WYSIWYG NEWS, 7 October, 2007

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 7 October, 2007 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer. 

Grief and shock strikes the soul of this rugby mad nation 
today, as the ever unpredictable French team displayed flashes 
of brilliance to bundle the All Blacks out of the Rugby World 
Cup in the quarter finals. I imagine that this will cast a 
pall over almost everything for weeks to come, and may even be 
laid at the feet of the present government, sealing its 
already shaky fate at the election next year. The public is 
not fond of politicians on whose watch sporting disasters 
occur. Guilt by association at its very worst. Well, almost -  
on an even darker note, the police and women's refuge groups 
sucked in sharp collective breaths as the final whistle blew, 
knowing that brooding men fuelled by alcohol will provide a 
dramatic increase in domestic violence tonight. There has 
recently been a television advertising campaign 
(http://tinyurl.com/292w7d) saying that it's not OK to take out 
your frustrations on your family. I fear that the statistics may 
take a giant step in the wrong direction tonight. 

Meanwhile, Mary has spent the last two weeks in Brisbane, 
helping to ease the workload on Rowena and David after the 
arrival of baby Isaac. She arrives home late tonight, or early 
tomorrow morning from 34 degrees of bright sunshine in 
Brisbane into the dark and cold Wellington night at 11 or 12 
degrees and yet another of our equinoctial gales. Though I 
have probably said it before, I remain convinced that there is 
a large chunk of the earths atmosphere specially allocated to 
Wellington. This chunk of atmosphere spends its time racing at 
high speed from somewhere around New Caledonia, mischievously 
diverting though every narrow street and around every crevice 
that's not weathertight, and thence to the Antarctic regions 
where it "slips into something cool". When it is near 
freezing, it rushes Northward again, pausing on the way to 
bounce windows around, lift any tiles that are loose, and if 
possible, to drop a tree or two where it can cause the most 
havoc. Our chunk of air is on its way South right now, and has 
been doing so at various speeds ranging from 65 to 165 km/h 
over the last week. The weather forecasters are predicting a 
summer that's warmer and calmer than usual. I reckon that's 
about as sure as the All Blacks taking home the Rugby World 
Cup. Oh, wait ... 
 

---- 
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. 

----  
On with the News.  

Monday, 1 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FOCUS ON FAMILY VIOLENCE
------------------------

Police say family violence continues to be a major focus in 
the wake of new crime statistics. While overall crime is much 
the same as it was a year ago, a sharp increase in the amount 
of violent crime is concerning police bosses. Sexual offence 
and violent crime both increased by 4.4 percent in the year to 
June. Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls says the numbers 
show just how bad the problem is. He says police are attending 
more than 790,000 incidents related to domestic violence every 
year. Mr Nicholls says the community needs to help by tackling 
the problem at the grassroots. Police Minister Annette King 
expects domestic violence figures will get worse before they 
get better. She says the reporting of domestic violence is 
increasing, doubling in the last decade, as the issue is being 
taken more seriously by police and social agencies. Mrs King 
expects more cases to be reported and the statistics to get 
worse. She says she would far rather see that happen than 
domestic violence remaining a hidden evil in society, as 
police suspect has been the case in the past. National Party 
justice spokesman Simon Power believes the reported violent 
crime statistics are a continuation of an upward trend under 
Labour, with it increasing 32 percent since it became the 
Government. He says Labour can use all the excuses it wants, 
but the fact is that violent and sex crimes have risen 
steadily during its time in power. Mr Power says the 
Government has had its focus in the wrong areas and has been 
more concerned about prisoner numbers rather than dealing with 
crime. He claims the Government has had no initiatives to deal 
with gangs, truants, and re-offending rates, which are the 
roots of crime. 
 
(I wrote today's introduction before I knew what items GS had 
gathered for us this week. How tragically ironic. How 
desperately deplorable. - BH)

NZ DOLLAR DRAGGED UP TO 76 US CENTS
-----------------------------------

The weak American dollar has pushed the Kiwi over 76 US cents. 
It is expected to rise even higher as investors sell off the 
US currency. BNZ currency strategist Danica Hampton is not 
expecting the Kiwi to reach its record level of 81 US cents. 
She says the Kiwi is being dragged up with the Euro and the 
Aussie dollar reaching new highs, which was triggered by the 
US Federal Bank cutting interest rates and reducing the yield 
on US dollar assets. 
 
