WYSIWYG NEWS - 31 March, 08
news at wysiwygnews.com
news at wysiwygnews.com
Mon Mar 31 19:17:22 NZDT 2008
Subject: 16 March, 2008
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer.
Late again. Sorry.
Mine eyes have seen the glory ... perhaps surprisingly for an
aviation nut such as I, I have never before been to one of the
biennial "Warbirds over Wanaka" shows. This time, with the
benefit of hospitality from my son Andrew and his fiancée,
Abbey, I was able to be there over Easter. Murphy was also in
attendance since for the first time in the show's history,
there was no Spitfire in attendance. Nevertheless, in that
magnificent alpine setting, I had the great joy of seeing some
of the finest fighting machines ever made. I am not a
warmonger, but I confess to a fascination with military
aircraft of all eras. And that's exactly what we got. From the
first world war, we had a Dewoitine, a brace of Fokker Dr 1
triplanes, a Pfalz DIII, and a Sopwith Camel. The sight and
sound of these magnificent machines, the clatter of rotary
engines, and the smell of castor oil was near to heaven for
me. Between wars provided a veritable herd of De Havilland
Tiger Moths, a pair of Klemms in the livery of the Royal
Swedish Air Force, and a lovingly restored Fox Moth. From the
era of World War II, two Curtiss P40 Kittyhawks, two P51
Mustangs, a Hawker Hurricane, a Yak 3 from Russia, a veritable
fleet of Harvards (AT6), and the truly astonishing
Polikarpovs. That Russian pilots attempted to fight off
Messerchmitts and Focke Wulf fighters in these machines hurts
the brain to think about. The big radial engines sound like a
very ancient tractor, and even at full throttle sound as if
they are idling. The physical form of these apparently
primitive, but nevertheless effective fighters is astonishing,
but the unforgettable dimension of the Polikarpov is the
agricultural sound as they go past. If you are a fan of "Star
Wars" movies, think of the sound of the "pod racers" in the
first of the prequels. Post WWII, we had two De Havilland
Vampires, and a fleet of Russian Yak trainers, and another
fleet of the Chinese equivalents (the Nanchangs). From the era
of Viet Nam, there was a Cessna A37 and a North American T28.
A pair of Polish L39 jet trainers were also present, and the
RNZAF had a C130H Hercules, two HU1 Iroquois, and a pair of
Bell Sioux helicopters. Four Hughes 500 helicopters re-enacted
Viet Nam scenarios. Then the Australians arrived. They are the
last air force still operating the F-111 and they have had a
lot of practice showing it off to great advantage at airshows.
I am convinced that the Aardvark or "pig" as it is
affectionately known, is capable of clearing blocked drains
and various body parts when passing at high speed and low
altitude with the afterburners kicking in. It performed the
usual array of fast and low passes with wing extended and
swept, and concluded as usual with the spectacular dump and
burn wherein fuel is dumped into the exhaust and the aircraft
flies around like a giant blowtorch. Stunning though it is,
that little demo must surely have warranted a whole bunch of
carbon credits! Next was the C17 Globemaster, new to the RAAF.
What a monster. I suspect its flap area alone was bigger than
a squadron of Cessnas, and with everything hanging down,
including some uncountable number of wheels, it sailed
majestically overhead. You could feel the energy being
imparted to the surrounding atmosphere, even at low speed. All
of this was happening in a scene of alpine splendour, and
some tight turns were executed within the valley. There was
much more to see, but not everyone shares my enthusiasm.
Andrew and I went home via the Cardrona valley, which was a
splendid opportunity to pause at the Cardrona Tavern. If you
are in the area, I recommend it. They are friendly folks,
though I suspect it gets much more crowded come ski season.
Enough for now. Sorry again for the missing weeks.
----
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.
Sponsorship this week is courtesy of Bruce Hardie. Many
thanks.
----
On with the News.
Monday, 17 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEW DUNEDIN STADIUM GETS GO-AHEAD
---------------------------------
The Dunedin City Council has committed $91.4 million to the
construction of a new multi-purpose stadium. It is hoped the
Carisbrook Stadium Trust project will be completed in time for
the 2011 Rugby World Cup and will cost $188 million. A number
of terms and conditions have been set by council to provide it
with exit points at any stage. The city council took nearly
seven hours to come to a decision but the final vote was a
comfortable 12 to 2 in support. Carisbrook Stadium Trust Chair
Malcolm Farry says he is rapt with the decision, and can now
work even harder towards bringing the stadium to fruition.
Mayor Peter Chin is over the moon. He says the stadium will
have a tremendous and positive impact on Dunedin and will
provide the city with confidence and a point of difference. He
says Dunedin will become the only city in New Zealand to have
a stadium with a roof. He says the city council's terms and
conditions will be worked through over the next few months.
FARMERS BLAMES SUPERMARKETS FOR MILK PRICE
------------------------------------------
Farmers are blaming high retail margins for the price of milk.
It follows a call for an investigation into whether New
Zealanders are being over-charged for it. Independent MP
Gordon Copeland says milk is 15 cents cheaper in Australia and
even cheaper in Britain, the US and Canada. Chairman of
Federated Farmers' Dairy Section, Frank Brenmuhl, says any
investigation into the price of milk should start at the
supermarkets. He says nobody has actually looked at what the
retail margins are until now. Mr Brenmuhl says farmers get
somewhere in the region of 38 percent of the retail price and
a small portion of the cost is needed to cover the cost of
processing and packaging.
(I would love to see the breakdown of the retail price. What a
great can of worms! - BH)
HAWKE'S BAY DHB LACKED COMMON SENSE
-----------------------------------
The review into the management of conflict of interest at
Hawke's Bay District Health Board has found the board lacked
common sense. Director-General of Health Stephen McKernan says
the review found that if the board and its chair had applied
good practice, the matters at the heart of the review would
have been managed before they became issues. The review was
commissioned in July 2007 following concerns about the way
conflicts of interest were managed in two commercial
initiatives involving the DHB and a board member. It finds
that in relation to Peter Hausmann, neither the board, the
chair nor Mr Hausmann managed his conflicts well. Mr McKernan
says the Review Panel found a culture of mistrust and
dysfunction between the board and senior management, which he
describes as a significant roadblock to good performance. The
Review Panel has recommended a series of measures to bring the
DHB up to a level of governance expected of public bodies.
(This report did not fill me with confidence that we have yet
heard the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I
do hope that the judicial review sought by the local councils
will eventuate. - BH)
NZ MARKET HIT BY US MELTDOWN
----------------------------
The New Zealand Stock Exchange has taken a hit, sliding almost
two percent on the back of investor fears that more financial
institutions could become casualties in the widening US
financial crisis. One of the major US investment banks', Bear
Stearns, cash reserves were drained by fleeing customers
prompting its sale at a rock bottom price to JP Morgan Chase
and Company. Stock broker Chris Lee says the repercussions of
the Bear Stearns situation is being felt in New Zealand - but
banks operating here are not in trouble. He says New Zealand
banks will have much bigger write offs over the next couple of
years, but he does not see any of them falling over or coming
anywhere near falling over. Mr Lee says the banking system in
New Zealand and in Australia are in much better shape than the
rest of the world.
