WYSIWYG NEWS - 3 February, 2008
news at wysiwygnews.com
news at wysiwygnews.com
Sun Feb 3 08:57:24 NZDT 2008
Subject: 3 February, 2008
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer.
Oh dear! Another missed week, for which I apologise.
The period since I last wrote has been benign. People who
complain when the weather is cold and windy have recently been
complaining of excessive heat and humidity. How hot it feels
on any given day is usually relative to how hot it felt in
some prior period. My recollection of the official statistics
over the last two weeks is that the 3pm temperature, recorded
at Wellington Airport was mostly around 26 degrees which, as
you will agree is not especially hot when compared with places
like Singapore or Darwin. However the airport is susceptible
to breezes down its length, and for the rest of Wellington,
sheltered places in the late afternoon may have hit 28 or 30
degrees. With a bit of uncharacteristic humidity, it has
certainly felt hot, sufficiently to tempt me into wearing
shorts, even at the risk of scaring the neighbours.
Such weather gives rise to a sense of wellbeing. The harbour
is filled with fleets of small yachts racing, even on the
afternoons and evenings of weekdays. In weather like this,
they don't go very fast, but they obviously provide enjoyment
because they are back the next day and the day after that.
There have been a number of cruise liners in port recently,
more or less every other day. Some had the misfortune to
strike one of the very few days of drizzle in the last two
weeks, but mostly they seemed to deliver hordes of affluent
shoppers to the streets of Wellington. For me, this is a weird
phenomenon, as the notion of a cruise liner is in itself
repulsive. Even worse, the idea that fulfilment is to be found
in trudging from one shop to the next in each port to exercise
the credit card eludes me completely. However, I recognise
that I am possibly abnormal on both counts. Passengers on
today's cruise liner must wonder which planet they have
arrived at. It is the Wellington Sevens ... part of the annual
world round of seven-a-side rugby. The current IRB series
takes place in Edinburgh, Hong Kong, London, South Africa, the
USA, Wellington, Adelaide and Dubai. I suspect that Wellington
is unique in that the tournament has become almost incidental
to the gigantic party that takes place in spectator areas of
the stadium. Groups of people vie with each other to turn up
in weird costumes, penguins, nuns, cowboys, SWAT teams, you
name it. If you get bored with the party, as a last resort you
can turn and watch the rugby. Did I mention that excessive
alcohol is another aspect, and all of this spills over into
the streets of the city. Our affluent tourists will encounter
wandering herds of football fans dressed as Winnie the Pooh,
or Star Trek crew members. Fortunately all this lasts just a
few days and the tour moves on to the next city on the
circuit.
----
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 L Birch, here in NZ for this week's sponsorship.
----
On with the News.
Monday, 21 January 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MOURNERS QUEUE TO FAREWELL SIR ED
---------------------------------
The queue of people waiting to pay their respects to Sir
Edmund Hillary has stretched around an Auckland block. Sir Ed
will be lying in state at Parnell's Holy Trinity Cathedral
through the night, with an opportunity for people to pay their
respects until 8am tomorrow. Prime Minister Helen Clark took
part in the official ceremony to carry Sir Ed's casket into
the cathedral, which she says it was a special and sad
occasion. She was visibly upset as she spoke of her personal
respect for the mountaineer, saying she knows how hard it is
to climb 6,000 metres, but he climbed further than that and
with the technology of 1953. Miss Clark says she can
understand why there has been an extraordinary out-pouring of
public feeling. She says people in her generation grew up with
the fame of Sir Ed's achievements, and his legend has kept
building throughout his 88 years of life. One of those who
filed past the mountaineer's casket was Tuakau farmer Tom
Mandeno, who has also visited Mt Everest base camp and one of
the hospitals Sir Ed helped build in Nepal. He says today was
a moving experience. "To think, all that money he raised on
his speaking tours and every cent of it went to the Hillary
Trust, no percentage going into his pocket. I mean, I think
it's just a wonderful example." American tourist Joyce Beaudet
took time out from her holiday to pay tribute. "He was such an
amazing person, such a courageous person . We just felt we had
to be here, as long as we were here in New Zealand, we could
not miss this. Staff and pupils at Sir Edmund Hillary
Collegiate, which is in the south Auckland suburb of Otara,
are preparing their tribute to the man their school is named
after. A haka titled He Maunga Tei Tei, or A Lofty Mountain,
has been written by staff and kaumatua. It will be performed
by 40 students at his state funeral in Auckland tomorrow.
Senior principal Karen Douglas says it is an honour to be
asked by Sir Ed's family to do the Maori challenge as his
casket is taken to his funeral cortege. She says the words
were composed to reflect the mountaineer, and also how the
school feels about him as a person and the messages he has
passed on. It says "look towards far horizons, people of the
world. Mourn, for the mighty Kauri has fallen".
FREE TRADE PACT WITH CHINA GETTING CLOSER
-----------------------------------------
China is expected to receive little benefit from a free trade
pact with New Zealand. The proposed deal would see China phase
out tariffs on agriculture products from New Zealand, while
New Zealand removes its remaining tariffs on Chinese clothing
and footwear. The agreement is expected to be signed off by
April. Kai Luey, president of the New Zealand Chinese
Association, says China is using its first free trade
agreement as a 'guinea pig' to deals with other countries.
"With New Zealand being a small country and a small economy
there are a limited number of products which are of interest
to China." Mr Luey says China is a powerhouse for
manufacturing and consumerism and many nations want free trade
deals with it. He says New Zealand's dairy industry will be
the big winner from the pact.
NZ SCORES POORLY ON HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
-----------------------------------------
An international survey has found of the world's six most
expensive housing markets, that New Zealand and Australia are
the least affordable. The 2008 Demographia study of major
urban markets in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, US and
Ireland finds that house prices in New Zealand and Australia
are outstripping wages. The survey found that New Zealand and
Australian urban markets have the worst housing affordability
at 6.3 times annual household earnings followed by the United
Kingdom at 5.5 times, Ireland 4.7 times, US 6.3 times and
Canada 3.1 times. It says when interest costs on mortgages are
added, New Zealanders are in a worse position. A New Zealand
household can expect 18.6 years of income to go towards house
cost and mortgage (excluding rates, taxes, maintenance and
other costs); Australians 17.9 years, the British 14.1 years,
the Irish 9.6 years, the Americans 8.3 years and the Canadians
7.9 years. New Zealand was the only country surveyed where all
of its cities ranked, were rated severely unaffordable.
However, of the list of the most expensive 227 cities, the top
five were in the United States with the worst being Los
Angeles. Of the New Zealand cities, Tauranga is New Zealand's
most expensive ranked at 20th, followed by Auckland at 31st,
Christchurch is 34th, Hamilton 40th and Wellington 46th The
least affordable city in Australia is Mandurah south of Perth
in sixth place.
(The silliest thing the government could have done, is to try
to discredit the figures and the methodology of such research.
Sure enough ... - BH)
LONG WAITING TIMES AT VIOLENCE COURT
------------------------------------
A group trying to keep people safe from domestic violence is
alarmed about the growing waiting times at Manukau's Family
Violence Court. The specialist court is one of several around
the country, which aims to have cases heard within a month of
referral. It is booked solid until mid-March. At least a dozen
cases are waiting for a hearing date. Holly Carrington from
Preventing Violence in the Home is worried the backlog will
not be properly dealt with, inflaming the situation. She says
it is the second time the court has been snowed under with
cases. Ms Carrington believes the problem highlights the need
for more resources. A District Court spokeswoman says the
influx is the result of the Christmas break and not an ongoing
problem.
