WYSIWYG NEWS - 13 March, 2007

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 10 March, 2007, 2007 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer. 

Weather has been a topic of conversation recently, after a 
miserable wet and windy start to the summer. Belatedly over 
the last five weeks or so, we had some real weather, not quite 
the glorious summers of my childhood, but close. Today that 
came to a shuddering halt, with rain and wind, and a forecast 
of worse to come with winds up to 130 km/h tomorrow. That 
wasn't all that came to a shuddering halt. Rain after a dry 
spell always seems to require a re-learning on the part of 
motorists at large. This morning someone between Lower Hutt 
and Wellington had an accident. SH2 suddenly acquired the 
appearance of a 20 km parking lot, and traffic was not moving 
anywhere from the Ewen bridge at the entrance to Lower Hutt 
City to any points South. I did a U-turn and returned home. 
Thank heavens for the wonders of telecommuting. I had no 
teaching today, so it was easy enough to sit at my desk and 
write. Then at around lunch time, with a meeting to attend in 
town, I was able to gather up my materials and take a 
leisurely drive into the city. There I met a colleague on 
Courtenay Place for a really excellent Yum Char lunch. My 
colleague is from Malaysia, and together we often seek out the 
Asian restaurants in the city. The Majestic on Courtenay place 
is one of the very best for a really good Yum Char, as witness 
the many people of Chinese origin in the restaurant. The food 
was good, though perhaps not the ideal preparation for the two 
hour school management meeting that afternoon. 

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

Monday, 5 March 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PORT DELAYS COSTING TRANSPORT COMPANIES
---------------------------------------

Ports of Auckland is under pressure to lift its game as trucks 
are clogging busy city streets while they wait to enter 
container terminals. The Road Transport Association says 
increased business at the port is causing unacceptable queues 
for trucks trying to pick up containers. It believes the 
problem is largely due to increased business at the ports and 
a bumper export season. Road Transport Association area 
manager Raywin Head says the delays are costing transport 
companies money, as trucks only make money when they are 
moving, and they are getting stuck in unacceptable queues. She 
says the Road Transport Association is working with the ports 
to get a resolution that is good for both parties, and hopes 
one will be reached within the next week. 
 
(Anyone who has hired a removal truck may wish to offer an 
opinion on stationary trucks making money - BH) 

WARNINGS AFTER HASTINGS SEWAGE OVERFLOW
---------------------------------------

A sewage overflow into a number of Hastings waterways is being 
investigated. Warning signs have been put in place because of 
the risk of infections to the stomach, skin, eyes and ears. 
Medical Officer of Health Caroline McElnay says the overflow 
is in the Kaiapo and Southland Drains, the Irongate and Karamu 
Streams and the Clive River. She says the Hastings District 
and Hawke's Bay Regional Councils are working together to find 
out how the overflow occurred. Dr McElnay's general advice is 
not to swim in those waterways or eat food from them. 
 
(There seem to have been a number of contamination incidents 
in recent times. Just this week an effluent pond from a 
freezing works managed to leak its unsavoury contents into the 
town water supply at Te Kuiti - BH)

TRADE SALES FIGURES DOWN
------------------------

Trade sales figures have taken a downward turn. Statistics New 
Zealand says wholesale trade sales for the December 2006 
quarter dropped half a percent, the first quarterly decrease 
since December 2005. A drop in petrol product wholesaling was 
the biggest contributor, it is down ten percent or $177 
million. Primary product food wholesaling also dropped 6.1 
percent. The decreases were partly offset by increases in both 
food and grocery products, and electrical and electronic 
wholesaling.

RESIDENTS QUESTION BROADBAND PLAN
---------------------------------

A Wellington residents association claims the Wellington City 
Council is hiding crucial facts about a proposed broadband 
network for the city. The council has agreed to investigate 
the logistics of connecting Wellington to a high speed 
broadband network, using the trolley bus wires. Federation of 
Wellington Progressive and Residents Associations spokesman 
Bernie Harris claims the council has already erected pylons 
for the fibre optic cabling, without letting the public know 
and he will be fighting the latest proposal if it results in 
more visual pollution to the city. 
 
