WYSIWYG NEWS - 4 March, 2007

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 4 March, 2007 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer. 

A new academic year started last week. The quadrangle at 
Victoria University was jammed with young people chattering 
like starlings. I suspect that second and third year students 
were elsewhere, and that most of these were new entrants (the 
terms freshman, sophomore, junior and senior are not part of 
the New Zealand lexicon). Despite a heavy grey start to the 
day the weather turned out to be fine and warm, albeit very 
breezy. The youngsters dressed accordingly, and very colourful 
it all was. For those who know the quad at Vic (in my opinion, 
one of the most dismal architectural spaces in the country), 
it may come as a surprise that OSH have decreed that, since it 
is substantially a covered space, it must be classified as a 
no-smoking zone. Apart from the noise of the various 
excessively amplified orientation week events, the quad has 
suddenly become more habitable for most of us. Youngsters 
instantly made themselves at home, finding the limits of what 
is permitted by exceeding them. They will happily use staff 
rooms, or photocopiers that are left unattended. It seems to 
be the mature students who lack self confidence. I was amazed 
to be asked by a lady in her middle years if she was permitted 
to use the lift to go up the six floors to the psychology 
department. She seemed to have the impression that it too 
might be reserved fro some class of people not including her.  
This trimester, I find myself teaching a nice small class of 
graduate students and am looking forward to that immensely. 
Meanwhile, in the Friday, Saturday and Sunday just ended, Mary 
and I went to Nelson to help belatedly celebrate the first 
birthday of our third granddaughter, Billie with her parents, 
Andrew and Abbey. I have probably said before, that if I 
couldn't live in Wellington, I could cope with Nelson. It is a 
pretty city in a beautiful province, and an equable climate. 
All three days of our stay were marked by clear blue skies, 
warm temperatures and very little if any wind.  While I am 
always happy to be with any of our children and their 
partners, I am like most grandfathers, absolutely besotted by 
my grandchildren. Little Billie is just walking, and still 
prefers to crawl, but the walking gets longer day by day. I 
took myself off for a walk while others were having an 
afternoon nap, and ended up around the marina area, where the 
city's ever growing fleet of pleasure boats are moored near 
the working ships of the port. The big orange freezer trawlers 
of the Amaltal fleet are impressive vessels just a shade under 
2,000 gross tonnes, and quite smartly kept, which seems at 
odds with modern maritime practice. On that front, some of the 
commercial vessels in the port are quite alarming and to my 
landlubber's eye seem scarcely seaworthy. Anyway, on the 
whole, the scene is colourful and attractive, so I shouldn't 
pick holes. Together with some of Andrew and Abbey's friends, 
most of whom seem to have children of similar ages, we 
celebrated with a meal in a local restaurant and everyone had 
a great time. There is,  did I mention, plenty of good food to 
be had in Nelson.  The next day, we accompanied Abbey to 
Richmond where she was to participate in a women's triathlon. 
Despite a limited amount of preparation, she placed extremely 
well and we were all very proud. And then back home to a 
beautiful Wellington day, and the start of week two of the 
academic year tomorrow. 

---- 
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 John Burland in Germany. 
Thanks again John.  
----  
On with the News.  
 

Monday, 19 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

XTRA UNSURE WHAT CAUSED FAULT
-----------------------------

Xtra Broadband should be back on in parts of the North Island 
by one tomorrow morning. The rural wireless network in the 06 
and 07 areas has not been working for the past few days 
meaning some customers have been unable to connect to 
broadband services. A technical spokesman from Xtra says they 
have no idea what the problem was. He has also confirmed they 
do not yet know whether those who have been affected will be 
compensated.

CUT PRICE SEATING FOR EDEN PARK
-------------------------------

The Government has revealed details of its cut-price plan for 
an upgrade of Eden Park. Sports Minister Trevor Mallard says 
there will be a new roofed South Stand, which will be combined 
with temporary seating over the Panasonic and Eastern 
Terraces. It will take the stadium capacity to 60,000. 
Temporary seating will have less of an impact on local 
residents. The discount plan will cost between $170 and $190 
million. There is no word yet on how much of that money will 
come from central government. Some money will definitely come 
from Auckland ratepayers. Eden Park has accepted the 
Government's plan. Redevelopment Committee chairman Rob Fisher 
says he was initially disappointed at the decision. He says 
the committee will look to see whether it can complete the 
Eastern Stand itself. Mr Fisher says the Eastern Stand 
redevelopment combined with the government-backed South Stand 
will provide a legacy for Auckland. 
 
(I have said in other forums that I am unsure why any of this 
is the business of the government. The Rugby world cup is a 
private money making venture. I do not believe in the trickle 
down theory. Those who stand to make the profits should make 
the investments. As far as I can see, this does not include 
the ratepayers of Auckland, or even less, the taxpayers at 
large. - BH)

VECTOR ARENA OPEN FOR BUSINESS
------------------------------

Auckland's troubled Vector Arena will finally host its first 
public event on March 24th when reality TV band Rockstar 
Supernova takes to the stage. The up to 12-thousand seat 
stadium is months behind its original opening schedule, which 
was December 2005. That was pushed forward to August last 
year, but ongoing modifications to the roof and engineering 
reviews meant further delay. Vector has also been beset by 
cost blowouts, late delivery, structural problems, labour 
shortages and even a fire. Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard says 
good things take time and he is delighted the arena is finally 
finished. He says the dream of having a world class venue in 
Auckland is finally realised.

ILLEGAL DRUGS FOUND IN PARTY PILLS
----------------------------------

Illegal drugs have been found in some party pills sent for ESR 
analysis. ESR forensic tests have found ecstasy and other 
harmful illicit active ingredients in BZP highs. They also 
found ecstasy pills that contained methamphetamine. Police say 
it shows the line between legal party pills and illicit drugs 
is becoming increasingly blurred. National Crime Manager, 
Detective Superintendent Win van der Velde, is also worried 
that many party pills look very similar to banned ecstasy 
pills and have similar logos and marketing material. He says 
there have been recent cases where people have taken party 
pills without having any idea what is in them, and have become 
serious ill as a result. Mr van der Velde says a man died last 
week and two others received hospital treatment after 
allegedly taking "unknown pills" during a night out in Levin. 
He says the circumstances involving a Greymouth man currently 
in Christchurch hospital on life support is yet another 
example. Mr van der Velde says those responsible for 
distributing these types of drugs are breaking the law and 
could receive heavy penalties if caught and charged in court. 
He says people accepting any chemical substance without first 
thinking about its origins, and what it may or may not 
contain, are taking an enormous risk with their health and 
safety.

CELLPHONE MAY HAVE BEEN FATAL DISTRACTION
-----------------------------------------

A crash analyst claims a man accused of murdering his daughter 
and attempting to murder his other daughter was distracted by 
talking on his cellphone when he crashed his car. The Auckland 
man, who has name suppression, is on trial at the High Court 
in Auckland. He is accused of deliberately driving his car off 
Mount Wellington, instantly killing his nine-year-old daughter 
and injuring himself and his four-year-old daughter. Crash 
analyst Christopher Marks has told the court that at the speed 
the accused was driving he would have had four to five seconds 
to react to the upcoming corner. However, he says given he was 
engaged in an emotional cellphone call with is wife and the 
police, it would have taken him much longer to respond. He 
says computer simulation of the crash shows it is likely the 
man tried to swerve.

ASPIRING MPS SOUGHT
-------------------

Aspiring political wannabes are being sought for this year's 
Youth Parliament. The Ministry of Youth Development is running 
the event for the fifth time this July. It will see youth MPs 
debate mock legislation, put questions to Cabinet Ministers, 
and sit on Select Committees. The initiative aims to give 
young people a better understanding of the Parliamentary 
process. The Ministry is seeking candidates for this year's 
event and is encouraging those with a penchant for politics to 
make their interest known.

URGENT LOOK INTO PRISON ALLEGATIONS
-----------------------------------

The Minister of Corrections believes potential corruption 
problems at Rimutaka Prison are the fault of just a few prison 
staff. Damien O'Connor has ordered Corrections Department 
chief executive Barry Matthews to give the highest priority to 
investigating allegations prison officers have been involved 
in smuggling contraband to inmates. He says at this stage 
issues have been identified at one unit of the prison and 
individual officers are under investigation. Mr O'Connor says 
the integrity of all corrections officers is unfairly being 
brought into question by the alleged actions of a few. He says 
he is unable to comment further because of the risk of 
jeopardising the investigation. The Corrections Department is 
offering assurances the corruption allegations will be given 
urgent scrutiny. The allegations have sparked fresh demands 
from the National Party for a Parliamentary inquiry into the 
Corrections Department. Law and Order spokesman Simon Power 
says in the absence of the Minister of Corrections, or the 
Department's chief executive, taking any responsibility for 
the problems besetting Corrections, Parliament will have to do 
so. On Wednesday Mr Power is to ask Parliament's Law and Order 
Select Committee for a wide ranging inquiry into the 
Department. Mr Power says it is essential if the public is to 
have any confidence in the Corrections service given its 
recent gaffes.

