WYSIWYG NEWS - 5 May, 2008

[news at wysiwygnews.com]

Subject: 5 May, 2008 
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ 
Copyright, Brian Harmer.

What a strange week it has been. One of the small pleasures of 
arriving in my office early on a fine day, is the picturesque 
nature of the little dress circle of colourful and elegant 
houses that are sprinkled liberally and close together among 
the trees around the curve between Glasgow Street and Central 
Terrace. With the morning sun shining on them at a low angle, 
they are picture perfect. And so it was on Tuesday. By 
Wednesday morning they were scarcely visible in driving rain, 
and winter, it seemed, was upon us. I was teaching that night, 
and arrived home in some of the heaviest rain I can recall. 
Gutters were running like rivers, and small tree branches and 
other obstructions at the side of the road generated foaming 
rapids as the racing water jumped over the obstacles. The next 
morning the sun was there but peeking under the cover of the 
low clouds. With a dark grey, almost black sky behind them, 
the sparkling white and grey and green of their rain washed 
paint made them even more picturesque. As the sun rose above 
the angle the scene became bleak once more and the rain came 
again.  By Friday night, it was seriously cold, and Saturday 
which was for the time being clear, revealed a fairly solid 
coating of pure white snow on Mt Climie and on the high peaks 
of the Tararuas - the first fall of the season, I think. We 
had occasion to visit friends in Waikanae that evening, and on 
the way, we enjoyed the splendour of a red-gold sunset as we 
drove along the coast between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki. 
Mary told me there was a clear view of the South Island, but I 
was driving in reasonably heavy traffic, so I didn't see it. 
Despite the clear day, the temperature never really lifted, 
and we were very pleased with the hospitable warmth of our 
friends' wood burning fire. I think we are a way off winter
yet, but I am not pleased with this early ugly turn of events. 

----  
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 AW & R Leadbetter. Many 
thanks.
----  
On with the News. 

Monday, 28 April 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ACTION PLAN FOR CAREGIVERS RELEASED
-----------------------------------

An action plan has been released for those caring for the sick 
and elderly which the Government hopes will ease concerns for 
those feeling undervalued. Social Development Minister Ruth 
Dyson has launched the five-year strategy at Parliament this 
afternoon. She says it sets out information for the 420,000 
people who are involved in a caregiving role, and offers 
advice on what is available for them. Ms Dyson says the plan 
will provide better recognition of caregivers in the 
community. 
 
(The old saying is "don't thank me, pay me!" Caregivers are 
almost invariably on the legal minimum wage, and even the best 
of them must become discouraged at the way they have been 
treated hitherto. Too many people at the top of the food chain 
have been getting pay increases in double digits while these 
essential people stagnate at the poverty line. - BH)

DEPUTY TO SUCCEED STATE SERVICES COMMISSIONER
---------------------------------------------

A replacement for the outgoing State Services Commissioner 
Mark Prebble has been announced. Mr Prebble is stepping down 
from the role in June, and he will be succeeded by Iain 
Rennie. Mr Rennie is currently the Deputy State Services 
Commissioner and has had a lengthy career in the public 
service, including roles with Treasury and in the Prime 
Minister's office. He was appointed by a panel consisting of 
former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, Dame Margaret Bazley, former 
MP Stan Rodger and State Services Minister David Parker.

CHINESE BUYING VECTOR'S WGTN ELECTRICITY NETWORK
------------------------------------------------

Vector has announced it is selling its Wellington electricity 
network to the Chinese multi-national Cheung Kong 
Infrastructure for $785 million. CKI is the largest listed 
infrastructure company in Hong Kong, with investments in 
energy, transport and water infrastructure across a number of 
countries, including Australia. Vector officials said last 
year they were looking at options for the Wellington network 
and around a dozen companies expressed an interest. Chief 
executive Simon MacKenzie says the funds will be used to pay 
off debt. He says the sale will strengthen Vector's balance 
sheet and position it strongly to consider any potential 
infrastructure opportunities should they arise. The sale is 
subject to the approval of Vector's shareholders and needs 
approval from the Overseas Investment Office (OIO). On April 
1, the OIO sent a report to Minister Clayton Cosgrove and 
David Parker recommending an application by the Canadian 
Pension Plan Investment Board to buy into Auckland 
International Airport. However, the ministers rejected the 
bid.

(Interesting. I can't help suspecting that this is some sort 
of payback for the legal action that arose out of the 
differential charging whereby Wellington customers were 
subsidising the Auckland consumers. - BH)

JUNIOR DOCTORS AND DHBS IN MEDIATION TODAY
------------------------------------------

Junior doctors, district health boards and a mediator will get 
back around the negotiating table late this afternoon. The 
doctors are threatening to take more strike action in a 
fortnight, after walking off the job for two days last week. 
The union is seeking a 30 percent pay rise over three years, 
which DHBs say is exorbitant. Spokesman Spiro Anastasiou says 
the discussion in Auckland will include how to move the pay 
talks forward and contingency planning for further industrial 
action.

