WYSIWYG NEWS - 23 September, 2007

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: September, 2007 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer. 

Despite the somewhat gloomy forecast for the week ahead, the 
week now ending has lived up to my expectations for spring. 
About 10 km North of Levin on SH1 is the little place called 
Poroutawhao (isn't that a name to conjure with?). As far as I 
can see, it consists of a school on one side of the road and a 
community hall on the other. I am sure that there are farms in 
the surrounding area, but it must surely be the smallest 
settlement in the country to have its own name. Friday was the 
last day of the school term, and the kids being dropped early 
at the school gates by their parents were swarming about as we 
passed through on our way to Wanganui. Almost five km further 
up the road, we came to the bridge that crosses the Manawatu 
River and the adjoining floodway. Known as the Whirokino 
trestle, this narrow two lane concrete bridge runs just over a 
kilometre until it has crossed the flood protection embankment 
on the North side. About halfway across the bridge, I realised 
that the solitary cloud on the horizon wasn't a cloud at all, 
but was the snow covered peak of Mt Ruapehu (2,797 metres or 
9,176 feet). This mighty volcano is 140 km North of the 
Whirokino trestle, which is now the  most Southerly place from 
which I have ever seen the mountain. Distant mountains, 
especially those that seemingly rise from flat land around 
them have a unique presence. Perhaps it's just the shimmering 
of a distant view, but they seem to possess an energy that 
demands attention. Of course since it is an active volcano, 
that is especially true of Ruapehu. At this comparatively 
early hour of the day  (about 8:20 am) the sky to the north 
was pale, almost washed out, and the effect was what 
photographers describe as "high key" - almost no contrast 
between the mountain and the sky and it was extraordinarily 
beautiful, despite its distance. Through Foxton, and along the 
much improved Foxton Straights section of SH1 - 30 km of 
mostly unbending road between Foxton and Sanson. After a brief 
pause for coffee at Bulls, we were on SH3, and a police car 
pulled in behind us, so we both made a splendidly uniform 100 
km/h journey in tandem to Wanganui. Thank goodness for cruise 
control. Just a few kilometres out of Bulls, that other mighty 
mountain, Taranaki (2,308 metres, 7,572 feet) revealed itself. 
A quick check on Google Earth reveals this was also 140 km 
away from where we saw it, so it will be apparent that this 
was an extraordinarily clear spring day. Just a faint wisp of 
cloud spoiled its perfect conical outline. Closer to hand, 
spring blossom was everywhere, with great yellow splashes of 
kowhai in full flower, and near various farm houses the 
splendid frills of cheery, peach and apple trees all dressed 
for a party. In the paddocks, lambs were plentiful though, 
typically for this part of the world, they were already two 
months old or more. It was just a day return trip, but very 
pleasant from a scenic point of view. 

Support for WYSIWYG's running costs has gradually built up, 
and when all the donations received or promised have been 
banked we have sufficient in trust that I won't need to ask 
for help again until the first half of 2009. Many thanks to 
all those generous people who have provided support for 
periods ranging from 1 to 14 weeks. I will acknowledge 
donations individually soon. 
---- 
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, 17 September 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MEAT COMPANIES CAUGHT TELLING PORKIES
-------------------------------------

Two bacon and ham companies have been given a ticking off for 
misleading labels implying their products were from New 
Zealand when they used imported ingredients. The Kiwi brand 
label included the phrase "The taste of New Zealand". The 
label for Premier's bacon and ham products read "Country 
Goodness from the Heart of the Wairarapa". The Commerce 
Commission says while the products were produced in New 
Zealand, a significant amount of the pork used to make the 
products was imported. Both companies have been given a formal 
warning and are changing their labels.

CLAIMS BNZ STAFF UNDER HOME LOAN PRESSURE
-----------------------------------------

Bank of New Zealand is being accused of putting pressure on 
the housing market. Finance sector union Finsec claims BNZ is 
setting unrealistic home loan sales targets for banking 
advisors. Spokesman Andrew Campbell says customers will be 
facing employees who are under pressure to sell the equivalent 
of $11 million worth of home mortgages, to meet their 
performance targets. Mr Campbell says the increased volume of 
home lending is at the expense of customers who do not need to 
increase their debt levels. 
 