FINE-DODGERS BEING CAUGHT AT BORDER
-----------------------------------

Courts Minister Rick Barker is pleased about the number of 
fine-dodgers being caught by the government's Pay or Stay 
campaign. The initiative allows the collections unit of the 
Ministry of Justice to catch people with unpaid reparation or 
fines if they are travelling overseas. Mr Barker says 27 
people with outstanding fines were stopped in December and 
January. Of those, 18 paid in full and the others are either 
due to appear in court, have been arrested or made 
arrangements to pay the outstanding amounts. He says the total 
owed was $123,000, of which $48,000 is reparation owed to 
victims. Mr Barker says people are now recognising that it is 
better to pay up than be stopped at the airport. One person 
paid $15,000 over the counter before he went overseas at 
Christmas. 
 
(An aspect of fines that bothers me, is the frequency with 
which courts write off the outstanding balance of delinquent 
offenders - BH)

TAXIS FERRY BUS PASSENGERS
--------------------------

Stagecoach bus company in Wellington is bringing in taxis to 
cover one of its routes and provide back-up on others due to a 
driver shortage. Around 70 bus services in the capital have 
been cancelled each day for the past two weeks because of the 
problem, which has caused frustration and long delays for 
thousands of passengers. Stagecoach Commercial Director Ian 
Turner says short-term measures, including the use of taxis, 
should mean things run more smoothly for the next six weeks, 
which is how long it takes to train a new driver. He says 20 
new drivers start their training today and another 20 are in 
the early stages of recruitment. Stagecoach is also offering 
February bus pass holders a half price deal for next month as 
compensation. 
 
(The change in driver rosters seems to me to have been an 
unmitigated bungle. I have never heard so much discontent 
before. - BH)

MANY IN FAVOUR OF RAISING DRINKING AGE
--------------------------------------

The Families Commission believes most people think raising the 
drinking age will help combat the country's binge drinking 
culture. The Government has announced the terms of reference 
for its review of the drinking age. Deputy Chief Family 
Commissioner Sharron Cole says the commission has surveyed 800 
people through its online feedback panel and the majority felt 
raising the drinking age would help solve binge drinking. 
However she says teenage drinking is only part of the problem 
and people need more education about sensible drinking. 
 
(Well, I shall be consistent and say that if the age is 
raised, so too should the age at which young people are 
eligible to enlist in the services. Anyone who is old enough 
to fight and die for their country, is old enough for every 
other privilege of citizenship. - BH)

Tuesday, 20 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INCREASES SLIGHTY
--------------------------------------

International passenger movements to and from New Zealand were 
slightly up in 2006. Statistics New Zealand figures show an 
increase of half a percent from the 8.69 million arrivals and 
departures in 2005, to 8.73 million in 2006. Last year 55 
percent of all passenger movements were overseas visitors to 
New Zealand, 43 percent were New Zealand residents on short-
term overseas trips and two percent were permanent and long-
term migrants. Australians visited New Zealand the most, 
making up 38 percent of arrivals. And the most popular trip by 
New Zealanders was also a hop across the Tasman.

HOW MANY GREENS TO CHANGE BULBS?
--------------------------------

The Greens are going to demand the Government explores the 
feasibility of more energy-efficient light bulbs. Australia is 
looking at phasing out incandescent light bulbs and replacing 
them with fluorescent ones. Greens co-leader Jeanette 
Fitzsimons says she has the power to direct the Energy 
Efficiency Conservation Authority to do some work around that. 
She says it is a great idea which would work by setting a 
minimum performance standard for light bulbs.

PARK LOOKS AT PERMANENT OPTIONS
-------------------------------

Eden Park is working on a plan to reduce the number of 
temporary seats for the Rugby World Cup - and is planning to 
pay for it itself. The $175 to $190 million dollar plan 
announced by Sport Minister Trevor Mallard yesterday is for a 
new South Stand, and temporary seating on the Eastern Terraces 
and West Stand. Redevelopment Committee chairman Rob Fisher 
says Eden Park is still keen to build a permanent upgrade to 
the Eastern Terraces and adjoining Panasonic Stand. He says 
the board has asked the Mr Mallard if it can investigate the 
costs, and he agreed as long as it does not cost anyone else. 
Mr Fisher says it could cost around $70 million, part of which 
could be financed through corporate boxes. There is little 
sign of widespread support among Auckland's councils to pay 
for the cut-price revamp of Eden Park. North Shore City says 
it will not offer any money. Both Counties Manukau and 
Waitakere say they would have to consider the request when and 
if it is put to them. Only Waitakere would offer the issue up 
for public consultation - the council met this morning to 
discuss the new proposal before deciding on a consultation 
policy. Auckland City Council wants some ownership of the park 
if it is to put money into the upgrade.

CANCER SCARE LEADS TO DONATION
------------------------------

A Dunedin businessman diagnosed with bowel cancer is donating 
$1 million to Otago University to research the disease. Trevor 
Scott's cancer is currently in remission. He says he was 
planning to make a smaller contribution to the University's 
Commerce Department. However, once diagnosed with cancer, he 
changed his focus and decided to help establish a Chair in 
Urology. The government will match the donation, taking the 
total to $2 million.

LABOUR TO BACK ANTI-SMACK BILL
------------------------------

Labour is set to put its 49 votes behind Green MP Sue 
Bradford's anti-smacking bill. Her Private Member's Bill seeks 
to repeal Section 59 of the Crimes Act and prevent parents 
from using violence in disciplining their children. Prime 
Minister Helen Clark says the Labour Party caucus will discuss 
the bill this morning and expects her MPs will support it as 
it has been reported back from Select Committee. She says it 
is not credible in this day and age - and given the recent 
UNICEF report on child welfare - not to support such an 
improvement.

POLICE RECRUIT FAILURE PLAYED DOWN
----------------------------------

Police Headquarters has confirmed recruits who fail tests for 
skills such as driving and basic English are starting uniform 
work on limited duties. National human resources manager Wayne 
Annan says some recruits have always taken longer than others 
to reach the necessary criteria. He says for more recruits now 
English is a second language, and they can learn while on the 
job. Mr Annan says this could involve watch house duty, and 
taking statements from prisoners and the public. He says the 
policy is unrelated to Government-set recruitment targets. 
Police Minister Annette King is not impressed at the criticism 
of her force. She says the story has been blown out of 
proportion, as the number of recruits who are starting uniform 
work without passing some tests, is few. Mrs King says there 
are two recruits who have not passed their drivers licence, 
and one who has failed on language. She says out of all the 
police there are just three who required remedial work.

MORE HELP FOR PROBLEM STUDENTS
------------------------------

The Government is marking the beginning of a new approach to 
dealing with problem students in schools. A $4.5 million 
initiative was flagged in last year's budget and is being 
officially launched today. It is designed to give schools 
access to emergency funding to manage the worst cases and in 
its first week of operation has already received five 
applications. Education Minister Steve Maharey says the fund 
allows for things such as paying for a teacher aide to help 
with a challenging student.

TARANAKI COULD ERUPT IN NEXT CENTURY
------------------------------------

An Auckland lake has given clues as to when Mount Taranaki 
could erupt again. Auckland University scientists have been 
studying sediment from Lake Pupuke on Auckland's North Shore. 
The study has so far extracted information from 18 metres of 
core, corresponding to the past 50,000 years. They have 
discovered layers of ash from Mount Taranaki occurring roughly 
every 400 years. The last eruption was around two to three 
hundred years ago, so they say it could erupt again within the 
next 100 years, potentially covering Auckland with ash. The 
research shows Mount Tongariro's cycle also suggests it may 
erupt relatively soon. Dr Phil Shane from the University's 
Faculty of Science says the sediment can also give researchers 
information about climate change, through pollen and other 
organic materials trapped in the layers. He says it allows 
scientists to study small climate change, from decade to 
decade. Dr Shane says this will hopefully allow scientists to 
differentiate between natural and potential human-induced 
changes to climate.

CHANCES OF INTEREST RATE HIKE INCREASE
--------------------------------------

Another interest rate hike is expected next month after a 0.8 
percent rise in economic activity in the December quarter. The 
National Bank's economic report finds that 10 regions had a 
rise in the three months surveyed. Four declined. Rural New 
Zealand fared the best with 2.3 percent growth. Economist 
Steve Edwards says the surge in commodity prices accounts for 
the growth and instead of a downturn there should continue to 
be good figures coming through. He says Northland recorded the 
largest gain, expanding 2.4 percent. Taranaki came next with a 
2.1 percent rise in economic activity. Trailing the field was 
the West Coast with a 1.1 percent decline in activity. The 
North Island recorded a 0.9 percent increase in activity, 
while the South Island grew 0.6 percent. Economic growth was 
skewed towards the rural aligned regions which rose 1.1 
percent in aggregate, outstripping a 0.6 percent increase in 
Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury combined. For the calendar 
year of 2006, Waikato's economy recorded the strongest 
increase in economic growth expanding 3.5 percent from 2005. 
At the other extreme, the slowest growing regional economy was 
Wellington, with 1.2 percent annual growth. Rural New Zealand 
recorded a 2.3 percent rise in economic activity last year. 
The main cities posted a 1.4 percent increase for the same 
period.