FOODSTUFFS DISTRIBUTION WORKERS STRIKE
--------------------------------------

Foodstuffs distribution workers are beginning a series of 
indefinite lunchtime strikes in Auckland today. The majority 
of the workers currently receive $14.59 an hour and are 
fighting for $17 an hour. The company is offering to bump them 
up to $15.50. Distribution sector secretary Karl Andersen says 
the offer is just not good enough. He says Foodstuffs made its 
biggest ever profit last year. Mr Andersen says food prices 
are continuing to rise and Foodstuffs is making profits off 
the backs of low paid workers, who like other New Zealanders, 
are finding it difficult to buy food for their children.

CTU WARNS EMPLOYERS ABOUT PAY RATES
-----------------------------------

Unions are warning employers the emerging downturn in the 
economy is not an excuse to pay workers poorly. The Council of 
Trade Union says over the last few years businesses have had a 
good deal, with profits increasing 44 percent but wages going 
up only 10 percent. Secretary Carol Beaumont says the soaring 
cost of living means workers have a good case for a decent pay 
rise. She says employers' attitudes need to change and they 
should start thinking about their staff not as a cost but as 
an investment. Ms Beaumont is challenging employers to get 
together at an industry level to talk about the sort of wage 
levels that are needed along with other issues such as 
recruitment and retention problems.

PHILLIP FIELD'S PACIFIC PARTY REGISTERED
----------------------------------------

Phillip Field's Pacific Party is now a reality. Last May the 
Mangere MP said he intended to form the party, to build on the 
Pacific Island support he says he has within his electorate. 
The Electoral Commission has announced the New Zealand Pacific 
Party has been formally registered. A political party has to 
have at least 500 members to achieve registration. Field is 
still the subject of a depositions hearing at the Manukau 
District Court on bribery and corruption charges.

(If he is convicted, I believe he would be ineligible to enter 
parliament. - BH)

THREE PARTIES FACE ELECTORAL AD COMPLAINTS
------------------------------------------

The Electoral Commission is seeking legal advice on complaints 
against three political parties under new electoral laws. The 
complaints target New Zealand First newspaper ads on the China 
Free Trade deal, a Green Party billboard and a pamphlet issued 
by National. Complainants allege the items are election 
advertisements so under The Electoral Finance Act they should 
clearly state who is promoting them.

PAY RISE SHOULD HELP KEEP TROOPS
--------------------------------

It is hoped a pay rise for Defence Force staff will help 
address retention and recruitment problems. From July, 
thousands will receive a pay increase of between 10 and 12 
percent. Brigadier Mark Wheeler says the rise is not a silver 
bullet but in a tight labour market, it is one of a range of 
measures that should ensure staff want to stay in the 
services. He says the Defence Force has been reviewing 
remuneration for the past couple of years and the money will 
come from the Defence funding package and from efficiencies 
that have been freed up from baseline activities. National MP 
Wayne Mapp says the increase was needed after last year's 
unsatisfactory pay increase of a $1,000 across-the-board 
payment, which was insulting and was more likely to make 
people leave than stay. Mr Mapp says the latest rise is 
significant as there would not be many sectors getting that 
kind of hike.

TEETHING PROBLEMS FOR NZ POST'S NEW PRICES
------------------------------------------

New Zealand Post is apologising to customers about its new 
pricing structure, saying it will take time for the new system 
to settle in. The company has changed its pricing schedule, 
which is now based on the size and weight of a letter or 
parcel rather than its weight alone, and has introduced a new 
courier service to deal with larger packages. A number of 
customers have complained about price inconsistencies between 
various Post Shops. Michael Stewart from New Zealand Post 
acknowledges the new scheme is going through some teething 
problems. He says it is the biggest change since 1999 and is 
going to take some time for staff and customers to get used to 
it. 
 
(Apologising is one thing. Gouging another. Parcels that could 
be sent for $3.50 last month cost $12 or more this month. We 
don't want to get used to it. We want a fairer cheaper system. 
A MUCH cheaper system. - BH)

Tuesday, 29 April 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GOVT DENIES MANIPULATING ELECTORAL LAWS
---------------------------------------

The Government is dismissing accusations it is using taxpayer 
dollars to run its election campaign. National is crying foul, 
claiming increased advertising spending by Government 
departments last month is evidence Labour is using them to 
promote its own agenda. However a spokesman for Deputy Prime 
Minister Michael Cullen says that is not the case. He says 
none of the advertisements are political in nature and all 
were subject to scrutiny by the State Services Commission and 
the Auditor General.