(If the BNZ is doing it, it would be a surprise if the others 
weren't. It must be hard to sell a mortgage to someone who 
doesn't need one. - BH)

VICTIM SUPPORT ADDS OPPOSITION TO BILL
--------------------------------------

Victim Support fears it may be caught out by the Electoral 
Finance Bill. It has expressed concerns about the bill's 
definitions of third parties to Parliament's Justice and 
Electoral Select Committee. Victim Support acting CEO Heather 
Verry says the bill may class the group as a third party, 
thereby harming its advocacy work. She says Victim Support 
wants clarification as to whether it would be subject to 
spending restrictions on campaigns, and have to declare the 
identities of donors. Labour MP David Benson-Pope says Victim 
Support is apolitical, therefore should not be captured by the 
proposed regulation.

NATS WANT PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN ROADS
-------------------------------------

National is pushing the idea of getting the private sector 
involved in financing roading projects. Leader John Key says 
the private sector has been involved extensively in projects 
in Australia, the US, Asia and Europe. He says private-public 
partnerships would allow private groups to finance the 
project, which will then be repaid over time by a service 
charge from the Government, or by revenues. Mr Key says 
although such partnerships are permitted, no private sector 
firms are interested because of the onerous restrictions in 
the Land Transport Management Act. He says a National 
government would reform the legislation. 
 
(This does not fit well with my personal beliefs. There are 
certain services that ought to be built with public money for 
the public good. I think these include but are not limited to 
water, electricity, education, hospitals, defence, roads, 
ports and airports. To turn them over to the private sector 
allows the public to be held hostage to commercial interests. 
- BH)

MENINGITIS VACCINE FOR BABIES FROM NEXT YEAR
--------------------------------------------

The Health Ministry has confirmed the addition of a new 
vaccine to the national immunisation schedule, which is 
reviewed every two years. The latest schedule includes the 
pneumococcal vaccine Prevenar, which will be given to all 
newborn babies from next year as part of efforts to reduce the 
effects of pneumococcal disease. The disease can cause 
meningitis, blood poisoning and pneumonia. Dr Alison Roberts, 
acting manager National Immunisation Programme, says the 
addition of Prevenar to the schedule means that from next year 
all New Zealand babies will have access to free immunisations 
protecting them against 11 serious diseases. Dr Roberts says 
all babies are at risk of severe pneumococcal disease, which 
is different to meningococcal B disease. She says babies will 
need both vaccinations. The complete schedule, which lists 
vaccines to be offered at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months, is 
available at the Ministry of Health website.

CARBON COMPO FOR LOW EARNERS
----------------------------

Compensation is on the cards for low and modest income earners 
under the Government's proposed carbon emissions trading 
scheme. Full details of the policy are due to be released on 
Thursday but Prime Minister Helen Clark has put some aspects 
into the public domain. She says compensation would be given 
to those who suffered most from any increase in energy prices 
as a consequence of the scheme. Miss Clark says it is 
important it is available for low to modest income consumers, 
because they are not in a position necessarily to radically 
alter their pattern of energy use. 
 
(I am not persuaded that the trading of credits is necessarily 
going to prevent even a kilogram of emitted carbon. - BH)

LABOUR CLOSES GAP ON NATS
-------------------------

Labour has closed the gap on National in the latest One News 
Colmar Brunton poll. National still leads, with 49 points, a 
drop of three points, while Labour is up three to 39. The 
Greens are the only other party to make it to the MMP 
threshold, on five points. New Zealand First and the Maori 
Party are on three, while ACT and United Future are on one 
apiece. Helen Clark is back on top as preferred prime 
minister, with 33 per cent, while John Key is down four to 31.

