NZNews
Sun, 09 Dec 2001 19:45:46 -0800
Copyright, Brian Harmer
There are few enough heroes in our lives, and today
(Friday) we lost one. Sir Peter Blake was one of those men
who appealed to New Zealand's very real pride that a really
good guy from a very small country can sometimes beat all
comers, no matter how much money they have. He was human,
and not everything he did was perfect, but he held a
special place in the hearts of most New Zealanders. Whether
or not we were yachting fans, perhaps even if we were
sceptical about big boys in expensive toys, we gave him and
his America's Cup team, ticker tape parades in every city
in which he could be persuaded to appear. He was the man
whose Whitbread entry won every single leg on line and
handicap. He was the man who raced around the world in a
giant catamaran, faster than anyone had ever done it before
to win the Jules Verne Prize. He was the man chosen by
Jacques Cousteau to follow in his footsteps. What a sad way
for an illustrious career to end. I am sure most readers
will join in my expression of sympathy to Lady Blake and
her two children.
------
All news items (except where noted otherwise) are
reproduced by kind permission of copyright owner, IRN Ltd.
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 "HH" will indicate an opinion
from Helen.
In all cases they are honest expressions of personal
opinion, and are not presented as fact.
----
This week's formatting is sponsored by Joe in Bermuda.
Thanks again Joe.
On with the news:
Monday, 3 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AXE ATTACK SUSPECT QUESTIONED
------------------------------
A man is being questioned by Christchurch police after an
axe attack in the city this morning. The man was taken to
Christchurch Hospital just before 11 o'clock this morning
with serious, but not life-threatening injuries. The man
was attacked by another man wielding an axe, after the two
had had a heated argument at a central city property. The
injured man is undergoing surgery for injuries to his
shoulder and upper arm. The incident sparked staff at
Christchurch Hospital's Emergency Department to call in the
Emergency Response Team for the first time since 3,000
health workers went on strike yesterday morning. The
Canterbury District Health Board says the team, which is
exempt from the current strike action, responded
immediately, and acted appropriately.
(Is it my imagination, or is the number of seriously
disturbed people increasing? - BH)
GREENS ADAMANT
--------------
The Greens are remaining adamant in their opposition to the
Government's planned Superannuation Fund. Greens co-leader
Rod Donald says his party will abstain from voting for a
bill this week, which will provide the money for the
bailout of Air New Zealand and the start-up of the
controversial multi-billion dollar Superannuation Fund. The
announcement follows Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons saying
on Friday that the Greens are suffering by supporting the
Government on confidence and supply. Mr Donald says while
his party supports the buyback of Air New Zealand, it does
not agree with the establishment of the Superannuation
Fund. A spokeswoman for Finance Minister Michael Cullen,
says the Government does have the numbers to pass the bill
in Parliament as it has the support of New Zealand First.
(My first question applies - BH)
ENGLISH TO MEET AUST LEADERS
-----------------------------
National leader Bill English is to meet with Australia's
Prime Minister John Howard and key Cabinet members this
week. Mr English is due to hold talks with Mr Howard,
Treasurer Peter Costello and Finance Minister Nick Minchin
on Wednesday. He says he hopes to discuss a number of
topics with Mr Howard, including foreign affairs, defence
and trade. Bill English says Australia and New Zealand have
a lot in common. He says he personally wants to build on
those links to ensure that when National becomes
government, it has a good understanding of the
relationship. Mr English and his wife Mary will be special
guests at a function also being attended by the New Zealand
Black Caps.
NO BIOSECURITY EMERGENCY - MINISTER
------------------------------------
Biosecurity Minister Jim Sutton has written to the mayor of
Waitakere City Council to assure him that a biosecurity
emergency is not about to be declared in his patch. There
have been reports that the Government is due to impose
drastic measures to deal with the painted apple moth.
However, Mr Sutton says that is incorrect. He has written
to Mr Harvey saying he did not say that emergency powers or
any invoking of emergency provisions within the Biosecurity
Act would be used. Mr Sutton has told Mr Harvey that he is
not even aware that the Act had such emergency powers.
Reports of a biosecurity emergency in West Auckland
surfaced after MAF put plans for an aerial blitz on hold,
because of a legal glitch over the Waitakere City Council's
flying restrictions.
(Given the number of biosecurity breaches lately, I agree
that it is not particularly unusual. In the overall context
of NZ's biosecurity, however, it OUGHT to be an emergency.
I think the minister is failing to make the distinction
between urgent and important. - BH)
WILSON UNDER PRESSURE TO RELEASE ADVICE
----------------------------------------
The Attorney General Margaret Wilson is coming under
pressure to release the advice she has had on her
controversial election defamation law. The new clause in
the Electoral Amendment Bill will make it an offence to
publish any untrue statement about an election candidate
which is calculated to influence votes. Officials have told
her the clause could be against the principals of free
speech. But Ms Wilson maintains that advice is not balanced
against the importance of the electoral process. National's
Justice spokesman Dr Wayne Mapp is calling on Ms Wilson to
release the advice under the Official Information Act. He
says he wants to know where the idea for the clause
originated, as it has cast doubts on the Government's
commitment to free speech.
(Ms Wilson has ducked and dived around this and other
issues recently. I am less and less impressed - BH)
WOMEN URGED TO SORT OUT MEN
---------------------------
Women back seat drivers are being encouraged to stop male
motorists from speeding. Road Safe Auckland's summer
campaign is aimed at reducing crashes involving mainly male
speedsters aged between 15 and 44. Research shows this
group believes speeding is safe - but they are over
represented in crash statistics. Road Safe Auckland will
put up signs urging women passengers to speak out and stop
men from speeding. Auckland University Psychology lecturer,
Dr Niki Harre believes targeting women passengers will have
a positive influence on speeding male drivers.
(How many gung-ho male drivers will perceive any such input
from the passenger seats as anything other than "nagging".