(Of course I chose that day to bank the cheques I received for 
WYSIWYG News. Murphy rules! - BH)

TV3 FINED OVER 60 MINUTES HERCEPTIN STORY
-----------------------------------------

Pharmac has won a Broadcasting Standards Authority case over a 
60 Minutes programme on the breast cancer drug Herceptin. The 
BSA has found the programme, screened on TV3, was not balanced 
and was inaccurate in parts. TV3 has been ordered to broadcast 
the decision and pay costs of $3,000. Pharmac complained TV3 
failed to seek comment from any of the decision makers around 
Herceptin, or from any other groups with viewpoints different 
from that of the women interviewed. It also chose to use 
figures that over-stated the effectiveness of Herceptin when 
Pharmac could have provided more accurate ones. The programme 
said women who took Herceptin were 33 percent less likely to 
die than women who did not, where the actual difference in 
survival was 2.7 percentage points. It also said Herceptin 
could save 66 lives a year, when that would be the figure over 
10 years.

HOPES MEETING WILL HALT PORT STRIKE
-----------------------------------

Ports of Auckland officials will hold eleventh hour meetings 
with union leaders to try to avert a two-day strike. Dock 
workers are said to be furious that the country's largest port 
operator only offered a 3.25 percent pay rise during 
negotiations. They are planning to walk off the job for 48-
hours from tomorrow morning. A Ports of Auckland spokesperson 
said they are hopeful today's meeting will avert the strike.

GAS PRICES BOOMING
------------------

It is not just electricity prices that are on the increase, 
latest figures show there has also been a steady rise in gas 
prices. Data released by the Ministry of Economic Development 
shows both retail and line charges for gas have risen 
substantially over the past four years. On average line 
charges have risen 11 percent nationally, while retail charges 
have increased by almost 40 percent. It means householders are 
paying up to $244 more a year for their gas use.

INTEREST RATES BEGINNING TO BITE
--------------------------------

The latest polling indicates that increased mortgage interest 
rates are beginning to have an effect. Research New Zealand 
has found that rising mortgage interest rates are a concern 
for 68% of respondents with mortgages. Director Emanuel 
Kalafatelis says the poll of social attitudes asked those with 
mortgages if they were concerned whether rising mortgage 
interest rates may make it difficult to keep up with their 
mortgage repayments. Twenty-four percent of homeowners were 
very concerned and 44 percent were somewhat concerned. Mr 
Kalafatelis says as expected, the level of concern decreased 
with rising income. Of those earning $40,000 a year or less 
83% were concerned or very concerned compared with 62% of 
those earning $70,000 or more a year. ?It seems to indicate 
that the Reserves Bank's monetary policy is starting to bite 
and having an impact on the attitudes of Kiwis with 
mortgages.? The poll was taken between September 12-20. Over 
that time the Reserve Bank held the Official Cash Rate, which 
influences interest rates, at 8.25% after four successive 
quarterly rises. Also over that time Kiwi Bank announced a 
three-year fixed rate of 8.6 percent, half a percent lower 
than rivals.

GOVT CLAIMS NATS "BOTCHED" SCHOOL POLICY
----------------------------------------

The Government claims the National Party's proposal to let 
private developers build and own state schools is another 
policy botch. Leader John Key is considering the use of 
private developers who would build and own new state schools. 
Education Minister Steve Maharey is condemning the idea as a 
step towards privatisation, saying it will send a shiver down 
the spine of parents and teachers up and down the country. He 
says it is a clear message National believes profit is more 
important than quality public education. Mr Maharey wants to 
know what, if any, public services the National Party intends 
to keep. Lobby group the Quality Public Education Coalition 
agrees the proposed scheme is alarming. "The only way that the 
private sector can do that successfully is if they make a 
profit. And the profit comes out of money that should be going 
into building quality education and less fees for parents," 
says chairman John Minto. Mr Minto claims the involvement of 
the private sector in public schools overseas has never 
resulted in better education.

PRIVATE SECTOR TO BUILD SCHOOLS?
--------------------------------

There is backing for the National Party's suggestion that 
state schools could be built and owned privately. Leader John 
Key is considering the use of private developers who would 
build and own new state schools. New Zealand Council for 
Infrastructure Development Chief executive Stephen Selwood 
says the system has been used in the United Kingdom and is 
being trialled in New South Wales, with great success. He says 
the private sector does a better job of managing assets and 
bringing in new initiatives. He says the move also frees up 
school principals to concentrate on their key job. "One of the 
key advantages is that it allows the educators to get on with 
educating the children. The primary focus of the public sector 
should be on the quality of the education that's provided." Mr 
Selwood says there would be strict contractual arrangements in 
place to make sure high standards are met. 
 