COMBINED WIND GENERATION PLANS BLOW OVER
----------------------------------------
Talks on wind power generation between Mighty River Power and
New Zealand Windfarms have fallen through. They have been
unable to reach an agreement to work together. Windfarms
chairman Derek Walker says his company is now preparing to
apply for resource consent to extend the Te Rere Hau projects
in Manawatu He says they are also investigating a number of
site in other parts of New Zealand that could be suitable for
future wind-farm developments.
LOTTO TICKETS TO BE SOLD ONLINE
-------------------------------
The days of rushing to the shop to grab a lotto ticket in time
for the Saturday night draw are numbered. New Zealand
Lotteries has confirmed it plans to sell lotto tickets online,
but is refusing to say when.
FARES RISING AS OIL PRICES SOAR
-------------------------------
Rising fuel costs are hitting air fares with Air New Zealand
raising its domestic, trans-Tasman and Pacific Island fares by
around three percent. The increase takes effect from next
Wednesday. Short-haul General Manager, Bruce Parton, says the
airline can no longer shield customers from soaring fuel
costs. He says domestic fares were last increased due to fuel
prices in May 2006 when the cost of a barrel of Singapore jet
fuel was $US87. It is currently trading $US130 US dollars and
has risen by $US10 over the last month alone. The airline will
decide in the next fortnight how much fares will rise on long-
haul flights. Mr Parton said that while the airline remains
committed to everyday low fares, it cannot not rule out
further fare increases if fuel costs do not drop. He says Air
New Zealand has worked hard over the past two years to
minimise operating costs which has been a significant
contributor also to shielding customers from fare increases.
"Our challenge remains to ensure that we continue to drive
costs within our control down and keep prices as low as
possible through our innovative initiatives like grabaseat,
which offers fares as low as one dollar."
NEW SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY DUE
-----------------------------------
Suicide numbers have been dropping steadily in the past decade
and the Government hopes a fund injection will improve the
figures even more. Labour is due to announce the latest
measures in its suicide prevention strategy today. The suicide
rate is still sitting at an average of 10 a week, but that is
a 20 percent drop from 10 years ago. Associate Health Minister
Jim Anderton says the action plan will help the many agencies
already working on suicide prevention.
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NO EMPLOYMENT FOR DRINK DRIVERS
-------------------------------
Police say they are getting an increasing number of job
applications from people who have committed drink driving
offences. They have received so many that they have sent out a
media release clarifying their position on the subject. They
say the force will not consider anyone with a drink driving
charge, including anyone who received diversion or was
discharged due to a technicality. Police say they will give
individual consideration to those with youth drink driving
charges.
IODISED SALT MUST BE USED IN BREAD
----------------------------------
The country's bread manufacturers will be forced to put
iodised salt into their products. The Food Safety Authority
has given bread makers 18 months to comply with new rules for
iodine fortification. The authority's Joint Food Standards
assistant director Jenny Reid says people used to get iodine
through eating dairy products. She says that is no longer
happening, so the authority wants to introduce it back into
the food supply and has decided bread is the best way to do
it. Ms Reid says organic and unleavened breads will be exempt
from the iodine requirement.
(I seriously doubt that this will reach those most at risk.
And anyway, at $4.10 per loaf, a lot of people are unable to
buy bread at present. - BH)
FEE RISE FOR NZQA
-----------------
Obtaining an NZQA qualification could become more expensive.
NZQA wants to scrap the one-off 'hook on' fee of 25 dollars.
It plans to increase the fee for each credit from one dollar
to one dollar-55. The proposal would not affect secondary
school students. NZQA Chief Executive Karen Poutasi says the
credit registration fee has remained unchanged for 15 years.
She says the increase reflects the actual cost of maintaining
the qualifications framework.
STAND BY FOR A RECESSION
------------------------
The Government is being urged by the opposition to be more
proactive in averting a feared recession. It comes as the
Stock Exchange has seen marked falls, further overseas
financial instability, and the Bank of New Zealand predicting
an economic downturn. National Party Leader John Key says the
international financial environment is extremely fragile and
New Zealand has to understand it is not immune. He is
surprised the Government has not adjusted and shown we are
facing a difficult period. John Key says householders and
families need to know the Government is taking the situation
seriously. Finance Minister Michael Cullen is putting on a
brave face however, saying the economy is in better shape than
most to weather the storm. Dr Cullen says given the drought,
the international financial turmoil, the credit squeeze and
the fall off in the housing market, it would be foolish to
rule out a recession. He says a recession is officially
defined as two successive quarters of negative growth, but he
is not expecting the economy to fall through the floor. Prime
Minister Helen Clark says New Zealand's sign off on a free
trade agreement with China in a fortnight will buffer this
country to some extent against the international volatility
being experienced by some economies. Helen Clark says China on
its own is capable of holding up commodity prices. She says
there are also huge growth engines in India and other parts of
Asia. Miss Clark says we are well positioned to ride out any
economic storm.
HOUSING COSTS TOO HIGH
----------------------
There is a call for the Building Act to be relaxed to make it
easier for people to buy or build their first home. The
Property Council believes high regulatory and compliance costs
are stripping young New Zealanders' hopes of owning a house.
Chief Executive Connal Townsend says the 'leaky building'
problem forced the Government tighten up the Building Act. But
he says the Building Act goes too far and is too restrictive.
Mr Townsend says additional costs imposed by local government
regulations are a huge part of the problem.
WHOOPS! MULTI-MILLION $ ERROR IN GOVT'S ACCOUNTS
------------------------------------------------
Treasury and Inland Revenue have revealed they have made a
$600 million mistake on the latest Crown financial statements.
Instead of the $400 million operating deficit reported for the
seven months ending in January, the Government actually has an
operating surplus of $200 million. Treasury and IRD say human
error is to blame resulting in $600 million failing to be
accounted for in January's provisional tax accruals. A full
investigation has been ordered into the error.
LOCAL INVESTORS STILL JITTERY
-----------------------------
New Zealander investors continue to be jittery despite a
slightly better finish to trading on Wall Street today. The
Dow Jones Industrial Average fought back and closed in the
black despite a bumpy session sparked by fallout from the fire
sale of US investment bank Bear Sterns. The NZX50 has fallen
26 points in morning trade to 3,403 after closing 2.8 percent
lower last night, its lowest level since March 2006. Forsyth
Barr's manager of retail broking Shane Edmond says NZX volumes
were low in the first hour of trade and investors are still in
sell mode, reflecting ongoing nervousness. He says investors
will be watching what happens on the Asian markets later
today.
UNDER 30S IN FAVOUR OF ONLINE VOTING
------------------------------------
Almost a third of New Zealanders want to be able to vote
online in general elections. The Electoral Commission has
released details of a survey which shows 31 percent of those
questioned strongly support the idea of voting on the
internet. The majority of those in favour are aged under 30,
while most of those aged over 60 still prefer to go down to
their local polling booth. Prime Minister Helen Clark expects
an online system to be used in future elections but she says
it is not known whether New Zealand will be the first country
to try to design it, given all the software intricacies
involved.
NZ BUILDERS COULD BE POACHED
----------------------------
There are concerns New Zealand builders could be poached by
Australian under a new policy to make housing more affordable.
The Australian is building thousands more homes to address a
housing shortage. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has also announced
his government may introduce a scheme which would allow 15,000
people to emigrate to Australia to work in the building
industry. Master Builders Federation chief executive Pieter
Burghout says builders already earn more money across the
Tasman and they could tempt New Zealand builders by offering
even more. He says New Zealand will not solve its own housing
affordability problems by sitting back and letting Australia
snaffle its builders. Mr Burghout says New Zealand builders
generally love building in their own country, so a steady
volume of work is needed in New Zealand to keep them here.