POWER COS WON'T SHELL OUT FOR CABLE - MELHUISH
----------------------------------------------
An energy analyst and consumer advocate is dismissing threats
of possible power blackouts in the North Island. A Transpower
report shows a section of the Cook Strait cable is so degraded
it could lead to an explosion, releasing a toxic mercury cloud
and causing huge power outages. Insurance companies are
refusing to insure the section of cable so Transpower has
closed it down. Molly Melhuish from the group Public Power
Campaign says the industry will spend money preventing the
problem, but not fixing it. She says it is more likely power
will be put in reserve in case another piece of equipment goes
down and she believes that will push up power prices Ms
Melhuish claims South Island power companies have admitted
they want to upgrade the line, but do not want to pay for it.
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HILLARY'S LOSS "BIGGER THAN MT EVEREST"
---------------------------------------
Thousands have lined Auckland streets to get a last glimpse of
Sir Edmund Hillary's funeral procession, despite the skies
opening with rain. More than 15,000 people filled Auckland
Domain to watch giant screens, just a few hundred metres from
St Mary's church where Sir Ed's funeral was held in Parnell.
Ang Rita Sherpa told the congregation at Sir Edmund Hillary's
funeral in Auckland that the adventurer's death is a big loss
to the people of Nepal. "His loss for us is bigger and heavier
than Mt Everest. Without him, our lives would never have been
like what we are today." Norbu Tenzing Norgay said he still
remembers first hearing the story of how his father and Sir Ed
climbed Mt Everest. He paid tribute to Sir Ed and Lady June
for personally coming to say goodbye when his father died in
1986, and said he came today to pay his respects on behalf of
his family and all Sherpas. "When Sherpas heard the news of
his death, their grief spiralled into mourning only comparable
to the loss of a parent. From every monastery in the Mt
Everest region, to Sherpa homes and schoolchildren in the
Khumbu, gathered by the thousands to light butter lamps and
pray for his soul and his reincarnation." Mr Norgay finished
by saying while Sir Ed will be mourned, his spirit will
forever live in the great mountains and people he loved so
much. As Sir Ed's casket was carried from the church to the
hearse, pupils from the Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in Otara
performed a haka specially written for the occasion. Entitled
"the lofty mountain", the translated words read "look towards
the far horizons people of the world. Mourn for the mighty
kauri has fallen. He has gone, but his legacy lives on. A
lofty mountain who never bowed." The rain died down as Sir
Ed's cortege, led by police on motorcycles, travelled through
Auckland Domain and Newmarket, where businesses shut up their
shops, then on towards Purewa Cemetery where he was to be
cremated. Some people threw flowers, many clapped while others
stood solemn. The crowd was diverse, from people wearing
construction jackets and overalls to business suit, summer
dresses and jandals. Thousands more gathered in city centres
across the country to watch the funeral and procession on
large screens, while many more watched at home, at their
workplaces or listened in their cars.
TUWHARE BEING FAREWELLED IN FAR NORTH
-------------------------------------
Family and friends of Hone Tuwhare are gathering at Te
Kotahitanga marae near Kaikohe to share stories and farewell
the much-loved poet. A service for the 85-year-old will be
held at 1pm, before he is buried at Wharepaepae. Relative
Lyvina Rapatini says last night was a time to laugh and share
memories. She remembers having dinner with Tuwhare during his
last tour of Northland. She says he loved seafood and would
cheekily ask her for mussels, paua, kina and firebread.
(The difference between the two preceding articles is about
how it played out in the media. A bit like Mother Teresa being
overshadowed by Princess Diana. Hone Tuwhare was no Mother
Teresa, however. - BH)
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
KEY TO TARGET MAORI VOTES AT RATANA
-----------------------------------
National leader John Key believes his party will be able to
woo more Maori at this year's election. Tomorrow he will lead
a small group of his MPs onto Ratana Pa at the annual festival
marking the birth of the movement's leader. Despite National
barely rating among Maori voters, John Key says it is
important he makes an appearance. He says he will attend
because he cares about all New Zealanders, and because the
party has a message to promote aspiration and change. Mr Key
says little has changed for Maori under the Labour Government
and he is hoping to cast for votes during his visit. John Key
will be joined by his deputy leader, Bill English, along with
Georgina Te Heu Heu, Tau Henare and a handful of central North
Island MPs.
(This annual religious celebration in a little known religion,
is increasingly hijacked by politicians of both major parties
and some minor ones, attempting to use the occasion to trot
out their policies deemed to be of special relevance to Maori.
I find that to be in poor taste and exploitative. By all means
go if you want to pay respects to the adherents of the Ratana
church, but for goodness sake keep quiet and respectful when
you get there. - BH)
NO COMPO FOR SICK AND INJURED PASSENGERS
----------------------------------------
P&O Cruises will not pay any compensation to passengers caught
in a cyclone on return leg from Vanuatu. Five people were
injured on the Pacific Star cruise, which left Auckland last
week, when the ship was affected by Cyclone Funa. Public
Affairs Manager Anthony Fisk says people suffered bruising and
strains and sea sickness in the seven metre swells. But he
says there will be no compensation as the cyclone was not
forecast ahead of departure and they did what they could for
passengers.
FIFTEEN PILOT WHALES DIE NEAR NELSON
------------------------------------
Fifteen pilot whales are dead after beaching themselves near
Nelson. Department of Conservation spokeswoman Trish Grant
says six whales became stranded at Puponga this morning, and
only three survived. She says another twelve became stuck at
Farewell Spit and were not able to be re-floated. Ms Grant
says there are still 12 to 15 whales swimming in the area, and
DOC has concerns they may also beach. She says that group is
about 500 metres offshore swimming in shallow water, with an
outgoing tide. Ms Grant says she is unsure why they are
attracted to the area. She says they are in waters where they
are able to move around freely, but as the tide is going out
they could become trapped at anytime.
GISBORNE QUAKE COSTS $35.4 MILLION
----------------------------------
The cost of insurance claims for the December 20 Gisborne
earthquake has reached $34.5 million. Insurance Council
spokesman John Lucas says claims for the commercial sector sit
at $15 million alone, while household claims so far total
$19.5 million. He says structural engineers and insurance
adjusters are still on the ground in Gisborne, and the figure
is likely to rise further as more claims are settled. Mr Lucas
says some shop owners do not have adequate business
interruption cover. He says they either took a cover out that
did not represent their full turnover, or one that did not
give enough time for them to get back to normal trading. He
says some buildings could take up to two years to repair or
replace, leaving building owners and tenants out of business
for much longer than expected.
POWER BACK IN MOST OF LOWER NORTH ISLAND
----------------------------------------
Power has been restored to the majority of households which
were cut off after high winds in the lower North Island last
night. Powerco has been attending to around 500 houses in
Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and Wairarapa.
Yesterday's wind wreaked havoc around the central North
Island, with trees coming into contact with overhead lines
throughout the region. Powerco spokesman Ross Dixon says it is
imperative people employ professional tree trimming
contractors to prevent the risk. In Wellington the fire
service dealt with 135 callouts from midday to midnight
yesterday.
(Didn't get as far South as Wellington - BH)
EMAIL MYSTERY PUZZLES GREENS
----------------------------
The Green's hope to find a lost email at the centre of a storm
over the party's failure to appear at a memorial service for
Sir Edmund Hillary. No one from the party turned up to the
wreath-laying service in Auckland on Monday morning. Other
political leaders attended but the Greens say they did not
know about the event. Internal Affairs says co-leader Jeanette
Fitzsimons was invited and that the Greens responded, stating
that someone would be there. A Green spokeswoman says the
party hopes to meet with Internal Affairs officials today to
trace whether an email was sent, or whether there was a
communication botch-up.