I think the intention is sound, but lacks a realistic
appraisal of what really works with lead-footed drivers -
BH)
THERAPISTS - STRIKE ACTION NOT TAKEN LIGHTLY
---------------------------------------------
Radiation therapists say they do not take lightly their
decision to go on strike for a better pay scale. Up to 90
therapists at Auckland, Hamilton and Palmerston North
walked off the job today for 48 hours. The three boards
have deferred radiation treatment during the strike. The
therapists are seeking a 31% increase in their pay scale
and the Auckland, Waikato and Manawatu health boards are
offering 14 to 21%. Union spokeswoman Deborah Powell says
members feel very strongly about the need to pay therapists
more to retain them. She says union members face patients
daily who are suffering because their treatment has been
delayed by a lack of therapists. Deborah Powell says there
is not a lot of money involved and the issue is simply the
employers' refusal to pay it. Meanwhile, the National Party
claims it would cost the Government less than $1 million a
year to settle the radiation therapists pay claim. Health
spokesman Roger Sowry says the Government can find $80
million for the People's Bank, millions for Helen Clark's
arts projects but cannot find $1 million for the radiation
therapists. He fears patients will fall further down the
waiting list as a result of the strike and people waiting
for treatment will miss out. He says the Government must
put into the health sector what it promised before the last
election.
MESSAGES OF SUPPORT POUR IN FOR RON MARK
-----------------------------------------
New Zealand First says messages of support are pouring in
for MP Ron Mark. The MP was admitted to Christchurch
Hospital yesterday with suspected heart problems. Mr Mark
was taken to hospital barely 48 hours after party leader
Winston Peters disclosed the MP was convicted of sex with
an under-age girl about 30 years ago. The information was
in Mr Mark's military files which were accessed by army
head General Maurice Dodson at the time the MP was
challenging him in parliament. New Zealand First says Ron
Mark will remain in hospital over the next few days for
tests.
PM FIRM AS HEALTH WORKERS STRIKE
---------------------------------
The Prime Minister is standing firm in the face of strike
action by health workers. Canterbury nurses are demanding a
13% pay increase, while radiotherapists in three parts of
the North Island have begun strike action this morning,
seeking pay rises of 31%. Helen Clark says if the
Government caves in to demands like that, there will be a
flow-on effect right through the state sector. She says the
Government is looking to give District Health Boards more
budget certainty next year, but she is not willing to put a
dollar-figure on it.
(I regret that the PM's reference to "flow-on" appears to
put expedience before principle. If the cause is just, then
it should be addressed, regardless of how many other just
causes are waiting in the wings - BH)
Tuesday, 04 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EAGLE HELICOPTER TO SEARCH FOR TRAMPER
---------------------------------------
Auckland's Eagle police helicopter is on its way to join
the search for a missing teenage tramper. The 14-year-old
Christchurch boy has not been seen since wandering from the
Lewis Pass tramping hut where he was staying on Saturday
night. 55 police and civilians are scouring about 60 square
kilometres of dense bush for the boy. Police spokesman Alan
Hendrickson says the Eagle's infra-red will pick up any
heat sources in the bush. He says the only problem is it
will also see possums and deer. Senior Constable
Hendrickson says the chopper is due to arrive sometime
before six this evening.
TWO GIRLS KILLED IN MASTERTON
------------------------------
Masterton police have launched a major homicide inquiry
after the violent deaths of two young girls, early this
morning. Police discovered the bodies after they were
called to a house in the Wairarapa town, just after four
this morning. A woman occupant of the Kippenberger Street
residence told them four men had burst in and were
attacking a male occupant of the house. By the time police
arrived the four men had left the scene. A search of the
property revealed the bodies of the two girls, aged 11 and
12, in a sleep-out attached to the garage. Police say a
clear breakdown of events and descriptions of the attackers
has yet to be obtained from the occupants of the house.
They are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the
time to come forward.
STAMPS TO CELEBRATE MOVIE
-------------------------
You may have to wait until December 20th to see the movie,
but keen Lord of the Rings fans can check out their
favourite character on a new stamp series. The Fellowship
of the Ring stamps are being released by New Zealand Post
today. The six stamps feature characters from the trilogy's
first instalment and are the only ones given the official
stamp of approval from director Peter Jackson. And in the
real spirit of the soon-to-be blockbuster, between today
and 11th of December New Zealand Post is offering a special
postmark. Mail will be stamped with a message from J. R. R
Tolkien's fantasy world, 'Middle Earth'.
PASTOR TOTALLY CONSUMED - COURT TOLD
------------------------------------
The High Court in Auckland has heard a pastor became
totally consumed with religious fervour and lost touch with
reality during an exorcism which went wrong. Thirty-eight-
year-old Luke Lee is facing manslaughter charges after the
death of Joanna Lee last December. Crown prosecutor Aaron
Perkins told the court in his closing address today Lee
seemed to have an effect on women in his church. He said
that was the most likely explanation for Joanna Lee
enduring hours of torture to "exorcise her demons". The
Crown alleges Ms Lee died from strangulation. Lee, who is
representing himself, will sum up this afternoon.
BEST SELLERS DECIDED
---------------------
A little book with funny pictures of animals has top spot
in a list of best sellers for the year. The list, compiled
by Booksellers New Zealand, ranks titles by the number of
times they appear on the fortnightly best-seller's list.
The Blue Day Book, by Bradley Trevor Grieve, made it 26
times. The most popular New Zealand book over the past year
is New Zealand Food, Wine and Art by Jeanette Cook and Ian
Baker. The most popular fiction has been Chocolat and Sushi
for Beginners, with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
coming in at third.
GLOSS COMES OFF EXPORT BOOM
---------------------------
The gloss is coming off the boom in agricultural exports.
The latest ANZ commodity price index reveals a 4% fall in
November. Business correspondent Roger Kerr says it is the
biggest monthly fall in ten years. He says milk powder
prices have dropped 14%, influenced by a build-up of stocks
in the US and the European Union's decision to increase
subsidies to dairy farmers. Roger Kerr says other smaller
price falls have been recorded for venison, seafood, sawn-
timber and kiwifruit. The only prices to increase have been
those for lamb and aluminium.