(Not sure about poached. In the light of our epidemic of leaky
buildings, some may well be half-baked - BH)
CREDITORS URGED TO COME FORWARD
-------------------------------
The interim liquidator dealing with home construction company
Balmoral Homes, is urging the company's creditors to get in
touch. Almost 200 businesses are thought to be owed money by
the Christchurch-based firm which went bust last week. There
is an estimated $1.8 million of unsecured debt. Liquidator
Wayne Deuchrass from Insolvency Management Ltd says a letter
has been sent to all creditors. He says Insolvency Management
will do all it can to sort out the issues in relation to the
company before a High Court hearing in April to find a
permanent liquidator.
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PETROL AT $2 A LITRE?
---------------------
There is a prediction we could be paying as much as $2 a litre
at the pump as early as next month. The website,
interest.co.nz says New Zealand oil companies are yet to catch
up with the record price of crude oil. The site says the price
paid by New Zealand oil importers has risen by as much as 15
percent in the past five weeks to a record 122 dollars 45
cents a barrel. However, petrol prices in New Zealand have
risen by just five percent during the same period.
Interest.co.nz says once that 15 percent price in the basic
cost of the crude flows through to oil companies here, the
average price of fuel is expected to hit $2 a litre.
(Currently NZD$1.779 per litre for 91 octane - BH)
ELECTORAL LAW UNDER ATTACK AGAIN
--------------------------------
The new election laws are under attack again, this time over
the impact on MPs going about normal Parliamentary business.
National Party Deputy Leader Bill English is highlighting
uncertainty over whether standard communications with
constituents might be construed as political advertising and
therefore subject to the Electoral Finance Act. He says the
law's forcing politicians into the ridiculous position of
having to get authorisation for legitimate Parliamentary
business. Justice Minister Annette King says the rules were to
prevent rorts previously used by the National Party and they
are not happy they now have to be clearer about their
activities.
DROUGHT WILL HIT FARMERS HARD
-----------------------------
MAF believes farmers will be struggling hard to keep their
heads above water as the harsh reality of the recent drought
begins to bite. The Government estimates the recent dry period
will cost the rural sector upwards of a billion dollars this
financial year. South Taranaki was officially declared a
drought zone 24 hours ago, and Waikato has been one for a
month. MAF policy group spokesman Phil Journeaux says
production for many farmers has been lower this year, and they
are having to spend a lot more on supplementary feed. He says
they are having to sell stock at much lighter weights, meaning
much lower prices.
(Overnight rain in the order of 50 mm may have alleviated that
- BH)
LIMITED REVIEW OF DRUG LAWS
---------------------------
The absence of tobacco and alcohol from a review of drug laws
is being explained by the Law Commission. The commission is
looking at a proposed upgrade of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Issues being considered include; whether legislation should
reflect the principle of harm minimisation, and what the most
suitable models for drug control are. The terms of reference,
however, do not include alcohol and tobacco. Law Commission
President Sir Geoffrey Palmer says if they were in the mix the
project would be unmanageably large. But he says their
exclusion does not prevent the commission from taking into
account their relative harms.
WHISTLE BLOWER LAW NOT CLEAR
----------------------------
Our largest public sector union says state employers aren't
giving their staff enough information on the whistle-blower
law. The Protected Disclosures Act covers all staff working in
the state sector. It allows them to anonymously disclose
information on serious wrongdoing at their workplace. Public
Service Association spokeswoman Brenda Pilott says employers
have systems in place enabling staff to do so, but they are
not telling staff about the systems or how to use them. She
says it is vital employers fill this information vacuum,
because at the moment staff feel like they will not be
protected and their anonymity will not be preserved.
DROUGHT HITS SHEEP AND BEEF FARMERS
-----------------------------------
Sheep and beef farmers look like being the hardest hit from
this year's drought. Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry reveal that the drought's cost the farming sector
is at least $1.2 billion. Dairy farmers will take an average
hit of $80,000 and sheep and beef farmers will be stung by
more than $25,000. Minister of Agriculture Jim Anderton says
while the costs are significant for dairy farmers their
overall financial position is better than last year because of
higher dairy milk-solid payouts. He says sheep and beef
farmers are in a weaker position after two years of poor
returns and the drought could not have come at a worse time in
the commodity price cycle.
PETERS REVEALS COALITION STRATEGY
---------------------------------
New Zealand First is already revealing its post-election
coalition strategy. Leader Winston Peters has announced what
the party will do in a bid to counter questions that plagued
New Zealand First during the last election campaign. He says
the party will negotiate first with the party that has the
most seats following the election. Mr Peters says because New
Zealand First cannot know who that will be at this stage, any
other questions are a moot point. He says his party does not
have any preferences and will not be advocating for one side
over another.
(I wouldn't vote for any party that hasn't revealed its
intentions in advance. That amounts to delegating government
forming authority to rump parties. - BH)
NZ NOT IN RECESSION SAYS BERL
-----------------------------
The Independent economic think tank BERL is dismissing
suggestions the New Zealand economy is in a recession but
warns it could be possible to talk the country into one.
Senior economist, Ganesh Nana, says there seems to be an
inglorious rush by many financial organisations and
institutions to be the first to confirm the New Zealand
economy is now in a recession but Mr Nana believes talk of a
downturn or even a recession is uninformed and grandstanding.
He says the underlying factors for New Zealand involve dairy
prices, oil exports and business investment and as long as
those things remain strong the economy should come out
relatively unscathed. Dr Nana says there is still growth in
employment, business and infrastructure investments,
suggesting continued but subdued growth. He admits 2008 will
be a grim year compared with the last few years, but predicts
it will not be as grim as some people are hurriedly trying to
paint.
PETROL PRICE RISE FOR AUCKLANDERS?
----------------------------------
Aucklanders may soon have to pay another five cents per litre
in fuel tax to pay for roading infrastructure. The issue is up
for consultation in the Auckland Regional Council draft annual
plan being released today. The Government has given councils
the power to impose a regional fuel tax of up to 10 cents per
litre. Among other issues being covered in the regional plan
are whether it should contribute $10 million towards the
development of Eden Park and whether Tourism Auckland should
become part of the ARC.
LEAKY BUILDING PROBLEMS WIDESPREAD
----------------------------------
A lawyer specialising in leaky buildings says people are
starting to realise the problem is much more widespread than
just affecting residential homes. Mt Albert Grammar in
Auckland could be facing a multi-million dollar repair bill to
fix a leaky main classroom block. The Ministry of Education is
also dealing with problems at Glenn Innes Primary School,
Edendale Primary School and Shelly Park Primary School.
Education Minister Chris Carter says the problems are due to
the use of cheap materials and shortcuts being taken in the
1990s and will cost millions of dollars to repair. Lawyer Paul
Grimshaw says the problem with leaky non-residential buildings
has only come to the fore in the past couple of years because
the focus has been on domestic houses, but he says his firm is
also acting for leaky hospitals and motels.
Thursday, 20 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HOPE BANKS WILL HELP BLUE CHIP INVESTORS
----------------------------------------
The Minister of Commerce is confident the finance sector will
be willing to help the 3,000 Blue Chip investors caught out by
company liquidations Liquidator Jeff Meltzer's asking
investors affected by the company collapses to either manage
the situation in the short term out of their own resources, or
approach their financiers and request interim deferral of
repayments. Despite recent pressures on the finance and real
estate sectors Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel says there is
a willingness from banks to listen to cases of real hardship
and help people through until an interim solution is found.
