WYSIWYG NEWS - 11 November, 2007

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 11 November, 2007 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer. 

Armistice day - We will remember them.

"On the Road"*
-------------

>From Wairoa, across the river, there is another road to the 
North that also ends in Gisborne. Our newlyweds had invited us 
to drop in and visit them at Waikaremoana on our way home from 
Gisborne. Never having been there before, we overcame our 
natural reluctance to play "gooseberry" on their honeymoon, 
and set out on this interesting side road. From Wairoa to 
Frasertown is pleasant and civilized area in a pastoral sort 
of way. At Frasertown, the road branches to the North as SH 36 
to Marumaru, Te Reinga, Tiniroto, Waerengaokuri and eventually 
back to Gisborne. I must try it some day, as I suspect it is 
an amazing, albeit lonely landscape. 

Our path, however, was the road that goes Northwest (at least 
on average) from Frasertown as SH 38, through Waikaremoana and 
on to Murupara and through the Kaingaroa forest to Rotorua. 
Almost the first sign we encountered warned of winding dirt 
roads for the next 105 km. For the next 30 km I thought they 
had got it at least partially wrong. It was certainly winding, 
following the pretty valley in which the Waikaretaheke river 
winds its way, but the road was well sealed, and well 
maintained, and passed through some of the most picturesque 
farmland you could wish for. 

The further we went from Frasertown, the closer came the 
valley walls, the steeper and more frequent the turns in the 
road, and the more often the single lane road bridges crossed 
from one side of the river to the other. Often the approaches 
to these bridges had such limited visibility that a city 
dweller like myself ended up on the bridge staring at an 
oncoming car to which I should have given way. Frequent users 
on this road are obviously aware of the limitations of city 
drivers, and despite a couple of such mistakes on my part, 
they just waved amiably as I acknowledged my error. 

The valley was adorned with some of the loveliest stands of 
trees that I have seen for a while. New Zealand's own native 
bush is mostly glossy evergreen, and mostly of modest height, 
though very beautiful in its own way. I did notice that down 
on these lush green river flats, a very large number of trees 
were majestic specimens of European deciduous trees, 
undoubtedly grown from seeds brought by homesick pioneers. In 
today's biosecurity environment, such seeds would never be 
allowed across the border, but I have to confess that these 
ancient ones contributed most spectacularly to the delights of 
the journey, with all their spring growth on display. 
Sometimes they stood singly and impressive. At other times 
they were in picturesque groves. 

Eventually the good road surface expired, and we were on a 
gravel road, leaving a trail of swirling dust in our wake, and 
struggling to keep the vehicle on course. Lack of practice 
with such conditions meant that I came close to having the 
tail slide out on several occasions, so a slower pace was 
required. Houses near the road must be very difficult to keep 
clean, especially in summer. Passing through tiny settlements 
such as Tarapatiki, Piripaua, and Kokako, it occurred to me 
that only the late model cars occasionally passing 
distinguished this from New Zealand as it was when my family 
migrated here from England in 1954. The little holiday homes, 
known locally as a bach (pronounced as batch) in the North 
Island, or a crib in the lower South Island, were exactly as 
they used to be, back then. Most were of ordinary weatherboard 
(US = clapboard) construction, but a surprising number were 
clad in what I think is fibrolite "shakes". Fibrolite was a 
popular asbestos cement material in the fifties. I just hope 
that no one in such a house takes to the walls with power 
tools or sandpaper. Paint is obviously not highly valued by 
many, and several houses had the merest traces of an ancient 
coat of paint. Few modern structures existed, and it's my 
understanding that much this land adjoining the Urewera 
National Park is Maori land, and that consent for anything 
"out of character" may be hard to come by. Long may it remain 
so. Paradise is not yet entirely lost, and this little 
fragment of New Zealand the way it was, is well worth the 
effort of preservation. 

A little further on we reached the tiny township of Tuai, and 
signs indicating the presence of a nearby hydro power 
generator. Penstocks from a dam were visible to the right, and 
my subsequent exploration of maps indicated that this related 
to the hydro-lake Whakamarino. Just a few minutes further, and 
we reached the turnoff for Onepoto, at which place there was 
suddenly cellular coverage again (at least for Vodaphone 
customers). We phoned Helen and Vasely who were waiting for 
our call, and they directed us the last kilometre to the 
excellent and well equipped bach in which they were staying.  

After a brief period of catch up, we set out to explore the 
immediate area, and with Vasely at the wheel, we went further 
round the lake to the base of a track leading to Lou's 
Lookout. This is a walkway posted as 45 minute return. It is 
reasonably steep, and the track is largely unformed, so good 
shoes were a blessing given my week ankles. In places it is 
wet underfoot, and in other places, "underfoot" almost 
disappears, as the path wanders through an ancient landslide 
through large boulders and beside steep dark caves. Eventually 
we emerged from the bush which obscured all views and suddenly 
we were standing on a wooden platform looking out over the 
splendour of the lake. 

Across the bay the huge bulk of the Panekiri Bluffs dominated 
the scene. I enjoyed the panorama and rejoiced in having made 
it to the top, but was equally glad to return to ground level 
from where we set off to find a picnic spot. Mary and the 
youngsters then climbed the track to the trig station at the 
top of bluff (it ascends from the lake at 550m to about 
1,160m), while my lack of condition counselled me to have a 
siesta at lake level, and to await the wanderers' return. Mary 
apparently made it to the top in just 45 minutes which augurs 
well for her upcoming local half marathon walk up Belmont in 
December). She walked back to meet the youngsters, and they 
eventually all got back to the trig where they took photos to 
prove the point, and then came back to find me.