BODY RECOVERED FROM CAR IN TOKOROA STREAM
------------------------------------------
A body has been recovered from a car in the Whakauru Stream
in Tokoroa. Sergeant Terry Garnett of the Tokoroa police
say family members alerted police after the deceased failed
to make it home last night. He says police searched the
man's route home and found his car submerged in the stream.
Sergeant Garnett says it appears that a lack of
concentration by the driver caused the accident. He says it
is not yet known whether alcohol was a factor.
GOVERNMENT SAYS NO COMPO FOR TERMITE-AFFECTED RESIDENTS
--------------------------------------------------------
The Government is refusing to budge over its position of
not awarding Otorohanga residents compensation for eleven
years of termite problems. The Australian termites have
affected houses in the Waikato town after the Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries twice failed to get rid of them.
A spokesman for Environment Minister Marian Hobbs says the
Government has made its decision and that is the end of it.
He says the Government will continue to fund MAF for
termite elimination, but there will be no compensation for
residents.
GAS PRICES TO RISE
------------------
The new year will see higher gas prices for Contact Energy
customers. The company blames rising network charges and
wholesale prices. Increases will vary across Contact's five
distribution areas of Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu,
Kapiti Coast and Wellington. The company says a typical
customer can expect to pay an extra 13 to 21 cents per day.
High gas users in the Wellington region face the biggest
increase. They can expect to pay an additional 33 cents a
day. The new charges come into effect for business and
retail customers on January 13.
NZ STILL BATTLING CANADA'S ILLEGAL EXPORT DAIRY SUBSIDIES
----------------------------------------------------------
New Zealand has been forced to continue its battle against
Canadian dairy export subsidies which are already costing
our farmers dearly. The World Trade Organisation's appeal
body has declined to make a ruling on New Zealand's
complaint that the subsidies are illegal. Trade
Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton says the appeal authority
felt it did not have enough information to make a
determination. Mr Sutton says that leaves the door open for
New Zealand and co-complainant, the United States, to
pursue the issue further. He says Canada's illegal export
subsidies cost New Zealand about $80 million a year.
(Shades of South Park, the Movie "Blame Canada!" - BH)
MEDIA FORMS UNITED FRONT ON LIBEL LAW
-------------------------------------
The country's media organisations have joined together in
condemnation of the Government's proposed criminal libel
law. A new clause proposed in the Electoral Amendment Bill
will make it an offence to publish any untrue statement
about an election candidate which is calculated to
influence votes. 17 media organisations and associations
have signed a letter to the Prime Minister Helen Clark
calling on her Government to reconsider the move. The
letter claims the bill will prevent free and frank
discussion by the public and is the biggest challenge to
the freedom of speech in recent times. It also says if the
clause is passed then the responsibility for reduced or
delayed election coverage will be blamed on the Government.
"MEDIA GAGGING" BILL DITCHED
----------------------------
The government has decided it is not worth the hassle going
ahead with controversial new legislation dubbed "the media
gagging bill". It was proposing to pass an amendment which
would have made it a criminal offence to knowingly or
recklessly publish or broadcast a false statement defaming
an election candidate. Media executives had written to
Prime Minister Helen Clark, urging her to reconsider the
amendment, and threatening to scale down their coverage of
election campaigns if the law was passed. In a surprise
announcement in Parliament this afternoon, Miss Clark said
the government had considered all concerns and decided it
was not worth pursuing the matter. She joked that the
government caucus has been overcome by the Christmas
spirit.
(Hmmm. I wonder if there is any connection between this and
the preceding article? - BH)
Wednesday, 05 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
STEPFATHER CHARGED WITH GIRLS' MURDER
-------------------------------------
A man has appeared in Masterton District Court charged with
murdering his two stepdaughters. The bodies of 12-year-old
Saliel Jalassa Aplin and her half-sister 11-year-old
Olympia Marissa Jetson were found by police yesterday
morning after officers were called to their home to
investigate a home invasion. 39 year old Bruce Thomas
Howse, the girls' stepfather was arrested and charged with
their murder this morning. A large number of local
residents crowded into the District Court for his
appearance this lunchtime, and one person was ejected for
shouting obscenities at Howse. Our reporter at the court
said the crowd's mood was very angry. He says given the
nature of the accusations, people were expecting Howse to
have his head and face covered, but this was not the case.
Howse walked into the court house, with his head down,
handcuffed between two officers. Judge Mills remanded Bruce
Howse in custody and called for a psychiatric report. Howse
will reappear in Court on the 19th of December.
HASTINGS COUNCIL HEADS FOR HIGH COURT
-------------------------------------
The Hastings District Council will apply to the High Court
for a judicial review of its controversial wastewater
resource consent. Last month the Conservation Minister
issued a 12-year consent for the council to discharge waste
into Hawke's Bay. The council had hoped for 18 years.
Mayor, Lawrence Yule, claims the council's application met
the parameters of the Resource Management Act. He says a
shorter consent period puts additional financial strain on
the council. Mr Yule believes the Minister's decision has
overlooked important scientific and economic evidence.
'STOP USING PSYCHOLOGISTS' - FATHER'S LOBBY GRP
------------------------------------------------
A fathers' lobby group wants the Family Court to stop using
psychologists. The move follows the fining and censure of
Wellington child sex abuse expert Prue Vincent by the
Psychologists Board for wrongly determining a father had
abused his children. Bruce Cheriton, from the group Union
of Fathers, says the man involved has been completely cut
off from his children since the incident. He says the case
shows what happens when professionals decide the outcomes
of cases in advance, then try and make the victims fit the
outcome. Mr Cheriton says instead of using psychologists in
the Family Court to determine someone's fitness to be a
parent any number of referees, family or friends could be
used to give character references. He says the family in
the case involving Prue Vincent has been torn apart by a
report done by a psychologist who has been held up by the
court as one of their best. Mr Cheriton says this is a
tragic case but only the tip of the iceberg.