(Wellington already has more than its share of unsightly 
overhead wire, and I don't exclude the trolleybus wires. I 
remember my first visit back to Auckland after the 
trolleybuses were abandoned. I couldn't help noticing how much 
bigger the sky had become. - BH)

WELLINGTON CATCHES COUCH-BURNING FEVER
--------------------------------------

Wellington fire officers are concerned about a recent trend of 
couch-burning in the central city. Firefighters were called 
out three times last night to deal with burning couches. Two 
of the incidents involved people who were queuing for tickets 
to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers' concert. Wellington Senior 
Station Officer Boyd Atkinson says in the past two weeks 
firefighters have dealt with more than a dozen burning 
couches. He says while the blazes are quick to put out, there 
is real potential for them to spark a much more serious fire. 
Mr Atkinson says students appear to be the main culprits, 
considering the history of couch-burning in Dunedin and the 
fact that Orientation Week has just finished. He says police 
are likely to consider laying charges if they can establish 
who was responsible for the fires.

NZ A GOOD PLACE FOR KIDS SAYS NEW SURVEY
----------------------------------------

In the wake of a UNICEF survey which ranked New Zealand last 
out of the OECD countries for its child death and accident 
rate, another survey shows New Zealand is a good place to 
raise children. Emanuel Kalafatelis from Research New Zealand, 
his company asked respondents if they thought New Zealand was 
still a good country in which to bring up children. He says 68 
percent strongly agreed that was the case, with another 24 
percent agreeing. Mr Kalafatelis says some high profile child 
abuse cases may have dented the belief of a small number who 
disagreed. 
 
(So many surveys, so little time to evaluate them. About 50% 
of them are below average.  - BH)

UNDER COUNTER CIGARETTE SALES JUST THE START
--------------------------------------------

The Cancer Society says removing cigarettes from display in 
shops should be just the first step in an overall effort to 
remove tobacco companies' marketing devices. The society and 
anti-smoking lobby group ASH are teaming up to push for 
cigarettes to be stored underneath the counter, out of sight. 
Ministry of Health statistics show the smoking rate is 
declining at between 0.1 and 0.2 each year and the Cancer 
Society wants to consolidate the gains being made. Belinda 
Hughes, Tobacco Control Policy Advisor, says the checkout 
counter is a prime spot for advertising, so removing them from 
the area is a first step. She believes a total ban on point of 
sale cigarette displays will remove an important marketing 
device from tobacco companies.

Tuesday, 6 March 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SPCA SEEKS HOMES FOR MISTREATED CATS
------------------------------------

The SPCA is looking for homes for dozens of cats seized from 
an old piggery in Woodville. Almost two-years ago Hawke's Bay 
man David Balfour moved to the Heretaunga Road property, 
allegedly to avoid a court ruling ordering him to get rid of 
all but ten of his 135 dogs. SPCA National Operations Team 
Leader Jim Boyd says staff yesterday visited his property and 
were concerned about the state of more than 120 cats and 85 
dogs. He says a lot of the animals were diseased and living in 
filth. Mr Boyd says they seized all the cats and it is likely 
some dogs may also be taken. 
 
(The images on TV News indicated a general air of shabbiness 
about all aspects of the place. - BH)

POLICE RAPE POSTER CAMPAIGN HITS CAPITAL
----------------------------------------

A scathing poster campaign is underway in Wellington attacking 
the credibility of the thin blue line following the recent 
police indecent assault trial. The poster mimics the current 
police recruitment campaign poster, based on the theme of 
getting better work stories. It invites people to join the 
police to "hear great rape stories". In some places around the 
city the official police posters have been ripped down and 
replaced, and in others the mock poster has been pasted over 
the official ones. The poster directs people to a non-existent 
website and also to an 0800 phone number, which goes through 
to an apparently unrelated Rotorua holiday park. The Police 
Minister has moved to defend the force against the poster 
campaign. Annette King says it is an appalling slur on 
thousands of good and honest Kiwis who police New Zealand with 
integrity and respect every day. She says she is disturbed by 
the ugly and vicious poster. Mrs King says the people who 
designed the poster ignore one obvious fact, that the people 
who brought the prosecutions against the police who were 
charged recently were in fact police officers themselves. 
National Party police spokesman Chester Borrows adds it is 
hugely unfair to taint 7,500 police officers with the actions 
of three or four. He points out an independent and objective 
report into the integrity of the police is due out soon. 
 