STATEMENT ON RELIGION DEFENDED
------------------------------

The man who drafted a statement on religious diversity says it 
is not an attempt to water down Christianity, but a reflection 
of the changing face of the nation. The document has been 
criticised by some groups, including the Destiny Church, for 
claiming New Zealand has no state religion. Victoria 
University Religious Studies Professor, Paul Morris, says in 
the last census just over half the population described 
themselves as Christian but just ten to 12 percent of those go 
to church. He says while no-one would want to say Christianity 
is not important, New Zealand is not formally a Christian 
country as it has no state-established faith such as the 
Church of England. Professor Morris says New Zealand has 
growing Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Sikh communities which are 
all part of our national identity.

(We have approximately the same degree of separation of church 
and state as does the United States, though our secularity is 
not derived from a formal written constitution. Nevertheless, 
census figures still suggest that some form of religious 
belief is still claimed by a significant majority of the 
population, so it may be that Professor Morris wants to move 
too fast for many. - BH)

RATEPAYERS DON'T WANT WORLD CUP FUNDING BURDEN
----------------------------------------------

The Auckland Regional Council says the revamp of Eden Park for 
the Rugby World Cup should not become a burden on Auckland's 
ratepayers. The $190 million upgrade of the park will consist 
of 30,000 temporary seats and a new south stand for the 2011 
tournament. Rugby World Cup Trevor Mallard says the plan will 
provide the value, premium seating and quality of facilities 
outlined in the original bid to host the tournament. "We are 
confident that this proposed design for a finals venue, 
alongside all the other event planning underway, will deliver 
a tournament and sporting spectacle that New Zealand can 
celebrate - not just because of the tournament's place in our 
sporting history but also through generating an estimated 
$507million in tourism and other economic benefits throughout 
the country." However, the Government has not yet revealed how 
much of the funding it will contribute and the Auckland City 
Council has not said how much ratepayers will be expected to 
fork out. ARC chairman Mike Lee says his organisation is 
willing to talk to the Government but has said all along that 
Auckland's ratepayers should not have to bear the brunt of 
increased rates. He believes there is no need to fret over 
timeframes and costs as it will all work itself out. The Eden 
Park Residents Association says the key now is ensuring Eden 
Park developers comply with the project's more than 90-
resource consent conditions. Spokesman Jose Fowler says he has 
not yet been informed when the upgrade will begin. 
 
(While I agree with Mike Lee, I don't want to see it kicked to 
the taxpayer either - BH)

PLUNKET REGULARLY FACED WITH FAMILY VIOLENCE
--------------------------------------------

Plunket is calling for family violence organisations to work 
together to stop further tragedies, following the stabbing of 
three children in Naenae. An eight-week-old boy and his 18 
month old and three-year-old sisters were injured on Sunday. A 
30-year-old man has appeared in the Lower Hutt District Court 
charged with assaulting the three-year-old. He has been 
granted name suppression in order to tell his extended family 
about the charges before he reappears in court next week. 
Police say further charges are likely. The children are in a 
serious but stable condition after undergoing operations. They 
are under observation in Wellington Hospital's intensive care 
unit. Plunket spokeswoman Kaye Crowther says Plunket nurses 
deal with family violence on a daily basis when they visit 
clients' homes. She says Plunket provides an invaluable face 
to face service and more resources need to be invested so that 
it can continue. "Plunket is trying to work with other 
agencies so that the best can be done in these awful 
situations." Ms Crowther says the incident is the latest in a 
long line of child abuse and the community also needs to take 
ownership of a growing problem.

Wednesday, 21 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUCKLAND'S LARGEST QUAKE IN A CENTURY
-------------------------------------

Auckland has been hit by its largest earthquake since the 
1890s. A 3.7 magnitude quake shook the region at 8:24pm. It 
was shallow - at six kilometres below the surface. A second, 
larger tremor struck at nine o'clock and registered 4.5 on the 
Richter Scale. It was at a depth of 15 kilometres. 
Seismologist Bryan Field says it was one of the larger 
earthquakes Auckland has had in its history, but he doubts it 
will have caused serious structural damage. Dr Field says two 
consecutive small earthquakes can mean a larger one is to 
follow - but he believes this is NOT the precursor for a large 
earthquake. 
 
(Much sniggering in the Wellington media and morning 
conversations over Auckland's reaction to a small tremor. - 
BH)

ANTI-SMACKING BILL VOTED THROUGH
--------------------------------

Parliament has passed Sue Bradford's anti-smacking bill 
through its second reading. MPs have voted 70 to 51 in favour 
of the bill, which removes section 59 of the Crimes Act. 
Section 59 had given parents a defence of reasonable force 
when disciplining a child. Labour, the Greens, the Maori Party 
and the Progressives all voted in favour of progressing the 
legislation. National's vote was spilt, with 42 against and 
six for. Two United Future MPs voted against the bill, one 
voted in favour. ACT's two MPs voted against, as did 
independent MP Taito Phillip Field. In a few weeks, MPs will 
debate whether to pass the bill into law.

POLICE WATCH PARLIAMENT AFTER THREATS
-------------------------------------

Police say threats against Sue Bradford on a controversial 
website are difficult to act upon as they are anonymous. The 
Green MP has been targeted on the name and shame Cyfswatch 
website, by people upset at her anti-smacking bill, which gets 
its second reading tonight. The post says Ms Bradford is 
worthy of being the subject New Zealand's first political 
assassination. The blog also asks for her residential address. 
Diplomatic Protection Squad head Inspector Bruce Blaney says 
if the comments break the law, police will prosecute. But he 
says finding the culprits is often impossible. Inspector 
Blaney will send officers if there is any threat of unrest at 
the vote in Parliament tonight and keep an eye on Parliament 
this afternoon. Ms Bradford is distressed at the threats, 
saying the smacking debate has obviously turned very nasty. 
She says the threats are indicative of some of the people who 
are campaigning against her. Ms Bradford says it is 
disgraceful a member of Parliament can be treated this way. A 
vocal critic of the anti-smacking bill is also condemning the 
threats to harm the Green MP. Family First spokesman Bob 
McCoskrie says the smacking debate does not warrant personal 
threats against people with opposing views. He says he 
understands the frustration some people are feeling, but says 
the maturity of a country is shown through its ability to 
debate issues and find solutions, without resorting to 
threats.

CORRECTIONS MAY BE PROBED
-------------------------

The threat of a Select Committee Inquiry into the Department 
of Corrections remains a reality. National MP Simon Power has 
renewed his call for such a move following new allegations of 
corruption among prison guards. Law and Order Select Committee 
chairman Martin Gallagher confirms the matter was canvassed 
today and is under active consideration. He says standing 
orders prevent him from saying any more than that, or giving 
any indication when a decision might be made. 

EASTER TRADING BAD FOR FAMILIES
-------------------------------

MPs are being urged to put families first when they consider 
changing Easter trading laws. Catholic agency Caritas is 
voicing its concerns about two Private Member's Bills which 
seek to loosen existing rules on business hours. Director 
Michael Smith fears the move would harm quality of life and 
reduce the amount of time families spend together. Mr Smith 
wants MPs to look at the bigger picture when they vote tonight 
and realise families are more important than the mighty 
dollar. He says a recent UNICEF report highlights New Zealand 
performing poorly on the amount of time parents spend with 
their children.

AUCKLAND POWER BILLS TO RISE
----------------------------

Power bills are set to rise for many Aucklanders, so that 
Wellingtonians can pay less. Vector has finalised a plan to 
re-balance line charges, to avoid price controls from the 
Commerce Commission. The lines company says the average 
Auckland residential customer will see prices rise by around 
five or six dollars a month. Wellingtonians will see their 
monthly bill drop by a dollar. All Vector's commercial clients 
in the capital will get a reduction, along with some Auckland 
businesses. The new pricing regime comes into force in April.

PAYOUT NOT ENOUGH, CRY FARMERS
------------------------------

Farmers are still not happy despite an increased payout for 
the current season by 10 cents, to $4.15 per kilo of milk 
solids. Chairman of Dairy Farmers of New Zealand Frank 
Brenmuhl says many farmers are feeling the squeeze because of 
the high New Zealand dollar. He says they need to get at least 
$4.50 before they will feel positive about the future. 
Fonterra says it is passing on gains made from high commodity 
prices. Chairman Henry van der Heyden says farmers are always 
going to want more, but Fonterra can only return to farmers 
what it can extract from the market. He is optimistic 
commodity prices will remain high and that next season's 
payout for farmers will be more than $4.15. 
 
(A happy farmer is one of the undocumented warnings of the end 
of the world! - BH)

MAIL SORTING CENTRE EMERGENCY
-----------------------------

Emergency services are at the scene of a major call out at the 
New Zealand Post mail sorting centre in Albany on Auckland's 
North Shore. The facility on Tawa Drive has been evacuated 
after reports of a sulphur smell. The ambulance service says 
there are no reports of any injuries. 
 
