NZNews
Mon, 21 Jan 2002 13:46:34 -0800
Copyright, Brian Harmer
Pretty much since the "picnic" last week, the weather has
ranged wildly from mediocre to plain awful, though today as
I write (Monday, Wellington Anniversary Day), things are
looking up. What to write about then? Well, during the
week, through a long and complex chain of events, I had to
rebuild my computer, and learned a lot on the way. But as I
passed through various directories, I encountered some
pictures I took a month or two ago in Waikanae. I began on
the Southern bank of the Waikanae River, near sunset. The
sky was clear from the dark blue in the East through the
golden yellow to the west merging into the rosy shades of
sunset on the horizon. Already, the trees and shrubs were
visible only in silhouette, and the river itself was a
flawless reflection of the colours of the sky. One lone
duck some distance away cruised upstream towards me,
leaving a perfect arrowhead wake behind her. She saw me,
and the underwater paddling stopped, as she tried to decide
whether my camera was a threat to her privacy. Perhaps she
was one of those who believe that cameras capture your
soul, but in any event she veered off towards the
protection and privacy afforded by the reeds on the
opposite bank. Within moments the glassy surface showed no
trace of her passing, and I was beside the river with no
other living creature in sight. Kapiti's looming black
bulk provided a dramatic backdrop to the evening sky, and I
was moved to drive on down to the beach for a clearer look.
Truth to tell, in the broad light of day, the black sands
of the West Coast beaches are not always attractive. At
this time of evening, it was impossible to tell what colour
the beach was. The dunes and the grasses on them were
starkly backlit by the reflected light from the flat calm
sea, and only the ripple and backflow of the tiny wavelets
disturbed the perfect peace. Away to the South beyond the
furthest tip of Kapiti, the hills and islands at the head
of the Marlborough Sounds were still visible as a black
presence. I hope such weather will come again.
And in passing, I should record that HH celebrated her 18th
birthday this week.
------
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 Clay and Louise . Many thanks
again.
On with the news:
Monday, 14 January
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TWO FEARED DEAD IN CHOPPER CRASH
---------------------------------
A helicopter has crashed in a valley near Cook River, 12-
kilometres south of Fox Glacier on the South Island's West
Coast. Few details are known, but it is believed at least
two people have been killed in the crash. Police and
emergency services are now at the scene.
(This is not a good week for alpine aviation :-( - BH)
RADIOTHERAPISTS HAMMER OUT DEAL
-------------------------------
Auckland's Health Board and the radiation therapists' union
are hammering out a pay rise deal to try to avert further
strike action. Auckland is the only region still facing
disruption to radiation cancer treatment. Therapists in the
Waikato and Palmerston North secured a pay rise of up to 25
percent last week.
WINDS BLAMED FOR DROWNING TRAGEDY
---------------------------------
Strong winds have been blamed for yesterday's multiple
drownings in the Firth of Thames. Four adult family members
died at Te Mata Bay when they got out of their depth. A man
and woman in their fifties, and two of their adult
daughters, died while trying to rescue grand-children whose
inflatable boat had drifted away. Thames Coastguard
chairman, Alan Benson says the shallow stretch of water is
usually no problem for hundreds of people who swim and
gather shellfish. This time though, the combination of
strong north-west winds and people getting out of their
depth, was a recipe for disaster. Mr Benson says there is a
tidal current in the Firth of Thames, but it is not
significant.
(This whole thing mystifies me. The beach as I recall it is
long and flat. I can understand one of a group getting into
difficulties, but when all four adults in a group drown.
Leaving four little kids hanging onto an inflatable beach
toy, I have to wonder what on earth actually happened. I am
of course very sad for their loss, but these were people
who had gathered shellfish here many times before. - BH)
SPECULATION OF COVER-UP OVER SOLDIER'S DEATH
--------------------------------------------
Claims of a cover-up over our army's investigation into the
death of soldier Leonard Manning in East Timor. Private
Manning was murdered by pro-Indonesian militia while on
patrol in a border area. A magazine article says his death
raises questions over whether the death was preventable.
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark says the questions are very
serious and need to be answered by a full Commission of
Inquiry. Ron Mark says rumours of a cover-up have been
doing the rounds in army messes and RSAs since Private
Manning was killed.