(My first reaction was negative. On balance, I find it hard to 
see how private developers can build schools, take their 
profits, and then lease them to the department of education at 
a net cost less than the present process. Who benefits from 
this? Surely not the parents and taxpayers. - BH)

MAORI PARTY WANTS 8TH ELECTORATE
--------------------------------

The Maori Party wants an eighth electorate seat to be based in 
Australia, as figures show that one in seven Maori now live 
across the Tasman. Figures from Te Puni Kokiri show that 
between 115,000 and 125,000 Maori live in Australia, the 
majority in Queensland. They are attracted by better weather 
and higher wages but miss the cultural aspects of living in 
New Zealand. Many say they are more motivated in Australia. 
The Maori party's co-leader Dr Pita Sharples says it is sad 
that Maori are leaving because of the pull of higher wages and 
a better chance to get work. He is also disappointed that they 
feel they are pushed to leave because of negative experiences 
in New Zealand from perceived prejudice. Dr Sharples says the 
trend away from New Zealand is something everyone should be 
worried about. He says the new electorate could be called Te 
Ao Moemoea.

Tuesday, 2 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ELECTRICITY ASSET MANAGEMENT NEEDS WORK
---------------------------------------

The asset management plans of some lines companies have come 
under criticism. The Commerce Commission is concerned about 
inadequate forecast for future capital and maintenance 
expenditure, which is critical for supply of electricity. This 
has been highlighted in a review assessing whether it is 
consistent with industry best practice. Commerce Commission 
chairwoman Paula Rebstock says substantial progress still 
needs to be made in critical areas by many lines companies. 
The companies with the greatest room for improvement are 
Alpine Energy, Electra and Mainpower.

NATS RELEASE FOREIGN POLICY DOCUMENT
------------------------------------

National has released its discussion document on foreign 
policy. Among the proposals is a closer focus on targeted aid 
in New Zealand's immediate neighbourhood. There would be no 
aid to distant areas where there is no appraisal of New 
Zealand's interests. Defence capabilities would also be looked 
at, along with cooperation with the United States. However 
National is reiterating its commitment to remaining nuclear 
free.

NEW HIV CASES HIT 84 IN SIX MONTHS
----------------------------------

There is fresh evidence the safe sex message is not getting 
through. The latest figures from the AIDS Epidemiology Group 
show 84 people were diagnosed with HIV in the first six months 
of 2007. Of these, 40 were men infected through sex with men, 
30 picked it up through heterosexual sex and four were 
children infected through perinatal transmission. For the 
remainder the mode of infection is yet unknown. Also in the 
first half of the year, 11 people were notified with AIDS. 
Five were men infected through sex with men, five more were 
men infected through heterosexual sex and one was infected by 
drug injection. The AIDS Foundation says there has also been a 
disturbing resurgence of syphilis recorded at sexual health 
clinics between 2002 and 2006, which is particularly affecting 
gay and bisexual men in Auckland and Wellington. It says the 
epidemics are linked. The foundation says the presence of a 
sexually transmitted infection like syphilis, gonorrhoea or 
chlamydia, all of which are on the increase, make the body 
more vulnerable to HIV infection and vice versa. The AIDS 
Foundation's national campaigns coordinator Douglas Jenkins 
says participants in recent community forums suggested that 
there is a lack of peer pressure against unsafe sex and it is 
glorified through the media.

COWS SMART ENOUGH TO BE TOILET TRAINED
--------------------------------------

Keeping cows content is no mean feat. A group of New Zealand 
scientists has released the preliminary results of research 
into cows' emotions and needs. Dr Lindsay Matthews from 
AgResearch says the research method involved giving cows time 
with something they like, such as food, then taking it away to 
see how hard the animal was prepared to work to get it back. 
He says the study found that in addition to liking food, cows 
like to rest after grazing. The scientists have also found it 
may be possible to toilet-train cows, which would free rivers 
of farm effluent. Dr Matthews says bovine cows are clever 
enough, so with a little bit of conditioning it could well be 
possible to teach them to move designated areas to defecate. 
Dr Matthews is conducting animal behavioural experiments at 
Ruakura in Northland.

SOME CANTERBURY FARMERS LETTING SIDE DOWN
-----------------------------------------

Dairy giant Fonterra says a few of its Canterbury farmers are 
letting down the rest. Environment Canterbury's annual dairy 
shed compliance monitoring shows 60 percent of the 623 dairy 
farms surveyed did not comply with effluent discharge consent 
conditions. Forty-two percent failed to comply in minor ways, 
some of which were administrative errors, but Mark Leslie, a 
Milk Supply Strategy and Risk Manager for Fonterra, says the 
disturbing statistic is the 18 percent which totally failed. 
"The focus we really need to be looking at is the significant 
non-compliances. It's really disappointing to see anything 
that has an environmental impact." Mr Leslie says Fonterra 
will contact every farmer and remind them of their 
environmental obligations.