She says affected Blue Chip investors should not sit back and
do nothing.
(TV coverage has not portrayed these collapses in a very
comforting light. I suspect that many will get little if any
of their money back. - BH)
ASSURANCE FOR CHCH PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS
---------------------------------------
Patients of Hillmorton Hospital and their families are being
reassured that the Canterbury District Health Board is working
to provide the best mental health services possible. Three
patients at the psychiatric hospital's Acute Adult Inpatient
Service have died unexpectedly this year, sparking a review
into the service provided by the DHB. Chief of Psychiatry Phil
Brinded says the board is very concerned about the situation,
given the short space of time between the deaths and wants to
make sure everything possible was done to prevent the
tragedies. He says the external review does not mean the
patients did not receive adequate care.
TOUGH PENALTIES FOR EASTER TRADING WANTED
-----------------------------------------
Unions want shops that breach the Easter trading laws to face
tougher penalties. The National Distribution Union says the
current $1,000 fine is inadequate. National secretary Laila
Harre says the courts need to treat the offending more
seriously because the penalty is pathetic and virtually allows
shops to open. She says confiscating a shop's takings when
they open in breach of the law on a statutory holiday is the
only way to get a very small group of law breakers to follow
the rules.
(Absolutely right. The present risible penalties amount to
nothing more than a fee for being open. They see it as a cost
of doing business. Editorials castigate the government for
failing to move with the times. Public opinion polls show a
surprising sentiment in the other direction. - BH)
CULLEN TAKES ISSUE WITH RECESSION HEADLINE
------------------------------------------
The Finance Minister hopes tax cuts he will unveil in his May
budget will offer some relief for families struggling with the
rising price of oil and food. Michael Cullen took issue with a
headline in yesterday's Dominion newspaper which suggested he
expected a recession. Today the paper has given him the right
of reply. Dr Cullen says the fact that the world's largest
economy, the United States, is in trouble will inevitably
impact on New Zealand. He says given the international
situation, the slowdown in the housing market and the drought,
it would be foolish to rule out the possibility of two
successive quarters of small negative growth, which is
technically a recession. However he does not think it is
likely. Dr Cullen says he will continue to speak honestly
about the economic challenges facing New Zealand.
AIR SHOW PUMPS MILLIONS INTO LOCAL ECONOMY
------------------------------------------
Warbirds over Wanaka is expected to inject $45 million into
the Clutha District's economy. The international biennial air
show takes place during three days over Easter and celebrates
more than 100 years of aviation. Spokesman Ian Brodie says
100,000 people will visit Wanaka to view the 60 aircraft from
World Wars I and II. Participants come from as far afield as
Lithuania and Japan. Mr Brodie says 'Warbirds Over Wanaka' is
one of the biggest air shows in the southern hemisphere.
(It may be one of the better ones, but having seen an RAAF
open day at Richmond a couple of years ago, I doubt the claim
to be biggest. And besides and "Southern Hemisphere" claims
usually mean we checked in Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne, but
probably forgot Perth, Johannesburg, and have never heard of
Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo - BH)
MORE COMPASSION WANTED FOR BABY BOOMERS
---------------------------------------
A human rights lawyer believes there should be more compassion
towards baby boomers. A 57-year-old man was turned away from a
Wellington bar for being too old. The man says bouncers at the
'Big Kumara' told him there were young people in the bar and
he should go home. Lawyer Carole Curtis says the incident
shows New Zealand is a very immature country. She says people
have a great deal to offer as they get older.
(I suspect that the young people may not have wanted whatever
was on offer. Nevertheless, I think the exclusion is illegal.
- BH)
Friday, 21 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PRISONERS WILL REFURBISH STATE HOUSE
------------------------------------
Corrections Minister Phil Goff hopes prisoners will eventually
be building new state houses. From June, old state houses will
be shifted to the Spring Hills Corrections facility in the
Waikato to be refurbished by prisoners. Corrections Minister
Phil Goff says inmates will renovate about 40 houses a year,
stripping the insides and refitting them with new kitchens. He
says because of the country's dire skills shortage, training
up inmates to do such work will pay dividends. "Housing New
Zealand can't get that work done because of the tightness of
the labour market at the moment, so everybody benefits from
this. I think criticism will be pretty isolated."
REVISED PUBLIC HEALTH BILL GIVEN THUMBS UP
------------------------------------------
The Cancer Society is calling for a much more proactive
approach to help curb New Zealand's rates of the disease.
Spokeswoman Jan Pearson says close to 80 percent of cancers
can be attributed to lifestyle. Because of this she says, most
cancers can be prevented. Jan Pearson says the society is
welcoming a revised Public Health Bill, giving the Ministry of
Health more powers in areas such as advertising on TV. The
Bill gives the ministry wider powers to help prevent non-
communicable diseases, including cancers caused by smoking and
excessive alcohol consumption. Ms Pearson says we also need
more legislation around tobacco control, to prevent young
people taking up smoking. She says she would like to see real
teeth in the Bill so the government can do something
effective, rather than expect industries to voluntarily change
their behaviours.
NATS WANT URGENT INQUIRY INTO HOSPITAL DEATHS
---------------------------------------------
The National Party wants an urgent explanation of the
tragedies at Hillmorton Hospital in Christchurch. There have
been three unexpected deaths at the psychiatric unit in the
past few weeks, two of them coming on consecutive days.
Canterbury DHB is investigating, saying it wants to make sure
it did all it could to prevent the deaths. National's
Associate Health spokesman Jonathan Coleman says we need
answers in the next few days. He says obviously it is not
enough time for a full inquiry, but it is possible to find out
what went wrong and take action. He says there is a very real
possibility other lives are at risk at the unit. Mr Coleman
says it is hard to believe a billion dollars a year is being
spent on mental health, yet things seem to be getting worse.
Monday, 24 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THUMBS UP FOR BUILDING CHANGES
------------------------------
The Construction Industry Council is applauding Government
changes aimed at cutting red tape in the building industry.
The changes include reducing the number of building projects
requiring a PIM, or Project Information Memorandum, and
removing the need for a building consent for minor
alterations. Richard Michael, the Chair of the Construction
Industry Council, says the changes will reduce costs and
should speed up legal processes around building new homes and
renovating existing properties. He wants the changes to be
brought in as soon as possible.
(It seems like a good idea as long as "minor alterations"
don't jeopardise the safety or Weathertightness of the
building - BH)
DEPUTY POLICE COMMISSIONER STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION
----------------------------------------------------
ACT leader Rodney Hide says it is astonishing that serious
allegations against the deputy Police Commissioner are still
being investigated after four years. Rob Pope led the
investigation into the murders of Olivia Hope and Ben Smart
before he was appointed our number two cop in 2006. Police
have confirmed Mr Pope is the subject of two separate
inquiries concerning affidavits he gave during the case, one
by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and another by the
Southern Crimes Unit. They say there is no evidence of
criminality at this stage. Mr Hide says it is appalling that
allegations of that nature have not been resolved after four
years.