(Mrs Manning, mother of the dead soldier jumped into the
fray and discounted the magazine article. - BH)
DAYS OF WORK AHEAD FOR BUSH FIREFIGHTERS
----------------------------------------
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service has not yet declared
the state's bushfire emergency over, despite lifting a ban
on the lighting of fires. It says firefighters still face
days of mopping up and putting out fires. Firefighters
finally appear to have won the battle with a weekend of
good weather allowing them to push on with mopping up. But
more than 50 fires are still burning with fresh outbreaks
on the weekend at Coffs Harbour and Grafton. Backburning
was carried out last night and both are under control. So
far 34 people have been arrested on suspicion of arson.
EGG-CITED ABOUT KAKAPO BREEDING
-------------------------------
The Department of Conservation's hopes for a bumper kakapo
breeding season look set to be realised, with the discovery
of the first two eggs. Staff on Codfish Island, near
Stewart Island, have been delighted to find two eggs in the
nest of an adult female bird named Lisa, a fortnight
earlier than expected. DOC kakapo recovery team spokesman
Daryl Eason says it is likely Lisa will also lay another
egg, given that she laid three in the 1999 breeding season.
Mr Eason says the early laying has given staff working to
save the rare native bird a real boost.
(That's egg-scrucuating - BH)
EU BREAKTHROUGH FOR BOYSENBERRY EXPORTERS
-----------------------------------------
Good news for New Zealand boysenberry exporters with a
breakthrough in the European market. Trade Negotiations
Minister Jim Sutton says the European Union has agreed to
lift the 12 per cent tariff on imports of New Zealand
frozen boysenberries. The move follows intense lobbying by
industry representatives and officials. Mr Sutton says the
tariff meant New Zealand could not compete with rival berry
products entering Europe duty-free. He says New Zealand now
needs to persuade European authorities to lift the tonnage
restriction on boysenberries, so unlimited volumes of the
fruit can enter duty-free.
GREEN PARTY DISTANCES ITSELF FROM GM RAID
-----------------------------------------
The Green Party has distanced itself from last week's raid
on experimental GM crops at Lincoln near Christchurch.
Greens Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says the party does
not support or endorse the raid in any way. She says non-
direct violent action is justified in some cases where the
law has failed to protect the public from a potential
danger. But she says the Lincoln attack was not such a
case, because it was a contained GM experiment. The Green
Party says it has never had a problem with research of that
nature. Green MP Nandor Tanczos, a FORMER member of the
Wild Greens, which is linked with direct action, has failed
to publicly condemn the raid. However, Ms Fitzsimons says
she has discussed the matter with Mr Tanczos, and he agrees
that in this case the raid could not be condoned.
DOCTORS URGE QUARTER-HOUR 'TIME OUTS'
-------------------------------------
We are being encouraged to do absolutely nothing for at
least 15 minutes a day as part of the Mental Health
Foundation's recipe for a healthier life-style. Chief
Executive Alison Taylor says most of us come back from
holiday relaxed and refreshed, but the feeling fades fast.
She says we need to build up a level of mental fitness by
giving our minds a break. She says we can achieve that by
doing absolutely nothing, even for quarter of an hour. The
Foundation's promoting February the first as "absolutely
nothing" day. Ideas for celebrating it include an office
picnic, neck and shoulder massages, listening to relaxation
tapes or going for a stroll.
(I imagine that some employers would be grateful for
quarter-hour work breaks? - BH)
CANTERBURY PREPARES FOR MORE RAIN
---------------------------------
Water-logged Canterbury is in line for another deluge.
Between 200 and 300 millimetres of rain has fallen in the
Canterbury foothills over the past few days. Forecasters
are predicting another blanket of rain to cover Canterbury
tomorrow. Rivers are already running high and the Met
Service warns the soggy land may not be able to absorb all
the new water. It is warning residents and holiday-makers
to keep up to date with forecasts so they are prepared for
any sudden difficulties. The wettest period is expected to
come between three tomorrow morning and three in the
afternoon. The Banks Peninsula town of Akaroa is still
mopping up after flooding, and a bridge on State Highway
One at Orari, between Geraldine and Temuka, has been washed
out. Meanwhile residents in the Canterbury community of
Kowai Bush should have their road to the outside world back
later today. Up to 60 residents have been cut-off since
flood waters washed out a bridge and road access yesterday.