We enjoyed an excellent meal at the end of the day, and had a 
very nice evening with the young folk before settling down for 
the night. The Ureweras are not what South Islanders would 
call "real" mountains, since they top out at a modest 1,400 
metres, but there are almost 4,000 square kilometres of steep 
densely bush clad hill country, with relatively few tracks and 
even fewer roads through them. It would be a foolish traveller 
indeed who took this country lightly, or entered it unprepared 
or without appropriate bush skills. It is a spectacular 
landscape on a grand scale. Watching the last rays of the sun 
in the evening, and hearing a magnificent dawn chorus the next 
day convinced me that this is a slice of heaven to which I 
would like to return, preferably fitter than I am now.

Unless something takes my mind off it in the intervening 
period, next week we shall traverse SH2 back to Napier and 
SH50 to Takapau, and thence home through the Wairarapa to 
Wellington

* Many thanks to the several readers who wrote in support of 
the occasional column of a more personal nature. What you 
lacked in numbers you more than made up for in the strength of 
your expressions of your support. 

---- 
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. 
 
Thanks to Pat and George in Alexandria, VA for their most 
generous support, cycle after cycle. I hope all is well with 
you both.
----  
On with the News. 

Monday, 5 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NO LIVE DIDYMO FOUND IN NORTH ISLAND
------------------------------------

Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton has confirmed there is no 
evidence of live didymo in the river samples from the central 
North Island. Biosecurity New Zealand was notified on October 
31 that dead didymo cells were found in surveillance samples 
collected from the six sites. Mr Anderton says further samples 
from all six sites have been tested, and show no live didymo. 
He says MAF is currently working to identify the source of the 
dead cells. 
 
(In some of the news items I heard on radio, Mr Anderton 
seemed to suggest faulty sampling of some kind. 

"HIGH EXPECTATIONS" BLAMED FOR POOR RATING
------------------------------------------

Telecom's blaming the high expectations of its customers for a 
survey which rates it the worst ISP in the country. A 
Consumer's survey of 10,000 Internet users has voted Xtra the 
worst provider for a third year in row. Xtra's new Yahoo 
Bubble service, which blocked customers from checking their 
emails for days, may have contributed to the poor result. Xtra 
spokesman Nick Brown says New Zealanders are early adopters of 
technology, which is putting pressure on Telecom. He says 
management will look closely at the survey results as Telecom 
works to improve its service to customers. 
 
(Of course if you expect competence you are doomed to 
disappointment? Is that what he just said? There is nothing 
leading edge about a decent broadband service. A better excuse 
is needed than that - BH)

SPOT CHECKS SEE 63 TAXIS ORDERED OFF ROAD
-----------------------------------------

There was a dismal showing from Auckland's taxi fleet during 
spot checks over the weekend. Faults were found in more than 
half of the 295 cabs stopped by Land Transport New Zealand 
Taxi Enforcement staff. Of the cabs, 63 were so bad they were 
ordered off the road for safety reasons. Taxi Federation 
executive director Tim Reddish says taxi companies need to use 
self-compliance regimes. He says the standards have not been 
acceptable for many years.

MAORI FARE POORLY IN MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY
-----------------------------------------

The latest figures on drug and alcohol use paint a disturbing 
picture for Maori. They come from a mental health survey 
carried out by Otago University. Almost 13,000 people were 
interviewed on a range of behaviours and conditions relating 
to mental health. The figures suggest that of those who drink, 
it becomes dangerous in 36 percent of Maori, 33 percent of 
Pacific Islanders and 23 percent of others. It is a similar 
picture when it comes to drugs. Drug use occurs in 20 percent 
of Maori, 13 percent of others and nine percent of Pacific 
Islanders, with drug disorder most common among Maori. The 
findings of the survey will be presented at the Cutting Edge 
Addiction Conference in Auckland today.

SCHOOL LEAVING AGE TO BE RAISED?
--------------------------------

Students hoping to leave school earlier rather later may be in 
for some bad news from the Government. Prime Minister Helen 
Clark has given a hefty hint that the school leaving age could 
be raised to 17. She says half of all New Zealanders in the 
workforce do not have the skills to function fully in a 
knowledge economy. Miss Clark says if we are trying to build 
the economy of the future our people need to be more skilled. 
She says one of the first places to address that is what is 
happening at the point of exit out of school. 
 
(Madness. Teachers are not babysitters. This is just an 
attempt to stall an influx of young job seekers as far as I 
can see - BH)

FAMILY FIRST HAS CONCERNS OVER CANCER VACCINE
---------------------------------------------

Family First is warning the safety of a vaccine to protect 
young girls from cervical cancer has not been proven. The 
Prime Minister wants the Health Ministry to bring in the 
vaccine, Gardasil, for routine immunisation of girls as young 
as 12 years old. But Family First spokesman Bob McCoskrie says 
the government is jumping the gun in trying to introduce it 
now. He claims there have been five deaths from the vaccine in 
the United States since the middle of last year, and more than 
three thousand adverse reactions to it. Bob McCoskrie says 
even the Health Ministry has admitted that the vaccine is in 
the early stage of development and its effectiveness is yet to 
be fully evaluated.