TOTAL NUMBER POISONED NOW 9
---------------------------
Health officials have taken the unusual step of naming a
Coromandel honey producer, following several cases of honey
poisoning over Easter. Waikato District Health Board says
there are reports of five more cases. The total number stands
at nine. The latest case involves a Palmerston North man whose
GP admitted him to hospital there with seizures and vomiting.
His mother had bought the honey on the Coromandel. His brother
has also been unwell after eating the honey. In another case,
the principal of Opoutere School near Whangamata went to
Waikato Hospital last week with seizures after eating the
honey. The honeycomb has been sold by Projen Apiaries under
the brand A Taste of Whangamata Pure Honey. It has been
withdrawn from sale at the three outlets at which it was being
marketed. Test results on the honey are due out tomorrow.
CHEAP HOME PLAN = RATEPAYER BURDEN
----------------------------------
Local body councils are worried the Government's new
affordable housing bill will push up rates and force
ratepayers to subsidise first home buyers. The aim of the bill
is to add a thousand new cheap homes to the market each year,
but councils can choose not to implement the bill's
provisions. Every council that has made a submission to the
select committee has been against the plan. Councils in the
Auckland region want the bill withdrawn, saying it puts
unnecessary costs on councils and will force rates increases.
Wellington, Christchurch and Nelson City Councils are also
against it.
HQ ADMITS INQUIRY INTO POPE
---------------------------
Police National Headquarters has staged a turn-around on its
stance over investigations into the force's number two boss.
After yesterday denying any knowledge of a criminal
investigation into Deputy Commissioner Rob Pope, a spokesman
has now confirmed Sunday newspaper reports that there is such
an inquiry under way. Investigators are looking into
allegations that Mr Pope, who headed the investigation into
the murders of 21-year-old Ben Smart and 17-year-old Olivia
Hope on New Year's Day 1998, made a false statement in an
affidavit he gave during the inquiry. The complaint was laid
by Chris Watson, the father of Scott Watson who was found
guilty murdering the Blenheim friends.
UNION WELCOMES PROPOSED BREAK LAWS
----------------------------------
New Zealand's largest workers' union believes many employees
currently work their whole shift without a break. The
Government has made changes to the law which gives employees
two ten minute breaks and a half hour unpaid meal break over
the course of an eight-hour shift. Facilities also have to be
provided for breastfeeding mothers. Andrew Little from the
Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union says it is about
time people had the legal right to have meal and rest breaks
at work. He says many workers already believed they were
legally entitled to take time out and they did under the
Factory and Commercial Act until 1992, when the provision was
taken out of law. Mr Little says the union is constantly
getting reports about people having to work eight hours
without a break. He says there are health and safety issues
when workers are not allowed to leave their work spaces.
Labour Minister Trevor Mallard wants the legislation
introduced before the election.
(I am always fascinated by the number of people who say "such
and such legislation is not necessary, we have worked it out
for ourselves". If they had really worked it out equitably,
there would be no cost. What they really mean is "I'm the boss
and I'm happy. What's the problem?" - BH)
ANTENATAL HIV TESTING
---------------------
HIV screening will soon be among the routine blood tests given
to pregnant women. The Ministry of Health wants all 21
District Health Boards to test pregnant women for the
infection by the end of 2009. The Waikato District Health
Board has been running a pilot programme over the past year.
Aids Foundation executive director Rachael Le Mesurier says
the test has been a standard practice in most countries for
more than a decade and has become a very affective way to make
sure there is no preventable transmission from mother to
child. She says the number of heterosexual women with HIV is
slowly increasing. The latest statistics show there were 177
HIV diagnoses in 2006, of which 85 were amongst heterosexuals
and 45 were women.
DROUGHT WILL HAVE IMPACT UNTIL SEPT 2009
----------------------------------------
Farmers in drought-affected parts of the North Island are
expected to feel the financial strain of it until September
2009. The Government estimates the recent dry period will cost
the rural sector around $1.2 billion this financial year.
Federated Farmers president Charlie Pederson says although the
drought is expected to be over by the end of April, winter
weather does not make life any easier. He says farmers are
making calculations about how much feed they will need during
winter but there are not many farms that can grow enough feed
to supply their animals everyday. Mr Pederson says because
farmers are spending more on feed, they are experiencing
significant cash flow problems. Cattle and sheep farmers are
sending their stock to the works early and will often end up
killing their breeding stock. Mr Pederson says Northland and
the parts of the Hawkes Bay are the only areas not
experiencing the most widespread drought he has seen in 30
years of farming.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SENIOR DOCTORS' STRIKE PUT ON ICE
---------------------------------
Strike action by senior doctors has been averted following
talks with District Health Boards. It has been 20 months since
the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists began
negotiations for a national collective agreement, and 88
percent of union members had voted in favour of industrial
action. DHB Employment Relations Chief Executive David Meates
says the threat of action has been withdrawn and an offer will
be taken back to members for their endorsement. He says the
breakthrough is the result of a lot of hard work from both
parties and reflects the efforts of everyone to resolve the
complex issues involved. Mr Meates says it is too early to
comment on the details of the offer.
BUSINESS PESSIMISM GROWS
------------------------
A new survey shows pessimism continues to grow about the
general business situation in New Zealand. Auckland Chamber of
Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett says the group
surveyed 1,000 firms, most of which are the small-to-medium-
size businesses that make up the backbone of the economy. Mr
Barnett says 64 percent think the business situation will
deteriorate over the next six months, which he says is 80
percent more than in December and three times more than a year
ago. Mr Barnett says New Zealand is in an environment where
the cost of finance, fuel and wages are on the rise. He says
it is increasingly difficult for businesses to be able to get
some of those costs back, which means they will not invest. He
says businesses need to keep their debts low, make sure their
stock levels are not too high, and invest in people and good
marketing.
(Sensemaking is one of my current research areas. I wonder if
we can say "self-fulfilling prophecy"? - BH)
NO CAPITAL GAIN FOR CHEAP HOME OWNERS
-------------------------------------
It is claimed the Affordable Housing Bill will leave first
home buyers with cheap and nasty investments. The bill aims to
add a thousand new cheap homes to the market each year, but
councils in the Auckland region want it withdrawn completely.
Wellington, Christchurch and Nelson City councils are also
critical. National Party housing spokesman Phil Heatley says
homeowners will be forced to cap the price they on-sell their
house for, which would stop many people enjoying capital gains
in a rising market. Mr Heatley says the Labour Government
needs to start focusing on getting interest rates under
control, improving take home pay by giving tax cuts and
streamlining the Resource Management Act. He believes Housing
Minister Maryan Street should withdraw the bill.
BEEKEEPERS WANT TOXIN RULES REVIEWED
------------------------------------
The Beekeepers' Association wants to review the rules for
producing honey at risk of the tutin toxin. Nine people have
fallen ill after eating comb honey bought on at three retail
outlets in Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula. Several of
the victims suffered seizures. Honey producer Progen Apiaries
is now under investigation. The latest case involves a 43-
year-old Palmerston North draughtsman who ate the honey,
bought for him by his mother at Whangamata last month and
became so ill his GP admitted him to Palmerston North
Hospital. He had a number of seizures, was delirious and
constantly vomiting. Blood, urine and CT tests at the hospital
were inconclusive and because he had more than two seizures,
the man's GP told him he was unable to drive for 12 months.
The man put the illness down to a virus but last Sunday he
again ate the honey and was violently ill. His 45-year-old
brother, a fitter and turner in Rotorua, was also unwell after
he ate the honey and suspected it was responsible. He threw
the honey away and advised his brother to do the same.