CLINIC COLLAPSE BLOW TO HEALTH AUTHORITIES
------------------------------------------
Health authorities in Canterbury are trying to recoup
thousands of dollars, after a private health clinic went
into liquidation. Bone Health Services closed its doors
earlier this year after the Canterbury District Health
Board declined to renew its contract for provision of bone
scans. The board is seeking repayment of $732,000 it claims
it overpaid through duplicate funding and paying for
services the clinic should have covered. The Ministry of
Health is trying to claim back more than $90,000 it
believes it is owed due to a shortfall in delivery of bone
scans. An audit report was highly critical of the clinic's
management and its use of multiple contracts.
ACC HITS SELF-EMPLOYED AND BIKERS
----------------------------------
The Government has announced the ACC levy rates for next
year with the self-employed and motorcyclists potentially
the big losers. The ACC levy for motorcyclists is to almost
double from $138 to $217. That could mean a big increase in
the cost of registering a motorbike as ACC levies are one
of the key parts of the vehicle registration cost. The levy
for self-employed people is to increase by 40 cents to $1.
70. The employers' levy and the residual claims levy will
both stay the same, while the earners' account will
increase slightly by 10 cents to $1. 20. The Government has
decided to reject an ACC recommendation for emergency
service vehicles to start paying levies. However the levy
for all other motor vehicles will increase by around 20
cents.
EXORCISM TRIAL - JUDGE SUMS UP
-------------------------------
The judge begins his summing up in the High Court in
Auckland today in the case of the pastor accused of killing
one of the members of his church during an exorcism.
Thirty-eight year old Luke Lee is accused of the
manslaughter of Joanna Lee, who is no relation, last
December. Lee, who is defending himself, told the jury he
believes the dead woman will be resurrected before the 10th
of December. He appealed to the court for more time to
allow that to happen. Earlier Prosecutor Aaron Perkins told
the jury that Joanna Lee's arms and legs were thrashing
about as she tried to get the accused to stop the exorcism.
WET MONTH FOR CANTERBURY
-------------------------
Canterbury rainfall levels have proved to be well above
expected levels for the month of November. Monthly climate
figures released by NIWA show that weather stations from
Rangiora to Timaru recorded rainfall figures approximately
20 millimetres above November averages. Christchurch got 72
millimetres of rain from nine wet days over the four week
period with similar figures being recorded at Rangiora,
Lincoln, and Timaru. Average temperatures were in line with
previous years being between 12 and 14 degrees. Most of the
rain fell in a two day period over the 21st and the 22nd of
November.
HAWKE'S BAY FIRE RISK HEIGHTENED
---------------------------------
Hawke's Bay rural fire fighters warn that dry weather in
the region will increase the risk of forest and scrub fires
over the summer. Hastings Rural Fire Officer, Rick Sloman,
says vegetation is becoming flammable as weather conditions
dry out the region. He says several minor fires have been
dealt with over the past week which had the potential to
spread rapidly. Mr Sloman says the fire risk needs to be
carefully considered as summer approaches. He says it is
important to report fires as soon as they are detected.
CANCER TREATMENT SHORTFALLS ALL ROUND
-------------------------------------
The Cancer Society believes there are shortfalls in all
aspects of cancer treatment funding in this country.
The Government has announced it will reveal details of a
major health funding boost before Christmas. Cancer Society
Medical Director Dr Peter Dady says as well as radiation
therapists, doctors who prescribe the treatment and the
physicists who look after the machines need to be properly
funded. He says the Government claims it has to pay huge
salaries to health board chief executives to keep them up
to the market rate. Dr Dady says the market rate for
radiation therapists is a great deal higher than the sum
they are being paid at the moment. He says it would not
take much further funding to ensure they are paid close to
the rates they can get in Australia, Britain or Canada,
which would prevent them leaving the country in droves.
ZESPRI COMES TO LIFESAVERS AID
------------------------------
Zespri International is coming to the aid of local surf
lifesaving clubs. Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Omanu and
Maketu will each receive $3,000 sponsorship to help fund
volunteer rescue services. Zespri will also underwrite the
costs of the volunteer lifeguard uniforms. Company Chairman
Doug Voss hopes the $20,000 commitment is the beginning of
a long partnership between Zespri and surf lifesaving in
the Bay.
MALLARD PRAISES TEACHERS
-------------------------
Education Minister Trevor Mallard is heaping praise on
teachers, after New Zealand secondary school students
performed outstandingly in an international assessment.
Fifteen-year-olds in 31 countries took the test, which
looked at how they applied their knowledge to everyday
problems. New Zealand students came third in reading and
maths and sixth in science. Mr Mallard says the result is a
credit to teachers. He says the base has been set by
excellent primary education, with secondary teachers then
helping students to higher goals. Mr Mallard says New
Zealand if the educational levels of underachieving
students can be lifted, New Zealand will be near the top in
all facets of education.
(Don't praise them! Pay them! - BH)
Thursday, 06 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS LET DOWN
--------------------------------
The Hawke's Bay District Health Board admits its treatment
of mental health patients has failed in some cases. This
afternoon Napier Coroner Warwick Holmes and Hastings
Coroner Peter Dennehy held an inquest into 19 suicides
dating back to 1998. Thirteen of those who committed
suicide had at some time been patients of Healthcare
Hawke's Bay. The Board's Primary and Community Health
Manager, Anne Heast, told the inquest the board admits it
could have done more with some of the patients. She says in
the last two years there have been several cases where,
with the benefit of hindsight, they realise they could have
done better. Anne Heast says the board promises to improve
its services to patients in the future.
MIDWIVES UNHAPPY
----------------
The National College of Midwives is shocked at Auckland
Hospital's plan to cut its Director of Midwifery. Auckland
District Health Board is restructuring in preparation for
the new hospital being built at the Grafton site.
Management at National Women's Hospital will be shared with
Starship Children's Hospital. National College of Midwives
spokeswoman Karen Guilliland says she is shocked at the
move. She says there is no evidence that merging a women's
health service with a children's sickness service is
beneficial.