HEALTH MAINTENANCE STRIKE MAY BE AVERTED
----------------------------------------

Mediation between maintenance workers and their employer, the 
Canterbury District Health Board is back on track according to 
a union spokesman. Earlier this month 60 workers from the 
Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, Amalgamated 
Workers Union and the New Zealand Building Trade Union had 
threatened to walk off the job for a week, starting today. 
Workers felt their pay negotiations had broken down, and 
rejected a pay increase of four-and-a-half-percent over 18 
months. However EMPU union spokesman Ged O'Connell says a 
last-minute proposal from the Canterbury DHB was presented to 
unions on Friday. He says strike action has been called off 
and unions will meet with their members this morning.

WELLINGTON TRAIN DEAL CRITICISED
--------------------------------

There's anger at a decision by Greater Wellington to exclude 
the public from a special meeting about what could be a 
billion dollar decision on new trains. Friday's meeting 
considered a $210 million deal to buy 70 new suburban rail 
units from a Japanese and Korean consortium. But Council 
chairman Ian Buchanan says there will be no announcement on 
their decision until September 28. Johnsonville resident Tony 
Randall says he understands the deal will pave the way for a 
$1.3 billion investment in rail over the next 25 years. He 
says that makes it the biggest investment in transport in the 
region in the last decade, and an even bigger deal than 
Transmission Gully. He says to make that decision in such a 
secretive way is not in the spirit of democracy, even if it is 
within the letter of the law. Tony Randall says the council 
should wait for two months so incoming councillors can have a 
say, because they are the ones who will have to live with it. 
He believes the council simply wants to end all the debate 
about rail by putting this matter to bed. 
 
(Fascinating! The chair of the relevant committee told a 
public meeting on Wednesday that he was going to sign the 
contract this week. I think the decision is a done deal, and 
that the process of announcing the decision is a farce. The 
person concerned was speaking at a "meet the candidates" 
meeting and was attempting to tell us why he should be re-
elected. - BH) 

BUTTER PRICE HIKE A GOOD THING?
-------------------------------

Home made biscuits may become a thing of the past, with a 23 
percent hike in the wholesale price of butter kicking in 
today. The increase will mean customers will pay up to $2.50 
for 500 grams of butter. The rise comes in the wake of a jump 
in the price of other dairy products earlier this month, 
including milk and cheese. One of New Zealand's most famous 
bakers, Alison Holst, says the escalating cost of butter will 
affect the way people bake - and bakers will think twice 
before whipping up a special treat. She says overall the price 
rise may be better for us as we often use too much butter, and 
a higher price may help curb consumption. Alison Holst says it 
may encourage people to try to use recipes that are less rich, 
and thus use less butter.

Tuesday, 18 September 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PRIMARY TEACHER SHORTAGE IN AUCKLAND
------------------------------------

Auckland teachers say they are in crisis, particularly in 
south Auckland, because of the nationwide shortage of primary 
teachers. They report primary schools are having to double up 
classes and some children are getting a different relieving 
teacher every day. NZEI president Irene Cooper says it is 
frustrating that forty percent of teacher graduates to not get 
jobs on completion of their training. She says, despite the 
fact they are keen and well trained, they cannot find schools 
willing to support them for their first two years until they 
qualify for full registration.

MAORI GIRLS MORE LIKELY TO BE OVERWEIGHT
----------------------------------------

Young Maori girls are more likely to be obese than their non-
Maori counterparts. The health group Te Hotu Manawa Maori told 
a Wellington audience this morning that when it comes to 
children, Maori and non-Maori males have a similar prevalence 
of obesity. But Maori females are one-and-a-half times more 
likely to be overweight than non-Maori females. The group has 
been working closely with the Obesity Action Coalition, which 
is calling for a ban on all TV advertising for food and 
beverages during children's programmes.

AIR NZ TAKES ON WELLINGTON AIRPORT IN COURT
-------------------------------------------

Air New Zealand and Wellington International Airport meet in 
the High Court this afternoon in a dispute over the airport's 
landing charges. Wellington Airport's new landing fees, which 
took effect in July, will raise Air New Zealand's costs by 
about 34 per cent over the next five years. Air New Zealand is 
seeking a Judicial Review of the charges which it says are 
invalid, because airports must consult each time they increase 
landing costs. Lawyers from the two companies will discuss 
procedural matters at today's meeting. 
 