BETTER FOOD SAFETY INFORMATION DEMANDED
---------------------------------------

The Food Safety Authority is being told to do a better job in 
alerting the public to the risks of contaminated food. An 
independent review recommends a host of changes be made around 
the way the authority operates. Among the ideas is for 
improvements in the way the public is informed about risks 
associated with certain products. Food Safety Minister Lianne 
Dalziel says information needs to be more readily available to 
consumers. She says it is a really hard ask to inform the 
public about the risks, at the same time as giving clear and 
unambiguous messages.

TRADE DEFICIT $50 MILLION IN MARCH
----------------------------------

Another economic indicator shows the New Zealand economy is 
performing badly. The latest figures put the trade balance in 
March at a $50 million deficit. Statistics New Zealand says it 
is only the second time the seasonally adjusted value of 
imports has been more than $11 billion. The trade deficit for 
the year to March is $4.53 billion, which is worse than the 
$4.4 billion deficit recorded for the year to February.

IMMIGRATION SERVICE INQUIRY TO BE WIDENED
-----------------------------------------

Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove has ordered the inquiry 
into the activities of his department to be broadened. Last 
week the State Services Commission announced it would look at 
how the Immigration Service had handled an investigation into 
senior manager Mary-Anne Thompson and her involvement in visas 
being granted to her relatives. Mr Cosgrove says he has asked 
for the terms of the inquiry be widened. He says will now look 
at all aspects of the matters that have been publicly 
reported. Mr Cosgrove says he took the action because it was 
prudent to do so. National Party immigration spokesman 
Lockwood Smith says the decision is fascinating given Mr 
Cosgrove originally dismissed the issue as an operational 
matter. He believes if pressure had not forced the report 
which cleared Mary-Anne Thompson to be publicly released, the 
Government would have continued to try to keep the whole 
matter secret. 
 
(A strong smell of fish pervades this story - BH)

DOCUMENT RELEASED ON WORKFORCE SKILLS
-------------------------------------

Up-skilling the workforce is again on the Government's agenda. 
Tertiary Education Minister Pete Hodgson and Associate 
Minister Maryan Street have released a discussion document on 
the subject. Mr Hodgson says while skill levels have risen 
significantly in recent years, not enough attention has been 
paid to the needs of those already in the workforce. He says 
the aim of the new initiative is to address that. Its main 
priorities include improving literacy and numeracy, helping 
firms attract, retain, and develop skills, making sure the 
tertiary system is producing skills industry needs and seeing 
young workers get help in developing their skills.

POVERTY INCREASING SAYS ECONOMIST
---------------------------------

An economist who runs a parenting website says there is 
evidence of increasing poverty. Kerry Burridge is calling for 
a review of economic and social structures. She says her 
website 'Kiwi Families," has an increasing number of middle 
class families posting stories of selling their homes and cars 
as they struggle to cope with the sky rocketing cost of 
living. Ms Burridge says she knows that logically free trade 
makes sense, but it has reached the point where families need 
more protection. She says in particular, the Government should 
make sure basic food groups are affordable.

AIRLINE'S ENGINEERS THREATENING TO STRIKE
-----------------------------------------

Air New Zealand engineers are threatening strike action. 
Fifteen hundred union members are seeking a 5.8 percent pay 
rise, while the airline is offering 3.75 percent. The planned 
industrial action would run for two weeks from May 9. Air New 
Zealand spokesman Mike Tod says the unions' approach is 
concerning, considering they pulled out of voluntary mediation 
last week. He says the company is prepared to immediately 
continue discussions should the unions change their minds. 
 
(It's less than a year ago that they were in danger of their 
jobs being outsourced to other countries. I would guess that 
threat will reappear. - BH)

MAORI PARTY WANTS MORE TO SPEND ON ADS
--------------------------------------

The Maori Party is lobbying for more money from the pot set 
aside every election for political party advertising. The 
Electoral Commission is taking submissions from parties on how 
airtime and the $3.2 million worth of funding should be 
allocated. The Maori Party argues its number of MPs and the 
likelihood of it being of major importance to the formation of 
the next government, means it is important an independent 
Maori political voice be heard. It says there must be 
provision in this year's broadcasting allocation to cover 
Maori Television so the party's message can be conveyed in the 
context of Maori values and thinking. 
 
(I can't see the logic on funding according to a hypothetical 
value if they were elected. - BH)

REASSURANCE WANTED ON CAPITAL'S POWER SUPPLY
--------------------------------------------

The mayor of Wellington wants an assurance that the sale of 
Vector's local infrastructure will not mean electricity supply 
is compromised. Hong Kong firm Cheung Kong Infrastructure has 
taken over the network for $785 million sparking fears 
consumers in Hutt Valley and Wellington will face hikes in 
their power bills. Mayor Kerry Prendergast has no concerns 
about the sale, as long as power supply to the region is 
secure. She says one of the first things the Wellington City 
Council will need to do is find out what the new company plans 
to do investment-wise and how it will continue to guarantee 
supply. Watchdog group Consumer also plans to keep an eye on 
the new company to ensure that power prices in Lower Hutt and 
Wellington do not shoot up. Chief executive Sue Chetwin says 
Vector has been in overseas hands twice before and charges 
have not been raised. She says the Commerce Commission and 
Consumer will be monitoring developments, but she believes it 
will be a case of business as usual and people should not be 
concerned about the sale. Vector's Wellington network serves 
customers in Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Wellington City and 
Porirua. The deal still needs approval by the Overseas 
Investment Office. 
 