CONCERN OVER BOOZE-RELATED BRAIN DAMAGE IN NZ
---------------------------------------------

There is a warning the New Zealand health system will be 
swamped within the next 20 years with people suffering from 
alcohol related brain damage. International experts are 
meeting in Auckland today to discuss the issue, including 
Sonia Berton, Chief Executive of ARBIAS, an Australian based 
organisation that treats people with alcohol related brain 
damage. Ms Berton says one in five Kiwis are at risk of 
alcohol related brain damage. She says those affected require 
nursing and home care. In its more devastating form, people 
will often present themselves to health services or criminal 
justice, and Ms Berton says it is going to be pretty costly. 
She says over 800 thousand adults, and over half of young 
people under the age of 25, are placing themselves at risk 
because of the amount they are drinking.

NATIONAL UNIMPRESSED WITH FALTERING DHB
---------------------------------------

National is not impressed with Capital and Coast District 
Health Board's moves to address problems in its children's 
oncology department. The service is in jeopardy following the 
resignation of the last of its specialists working in the 
ward. National is now calling for Parliament's Health Select 
Committee to investigate. Health spokesman Tony Ryall does not 
buy the DHB's argument it has had long running problems 
getting oncologists. Nor is he satisfied with the claim it is 
urgently seeking a replacement, saying that line has been 
heard for quite some time. Tony Ryall says parents need 
assurances that all that can be done is being done. 
 
(I suspect that no one is especially impressed with any of the 
DHBs, but I suspect that the problem is systemic. That is, 
DHBs are mostly led by professional bureaucrats, rather than 
by clinicians and pastoral workers who really understand the 
priorities. Both in health and education, it is my conviction 
that the central power structure will give priority to 
expanding their own empire. The ratio of managers to service 
delivery people is getting worse. Too many marketers, HR 
people, and designers of new logos and letterheads. - BH)

LABOUR FINALLY CONCEDES TO TAX CUTS
-----------------------------------

Tax cuts and another scuffle have dominated the Labour Party 
conference held in Auckland over the weekend. The Labour 
hierarchy is furious at the actions of one of its delegates 
marring what was a significant conference for the party. Les 
Richards' alleged attack on protesters almost overshadowed 
what happened inside the conference. Party President Mike 
Williams described the incident as an act of stupidity, while 
Helen Clark says it was regrettable and should not have 
happened. Police are investigating. The main policy talking 
point was confirmation there WILL be personal tax cuts ahead 
of next year's election. The announcement paves the way for 
tax cuts to be another major election issue, with both 
National and Labour trying to lure voters with the thought of 
more money in the pocket. But exactly how significant any tax 
cut offered by a Labour-led Government will be is still up in 
the air. Both Helen Clark and Finance Minister Michael Cullen 
have spoken of the plan to bring in across-the-board tax cuts 
in time for the election. The issue drew strong applause from 
delegates at the conference over the weekend. Helen Clark says 
it will be a matter of ensuring any tax cuts are fair. She 
will not elaborate beyond that, saying they need to focus on 
the design of the plan. The PM Clark says the cost of tax cuts 
will be based on the best advice from officials. 
 
(Even as I write this, Dr Cullen is being reported as 
unconvinced of the economic benefits of tax cuts, or of any 
attempt to achieve wage parity with Australia. It's as if they 
have decided that they want to lose the election. - BH)

FIREWORKS CALL-OUTS DOWN THIS YEAR - SO FAR
-------------------------------------------

Service says it has had fewer fireworks related call-outs so 
far than in previous years. But it is waiting for tonight to 
see if the new legislation has had a significant impact. 
Spokesman Scott Sargentina says the Service had pushed for the 
introduction of restrictions on the sale of fireworks to only 
four days and an increase to 18 for the age of people allowed 
to buy them. He says they are optimistic those changes are 
going to significantly decrease the number of incidents they 
are called to. But Mr Sargentina they will wait for Guy Fawkes 
tonight and re-evaluate things tomorrow.

Tuesday, 6 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE TERROR ACCUSED NAMED AS APPEAL FAILS
-----------------------------------------

A last ditch bid to keep name suppression has been denied for 
two men arrested in last month's anti-terror raids. Lawyers 
for Whiri Kemara and Tuhoe Lambert fought their clients' cases 
all the way to the Court of Appeal. They had to use a special 
legal provision to ask the Court of Appeal for permission to 
appeal a High Court decision that would have allowed their 
identities to be published. The Court of Appeal has dismissed 
that appeal, but its reasons for doing so are not yet known.

CLOSE ELECTION RACE TO BE RECOUNTED
-----------------------------------

There will be a judicial recount of an extremely narrow 
Environment Bay Of Plenty election result. Karen Summerhays 
beat Larry Baldock for the final Tauranga seat on the regional 
council - by just five votes. Mr Baldock's application for a 
recount has been approved. It will be held this Friday in 
Christchurch, with a final result expected that afternoon.