(All airports in New Zealand seem to be an opportunity for 
their owners to fleece all their trading partners and the 
public. The prices they charge for airport concessions, 
including landing fees, are reflected in the disproportionate 
prices the public pay for any service even remotely involving 
an airport. This is not to say that airlines don't have their 
own sneaky ways of exploiting their monopolies. - BH)

AGRESEARCH UNVEILS STAB PROOF FABRIC
------------------------------------

Something slightly more practical than the usual Fashion Week 
fare will be on display at the Auckland event today. A 
groundbreaking fabric developed by AgResearch is being 
unveiled. It looks like an ordinary material, but is flame 
resistant and stab proof. Research Associate Maree Hamilton-
Chisholm says the fabric is woven by means of a special 
knitting process that blends wool and a synthetic fibre 
together. She says the developers are looking for someone with 
a specific need for the fabric, to develop it further. Ms 
Hamilton-Chisholm says the fabric would be perfect for 
emergency services' uniforms.

RESEARCH TO HELP DEPRESSED ALCOHOLICS
-------------------------------------

A new study will look into the best way to treat depressed 
alcoholics. University of Otago researchers are calling for 
volunteers from Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch 
and Dunedin to take part in the study. Principal Investigator 
Professor Doug Sellman says researchers are trying to find out 
whether the drug Naltrexone, which is used to treat 
alcoholism, can also treat depression. He says all 
participants will get only Naltrexone to treat alcoholism, 
while the other half will also get an antidepressant.

PARTY GUARDS BECOMING MORE NECESSARY
------------------------------------

Party hosts are being encouraged to hire security guards in 
bid to ward off gatecrashers. The death of 17-year-old 
Augustine Borrell outside a party in the Auckland suburb of 
Herne Bay has highlighted the growing number of gatherings 
spiralling out of control when unwanted guests turn up to make 
trouble. Security Association Chief Executive Barrie Cooper 
says the increase in cell phone communication is forcing party 
hosts to hire guards. His staff are contracted to protect many 
private functions involving teens every weekend and most go 
off without a hitch. Mr Cooper says most teenagers know how to 
behave properly.

Wednesday, 19 September 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RESERVE BANK SAYS ITS POLICY IS SOUND
-------------------------------------

The Reserve Bank has told a select committee inquiry its 
monetary policy is sound. Reserve Bank Chairman Arthur Grimes 
says the current framework for monetary policy is sound and 
the existing Policy Targets Agreement is appropriate. He says 
the bank supports investigations into alternative instruments 
or policy changes that assist the Reserve Bank in achieving 
its objectives. Governor Allan Bollard says the Reserve Bank 
has modelled what would happen if it chose to use the exchange 
rate as a moderating influence on monetary policy. He says the 
interest rate would have to be moved around by massive 
amounts. Dr Bollard poured cold water on the concept of a 
variable rate of GST as an option, saying it has theoretical 
advantages but practical problems. The Reserve Bank is also 
negative about a currency union with Australia, saying the 
nation has the same problems as New Zealand. It is also 
playing down the option of pegging the New Zealand dollar to a 
basket of foreign currencies, saying it would takes away 
independence in running monetary policy.

TOYS WITH EXCESSIVE LEAD BANNED
-------------------------------

The Government is banning toys with excessive lead levels 
following a series of safety concerns over imports from China. 
Consumer Affairs Minister Judith Tizard says while no new 
specific problems have been identified, there are no 
regulations regarding lead content in toys. She says there is 
a need to clarify the situation and the Government will take 
steps to specify maximum allowable limits in line with 
international standards. Ms Tizard says the ban is an interim 
step until a mandatory standard can be formalised.