Association chief executive Jim Edwards will be working with
the Food Safety Authority to ensure that all honey makers meet
the necessary checks. He says although the rules around the
collection and distribution of honey are very good, it is
important that they are reviewed. The tutin toxin comes from
the common native tutu bush and can affect honey in
Marlborough, the Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Beekeepers are required to ensure affected honey is not
released for human consumption Drought conditions have
resulted in a higher risk than usual.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING EVERYONE'S CONCERN
-------------------------------------
The Housing Minister says everyone needs to get on board to
help address the issue of affordable housing. The Government's
Affordable Housing Bill aims to add a thousand new homes to
the market each year, but councils in Auckland, Wellington,
Christchurch and Nelson have rejected it, saying it will
result in the average ratepayer being made to subsidise first
home buyers. Housing Minister Maryan Street says if councils
want good economic development in their areas, they will need
to provide housing that is affordable for workers. She is open
to changing the legislation as required but says it will
require everyone to pitch in to make it work. Ms Street says
the bill will give councils more tools to encourage affordable
housing.
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OIL INDUSTRY TURNS UP HEAT ON ENERGY POLICY
-------------------------------------------
The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association has
released a report criticising Government plans to have 90
percent of electricity generated from renewable sources by
2020. The report says the policy exposes the electricity
system to increased costs, uncertainty and more risk to
security of supply. It argues increased investment in wind
energy will bring substantial capital and transmission costs
predicting electricity prices could rise by over 40 percent in
the next 15 to 20 years. The report maintains gas should be a
thermal fuel of choice because of its relatively low carbon
emissions.
DON'T EXPECT A CASH WINDFALL IN THE BUDGET
------------------------------------------
Finance Minister Michael Cullen has moved to lower
expectations that he is going to splash out in cutting taxes.
Dr Cullen has told an Auckland business academic audience his
tax cuts will not be as big as his opponents. However he says
National will not be able to outspend the Government on tax
cuts without eroding New Zealand's economic platform. Dr
Cullen says Labour has already delivered $4.5 billion worth of
tax relief, to savers, families and will do so for businesses
from the beginning of next month. The Finance Minister also
discusses the global economic downturn, which he is blaming on
American lending institutions. Dr Cullen says huge numbers of
Americans were lured into mortgages by predatory lenders. He
says they were telling ordinary Americans, some with
negligible incomes and no real assets with high levels of
existing debt, that they could afford to take out a mortgage
and buy a house. He says the lenders were backed up by an
embarrassing number of major financial institutions.
TRANSIT PASSENGERS WILL NOW REQUIRE VISAS
-----------------------------------------
The Government is changing the rules for passengers in transit
through New Zealand. Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove
says as of Friday, transit visas will be needed for all people
travelling via New Zealand, unless they are specifically
exempted by immigration policy. He says the change is due to
increased security requirements and changing travel patterns.
Mr Cosgrove says the new policy will strengthen risk
management and future proof border control.
ECONOMY LABELS COULD CUT FUEL USAGE
-----------------------------------
The Government believes new compulsory fuel economy labels
will mean less gas guzzling vehicles will be imported into New
Zealand. It has launched the new initiative which will give
each vehicle a star rating, similar to those used on new
household appliances. It will also estimate the yearly fuel
cost, based on an average fuel price and distance. The system
applies to vehicles imported since 2005 and those manufactured
since 2000. It takes effect from April 7. Energy and Climate
Change Minister David Parker says people want to save money
and will therefore purchase a vehicle that is going to be
cheaper to run. He says the labels are estimated to cut fuel
usage by seven percent.
(I'll believe that when I see it - BH)
RECORD KIWIFRUIT CROP PREDICTED
-------------------------------
A record kiwifruit crop is being predicted by one Bay of
Plenty company. G6 Kiwi expects to produce almost 28 million
trays. It is the biggest volume ever for the group, and
follows a record 2007 crop. General manager Linda Mills says
the first crop estimates are very pleasing, with fruit size
better and the quality very good. G6 Kiwi recently introduced
pioneering infrared technology. Group members have also been
on fact finding visits to Europe to assess 'best practice'
methods, and further new technology to transplant into the New
Zealand marketplace.
TELECOM SPLIT DETAILS DUE NEXT WEEK
-----------------------------------
Telecom should know where it stands on its operational
separation by the end of the month. Late last month,
Communications Minister David Cunliffe rejected an amended
plan from the company. He wanted guarantees the wholesale
business unit would not favour the split retail unit over
other customers. Mr Cunliffe has now received a revised
separation plan from Telecom, which he is reviewing. He says
he will announce a decision on that, next Monday.
ROTORUA'S LAKES TO GET A CLEAN UP
---------------------------------
The Government is pledging to help clean up Rotorua's polluted
lakes. Over the next ten years, it will spend $72 million on
the project. Rotorua District Council and Environment Bay of
Plenty will match the contribution. Prime Minister Helen Clark
has announced the project in Rotorua today, saying the lakes
in the region are a dramatic example of the problems faced by
New Zealand's fresh water resources. All of the city's lakes
are either degraded or an environmental risk.
LIQUIDATION FOR MORE BLUE CHIP-RELATED COS
------------------------------------------
The liquidator handling the collapse of property company Blue
Chip related companies will be putting more into liquidation.
Jeff Meltzer has told an investors meeting in Auckland he will
announce the names of the companies involved on Monday. More
than three thousand Blue Chip investors are owed more than $70
million and some have been calling for Mr Meltzer to take
court action against Blue Chip executives and to apply for the
whole entity to be liquidated. Mr Meltzer says he cannot
guarantee court proceedings but is assuring investors he will
hold to account those responsible. He says he has not come
across any specific evidence of fraud and it will take time to
track where the money has gone.
CONSUMERS GLOOMY ABOUT RISING COSTS
-----------------------------------
Consumer confidence has plunged to its lowest level in a
decade, as shoppers begin to feel the pinch of rising prices.
The Westpac McDermott Miller's quarterly survey recorded its
steepest decline in eight years in March, dropping from 110 in
December to 96.5. Any level below 100 indicates more
pessimists than optimists. A net 19 percent of respondents
said they felt worse off financially than they were a year
ago. A net two percent felt better off. Westpac economist
Donna Purdue says reasons behind the drop in confidence
include rising fuel and food prices, higher mortgage interest
rates, falling house prices and turmoil in the global
financial market.
DAIRY PRICES STABLE DESPITE DROUGHT
-----------------------------------
Dairy giant Fonterra believes it can withstand the current
drought without hiking dairy prices even further. The
Government estimates the recent dry period will cost the rural
sector $1.24 billion this financial year. Fonterra spokesman
Mark Leslie says milk production in some areas of the North
Island has dropped by up to 30 percent on this time last year,
but overall, supply is down by less than one percent. Mr
Leslie says that is due to most farms supplying more milk than
was expected earlier in the year. He says Fonterra has been
providing farmers affected by the drought with feed, through
its subsidiary RD1.
DOCTORS ADVISED TO ACCEPT DHBS' OFFER
-------------------------------------
The union for senior doctors says the provisional agreement
reached with District Health Boards does not meet all the
union's aspirations but contains some useful achievements. It
has been nearly two years since the Association of Salaried
Medical Specialists started talks with DHBs in a bid for a
national collective agreement. The offer will now be put to
the union's members for approval and the union is advising
them to accept. Details of the offer will not be revealed
until members receive their ballots, which should be by the
end of the week. Association Executive Director Ian Powell
says the negotiations have been the longest in the union's
history but the settlement is a future springboard for
reassessing salaries relative to other countries. Strike
action has been called off.