EMERSON NOT DIRECTLY WORKING FOR DODSON - GOFF
-----------------------------------------------
The Government has shot down Opposition claims that a
former public relations boss implicated in the Ron Mark
file row works directly for the head of the army. Alan
Emerson has been dragged into the saga, after being accused
of having a page of the NZ First MP's military records. The
Opposition says Mr Emerson is clearly connected to the
accessing of Mr Mark's file, because he works for
beleaguered army boss Major General Maurice Dodson.
However, Acting Defence Minister Phil Goff says that is not
the case. He says Mr Emerson has a part-time job as a
territorial officer reporting to the army's director of
recruiting. Phil Goff says Mr Emerson is responsible for
providing marketing and communications advice to support
the army's recruiting needs.
POLICE APOLOGISE TO POLICE MINISTER
------------------------------------
The frosty relationship between the Minister of Police and
the Commissioner's office has been highlighted in
Parliament this afternoon. National has released a letter
written to the Minister by Commissioner Rob Robinson
apologising to George Hawkins for not meeting his
expectations. Mr Hawkins' relationship with police
headquarters has long been the subject of speculation and
the letter confirms things are far from harmonious. In it
Commissioner Robinson said he shares Mr Hawkins'
disappointment that his office has again failed to meet his
expectations. Mr Robinson tells Mr Hawkins he and his
senior staff are unhappy that they continue to make his job
difficult.
(The tone of the letter as it appeared in the paper was not
in line with my understanding of Commissioner Robinson's
character, so I sincerely hope there was a degree of
sarcasm in it. If anyone should be apologising for making
the other's job difficult, I most sincerely believe it
should have been the minister to the police - BH)
PSYCHIATRISTS URGE FORMER PATIENTS TO COMPLAIN
----------------------------------------------
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of
Psychiatrists is urging former Lake Alice patients to lay
formal complaints with the medical authorities. The
College's CEO, Craig Patterson, says there has to be a
complaint to either the New Zealand Medical Council or the
Victorian Medical Practitioners Board before the doctor at
the centre of the scandal can be dealt with. He says the
New Zealand Government's role in compensating those who
suffered abuse at the former mental hospital is tremendous.
But he says in order to get someone terminated the Royal
College needs determined facts, not untested assertions. Mr
Patterson says psychiatrists are anxious to take the matter
to the next step.
PILOT WHO CRASHED HELICOPTER ALSO FINED FOR POACHING
-----------------------------------------------------
A pilot who crashed his helicopter while attempting to lift
four deer has had a fine of $1250 for poaching added to his
losses. In the Christchurch District Court today Karl
Burtscher pleaded guilty to using a helicopter to illegally
hunt and kill deer in the Mt Thomas Conservation Area in
north-west Canterbury. The area is reserved for
recreational hunters, and to preserve the deer numbers
commercial hunting by helicopter is banned. The court was
told a policeman saw Burtscher's helicopter out hunting in
the conservation area several times last December. The
machine later got into difficulties while lifting four
deer, and Burtscher was forced to call in another
helicopter to rescue him. His lawyer commented it had been
a 'disastrous' day for the deer hunter.
GUIDELINES NEEDED FOR EXORCISM
-------------------------------
The author of two books on demons says there should be
guidelines for exorcisms. Bill Subritzky's comments follow
the manslaughter conviction of South Auckland pastor,
Korean Luke Lee when an exorcism went wrong. A High Court
jury heard Lee's technique included sitting on the victim,
and bouncing up and down on her with his hands round her
throat. Mr Subritzky, whose book Demons Defeated has been
published in 18 languages, says there should be no
excessive force and only experienced, qualified people
should do exorcisms. He says they are part of the Christian
doctrine and well known to main-line churches. He says the
Catholic and Anglican churches both have exorcism rites. Mr
Subritzky says Luke Lee became like a cult leader and
believed in himself totally. He had a group of people
around him who followed him totally. He says he became
deceived and what he did was bizarre.
(I think guidelines for exorcism is a fatuous idea. There
is sufficient protection for all concerned in the various
laws concerning assault and causing death. - BH)
MAORI TV GETS PARLIAMENTARY NOD
-------------------------------
Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of spending
$55 million on a Maori television channel. MPs have been
debating the legislation under urgency, as the final
session of Parliament draws to a close. New Zealand First
leader Winston Peters has told the House that Maori TV is a
gross waste of money. He says it is ridiculous to spend so
much on a television channel when there are Maori still
living in sub-standard housing with mud floors and
corrugated iron roofs. Maori Affairs Minister, Parekura
Horomia, says Mr Peters is simply trying to win popular
support and reminded him that he was one of the architects
of the failed Aotearoa Television. Two National MPs,
Maurice Williamson and Murray McCully, voted against their
party also claiming the channel is a waste of money.
Despite opposition to the bill, Parliament voted
overwhelmingly to send it on to the Maori Affairs Select
committee.
FAMILY DISTRESSED AT SEXUAL ABUSE SPECULATION
----------------------------------------------
The family of the two girls murdered in Masterton this
week, is distressed at speculation they were sexually
abused. A post-mortem examination on one of the bodies
shows that one of the girls was stabbed. The girls'
stepfather, Bruce Howse, has been charged with murdering
his 12 and 11-year-old stepdaughters Saliel Jalassa Aplin
and her half-sister Olympia Marissa Jetson. Police
spokeswoman Kaye Calder says despite speculation about
sexual abuse, there is no evidence of it. She says it is
hoped the girls' bodies can be returned to the family later
today. A funeral service will take place on Saturday and
will be followed by a private cremation.
NEW TOURIST VENTURE OPENS IN MILFORD SOUND
------------------------------------------
Milford Sound's newest tourist operation gets underway
tomorrow after more than two years' planning. Submarine
Adventures is launching its underwater programme with four
dives a day. Director Philip Mladenov says patrons can call
0800 4 SUBMARINE to find out the dive times. Mr Mladenov
says the operation is not weather dependent although there
could be a few days a year when the weather is just too bad
to dive.