ELECTRONIC JUNK CLUTTERING NZ HOMES
-----------------------------------

It is estimated there are more than a quarter of a million 
obsolete computers in New Zealand homes. The figure is one of 
the driving forces behind a national eDay, launched in 
Wellington this morning, which will give people a chance to 
dispose of old computer equipment and cell phones in an 
environmentally friendly way. Electronic waste is the fastest 
growing type of rubbish in the world. There are concerns about 
it being sent to landfills because of toxic materials inside, 
like lead and mercury. A pilot scheme run by computer company 
Dell in Wellington last year saw 54 tonnes of old home 
computer equipment off-loaded. This year's eDay will be held 
in 12 locations across the country on the weekend of 29 to 30 
September.

(Hm. At least one dead printer to be disposed of in my office. 
- BH)

GYM CRECHE GUIDELINES TOO STRICT
--------------------------------

The association representing the fitness sector wants the 
government to relax the laws on childcare facilities at gyms. 
Creches at many fitness centres have had to close their doors 
because of strict guidelines. People looking after two or more 
children at gyms must be licensed as early-childhood teachers. 
Fitness New Zealand CEO Richard Beddie says the Ministry of 
Education needs to change its 'one-size-fits-all' approach. He 
believes alternative guidelines are needed for people looking 
after children for short periods of time. Mr Beddie says the 
government should encourage parents to maintain a healthy 
lifestyle instead of regulating fitness centres.

TEACHER SUPPLY CRISIS SAYS NZEI
-------------------------------

The union for primary teachers says schools are facing a 
teacher supply crisis as a high percentage of graduates do not 
even make it to the classroom. Irene Cooper, president of the 
New Zealand Education Institute, says primary teacher numbers 
are at an all time low. She says up to 40 percent of new 
teacher graduates do not actually end up in the profession. 
'They're keen and well trained but they need schools who are 
willing to support them professionally for the first two years 
to full registration. We can head off this crisis but we must 
seize the initiative.?' Ms Cooper says schools are doubling up 
classes and some children are getting a different relieving 
teacher every day. NZEI wants better workforce planning and 
sufficient resources for experienced teachers to mentor and 
support graduate teachers and those returning to school after 
a period out of the workforce. Ms Cooper says the government 
should move to introduce a scheme to ensure permanent 
positions for new graduates so they have the continuity of 
teaching, professional development and proper support to 
achieve registration. She says better pay would also retain 
more teachers. She claims salaries paid to New Zealand 
teachers are significantly behind their counterparts in 
Australia, Britain, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany and other 
countries. "Our relatively low salaries help push teachers 
overseas. The salary disparity must be addressed if we are to 
avoid losing teachers overseas, particularly to Australia.?

GOVT'S PLAN WORRIES OIL/GAS INDUSTRY
------------------------------------

The oil and gas industry is nervous about the government's 
draft energy plan. The government wants to stop the 
construction of gas-fired power stations in a bid to tackle 
climate change. John Pfahlert, spokesman for the Petroleum 
Exploration and Production Association says the industry 
contributes about $1.6 billion to the economy each year. He 
says if the plan goes ahead, it would be disastrous for the 
gas and oil industry. "The domestic use of gas and oil in New 
Zealand is something which can make a contribution and should 
be seen in the broader economic context. In an economy like 
ours, we can't just rely on renewable energy."

LAWS ALLOW ARMED AIR MARSHALS ON NZ FLIGHTS
-------------------------------------------

Armed air marshals are a step closer to being on flights going 
through New Zealand. New aviation security legislation passed 
unanimously in Parliament last night, giving greater 
provisions for foreign airlines to have air marshals on board. 
However, airlines would require cabinet approval before the 
move is allowed. Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven 
says it is a measure in place for future use in case it is 
ever needed, but as yet no airline has asked for air marshals 
to enter New Zealand. The new laws give security staff greater 
powers to search passengers. A passenger refusing to be 
searched can now be denied the right to board a plane. The 
laws also provide greater powers to restrict the items 
passengers try to take on board a plane and allow airport 
workers to be searched. National MP Pansy Wong says it is 
important for travellers flying into and out of New Zealand to 
feel safe. The legislation brings New Zealand into line with 
other developed countries.