UNION BUOYED BY SHIPPING PLAN
-----------------------------

The Maritime Union says the push to renew coastal shipping is 
long overdue. The Government is aiming to have 30 percent of 
domestic freight moved by coastal shipping within 30 years. 
Maritime Union secretary Trevor Hanson says it will reduce 
traffic jams and lead to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Mr 
Hanson is also pleased the need to entice and train new 
merchant sailors to replace the current ageing workforce has 
been acknowledged.

HOME-BUYERS PROMISED BETTER PROTECTION
--------------------------------------

The Real Estate Institute is being stripped of much of its 
powers as part of a major shakeup of the industry. An 
independent Real Estate Agents Authority will be established 
to oversee licensing and complaints, while a Disciplinary 
Tribunal will also be set up to deal with more serious cases. 
The changes will mean agents will no longer be required to be 
members of the Real Estate Institute. Associate Justice 
Minister Clayton Cosgrove says the reforms are designed to 
bring accountability and transparency to the sector. He says 
good honest real estate agents have been let down by their 
leadership and the industry is a mess, with little 
accountability as consumers are being ripped off. Mr Cosgrove 
says the reforms will give home-buyers much better protection. 
He says it may be time for some agents to look for a new job. 
Barfoot and Thompson director Peter Thompson is pleased there 
could be more transparency with disciplinary action, but is 
concerned agents are no longer required to become members of 
the Real Estate Institute, which he believes is good for the 
industry. He says it could allow more sharks to get into 
selling real estate. Mr Thompson claims the new body will do 
nothing more than what is being done at the moment and will 
increase the costs for consumers. 
 
(Now a chorus of naysayers suggest that such a scheme is 
unworkable. Yeah, right! - BH)

GOVT UNVEILS NEW SCHOOL CURRICULUM
----------------------------------

A new school curriculum has been unveiled. It follows 
consultation with more than 15,000 people who filed more than 
10,000 submissions on the final draft. Education Minister 
Chris Carter says the single document is clearer and simpler 
than the seven it replaces. He says it shifts away from 
focusing on knowledge of facts and figures, to knowing how to 
use knowledge effectively and apply it outside the classroom. 
Other changes include the addition of Te Reo Maori and New 
Zealand Sign Language as official languages. The Greens say it 
will also ensure all children learn more about sustainability 
and environmental responsibility.

NEW WEBSITE RATES CARS
----------------------

A new information site for car buyers goes live today. 
www.rightcar.govt.nz has been developed by Land Transport New 
Zealand. The site provides detailed information on over 2,000 
new and used cars. It compares safety, fuel efficiency and 
carbon emissions, rating them on a six star system. Chief 
executive Wayne Donnelly says it is part of LTNZ's drive to 
reduce CO2 emissions, bring down the road toll and improve the 
efficiency of New Zealand's vehicle fleet.

POLITICAL PARTIES DIVIDED ON ELECTION SPENDING
----------------------------------------------

A political stalemate is emerging over the proposed laws on 
election spending. Legislation's due to be introduced to 
Parliament shortly extending the definitions put on 
electioneering, after last year's election spending debacle. 
Helen Clark says it has been impossible to reach political 
consensus on the legislation. She has fired a shot at National 
saying they were the ones that wanted the current rules rolled 
over which is what the Government is now trying to do. The 
legislation would legitimise Labour's pledge card that caused 
so much fuss after the last election. However, Helen Clark 
says they have given no thought to using it again, and says in 
such matters Labour would err on the side of caution.

SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF CHASE 10% PAY RISE
---------------------------------------

Bargaining starts today on a pay claim for 11-thousand school 
support staff around the country. The claim, put together by 
the New Zealand Educational Institute, was endorsed by members 
at union meetings in September. President Irene Cooper says 
school support staff, including teacher aides, sports 
coordinators and librarians, are some of the lowest paid in 
the education sector. She says their average wage is 12 to13 
dollars an hour, which is not a living wage. Irene Cooper says 
they are pushing for a ten percent wage increase over two 
years.

AUCKLAND MARKET FLOODED WITH HOMES FOR SALE
-------------------------------------------

Those trying to sell their house in Auckland are being warned 
they may have to drop their price. Barfoot and Thompson signed 
up nearly two-thousand new listings in October, increasing the 
year's average by a thousand to over five-and-a-half-thousand 
listings. Director Peter Thompson says there is plenty of 
choice out there for buyers, meaning it is taking longer for 
sales to be made. However, the glut of houses on the market 
does not appear to be having any great effect on prices so 
far. Mr Thompson says the average sale price for Auckland was 
nearly 547 thousand dollars in October, up 1.5 percent from 
September.

PARKING WARDENS NOW BUS-LANE MONITORS
-------------------------------------

Manukau City council is getting tough on drivers who clog bus-
only lanes. Its parking officers have been certified by the 
Commissioner of Police and are now authorised to issue tickets 
to drivers. The penalty is a 150 dollar fine. The parking 
officers will use video cameras to monitor the bus lanes.

Wednesday, 7 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PETERS SET AGAINST LATEST AIRPORT BID
-------------------------------------

New Zealand First is urging the Auckland International Airport 
to reject the latest bid for a partial take over. The Canada 
Pension Plan Investment Board wants a 40 percent stake in the 
company. Its earlier proposal was rejected last month. NZ 
First leader Winston Peters says selling the airport to a 
foreign-owned company, regardless of the percentage, lessens 
New Zealand control of our own assets. He says the airport is 
performing very well, and it is easy to see why it is 
attracting international bidders.