(It turned out to be a joke "fart" cushion - BH)

CABLE UPGRADE DEBATE DISGUISES PROBLEMS
---------------------------------------

The Canterbury Manufacturers Association claims the debate 
over who should pay to upgrade the Cook Strait power cable is 
disguising the real issues. The cable which transfers 
electricity between the South and North Islands is now more 
than 40-years-old. CMA chief executive John Walley says the 
controversy over costs is more about wealth transfer than 
keeping the lights on. He says it is also drawing attention 
away from the fact that New Zealand's electricity system is 
facing serious problems. The Electricity Commission has 
indicated the upgrade bill be met by Meridian Energy but Mr 
Walley believes all generators should contribute because if 
they do not, the cost will be dumped back on the consumer, in 
the form of line charges.

Thursday, 22 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TELECOM ONLY REALISED GO LARGE PROBLEMS
---------------------------------------

Telecom says it only found out about the problems with its Go 
Large broadband service in the past week. The company is going 
to credit 60,000 customers up to $170 because of problems with 
the management of their downloads. The refund will cost 
Telecom up to $8.5 million. Consumer Marketing Manager Kevin 
Bowler says the problem was the amount of download content 
being limited by Telecom traffic management plan during peak 
hours. He says they are complex products and while an 
investigation has been underway for some time, the problem has 
only just become clear.

CITIZENS TO FIGHT SMACKING BILL
-------------------------------

Two referenda have been launched in response to Sue Bradford's 
anti-smacking bill. The citizen-initiated petitions are backed 
by Family First and For The Sake of Our Children Trust. Former 
United Future MP Larry Baldock says he felt he had to launch a 
campaign against the bill as they Government is avoiding the 
real reason behind violence against children in New Zealand 
homes. He says alcohol and drug addiction, poverty and 
hopelessness are the reasons for violence in homes, not 
smacking. Mr Baldock believes the anti-smacking bill will not 
solve the real issues and is calling on the 80-percent of New 
Zealanders who disagree with the bill to come forward and 
sign.

GOOGLE SHUTS DOWN CYFS BLOG
---------------------------

Google says it shut down the CYFSwatch blogsite because of 
repeated violations of its rules. The Ministry of Social 
Development complained some weeks ago over comments about some 
of its social workers. Yesterday Green MP Sue Bradford 
complained to police after a contributor threatened her and 
the blog administrator asked for her home address. Google 
spokeswoman Victoria Grand says the site was not removed 
because of any one threat - but because of numerous rule 
breaches. 
 
(The gullibility of the media is astonishing. Almost every 
information channel smugly reported the closure of the site on 
Google, yet I never heard one mention that there was a mirror 
web site in action immediately which may not be so easy to 
intimidate. - BH)

MYSPACE LAUNCHES NZ SITE
------------------------

Ever-growing Internet giant MySpace has launched a tailor-made 
New Zealand site. nz.myspace.com includes a range of features 
from music to blogs, forums and videos. To celebrate the 
launch Evermore will play the first New Zealand secret show 
tomorrow. MySpace secret shows are played around the world and 
are free to MySpace members who are given the locations and 
time before the event. The majority of New Zealand bands are 
already using MySpace to promote their music. 
 
(But most people commenting are irritated that this NZ site is 
being run from Sydney - BH)

CAPITAL'S STATE HOUSES TO GET UPGRADE
-------------------------------------

The Wellington City Council-administered state housing stock 
is getting a $220 million upgrade. Housing Minister Chris 
Carter says in return, the council has agreed to reinvest 
rental income back into its housing business and fund all 
other replacement and renewal costs for its housing. He says 
in addition, the council has agreed to improve its tenancy 
management and remain in social housing for 30 years at 
current service levels. Mr Carter says it is an unprecedented 
deal which will improve the lives of around four thousand 
people. He says Wellington City Council administers a 
portfolio of 2,354 state housing units which represents 11.5 
percent of all rental housing in Wellington. 

FUND FOR DISRUPTIVE KIDS INADEQUATE
-----------------------------------

Secondary school teachers say the Government's fund for 
disruptive pupils is akin to putting a band-aid on a volcano. 
The $4.5 million fund is designed to help schools deal with 
children with behavioural issues. PPTA head Robin Duff says 
the funding is just a drop in the ocean. He says the fact 
schools have to compete for the fund does not fill teachers 
with confidence it will work. Mr Duff believes separate 
classes in schools for children with behavioural problems 
would benefit everyone, although it would cost far more than 
the money allocated.

Friday, 23 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

COUNTERFEIT MONEY HAUL
----------------------

Retailers in the Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay should check 
their tills for counterfeit notes. Taupo police have arrested 
two men and a woman after finding $4,500 of fake notes in a 
car along with counterfeiting gear. Police believe the three 
people had been spending in Rotorua, Wairoa, Gisborne and 
Taupo in the past few days.

BIG GUNS IN TROUBLE OVER PHONE ADS
----------------------------------

Both Telecom and Vodafone have been pulled up by the 
Advertising Standards Complaints Board for misleading 
advertising. Both have been found in breach of the truthful 
presentation rule of the advertising code of ethics. The 
complaint against Telecom relates to the company's Freedom 
Plan which offered $10 a month to call between a Telecom home 
line and a designated 027 mobile. The voiceover in the 
advertisement said you can call as much as you like but the 
small print had a qualifier that normal charges would apply 
after 60 minutes. Vodafone's Best Mate plan advertisement did 
not tell customers the offer applied only to prepay phones.

WAITANGI DAY TO STAY
--------------------

Peter Dunne's bid to rename Waitangi Day has been rejected by 
a Parliamentary committee. The United Future leader's private 
member's bill also proposed that New Zealand Day be observed 
on the Monday of the week in which February 6 occurs. The 
Justice and Electoral Committee received 22 submissions, most 
of which were opposed to the bill. The committee noted that 
many of the submitters who were against the bill claimed 
renaming Waitangi Day would be a backward and divisive step. 
The committee has agreed with the submitters who saw no 
benefit in renaming Waitangi Day, adding that it considers 
such a change could foster social disharmony in New Zealand. 
 
(Good - BH)

UNIT TO INVESTIGATE PRISON CORRUPTION
-------------------------------------

The Corrections Department is setting up a special unit to 
investigate corruption in the country's prisons. Corrections 
CEO Barry Matthews says the unit will investigate allegations 
or instances of suspected corruption either prior to or 
together with any police investigation. He says its mandate 
will cover the whole department and will have a direct 
reporting line to him. Mr Matthews says the unit will be 
staffed by experienced investigators. He says in addition, 
Corrections is also establishing five specialist teams for 
intelligence-gathering.

PRIVATE REHAB CENTRE FOR SOUTH ISLAND
-------------------------------------

A new private drug and alcohol addiction centre near 
Christchurch aims to plug the gap left by a move towards 
community-based rehabilitation. Harbour House in Lyttelton is 
officially opened today by Associate Health Minister Jim 
Anderton. It will be the only dedicated private addiction 
rehabilitation centre in the South Island and the second in 
New Zealand. Chief executive Tim Harding says the move towards 
treating people in the community has resulted in a big drop in 
residential addiction treatment facilities. He has heard 
reports of New Zealand companies sending executives to 
treatment centres in Australia or New Zealand due to lack of 
options here. Mr Harding says people need the option of 
getting treatment immediately, not being placed on waiting 
lists.

AUCKLANDERS: CHECK FOR QUAKE DAMAGE
-----------------------------------

More than 40 claims have been lodged with the Earthquake 
Commission for damage from Auckland's quakes this week. The 
series of earthquakes struck on Wednesday night, the strongest 
registering 4.5 on the Richter scale. The Earthquake 
Commission says most claims relate to cracks in interior 
walls, wallpaper and foundations. Insurance manager Lance 
Dixon says homeowners should check for damage even if it is 
not apparent, as it always pays to inspect property after a 
good-sized shake. He says the Commission requires all claims 
for damage to be lodged within three months.

AIR NZ BOUND FOR VANCOUVER
--------------------------

Air New Zealand has confirmed it is beginning direct flights 
to Canada. Its new Boeing 777-200s will fly Auckland to 
Vancouver from November. 
 
(This is intriguing - given that they have recently abandoned 
Singapore which always looked full to me - BH)

KEY RIDING HIGH IN POPULARITY STAKES
------------------------------------

National Party leader John Key is shooting up the popularity 
stakes. While Prime Minister Helen Clark remains clearly ahead 
as preferred Prime Minister in the latest Herald DigiPoll 
survey, Mr Key is closing in. He has more than doubled his 
level of support to 36.2 percent. Miss Clark is on 47.7 
percent. When Don Brash and Bill English were leaders, Miss 
Clark rated in the 50s. As far as the parties are concerned, 
National is just ahead with 43.1 percent support and Labour on 
40.6. The Greens are up 1.1 to 7.2 percent.

STADIUM DEBATE IN DUNEDIN
-------------------------

International rugby looks set to return to Dunedin with the 
unveiling of plans for a multi-purpose stadium with a 
permanent roof. The Carisbrook Stadium Trust has studied six 
options and has decided on a 25,000 seat complex with space 
for 5000 more for big events to be built on land adjoining 
Otago University. Trust chairman Malcolm Farry says it is now 
in the hands of the Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional 
Council but he is now convinced having the only stadium in New 
Zealand with a roof and the other proposed facilities 
partnered with the University will get them the nod. The 
Dunedin City Council will start to debate the proposal next 
Wednesday and seek public opinion. Farry says the stadium's 
projected 188 million dollar price tag would be funded through 
the councils, a community trust and sponsorship in the private 
sector, and the cost benefits for this joint venture with the 
University are huge because it will help attract more 
students.