BEDDING COMPANY PROSECUTED
--------------------------
The Commerce Commission is reminding retailers not to
advertise sale prices that are no cheaper than everyday
prices. It has successfully prosecuted a bedding company on 12
charges for breaching the Fair Trading Act. Back to Bed ran a
nationwide advertising campaign in 2004 and 2005, advertising
a reduction of up to 30 percent in the price of its products.
However Fair Trading Branch Manager Stuart Wallace says the
company's beds were still being sold at normal prices. He says
the prosecution sends a message to retailers that they engage
in this type of advertising at their peril. Mr Wallace says
retailers who make misleading claims undermine the competitive
sale process and run the risk of fines of up to $200,000 for
each offence.
TOO EARLY FOR DECISION ON HONOURING SIR ED
------------------------------------------
The government says it is too early to decide what will be
done to mark the achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary. Thousands
of mourners paid their last respects as the adventurer was
farewelled at Mary's in the Holy Trinity, Auckland, yesterday.
Among the ideas suggested to honour the 88-year-old are
creating a public holiday in Sir Edmund's name and naming a
mountain after him. Although a spokesman for the Prime
Minister says it is too premature to decide what should
happen, Helen Clark has hinted that the government is likely
to boost the amount it gives annually to the Himalayan Trust,
which Sir Ed set up. At present it receives nearly $300,000 a
year.
Thursday, 24 January 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLARK HOPEFUL OF WINNING BACK MAORI SEATS
-----------------------------------------
Helen Clark has delivered her annual speech at Ratana,
outlining what she says are the achievements for Maori since
Labour took office. The Prime Minister was welcomed onto the
pa near Wanganui along with a large contingent of Labour MPs.
Miss Clark told those gathered there is willing and positive
discussion with Maori, particularly given the success achieved
in the areas of education and treaty settlements. She said she
sees her job as being to engage with and work alongside
Maoridom. Labour lost three Maori seats to the Maori party at
the last election, but Miss Clark is hopeful her party will be
able to win them back. She says with three Maori electorates
at the moment and the majority of the Maori party vote, Labour
has a good base.
LANDSLIP AT MT VAMPIRE LEAVES GIANT SCAR
----------------------------------------
There has been a large landslip in the Aoraki-Mt Cook National
Park. The fall left a scar that is 70 metres wide and 120
metres high on Mt Vampire in the Mueller Glacier. Dr Simon Cox
from GNS Science says a rock slide of up to a million cubic
metres was produced. He says the rock falls are happening
quite frequently, and he is concerned about what will happen
if there is ever a major earthquake. Dr Cox says as the
earth's tectonic plates move, the Southern Alps are forced up
causing loose rock on the mountains to fall off.
CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT GOES CARBON-NEUTRAL
----------------------------------------
Christchurch International Airport has announced it is the
second airport in the world to go carbon-neutral. Chief
executive Rene Bakx says the company has received its carbon
zero certification from Landcare Research following a detailed
measurement and analysis process. That makes Christchurch the
only airport in the Southern Hemisphere and the second in the
world to obtain its carbon neutral accreditation. Rene Bakx
says the status has been achieved by the reduction and
offsetting of greenhouse emissions by the airport company
operations. Emissions from planes are not included in the
calculations, neither are engineering works carried out by
airlines or non-airport companies on site.
TURIA "EMBARRASSED" AT RATANA POLITICKING
-----------------------------------------
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has arrived at Ratana Pa,
saying she is embarrassed her people have to listen to
politicians at the annual celebrations. The Te Tai Hauauru MP
is angry the festival marking the church's founder is being
overshadowed by politicians trying to woo votes. "I was
embarrassed when I used to come here with Labour, because for
years and years when I was a kid I had to sit here too, and
listen to politicians speaking. And I've also listened to the
people saying how annoying it is." Ms Turia says the
politicians arrive, drop their bundle, then leave. National
leader John Key was due to address the hundreds gathered at
Ratana at around 11am. He has admitted he will use his speech
to outline National's policy for Maori, telling Maori voters
to cast their net wider at this year's election. Helen Clark
and a large contingent of Labour MPs will arrive early this
afternoon. It is the 15th year the Prime Minister has made the
trip as Labour leader. Ratana has traditionally been a Labour
stronghold, now the Maori Party is chipping away at that
support.
(While Mrs Turia is scarcely politically neutral, I think on
this issue she is exactly right. - BH)
NO CHANGE TO INTEREST RATES
---------------------------
A cooling housing market and a forecast of reasonable growth
in the economy has led the Reserve Bank to leave interest
rates unchanged at 8.25 percent. Reserve Bank Governor Alan
Bollard says while the housing market continues to cool, the
labour market remains tight, domestic income growth is still
strong, especially from dairy, and core inflationary pressures
persist. He says since the last review of the Official Cash
Rate in December there has been ongoing turbulence in
international financial markets and a deterioration in the
outlook for the United States and European economies. "We will
be watching these developments closely, particularly their
implications for the Asian and Australian economies and for
world commodity prices." Dr Bollard says although New
Zealand's economy is projected to keep growing reasonably
well, rising food and energy prices will be under further
pressure with the Emissions Trading Scheme. ?On balance, the
outlook for interest rates is little changed from the December
Monetary Policy Statement, but the level of uncertainty has
increased. Although CPI inflation is expected to remain above
3 percent during 2008, we believe that the current level of
the OCR remains consistent with future inflation outcomes of 1
to 3 percent on average over the medium term.?
YOUNG NONCHALANT ABOUT SMALL DEBTS
----------------------------------
An increasing number of people are having their unpaid bills
referred to debt collectors. Collections and Credit reporting
agency Dun and Bradstreet says people are getting into trouble
for small amounts of money, on average around $390. Spokesman
John Scott says by not paying their bills, people are risking
their ability to get loans because of adverse credit reports.
He says too many people, particularly the young, believe small
debts are not as important as larger ones and consequently do
not pay them the attention they deserve. Mr Scott says bad
debts stay on a person's credit record for five years.
TAXPAYER WILL MEET HILLARY FAMILY'S COSTS
-----------------------------------------
The taxpayer will pick up the tab for the Hillary family to
travel to London for the Queen's memorial service for Sir
Edmund at Windsor Castle. Prime Minister Helen Clark says it
is a rare honour and she expects hundreds to attend the
service in April. She believes the Hillary family should not
have to pay for the trip themselves as a precedent was set
when the family of Sir Keith Holyoake travelled to London for
a memorial service at Windsor after his death in 1983. Miss
Clark says it is too early to say whether she will attend.
Friday, 25 January 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BOLLARD CONFIDENT NZ WILL ESCAPE MARKET DRAMA
---------------------------------------------
Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard is confident New Zealand
will escape the worst of the turmoil affecting world markets.
He this afternoon delivered a speech to the Canterbury
Employers' Chamber of Commerce in Christchurch. Dr Bollard
says that New Zealand has come through significant global
shocks in the past, and the economy has responded positively.
He says inflationary pressures in this country have been
significantly boosted by the shock to personal consumption
from the housing boom. Dr Bollard says the current financial
turbulence is a timely reminder of how quickly events can
unfold.
AIR NZ CUTS DOMESTIC FARES
--------------------------
Air New Zealand is cutting domestic fares. It says the cuts of
between 9 and 30 percent are designed to help stimulate travel
and tourism within New Zealand. The changes come into effect
on February 23.
(Yeah, great! It was announced the day after I booked some of
the disproportionately expensive tickets for a trip next week.