Friday, 07 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LEWIS PASS SEARCH SCALED DOWN
------------------------------
Police are scaling down their search for the teenage boy
missing in the Lewis Pass since Saturday. 14 year old Ellon
Ovid has not been seen since ducking behind the trampers'
hut where he was staying, to get changed. For the past
seven days dozens of police, soldiers and civilians have
scoured dense bush for the boy. Police spokesman Alan
Hendrickson says atrocious weather has hampered the final
day of the search. He says heavy rain has swollen rivers,
and made moving through the bush difficult. Senior
Constable Hendrickson says Ellon's mother visited the area
today to see where her son went missing.
BLAKE SLAIN IN FIREFIGHT WITH PIRATES
-------------------------------------
More details are emerging about the fire fight on board Sir
Peter Blake's boat which ended with the yachting legend's
murder by pirates. Sir Peter was aboard his Seamaster
vessel in the Amazon river mouth when it was attacked.
Brazilian police say the bandits slipped on to rob the
vessel. They say he was probably shot twice in the back.
There are reports that Sir Peter had shot at the invading
pirates with a rifle and probably wounded one of them
before being killed. Two other crew members on the
Seamaster were wounded. The pirates stole several watches,
cameras and an inflatable dinghy, before fleeing by boat.
The boat was in the region carrying out conservation and
scientific research. New Zealand's ambassador to Brazil has
rushed to the region to find out what happened. There is a
sombre mood at Parliament this morning, as the country's
politicians pay tribute to Sir Peter. A minute's silence
was observed prior to tributes from all parties. Labour's
deputy leader Michael Cullen says the tragedy is like a
death in our own family. He says all New Zealanders will be
finding it hard to come to terms with what has happened. Dr
Cullen says as nation, we have woken up to news that seems
too awful to be true. He says Sir Peter was simply one of
the great New Zealanders. National MP Murray McCully, who
is the former America's Cup Minister, has described Sir
Peter as a beacon who stood out in a world of grey murk. He
says Sir Peter was a man who made a remarkable impact on
the lives of New Zealanders and others around the world.
Conservation Minister Sandra Lee says Sir Peter's untimely
and tragic death is hard to comprehend. She says there are
times in our history when we awaken to a horrible
nightmare, and the tragic murder of Sir Peter will always
be remembered as such. Prime Minister Helen Clark has
called for flags around the country to be flown at half
mast and for condolence books to be opened for New
Zealanders to sign. She says she wants to give New
Zealanders a chance to mourn their hero. Miss Clark says
any plans for memorial services will first be discussed
with Sir Peter's family. Team New Zealand is opening up its
base at Auckland's viaduct basin for those who want to
remember Sir Peter Blake. Syndicate spokesman Murray Taylor
says members of the public are welcome to join them in
grieving for their fallen founder. He says flowers can also
be sent to the base. Meanwhile, the man New Zealanders
loved to hate for his long-running battle to defend and
then win back the America's Cup has joined those paying
tribute to Sir Peter Blake. Dennis Conner is calling Sir
Peter a hero and role model for the New Zealand people and
obviously a winner. He says he was focussed and
accomplished his goals, whether it was winning the round-
the-world race or the America's Cup. Conner skippered Young
America to a five-nil defeat against Black Magic in 1995.
AIR FORCE ENDS AUSSIE EXPERIENCE
--------------------------------
The Air Force's number two squadron farewells Nowra Air
Base in New South Wales with a haka today. The squadron
heads back to New Zealand this weekend prior to being
disbanded on Thursday. Two squadron farewelled Australia
earlier this week with a fly-over of New South Wales and
Canberra. The Air Force's combat wing is being scrapped as
part of major changes in Government defence policy.
FAMILY OF MURDERED SISTERS THANK PUBLIC
---------------------------------------
The family of the murdered Masterton sisters have thanked
the public for their support. Mother Charlene Aplin says
12-year-old Saliel Aplin and her 11-year-old half-sister
Olympia Jetson were typical kids. The girls were found
murdered in a sleepout in Kippenberger Street on Tuesday
morning. Their stepfather Bruce Howse has been charged with
their killings. A family spokeswoman who wants to be known
only as Trish says Charlene Aplin loved her kids very much.
She described Saliel as the tomboy who really enjoyed her
sport, while Olympia was a singer with a lovely voice. The
family have paid tribute to police, victim support, and the
local community. A private funeral service for the girls
will be held in Masterton tomorrow.
PARLIAMENT SUSPENDED AFTER SIR PETER'S DEATH
---------------------------------------------
Parliament's normal business is being suspended this
morning, following the tragic death of Sir Peter Blake.
Prime Minister Helen Clark has already ordered that all New
Zealand flags be flown at half mast, as a mark of respect.
The leaders of all New Zealand's political parties will
deliver tributes to Sir Peter.
AUCKLAND'S AMERICA'S CUP VILLAGE LEADS NATIONAL MOURNING
-------------------------------------------------------
Flags at the America's Cup Village are flying at half-mast
today, as the Auckland yachting fraternity mourns the death
of Sir Peter Blake. New Zealand's two-time America's Cup
winner has been murdered by opportunist bandits, who
stormed his boat moored at the mouth of the Amazon river in
Brazil. Team New Zealand Media and Communications Manager
Murray Taylor says everyone is in shock. He says the mood
of the team is summed up by Auckland's weather today. . . .
a grey wet and gloomy day. Tony Rae, who sailed in a number
of campaigns with Sir Peter, says he was a great influence.