TIME RUNNING OUT FOR LOCAL BODY VOTES
-------------------------------------

The clock is ticking for ratepayers to have their say on who 
will be their area's next mayor and who will be deciding such 
vital issues as setting the next rates bill. Although voting 
does not close until Saturday October 12, Local Body Electoral 
Officers warn postal votes should be in the mail no later than 
Wednesday of next week. In Manukau, just 13 percent, or around 
28,500 votes have been returned. That compares with 15.7 
percent at this time in 2004. Electoral Officer John Skelton 
is hoping the numbers are down at the moment because people 
are taking their time to think carefully about their 
selections. He says research after the previous election 
showed 28 percent of people did not vote because they simply 
did not get around to it or were not aware of the deadline. 
Another 28 percent said they did not feel they knew enough 
about the candidates. 
 
(I voted, but my approach, I am sad to say, was identifying 
those whose hands I didn't want in the till. It left precious 
few, who got my vote as the least undesirable rather than 
those who I would definitely like to support. - BH)

ANOTHER COMPANY MOVING OFF-SHORE?
---------------------------------

Another iconic New Zealand clothing company could be about to 
move its manufacturing operation off-shore. Farming and alpine 
clothing maker Norsewear could be about to follow Swandri and 
Icebreaker, which have already moved their manufacturing to 
China because of the high New Zealand dollar. The National 
Distribution Union is expecting Norsewear to announce that it 
has been sold, which could put the future of its plants in 
Wanganui and in Norsewood near Dannevirke in jeopardy. Each 
factory employs around 30 staff. 
 
(It's not finally a done deal, but it will be a big blow to 
small communities. I like my four Norsewear jerseys with their 
leather patches on elbows and shoulders. Tragically 
unfashionable, I guess, but warm and serviceable. - BH)

VIOLENCE AWARENESS KEEPS REFUGES BUSY
-------------------------------------

A group trying to prevent domestic violence says women's 
refuges are filling up as more people become aware of the 
issue. The latest crime statistics show there has been a 4.4 
percent increase in reported violence nationwide. Wellington 
recorded the highest increase in crime over the past year with 
a 6.9 percent rise in general crime but violent crime went up 
by just over nine percent. District Commander Superintendent 
Pieri Munro says Wellington police have been working hard over 
the past year to flush out domestic violence offending, 
resulting in the greater proportion of violent crimes. He says 
police will be continuing to push that strategy, which may 
cause family violence figures to rise further. Brian Gardiner 
from the Stopping Violence Network says the figures show that 
more people who have suffered family violence are asking for 
help. He says the group's programmes have been operating 
waiting lists and some refuges are already quite full. Mr 
Gardiner says it is important people believe victims when they 
say they have been assaulted by a family member.

Wednesday, 3 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TURBINE MAKER CLINCHES DEAL
---------------------------

Wind turbine manufacturer Windflow Technology has clinched a 
$12 million deal. It will supply 16 new turbines for the Te 
Rere Hau wind farm near Palmerston North. The wholly-owned 
publicly listed New Zealand company says the new order 
increases to 44 the number of turbines it will supply to the 
wind farm. The company is looking for more staff to help 
execute the deal.

HOUSING NZ BOOTS INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
------------------------------------

A significant increase in suspected fraud and dishonesty has 
prompted Housing New Zealand to boost its investigations unit. 
A review found potential cases of fraud or dishonesty have 
jumped from a 101 in 2002, to 723 in the last financial year. 
Housing New Zealand says its investigation unit does not have 
the resources to properly probe that many complaints. It had 
1,164 referrals on the books at the start of September, many 
of which were awaiting initial assessment. It says the volume 
of referrals is obscuring the number of solid cases in which a 
finding of fraud or a prosecution is likely. Of the suspicions 
referred and reviewed by the investigations unit last year, 87 
percent did not lead to a crown debt, a finding of fraud or a 
prosecution. Housing New Zealand has appointed a new manager 
to oversee the unit and has asked the Ministry of Social 
Development to undertake a further assessment of the unit's 
work.

TV3 WARNED SUNDAY ADS MAY BREAK LAW
-----------------------------------

TV3 has been warned it may break the law with its plan to play 
advertisements on Sunday morning during the All Blacks' Rugby 
World Cup quarter-final. The broadcaster believes that by 
broadcasting the game from outside the country and to a larger 
audience outside of New Zealand, it can avoid the existing 
ban. It has struck a deal with Fiji TV and will transmit the 
game to 18 countries and territories across the Pacific. 
Ministry of Culture and Heritage spokeswoman Shona Geary says 
any decision to prosecute will be made after the fact, and 
after legal advice has been sought. She says TV3 was offered a 
chance to get the legality of their plan settled before the 
game, but the offer was declined. 
 