NZ'S FINANCIAL SYSTEMS RULED TO BE SOUND
----------------------------------------

The latest diagnosis of New Zealand's financial system has 
found it is sound. The Reserve Bank has released the latest of 
its twice-yearly financial stability reports. Governor Alan 
Bollard says New Zealand has been reasonably resilient against 
a back-drop of worldwide market volatility. Dr Bollard says 
recent events highlight the importance of liquidity for 
institutions and the financial system as a whole. But he says 
New Zealand is heavily reliant on foreign capital markets, and 
these markets may not be as secure and liquid as previously 
thought. Dr Bollard says the Reserve Bank is starting work on 
a specific liquidity policy for banks which it expects to 
introduce next year.

(I once read of a person whose boss provided a reference: 
"this person has done his job to his entire satisfaction" ... 
perhaps the report was done by an independent external 
authority, but surely they would have said so? - BH)

NEW CURRICULUM OKAY BY TEACHERS UNION
-------------------------------------

The teachers' union says a new school curriculum will 
modernise education, but there is a lot more work to do. 
Education Minister Chris Carter yesterday launched the 
curriculum for students in years one to ten. New Zealand 
Educational Institute President Irene Cooper says teachers 
nationwide have had a say about what is in the new curriculum. 
She says the vision is strong, but the Ministry needs to make 
sure it gets into every school. Education Minister Chris 
Carter has announced there will be a day next year for 
teachers to figure out how they will implement the curriculum. 
Ms Cooper says one day is not enough for teachers to get up to 
speed. She says schools are going to need three weeks to come 
to grips with the curriculum. Ms Cooper says the new approach 
to learning will be a big change for some schools. At least 
one principal is giving the new curriculum the thumbs up. The 
new document puts an emphasis on students thinking for 
themselves and a strong environmental component. South New 
Brighton School Principal John Bockett, says it has become 
easier for schools to add their own local flavour. He says it 
affirms the work that his school has done teaching students 
about the environment. The new-look curriculum also has a 
focus on te reo Maori, sign language, statistics, and learning 
a second language.

HEATED DEBATE OVER TERRORISM SUPPRESSION BILL
---------------------------------------------

New Zealand First has confirmed its support for the proposed 
amendments to the country's anti-terror laws. The Suppression 
of Terrorism Amendment Bill is a step closer to passing after 
going through committee stage debate in Parliament last night. 
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark has reserved a few barbs for 
those, particularly the Greens and the Maori Party, who oppose 
the Bill. He says the greatest threat to civil liberties, 
civilisation, and democratic society is the belief that there 
is no threat. He says anybody who says terror acts are not 
possible, are ignoring history. However, Hone Harawira has 
gone on the front foot against the Bill. The Maori Party MP 
says he will not stand quietly by and wait for the New Zealand 
Police force to come up with its idea of what is right and 
what is wrong. He says his support for whanau, iwi, and 
individuals threatened by the terror of state forces is 
absolute. Meanwhile, Maori members of the Anglican Church are 
joining the debate over the way police handled terror raids in 
Ruatoki. The church condemned the behaviour of police at 
roadblocks when they held their two-yearly meeting at the 
weekend. Archdeacon Hone Kaa says Tuhoe has always been a 
community that has resisted the Government. But he says there 
is no excuse for women, children and the elderly being 
subjected to terror. Mr Kaa says police should have considered 
using their Maori Liason Officers to deal with people.

NEW REAL ESTATE RULES LABELLED UNSUSTAINABLE
--------------------------------------------

Changes to the Real Estate rules will come at a price to the 
industry and consumers, according to one company. An 
independent authority will be set up to investigate complaints 
and licensing issues, and agents will not have to be a member 
of the institute. But First National Chief Executive Paul 
Slatin is wondering where the nine million dollars to run it 
will come from. He says there is no doubt the reforms will 
result in fewer agents, particularly if a recommendation is 
adopted to make sure networks employ agents on a permanent 
basis rather than through a contract. He says that will affect 
smaller offices in particular. Mr Slatin says he supports 
anything that gets rid of bad apples, but the new plans are 
unsustainable and based on economic fallacies.

(The sky is falling! The sky is falling! - BH)

Thursday, 8 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NO TERROR CHARGES TO BE LAID
----------------------------