(As someone has observed, every time this has changed hands, 
there has been a price bump. - BH) 

KEEP STAFF HAPPY AND PRODUCTION WILL FLOW
-----------------------------------------

Employers are being told that happy people are productive 
people. The message comes from the Foresight Institute, a 
human resources consultancy which focuses on using positive 
psychology to build mental resilience. It recently sponsored a 
lecture in Auckland by a pioneer of positive psychology 
Professor Martin Seligman who has assessed organisations' 
financial data, customer service surveys and their internal 
360 degree evaluations. Institute director Jamie Ford says the 
research shows that happy people are much more creative than 
those who are unhappy. He says businesses are not going to 
perform effectively if there is a climate of fear in the 
workplace.

WORKING FOR FAMILIES NO HELP FOR SOLO FAMILIES
----------------------------------------------

The Government is being criticised for not going far enough to 
eliminate child poverty. The Child Poverty Action Group has 
released a report highlighting the strong links between 
poverty, poor health and low education. The Left Behind 
document found that one in five children live below the bread 
line, creating a massive ripple effect through society. It 
wants a commitment to end child poverty by 2020. Rosemary 
Marks, president of the Paediatric Society, says hospital 
admissions are significantly higher from poorer areas than 
from wealthier ones. She says the Working for Families package 
is weak and only supports families which have at least one 
parent in work. She says many of the poorest families only 
have solo-parents, who are unable to work because they have to 
look after their children. Ms Marks believes that if poverty 
was eliminated, the amount of money spent in other areas would 
be reduced. Ms Marks says the children of today are the 
workforce of tomorrow so it is important to ensure that all 
children are adequately cared for. She says without better 
strategies the country's most vulnerable will continue to fall 
through the gaps.

Wednesday, 30 April 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GREENHOUSE GAS SCHEME TOO COSTLY
--------------------------------

The Institute of Economic Research says the government's plan 
to offset New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions could be more 
than eight times as expensive as it needs to be. NZIER Chief 
Executive Brent Layton says should the government press ahead 
with its Emissions Trading Scheme in its current form, dairy 
land may drop in value by 40 percent and beef and sheep 
farmland by 23 percent. He says the scheme will make 
businesses less competitive, it will cost 20,000 jobs in 2012, 
and GDP will fall by almost $6 billion by the year 2025. Dr 
Layton says in 2012, the cost to New Zealand's economy of 
trying to reduce emissions would be at least eight times as 
much as if the government used taxpayer money to buy credits 
from successful overseas projects. He says the government's 
desire to reduce global warming is admirable, but we should 
aim for the best environmental outcome at the least possible 
cost to the economy. New Zealand produces about 0.4 percent of 
the world's emissions, and is the only country known to 
include agriculture in its Emissions Trading Scheme.

GAMBLING HELPLINE TO CLOSE
--------------------------

The Gambling Helpline is hanging up its receivers after five 
months of failed contract negotiations with the Ministry of 
Health. The group says the ministry wanted too much control, 
which would have made it impossible to help its constantly 
changing clientele. CEO Krista Ferguson says the helpline's 
departure at the end of October will leave a massive hole. She 
says the service is internationally respected for its 
flexibility and ability to respond to clients. Face-to-face 
counselling is still offered by Salvation Army and the Problem 
Gambling Foundation.

JUNIOR DOCTORS STRIKE APPEARS SET TO GO AHEAD
---------------------------------------------

Next week's strike action by junior doctors looks increasingly 
likely. The Resident Doctors Association met with DHBs this 
morning to attempt to break an impasse over pay and 
conditions. The junior doctors are seeking a pay rise of 
nearly 10 percent a year, for the next three years. The DHBs 
are standing by their offer of a little over four percent a 
year for the next two years. Resident Doctors Association 
Spokeswoman Deborah Powell says DHBs abandoned today's planned 
talks saying they need more time. She says DHBs have signalled 
they need another four to six weeks to think things over.

GOVERNMENT APPROVES MASSIVE TREATY DEAL
---------------------------------------

The Government has approved a deal with central North Island 
Maori on a proposal to settle Treaty of Waitangi Claims in the 
region. Earlier this month, the iwi collective put forward a 
settlement proposal which could see it take over 90 percent of 
Crown Forestry. Another 10 percent would be set aside for 
claims by other iwi, and the whole proposal could be worth up 
to $500 million for Maori. Treaty Negotiations Minister 
Michael Cullen says the proposal is fair and will be an 
effective way of providing key commercial redress for 
historical settlements.