(I rarely agree with Mr Borrows, but on this occasion he is on 
the side of the angels. - BH)

AIR NZ INCREASES FLIGHTS TO ASIA
--------------------------------

Air New Zealand is increasing its flights to two key Asian 
destinations. It will run two extra services a week between 
Auckland and Shanghai from the end of October. That will see 
the national carrier fly to China five times a week. Air New 
Zealand will also run extra services between Auckland and Hong 
Kong from the end of November through to the beginning of 
March.

FAMILY VIOLENCE COURTS SYSTEM EXPANDING
---------------------------------------

Four new Family Violence Courts are to be established in Lower 
Hutt, Masterton, Porirua, and Auckland City. Courts Minister 
Rick Barker says the new facilities are a tribute to the 
success of two Family Violence Courts already running in 
Manukau and Waitakere. He says the courts ensure domestic 
violence cases come before judges quickly and help reduce the 
risk of further violence while the case was waiting to be 
heard. Mr Barker says as well as improving the safety of 
victims, Family Violence Courts ensure offenders are 
accountable and can access the right support and programmes to 
help them live without violence. He says domestic violence is 
an issue for all New Zealanders and must be addressed by our 
whole society.

WARNING PRESCRIPTION COSTS MAY INCREASE
---------------------------------------

Patients may start paying more for prescriptions if 
pharmacists do not get the fee increase they want. A national 
pharmacy contract between DHBs and community pharmacies does 
not include any plans to increase dispensing fees. Pharmacy 
Guild CEO Murray Burns says the last time the fee was 
increased was in April 2003. He says a continued refusal to 
increase the fee puts sustainability at risk. Mr Burns says 
some pharmacies are already adding on administration fees to 
cover costs and others are likely to follow suit. He says a 
three percent increase is required on the existing dispensing 
fee of $5.16 paid to pharmacies. Mr Burns says the situation 
is intensifying with pharmacies forced to sign the agreement 
by the end of the month. He says an urgent meeting is needed.

LONG DRY SPELL SET TO CONTINUE
------------------------------
Water bans could be on the way as the long hot dry spell 
continues across much of the country. Statistics from the 
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research showed 
Auckland was the driest of the main centres during February, 
but Dunedin and Wellington have also had less rainfall than 
usual. The fine weather is expected to continue through to 
April or May. Water and waste services manager of Dunedin City 
Council John Mackie says people need to start conservation 
measures now and councils may have to get tough with gardeners 
in particular. 
 
(And less than a week later, today's news says: "Rain is 
forecast to spread across the country today, particularly in 
the northern half of the North Island and the west coast of 
the South Island. It will be major departure from the warm 
sunny weather of the past month or more. MetService forecaster 
Oliver Druce says after the rain the temperature will drop and 
the wind will pick up for the rest of the week. He says people 
will soon notice it is getting a lot cooler as we draw closer 
to the end of daylight saving." - BH)
PRESSURE ON BOLLARD AS MARKETS SLUMP
------------------------------------

The ripple effects continue to be felt after last week's 
Chinese stock market slump. During the sell-down which started 
about a week ago, the New Zealand dollar has dropped 4.5 
percent to 67.58 US cents as investors run for cover. In 
another wave of turbulence yesterday, the NZX50 fell 1.57 
percent or 63 points. It begins trading today on 4,035. 
Business analyst Roger Kerr says there is now increasing 
pressure on the Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard ahead of 
his expected interest rate rise on Thursday. He says usually 
in the lead up to an expected interest rate rise, the New 
Zealand dollar would be pushed up. But he says there is a 
flight to safety and the high yield and commodity currencies 
which were previously in vogue, including the New Zealand, 
Australian and Canadian dollar and South African rand, are now 
being sold off heavily. Mr Kerr says investors overseas are 
urging Dr Bollard to hold off any rise in the official cash 
rate because of the global turbulence, but he has probably 
already made his decision.