Thursday, 27 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SUPPORT PAYMENTS FOR DROUGHT-HIT FAMILIES
-----------------------------------------
Rural families in drought affected areas will get special
support payments from the Government if they need them. Social
Development Minister Ruth Dyson says they will apply to
eligible farmers in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki,
Manawatu, Wanganui, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and
Southland. Ms Dyson says the rural assistance payments are
specially targeted to those in need and are designed to cover
essential living costs only. The payments are set at three
quarters of the level of the unemployment benefit. Applicants
will have to meet income and asset tests to qualify.
CHEAP PALMY NORTH FLIGHTS PLAN ON THE ROCKS
-------------------------------------------
Ozjet has indicated it will cancel its new trans-Tasman
service from Palmerston North. The Australian airline was in
talks with Air Nauru to use its planes for the flights to
Brisbane and Sydney, which were due to take off on Monday.
However, it is understood Air Nauru has pulled out of the deal
and is now proposing to buy Ozjet. Airport Chief Executive
Garry Goodman says the news will be devastating for the whole
region.
AIRPORT DUTY FREE CONTRACT INVESTIGATED
---------------------------------------
The Commerce Commission is investigating Auckland
International Airport's move to reduce the number of duty free
concessions to only one. The airport has scrapped the contract
of Regency Duty Free, leaving DFS as the only operator. It is
maintaining it has not breached provisions of the Commerce
Act, saying one operator will improve the delivery of duty
free retail service and make it a more attractive and
competitive shopping destination.
(I wonder if someone really believes that? - BH)
KIWISAVER GETS A TWEAK
----------------------
The Government has been forced to tweak its KiwiSaver scheme.
The issue relates to employer tax credits where it has been
discovered the existing formula would leave around 5,000 to
6,000 employers disadvantaged and not receiving their full $20
a week entitlement. Finance Minister Michael Cullen says the
problem has arisen because of differences between employer pay
periods and Inland Revenue's PAYE period. He says the process
will now be changed so affected employers can make an
additional claim at the end of the tax year and recoup their
entitlements.
BENEFITS INCREASE BY THREE PERCENT
----------------------------------
The benefit will increase for the unemployed next week. From
April 1, those receiving a benefit or allowance will see an
increase in what they receive by an average of three percent.
The changes, while small, are targeted at not just the
unemployed, but also students and parents. For example,
unemployed adults and students aged over 25 will receive an
extra $5.68 a week. A couple on the Invalids Benefit will
pocket an extra $11.82 each week. Social Development Minister
Ruth Dyson says the increases are to accommodate the changes
in the cost of living.
CARBON CREDIT OFFSET ON OFFER FOR PASSENGERS
--------------------------------------------
Air New Zealand has launched an environmental trust to fund
research and development into alternative fuels and projects
that enhance New Zealand's clean, green reputation. Rob Fyfe,
CEO, says that alongside the trust, the airline's passengers
will have the option to fund the purchase of carbon credits to
offset their travel. A 960km flight between Auckland and
Wellington would have a carbon offset option of $4.50, a
flight between Christchurch and Sydney would be $13.70 and
between Auckland and Los Angeles $88.10. The carbon offset
facility will be available through the company's website. Mr
Fyfe says the first carbon credits that Air New Zealand has
secured are Emission Reduction Units from TrustPower's Tararua
windfarm. The project was awarded Kyoto carbon credits as part
of the Government's Projects to Reduce Emissions programme.
Customers will also be given the option on-line of making a
donation to the Air New Zealand Environment Trust once the
Trust has gained charitable status which is expected to be in
May. The trustees, who include environmentalists Rob Fenwick
and Ruud Kleinpaste, will be given the task of identifying and
managing projects which meet the trust's criteria. The trust's
first project will be a conservation programme involving more
than 100 acres on Mangarara Station in Hawke's Bay. The owners
of the station, Greg and Rachel Hart, want to develop a model
sustainable farming system which will include a native
reforestation project, pastoral tree planting and a holistic
approach to soil management. Air New Zealand says a key part
of the initiative is that the public will have access to the
station to see the project as it develops.
(Your airfare is $100. Would you care to volunteer to spend
another $10 towards the cost of planting trees in a place you
will never get to? What percentage of the population will go
for that, I wonder. - BH)
DOC WILL MANAGE NEW HIGH COUNTRY PURCHASE
-----------------------------------------
The Government has purchased Tarnbrae Station, Omarama,
Canterbury for $4.25 million. Conservation Minister Steve
Chadwick says the 2,044 hectares of a high country wetland and
tussock complex in the Mackenzie Basin will be managed the
Department of Conservation. She says the move will provide
legal protection for one of the most intact wetland areas
remaining in the Basin and safeguards an outstanding natural
landscape. Ms Chadwick says the area contains several rare
plants and plant communities including the nationally
threatened native lily. Tarnbrae has previously been managed
by the Lory family, who were keen to retain this tussock
grassland and wetlands that remain such the distinctive
feature of the property.
WELLINGTON CITY LIQUOR BAN MOVES CLOSER
---------------------------------------
Wellington City Council has agreed to move forward with a
proposal for a 24-hour liquor ban in the central city. The ban
would cover Wellington central, Oriental Parade, Mount
Victoria and Aro Valley. Cuba St residents have this morning
presented a petition asking for the liquor ban, saying they
are fed up with drunks urinating and vomiting in the street.
Mayor Kerry Prendergast says it is important the council takes
action before perceptions of a safe city begin to change.
Councillor Iona Pannett says the proposal will impinge on
people's freedoms. The council has agreed to open the issue up
for public debate.
GYMS SET TO GET REPRIEVE FROM CHILDCARE RULES
---------------------------------------------
The Education Minister is considering changes to regulations
which have forced the closure of childcare facilities at
fitness centres. Many crèches at swimming pools and gyms shut
down because they could not meet the new standards when they
came into effect last year. Parliament's Education and Science
Committee has been reviewing an 8,000 signature petition,
urging fitness centres to be made exempt from the regulations.
It is understood Education Minister Chris Carter will amend
the rules, to allow the childcare facilities to reopen later
in the year.
WOMEN HAPPIER THAN MEN
----------------------
New Zealand women appear to be a lot happier than their male
counterparts. A survey by UMR Research into happiness
considered age, gender, job and marital status. The 9,000
respondents were asked to rate how satisfied they are with the
way their life is going. Director Tim Grafton says the
happiest region is Nelson and the least happy is the West
Coast/Buller. The happiest men also live in Nelson but middle-
aged men who live in Southland are the least happy people in
the country. Mr Grafton suggests the finding reflects the fact
middle-aged people have more pressures in their lives. Women
are the happiest in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay but are least
happy in Auckland. Mr Grafton says the idea of the 'merry
widow' or widower appears to be quite true as retired people
are the happiest age group.