(They justified their ads by claiming that the broadcast was 
predominantly to an international audience. Funny then, that 
all the ads seemed to be specifically targeted at the NZ 
audience? - BH)

DRUG-DRIVER LAWS TABLED IN PARLIAMENT
-------------------------------------

The Government has tabled legislation which would introduce 
roadside impairment tests for suspected drugged-drivers. 
Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven says under the Land 
Transport Amendment Bill, the penalties for drugged-drivers 
would be aligned with those for drink-drivers. He says the 
introduction of compulsory roadside tests would give police 
the power to catch offenders. Road Policing Manager 
Superintendent Dave Cliff says the impairment tests include an 
eye examination, a walk and turn and a one leg stand, which he 
says have been found to be the best indicators of the use of 
drugs. A driver who is not able to satisfactorily complete the 
impairment test at the roadside would be required to provide a 
blood sample. Mr Cliff says drivers could also be prosecuted 
if they have exceeded the consumption level on their 
prescription medicine, or taken medicine that was not 
prescribed to them. Transport Minister Annette King says the 
same piece of legislation would also improve protection of 
personal information held on the motor vehicle register by 
limiting its availability. She says requests would be dealt 
with under the Official Information Act, or through an 
authorised access procedure. Mrs King says in the past, the 
system has been open to abuse. "For example, angry motorists 
in the aftermath of road rage incidents have used the register 
to trace and harass the other driver. Professional car thieves 
have also used the register to target high value cars. Owners 
of motor vehicles have also been subjected to unwanted 
approaches from direct marketers." 
 
(With special reference to the last point, darned right! It 
has been abused exactly thus. - BH)

INTEREST RATE HIKES BITING
--------------------------

Higher interest rates are making it even harder for people to 
buy a house. The latest home affordability survey by Massey 
University's Property Foundation has found there was a 2.5 
percent drop in home affordability for the three months to the 
end of August. The survey takes into account prices, incomes 
and mortgage interest rates. Central Otago was hardest hit, 
with home affordability falling 16.2 percent for the quarter. 
Southland fell 10.3 percent, Otago 8.1 percent, Waikato/Bay of 
Plenty 6.7 percent, Nelson/Marlborough 4.8 percent, Wellington 
3.1 percent, Hawke's Bay 2.6 percent, Canterbury/Westland 1.6 
percent and Auckland 1.3 per cent. Southland is the easiest 
place to buy a house followed by Manawatu/Wanganui and 
Taranaki. In the past five years home affordability has 
declined by 70 percent.

SEED PRICES RISING
------------------

Herbage seed prices are lifting to levels never seen before in 
New Zealand. Hugh Wigley, the chairman of the Herbage 
Seedgrowers Subsection of Federated Farmers, says indications 
have never looked better for a substantial lift in the price 
of small seeds, particularly grass seeds following the rise in 
world grain prices. A combination of higher-than-expected 
dressing losses in Oregon and wet harvest conditions in Europe 
have reduced the quality and quantity of the 2007 harvest. 
Australia's drought is also putting upward pressure on world 
grain prices and herbage seed prices. Mr Wigley says the New 
Zealand herbage seed is the last harvest of the year in the 
world, and any global seed shortfall would have to met from 
New Zealand. Growers are advised to check out options and 
prices thoroughly, before signing a contract for seed for the 
2009 harvest. Herbage seed growers in New Zealand grow seeds 
for various types of forage and turf grasses pulses, and 
clovers.

SINGLE TICKET WANTED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
-----------------------------------------

Aucklanders may soon be able to use an integrated ticket to 
get around if proposed legislation gets the green light. The 
Transport Services Licensing Bill gives regional councils the 
power to force bus and other transport operators to work 
together. Auckland Regional Council Chairman Mike Lee says 
ratepayers are investing heavily in public transport and it is 
about time they were rewarded with cheaper fares. He says the 
new law change will require regional authorities to work with 
public transport operators to develop a single transferable 
ticket. 
 
(This is such an obviously good idea that it should apply to 
all cities in NZ. I presently need tickets from three 
providers to travel between work and home. If the transport is 
contracted to the territorial authority, then it ought to be 
possible as it is in Brisbane to use one ticket to travel by 
any form of transport within the authority's jurisdiction. - 
BH)

PETERS SAYS NAT'S POLICY AN IMITATION
-------------------------------------

Foreign Minister Winston Peters claims National's foreign 
policy announcement is an imitation of the government's. In 
its foreign policy discussion released yesterday, National 
said it would keep New Zealand's nuclear free status, would 
have a greater focus on the Pacific region and develop closer 
ties with America. Mr Peters said the policy hardly differs 
from Labour's which is the sincerest form of flattery. However 
he believes there are National MPs who still have a secret 
agenda when it comes to foreign policy. He claims some would 
support New Zealand adopting nuclear power immediately. Act MP 
Heather Roy is also critical of National's policy, in 
particular its commitment to nuclear free laws and its u-turn 
on re-establishing a combat wing for the Air Force. She 
accuses National of marching to Labour's drum and says the 
party lacks both political courage and an understanding of the 
country's real security needs. Ms Roy says National has merely 
indicated it will do exactly the same as the government, which 
she says is disappointing. The Green Party is not happy with 
what it believes is a "free trade at any cost" approach from 
both Labour and National. National has committed itself to 
following free trade deals being sought with China and the 
United States, but Green Party co-leader Russel Norman 
believes both are ignoring the potential dangers such deals 
could bring. He says the government's drug funding agency 
Pharmac could be at risk because of demands from US drug 
companies, and environmental and labour standards could be 
compromised by a deal with China.