EMISSION TRADING SCHEME SLAMMED
-------------------------------

The Government's proposed Emissions Trading Scheme has come 
under fire from the New Zealand Institute of Economic 
Research. It says the scheme will make businesses less 
competitive, 20,000 jobs will be lost and GDP will fall by 
almost $6 billion by 2025. Chief executive Brent Layton says 
the rural economy will be particularly hard hit with dairying 
land possibly dropping in value by 40 percent. He says beef 
and sheep farms will also lose 23 percent of their value. Dr 
Layton says as long as there is no comprehensive global 
commitment, paying directly for emissions reductions out of 
general taxation is cheaper and more effective than the 
Emissions Treading Scheme in its current design.

OIL COMPANY PROFITS "ALMOST OBSCENE"
------------------------------------

The Automobile Association says the profits made by oil 
companies BP and Shell are almost obscene. BP has posted a 48 
percent increase in first quarter profit of $8.5 billion, 
while Shell's profit has risen 12 percent to $10.1 billion 
dollars. AA spokesman Mike Noon says it does not sit well with 
motorists to see profits that are bigger than telephone 
numbers. He says the profits seem to be almost obscene, 
particularly when motorists in New Zealand are hurting so 
much. Mr Noon says there are lot of very unhappy motorists 
complaining about BP always leading the charge in increasing 
prices at the pump. 
 
(As one of the latter people, nevertheless I think in 
fairness, profit should always be measured as a return  on 
investment rather than the absolute dollar sum. In 
organizations of this size, quite big numbers would be needed 
to reach even the same return as a bank deposit. - BH)

AIR NZ DOMESTIC FARES TO RISE THREE PERCENT
-------------------------------------------

Air New Zealand is blaming its latest fare increase on record 
fuel prices. The cost of domestic fares will rise by an 
average of three percent for travel booked with the airline 
from next Tuesday. Trans-Tasman fares are also under review. 
Air New Zealand Deputy CEO Norm Thompson says long haul 
international fares look certain to rise as fuel prices 
continues to spiral. He says the airline regrets having to 
lift fares again, but cannot continue to absorb the 
significantly higher cost of fuel.

NZ LIVING BEYOND ITS MEANS
--------------------------

Employers fears the economy is in for a hard landing. New 
Zealand's trade performance in March was worse than expected, 
with a deficit of $50 million in the trade balance. Employers 
and Manufacturers Association spokesman Bruce Goldsworthy says 
New Zealand is basically living beyond its means. He says it 
is important to keep interest rates where they are to help 
slow consumer demand and reduce the deficit.

FARMERS URGED TO PAY THEIR WAY
------------------------------

The Sustainability Council is calling on the agriculture 
sector to pay its way if New Zealand has to fork out for 
greenhouse gas emissions. Spokesman Simon Terry says mums and 
dads, motorists and smaller businesses will bear 90 percent of 
the cost of meeting New Zealand's commitment to the Kyoto 
Protocol. He says the way to get a fair system in place is to 
ensure that all parties pay in proportion to the gasses they 
emit, but currently agriculture has a five year exemption till 
2013. Mr Terry says that imposes undue cost on other sectors 
of the community. He will be presenting the council's views in 
submission to a Parliamentary select committee this week.

MANY FEAR KIWISAVER A POLITICAL FOOTBALL
----------------------------------------

Uncertainty about the future of KiwiSaver is causing many to 
hold off joining. Fewer than one in four people have so far 
signed up and research by investment company ING has found 
many are concerned a change of government could spell the end 
of the scheme. Spokesman Steven Giannoulis says the government 
needs to reassure people the scheme is here to stay no matter 
which party is in power. He believes many people view 
superannuation schemes as political footballs. Mr Giannoulis 
says one of the most worrying aspects of the research is the 
low number of people intending to join the scheme.

Thursday, 1 May 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DRUG USE COST NZ $1,310,000,000
-------------------------------

The scourge of methamphetamine, and to a lesser extent 
cannabis, has been highlighted in new findings from economic 
researcher BERL. The social cost to New Zealand of illicit 
drugs exceeded $1,300,000,000 in 2006 - equal to nearly one 
percent of GDP. $551 million was spent by hospitals, police 
and social agencies, dealing with the effects of meth or P. 
The drug cost the taxpayer more than $10 million each week. 
The social cost of using cannabis was estimated at 
$444,000,000. The chair of the ministerial committee on drug 
policy, Jim Anderton, says cannabis is less damaging and has a 
lower social cost-per-user than other illicit drugs, but its 
total social cost is very high because it is so widely used. 
Mr Anderton says alcohol is by far New Zealand's most harmful 
drug, but the social cost of its use was not included in this 
research.