- BH)
BUILDING SOCIETIES MERGE
------------------------
Two building societies are merging. The members of the
Canterbury Building Society and the Loan and Building Society
have voted in favour of the resolution. The merger will take
place from the beginning of next month, with CBS Canterbury
becoming the trading entity. The societies say the merger
creates a significantly strengthened financial services
society offering a broad range of lending services and a
number of savings products. The new society will have assets
of $552 million with members' equity of $52.6 million. It will
have full service banking outlets in Ashburton, Christchurch
and Rangiora.
SUPPORT FOR NO CONVICTION FOR BELT DISCIPLINE
---------------------------------------------
A child and family service is applauding a court decision to
discharge without conviction a Korean pastor who admitted
hitting his niece with a belt. The 15-year-old girl was hit
eight times by her uncle, Moon Hong Min, who is a pastor at a
Christchurch Korean church. The judge refused a request for
name suppression for Min and imposed a $2,500 dollar fine.
Barnados chief executive Murray Edridge says the judge stated
in forthright terms that the law condemns such acts of
violence against children. He says the judge tempered making
the man's name public by discharging him without conviction,
as if he was convicted it could have led to his deportation.
Mr Edridge says a message has gone to the community which says
striking a child with a belt is not acceptable behaviour, but
does not warrant a conviction. He adds it is another court
decision that "decries the alarmist predictions of those
opposing the anti-smacking law".
(There has to be more to this prosecution than meets the
public eye. - BH)
STATE SERVICES COMMISSIONER RESIGNS
-----------------------------------
State Services Commissioner Mark Prebble has announced his
resignation. He has been under pressure over several inquiries
he has overseen, including recent appointments at the
Environment Ministry. Dr Prebble was appointed to the role
four years ago, and was contracted to stay on until mid-2009.
He says a succession of minor health problems has affected his
work rate, and he believes it is time to move aside and allow
a new commissioner to take over. Dr Prebble will finish in the
role at the end of June.
(Now that one caught almost everyone by surprise. - BH)
FREIGHT CHARGES TOO HIGH SAY FARMERS
------------------------------------
Farmers want a fairer system of road user charges and heavier
trucks allowed on the roads. A new report from the Road
Transport Forum has found that New Zealand's freight costs are
30 percent higher Australia's. Truckers across the Tasman pay
lower road taxes and can carry heavier loads. Federated
Farmers vice-president Don Nicolson says the difference is
worrying for beef and sheep farmers particularly, as they are
struggling with reduced incomes and increasing expenses. He
says all New Zealanders should be worried about the issue,
because an efficient freight system means competitively priced
products can be delivered. Mr Nicolson wants the formula used
to calculate road user charges recalibrated to make sure heavy
road users are paying no more than their fair share.
MAYOR WANTS CHANGES TO PROSTITUTION LAWS
----------------------------------------
The mayor of Manukau City wants the prostitution laws reviewed
to deal with the problem of street workers. A sting by South
Auckland police has resulted in 25 men being arrested for
buying sex from underage prostitutes. Fifteen girls and boys
were taken off the streets. Some of the girls were as young as
13. Mayor Len Brown says young girls are making a disastrous
choice and the council wants to do everything it can to ensure
they do not choose prostitution in the first place. He says if
they do, the council wants to make sure they are safe. Mr
Brown claims the Prostitution Reform Act has failed sex
workers by encouraging them to think prostitution can be safe,
but that is not the case, because of the problem of drug
dealers who are also on the streets. He says to some extent
the legislation has legitimised prostitution. "I want our
government to be aware of the fact that this is not a perfect
piece of legislation and that changes need to be made and we
need to make them now." Mr Brown says Manukau City had asked
the government to review the legislation but MPs would not
make changes just for one region. He says prostitution is a
challenge for many councils and the government must rise to
that challenge.
FEES CALCULATOR FOR KIWISAVER
-----------------------------
The complicated task of working out which KiwiSaver fund to
choose has become a little easier. People can now compare the
fees being charged by fund providers with the Retirement
Commission's launch of a KiwiSaver fees calculator.
Commissioner Diana Crossan says fees vary considerably as the
providers offer different services. She wants to make sure
investors considering joining KiwiSaver have as much
information as possible. Ms Crossan says it is useful for
people to have transparency in all parts of the retirement
savings scheme. The calculator is available at
www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/kiwisaver-fees/
Monday, 28 January 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HELEN CLARK NAMED "CHAMPION OF THE EARTH"
-----------------------------------------
Helen Clark has been named a Champion of the Earth by the
United Nations. She is one of six people from around the world
to receive the recognition from the UN's Environmental
Programme. The UN says Helen Clark has received the award
because of her efforts to adapt to the global impact of
climate change. It says the six recipients have spearheaded
outstanding initiatives in many different areas, including
environmental policy with a focus on sustainable development.
The Prime Minister says the award is an honour showing the
government's efforts have been recognised. Previous winners of
the UN's Champion of the Earth include former Soviet leader
Mikhail Gorbachev and former US vice-president, Al Gore.
(A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and
in his own house. - Matt 13:57 - Our country has so many
people who are perpetually angry and cynical that this is as
likely to work against her as for her in the elections this
year. - BH)
MORE SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS SOUGHT
-------------------------------
Victim Support is lobbying the Government to give victims of
crime better assistance, after Karl Kuchenbecker's family was
asked to pay back $19,000 in legal aid. Mr Kuchenbecker was
murdered in the hills above Wellington last year by Graeme
Burton. Acting chief executive Heather Verry says victims of
crime are often left out of pocket because of medical bills,
travel and ongoing support costs. She says Victim Support is
lobbying for state funded support for counselling, treatment
and other related costs commonly incurred by victims of crime.
Ms Verry says while Victim Support does administer some
schemes, for many, that support is like a drop in the ocean.
(Absolutely. The demand was an affront to natural justice and
common sense. - BH)
SCHOOLS STRUGGLE TO FIND QUALITY TEACHERS
-----------------------------------------
An Auckland Primary Principals' Association survey is
suggesting changes to recruitment strategies to address a
serious shortage of quality staffing. Principals from 79
Auckland primary and Intermediate schools responded to the
APPA survey about staff turnover and the quality of
applicants. The survey found nearly three quarters of schools
had problems recruiting experienced staff and finding day
relief teachers. While the survey showed there are nine
applicants per position, almost half were beginning teachers
and a third were applying from overseas. The survey indicates
the problem is twice as bad for low decile schools and
suggested offering higher relocation allowances to teachers
moving to Auckland to work.
(There is a shortage of teachers, and at the same time, a very
large number of teachers who cannot get interviews, let alone
jobs. - BH)
MORE PEOPLE EATING PORK
-----------------------
New Zealanders tucked into a record 21.4kg of pork per capita
last year but producers are struggling with rising costs. The
Pork Industry Board's annual report states there has been an
increase of 0.8 kilograms in pork consumption in the year to
September 2007. Board chairman, Chris Trengrove says New
Zealanders' appetite for pork, bacon and ham continues to
grow, which is good news. However he says pork producers have
been unable to benefit from the increasing demand because they
are being squeezed between increasing costs and decreasing
returns. Mr Trengrove says the most pressing issue is the
rising cost of feed, which is being driven by a global demand
for grain as biofuel production steps up. The drought in
Australia is causing problems and general costs such as wages,
fuel and freight are rising at more than five percent a year.
The board is launching a scheme to make sure New Zealand-grown
pork, bacon and ham is labelled as a local product as the
sector faces increased competition from cheap imports. Mr
Trengrove says there has been an overwhelmingly positive
response to the campaign from retailers and consumers. He says
producers need a lift in price soon and are hoping to get it
through a further increase in demand.