Selwyn Mayor Michael McEvedy says the bridge has been
restored for foot traffic and vehicle access should be
restored by tonight. Mr McEvedy says the weekend's floods
have also damaged camping grounds near Coalgate.
(I remember an old song which contained the persistent
theme "How high's the water, Mama?" to which the typical
reply was "Five feet high and risin'" and the final verse
was "glub glub!" - BH)
TOURISM NZ SEES $S FROM RINGS
-----------------------------
The Lord of the Rings is generating publicity for New
Zealand that would otherwise cost tens of millions of
dollars in advertising. A survey by Tourism New Zealand
shows 85 articles have been published in Britain connecting
the Fellowship of the Ring to this country. The stories
have reached a combined readership of more than 76 million.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton says it
would cost around $50 million to buy the equivalent amount
of advertising. He says positive articles have appeared in
all the major British dailies, such as the Guardian and The
Times, as well as several prestigious travel magazines.
CONTRADICTIONS IN ROAD SAFETY SURVEY
-----------------------------------
There are some puzzling contradictions in the latest survey
on attitudes to road safety. Seventy-five per cent of
people agree speed enforcement and compulsory breath-
testing help to reduce the road toll. But at the same time,
40 per cent say they enjoy driving fast and 25 per cent
admit they have driven while drunk. The Land Transport
Safety Authority says the survey shows New Zealanders are
gradually letting go of their misconceptions about risky
driving. Eighteen percent of respondents believe they will
not crash when speeding, as long as they are careful. That
is down from 24 per cent in 1995.
KING WILL ATTEND CRISIS HEALTH MEETING
--------------------------------------
Health Minister Annette King will attend a crisis meeting
in Christchurch tomorrow, aimed at heading off the closure
of the city's only mental health facility. The future of
the Hillmorton psychiatric hospital is in doubt after the
District Health Board raised patient safety concerns over
its on-going pay dispute with staff. Mrs King says her role
at the meeting will not be to solve the pay dispute. She
says she will be encouraging both parties to put the
interests of patients first. She says they must also look
at the issues with the long term in mind. Mrs King and
Ministry of Health chief Karen Poutasi were invited to the
meeting by the region's mayors.
Tuesday, 15 January
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CANTERBURY HEALTH PARTIES OPTIMISTIC - NO SPECIFICS
---------------------------------------------------
Health Minister Annette King says she realises money is the
issue in the Canterbury health crisis, but she says the
Canterbury Health Board already receives its fair share of
the budget. The future of Christchurch's only mental
hospital, Hillmorton, is in grave doubt because of
industrial action. And now, more than 3000 Canterbury
health workers will walk off the job for eight days,
starting on the 30th of January. The Health Minister was at
today's meeting between the warring parties. A short time
ago the meeting finished for the night, and all parties
voiced optimism, although nobody was prepared to be
specific about why. They say they will return to the
negotiating table tomorrow and again on Thursday.
MINISTER LEAVES HEALTH CRISIS MEETING
-------------------------------------
A short time ago Health Minister Annette King left the
emergency meeting which continues this evening over
Christchurch's health workforce crisis. Three thousand
health workers have given notice of an eight-day strike
starting on January the 30th. Philippa O'Regan says the
meeting had been going two hours when the minister left.
She says both the Canterbury District Health Board and
unions representing the health workers showed a lot of
goodwill. She says she was able to put the government's
perspective to the parties. She says while money is the
issue, the Canterbury board is getting its fair share of
the health budget.
ARMY OFFICER SUSPENDED AFTER LEAK
----------------------------------
Senior army officer Brigadier Ian Marshall has been
suspended after admitting he was the one who leaked the
infamous 'Gordon Letter' to the public. The letter, written
by then-Lieutenant Colonel Ian Gordon, was a strategy
detailing how the army could secure the lion's share of the
national defence budget. The Letter was publicised by
National Party defence spokesman Max Bradford late last
year, and was the subject of an investigation by prominent
QC Colin Carruthers. Defence chief Air Marshal Carey
Adamson says further action on the matter of the leak is
under consideration.