CARBON PERMITS "MONEY-MAKING SCHEME FOR GOVT"
---------------------------------------------

The government's latest move to tackle global warming is being 
rubbished by a group which challenges theories on climate 
change and global warming. The Climate Science Coalition says 
the carbon trading scheme, which will force companies to buy 
carbon permits if they fail to keep within emission guidelines 
set by the government, is just another way for the government 
to make money. Coalition spokesman Bryan Leyland claims 
records show global temperatures have not increased since 1998 
and says the government should look at all the facts of 
climate change, instead of jumping on the global-hype 
bandwagon. Mr Leyland says the carbon permit scheme will only 
force companies to head off shore to set up in countries where 
there are no such regulations.

Thursday, 20 September 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE CIRCUMVENTED
------------------------------------

Normal parliamentary procedure has been circumvented in a move 
to raise the driving age. United Future leader Peter Dunne 
sought and was granted permission, to bring an amendment of 
the Land Transport Driver Licensing Act before Parliament. As 
he is a Minister outside Cabinet it will be treated as a 
Government Bill, meaning he has not had to rely on it being 
drawn from the ballot as a Private Member's Bill. Mr Dunne 
says he wants to raise the age to 16 and extend the learner 
license period to a year. That would mean young drivers will 
not get their full license until they are 18.

SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES NOT RISK FACTOR
--------------------------------------

New Otago University research claims single parent families 
are not a major risk factor in children's development. The 
results come from the Christchurch Health and Development 
Study, which tracks 950 children born in 1977. Professor David 
Fergusson says the research shows a child's development is 
more linked to contextual factors, such as socio-economic 
status and how a family functions. He says the results are 
contrary to conventional wisdom, and some international 
studies, which link mental health problems, educational 
performance and criminal behaviour to single parent children.

CARBON EMISSIONS REASON FROM GOVT
---------------------------------

The government is outlining its reasoning on why agriculture 
will be the last to enter a proposed carbon emissions trading 
scheme. The initiative aims to cut the country's carbon 
emissions by requiring industries to purchase trading units to 
offset their greenhouse gas outputs. Transport and liquid 
fuels are scheduled to come into the scheme in 2009, four 
years ahead of the agricultural sector. Finance Minister 
Michael Cullen says a 10 percent improvement in the fuel 
efficiency of a vehicle fleet can be achieved more easily than 
a 10 percent improvement in the emissions from dairy stock

MINISTER DEFENDS HUI SPEND
--------------------------

The Maori Affairs Minister is defending the amount spent on 
several hui, where officials outnumbered members of the 
public. Figures show $180,000 went on seven aquaculture hui 
across the country in recent months. A total of 143 people 
turned up, with Te Puni Kokiri officials outnumbering members 
of the public at one gathering. But a defiant Parekura Horomia 
says the hui have been very successful. He says those who 
turned up represented thousands of people who will benefit 
from their attendance.

GROWERS MUST GET TO THE CORE OF HOLIDAY PAY
-------------------------------------------

The Department of Labour says all employers should take note 
of a case against an apple grower. Workers at a Nelson orchard 
complained they had not been paid holiday pay and were told 
not to work on Anzac Day because the orchardist claimed the 
fruit was not ripe. However, the department doubted that claim 
because the apples had been picked on the day before and after 
the public holiday. Birdhurst Ltd has now agreed to pay its 
workers the money they were owed for Anzac Day. The Labour 
Department says if a holiday falls on a day that would 
normally be worked, then staff are entitled to be paid. It 
says in this case, the employer can be commended for accepting 
responsibility and putting the situation right by paying 
employees the money they were owed. The Department of Labour 
will be taking no further action.

Friday, 21 September 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TOURIST NUMBERS NOT AFFECTED
----------------------------

The high kiwi dollar does not appear to have the feared 
negative impact on tourist numbers to New Zealand. Figures 
show visitor arrivals up 5.8 percent last month, with nearly 
165,000 tourists coming into the country. Visitor numbers from 
the UK were up 4.4 percent, Australia up just over 12 percent, 
and the number of Chinese visitors rocketed by almost 18 
percent. Of some concern, though, was a 6.5 percent drop in 
the number of the often big-spending American tourists, while 
visitors from Japan fell ten percent. But Tourism Minister 
Damien O'Connor says the overall strong growth is very 
pleasing, particularly during the winter months.