(Good old fashioned bacon is neither cheap nor easy to find.
Plenty of tough vacuum packed bags full of various salt
solutions and bacon that tastes like - nothing - the smell and
taste of the bacon of my childhood is very elusive. - BH)
HYDRO LAKES DRYING UP
---------------------
A South Island hydrologist says crucial hydro lakes are
running low and a few bouts of heavy rainfall is needed to
avoid power supply problems over the winter. Lakes Tekapo and
Pukaki are at their lowest points since the 1992 power crisis.
But Rain Effects hydrologist Dave Stewart two or three decent
storms between now and the end of March would bring about a
marked improvement. The South Island lakes need to rise by
between two and four metres before the beginning of May for
the situation to totally ease.
(I am always astonished at how rapidly the scale swings from
too much to too little. - BH)
TAX CUTS A PRESSING ISSUE FOR MANY
----------------------------------
Tax cuts are already a major talking point ahead of this
year's election. A Herald Digipoll on the issue most likely to
influence voters in the election shows that 25.5 percent want
tax cuts. Hospital waiting lists come second (17 percent)
followed by the economy (15.1 percent) and law and order (14.2
percent). Business analyst Roger Kerr says the demand for tax
cuts is not just a response from families wanting more money
to get through the week. He believes it is also a response to
government over-taxing in recent years, particularly as he
says no one has really seen a benefit from the big lift in
government spending. While the Reserve Bank warns interest
rates may have to rise further in order to dampen down
spending, Mr Kerr believes most of the inflationary pressure
is coming not from consumer demand, but from the supply chain.
Prime Minister Helen Clark is reiterating this year's budget
will contain tax cuts, as she believes families are under
pressure. Miss Clark is also promising action on hospital
waiting lists. She plans to outline a clear direction ahead
for her government during a speech to a Waitakere business
group in Auckland on Wednesday. National Party leader John Key
is also presenting a major speech in the Auckland suburb of
Ellerslie on Tuesday afternoon.
OUT-OF-POCKET INVESTORS BAND TOGETHER
-------------------------------------
Investors who have lost money in finance company collapses
have banded together to hold a series of meetings throughout
the country. The group Exposing Unacceptable Financial
Activities is holding a road show talking with burnt
investors. The first meeting over a two week period is being
held in Orewa on the Hibiscus Coast today and the last will be
in Invercargill on February 8. Coordinator Suzanne Edmonds
says investors have been treated very shabbily. She says
financial advisors are ignoring their clients, receivers do
not keep in regular contact and generally investors feel
isolated with nowhere to turn. She says while some people have
received legal advice, few are taking that path as it is a
huge task. Ms Edmonds expects there to be a lot of tears at
the meetings. She says investors feel as if they are being
treated like figures on a balance sheet and not as human
beings. Ms Edmonds says the focus of the meetings is to gather
together as many investors as possible who have lost money.
She says the group is sending out the message that the
investors will not be victims but belong to a strong force of
'salt of the earth' New Zealanders who will force those
responsible to be held to account. She wants the 'roughshod'
culture of the finance industry halted. Ms Edmonds says
investors are anxious and worried about the future, especially
those who are retired or near retirement. National Finance
2000 was one of the first finance companies to go into
receivership in May last year. Other failures include
Bridgecorp, Capital and Merchant, Five Star Consumer Finance,
Nathans Finance and Provincial Finance.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FERRIES EXEMPT FROM SOUNDS SPEED LIMIT
--------------------------------------
The Cook Strait ferries will remain exempt from a speed limit
through the Marlborough Sounds under an Environment Court
ruling. Toll shipping's Aratere and Arahura and Strait
Shipping's Kent will be able to continue to travel at 20 knots
in the sounds. All other ships will have to apply for an
exemption to travel at more than 15 knots.
NATS WANT BOOT CAMPS FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS
----------------------------------------
National leader John Key has focussed on youth crime in his
State of the Nation address. Mr Key says he is very concerned
about crimes being committed by teenagers. He is promising to
bring in boot camps in army facilities as part of a fresh
start programme for wayward youth. National's $100 million a
year youth plan also includes doubling the maximum residential
youth justice sentence from three to six months. Youths who
breach court ordered supervision contracts will be
electronically tagged with ankle bracelets. Mr Key says
National will also give the Youth Court new powers to issue
parenting orders and refer young offenders to mentoring
programmes. It also wants to allow the Youth Court to refer
young offenders to compulsory drug or alcohol rehabilitation
programmes.
(This perennial suggestion always raises the same objection
for me. We have a volunteer army. They are not conscripts.
They joined up to be soldiers, not warders. - BH)
FLAG DECISION "PREJUDICE" AGAINST MAORI
---------------------------------------
The Greens are concerned a decision not to allow the Maori
sovereignty flag to fly on the Auckland Harbour Bridge is
fuelling cultural division. Transit has for the second year in
a row denied a request for the Tino Rangatiratanga flag to fly
on Waitangi Day. While the New Zealand flag flies on the
bridge every day, other national flags are also flown from it,
along with the 'loyal' flag during the America's Cup. Green MP
Metiria Turei says Transit's decision is an act of pure
prejudice against Maori. She says Transit has supported other
countries and cultures, and it is terrible to treat Maori in
this way. Ms Turei says the flying of both the New Zealand
flag and the Maori sovereignty flag on Waitangi Day would be a
highly symbolic recognition of the community coming together.
(Tino Rangatiratanga is a movement concerned with self
determination for Maori. It rejects the notion that, in
signing the treaty of Waitangi, the chiefs ceded sovereignty
to the crown. Personally I find it hard to see how New Zealand
could continue to exist as a nation if there is not some
unified view of sovereignty regardless of race. However, for a
reasonably dispassionate view of the movement, see
http://www.twm.co.nz/Maori_tino.htm - BH)
PUNITIVE APPROACH TO YOUTH CRIME "A FAILURE"
--------------------------------------------
A Wellington youth crime expert says throwing the book at
young offenders is not the answer to reducing violent crime.
Teenagers have been charged with over homicides which took
place on the weekend, one in Tokoroa and one in Auckland.
Victoria University criminologist Trevor Bradley says the
murders are tragedies, but there have been no dramatic
increases in youth crime over the past ten years. He says
youth crime needs to be balanced against the rate at which
young people are victimised themselves. Dr Bradley says
punitive justice has never worked for young offenders and more
innovative means are needed to stop re-offending. He says we
have to understand more and condemn less because, the history
of the punitive approach shows it to be a failure.
TIGHTER SECURITY NEEDED AT DAIRIES
----------------------------------
The Retailers Association is urging dairy owners to review
their security in light of the killing of Saishwar Naidu in
the Manukau suburb of Manurewa last Friday. The 22-year-old
student was stabbed to death as he worked at his family's
dairy. His funeral was held yesterday. Association spokesman
Barry Hellberg says working in retail is risky, but it is even
worse for dairy staff. He says a lot are run by ethnic groups
and there can be communication problems. Mr Hellberg says
dairies need to invest more time in training staff methods of
dealing with offenders.
(Some dairy owners are suggesting that they have weapons. My
anxiety with that, is that most people using weapons in self
defence risk having their own weapons used against them. - BH)
NEW RAIL SYSTEM AT NEWMARKET
----------------------------
Changes to Auckland's rail system at Newmarket take effect
from today. Two new temporary stations are open, one at
Kingdon St for those using the Western Line and one on Remuera
Rd for the Southern Line. It follows the closure of
Newmarket's historic railway station to make way for an
upgrade. Newmarket Business Association General Manager
Cameron Brewer says changes to the train timetable are also
effective from this morning. He says the brand new station and
railway junction to be built by 2010 will make catching a
train to Newmarket far more attractive.