(Brigadier Marshall's crime as I understand it is simple
"whistle-blowing", albeit by a channel not approved of. The
people I want to see answer for their actions are the ones
who engaged in the substantive act of attempting to
highjack the military funding process. I agree with Ron
Marks, that this guy should have a medal rather than
punishment. - BH)
FEDFARMERS URGES HARSH PENALTIES FOR ECO-TERRORISTS
---------------------------------------------------
Federated Farmers says the police should bring the full
force of the law down on the protestors who destroyed
genetically modified potatoes at a Lincoln University
contained laboratory at the weekend. Federated Farmers
President Alistair Polson calls the protestors 'eco-
terrorists'. He says if the protestors are not punished,
the democratic process has been derailed by those who
choose to live outside the law. Mr Polson says it is vital
for a small trading nation like New Zealand to maintain
international competitiveness by embracing GM technology,
which he says offers the country significant opportunities.
He says the Government should ensure penalties for the
crime act as a deterrent to any other would-be eco-
terrorists.
CLARK-BUSH MEETING MAY NOT GUARANTEE FREE TRADE
-----------------------------------------------
A local academic says the US Congress has yet to pass fast-
track legislation allowing a free trade agreement with New
Zealand to go ahead. Prime Minister Helen Clark looks set
to meet President George Bush at the White House as early
as next month, an opportunity that is seen as important for
advancing talks on the proposed deal. But US/New Zealand
relations expert Dr Steve Hoadley says to an extent Mr
Bush's hands are tied by his Government and officials.
However he says the Clark/Bush meeting will be good for
interpersonal relations.
(Recent utterances from George W. show that he intends to
play the US Farm Lobby for every vote it can yield, and
that very little friendly action towards global free trade
is likely to occur. - BH)
ANDERTON SAYS ANZ MOVE IS SIGN OF COMPETITION
---------------------------------------------
Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton welcomes the ANZ bank's
move today to introduce a special low fee bank account. It
is seen as a direct response to the government-owned
Kiwibank, due to open in March. Mr Anderton says it shows
Kiwibank is already delivering benefits to New Zealanders
by increasing competition. He says Australian banks like
ANZ have to do better if they want to keep customers and
the Kiwibank is making them do that. He says lower fees
leave more in the pockets of New Zealanders.
BISHOP'S REMAINS BRING CROWD
----------------------------
Hundreds of people are expected at an Auckland ceremony to
celebrate the return of Bishop Pompallier's remains. The
bishop brought Catholicism to New Zealand more than 100
years ago. Catholic Church spokeswoman Lindsay Freer
predicts crowds of people will welcome the remains at St
Patrick's Cathedral tonight. Lindsay Freer says Catholics,
Maori, other church leaders and Prime Minister Helen Clark
will be attending. She says the celebration will include a
traditional Catholic mass and readings in Maori, English
and French. The remains will be touring New Zealand from
next week.
NAVY CELEBRATES ITS RETURN TO WAITANGI
---------------------------------------
A ban on the navy's involvement at Waitangi has been
lifted, following confirmation the Prime Minister will
attend celebrations this year. Navy personnel were not
allowed to mark the event last year, because Helen Clark
had refused to go. However, navy spokeswoman Michelle
Taylor says her return this year also signals the return of
the navy. She says last year was the first time since the
signing of the Treaty the navy was unable to play a part in
the celebrations. Michelle Taylor says staff are very
pleased and says the exact nature of the navy's involvement
has yet to be decided.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNHAPPY WITH PAY PARITY
----------------------------------------
Secondary schools are bemoaning pay parity with primary
teachers, saying it is leaving them short-changed for the
start of the school year. Rangitoto College, the country's
largest secondary school, is still trying to find a full
complement of staff. It needs another four teachers in
English and technology. Principal Alan Peachey is
optimistic he will find the English teachers but says he
has not a hope of filling the technology positions He says
pay parity has caused the biggest crisis in secondary
teaching in 30 years. He says secondary schools can not
compete with the encouragement young teachers get to go to
primary schools.
(It's pretty hard to get parity with a group that is
striving to maintain existing relativity - BH)
THUNDERSTORM DESTROY CANTERBURY CEREAL CROPS
--------------------------------------------
Recent freak thunderstorms have destroyed cereal crops in
Canterbury. The region produces 80 per cent of the
country's wheat and more than 60 per cent of its grain.