GROWING CONCERN OVER WINTER POWER
---------------------------------

People are being asked to conserve electricity, as concern 
mounts over the security of the winter power supply. 
Transpower says despite recent rain hydro lake levels are only 
around 60 percent of average, significantly lower than usual 
for this time of the year. Chief Executive Patrick Strange 
says at this stage they are not concerned about power 
blackouts, but are asking people to be prudent with their 
electricity use. He says people are not being asked to go 
cold, just to turn off some lights and any appliances that are 
not in use. Dr Strange says they have already started planning 
an energy awareness and savings campaign to encourage 
voluntary conservation of power.

MORE THAN 4,000 SUBMISSIONS ON AUCKLAND GOVERNANCE
--------------------------------------------------

The Royal Commission is preparing for months of intense work 
to analyse opinions and ideas on Auckland's future. Chairman 
Peter Salmon QC says more than 4,000 submissions have been 
received. He says further research needs to be commissioned, 
and more consultation will be undertaken. Mr Salmon is hoping 
the outcome will be a form of governance for the future which 
Aucklanders in general will find acceptable. This will be 
presented to the Governor General on December 1. He says the 
first of a series of meetings will be held in the district of 
Franklin on May 7.

PHONEY COURIERS SKIMMING CARDS
------------------------------

Scammers posing as couriers have come up with a way to get 
their hands on bank credit and debit card details, which they 
go on to use to plunder peoples' accounts. Chief executive of 
the Bankers Association, Alan Yates, says incidents have been 
reported in Northland and Auckland. He says people are first 
approached on the phone by a person claiming to represent a 
club or business. They are told an information package will be 
sent by courier. When it turns up they are asked to pay by 
EFTPOS a minimal amount of two to three dollars to cover the 
courier cost. Instead of an EFTPOS machine, their card is 
swiped thought a skimming device which records the its number 
and pin. The details are then used to get cash from ATMs in 
Australia. Mr Yates says people should ask for official 
identification from couriers, and if they are suspicious 
should call the police.

DISPARITY IN CANCER SURVIVAL
----------------------------

An Otago University study has found Maori and Pacific 
Islanders are more likely to die from cancer than Europeans. 
The findings have been published today in the May issue of 
prestigious British medical journal 'The Lancet Oncology'. 
Otago researcher Dr Gabbi Dachs says the likelihood of 
contracting cancer is similar for both Maori and Europeans. 
However she says the likelihood of dying is about 1.6 times 
higher for Maori men, and 1.9 times higher for women. She says 
it highlights the need for culturally-appropriate education on 
screening programmes, diet and smoking. 
 
(I can't help wondering if it the case that fewer Maori and 
Pacific Islanders can afford private health insurance and thus 
are more likely to die while on public hospital waiting lists? 
- BH)

BUSINESS TALKING ITSELF DOWN
----------------------------

Some positive news in the past month may be the reason for a 
small improvement in business confidence. The latest National 
Bank confidence survey shows a net 55 percent of businesses 
expect conditions to deteriorate over the next year. However, 
this is an improvement of three percent on the figure for last 
month. Economist Khoon Goh says a drop in corporate tax rates 
and the free trade deal with China are positive factors. 
However he says we are still in negative territory, and it is 
unusual for businesses to make negative predictions of their 
own activity levels. He says the data also shows many firms 
are putting hiring and investment on hold, which in the 
current climate of capacity constraints does not bode well for 
the long term future. He says low business confidence can 
become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Khoon Goh says the results 
of the survey should be seen in the context of a five year 
stretch of economic growth, so a slowdown now is inevitable.

NO ONE SOLUTION TO CAPITAL TRANSPORT NEEDS
------------------------------------------

Wellington's mayor says the city's transport future has to be 
based on a mixture of public transport and better roading. 
More than three quarters of the near five thousand submissions 
received on options for the Ngauranga to Wellington Airport 
corridor call for better public transport, rather than the 
construction of new Terrace and Mount Victoria tunnels. Mayor 
Kerry Prendergast says she is committed to making the city 
carbon neutral, and providing significantly more public 
transport will result in the same emissions as just upgrading 
the road. She says as congestion increases cars sitting idle 
create emissions, which is why both public transport and 
roading upgrades are important. The mayor says light rail 
could also be an option some time in the future. Transit's 
Graeme Taylor says the consultation process was about taking a 
look at what options are available, rather than the quantity 
of the submissions received. He stresses the submissions 
process is not a public vote.