Solicitor General David Collins has decided those arrested in 
security raids last month won't face terrorism charges. The 
cases of 12 of the 16 people picked up in the October 15 raids 
were referred to him to consider charges under the Terrorism 
Suppression Act. Mr Collins says he has made the decision 
after considering all the evidence available, assessing the 
relevant law, applying the law to the evidence and deciding 
whether it would be in the public interest from the 
prosecutions to proceed. Mr Collins says there is insufficient 
evidence to establish the very high standards required that a 
group or entity was planning, or preparing to commit a 
terrorist act Tuhoe activist Tame Iti is one of the 12 people 
who was in question and is currently on remand on firearms 
charges, in custody. His son Toi Iti says his family is 
ecstatic and feels vindicated. He says the family knew right 
from the start that his father is not a terrorist, and are 
glad that some sanity has prevailed after all the craziness. 
Toi Iti is hoping today's decision means his father will soon 
be out of jail. Charl Hirschfeld represents another of the 
accused, Whiri Kemara, who he says is extremely relieved by 
the decision. He says his client was hoping for this outcome, 
but he was never allowed to see all the evidence so he could 
not be sure. Mr Hirschfeld says on the evidence he had seen, 
it was a very thin case. He will seek bail for Whiri Kemara 
tomorrow afternoon. Police Commissioner Howard Broad says 
police are disappointed that consent has not been given, but 
satisfied with the Solicitor-General's endorsement that police 
had a sufficient and proper basis for investigating the 
activities in question. "The Solicitor-General's tribute to 
the professionalism and integrity of the police in bringing to 
an end what he has described as very disturbing activities 
without a single shot being fired, injury or loss of life will 
buoy up my staff who have been the butt of considerable 
comment and criticism since October 15." Mr Broad says it was 
unfortunate, but unavoidable, that the 'terrorist' term became 
associated publicly with the case and the people connected 
with it, before the Solicitor-General had made his decision. 
He says police had to advise those subject to search warrants 
that their searches and inquiries related to potential 
offences under both the Arms Act and the Terrorism Suppression 
Act. "That the Ruatoki Valley was the epicentre of military 
style training camps was a geographical fact not of police's 
making. We had a legitimate cause to conduct enforcement 
actions in the valley as part of this investigation. "We are 
deeply concerned at the impact the operation has had on the 
people in the Ruatoki Valley and those who are connected to 
Tuhoe. We clearly appreciate that people were caught up in the 
termination of the operation who were innocent. We regret the 
hurt and stress caused to the community of Ruatoki and we will 
seek an appropriate way to repair the damage done to 
Police/Maori relations." Mr Broad notes that Peter Williams 
QC, acting on behalf of the Tuhoe people, says he wishes to 
place evidence before him of what he considers to be 
unsatisfactory police actions. He believes the QC is correct 
in directing those representations to him and says he will 
work out a way in which they can be looked at objectively and 
dispassionately. "While suggestions that relationships may 
have been set back 100 years may seem rather over the top, 
history tells us that episodes such as this can and do take 
decades to heal." Mr Broad says the police are confident that 
the nation is mature enough to work through all the 
ramifications of what has gone on in recent weeks, to learn 
from it and to move forward. 
 
(The fascinating thing about the media reaction to this has 
been the way in which they hear what they want to hear. They 
manufacture public outrage. In an admittedly unscientific 
phone-in poll on Friday night, 21,829 people responded, and 
88% of them supported the police's action, as do I. - BH)

MANUKAU TO KEEP AIRPORT SHARES
------------------------------

Manukau City Council has decided to retain its shareholding in 
Auckland Airport. Interest from the Canada Pension Plan 
Investment Board means the council again has the option to 
sell its share of just over 10 percent. At a meeting this 
morning, the council heard more than 500 submissions, the 
majority of which were in favour of retaining the shares. 
Mayor Len Brown says the airport is a vital asset for the 
region. He says it is a major employer and as a transport hub, 
it brings a lot of business into Manukau.

PRISON OF 6-8 STOREYS PLANNED FOR MT EDEN
-----------------------------------------

Plans for a six to eight storey high prison on the current Mt 
Eden jail site seem to be a done deal. The Corrections 
Department has outlined its plans to the local community 
board. Auckland City Councillor Cathy Casey is concerned at 
the height and size of the proposed structure, that would 
provide another 964 prison cells. But she says locals have 
little avenue to object as Corrections is not required to go 
through normal regulatory channels. Dr Casey says while the 
area around the prison is largely commercial, she is concerned 
at the size of the proposal and the number of inmates who 
would be housed in the jail. 
 
(There seems to be an intention to close the Victorian prisons 
such as Mt Eden. I wonder if they will have the courage to 
demolish them. - BH)

LABOUR MARKET REMAINS TIGHT
---------------------------

Labour conditions remained tight in the September 2007 
quarter. Statistics New Zealand's labour force survey has 
recorded an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent. It is the lowest 
rate recorded in the 20-year history of the survey. The number 
of people unemployed decreased by 2,000, driven by a drop in 
female unemployment, while male unemployment remained 
constant.

NZAID'S PROCESSES BEING FIXED
-----------------------------

Foreign Minister Winston Peters promises problems with the 
NZAID programme are being fixed. An audit report has 
criticised the development agency's management and 
administration processes. Mr Peters says immediate steps have 
been taken to remedy the identified problems and he has 
demanded officials fix things as a matter of urgency. He says 
the audit does not suggest NZAID funding has been misspent, 
misappropriated, or that any of NZAID's projects have been 
compromised. 
 
(I have had the privilege of teaching students on NZAID 
scholarships, and supervising doctoral candidates sponsored by 
NZAID. In this area at least, I believe they do a great job. - 
BH)

REFUGEE SERVICE OPENED BY PM
----------------------------

A support service for refugees living in Auckland is being 
launched today. The Regional Refugee Mobile Team includes a 
psychologist, nurse, language teacher, and a social worker. 
Refugees As Survivors New Zealand CEO Gary Poole says the team 
will work with refugees, to help them integrate into society. 
He says many of the refugees have been traumatised and are 
victims of war. Mr Poole says the refugees have been 
specifically chosen by the United Nations, and are not asylum 
seekers. Before the support service is available to them, the 
refugees complete an orientation course in Mangere. Prime 
Minister Helen Clark will officially open the service at its 
Mt Roskill headquarters this afternoon.