A1 MILK SAFE TO DRINK
---------------------

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority is reassuring consumers 
that drinking A1 milk is safe. Keith Woodford's book released 
last month claimed milk with the A1 protein causes health 
problems and the country needs to switch to cows that produce 
milk with the A2 protein. NZFSA spokesman Dr Donald Campbell 
says the book provides no scientific evidence that A1 milk is 
more or less of a health risk than A2 milk. He says the 
authority are as sure as scientifically possible that the A1 
milk is a safe, nutritious product. Dr Campbell says the NZFSA 
is concerned statements circulating about the safety of milk 
are creating unnecessary fear.

MORE MONEY FOR RESEARCH
-----------------------

Strategic tertiary sector research is getting extra funding 
support from the Government. Tertiary Education Minister 
Michael Cullen has announced around $8 million will be 
invested in boosting research capacity in nursing, veterinary 
science, and information and communications technology. 
Auckland and Waikato Universities will get $3.2 million to 
build an ICT research community. Auckland University also 
receives $2.7 million for work on a nursing and health 
consortium, while Massey gets $2 million to enhance its 
veterinary and animal science work.

HEART ATTACK VICTIMS GET HELP
-----------------------------

Help is now much closer for people in Invercargill if they 
have a heart attack. In a first for New Zealand, St John is 
putting 50 external defibrillators into public places around 
the city. The defibrillators have been purchased thanks to a 
$186,000 grant from the ILT Foundation. St John spokesman 
Peter Perriam says the machines are smaller than a lap top and 
easy to use. He says nationally about ten people die each day 
from heart attacks so use of these machines will literally 
mean the difference between life and death.

SOLID ENERGY CONSIDERS EMISSIONS SCHEME
---------------------------------------

Coal producer Solid Energy is still considering the impact of 
the government's emissions trading scheme. On the basis of 
Solid Energy's latest annual production figures, it would have 
had to pay almost $14 million to cover the cost of the CO2 
produced by the burning of the coal it sold. That would 
account for almost 12 percent of the SOE's $85.8 million 
dollar profit recorded last year. Last year Solid Energy sold 
more than 4.6 million tonnes of coal and that would equate to 
around nine million tonnes of CO2 emissions A Solid Energy 
spokesman says they are not yet in a position to respond to 
the emissions trading scheme and how it might affect their 
business. The spokesman says there are a number of issues to 
be worked through. Under the government's emissions trading 
scheme coal producers, such as Solid Energy, would be required 
to purchase trading units to cover the cost of the coal they 
sell.

FARM PRICES LEAD STRONG MARKET
------------------------------

Figures from the Real Estate Institute for August show a 
strong market led by farm prices in many areas, but let down 
by lifestyle properties. In the Manawatu/Wanganui region, the 
median farm price rose by about $80,000 between July and 
August. However, the median price for a lifestyle properties 
fell by $14,000 over the same period. In Canterbury, 94 farms 
sold in August, down from 111 in July. The median price 
increased to just over $1 million. Three-hundred-and-17 fewer 
lifestyle blocks sold in the Canterbury region and the median 
price eased by $26,000. However, the lifestyle block trend 
reversed in Hawke's Bay. Sixty-two blocks sold last month, 
three fewer than in July, but the median price rose to almost 
$500,000.

LAW CHANGE FOR GOVT DEPTS
-------------------------

The Office of the Ombudsmen is suggesting a law change so 
government departments can offer apologies without the risk of 
litigation. It is making the request in its annual report to 
Parliament. Chief Ombudsman John Belgrave says in some cases 
where complaints are made against government agencies they 
could be resolved, or stopped from escalating, if a sincere 
apology is offered. He accepts an apology can be seen as an 
admission of liability for potential civil action, but says 
some overseas jurisdictions have laws that protect against 
this. 
 