MORE WORK FOR BENEFICIARIES
---------------------------

Beneficiaries may have to make more of an effort to keep their 
payments if the Social Security Amendment Bill is passed. 
Introduced last year, the bill is now before a select 
committee Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope says 
the aim is to extend skills programmes currently in place for 
those on the unemployment benefit, to all beneficiaries. He 
says it is not about introducing compulsory work testing for 
those on sickness and illness benefits, but will mean 
beneficiaries will be required to take part in work planning, 
skill improvement, and other precursors for successful 
employment.

Monday, 26 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FOREST FIRE NEAR BULLS
----------------------

Firefighters are batting a forest fire near Bulls. The fire 
service was called to the Forestry Block west of the town on 
Santoft Road just before 11 this morning. Ground crews from 
around the Manawatu region are now fighting the fire, while 
four helicopters are being used to fight the blaze from the 
air. At this stage the fire has been contained at one end of 
the forestry block, but the wind has caused problems, with the 
fire spreading at the other end.

WIND FARM WILL SAVE THOUSANDS OF CO2S
-------------------------------------

Trustpower claims 14,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions will be 
offset from today, thanks to the first two wind turbines 
commissioned at its Tararua wind farm. The two turbines 
between them will also provide enough power for 2,700 homes. 
Another 29 turbines will be gradually commissioned over the 
next four months. The $185 million dollar wind farm will 
eventually power 42,000 homes. TrustPower chief executive 
Keith Tempest says the Tararua wind farm expansion is a great 
example of how wind farms can be a win-win-win for New 
Zealand, the environment, and the local community. He says in 
addition to its contribution to New Zealand electricity supply 
and sustainability targets, this project will during its 18-
month construction period put some $50 million in wages and 
other costs directly into the local community.

IWI STAGES LAND PROTEST
-----------------------

Members of a local iwi have no plans to leave a $10 million 
block of publicly-owned land on the Coromandel Peninsula that 
they do not want sold. The 1100 hectare Whenuakite Station 
site, which is between Whitianga and Cooks Beach is one of 
several up for sale by state-owned corporate farmer Landcorp. 
Hauraki iwi wants the land handed back as part of a treaty 
settlement. Spokesman John McEnteer says the group has 
established a base and have no plans to leave. He says they 
need to get their message through to politicians that the land 
should be kept as a farm. Landcorp has several properties up 
for sale. A block in the Far North is also being occupied by 
iwi.

HOSPITAL PRODUCTIVITY FALLS
---------------------------

A previously secret report has shown productivity in hospitals 
across Auckland has fallen, despite a substantial injection of 
government money. An analysis for the three district health 
boards has found that a 13 percent increase in spending has 
lifted hospital output by just under four percent. National 
obtained the report under the Official Information Act. The 
party's health spokesman Tony Ryall says doctors and nurses 
are being stifled by endless bureaucracy and it is the 
patients who are missing out. But Prime Minister Helen Clark 
believes increased pay and conditions account for a lot of the 
difference. "If you improve nurses' pay and improve the 
conditions of work for senior doctors in the first instance, 
you're likely to get less output in terms of treatment per 
staff member per dollar spent." National says much of the 
money is being wasted on unnecessary bureaucracy.

TIGHTER SECURITY AT MEN'S PRISON
--------------------------------

Security has been tightened at Christchurch Men's Prison after 
the escape of a prisoner last year. Kristin Taylor, who was 
being housed in a low security facility, climbed out of his 
cell window in June 2006. He was recaptured in Alexandra five 
days later. The Department of Corrections has revealed the 
prisoner escaped before a morning check prompting the 
introduction of a second team to ensure security checks meet 
standards. Three cameras capable of detecting movement and an 
electric fence have since been installed at the prison. 
Previous security measures included a perimeter fence topped 
with razor wire, cameras and microwave beams.

RATES MEETINGS UNDERWAY
-----------------------

The first in a series of public meetings to consider rising 
local body rates gets underway in Hamilton today. The meetings 
are part of the inquiry into local government charges and were 
prompted by complaints that some ratepayers are facing rises 
of more than 10 percent. Today's panel wants feedback on the 
current level of rates and how much they are estimated to go 
up by in the next decade. It is examining why local bodies are 
spending more and whether there are ways other than rates to 
fund communities. However, Dave Thornton from the group 
NoMoreRates claims the meetings are a fiasco because few 
people know about them and most are not aware of the 
background paper. The next forum will take place in Auckland 
tomorrow and meetings will be held in all the main centres 
over the next two months.

FARMERS CONSIDERING SWITCHING TO BEEF
-------------------------------------

Sheep farmers are considering switching to beef because they 
are not making money. Federated Farmers spokesman Keith Kelly 
says it is costing farmers more to produce sheep than they are 
getting for the product and young farmers with mortgages to 
pay are worried about where their next dollar will come from. 
Mr Kelly say farmers cannot afford to produce lamb, while beef 
is looking a lot more positive.

GOVT URGED TO HURRY UP PAY REVIEWS
----------------------------------

The Defence Force is being urged to make more progress on pay 
reviews for staff. Rear Admiral David Ledson claims navy 
vessels may not be able to be sailed because of a lack of 
specialised staff. National Party Defence spokesman Wayne Mapp 
says it is important a promised pay review comes up with some 
results quickly. He says if it does not, the navy will 
continue to lose crucial staff.

NOROVIRUS SUSPECTS KEEP AWAY FROM HOSPITALS
-------------------------------------------

Efforts to control the contagious spread of norovirus are 
being made even more difficult as people with symptoms turn up 
at Christchurch Hospital's emergency department for treatment. 
Two wards at Princess Margaret Hospital and two at 
Christchurch Hospital were closed last week after more than 40 
patients contracted the bug which causes vomiting and 
diarrhoea. Medical and surgical services general manager Mark 
Leggett says norovirus is prevalent in the community at the 
moment and he is urging people to contact their GP or after 
hours clinic before going to the emergency department.

Tuesday, 27 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AIR NZ PROFIT LITTLE COMFORT TO WORKERS - UNION
-----------------------------------------------

Unions say Air New Zealand's 60 percent increase in profit 
shows the airline is not in crisis and should not be trying to 
contract out its ground services jobs. The national carrier 
today revealed net earnings of $74 million for the six months 
to the end of December. Engineering, Printing and 
Manufacturing Union secretary Andrew Little says it shows Air 
New Zealand is doing just fine. He says the profit increase 
offers little comfort to workers facing redundancy if ground 
services are contracted out. The issue is currently before the 
Employment Court.

NATS PLEDGE TO CUT TAX ON CHARITY GIFTS
---------------------------------------

National has unveiled a tax plan which it says would see 
donations to charities almost double, to around $650 million a 
year. If the party gets into power it says it will remove the 
$1,890 cap on tax rebates, so donations of any amount, up to 
an individual's total net income, will be eligible for the 
33.3 percent rebate. It would also remove the five percent cap 
on the level of donations that can be deducted by companies 
and make it so all businesses can claim deductions. National 
is also pledging to remove gift duty from donations to 
charitable organisations. Leader John Key says it would make 
it much more attractive for businesses to help those in need. 
He wants to send a message to business that they benefit when 
there is a strong society and strong communities. Mr Key says 
as a former businessman he is asking his compatriots to put 
their hands in their pockets. Mr Key chose a Wellington City 
Mission school for troubled teenagers to launch the policy. 
Missioner Des Britten was at the announcement and says 
anything that would encourage charitable donations is welcome. 
Father Britten hopes it encourages business to dig deep, which 
he says they do not always do. He says many businesses help in 
practical ways like painting and scrubbing down walls, but he 
says charities also need money. 
 
(Now that, I regard as a positive move - BH)

STRONG SUPPORT FOR SAVE PARTY PILLS PETITION
--------------------------------------------

Petitions supporting party pills are popping up in shops 
around the country. The savethepills.com website has been 
circulating the forms in response to plans to reclassify the 
BZP pills as Class C drugs. It says herbal highs are providing 
a safer, legal alternative to illegal hard drugs. Social 
Tonics Association of New Zealand spokesman Matt Bowden says 
it is vital those who use the pills have their voices heard. 
He says outright prohibition will make the environment much 
more dangerous, but tighter regulations around their use would 
be more productive. Mr Bowden says the cause has already had a 
good showing of support and he expects that to continue.

GOVT TO KEEP AIR NZ STAKE
-------------------------

The Finance Minister is resisting the temptation to sell off 
part of the Government's stake in Air New Zealand following 
the announcement of a 61 percent profit boost. The national 
carrier has revealed net earnings of $74 million for the six 
months to the end of December. Michael Cullen says that is 
very pleasing. He says not many airlines around the world are 
making a reasonable rate of return. Dr Cullen says the 
Government will continue to have an interest in the airline. 
He says Air New Zealand still needs a very strong continuing 
shareholder on which it can rely.