DELAY IN SUSPENDING LICENCES
----------------------------

Discrepancies are emerging between the number of drivers who 
should have their licences suspended and the number who 
actually do. Figures from the Transport Safety Minister's 
office show that last year more than 20,000 drivers 
accumulated the 100 or more demerit points which leads to 
their licence being suspended. However more than 4,000 of 
those have not been served with suspension notices. Land 
Transport New Zealand says the problem is due to time lag in 
serving suspension notices and locating people who may have 
changed address.

HUNT ON FOR DISEASE-CARRYING MOSQUITO
-------------------------------------

Extra traps are being put in place in the Ports of Auckland 
following the discovery of an unwanted pest. What is thought 
to be a male Asian tiger mosquito has turned up at Shed 8 on 
the waterfront, during routine surveillance. The pest can 
carry a variety of tropical diseases, including dengue fever 
and west Nile virus.

MARRIAGE STILL IN VOGUE
-----------------------

It seems marriage remains a lifetime ambition for some people. 
An ACNielsen survey has found 58 percent of people who are not 
married, aim to be. Of those, 85 percent intend to have 
children once they are married. Stephen Mitchell, ACNielsen 
managing director, says in recent decades more couples have 
chosen to live together rather than get married, which raises 
the question of whether the tradition of 'to have and to hold 
till death do us part' was dying. However, he says the survey 
suggests marriage still holds a lot of appeal. Most 
respondents felt that children with two married parents will 
have a happier upbringing than those from split families. The 
survey polled around 25,000 people, including 500 New 
Zealanders, in 46 countries. 
 
(Our 37th anniversary is coming up. I still think marriage is 
the best choice I ever made, or more specifically, getting 
married to Mary. - BH)

Wednesday, 7 March 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PETROL PIRCES UP AT BP AND CALTEX
---------------------------------

BP has confirmed its petrol prices have gone up today. Petrol 
has gone up by five cents a litre, and diesel by four cents a 
litre. This follows a four cent rise in petrol last week. 
Caltex has also followed suit and upped the price at the pump. 
A spokesperson for BP says since then there has been a 10 per 
cent increase in the cost of petrol on the international 
market. 
 
($1.529/l today. Thank heavens for a supermarket discount 
voucher! Pak'n'Save are offering a discount of $0.13/l for a 
spend of $60.00 - BH)

FARMERS WIN FIGHT AGAINST GOVERNMENT
------------------------------------

Farmers have won their fight against government moves to allow 
public access to private land. The long-awaited Walking Access 
Panel report has been released and it contains little in the 
way of change to the status quo. It recommends that access to 
private land should be by negotiation. But ultimately, private 
property owners retain veto rights over access. Rural Affairs 
Minister Damien O'Connor denies its a government back down, 
saying the panel has come up with recommendations that balance 
the rights of landowners with public expectations.

GREEN PARTY APPROVE OF MARSDEN B PLANS
--------------------------------------

Mighty River Power's decision to dump plans to recommission 
its Marsden B plant is getting a big tick from the Green 
Party. The company says the country will have enough power 
without it. Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons is 
congratulating Mighty River Power on finally seeing the light, 
saying the last thing the country needs is another coal 
burning power station. She believes the news will be a huge 
relief for all the people living near the Marsden B site.

ORGAN DONATION LAWS NEED "TIDYING UP"
-------------------------------------

Parliament is being told proposed law changes on organ 
donation need to be tidied up. The Human Tissue Amendment Bill 
aims to establish a register so people can declare whether or 
not they wish to be an organ donor. Bioethics Council 
spokeswoman Dr Marie Bismark says the consent framework set 
out in the Bill is ambiguous and confusing. She says if their 
members had difficulties coming to terms with it, then members 
of the public and medical professionals would face a similar 
problem. The Bioethics Council wants clear rules of veto 
included in proposed law changes over organ donations.

FRUIT PICKING JOBS UP FOR GRABS
-------------------------------

Hawke's Bay is having a bumper apple harvest but is worried 
about a lack of pickers. Peter Beavan from Pipfruit New 
Zealand says although reports that fruit is rotting on the 
trees are exaggerated, there are instances where over-ripe 
fruit going into the packing shed, has to be discarded. Mr 
Beaven says Hawke's Bay needs another 100 pickers and other 
areas including Nelson, Central Otago and Waikato are also 
likely to have staff shortages. He says several issues have 
led to the lack of pickers, including fewer people available 
for work this year compared with last. "We've had a few issues 
with government in trying to get immigrant workers to come 
over here for seasonal labour. We've worked those through with 
government and we think it's going to be better going forward 
with the Pacific Island Employment Scheme." Mr Beaven says 
orchardists face a busy month, with Hawkes Bay at the flush of 
the Royal Gala apple picking season, while other areas are 
about to pick peaches, grapes and Braeburn apples.