UNION SAYS CLASS SIZES STILL TOO BIG
------------------------------------
The Post Primary Teachers Association says secondary students
are returning to large classes again this year despite a
government promise to reduce numbers to a maximum of 25
students. Union president Robin Duff says under the secondary
teachers' collective agreement, the government has given a
guarantee to make class sizes smaller, but he claims it is not
moving fast enough. He says many schools will be opening next
week with class sizes larger than 25 and there will be funding
implications which need to be included in the budgets that are
about to be set for the coming year. He says the Government
has promised to look at staffing issues and it should be done
as soon as possible.
(And with the government's "rocket science" proposal to
mandate a new higher school leaving age of 18 ... ? - BH)
DUST A PROBLEM FOR PEGASUS DEVELOPERS
-------------------------------------
Environment Canterbury is installing dust monitoring machines
at the Pegasus town development north of Christchurch after
complaints about excessive dust. Bob Robertson, CEO of the
developer, Infinity Investment Group, says he is taking
measures to reduce the problem, including bringing in a new
project manager, grassing some areas and putting in top soil.
The new town will accommodate around 5,000 people.
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SAFETY INSPECTORS NEEDED AT MINES
---------------------------------
The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union says the
conviction of a mining company over the death of a worker
shows the urgent need for safety check inspectors. Robert
McGowan was killed on the West Coast's Tiller Mine in 2006
when his underground crew hit an old flooded mine shaft. Black
Reef Mining was yesterday fined 72 thousand dollars, including
a payment of 50 thousand dollars to Mr McGowan's widow. The
EPMU says the tragedy could have been avoided if proper health
and safety procedures were in place. National secretary Andrew
Little says mandatory check inspectors need to be reinstated.
(Over the years, inspectors enforcing mandatory standards have
all but become extinct. Instead we have bureaucrats at desks
checking to see whether the organization has complied with the
requirement to have a policy. I have seen a local supermarket
in which raw meats were stored in their chillers above dairy
products. Apparently that's OK. They have a written policy of
ensuring customer safety. Phooey. Bring back the inspectors! -
BH)
WAIKATO FARMER HOPING FOR TOP PRICE
-----------------------------------
A Waikato dairy farm is priced to sell for a record amount.
The high-performing 538 hectare farm at Naike, 26 kilometres
west of Huntly, has a rateable value of $7.22m. Real Estate
agent Harcourts says there is definitely potential for the
property to achieve a record price for a Waikato dairy farm.
The property has 1,100 cows and produces almost 400,000
kilograms of milk solids per annum. Harcourts spokesman Kevin
Deane says it offers South Island-scale farming at a North
Island location. The farm features approximately 500 hectares
of pasture divided into 82 fenced paddocks, a near-new 50-bale
rotary cowshed and a new 10-bay shed alongside a wool shed,
eight hay sheds, two calf-rearing sheds and an implement shed.
The property also includes four three-bedroom houses, one with
a pool. It comes with a substantial Fonterra shareholding.
ANOTHER WINDFALL FOR FARMERS
----------------------------
Record commodity prices, improved returns from the sale of
ingredients and branded dairy product has left Fonterra with
even more money to pay out to farmers. The dairy giant has
completed the first half of the season with $4.5 billion
available to pay out to farmers, compared with $2 billion in
the previous corresponding period. Half year revenues rose by
$853 million to achieve total revenues of $7.3 billion in the
six months to November 30, 2007. Fonterra chairman Harry van
der Heyden says the result reflects higher prevailing prices
in a market where supply has been tight. He says there have
also been good performances across Fonterra's whole business.
Mr van der Heyden says the selling price achieved in the first
half more than offsets the higher average exchange rate of 75
cents. Fonterra Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Ferrier says
that while the high commodity prices have put pressure on
margins in the ingredients and consumer brands businesses,
both parts of the business are performing ahead of
expectations. He says while dairy prices are easing as supply
increases in response to higher prices, he does not expect
there will be any sharp falls in prices, given the overall
strength of the market and other factors such as the demand
for grain for use in biofuels.
FARMERS UNDER PRESSURE FROM LOW RAINFALL
----------------------------------------
Canterbury is drying out. Just 17 millimetres has fallen in
Ashburton this month. Christchurch Airport has recorded just
11 millimetres, but the benefits have disappeared in the hot,
windy weather. Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers spokesman
Rupert Curd, says sheep, beef and dairy farmers are really
feeling under pressure. He says while they need long, gradual
spells of rain, any rainfall would be welcome. Agriculture
Minister Jim Anderton plans to tour some of the affected
regions, including Canterbury next month.
(On one level I am always sorry for anyone who falls on hard
times. On the other hand, to become a farmer is a business
decision which takes into account the risks imposed by nature.
Some years will be good and some years not so good. Drought,
wind, frost, flood and grass grubs are all part of the
environment for the farming business. The shop keeper in the
town cannot appeal to his or her creditors or the taxpayer for
sympathy if there is a downturn. I don't expect to see
taxpayers being levied to support agribusiness either. - BH)
EDUCATION WILL CONTINUE UNTIL AGE OF 18
---------------------------------------
Students will have to stay at school or in approved vocational
training until the age of 18 under Labour's new plans to
upskill the workforce. At her first major speech of election
year delivered to a business audience in Auckland this
morning, Prime Minister Helen Clark also announced that the
Youth Apprenticeship programme being piloted this year will be
rolled out to all secondary schools by the end of 2011. The
prime minister says her government wants to upskill the
workforce because almost 30 percent of students have left
school before their 17th birthday and 40 percent leave with
less than an NCEA Level Two qualification. "In these times of
near full employment those without qualifications can still
find work. But a low skill base stops us growing the value of
the economy and lifting our living standards to their full
potential." Miss Clark says more partnerships will be needed
with employers, tertiary educators, private training
providers, and communities to ensure that a range of options
to meet student needs is available. Business New Zealand and
the Council of Trade Unions will work with the Government on
upskilling the existing workforce. Tertiary Education Minister
Pete Hodgson and Associate Minister, Maryan Street, will chair
the forum. Newstalk ZB's political editor, Barry Soper, says
the Prime Minister's policy is very similar to that announced
by National yesterday.
(I personally think this is madness. Some kids just do not
belong in a classroom after a certain age. In earlier years,
17 year olds were flying Spitfires. My own wife was a nurse at
17. If I had my way, there would be a mandatory gap year
between school and tertiary education, for the very sound
reason that the best learning, described as "situated
cognition", takes place when the learner has some real life
experience of the context in which the academic knowledge will
be applied. - BH)
AWARD FOR PASSENGER SERVICE
---------------------------
An aviation publication has awarded Air New Zealand for having
the world's best passenger service. Air Transport World
magazine says the national carrier has been innovative and
consistently superior in providing outstanding quality
passenger service at a fair price. Spokesman Perry Flint says
Air New Zealand's customer service staff are known for their
warmth and cheeriness and they are empowered to go the extra
mile for their passengers. Air New Zealand Chief Executive
Officer Rob Fyfe says the award is justified recognition for
the hard work Air New Zealand staff have put in the over the
last few years.