(We men already knew that. - BH)
CULLEN "SHADOW BOXING" WITH TAX CUT COMMENTS
--------------------------------------------
An economist is describing the Finance Minister's latest
comments on National's tax cuts as shadow boxing. In a speech
to the AUT business faculty in Auckland, Michael Cullen said
Labour's personal tax cut programme would not require
borrowing to fund it, would not exacerbate inflationary
pressures in the economy, would not lead to greater inequality
in society and would not require cuts to public services. He
said National will probably try to offer larger personal tax
cuts than Labour, which could erode New Zealand's economic
platform. Ganesh Nana, senior economist with independent think
tank BERL, says the comments are typical during an election
year and Dr Cullen is just playing games. He says the parties
should be judged on whether they will find ways to reduce
interest rates and New Zealand's fixation with inflation.
Friday, 28 March 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MOTORBIKE LICENSING TO GET A REVAMP
-----------------------------------
The Government is cracking down on novice motorcyclists in an
effort to reduce injury rates. With an 80 percent increase in
accidents since 2001, many involving new riders, changes are
afoot for the licensing system. Transport Safety Minister
Harry Duynhoven says learner and restricted license holders
will be made to use less powerful motorbikes, and the time a
rider can stay on a learner license will be capped. He says
further training incentives will also be offered to help
novice riders pass their licenses.
TELECOM BLAMED FOR SKILLED WORKER SHORTAGE
------------------------------------------
The Electrical and Communications Industry Council is warning
of a shortage of skilled workers to lay a broadband fibre-
optic network and maintain exchanges. It is blaming Telecom
for not providing enough money to pay competitive wages.
Spokesman Joe Gallagher says the workers are moving to
Australia because they can double their wages there. He says
Telecom is playing contractors against each other to the point
where they just do not have the margins to pay staff properly.
Mr Gallagher says by refusing to pay decent wages Telecom is
draining the country of people who are needed to keep
telecommunication running.
FIGURES SHOW RISE IN ECONOMIC GROWTH
------------------------------------
Economic growth in the December 2007 quarter was better than
market expectations. Figures from Statistics New Zealand show
a one percent rise following on from a half a percent increase
in the September quarter. By year-end, the economy grew 3.1
percent, up from the 1.5 percent recorded in the year ended
December 2006. The figures show strong business investment,
with a 3.9 percent increase, driven by increased investment in
non-residential buildings, plant, machinery and equipment,
software and mining rights. Exports rose 8.1 percent led by
dairy products and petroleum. Imports of goods were up 4.3
percent. From an industry perspective, activity was up in all
three major industry groups during the quarter. Primary
industries increased 4.8 percent due mainly to dairy
production and mining activity. Goods producing industries
were up 1.9 percent due to increased manufacturing and
construction activity. Service industries were up one percent
with property and business services the main contributor.
WILL CHINA FTA EASE CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT?
--------------------------------------------
The Government says it is impossible to promise the current
account deficit will be improved by a free trade deal with
China. The Green Party is pointing to historic preferential
trade deals with Thailand and Singapore, where there are
significant trade deficits, as evidence the FTA might not
improve New Zealand's balance of trade with China. Trade
Minister Phil Goff says it is impossible to give a simplistic
answer. But he says given that New Zealand firms pay
significant tariffs to get goods into China, their removal
under an FTA works in this nation's favour.
CONFIDENCE LOTTO ONLINE WON'T ADD TO PROBLEMS
---------------------------------------------
The Government is convinced problem gambling issues have been
addressed, as Lotto prepares to go online. Lotto, Powerball,
Strike, Big Wednesday and Keno products will soon be available
over the Internet. Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker says
safeguards are in place to prevent those at risk from problem
gambling. He says players will have to register, be restricted
to one account, and will have to set weekly and monthly
spending limits. Mr Barker says New Zealand Lotteries will
monitor players and will be able to contact and offer support
to those deemed as at risk.
GOVT URGED TO RETHINK THERMAL STANCE
------------------------------------
The Major Electricity Users' Group is urging the Government to
rethink its proposed ban on thermal power. Chief executive
Ralph Matthes says flaws in the policy to ban new thermal
power stations are appearing through high electricity spot
prices, which reflect tight supply. "We're going to get more
and more of these days where we're going to have very, very
high, extreme prices. What we want to see is fewer of those
sort of days and the way to do that is to keep building cheap
gas fired, base-load plants as well as renewable." Mr Matthes
says relying mostly on renewables, such as wind, rather than a
mix of generation types will lead to extreme spot prices.
NZ NOT DANGEROUS BY WORLD STANDARDS
-----------------------------------
New Zealand's image as a safe place to visit is under threat,
partly because tourists drop their guard and fail to take
enough precautions. The issue is back under the spotlight
after a British tourist was attacked in Paihia in the Bay of
Islands, close to the area where a Dutch couple were assaulted
almost two years ago. The 27-year-old was walking between the
Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Haruru Falls when the incident
happened. George Hickton, CEO of Tourism New Zealand, says the
problem is that some people see New Zealand as a very safe
destination and become complacent. He says they then become
the victims of petty crime, such as theft from vehicles. Mr
Hickton says Tourism New Zealand is trying to get the safety
message through to visitors through warnings on its web site.
Police are putting information in rental cars not just about
crime, but also about safety in places such as mountains. He
says tourists are warned to take reasonable care, including
locking vehicles and motel rooms and not leaving cars in
isolated areas. Mr Hickton says it is a concern when attacks
on tourists are reported in the international media because
articles could have an impact on people's decisions to come to
New Zealand. He says usually, such publicity is short-lived.
Mr Hickton says in the recent incident in the Far North, it is
not known whether the person was attacked because they were a
tourist or whether they were just in the wrong place at the
wrong time. He says New Zealand is not dangerous by world
standards.
RUNNING BARE FOOTED COULD MEAN LIFETIME PROBLEMS
------------------------------------------------
Children could be doing irreversible damage to their feet by
running cross country races in bare feet. Podiatrists say feet
absorb one and a half to two times a person's body weight
during normal walking and up to four times of body weight when
jogging. John Miller says children's bones are still growing
and continue to do so throughout adolescence. He says
childhood injuries can follow a child throughout their
lifetime. Mr Miller says with children being more active
particularly on hard surfaces, podiatrists are seeing
arthritis in the knees and hip and lower back problems. He
advises parents to make sure their children are wearing
properly fitted shoes whenever they are running. His
guidelines include:
* Always have both feet measured for length and width.
* The shoe should fit the natural shape of the foot especially
around the toes.
* The toe of the shoe should allow toes to move freely and not
be squashed from the top or the sides.
* Make sure there is about 10mm growing room for children
between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
* Shoes should fit comfortably around the heel and not be too
loose or too tight. Mr Miller says keeping feet clean and dry
also helps protect feet from tinea and warts, two common skin
infections seen in children.
CLAIMS OF DUBIOUS RACING FUNDING
--------------------------------
The Problem Gambling Foundation is calling for an urgent
investigation into what it is calling dubious funding of the
racing industry. Chief Executive John Stansfield claims
hundreds of thousands of dollars from poker machines are being
poured into racing, but he believes the industry already
receives more than enough cash to fund successful race
meetings. Mr Stansfield says he is staggered by the amount of
money that could have been going towards community purposes,
but is instead ending up in the pockets of the racing
industry. He says poker machine trusts need to be warned that
if they do not tidy up their act, it will be tidied up through
legislation. He says he has been aware of the cosy
relationship between some trusts and the racing industry for
years and believes it is time for the Department of Internal
Affairs to carry out a full investigation.
(I happen to know an executive of the company concerned, and
he flatly denies the skimming of profits to the racing
industry. - BH)
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