DUNEDIN WATER RESTRICTIONS TO CONTINUE
--------------------------------------

It could be some time before Dunedin residents are able to use 
water freely and without restriction. The Dunedin City Council 
has been forced to impose water restrictions after a very dry 
February, which NIWA says saw 63 percent less rainfall than 
usual for the city. Water and Waste Services Manager John 
Mackie says things are not dire at this stage, but the river 
levels are falling and if this weather pattern continues, 
demand will increase. Sprinklers are banned until further 
notice, and hose irrigation and car washing is only allowed 
between 8pm and 8am daily. 
 
(The heavy rain expected over the next few days will 
apparently be insufficient to avoid drought conditions. - BH)

MORE LOG ON TO BROADBAND
------------------------

Broadband users are continuing to rise - with the number of 
New Zealand broadband subscribers reaching 1.4 million. 
Statistics New Zealand says the number increased 30 percent in 
the six months to September last year. That has seen New 
Zealand jump from 22nd to 19th on the OECD rankings. Almost 98 
percent of Broadband users have a data allowance cap on their 
subscription. 
 
(My bandwidth has suddenly doubled in speed, though still 
running at 2/3 of the advertised potential of 7.5 Mb/s. I have 
a cap of 5GB/month but rarely come near that. - BH)

AUCK CITY COUNCIL BORROWING TO CUT RATES
----------------------------------------

Auckland City Council's plan to borrow $1.3 billion to pay for 
capital works may take some financial pressure off ratepayers. 
The council's plan will cut this year's rate hike from around 
10 percent to just 3.6 percent. Auckland City Councillor Vern 
Walsh says the council felt the burden of payment should be 
spread over many generations and not just one. The council is 
meeting today to discuss rates and complete the draft annual 
plan. 
 
(I have some sympathy for this. Future ratepayers will get the 
assets their debt has paid for. - BH)

PRIVILEGES FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CARS
--------------------------------------------

Aucklanders driving environmentally-friendly cars will be 
offered special parking privileges in city council car parking 
buildings. Spaces closer to the exits will be available in the 
Downtown car park in a fortnight, for those driving hybrid 
cars or small vehicles with 1.3 litre engines. Council 
spokesman Brian Tomlinson says the scheme will be trialled for 
six months. He believes it is one way the council can 
encourage eco-friendly vehicles. 
 
(I doubt the present mayor will survive long enough to 
implement this on any significant basis - BH)

BILLBOARDS OUT, BUSKERS IN?
---------------------------

The same council that is looking at banning billboards in 
downtown Auckland, wants to encourage buskers. The Auckland 
City Council's Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee has 
drawn up rules for buskers for public discussion. Under the 
guidelines, buskers will have to apply for free licences and 
follow a code of conduct to make sure they do not upset 
retailers or pedestrians. At the moment there are no controls 
or licences, and busking is not promoted. Council spokeswoman, 
Penny Sefuiva, says the guidelines will help to create a more 
vibrant and interesting city. The draft code of conduct will 
be released for public consultation.

Thursday, 8 March 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PEOPLE "FRIGHTENED OUT OF HOUSING MARKET"
-----------------------------------------

The Reserve Bank Governor is being accused of trying to 
frighten people out of the housing market. Dr Alan Bollard has 
today increased the Official Cash Rate by a quarter of a 
percent to 7.50 - and is warning of further rises if the 
housing market continues to boil. National's Bill English says 
the bank's scare tactics will not work, believing the heat 
will go out of the housing market by its own accord within the 
next year or two. He says Dr Bollard has been speculating a 
lot about different ways of slowing down the economy. But he 
says the OCR has that affect and Dr Bollard is doing better 
than he realises.