NO FLU VACCINES FOR NZ HORSES YET
---------------------------------

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will not vaccinate 
horses against equine influenza unless the virus enters New 
Zealand. The Ministry made its position clear at a meeting of 
horse racing representatives hosted by the New Zealand Racing 
Board in Wellington yesterday. Racing Board Chief Executive 
Graeme Hansen says MAF told the meeting it is not taking pre-
emptive action over the virus and there will not be a 
wholesale vaccination of the country's horse population before 
the influenza arrives. Mr Hansen believes the racing industry 
is now more accepting of the ministry's position. Australia's 
horse racing industry has suffered multimillion-dollar losses 
since the virus was detected in late August. Metropolitan 
horse racing in New South Wales and Queensland are at a 
standstill. An inquiry is getting underway into how the 
illness entered Australia.

WORKERS CONFIDENT ABOUT JOB MARKET
----------------------------------

New Zealand workers are still very confident about the job 
market, according to the latest Westpac-McDermott Miller 
Employment Confidence Survey. The index rose 7.5 points in the 
September quarter to 135.9. It follows a drop of nearly three 
points in the previous quarter. A reading above 100 indicates 
more optimists than pessimists. The job market is one of the 
key measures the Reserve Bank looks at in its inflation 
estimates and business analyst Roger Kerr says despite 
unemployment being very low at the moment, there are no real 
signs of wage demands pushing inflation, particularly in the 
private sector. He says employees have a strong belief the 
economy will stay strong and that jobs will be easy to find.

POWER DEAL A SECRET
-------------------

Meridian Energy is not disclosing the unit price it will be 
charging Bluff-based New Zealand Aluminium Smelters, in an 
electricity supply deal worth more than $5 billion. New 
Zealand Aluminium Smelters had threatened to build its own 
coal power plant if it did not get a good price for the 
contract, which runs for 18 years. Meridian Energy CEO Keith 
Turner has dismissed speculation it is charging around 4.7 
cents, about a quarter of the cost the average domestic 
consumer pays. But Mr Turner says Meridian never believed 
building a new power plant was a real prospect, given it would 
have attracted a cost for carbon emission. He says Meridian 
can now plan with confidence for investment in new generation. 
The Bluff smelter employs almost 800 full time staff and more 
than 100 contractors. It exports more than $1 billion worth of 
aluminium a year.

SHIPS WAITING AS PORT STRIKE CONTINUES
--------------------------------------

Three container ships are waiting to be processed at the Ports 
of Auckland as dock workers continue their strike. The port is 
at a standstill as 250 staff enter the final day of a 48 hour 
strike over pay. Further industrial action is planned later in 
the month. The Ports of Auckland says one ship has bypassed 
Auckland to avoid the strike and three others are waiting to 
off-load consumer goods and manufacturing products. Exporters 
are also affected with dairy and meat products waiting to be 
loaded. Dairy company Fonterra says at this stage it does not 
anticipate any disruption in supply to customers, but is 
monitoring the situation. The Maritime Union is accusing the 
port company of undermining negotiations by sending individual 
letters to workers outlining its pay offer. The company says 
it is willing to resume talks, but the union claims it is 
still waiting for an invitation back to the bargaining table. 
The union says the company is offering a 3.25 percent rise, 
while the union wants between 4.5 and 4.9 percent and a year's 
back pay.

Thursday, 4 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SUPER FUND GROWTH DROPS SLIGHTLY
--------------------------------

There has been a slight drop in growth of the New Zealand 
Superannuation Fund. Its annual return for the year ended June 
has been released. There has been a 14.58 percent return on 
investment. The fund has grown by $3 billion to $13.1 billion. 
Since investments began in September 2003 the fund's annual 
returns have been 14.8 percent. Chief Executive Adrian Orr 
says guardians of the fund are acutely aware this extended 
period of positive investment return has been unusual and 
cannot be sustained every year.

FUEL DROPS 4C A LITRE
---------------------

Another round of petrol price cuts is underway. Pump prices 
for both petrol and diesel are coming down by 4c a litre. 
Shell lead the charge. It is the second price drop this week. 
The major oil companies all shaved four cents off the pump 
price on Monday in response to the rising kiwi dollar and 
falling international oil prices. 
 