SKY REPORTS NET PROFIT
----------------------

Sky TV has seen its net profit rise more than 20 percent to 
$36.5 million for the six months to the end of December. The 
pay television operator says revenue rose 14 percent to $303.4 
million while the average bill for a subscriber also rose by 
3.3 percent to $60.28 a month. Other factors contributing to 
the increase were a 7.4 percent rise in subscription numbers, 
increased installation revenue for the My Sky service and the 
inclusion of $11.7 million of advertising revenue from Prime 
TV which was not owned by Sky in the comparative period. Sky 
says it now has nearly 700,000 subscribers. It is paying a 
dividend of five cents per share.

BILL WOULD PENALISE CRIMES IN FRONT OF KIDS
-------------------------------------------

New Zealand First MP Brian Donnelly is sponsoring a private 
member's bill designed to beef up protection for children. The 
Sentencing (Protection of Children from Criminal Offending) 
Amendment Bill would make criminal offending in front of a 
child an aggravating factor at sentencing, resulting in 
increased penalties. Mr Donnelly says the need for such 
legislation has been highlighted by a number of cases 
recently, including the discovery of a seven-year-old who was 
living in a house used as a methamphetamine lab. He says the 
manufacture of methamphetamine in residential homes is of 
particular concern. Mr Donnelly says children are too often 
innocent parties to criminal offending by adults and deserve 
protection.

INTEREST RATE RISE IMMINENT SAYS ECONOMIST
------------------------------------------

The National Bank has released its latest survey and chief 
economist Cameron Bagrie believes it indicates that an 
interest rate hike is just around the corner. The Business 
Outlook survey shows business confidence is at a three year 
high. A net 26 percent of business respondents, particularly 
those in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Wellington, 
expect increased activity in the year ahead. The manufacturing 
sector shows the most improvement, with firms' optimism 
running at a 2 year high. The survey finds the high New 
Zealand dollar is taking its toll on exporters with export 
intentions falling to an 11-month low but the strength in the 
domestic economy appears to be providing a suitable 
alternative for some. The survey states that the economy 
appears bullet-proof and due to job security and a low 
unemployment rate, consumers are spending and the housing 
market is showing a third wind. "We are living in a brave new 
world where financial conditions and interest rates do not 
matter, provided liquidity is abundant. Asset prices only go 
up." Mr Bagrie says while inflation expectations have eased, 
pricing intentions have risen to a five month high and the 
Reserve Bank is likely to be losing patience, having given 
several warnings to ease up. He believes the Reserve Bank 
should have taken the opportunity to raise interest rates last 
October when a large number of two-year loans taken out when 
the banks launched campaigns to gain clients, had expired.

TURIA UNDER FIRE FOR IMMIGRATION COMMENTS
-----------------------------------------

A recruitment consultant is amazed by the Maori Party's 
comments that immigration policy is a deliberate ploy to stop 
"the browning of New Zealand." Co-leader Tariana Turia says it 
is predicted that by the year 2050, there will be a 
significant number of people with Maori, Pacific Island and 
Asian backgrounds and accuses the Government of trying to 
prevent that by encouraging immigration from traditional 
countries such as Australia, Britain and Canada. She says such 
a move has an impact on the political representation of Maori. 
However, official figures show the net number of Australians 
has dropped by more than 42,000 in the past two years. In the 
same period, the net number of migrants from the UK has 
increased by around 20,000 and from Canada and the US by 
2,100. Recruitment consultant Kim Smith says immigrants are 
vital because they bring much needed skills and she believes 
New Zealanders need to be more tolerant of immigrants. Foreign 
Minister Winston Peters says the Government's immigration 
policy finally acknowledges the necessity of a good command of 
the English language. He says New Zealand needs trained minds 
not just hands, and the minds need to be capable of speaking 
the language. He says language standards are not unique to New 
Zealand, but are also strictly applied by Asian countries. 
Recently, Statistics New Zealand opted not to increase the 
allocation of Maori seats in Parliament from seven to eight, 
because not enough people had signed onto the Maori electoral 
role relative to the whole population.

Wednesday, 28 February 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MAORI PARTY ACCUSED OF PROMOTING ANARCHY
----------------------------------------

State Owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard is accusing 
the Maori Party of promoting anarchy over land occupations in 
the Coromandel and Northland. It comes after the Government's 
decision to put on hold Landcorp's proposed sale of the 
ancestral sites. Mr Mallard says the occupations of the sites 
have highlighted gaps in policy which need to be addressed to 
ensure land that has significant value to the country is 
protected. He is suggesting Northland and Coromandel iwi can 
rest easy. Mr Mallard says he expects the government will come 
up with a set of rules to ensure that sensitive land will not 
go onto the open market. Mr Mallard says the decision was not 
prompted by the Maori Party's call for aggrieved Maori to 
conduct land occupations up and down the country. He says that 
call was very inappropriate. Mr Mallard says for people who 
purport to be lawmakers, encouraging people to break the law 
on a widespread basis is very irresponsible and surprising. 
Prime Minister Helen Clark has expressed similar sentiment, 
saying there is a responsibility for those who come to public 
life to advocate proper process and lawful action. She says 
that is not what she is hearing from the Maori Party's 
announcements.

PETROL PRICES RISE
------------------

BP has put up the price of petrol by four cents a litre 
nationwide. It says the rise is due to an increase in the 
international cost of oil, which has gone up nearly eight 
percent since the last fall at the pumps. The increase is 
going to hurt motorists more in Auckland, where the price in 
parts of the city has gone up by seven cents. A spokeswoman 
for BP says that is because the company lifted the three cent 
petrol cut which was brought in on Valentine's Day in response 
to competition in the city. 
 
(The current price for 91 octane is NZ$1.439/litre - BH)

PROJECT TO ENCOURAGE REPORTING SEX ATTACKS
------------------------------------------

The Government is funding a $900,000 research project aimed at 
improving the justice system for adult victims of sexual 
violence. The project, led by the Ministry of Women's Affairs 
in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and the New 
Zealand Police, will investigate how many reports of sexual 
violence end up with successful convictions. It will also look 
at ways to improve the likelihood of victims making formal 
complaints and investigate how victims can best be supported 
through the criminal justice system. Women's Affairs Minister 
Lianne Dalziel said it is difficult for many victims to talk 
about what has happened to them because of embarrassment and 
fear. She wants victims to feel they will be safe and 
supported if they report attacks.

CRIMINOLOGIST: NZ SHOULDN'T ARM POLICE
--------------------------------------

A leading British criminologist says despite fears of a rise 
in violent crime, New Zealand is right to resist routinely 
arming police officers Associate professor Michael Rowe has 
just taken up the role of programme director at Victoria 
University's Institute of Criminology. Professor Rowe says the 
British experience with pepper spray shows how dangerous 
incremental use of weapons can be. When it was introduced in 
Britain pepper spray was supposed to be used only in extreme 
cases, but Professor Rowe says it is now carried by all 
officers and used regularly. He says it is "a genie you can 
not put back in the bottle", as once a nation crosses the 
threshold of having armed police officers it will probably 
never go back, and short-term benefits will not last. 
Professor Rowe says tasers are proving effective as an 
optional 'less than lethal' weapon in the UK. Professor Rowe 
applauds moves by the New Zealand Government to boost police 
numbers, but says if it wants to make a real impact, it needs 
to address other factors that influence people to commit 
crime. He says they include social factors, like alcohol and 
drugs and the breakdown of families.

POLICE OFFER ASSURANCES OVER TASERS
-----------------------------------

Police bosses have assured a Parliamentary select committee 
that officers consider a wide range of options before 
resorting to using tasers. Deputy Police Commissioner Rob Pope 
says two thirds of the 64 offenders who have been zapped over 
the past six months are Maori or Pacific Island men, aged 
between 25 and 29. The majority of the men have been tasered 
during domestic violence incidents. Mr Pope says police do not 
taser on the basis of ethnicity, but for a range of reasons, 
including bizarre and irrational behaviour. Mr Pope says 
officers assessed the situation thoroughly before using a 
taser, in every case. He says all staff are trained to defuse 
situations with communication and dialogue.

NO APPEAL OF LEAKY HOME RULING
------------------------------

The body that provides insurance for local councils has 
decided not to appeal the High Court ruling awarding 
substantial damages to the owner of a leaky West Auckland 
home. Colleen Dicks was awarded $250,000, in what was seen as 
a test case against the Waitakere City Council. The council 
insurer RiskPool says the decision not to appeal leaves a 
number of legal issues unresolved. It says it will look to 
have those issues tested in another case. 
 
(Great news for Mrs Dicks - BH)

GOVT ANNOUNCES $4.4 MILLION SURPLUS
-----------------------------------

The Government's surplus is one billion dollars ahead of 
forecast due to higher than expected investment income. The 
Crown accounts for the six-months ending December, recorded a 
$4.4 billion surplus compared with the $3.4 billion forecast. 
After taking out accounting changes, contributions to the 
Super Fund and the purchase of assets and advances like 
student loans, Government coffers were left with a cash 
deficit of $423 million. A cash deficit of $860 million was 
forecast.