EMISSIONS SCHEME FRIGHTENS FARMERS
----------------------------------

Federated Farmers is describing predictions about the 
Government's Emissions Trading Scheme as 'frightening'. The 
Institute of Economic Research is warning the scheme will hit 
the rural economy hard, with dairying land possibly dropping 
in value by 40 percent. Beef and sheep farms are also expected 
to lose 23 percent of their value. The Institute believes the 
scheme could cost 20,000 jobs in 2012, and predicts GDP will 
fall by almost $6 billion by the year 2025 because of it. 
Federated Farmers President Charlie Pedersen says if the 
scheme goes ahead and the predictions prove right, then New 
Zealand would be faced with a large number of insolvent farm 
businesses. He says it would cause a significant downturn in 
the economy, and drag down the standard of living of every New 
Zealander. Charlie Pedersen says farmers are waiting for a 
scientific breakthrough that will help deal with methane 
emissions. He says the scheme will destroy the country's 
economy if scientists do not find an answer. The Institute 
itself is suggesting the Government should start buying in 
carbon credits to moderate the impact of the scheme. Chief 
Executive Brent Layton is stopping short of asking the 
Government to abandon the carbon trading, but does want it to 
be considered carefully. Dr Layton says trying to reduce 
emissions would cost eight times as much as simply buying 
credits in from overseas.

DOCTORS WALK AWAY FROM PAY TALKS
--------------------------------

Junior doctors have walked away from their latest talks with 
District Health Boards. The doctors are seeking a rise of 
nearly 10 percent a year for the next three years, but they 
say the DHBs are standing by an offer of a little over four 
percent a year for the next two years. Resident Doctors 
Association spokeswoman Deborah Powell says a settlement lies 
somewhere between the two figures, but claims the DHBs are 
refusing to bargain. She says the stalemate means next week's 
planned strike action is looking increasingly likely. The 2000 
junior doctors have threatened to walk out next Wednesday, if 
the dispute is not settled. Deborah Powell says as the dispute 
drags on, doctor shortages are getting worse and staff are 
becoming disillusioned with their employers. The DHB spokesman 
David Meates says any suggestion the Boards have turned their 
backs on talks is ludicrous. He says they have offered doctors 
two solutions for avoiding the strikes, and both have been 
rejected. He says the Boards are now focusing efforts on 
preparing hospitals for next Wednesday's two-day strike. He 
says they are putting their energy into making sure hospitals 
can maintain acute and emergency services during the strike, 
but will continue talking with the doctors' union in the days 
leading up to it.

Friday, 2 May 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SIGNS OF INCREASED RUAPEHU ACTIVITY
-----------------------------------

There are increased signs of activity at Mt Ruapehu. 
Scientists have been monitoring the volcano since its eruption 
in September last year. The Department of Conservation says 
climbers and visitors to the summit are warned there is an 
increased chance of eruptions from the crater lake. It says 
gas concentrations near the lake have also increased to levels 
which will affect some people. DOC says the alert level 
remains at level one, but any further eruptions could happen 
without warning.

ANZ AND NATIONAL INCREASE MORTGAGE RATES
----------------------------------------

ANZ and National Bank have again led the charge in increasing 
mortgage rates. The two banks variable rates have gone up to 
10.95 percent, a quarter of a percent rise. The jointly-owned 
Australian banks have ignored the signals of the Reserve Bank, 
which has kept the official cash rate at 8.25 percent. They 
were the first banks to lift their variable rates in mid-
February to 10.7 percent, which other major banks promptly 
followed. ANZ has also been criticised in Australia for 
increasing its variable mortgage rate before the Australian 
Reserve Banks OCR announcement. It argued it needed to pass on 
the rise in the cost of wholesale funding because of the 
global credit crunch.

AROUND 300,000 GIRLS TO GET CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE
---------------------------------------------------

The Government is to spend $164 million on a new cancer 
immunisation program. Prime Minister Helen Clark and Health 
Minister David Cunliffe are announcing the programme in 
Auckland. It will make around 300,000 girls aged from 12 to 
18, eligible for a free vaccine which helps prevent cervical 
cancer. The program is due to begin in November and will be 
offered through schools. The Government expects it will help 
save around 30 lives a year.

TELECOM PROFITS SLUMP 22%
-------------------------

Telecom has reported a 22% slump in profits for the third 
quarter. Net earnings were $537 million in the nine months to 
31 March 2008, compared with $693 million for the same period 
last year. However, the company's CEO Paul Reynolds is putting 
a positive spin on the figure. He says operations in New 
Zealand have achieved slightly better earnings than 
anticipated. He says the past quarter in particular has 
brought encouraging signs of progress and improvement, 
particularly in the ICT and broadband areas. Dr Reynolds 
prefers to talk about Telecom's future strategy, highlighting 
investment he says will ensure the company's long-term health 
and growth. Dr Reynolds reported capital spending in the nine 
months was 13% above the previous comparable period. "This 
investment includes the roll-out of a world class broadband 
network, and a WCDMA mobile network, both of which will 
transform customer experience," he said. The company is 
reporting a strong rebound in broadband and Internet revenue, 
which is up 22% on a year ago. Connections increased by 
40,000. A 7c per share dividend will be paid on 6 June, and 
Telecom says it intends maintaining a dividend ratio of 
approximately 75% of net earnings.