Grains Council Chairman Neil Barton says farmers have not
been able to harvest crops because of the wet weather. Some
cereal crops have fallen down and are likely to produce a
poorer yield. Mr Barton says if there is fine weather over
the next few days the damage will be minimised but he does
not hold out much hope. He says some farmers have had to
replant barley three times.
(I am told by at least one correspondent, that the
persistent electrical storms kept him off e-mail for
several days - BH)
ENGLISH SAYS PM MAY STILL FACE WAITANGI DIFFICULTIES
----------------------------------------------------
The Opposition Leader says he will maintain his party's
record of always attending Waitangi Day celebrations at
Waitangi, next month. Bill English says National has always
gone to Waitangi, even if it means facing criticism from
Maori. He contrasts that with Helen Clark's decision to
stay away in recent years, after she was reduced to tears
in 1998 by veteran activist Titewhai Harawira, who
challenged her right to speak. He says the Prime Minister
has never properly addressed Maori issues, and that is why
she has had so much trouble at Waitangi. Mr English says
the change in ceremony arrangements this year is no
guarantee further difficulties will not dog her. Meanwhile
Waitangi day organisers say they will use force if
necessary to prevent anyone from disrupting the Prime
Minister's return to Waitangi. Co-chairman of the Waitangi
Day organising committee, Pita Paraone says he will take
steps to prevent protesters disrupting the official
welcome. Titewhai Harawira has condemned the Prime
Minister's return to Waitangi.
Wednesday, 16 January
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GOVT THREATENS APPLE SHOWDOWN
-----------------------------
The Government is prepared to meet Australia at the World
Trade Organisation if the trans-Tasman apple dispute is not
resolved. New Zealand apples have been banned from
Australia for years, as that country claims our apples pose
the risk of fireblight disease. Agriculture Minister Jim
Sutton says he is running out of patience with the
Australian decision-making process over the issue. He says
every time a resolution is close, the Australians move the
goalposts. He says eventually it will become clear, even to
the WTO, that the Australian process is just a delaying
tactic. Mr Sutton's fighting talk follows the appointment
of a former Australian pipfruit industry lobbyist to a
panel which oversees the supposed risk to Australia from
New Zealand apple imports.
NZER IN GOLD COAST FATAL
------------------------
A Brisbane court has ordered a New Zealand woman be
remanded in custody after an accident on the Gold Coast
which killed a triathlete. Forty-one-year-old Sandra Wilde
had been sought following the fatal hit-and-run accident on
Saturday. Several cyclists were struck, including 24-year-
old Luke Harrop. He died in hospital the following day. It
is alleged that Wilde had been driving a stolen car. She
was arrested yesterday after a neighbour at a Brisbane
block of flats recognised her photograph, which police had
circulated throughout the media. Wilde has been charged
with a range of offences including manslaughter and
dangerous driving.
COURT APPEARANCES AFTER DRUGS RAID
----------------------------------
Three men, charged in connection with last week's drugs
raid in Napier, will reappear in court this morning. Eight
hundred grams of high-grade heroin was found at a Napier
house by police and customs officials. The drugs were
detected in two parcels, which had been posted from
Cambodia. The three men, two aged 30 and one 42, will
appear on charges of importing heroin and possessing heroin
for supply.
UNIONS PREDICT STRIKE CHAOS
---------------------------
Unions claim the Canterbury District Health Board will not
be able to handle an eight-day strike threatened by 3,000
health workers. The strike notice was issued just half-an-
hour before a special crisis meeting called by Christchurch
Mayor Garry Moore yesterday, to discuss the closure of
psychiatric facility Hillmorton Hospital. Nurses'
Organisation spokeswoman Chris Wilson hopes the strike
notice will make the DHB re-assess its position on the pay
dispute. She believes the Board will not be able to a deal
with a strike of that duration and says Health Minister
Annette King should change her stance of not intervening.
The Board and unions are holding further mediation talks
over the next two days. The Canterbury District Health
Board faced a bill of $1 million last month when staff went
on strike for two days.