IWI URGED TO OCCUPY LAND
------------------------

Iwi around the country are being urged by the Maori Party to 
take direct action to assert their rights over land. It 
follows the occupation by Hauraki Maori of a $10 million, 
1,100 hectare block in the Coromandel which has been put up 
for sale by Landcorp. MP Te Ururoa Flavell says it seems 
occupation of land is one of only two options available to 
Maori. He says the other is to try the legal option. Mr 
Flavell says if one fails, Maori can always fall back on the 
other. Hauraki Maori today lodged an urgent injunction against 
the sale of the land.

PPTA WANTS ACTION ON CLASS SIZES
--------------------------------

The PPTA is questioning the Government's commitment to 
reducing school class sizes. Research from 66 schools the 
union has released today shows students spend one hour in 
every 10 in classes of 30 or more, and half of their time in 
classes of 25 or more. PPTA president Robin Duff says large 
class sizes mean a lack of individual attention to students, 
limited constructive student interaction, constraints on 
teaching approaches, and resources spread too thinly. Mr Duff 
says they also mean fewer opportunities for practical work, 
increased marking pressure on teachers, more behaviour 
management issues, and safety issues associated with 
inadequate physical space. Mr Duff wants an assurance teacher-
student ratios will be reduced by two at every year level. He 
says the government has committed itself to reducing class 
sizes. He says with current class sizes a student might, with 
luck, get to spend just six minutes one-on-one time per week 
with each of their teachers.

FAMILIES AWAIT FREE KINDY DECISION
----------------------------------

Thousands of Auckland families are waiting on tenterhooks to 
see if they will receive free kindergarten care as part of the 
Government's 20-hours free childcare package. The deal, which 
is set to start in July, was an election sweetener from 
Labour. The Auckland Kindergarten Association was expected to 
make an announcement last night, but is declining to comment 
publicly until it has notified the 107 kindergartens and the 
9,000 families the decision will impact on. Auckland 
kindergartens are expected to vote against the proposal after 
publicly criticising the deal, saying the 91 cents per child 
per hour being offered by the government, falls short of 
operating costs. The Auckland Kindergarten Association says a 
letter to everyone affected will be sent via kindergartens 
early next week.

FIRST CONVICTION UNDER GAMBLING ACT
-----------------------------------

A seasonal worker from Gisborne has been sentenced to 
community work for bookmaking. Forty-four-year-old Bernadette 
Wawatai is the first person to be prosecuted by the Department 
of Internal Affairs under the Gambling Act 2003 after 
inspectors caught her taking bets on horse races screened on 
TV at Gisborne's Turanga Hotel. She was convicted in the 
Gisborne District Court of illegal gambling and has been 
sentenced to 100 hours community work. Mike Hill from the 
Department of Internal Affairs says Wawatai has also handed 
over the $1158 she made from the operation. He hopes the 
prosecution deters others from illegal bookmaking. Wawatai is 
the first person to be prosecuted for illegal bookmaking since 
the Gambling Act came into force in 2003. Under the act, 
people can receive fines up to $20,000 or a year in prison.

BULLIES TOO BIG A CHALLENGE FOR SCHOOLS?
----------------------------------------

A former high school principal believes many schools put 
dealing with bullying in the 'too hard' basket. Waiuku School, 
about 70km south of Auckland, is dealing with the backlash, 
after students who attacked a 16-year-old were allowed back to 
school just two days after being suspended. The victim was 
kicked and hit with a bottle. He required stitches to his 
head. Former Rangitoto College principal turned National MP 
Allan Peachey suggests the consequences of dealing with 
bullies are too great for many schools. He says if a school 
starts ejecting students who are regular bullies, it then 
comes under pressure for its high suspension rate. Mr Peachey 
says there seems to be a stronger gang influence and use of 
pack mentality amongst students. Grant Taylor from Kids Help 
Foundation Trust believes parents are too slow to do anything 
when children tell them they have been bullied. He says many 
people shrug off bullying as being a part of growing up. He 
says schools can greatly reduce bullying by implementing anti-
bullying policies and rigorously enforcing them. Mr Taylor 
says childhood bullying is becoming more frequent and violent.

NEW LAW WON'T STOP OVERSEAS SPAMMERS
------------------------------------

The Government is confident the law now has the teeth to deal 
with the spam afflicting New Zealand computer users, but 
admits it cannot stop spam originating from overseas. 
Parliament passed the Unsolicited Electronic Messages, or 
Anti-Spam, Bill last night 118 votes to two. Communications 
Minister David Cunliffe says the legislation will allow New 
Zealand to join the global fight against spam as international 
co-operation is needed to block its sources. He says the Act 
bans people from using address harvesting software or a 
harvested address list to send unsolicited commercial 
electronic messages. Critics say it will do nothing to deter 
overseas spammers but Communications Minister David Cunliffe 
says it was designed to stop New Zealand spammers and over 
time should reduce spam in entering inboxes by five to 10 
percent. There will be a six month transition period before 
the law takes effect.

Thursday, 1 March 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

VERDICTS "SADLY PREDICTABLE" - RAPE CRISIS
------------------------------------------

Rape Crisis is calling for a change in the court system when 
it comes to rape cases, after the not guilty verdicts in the 
police indecent assault trial in Auckland. The group's 
director of rape prevention and education Dr Kim McGregor says 
the complainant in this case will be shattered by the result, 
after effectively having been put on trial herself. She says 
there has to be a change from the adversarial system that pits 
one person against another in terms of their credibility. She 
wants that changed to an inquisitorial form where both parties 
must answer questions in court.

APOLOGY DEMANDED OVER LAND ROW
------------------------------

Maori Party MP Hone Harawira wants the Minister of Treaty of 
Waitangi Negotiations to formally apologise to Northland and 
Coromandel Maori. His call follows the Government's decision 
to put the proposed sale by Landcorp of land iwi are claiming 
in the areas on hold. Mr Harawira says Treaty Negotiations 
Minister Mark Burton was insensitive and arrogant in his 
dealings. He says Mr Burton gave tacit approval to Landcorp 
offering for sale to the highest bidder, land which should 
have been properly available for Treaty settlements.

TRADE ME GETS MOST SHOPPERS
---------------------------

Trade Me has come out on top in a list of the country's most 
visited online shopping websites. AC Nielson/NetRatings 
figures show Trade Me had more than a million visitors last 
week, from New Zealand and overseas. designerexposure.com was 
the next most visited site with nearly 37,984 hits, with 
ferrit.co.nz in third on 31,755. Top ten shopping websites 
(19-25 February 2007) 1. trademe.co.nz 2. designerexposure.com 
3. ferrit.co.nz 4. gpstore.co.nz 5. farmers.co.nz 6. 
realgroovy.co.nz 7. newswire.co.nz 8. sellmefree.co.nz 9. 
shopnewzealand.co.nz 10. smokecds.com

CAPITAL WANTS FASTER BROADBAND
------------------------------

Wellington City Council has agreed to a vision to connect the 
Capital with high-speed broadband by 2012. At a meeting this 
morning, the council passed a resolution to investigate the 
logistics of the plan. It is now looking for private 
investment to help fund it, with stages one and two expected 
to cost between $15 and $40 million. If the plan goes ahead, 
fibre optic cables could be attached to the city's trolley bus 
lines as early as July next year.

TYPHOID OUTBREAK TRACED
-----------------------

Wellington public health officials are continuing to monitor 
an outbreak of typhoid in Porirua. Three people from two 
families have been treated in hospital for the disease after 
apparently eating food that had come from Samoa with a 
returning traveller. Medical Officer of Health Dr Annette 
Nesdale says typhoid is a problem at the moment in Samoa and 
travellers need to be wary of that when bringing food back 
into New Zealand. The cases are not believed to be linked to 
last month's outbreak in the South Auckland suburb of Clendon.

OYSTER SEASON LOOKING GOOD
--------------------------

The Bluff oyster season is underway and fishers predict it 
will be a good season. The fleet has been out since 5am 
trawling for the delicacies of the deep south in Foveaux 
Strait as the season opens three weeks early. Some of the 
oysters have already been sent as far north as Auckland. 
Skipper of the Polarus, Bill Gold, says with evidence he has 
seen so far, it should be a good season as the shellfish are 
of a reasonable size. Mr Gold says he is allowed to keep 50 
oysters a day for his own consumption and is looking forward 
to eating them. The oyster season injects up to $40 million 
into the Southland economy. The season finishes at the end of 
August. A dozen first grade Bluff oysters will cost around $24 
in Auckland and $18 in the South Island.

SUPPLY CONCERNS IF BLOOD PRODUCTS IMPORTED
------------------------------------------

The Blood Service is keen to make sure New Zealand does not 
start looking overseas for blood products. It has addressed 
Parliament's Health Select Committee on the issue of self 
sufficiency. At present New Zealand blood donors provide 
enough blood to sustain local demand, but CEO of the service, 
Fiona Ritsma says the Ministry of Health is considering 
abandoning the self sufficiency policy and sourcing human 
blood products from overseas. She says that poses problems if 
there is a world shortage. A discussion paper on the issue is 
expected this month.

WHEN WASPS GET MAD...
---------------------

There could be plenty more wasps lurking in New Zealand's 
countryside ready to sting. Overt recent weeks, there have 
been attacks on a school party in Taranaki, Masterton and 
Timaru. Bug man Ruud Kleinpaste says the recent dry conditions 
have been perfect for wasps. There are more insects around for 
them to eat and colonies have expanded. Mr Kleinpaste says if 
the wasps are disturbed at the moment, they will definitely 
attack people.