(Lord Rutherford was a famous academic snob. He is reported to
have said "The only possible interpretation of any research
whatever in the "social sciences" is: some do, some don't." So
it has been with my experience of Air New Zealand. Warmth and
cheeriness is hard to come by at a 4am check-ins, and even
less so when the question of excess baggage is raised. - BH)
ANTARCTIC CLIMATE CHANGE STUDY
------------------------------
The impact of climate change on Antarctica's marine life is
one area New Zealand scientists will explore over the next two
months. The National institute of Water and Atmospheric
Research vessel Tangaroa leaves for the Ross Sea tomorrow to
undertake a major survey of marine biodiversity. Project
leader Stuart Hanchet says the scientists will get an idea of
what and how much marine life is at the continent. The team
will carry out experiments to forecast what might happen if
the oceans continue to acidify. Dr Hanchet says the last time
a research vessel was in Antarctica, a number of new fish
species were discovered.
NO CHOICE FOR ARMY OVER BOOT CAMP
---------------------------------
National Party leader John Key admits he has not talked in
depth to the Army about running boot camps for at risk youth.
The idea is one of a raft of proposals National is promoting
to combat youth crime. Mr Key says if his party wins power
later this year, the military would simply be required to take
part. He says old fashioned boot camps do not work but could
be effective if they are combined with mentoring, drug and
alcohol rehabilitation programmes and educational
opportunities. Mr Key went against advice from within his own
party when he chose youth crime and education as the focus of
his state of the nation address. He says there were some who
felt he should be covering other matters, such as the economy,
but he says there will be plenty of time to talk about
economics as the election year progresses. Mr Key says he
feels passionate about youth and wants to be able to give them
opportunities. The Prime Minister delivers her opening first
speech of election year in Auckland today.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SUPER FUND TAKES A HIT
----------------------
The New Zealand Super Fund has taken a half billion dollar
hit, according to just released Government financial
statements. According to the Government's books, the Super
Fund's operating balance has a deficit of over $140 million
instead of a forecast surplus of almost $400 million.
According to Treasury, as of November, the Super Fund had
assets of $13.9 billion, $600 million down on what had been
forecast. The major decline in return is being blamed on the
economic slowdown in the US, and growth uncertainty generated
by recent problems in the sub-prime lending market. Finance
Minister Michael Cullen says short term volatility is
anticipated given the fund is invested in long term risk
assets, including global equities. He says the truth is not
many investors anywhere would have avoided losses in the value
of their shareholdings. Dr Cullen says while the Super Fund's
returns over a five month period are down almost a percent, on
an annual basis, it has been generating a 13 percent rate of
return since 2003.
NATIONAL WILL KEEP STUDENT LOANS INTEREST FREE
----------------------------------------------
National leader John Key has vowed to keep student loans
interest-free, despite his party criticising the policy when
Labour announced it just before the last election. Mr Key says
the move is so students are not caught in a game of ping pong,
depending on who the Government is. He has announced at the
party's caucus retreat in Rotorua that National would also
offer an incentive for the loans to be paid back faster, by
adding a ten percent bonus to any voluntary payments of at
least $500. For example, if a borrower paid $800 off their
loan, $880 would be taken off their loan balance. Mr Key says
the current scheme offers no incentive for people to repay
their loans in any hurry. He says after Labour introduced the
interest free policy in 2005, National said the scheme would
encourage students to take on debt, and discourage them from
paying it off, and that has turned out to be the case.
(That's a respectable stance in my book. I am not a natural
ally to the National Party, and I don't agree with everything
he says, but so far Mr Key has my grudging respect. - BH)
HOW CLEAN AND GREEN IS NZ?
--------------------------
A lengthy report has been released which delves into the state
of New Zealand's environment. The Environment Ministry has
identified challenges as a 25 percent increase in Greenhouse
Gas emissions since 1990, higher rates of deforestation and
pressures on soil and water quality. Among the positives the
report highlights are increased use of public transport,
stabilisation in the amount of waste, and falls in the level
of air pollution in main urban centres. Mr Logan says with the
economy evolving, lifestyles changing, and population
increasing, there are some pressures on the environment. He
says a key challenge is the inefficient use of transport, with
people driving bigger and older cars further and are using
more energy in doing so. Mr Logan says there has however, been
a marked increase in the use of public transport. Mr Logan
says New Zealand is not in a crisis and he has reservations
about some of the criticisms made by environmentalists. He
says some take a doom and gloom approach to shake people up
and make them pay attention. The report's findings: -
Consumption of goods and services by New Zealand households
has grown. As our consumption has grown, so has our
?ecological footprint? - one measure of sustainability. - On
average, New Zealanders now own more cars, they are getting
older and larger, and we are driving them further than in the
past. Our light vehicle fleet continues to age. Use of public
transport is increasing. - New Zealanders are using more
energy, and an increasing proportion of our energy comes from
fossil fuels. While our energy needs are increasing, they are
not increasing as fast as our economy is growing. When
electricity use by households is combined with their transport
fuel use, households are the largest users of energy in New
Zealand. - Waste management in New Zealand has improved
through better controls on landfills. While we have made
progress in reducing the amount of waste we throw away, many
potentially useful materials continue to be disposed of in
landfills. - While New Zealand has good air quality in most
locations for most of the time, about 30 locations can
experience poor air quality, affecting about 53 per cent of
the population. Levels of PM10 particulates from home heating
or road transport generally appear to be falling in the main
centres. Levels of other air pollutants appear to have
improved or stabilised, although Auckland can experience high
levels of nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide. - New Zealand's
greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase. Since 1990,
emissions removed from the atmosphere by forestry have
increased as exotic forest cover has increased, although rates
of new planting are the lowest in many decades and replanting
rates have tailed off. - Ozone levels over New Zealand have
stabilised. Accordingly, the levels of ultraviolet radiation
in New Zealand have dropped (improved) over recent years. -
Agricultural land use in New Zealand has intensified. The area
in dairy pasture and the national dairy herd have both
increased, leading to increases in fertiliser, water use, and
greenhouse gas emissions. - Horticultural and agricultural
soils are generally in poorer condition than soils under other
land uses, with higher levels of compaction, build up of
nitrogen and phosphates, and lower levels of organic carbon. -
By international standards, freshwater in New Zealand is both
clean and plentiful in supply. However, demand for water is
increasing, particularly in drier parts of the country, where
surface waters such as rivers and lakes already have high
levels of water allocated for use. Water quality is generally
poorest in rivers, streams and lakes in urban areas, followed
by far
LEADERS ACCUSED OF WHIPPING YOUTH FEAR
--------------------------------------
John Key and Helen Clark are being accused of whipping up fear
and resentment against young people. Green Party youth affairs
spokeswoman Metiria Turei says every election year has its
targets. She says in the past they have been beneficiaries,
immigrants and Maori, and this year youth have been added to
the list. Ms Turei says the real problem behind youth
offending is poverty. She cites a lack of affordable state
houses forcing parents to shift their kids around from school
to school and low wages that mean both parents have to work,
creating latch-key kids.
TEENS NEED TO CHOOSE TRAINING
-----------------------------
Business New Zealand says teenagers need to be able to choose
how they further their training as Labour and National devise
policies to ensure young people are better skilled. Chief
Executive Phil O'Reilly says the government will need to
ensure employers are capable of offering training and there
should not be training requirements for employers. He also
wants flexibility in what is considered training. Mr O'Reilly
says any sensible strategy would allow teenagers to leave
school at 16 if they want to and for them to get the skills
they need in the workplace. Mr O'Reilly says the leaders'
opening speeches do not seem to suggest teenagers will be
forced to stay at school. He says it is good to see
politicians trying to improve the skills of young people.