He says sailing with him was a huge privilege, with a
learning experience previously endless. Tony Rae says it's
something which will be treasured now. Round-the-world
yachtsman Grant Dalton says Sir Peter Blake shaped the
Whitbread race, now the Volvo Ocean Race, into what it is
today. Grant Dalton says Peter Blake wrote the sponsorship
book they are following, he wrote the manual on how to
raise lots of money, and he showed how the America's Cup
could be won commercially. He says Sir Peter was the
greatest yachtsman the world has ever seen. Prada, the team
beaten in the finals of last year's America's Cup, has
suspended all sailing today as a mark of respect for Sir
Peter Blake. Spokeswoman Alessandra Ghezzi, says flags have
been lowered to half-mast at their base. She says the mood
is very sombre, with the team stunned and shocked that such
a great man was taken so unexpectedly. She describes it as
a very very sad day for everybody. Prada received news of
the tragedy in an early morning phone call from its
headquarters in Italy. Meanwhile the Brazilian President
has today been in contact with the Prime Minister
expressing his sorrow at the murder of Sir Peter Blake at
the mouth of the Amazon. In a message to Helen Clark the
President said Sir Peter was greatly respected and highly
regarded around the world. Miss Clark wrote back saying Sir
Peter was a passionate advocate for the protection of
natural resources like the Amazon. She thanked the
President for the efforts of his police to bring the
murderers to justice. Miss Clark says she is still finding
it difficult to come to terms with the murder of Sir Peter.
She recently spent time with him on the boat on which he
was slain by bandits. She says only three weeks ago, she
was sitting on the boat talking with Sir Peter about his
dreams and the voyage he was undertaking. Miss Clark says
it is very distressing and her sorrow is hard to put into
words. Miss Clark has also received an email from a member
of the Brazilian Olympic yachting team, who says Brazilians
are very ashamed of the killing. And there was heartfelt
grief in Parliament today. IRN political editor Barry Soper
says they stood in silence and then performed a stirring
waiata in his memory. Many delivering eulogies were close
to tears as they remembered the New Zealander who made his
mark around the world. Former seafarer, New Zealand First's
Peter Brown spoke for many saying when you were in Sir
Peter's company you felt his presence and you knew you were
in the company of a great man. United Future leader Peter
Dunne says Sir Peter's slaying brings home the harsh
realities of life, what a violent and fickle world we live
in and how we can take nothing for granted any longer.
COUSTEAU FAMILY SHOCKED AT BLAKE'S DEATH
----------------------------------------
The daughter of Jacques Cousteau says she cannot believe
Sir Peter Blake has been murdered in Brazil. The undersea
adventurer and conservationist appointed Sir Peter to take
his place at the helm of the Cousteau Society's research
vessel Calypso 2. Sir Peter stepped down from the role
after setting up Blakexpeditions. Phonsena Cousteau says
she is devastated and says it is a sad indictment on the
world that his life was lost to robbers rather than to the
dangers of the lifestyle he led. She says our civilisation
is too interested in money to care about anything of real
value.
LEE URGES NZERS TO HEED BLAKE'S CALL
------------------------------------
Conservation Minister Sandra Lee is urging New Zealanders
to heed Sir Peter Blake's message to take greater care of
the environment. In her tribute to Sir Peter at Parliament
today, Ms Lee said it is a tragedy that Sir Peter's work as
a global conservationist has been cut short. He was
murdered by armed robbers in Brazil. She says New Zealand
mourns the loss of an oceans' campaigner, a sportsman and
environmentalist. Ms Lee says the greatest tribute New
Zealanders and people around the world can make to Sir
Peter's memory, is to heed his call to take greater care of
the environment. Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons has
echoed Ms Lee's plea, adding that Sir Peter's death is an
incredible waste. She says he had so much more to achieve.
FLAGS AT HALF-MAST AFTER YACHTING HERO'S MURDER
-----------------------------------------------
The Prime Minister is calling for flags to be flown at
half-mast today as a mark of respect for Sir Peter Blake.
The yachting legend was shot dead by hooded, armed bandits
who stormed his vessel Seamaster which was moored anchored
off Macapa off the coast of Brazil. It was anchored at the
mouth of the Amazon when seven or eight pirates came
onboard. Helen Clark is shocked and stunned by the tragedy.
She was on board his boat Seamaster only a few weeks ago as
it explored the Amazon on an environmental and scientific
mission. Miss Clark says Sir Peter was always thinking
ahead, motivated by a desire to help save the planet. She
says to see that work stopped by common criminals is
extremely distressing. Helen Clark says Peter Blake was the
Edmund Hillary of the waters, our greatest sailor and a man
who had so much more to give. Meanwhile, it has been
revealed the security chief and the doctor for Sir Peter
Blake's expedition up the Amazon River were not onboard at
the time of his murder. Auckland man Mark Orams had been
with the expedition until recently. He says several members
of the team have gone further up the Amazon, into what was
considered more dangerous territory. As a result, the
expedition security chief and its doctor went with that
team. Mr Orams says the Blake expedition had good security
plans, and there were guns onboard the Seamaster.
Meanwhile, Team New Zealand Chief Executive Ross Blackman
says officials will meet today in the wake of the tragedy.
He says they will decide how to farewell Sir Peter who
started Team New Zealand and brought the America's Cup to
New Zealand. Mr Blackman says Sir Peter's passing is a sad
loss for yachting. Team New Zealand's yachts will stay off
the water today.
BRAZIL'S PRESIDENT PLEDGES JUSTICE FOR SIR PETER BLAKE
------------------------------------------------------
The President of the Brazil says everything that can be
done, must be done, to bring the killers of Sir Peter Blake
to justice. President Fernando Cardoso's comments come as
the murder makes headline news in Brazil. New Zealand's
Ambassador to Brazil Denise Almao says federal and state
police are actively investigating the incident. She says
they have interviewed half the crew and will talk to the
rest tomorrow. She says the crew has returned to the boat
still moored on the river under heavy police guard. Ms
Almao says they await instructions from Lady Blake as to
when Sir Peter's body is returned to New Zealand.
MALLARD PLEASED THAT TEACHERS PAY DISPUTE OVER
----------------------------------------------
Education Minister Trevor Mallard is delighted that
secondary school teachers have finally reached a settlement
with the Government over their pay dispute. Mr Mallard says
both sides have made concessions to reach an agreement.
Teachers will get a 2 per cent pay increase this year and a
further one and a half per cent the year after, as well as
a provision for guaranteed non-contact time. Mr Mallard
says the deal should mean that the beginning of the first
term next year gets underway without any problems. He says
he understands that teachers are a little disappointed with
the pay aspect of the deal.