UNION USES OCR HIKE TO PUSH WAGE CLAIM
--------------------------------------

Today's Official Cash Rate rise is being viewed as an 
incentive to speed up wage claims. The Engineering, Printing 
and Manufacturing Union says the 0.25 percent increase will 
bite many poorly paid workers in the pocket. National 
Secretary Andrew Little says the only way to offset the losses 
is by giving higher wages. He expects the rate rise will have 
a major impact on many people - and believes the only answer 
is a pay increase.

DROWNINGS UP 60% IN FEBRUARY
----------------------------

New figures show surf beaches are proving deadly this summer. 
Statistics from Water Safety New Zealand show 29 people have 
drowned since January. The majority of those were at surfing 
spots. 15 of those were in February which marks a 60-percent 
increase on the same time last year. Water Safety New Zealand 
says typically the majority of drownings are in rivers, adding 
the dramatic increase reinforces the need for ongoing water 
safety education.

WHITE SUBSTANCE SENT IN POST
----------------------------

New Zealand Post is trying to identify a suspicious white 
substance found in mail sent to police. Four postal workers at 
the Christchurch mail centre were hospitalised for observation 
after coming into contact with the substance last night. Some 
complained of stinging eyes. They were discharged this 
morning. NZ Post says there may be some delays in mail 
delivery as a result of the scare, which saw the mail centre 
closed for three hours.

RALLY IN SUPPORT OF RAPE VICTIMS
--------------------------------

Groups of protestors will take to the streets of Auckland and 
Wellington tonight to show their support for victims of rape. 
The demonstration is part of International Women's Day, but 
has been sparked by the recent acquittals in the police sex 
trial in which suspended police chief Clint Rickards, and 
former police colleagues Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum were 
found not guilty of kidnap and indecent assault charges 
relating to the 1980s. After the trial it was revealed Shipton 
and Schollum were serving prison sentences for the rape of a 
woman in Mt Maunganui in the late 1980s. Auckland spokeswoman 
Jasmine Gray says they are protesting against the way sex 
cases are dealt with and against police brutality. She says 
the victims of rape are more on trial than those being 
accused. Ms Gray says only one percent of rape cases which go 
through the court system end in conviction which she says 
cannot be an accurate reflection of events.

ECONOMIC REBOUND WORRIES RESERVE BANK
-------------------------------------

Signs of a rebound in economic activity have prompted the 
Reserve Bank to increase the official cash rate. This 
morning's rise of 0.25 percent was widely expected, although 
many commentators believe it is unnecessary given the sharp 
fall in the value of the New Zealand dollar over the last week 
or so and turbulent global financial markets. The OCR is now 
7.5 percent, the highest in the industrialised world. Reserve 
Bank Governor Alan Bollard says there are clear indications of 
a pickup in economic activity with strengthening domestic 
demand supported by a resurgence in the housing market, 
increased government spending, and higher prices for New 
Zealand's main exports. Dr Bollard feels there is a risk of 
inflation becoming a problem in the medium term.

KINDY PARENTS IN LIMBO
----------------------

The parents of thousands of Auckland pre-schoolers are in 
limbo after a decision to delay signing up to the Government's 
20-free hours childcare policy. The Auckland Kindergarten 
Association wants more time to consult on changes to the 
policy before it decides to accept the deal. It has written to 
parents saying it supports the policy in theory but the rates 
of funding offered by the Government create serious concerns. 
The Association says it will continue to lobby for changes and 
wait for the Education Minister's review of the scheme. The 
policy is due to come into effect in July.

FUTURE POWER SUPPLIES OK SAYS SOE
---------------------------------

Mighty River Power says its decision not to convert to coal 
the never-used oil-fired Marsden B power station near 
Whangarei reflects an easing of concern about future power 
supplies. Doug Heffernan, CEO of the state-owned power 
company, says domestic gas supplies have been boosted and 
billions of dollars have been invested in new power projects 
since 2003, when there was a high level of concern that New 
Zealand might run short. He says projects include a huge 
geothermal plant at Kawerau. Mr Heffernan is denying that 
pressure from opponents led to the decision. The Marsden B 
oil-fired plant was built in the 1970s but never used because 
oil prices at the time were too high. Penalties under proposed 
carbon emission policies could also have proved a deterrent 
not recommission the power station.