(Most official expressions of regret seem to reflect regret 
that they got caught - or am I just being cynical? - BH)

POWER SUPPLY FEARS FROM EMISSIONS PLAN
--------------------------------------

The oil and gas industry is warning that too much reliance on 
carbon neutral energy will lead to power outages. The 
Petroleum Exploration and Production Association says the 
carbon trading initiative may discourage potential investors 
in the gas and coal- fired energy sector which would pose a 
risk to New Zealand's electricity supply. Spokesman John 
Pfahlert says up to 20 percent of power produced by gas and 
coal is needed to ensure an adequate baseload of power is 
generated for energy security. He says the new carbon charge 
on electricity generated must not impact negatively on 
production levels.

GREENS MAY NOT SUPPORT EMISSIONS SCHEME
---------------------------------------

The Greens are not giving any assurances they will support the 
government's planned emissions trading scheme through 
Parliament. The party is unhappy with many aspects of the 
programme which requires industries to buy trading units to 
offset their emissions. Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons claims 
the scheme does not come into force soon enough to tackle 
climate change. She says users of coal, electricity and gas 
get off scot-free until at least 2010 and the lack of urgency 
means emissions will be higher in 2012 than they are today. Ms 
Fitzsimons says there is also a lack of clear direction about 
which industries will benefit from receiving carbon credits. 
Ms Fitzsimons says this scheme should have been put in place a 
decade ago, for it to have had the desired effect. She 
believes that subsidising low income earners to help them pay 
for higher power bills which will be a consequence of the 
scheme, destroys the whole purpose of placing a price on 
carbon. However, the National Party is giving qualified 
support to the trading scheme. Deputy leader Bill English says 
the framework is in line with National's own proposals and the 
general approach looks sound. He indicates National would 
welcome policy discussion on the matter but says part of the 
package must include reform of the Resource Management Act to 
ensure renewable energy projects can get off the ground more 
quickly.

DUNNE WARNS OF THREAT TO TAX CUTS
---------------------------------

United Future suspects the government will use its carbon 
emissions trading scheme to side step tax cuts. Businesses 
will pay for the amount of carbon they add to the atmosphere 
and the expense will be passed on to consumers. Domestic power 
bills will rise by around 10 percent and up to six cents a 
litre will be added to fuel from 2009 if the scheme is 
implemented. The agriculture sector will not be included in 
the scheme until 2013. The government is promising to help low 
income households meet the price increases but United Future 
leader Peter Dunne says that should not come at the expense of 
tax cuts. "My real worry here is the government should be 
under no illusion that it can get away with giving 
compensation to households and then not giving them tax cuts. 
This cannot be seen as an excuse for giving away tax cuts." 
The Wellington business community is in favour of the scheme. 
Chamber of Commerce spokesman Charles Finny says it will force 
businesses to start doing things in a smarter and more 
efficient way. He is encouraging businesses to start thinking 
about what the changes will mean for them.

NZD CONTINUES UPWARDS CLIMB
---------------------------

The New Zealand dollar has gained more ground against its 
American counterpart in overnight trading. A weaker US dollar 
has pushed the kiwi to around 74 US cents, from 73.50 
yesterday. The New Zealand and Australian dollars are 
benefiting from the Federal Reserve's decision to trim the 
benchmark US federal funds rate to 4.75 percent from 5.24 
percent. The move has resulted in the US dollar being sold off 
as a result, benefiting higher yielding currencies such as the 
kiwi. The American dollar's slump has proved to be a boom for 
its northern neighbour. The Canadian dollar has finally 
reached parity with its southern cousin for the first time in 
more than three decades.



SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
Brian Harmer does NOT administer the mailing list. Please do 
not send subscription related messages to him. Instead, visit 
the website listed below, where you can make changes as 
required. If you want to send a personal message to Brian, 
change the country code to nz and send a message 
brian.harmer at vuw.ac.xx If you do choose to comment on 
something in these posts, please don't send the whole 
newsletter with your message. Just trim it back to the 
relevant bits. Thanks. Brian.