FOCUS NEEDED ON UNDER FIVES
---------------------------

The government is being encouraged to focus over the next five 
years on children under five. New Zealand is ranked the worst 
in the developed world for people under 19 being killed in 
accidents or by injury, which includes violence, murder and 
suicide. Plunket CEO Paul Baigent says action is needed to 
improve the country's economic, social and community benefits. 
He says more money is needed for early childhood education and 
free parenting classes. Mr Baigent says families need to know 
they have support available.

UNION UNHAPPY OVER PORT EMPLOYMENT
----------------------------------

The Port of Napier is being told to consider offering 
employment to locals, after offering a contract to an out-of-
town company. The Maritime Union says 25 permanent and 60 
casual jobs at Hawke's Bay Stevedoring are now in jeopardy. 
Spokesman Trevor Hansen says the union will meet with Port 
officials today. He says it is unfair to employees when 
companies change contracts. Trevor Hansen says national strike 
action will be considered if a resolution can not be reached.

WELLINGTON COMPLEX WILL BE BIG
------------------------------

A new apartment complex planned for central Wellington will be 
the city's biggest. If approved, the building on the corner of 
Victoria and Willis Streets will have 471 apartments. It will 
be built on the site of Wellington's vegetable market.

HEALTH BOARDS NEED RULES
------------------------

The Auditor-General has told three Auckland District Health 
Boards they need rules in place for when their members have 
conflicts of interest. Kevin Brady carried out a performance 
audit after the High Court set aside a contract for laboratory 
services to be provided for the Auckland, Counties-Manukau and 
Waitemata District Health Boards. The court had found a member 
of the Auckland DHB had a conflict of interest, and did not do 
enough to protect the process of awarding the contract from 
that conflict of interest. Mr Brady says it is often not easy 
to decide whether a person's other interests or connections 
mean they should be excluded from any decision made by the DHB 
they serve. He has recommended the health boards adopt a 
policy on conflicts of interest specifically to assist 
members. He says managers should be given the power to enforce 
it.

Friday, 9 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SIX BAILED AFTER NO-TERROR CHARGES DECISION
-------------------------------------------

Six people arrested in anti-terror raids have today been 
bailed. Among them is high profile activist Tame Iti, who was 
the only defendant not to object to publication of his image. 
Valerie Morse, Emily Bailey, Omar Hamed and a Swiss national 
with name suppression all objected to even pixelated images 
being used. Whiri Kemara was bailed earlier today and also 
objected to the use of his image. All those bailed today have 
tight conditions including not going to Ruatoki, not 
possessing a firearm or passport and regularly reporting to 
police stations.

JAILED MUMS MAY GET BABIES FOR TWO YEARS
----------------------------------------

Mothers who are serving time behind bars may soon be able to 
have their babies with them for up to two years. Green MP Sue 
Bradford's Private Member's Bill has received cross-party 
support as it was reported back to Parliament. It will allow 
mothers to have their young children with them in jail for up 
to two years, rather than the current six months. Sue Bradford 
says while the change will only affect a very small number of 
people, it will be hugely beneficial.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR WELCOMES NEW CURRICULUM
-----------------------------------------

The inclusion of money skills and savings education in the 
school curriculum is being welcomed by a financial advisor. 
Spicers advisor Allan Williams says the financial sector has 
been asking for money management to be brought into schools 
for a long time. He says teenagers leave school knowing little 
about hire purchases, investments or saving for retirement and 
are left to fumble about. Mr Williams says New Zealand is one 
of the first countries to introduce personal financial 
management in schools.

AMBIGUOUS TERROR ACT UNDER FIRE
-------------------------------

The Suppression of Terrorism Act is under fire, after the 
Solicitor-General's decision not to lay charges against 12 
people arrested in anti-terror raids last month. David Collins 
QC has asked the Law Commission to take a look at the statute, 
calling it confusing and incoherent. Professor Bill Hodge from 
Auckland University says the law is clear that if someone 
blows up a bridge to try to alter Government policy, that is 
terrorism. But he says it is far more ambiguous on topics like 
conspiracy, organisation and financing of terrorists. Bill 
Hodge says it was always far more likely New Zealand would be 
faced with a conspiracy-like terrorism scenario, so more time 
should have been taken on that section. Police say it is not 
their fault if people arrested in terror raids have been 
branded as terrorists. Supporters of those arrested say the 
suggestion of terror charges has damaged their reputations. 
But Police Commissioner Howard Broad says police used the word 
'terror' only in search warrants. He says police could not 
avoid using the name of the Terrorism Suppression Act in the 
warrants because it is the law. Mr Broad is pleased the 
Solicitor-General found there was a basis for investigating 
the activities. The Greens are applauding the Solicitor-
General's decision. MP Keith Locke says it lifts a cloud from 
Tuhoe and activists around the country who have seen 
themselves as the target of a police over-reaction. He agrees 
with the Solicitor-General's recommendation that the 
Suppression of Terrorism Act be reviewed by the Law 
Commission. The Maori Party are worried about the damage to 
their image the police raids will continue to have on Maori 
people. They want Howard Broad to resign. They say the police 
force has instilled a fear of terrorism in New Zealand 
following last month's raids. Co-leader Tariana Turia says 
Howard Broad and others need to go to Tuhoe, apologise, and 
then resign. She says there were other pieces of legislation 
which could have been used to address the issues. Mrs Turia 
says the party is opposed to the way police have terrified the 
country when they did not need to. Maori Party co-leader Pita 
Sharples says people around the world now think Maori are 
terrorists, and it somehow needs to be repaired. He says there 
is a lot of propaganda about the country's race relations, but 
Maori and Tuhoe are seen as terrorists. Dr Sharples has also 
questioned whether there was government involvement in trying 
to have terror charges laid. The Police Association's Greg 
O'Connor wants the legislation to go back to the drawing 
board. He says the proximity of offending has to be so close 
that the gun virtually has to be cocked or the bomb primed 
before police can take action under this legislation. Greg 
O'Connor says the real shame is that the public will never 
hear all the electronic evidence police had collected. 
Meanwhile bail hearings could be held this afternoon for 12 
people still in custody. They are now facing a number of 
firearms charges only. Charl Hirschfeld who represents Whiri 
Kemara says he will be asking the court to produce his client 
this afternoon, and he expects Mr Kemara to be given bail. 
Tame Iti's lawyer Annette Sykes says she is still waiting to 
hear from the court about what the process will be today.