APPLE PLOY DOESN'T CUT WITH GREENS
----------------------------------

A new apple marketing ploy is being slammed by the Green 
Party. Fresh Edge is producing 80 gram packs of sliced apples, 
processed to stop them going brown. But Green MP Nandor 
Tanczos says the packaging is creating unnecessary waste for 
the environment and goes against the government's plans to 
reduce the amount of plastic in landfills. He says apples do 
not need packaging as they come with their own skin. He 
suggests if people really want sliced apples, the cut fruit 
can be secured with a rubber band to stop it browning. He 
finds it astounding that people are too lazy to peel and slice 
apples for themselves. Mr Tanczos says Fresh Edge would be 
better using its marketing weight to encourage people to eat 
fruit naturally, instead of adding to landfills.

EDUCATION NEEDED ON LAND ACCESS RIGHTS
--------------------------------------

The Government has backed away from opening up private land 
for public access and recreational users want to make sure 
they do not lose any further rights. In 2004, the Government 
revealed plans which would allow the public to cross private 
land to reach rivers and lakes, without compensating 
landowners. After objections from farmers, Labour entered 
post-election agreements with New Zealand First and United 
Future promising an overhaul of the proposal. An independent 
report released yesterday, states that property owners will 
now have to negotiate with people such as anglers and trampers 
who want to cross their land. It recommends the appointment of 
a commissioner to negotiate land access matters including 
disputes. Hugh Barr, from the Council of Outdoor Recreation 
Associations is pleased the issue is being looked at but says 
the panel which considered access issues was predominantly 
made up of members from the rural land owning community and 
had just one recreational representative. He accuses Federated 
Farmers of influencing the panel and hopes the group does not 
influence the commissioner. Mr Barr says the next step is to 
educate the public about their rights.

RED LIGHT RUNNERS DOBBED IN
---------------------------

Close calls and near misses have Aucklanders flocking to dob-
in red light runners. The campaign has been running for just a 
week, but more than 200 people have phoned 0800 Stop 4 Red and 
another 200 have reported a bad driver to the stop 4 red 
website. The month long campaign is being run by Auckland City 
Council which is worried by the rising number crashes at 
traffic lights. The culprits reported for their driving 
behaviour will be getting a warning letter in the post.

DON'T RAISE INTEREST RATES SAYS ECONOMIST
-----------------------------------------

The governor of the Reserve Bank is being urged to hold his 
nerve. Most pundits expect Alan Bollard to raise the Official 
Cash Rate to 7.5 percent at 9am, but Dr Ganesh Nana, senior 
economist with independent economic researcher BERL, says that 
will only encourage more foreign investment in the New Zealand 
dollar, pushing it higher. He says any attempt to dampen the 
inflationary impact of a buoyant housing market by raising 
rates, ignores the damage which would be caused to the export 
sector. Dr Nana believes there are a range of other options to 
specifically target the housing market including relatively 
unpalatable options such as capital gains taxes and mortgage 
levies. He would prefer to see interest rates come down, as 
New Zealand's are already amongst the highest in the OECD 
which is not something to aspire to.

Friday, 9 March 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

KIWI TRAVELLERS TAKE MORE TRIPS
-------------------------------

Kiwi travellers are taking more domestic overnight trips and 
for a greater number of nights. New Ministry of Tourism 
figures show the amount of money spent on domestic travel 
increased by 7.5% in the year to September 2006. Senior 
Research Analyst Markus Landvogt says this is partly the 
result of higher fuel prices, and also a shift away from 
taking day-trips. He believes an AA campaign launched last 
year highlighting New Zealand attractions has also played a 
role.

WAITAKERE "CITY OF PEACE"
-------------------------

It is already an eco and safe city - now Waitakere is a peace 
city as well. The concept has been unanimously voted in by 
city councillors. Mayor Bob Harvey says a City of Peace 
concept focuses on positive and non-violent methods of solving 
conflict as a way to reduce violence. He says the concept may 
come across as mere words, but they are not hollow ones. The 
next step will be to create a plan of practical ways which 
will make the vision a reality.