(Astonishing but welcome news. The present price for 91 octane 
is now NZD$1.559/litre - BH)

WEEKLY INCOMES RISE 9.4% IN A YEAR
----------------------------------

The average New Zealander now earns almost ten percent more a 
week than they did a year ago. Statistics New Zealand figures 
show the average weekly income is $667. It is an increase of 
9.4 percent from a year ago and the biggest annual increase in 
five years. Incomes for males rose slightly more than for 
females, mainly due to more men in being full-time employment, 
earning higher salaries and wages. The median hourly earning 
for men is $19.10, while for women it is $16.78.

TELECOM REAFFIRMS EARNINGS GUIDANCE
-----------------------------------

Telecom has reaffirmed its earnings guidance of a five to 
eight percent drop in full year profit. Net profit for the 
year to June 2008 would be between $680 million and $720 
million. Chairman Wayne Boyd has told the company's annual 
meeting that the drop it is largely a reflection of the 
company's response to increased competition and the costs of 
implementing the government-ordered split into wholesale, 
retail and network operating divisions. Telecom shares are 
trading three cents lower at $4.55.

MEAT EXPORTERS TEAM UP
----------------------

The four major meat exporters plan to work with Meat and Wool 
New Zealand to scope new opportunities for New Zealand lamb 
exports. Affco, Alliance, Anzco, Ppcs account for 75 percent 
of meat exports and will contribute to an industry project to 
assess emerging economies for market opportunities. Mark 
Jeffries, CEO of Meat & Wool believes the combined scale of 
the companies involved will create funding leverage not 
otherwise available. He says the combined group will also 
provide an opportunity to explore the potential to develop 
selected emerging markets for a range of quality New Zealand 
lamb products. Mr Jeffries says the markets being analysed in 
the new project will include China, Russia, Eastern Europe and 
India. He says consumers in the growing middle-classes of 
those countries will increasingly seek premium, safe and 
nutritious red meat for their diets.

GREENS HAVE RESERVATIONS ABOUT DRUG TESTING
-------------------------------------------

The Greens want users of all drugs, not just illegal 
substances, to be treated the same under proposed law changes. 
Under the Land Transport Amendment Bill which has been 
introduced into Parliament, police may get the power to pull 
over motorists they suspect are under the influence of an 
illegal drug. Anyone failing impairment and blood tests will 
face similar penalties as drunk drivers. However, the Greens 
will not support the proposal. MP Metiria Turei claims it 
exempts people who are under the influence of prescription 
drugs. "Clearly prescription drugs can cause impairment and if 
a person takes them and drives so that they're incapable of 
driving safely they should be hit legally to account for 
that." However, the Government says drivers can be prosecuted 
if they have exceeded the prescribed dose, taken medicine that 
has not been prescribed to them, or if their prescription 
precludes them from driving. 
 
(It is hard for me to grasp the Green's point of view. They 
seem to be pro-drugs. - BH)

PORT STRIKE ENDS BUT BACKLOG OF WORK
------------------------------------

Striking Auckland dock workers are back on the job today 
following a two-day stoppage at the country's largest port. 
More than 250 staff at the Ports of Auckland have been seeking 
a pay rise of up to 4.9 percent and a year's worth of back 
pay. Ports of Auckland says about $100 million worth of goods 
have been affected. The port is expected to be highly 
congested for the rest of the week as the backlog of work is 
cleared. The next strike is due to start at 10am on Tuesday.

WRITERS WANT MORE FUNDING
-------------------------

Writers want the government to throw more cash into a fund to 
support the profession. A survey released by the Society of 
Authors shows only 17 percent of respondents survive solely on 
their income from writing. President Paul Smith claims the 
Government has failed to increase funding for authors for many 
years and it is about time they received the recognition they 
deserve. "What's happened to the authors' fund over the past 
30 years is that it has gradually shrunk, so we are looking 
for a new structure and a new funding for that, in other words 
a relaunch of the authors' fund to meet the priorities of the 
21st century." Mr Smith says many authors do a wonderful job 
reflecting New Zealand's national identity. 
 
(Sorry guys, but unless your writing is self-sufficient, it is 
a hobby. The taxpayer should not be required to prop up would-
be writers whose skill does not bring its own rewards - BH)

TEXT COUNSELLING SERVICE NEEDS FUNDS
------------------------------------

The government is being urged to fund the country's first text 
based counselling service for teenagers. Dunedin-based Lifetxt 
Trust wants $500,000 for a 24-hour-seven-day-a-week service 
offering advice on everything from bullying to pregnancy 
issues. Trustee Graham Roper says the service targets the 40 
percent of people who hang up when an advisor on the more 
traditional phone counselling services answers their calls. He 
says it is time to acknowledge the shift in how teenagers 
communicate. He believes the service would not only be ideal 
for troubled teens, but would be an excellent tool for the 
deaf. Mr Roper has contacted many government agencies and is 
waiting for them to respond. He believes the text counselling 
service could be the first in the world.