TIGHT LABOUR MARKET WILL TIGHTEN FURTHER
----------------------------------------

Business analysts are warning that the already tight labour 
market could still get even tighter. The country's 
unemployment rate is at its lowest in 20 years, putting 
pressure on employers as they struggle to find staff. Business 
correspondent Roger Kerr says business should not bank on an 
improvement any time soon. He says it is too early to conclude 
the problem is over, and we need to see what the next 
quarter's figures are like. Roger Kerr says much of the 
tightness in the market can be attributed to women working in 
part time jobs, and a red-hot construction sector.

RESEARCHER ASKS CHURCH TO BATTLE OBESITY
----------------------------------------

The church could be instrumental in helping Pacific Islanders 
battle obesity. Victoria University researcher Aliitasi Tavila 
says organisations promoting healthier eating among Islanders 
need to be aware of the cultural norms around food when 
special occasions are held at church. She says 90 percent of 
Pacific Islanders attend church and the volume of food being 
consumed is too large. Mrs Tavila says people can access food 
at any hour of the day. She says if churches provide a good 
example it will filter down through the community.

POLICE BOSS SAYS APOLOGY WOULD SEEM GLIB
----------------------------------------

The Police Commissioner says it is not the time to apologise 
over police actions during the anti-terror raids. Solicitor-
General David Collins yesterday announced he will not allow 
police to lay charges under the Terrorism Suppression Act, and 
will not release details of the investigation. Commissioner 
Howard Broad says an apology would seem like a glib attempt to 
make things better. He says he regrets innocent people got 
caught up in the operation, and that they felt stressed and 
hurt as a result. Mr Broad says he is looking for a way to 
bridge the gap between police and the Ruatoki community. He 
has the government on his side. Deputy Prime Minister Michael 
Cullen says no one can pretend that there is a brutal and 
repressive police force acting at the behest of the state in 
an uncontrolled and unjustified fashion. Dr Cullen says anyone 
who claims otherwise has misread what the Solicitor-General 
has said. David Collins says charges will not be laid because 
of the way the Act is drafted. It has proved too complex for 
the evidence police have collected to meet the bar necessary 
for charges to follow. He has indicated there were no other 
statutes under which police could have used the intercepts and 
warrants that they executed. He says they have looked 
carefully to see if there was another more appropriate charge 
but have been unable to find one. David Collins says the Act 
was extremely difficult to apply in the domestic circumstances 
observed by police in this case. He says the legislation has 
to be comprehensible and able to work in a practical sense. Mr 
Collins is recommending the Law Commission review the Act, and 
the government says it will take that advice. Meanwhile 
opponents of anti-terror laws want them done away with. 
Activist John Minto is welcoming the decision not to lay 
charges, but says the anti-terror laws do not need reviewing, 
they should be scrapped. He says they should never have been 
there in the first place. John Minto says everything the 
police have alleged against the 12 people who were facing 
charges is covered by existing laws. A top Queen's Council is 
not surprised much of the evidence around those arrested is 
being kept secret. Peter Williams says it is not usual for the 
prosecution to release the details of the evidence. He says 
usually the rule is that actual evidence is not discussed 
until the court has heard it. Mr Williams says it would have 
been overkill if the accused had been charged under the 
Terrorism Suppression Act. The Ruatoki community is surprised 
but pleased at the decision. Tuhoe spokesman Tamati Kruger 
says they are relieved. He says the iwi do not want to isolate 
themselves from the rest of the country. He says they want to 
be contributing members of society and that means having good 
relationships with people. Mr Kruger says many families are 
still feeling traumatised after last month's raids. He is now 
questioning how much taxpayer money was spent on the two-year 
operation. The son of one of the high profile people arrested, 
Tame Iti, is driving from his Rotorua home to Auckland today 
to greet his father in Mt Eden prison. Toi Iti is hoping his 
father will soon be free. He hopes his father will now be 
granted bail so he can get out in time for his grand-
daughter's fourth birthday at the end of the month. Toi Iti 
says he slept soundly last night for the first time since his 
father was arrested.

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