NEW SCREENING PROCEDURES FOR SHIP PASSENGERS
--------------------------------------------
Customs will use new technology in a world-first method of
screening in-coming tourists. Officers will soon start
boarding New Zealand-bound ships at their last foreign port
of call and begin processing passengers using computers and
the Internet. Customs spokesman Paul Campbell says more
than 70,000 people will arrive via cruise ships this
summer. He says the number of cruise ships visiting and
their passenger capacity is constantly growing. Mr Campbell
says Customs officers are working with cruise ship
operators to speed up visitor visa procedures and maximise
the tourists' enjoyment, as many are only here for a very
short time.
GREENS SUPPORT HUNGER STRIKER
-----------------------------
The Green Party is offering its support to a man staging a
hunger strike outside Parliament to protest GM research.
Twenty-one-year-old Tom Davis is refusing to eat food for
three weeks because of the Government's decision to allow
research into genetically-modified food. Greens co-leader
Rod Donald says he admires Mr Davis' determination and
courage. He does not think the 21 day fast is extreme. Mr
Donald says the consequences of genetic engineering are
unthinkable and what Mr Davis is doing is noble.
FIRST NZ TROOPS LEAVE FOR AFGHANISTAN
-------------------------------------
The deployment of New Zealand troops to the international
security force in Afghanistan has begun. Three Defence
Force personnel left for Britain last night. Another ten
will leave Auckland later today. The 13-strong team will
help manage the loading and unloading of aircraft for the
international security force. They will be attached to a
British unit. A Defence Force spokeswoman says it is
possible the team will be based in neighbouring Pakistan.
TVNZ BLAMED FOR JOB LOSSES
---------------------------
TVNZ is facing fresh criticism for its decision to stop
screening infomercials on TV One last year. National MP
Murray McCully says as a result, LV Martin and son has been
forced to shed 40 jobs from its infomercial business. Mr
McCully says it is a lose-lose situation as not only are
there jobs lost, but TVNZ is also losing $2 million worth
of advertising revenue a year. He says the Government has
created a politically correct environment at TVNZ with its
charter, which is scaring off advertisers.
(Anyone who stamps out all infomercials on all channels,
including the wretched religious ones, will get my vote as
a registered insomniac! - BH)
(Speaking as a registered insomniac, I say hear hear to
TVNZ, more music television, less AbFlex, Magic Wok, Total
Gym, etc - HH)
MINISTER PRAISES BRIGADIER SUSPENSION
-------------------------------------
The Defence Minister believes tough action from Defence
Headquarters is the only way to repair ongoing problems
within the armed forces. Brigadier Ian Marshall has been
suspended after admitting leaking the infamous 'Gordon
Letter'. It detailed ways the Army could secure the lion's
share of the defence budget. The leaking of the document
sparked a series of inquiries. The Brigadier could face
dismissal or a court martial. Defence Minister Mark Burton
says Defence Headquarters has proved it will take a hard
line with any officers acting irresponsibly. He says Air
Marshal Carey Adamson had no choice but to follow through
with a tough punishment and the measured approach replaces
endless ad-hoc decision making. He believes the action
shows the issue is finally being resolved. Mr Burton says
it will be another couple of days before the Defence Forces
make a final decision on what action to take against
Brigadier Marshall.
(I think the Minister is targeting the wrong officer. If I
understand it correctly, the leaked letter reveals some
distinctly improper actions by other officers. Brigadier
Marshall seems to be a whistle-blower, and whereas that
kind of activity can be inconvenient and embarrassing, it
is usually less damaging than any inappropriate behaviour
it reveals. - BH)
GOLF OPEN ORGANISERS NEEDED LOCAL CASH
--------------------------------------
Desperate organisers of last week's loss-making Golf Open
at Paraparaumu asked local councils to help underwrite the
event. The request was made five weeks out from the
tournament, when less than ten per cent of tickets had been
sold. At least five local councils were collectively asked
to underwrite the event by as much as 600-thousand dollars.
Wellington City provided more than 230-thousand dollars,
while the Kapiti Coast District Council contributed another
45-thousand. Porirua, Upper Hutt, and Hutt City were not so
keen. Porirua City says underwriting commercial operations
is not the council's business and not the sort of thing to
spend ratepayers' money on.