WAREHOUSE TO MAKE "$96M"
------------------------

The Warehouse say it is on track to make a full year profit of 
around $96 million. The red shed's half year results announced 
today have seen the company back in the black. It made a net 
profit of $61 million for the first half of its financial 
year. That compares to an $8 million loss for the same time 
last year, which included an $87.8 million write down of its 
now-abandoned Australian operations. It has declared a 12 
cents per share dividend. But the Warehouse is still a 
potential takeover target, with Australian-owned Woolworths 
and local supermarket operator Foodstuffs each holding 10 
percent shares and applying for clearance to buy the company.

AIR NZ TAKES THE BISCUIT
------------------------

The cookie has crumbled for the domestic carrier. Air New 
Zealand will stop offering free cookies to domestic passengers 
from Monday. Customers on 737 domestic services will still be 
offered free tea, coffee or water but will have to purchase 
any food if they are hungry. Air New Zealand says a recent 
trial of buy-on-board products was successful and as a result 
has been extended to all day-time domestic flights. Catering 
company Wishbone will provide ready-made snacks for purchase 
including sandwiches, pasta salads and slices. Chips and 
chocolate bars will also be on sale as will alcoholic and non 
alcoholic beverages. The airplane lollies will still be 
offered upon descent. You will still be able to get a cookie - 
but it will cost you $1. 
 
(I remember when Ansett arrived in NZ, and offered not just 
cheese and biscuits, but hot meals and wine. Oh how eager Air 
New Zealand were to compete then. - BH)

GOVT BROADENS LAND SALES REVIEW
-------------------------------

The Government's broadening its review of land sales by 
Landcorp to include Government departments, agencies, SOEs, 
and Crown Entities. The issue has been in the political 
spotlight after a Maori land occupation in the Coromandel saw 
the Government put a Landcorp property sale on the back-
burner. State Owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard says 
Landcorp's holdings are being reviewed, but in addition so too 
are the policies and processes for the disposal of land by 
other Government agencies. He says the aim is to ensure all 
processes are right when there are proposals to dispose of 
Crown land.

FEW WOMEN MANAGERS
------------------

The glass ceiling has been lowered on New Zealand women. A 
survey shows New Zealand is slipping down the international 
rankings when it comes to the number of women in senior 
management. Three years ago the country was ranked fourth 
equal, but is now 10th. The Philippines leads the pack, with 
50 percent of senior management positions filled by women. Of 
the 150 New Zealand businesses, 37 percent have no women in 
senior management, 40 percent have one, 13 percent two and 10 
percent three or more.

RACIAL DISCRIMINATION STILL A PROBLEM IN NZ
-------------------------------------------

Racial discrimination remains a concern for the Human Rights 
Commission. The organisation has just released its annual 
report on the state of race relations in 2006. The Commission 
has found complaints about racial discrimination in the 
workplace made up almost a third of the 190 complaints it 
dealt with. The proportion has now increased for three years 
running. Racial harassment is also rising from 19 percent of 
complaints in 2005 to 24 percent last year. Accommodation is 
highlighted as a problem area. In one case a Korean landlord 
said he would only accept Korean tenants while in another, a 
landlord withdrew an offer of a tenancy when he discovered the 
applicant was Maori.

GAMING MACHINES MONITORED
-------------------------

The last of 20,000 gaming machines at non-casino venues will 
be connected to the new electronic monitoring system today. 
The Gambling Act now requires all such venues to be connected 
to a central computer to monitor how much money is gambled on 
each machine, what each machine pays out to gamblers and how 
much money should be banked. Internal Affairs spokesman Keith 
Manch says the system will also make sure the programmes are 
legitimate. The department will publish data from EMS in its 
quarterly gambling licensing statistics from June.

FREE FRUIT PROVING POPULAR
--------------------------

The Ministry of Health is expecting good results from its 
first formal analysis of the fruit in schools programme. The 
initiative is one of the first established under the 
Government's Healthy Eating Healthy Action Strategy designed 
to combat childhood obesity. It was launched in 2005 and 
provides a free piece of fruit to every child in 270 low 
decile schools throughout New Zealand. Programme manager 
Cynthia Maling says anecdotal information suggests the 
students are loving it. She says the first key evaluation of 
the fruit in schools programme is due next month.



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