15 YEARS WITHOUT PAROLE FOR BAXTER KILLER
------------------------------------------
A Hastings man has begun a life sentence today after what
has been described as an unthinkable act. In the High Court
in Napier, Justice Gendall sentenced 23-year-old Dartelle
James Maremare Alder to a minimum of 15 years non-parole
life imprisonment for the murder of Wellington woman
Margaret Lynne Baxter. Justice Gendall also sentenced Alder
to 10 years imprisonment for abduction with the intent to
have unlawful sexual intercourse, 15 years for rape, 12
years for two counts of sexual violation and five for
assault with a weapon. When handing down his sentence
Justice Gendall said Alder's actions were vicious and
brutal and beyond normal comprehension. He said Alder's
non-recollection of the crimes is a cowardly act and his
sentence reflects this.
PRISON VISITOR CHECKS LEAD TO 8 DRUGS CHARGES
----------------------------------------------
Spot checks on visitors at Mt Eden jail in Auckland have
led to fifteen arrests. Cars going into the prison were
stopped and searched as part of an ongoing campaign to
reduce the amount of contraband being smuggled in. The
Department of Corrections says it is continually looking
for people who act as drug couriers for inmates. The latest
exercise yielded eight arrests on drugs charges. Two other
visitors were carrying offensive weapons, three were
driving stolen cars, and a further two will face other
driving-related charges.
RAIN REPLENISHES THIRSTY HYDRO LAKES
------------------------------------
Meridian Energy is sleeping a little easier with heavy rain
boosting the levels of its key hydro storage lakes. Lake
Pukaki has risen three metres in recent weeks while Lake
Tekapo has increased by around 1. 5 metres. Meridian Energy
spokesman Alan Seay says the rain is a relief after last
winter's power crisis, but says the company is not about to
get too comfortable. He says even more rain is needed
before power supply is completely out of danger for next
winter's demand. Mr Seay says Meridian's other two lakes,
Te Anau and Manapouri are also rising and are expected to
keep increasing in the next few weeks.
MURDER VICTIM'S SUPPORTERS PLEASED WITH PAROLE HEARING
------------------------------------------------------
Campaigners against the release of convicted killer Paul
Bailey are pleased with the hearing they have received from
the Parole Board. Bailey has served ten years of a life
sentence for the 1991 rape and murder of 15-year-old Otago
schoolgirl Kylie Smith. He is now eligible for parole.
Kylie's father Bevan Smith and supporters have travelled to
Christchurch to make submissions opposing Bailey's release.
Spokeswoman Debbie Francis says they were given a
sympathetic reception. She believes the Parole Board seemed
genuinely keen to hear what they had to say. Other written
submissions have been made by Owaka residents and the
Clutha District Council. The board's decision is not
expected for at least a fortnight
HOROMIA CONFIDENT OF MAORI TV'S SUCCESS
----------------------------------------
Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia has no doubts the
new Maori TV station will be a success. Parliament has
voted 103 to 14 in favour of spending $55 million on the
indigenous channel scheduled to be on air midway through
next year. Mr Horomia says he is not surprised by the
strong support and is confident the station will do well.
He says the station will build the language and make Maori
more informed. National MP Maurice Williamson voted against
the Bill saying the $55 million being put into the station
is far too much money.
PRICE HIKES NOT OUR FAULT, SAYS GOVERNMENT
-------------------------------------------
Green party leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says any gas price
rises will be imposed by the suppliers, rather then the
Government. The Gas Association today warned consumers to
brace for hikes of as much as 10% as rating costs for
utility networks were factored into business costs. But Ms
Fitzsimons says changes in legislation have not affected
how gas companies charge consumers. Ms Fitzsimons says the
status quo has been preserved, and any charge increases
will be made by the suppliers. She says gas, power and
phone lines pay no rates because most companies do not own
the land in which the cables are laid.
(What we need is the electoral equivalent of one of those
undignified procedures where a marker die is given to the
patient, and X-rays reveal where it gets to in the body. I
can't help thinking that unless the local bodies concerned
are able to ease the rates burden on the domestic ratepayer
by at least the amount of the power price rise, this should
not happen. - BH)
CODE PROTECTS RETIREMENT VILLAGE RESIDENTS
-------------------------------------------
A new code of practice is being set up to protect the
rights of residents of retirement villages. Senior Citizens
Minister Lianne Dalziel says there is a big growth in the
retirement industry and it is important to crack down on
any cowboy operators. She says new legislation will be put
in place to safeguard residents' rights and make sure they
know what they are getting themselves into when buying into
a village. Ms Dalziel says a 10 day "cooling off" period
will be provided for residents who decide they want to
cancel their agreement to buy into a village. Another new
requirement will mean that every village will have a
statutory manager.
THE FINANCIAL PAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 6 December 2001 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
CURRENCIES
~~~~~~~~~~
The currency codes given below conform to ISO 4217, which
can be found at http://www.xe.net/currency/iso_4217.htm.
The rates given are for telegraphic transfer and are
as given in the Wellington Evening Post today.
To Buy NZD 1.00
USD 0.4197
AUD 0.8090
GBP 0.2967
JPY 52.38
CAD 0.6598
EUR 0.4749
FRF 3.1123
DEM 0.9283
HKD 3.2815
SGD 0.7718
ZAR 4.6158
CHF 0.6999
INTEREST RATES (%)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call : 4.75
90 Day: 4.89
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brian Harmer does NOT administer the mailing list. Please
do not send subscription related messages to him.
ALL requests to subscribe or unsubscribe must be sent to
majordomo@nz. com
To subscribe:
send a one-line e-mail with the following command:
subscribe nznews <e-mail-addr>
To unsubscribe, the message to send is:
unsubscribe nznews <e-mail- addr>
In either case, omit the angular brackets. Remember, to
unsubscribe, you must use exactly the same alias as you
used to subscribe in the first place.
New subscribers can add themselves to the WYSIWYG News E-
mail list by using the enrolment form at the Akiko web
site: http://nz. com/NZ/News/