbers is a serious start to
dealing with the GP shortage.

PROPERTY MARKET LOOKS SET TO COOL
---------------------------------

It has long been predicted, but now it seems the property market really
is showing signs of slowing down. The national residential property
market achieved a record high, with a median house price of $350,000.
But REINZ National President Murray Cleland says the market is showing
signs of taking a breather. He says traditionally the market drops away
in the winter period and he suspects the interest rate increases will
start to kick in. Mr Cleland says New Zealand has more buyers than
properties available and that will keep the market going along well.

ANOTHER COMPANY STARTING KIWISAVER SOONER
-----------------------------------------

Another employer has announced it will fast-track its contributions to
Kiwisaver scheme. Coca Cola will start employer contributions at the
maximum rate of four percent, four years ahead of the 2011 deadline. It
follows similar moves by Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Stock
Exchange. Kiwisaver starts next month.

TAXIS FACE HIGHER FEES AT AIRPORT
---------------------------------

Christchurch International Airport denies that increased charges for
taxi companies are aimed at driving out smaller operators. From July 1,
the airport will increase the barrier charge from $2 to $3 per visit and
increase the per-driver registration fee from a one-off charge of $150
to $200 a year. Airport CEO Rene Bakx says the changes have been imposed
to raise standards.

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