Friday, 2 March 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GAS STATIONS WINNING FROM VOUCHERS
----------------------------------

Research shows discount petrol vouchers are not influencing 
the choice of supermarkets for shoppers. An AC Nielsen survey 
on the campaign by the country's two supermarket chains to 
attract customer loyalty shows the real winners are service 
stations. AC Nielson spokesman Michael Walton says 71 percent 
of those surveyed claimed the vouchers had influenced their 
choice of gas stations, not supermarkets. He says the reason 
is both competitors went to the market almost at identical 
times. Mr Walton says there has been a big investment in the 
petrol for groceries promotion and it is unlikely the 
supermarkets will drop it anytime soon. 
 
(My local Pak'n'Save store is giving $0.12 discount on the 
litre for a spend of $80 of groceries, excluding tobacco, 
which I don't buy anyway - BH)

DELAMERE NOT GUILTY OF FRAUD
----------------------------

Former Immigration Minister Tuariki Delamere has been 
acquitted of fraud. Six of the 20 charges laid in the Auckland 
High Court were withdrawn before the jury retired at around 
midday to consider its verdict. It returned two and a half 
hours later with not guilty verdicts on all remaining 14 
charges; they were three of using a forged document, seven of 
using a document with intent to defraud, and four of using a 
document dishonestly. The charges were brought by the Serious 
Fraud Office which said Delamere falsely told the Immigration 
Service seven overseas clients had invested $1 million each of 
their own money into a New Zealand company which qualified 
them for New Zealand residency. It said the same $1 million 
contributed by Delamere's business partner Yan Jiang was used 
seven times for seven different applications. Mr Delamere is 
now gunning for the Immigration Service and Serious Fraud 
Office, which he claims set him up. He will be filing civil 
action against both organisations and also filing complaints 
against individuals with the Law Society and Chartered 
Accountants body. Mr Delamere says it has been a three year 
nightmare for himself and his clients.

CROWD LESS THAN TITILLATED BY BOOBS ON BIKES
--------------------------------------------

Christchurch men are expressing disappointment at level of 
nudity in this afternoon's Boobs on Bikes Parade. Local men, 
and a number of women, turned out in their thousands to get a 
glimpse at the controversial line-up. Some are saying they did 
not get the eyeful they expected when about eight scantily 
clad girls rode through the city centre on the back of 
motorcycles - and several topless man accompanied them. 
Disgruntled Christchurch men say there were not enough girls 
and it was all over too soon. The parade has enough pulling 
power to be bad for business for at least one Christchurch 
bakery. The owner of Broadway Foods, who wants to remain 
nameless, says her customer base seemed to have halved today. 
She says she is concerned there might be a sickness going 
around that only affects men. The bakery owner is considering 
employing the topless women to work in her shop next year to 
make up for this year's loss. 
 
(What a sad bunch of people - BH)

BUY KIWI MADE GOES LIVE
-----------------------

The Green Party is talking up the Buy Kiwi Made initiative as 
a multi-million dollar marketing campaign is rolled out. The 
Government has set aside over $6 million for the media blitz 
and the Buy Kiwi Made website also goes live today. Campaign 
spokeswoman, Green MP Sue Bradford, says six regional 
showcases are planned during April and May. She says the 
events will showcase locally-made products, raise public 
awareness and help encourage manufacturers to label their 
goods as New Zealand made.

FEW HEALTHCARE WORKERS GETTING FREE JABS
----------------------------------------

Research shows healthcare workers are putting patients at risk 
by failing to make the most of free influenza vaccinations. A 
study in the latest New Zealand Medical Journal shows only 
about 20 to 40 percent of healthcare workers are vaccinated. 
The study says healthcare workers are at risk for exposure to 
influenza because of their close contact with patients. This 
also means they could transmit the potentially fatal illness 
to vulnerable patients. Researchers say it is clear the 
current voluntary programmes established by DHBs have failed 
to address the health and safety issue.

BUSINESSES TO CASH-IN ON SECURITY BOOST
---------------------------------------

The tightening of airport security measures has opened up a 
business opportunity for manufacturers. From the end of this 
month, passengers boarding international flights will be 
banned from carrying liquids, aerosols and gels in quantities 
of more than 100mls in hand luggage. The changes are a direct 
response to events in London last August, when an alleged plot 
to blow up airlines using explosives disguised as ordinary 
liquids was foiled. Employers and Manufacturers Association 
chief executive Alasdair Thompson says manufacturers are 
looking at packaging products to comply with the new security 
requirements. He says packaging smaller items costs more so 
their prices will probably be higher, but manufacturers will 
respond to what the market demand is.

RSA FINED FOR ILLEGAL GAMBLING
------------------------------

An Auckland RSA has been fined $9,500 for conducting illegal 
gambling The Department of Internal Affairs says the Newmarket 
club has been operating eight unlicensed gaming machines for 
over a year, generating more than $62,000 in profit. The judge 
ordered the machines be forfeited.

DISABLED PERSON'S BILL SPARKS CONTROVERSY
-----------------------------------------

A group representing people with disabilities is applauding 
proposed legislation to give disabled workers the minimum 
wage. The Disabled Person's Employment Promotion Bill will 
also see disabled workers given formal employment agreements. 
CCS National Development Manager, Peter Wilson, says the bill 
is crucial to change some people's views of adequate treatment 
for such workers. However National MP Paul Hutchinson is being 
accused of trying to slow the bill through an amendment to 
ensure no worker is disadvantaged. Carol Beaumont from the 
Council of Trade Unions says that seems to be a last minute 
attempt to deny those with disabilities equal rights. She says 
good work is going on to resolve concerns surrounding the 
legislation.

CORONER WANTS TOUGHER DRINK DRIVING LAWS
----------------------------------------

The New Plymouth Coroner is calling for tougher drink-driving 
laws after the death of two people near Mokau last July. The 
town's police officer Jono Erwood, was discharged without 
conviction on drink driving charges after attending the crash 
while off duty. In a written decision following this week's 
inquest, Coroner Roger Mori found that Clint Ratima was almost 
three times over the legal blood alcohol limit when he crashed 
into Jennifer Trentham's car, killing them both. Mr Mori is 
recommending that Parliament give serious consideration to 
increasing the minimum disqualification time for drivers 
convicted of blood alcohol offences.

CODE BRINGS MORE PROTECTION FOR CATS
------------------------------------

It is hoped New Zealand will become more feline friendly with 
a first ever code for cats. The Animal Welfare Companion Cats 
Code of Welfare 2007, announced by Agriculture Minister Jim 
Anderton, outlines minimum standards of care for moggies. Up 
until now cats have only had the Animal Welfare Act 1999 for 
protection. The code applies to anyone responsible for the 
welfare of cats, including breeders, boarding catteries, 
animal welfare shelters and pet shops. It offers practical 
information and 12 minimum standards, covering food and 
feeding, body condition, water, caged cats, hygiene, signs of 
ill health, injured cats, use of collars, transportation and 
euthanasia. Bob Kerridge from the SPCA says he is particularly 
impressed that the code makes New Zealand the first in the 
world to define three categories of cat - domestic, stray and 
feral and believes it will stop a lot of cruelty to stray 
cats, which are often classed as feral and considered pests. 
Mr Kerridge says often people do not understand the basic 
needs of animals. "The common neglect areas are related to 
mainly feeding and diet. We go to many, many cases where 
animals are virtually starving to death." Mr Kerridge believes 
the code is a breakthrough for New Zealand's most popular 
companion animal. New Zealand has an estimated 900,000 to 
1,500,000 cats, which is one of the highest rates of cat 
ownership in the world. 
 
(I want a code for birds. - BH)

SUMMER BELOW AVERAGE
--------------------

The latest weather statistics reveal it has been a below 
average summer. The National Institute of Water and 
Atmospheric Research's summary for February reveals it was 
colder than usual. The average national temperature was 17 deg 
C but the highest temperature was 33.4 deg C recorded at 
Murchison on February 7. Mean temperatures were 0.5 deg C 
above average in Buller, parts of Westland, Nelson, Central 
Otago and the Southern Lakes district. In contrast, 
temperatures were 0.5 deg C or more below average in many 
eastern regions from Gisborne to north Canterbury and in 
Northland and Wellington. Auckland was the warmest and driest 
of the five main centres. Sunshine hours were above normal in 
Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, and near normal in the other 
main centres. Sunshine hours also above normal in the west of 
the South Island, Otago and Southern Lakes, and below normal 
along the Kaikoura Coast. Mt Cook had the driest February in 
75 years and Lake Tekapo in more than 80. Rainfall was below 
normal in all five main centres. There was 25 percent less 
rain in parts of Auckland, Taupo, Eastern Bay of Plenty, 
Marlborough, Nelson, Westland, inland South Canterbury, North 
and Central Otago, and 50 percent or less in many other 
regions. In contrast, rainfall was 200 percent (twice) or more 
of normal throughout much of Northland, and also above normal 
in Tauranga.

(Very much below average, despite the belated run of fine 
weather for the last three or four weeks. - BH)


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