MAORI URGED TO SPEAK UP ON ABUSE
--------------------------------

An Anglican Minister is appealing to Maori to acknowledge rape 
in their communities and support those fighting to stop it. 
Rape Awareness Week began yesterday. Hone Kaa is chairman of 
Te Kahui Mana Ririki, a charitable trust set up this year to 
carry out recommendations from the Maori Child Abuse Summit. 
He claims one in every five girls and one in every 10 boys are 
victims of sexual abuse by the time they are 16 - and the 
figures for Maori are twice as high. Dr Kaa says it is a 
festering sore in our society, and if we do not get to the 
root of it with some kind of scalpel it will always be there. 
He us urging Maori who are aware of any sexual abuse to speak 
up. Dr Kaa says people can lend a helping hand to 
organisations and refuges, offer care to families of victims 
and if they know of any perpetrators in their midst - to 
'nark' on them.

FREE HEALTH CHECKS FOR ALL TOUTED
---------------------------------

United Future wants every New Zealander to be able to get a 
free health check-up every year. The party has just released 
its health policy which calls for the free standard check - to 
be known as a 'Warrant of Fitness'- to be made available. 
Health spokeswoman Judy Turner says child obesity should be 
treated as a parenting issue, while the party would like an 
increase in funding for sexual health programmes for women in 
their early to mid twenties. The party also wants schools to 
reduce the availability of high fat foods, and for a cut in 
tuition fees for those studying medicine and nursing.

BUS FARES UP IN CHRISTCHURCH
----------------------------

Environment Canterbury is hoping a rise in bus fares will not 
put people off using public transport. Travellers have two 
months before all Metro Bus fares in and around Christchurch 
will increase. The rise will be 50 cents per trip for card 
holders, and 20 cents for non-card holders from July 1. Public 
passenger transport chairman, Carole Evans says they are not 
happy about having to raise the fares, but it simply has to be 
done because of rising fuel prices. She says hopefully people 
will understand the reason and will not be put off travelling 
on the bus. The use of buses has been increasing throughout 
Christchurch, meaning some routes may need additional 
services.

NEW TRAINS TO IMPROVE AUCKLAND COMMUTE
--------------------------------------

A new set of trains will soon be introduced on Auckland's rail 
network to help ease rush-hour congestion. Commuters are 
complaining of missing out on seats and having to stand. 
General Manager of Veolia Rail, Nick French, agrees the number 
of people leaving their cars at home and catching trains has 
soared. He says extra services on the western line, and to 
places like Helensville and Pukekohe are planned for late 
June. Nick French hopes the new services will mean people will 
have a better chance of getting a seat as they head home from 
a tough day at work.

WEBCAMS MONITOR CHCH INTERSECTIONS
----------------------------------

Eleven of Christchurch's busiest intersections now have live 
webcams attached to them. The intersections, including a 
number on Yaldhurst Road, Main North Road, Russley Road and 
Curletts Road have been tagged as areas with high morning and 
evening traffic flows. Acting road policing manager Senior 
Sergeant Trevor Pullen says the webcams, which are available 
through www.transit.govt.nz, will provide motorists with more 
information before and after work. He says the initiative will 
help make roads around the region safer.

POWER CRISIS...WHAT POWER CRISIS?
---------------------------------

The Government is playing down concerns the country could be 
plunged into darkness this winter, as the electricity industry 
urges people to start conserving power. A significant drop in 
hydro lake levels has prompted the industry to ask people to 
save energy by turning off lights, and appliances which are 
not in use. National is warning the public is not being told 
the real story. Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee says another 
crisis is looming - the fourth time this decade. He says New 
Zealand's generation capacity has not kept pace with the 
growth of electricity demand, and that is a failure of the 
Government. Mr Brownlee says there has been a 48 percent rise 
in domestic power prices in the past five years and if there 
is not enough generation then prices will go up further. He 
says the shortage cannot be blamed on bad weather. But State-
Owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard says while the 
current situation is not the best, it is nowhere near a 
crisis. He says it is nothing like the power shortage the 
country suffered in 1992, and we will not be in that situation 
for another few weeks. Mr Mallard says it is always a good 
idea for people to conserve power, regardless of any supply 
issues. Meanwhile people on low incomes are being urged not to 
go overboard in their efforts to save on the power bill. 
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority spokesman Vicky 
Connor says everyone can save energy, but should not do so at 
the expense of their health. She says the priority for elderly 
people this winter is to ensure they are warm enough. She says 
a lot of people tend to waste electricity, and it is still 
important to turn off appliances when they are not in use. 
However, analyst Molly Melhuish says there is no incentive for 
people to conserve electricity, as consumers get no 
recognition for savings in their power bills. She says the 
country needs a better electricity market, which would give 
householders a chance to be paid for reducing their 
electricity use before blackouts become necessary. At the 
moment she says, people do not feel there is any reason for 
them to cooperate with savings campaigns.


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