Friday, 5 October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT TO GET $195M UPGRADE
-----------------------------------------

A $195 million revamp is on the cards for Christchurch 
International Airport. Airport chief executive Rene Bakx says 
the airport's existing out-dated domestic terminal will be 
demolished and its international terminal will be altered and 
expanded. They will both then be blended into a single 
combined departures hall with multi-level passenger lounges. 
Rene Bakx says they have factored in anticipated passenger 
growth for the next 25 years. Work on relocating carparks has 
already begun and the airport plans to commence construction 
on its new integrated terminal project in August of next year. 
It should be completed by the end of 2010.

POISON CLAIMS IN MANAWATU RIVER
-------------------------------

A community group claims serious poisons are leaching into the 
Manawatu River. Te Roopu Huirapa spokesman Malcolm Mulholland 
says the group has been approached by contractors and a former 
councillor who say 2-4-5-T from Taranaki's Ivan Watkins Dow 
plant was buried at the Palmerston North landfill, at 
Longburn, in the late 1980s. The group also has a copy of 
minutes from a regional council committee meeting which states 
that in August compliance staff found a new pipe at the 
landfill containing leachate, which was discharged into a 
storm drain. Mr Mulholland says Te Roopu Huirapa would like to 
see the river closed south of the landfill until the matter 
can be fully investigated by independent scientists.

AUCTION SALES MAY BE BROUGHT UNDER LAW
--------------------------------------

Officials are being asked to look bringing auction sales under 
the Consumer Guarantees Act. It follows advice from the Motor 
Vehicles Disputes Tribunal which has identified problems in 
internet auctions of cars. Adjudicators indicate purchasers 
are largely unaware, until they discover a problem with their 
purchase, that they are not covered by the Consumer Guarantees 
Act. The warranties drafted by some online traders are written 
so restrictively they have little value. The Tribunal is 
asking the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to consider changing 
the law to give purchasers at auction the same protections 
they would have in an ordinary sale and purchase transaction.

NZERS WANT TAX CUTS, BUT NOT AT ANY PRICE
-----------------------------------------

A survey has found New Zealanders want tax cuts and believe 
the Government can deliver them without slashing social 
spending. The survey was undertaken on behalf of the Business 
Council for Sustainable Development ahead of a summit with 
Government ministers next month on personal tax reform. Three 
out of four of those questioned want a personal tax cut, but 
more than half oppose any cuts if it means cuts to health, 
education or welfare. Business Council chief executive Peter 
Neilson says there is overwhelming public demand for tax cuts, 
and a strong view the Government can afford it.

FOUR OUT OF TEN PLAN TO JOIN KIWISAVER
--------------------------------------

A new survey has found 40 percent of workers plan to sign up 
to a KiwiSaver scheme by Christmas. The AMP Superwatch 
research shows the majority of those people support the 
financial incentives offered by the Government, especially the 
$1,000 kick-start contribution and the tax credits. Those most 
likely to join up to KiwiSaver are older workers, while 
younger couples are the least likely. The survey has found 
younger people have other priorities, including saving for 
travel. Fifty seven percent of respondents still see paying 
off the mortgage as their top savings priority.

AUCKLAND HOUSE SALES DOWN AGAIN
-------------------------------

Aucklanders trying to sell their homes are being warned to 
prepare for a longer than usual wait. Figures released by the 
real estate company Barfoot and Thompson show the median price 
for a house has declined 2.6 percent in the past month. The 
number of houses being sold has also fallen for the third 
month in a row. Across the company, 675 sales were agreed in 
September, compared to 938 for the same month last year. 
Barfoot and Thompson director Peter Thompson says the property 
market has had some great years, but the industry needs to get 
realistic. He says there are now an equal number of vendors 
and buyers - which is forcing more competition. Mr Thompson 
says Barfoot and Thompson's 'time to sell' period is now about 
37 days, compared with 31 days two months ago. He says while 
the winter months are traditionally quiet, there have been a 
number of additional factors such as increasing interest 
rates, bad weather, and people heading to the Rugby World 
club. Mr Thompson expects the market to be 'steady' rather 
than 'spectacular' for the rest of the year.

FIVE STARS MORE LIKE TWO AND A BIT
----------------------------------

Five Star Consumer Finance investors will receive less than 
half of their money back. Receivers have completed a 
preliminary review of the assets of the collapsed finance 
company and its three subsidiaries. They are warning investors 
to prepare for a payout of between 26 and 40 cents in the 
dollar, but say the first tranche of money will not be 
available until December. Receiver Richard Agnew says there is 
considerable uncertainty over whether several loans to Five 
Star commercial customers are recoverable. Five Star has more 
than 11,000 loans, valued at around $65.5 million dollars.


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