INVESTIGATION AFTER COMPLAINTS ABOUT HOSPITAL
---------------------------------------------
An investigation has been launched into the standard of care
at Auckland's North Shore Hospital. The inquiry will focus on
four complaints concerning the lack of consultation and
treatment in the Emergency Care Centre and two medical wards
which are amongst a number lodged with the Health and
Disability Commissioner regarding the hospital's care over
winter. The hospital says it is committed to modifying or
changing systems wherever possible.
FIREARMS BLACK MARKET MINISCULE
-------------------------------
Police say many illegal firearms are being rented or borrowed
from secret stockpiles but they believe the black market for
guns is miniscule and not a problem. Two men have been charged
with unlawful possession of a firearm following Tuesday
night's gun fight which broke out when a gang of armed youths
turned up to a tinny house on Othello Drive, in the Auckland
suburb of Flat Bush. Another two men are recovering in
hospital from shotgun wounds. Inspector Joe Green, head of
firearms licensing, says there is not a large black market for
guns, as most weapons are hired out. He says shotguns and
rifles are the most popular gun amongst New Zealand criminals
but only 1.3 percent of crime involves a firearm. Police have
posted a new mobile police station near the house in Othello
Drive and a team of ten hand-picked officers will work with
investigators and the community. Senior Sergeant Traill says
people should feel comfortable approaching the station.
PRINCIPALS WANT FLEXIBILITY TO POLITICAL POLICIES
-------------------------------------------------
Principals says there will need to be flexibility in the newly
announced policies which force teenagers to stay at school or
go into training. Labour wants to raise the compulsory school
age to 18 while National will not give a benefit to 16 and 17-
year-olds who are not in school, work or training. Peter Gall,
president of the Secondary Principals' Association, says at
least 70 percent of students already stay at school until they
are 18 and he says if that number increases, more money will
have to go into staffing. He says for some students school is
not a good fit, so there will need to be allowances made for
some cases. Mr Gall says there will need to be room for
movement in the policies.
Friday, 1 February 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLOUD HANGS OVER FINANCE COMPANY
--------------------------------
Trading in MFS Pacific New Zealand shares has been halted this
afternoon. It's believed its Australian parent company is
struggling to stay afloat. The main operating subsidiary in
New Zealand is MFS Pacific Finance. More than 10,000 New
Zealanders have about $300 million invested in the company. A
statement released this afternoon says its parent company will
not be making any funds available to it, and as a result, MFS
Pacific cannot make payments to its investors. The company has
withdrawn its prospectus from the market.
HOSPITAL CUTS AFTER-HOURS CLINIC
--------------------------------
A shortage of doctors has forced Keneperu Hospital in Porirua
to cut its after-hours Accident and Medical clinic. Until now
it has been open 24 hours a day, but Capital and Coast DHB
boss Derek Milne says a shortage of staff means it is no
longer safe to keep it open all night. From Monday, it will be
closed from 11pm until 8am. Dr Milne says those are
consistently the quietest hours, with on average just one
patient an hour turning up. Local GPs have been helping staff
the clinic, but Dr Milne says they are now forced to reduce
their input as they are seeing more daytime patients at their
own surgeries - and have fewer locums to help cover.
SUICIDE WARNING MEDS NAMED
--------------------------
The Government's drug safety agency has released a full list
of drugs associated with a minor increase in suicidal thoughts
amongst patients using them. The anti-epileptic medicines are
also used to treat bipolar disorder, migraines and a number of
other conditions. MedSafe says the warnings are based on
studies showing that for every 1,000 people taking the
medicines, an additional two will have suicidal thoughts or
behaviours. It is advising patients to consult their doctor
before making any changes to their medicine. The full list of
medicines - and their brand names, is below: Phenobarbital
(brand name Phenobarbitone) Phenytoin sodium (brand name
Dilantin) Ethosuximide (brand name Zarontin) Carbamazepine
(brand names Tegretol, Tegretol CR,Teril) Oxcarbazepine (brand
name Trileptal) Sodium valproate (brand name Epilim,)
Tiagabine (brand name (Gabitril) Vigabatrin (brand name
Sabril) Gabapentin (brand names Apo-Gabapentin, Arrow-
Gabapentin, Neurontin, Nupentin) Topiramate (brand names Apo-
Topiramate, Topamax) Lamotrigine (brand names Arrow-
Lamotrigine, Lamictil, Lamitor DT, Logem, Mogine, Motrig)
Levetiracetam (brand name Keppra) Pregabalin (brand name
Lyrica) Primidone (brand name Apo-Primidone)
NATS TO RELEASE LAW AND ORDER POLICY
------------------------------------
National plans to repeal the Government's new bail laws if it
wins the election. Leader John Key says the changes to bail
laws which came into effect in October, were putting a desire
to reduce the prison population ahead of the safety of New
Zealanders. Under the old law, police had only to prove that a
person accused of a crime was a risk to the public if they
were released on bail. The new law means police now have to
prove they are a 'real or substantial' risk. Mr Key wants the
old law reinstated as an interim measure, but says National
would also look at amending the old bail laws because the
party is not entirely happy with them either.
OXFORD UNIVERSITY TO RETURN REMAINS
-----------------------------------
Four sets of Maori and Moriori remains being held at Oxford
University's Natural History Museum are to be returned to New
Zealand. The University has not yet specified when it will
release the remains, which include two Maori skulls, one Maori
half-pelvis and one female Moriori skull from the Chatham
Islands. It says the remains are not unique - and are of
little use in the study of historic migration patterns. A
formal claim was submitted by Te Papa in January 2007, and the
plan is for the national museum to hold them until they can be
permanently returned to the relevant Maori and Moriori groups.
(On reading the headline, my first thought was that, having
chewed up their kiwi Vice Chancellor, Oxford University was
about to spit out Professor Hood before the expiry of his
contract in 2009 - BH)
BROADBAND OFFERS MISLEADING
---------------------------
Telecom and its subsidiary Xtra are to be prosecuted for
alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act. The action comes
after several complaints to the Commerce Commission about
advertising for the "Go Large" broadband plan during 2006. It
is alleging Telecom and Xtra made false or misleading claims
about the performance characteristics plan. Phrases it is
putting under the spotlight include "unlimited data use", "all
the internet you can handle" and "maximum speed internet".
Telecom is making no comment on the matter. It faces a
possible fine of up to $200,000.
(Don't stop there! My own "7.6 Mb/s" link rarely gets beyond
4.2 Mb/s, and I am not a Telecom customer - BH)
MILK POWDER PLANT EXPANDING
---------------------------
Fonterra says the massive expansion of its dairy processing
plant in Southland will make it one of the largest milk powder
plants in the world. A new $212 million milk powder processing
factory will be built on the dairy cooperative's Edendale
site. Fonterra chief executive Andrew Ferrier says the
investment is in anticipation of projected growth in South
Island milk supply. The new plant will process UHT and instant
whole milk powders. Dr Ferrier says the investment will
increase the capacity of its Edendale plant to 15 million
litres per day.
OCEAN ISSUES NEED MORE DEPTH
----------------------------
A collective of conservation and environment groups believes
there is an urgent need for more research into marine life as
a report shows fish stocks are under threat. The Environment
2007 report has found that New Zealand's water, air and soil
quality is under pressure although steps undertaken to combat
air pollution had had a significant impact on smog. The report
also said the condition of water fish stocks and some native
species has worsened. It found agricultural land use has
intensified and with it a surge in greenhouse gas emissions.
Kath Wallace from the lobby group ECO says the study barely
touched the issues facing oceans. She is concerned about the
damage being caused by bottom trawling and the over-fishing of
key stocks. Ms Wallace says when it comes to air pollution,
cars are a big air offender, but that can be easily fixed if
people keep them tuned and drive less often. She says open
fires and large ships are also taking a toll on the
environment.
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