WAIHI MINESHAFT RESIDENTS OFFERED $1.6 MILLION
----------------------------------------------
The details of the compensation offer to Waihi land
collapse victims have been decided. Following a meeting in
Waihi today, affected residents of the Coromandel town will
be offered a total of $1.6 million. The Earthquake
Commission will put up the lion's share, with a top-up
coming from mining company Waihi Gold. Residents will be
compensated up to the value of their homes as at December
12, the day before the collapse. Waihi will also be making
a plea to the Insurance Council to be reimbursed for the
cost of security around the collapse area. Despite its
financial contribution Waihi Gold will not be taking any
responsibility for the land subsidence, thought to be due
to mining activities.
ALDER SENTENCE APPEAL DECISION 'UNPRECEDENTED'
----------------------------------------------
The Solicitor-General's decision to appeal the jail
sentence handed down to Hastings murderer Dartelle Alder is
a legal first. It has now emerged that it is not the only
minimum non-parole sentence being appealed. The Crown Law
Office says such intervention by the government's top
counsel is unprecedented. The Solicitor General wants
Dartelle Alder's 15 year minimum non-parole period
extended. Alder was convicted in November of running down,
raping and stabbing Wellington woman Margaret Baxter. The
same day the Alder appeal was lodged, a similar appeal was
made against the minimum non-parole period given to
psychiatrist Colin Bouwer. His conviction for poisoning his
wife was also handed down in November. Meanwhile Dartelle
Alder's barrister says the judge who sentenced him studied
a lot of material before handing out the 15-year minimum
non-parole period. Defence counsel Russell Fairbrother says
he does not believe the material considered by the judge,
including two psychiatric reports, warrants a longer
minimum period. He says sentencing is a matter of judgement
rather than a precise exercise.
SUSPENDED OFFICER SHOULD BE HONOURED, NOT HOUNDED
--------------------------------------------------
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark believes the military officer
suspended for leaking the Gordon letter yesterday should
have instead been given a medal. Brigadier Ian Marshall is
off work on full pay after admitting he leaked the letter,
which detailed ways the army could get a bigger slice of
the defence budget. Mr Mark claims Brigadier Marshall has
been singled out for attention because he is part of a
warring faction in the army that disagrees with the
strategy. He says he is worried one of the factions will
end up copping most of the flak because it does not have
the support of the Government. Ron Mark says Brigadier
Marshall was doing his public duty in uncovering
allegations concerning the politicising of the military.
GREENPEACE ACCUSES JAPAN OF BUYING WHALING VOTES
------------------------------------------------
Greenpeace say Japan is spending millions of dollars to buy
votes for commercial whaling. A research document released
today shows the Japanese Government spent more than a $100
million paying six countries for support. Greenpeace
Campaigner Sarah Duthie says the Japanese government has
spent nearly $800 million in an attempt to resume
commercial whaling. She says Japan admits buying votes and
a PR firm has been hired to advertise its plan to overturn
the ban on commercial whaling. Sarah Duthie says Japanese
taxpayers are unaware of the way the money is being spent.
WESTLAND DAIRY FARMERS REJECT FONTERRA MERGER
---------------------------------------------
Westland dairy farmers have officially rejected a merger
proposal from dairy mega-company Fonterra. Shareholders in
Westland Milk Products unanimously voted against the offer
at a special meeting in Hokitika today. Early last week the
company's board of directors recommended shareholders
reject the proposal. Chairman Ian Robb says the vote
reflects dairy farmers' confidence in the future of the
local industry and their desire to remain in control of
dairy production in their region.
(A unanimous vote on anything at all in the dairy industry
is almost unheard of. I would love to know what they were
told to achieve such a result. - BH)
Saturday, 19 January
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WEATHER NO HANDICAP DURING FATAL TOURIST FLIGHT
-----------------------------------------------
Weather conditions were good at the time of this morning's
fatal plane crash in the South Island. Six people were
killed when the scenic flight crashed into mountainous
terrain, en route from Te Anau to Milford. The alarm was
raised just after ten, when the Air Fiordland Cessna 207
failed to reach its destination. Two New Zealand men, one
of them the pilot; along with couple from England and a
couple from Canada, were killed. Civil Aviation Authority
spokesman Bill Sommer says the weather at the time of the
crash was fine for flying. Air Fiordland chief executive
Russell Baker described it as a clear day with beautiful
skies. Planes have been banned from flying over the crash
site, and an air accident inspector is due to inspect the
wreckage tomorrow.
ACT CLAIMS TAXPAYER LOSING OVER SUPER
-------------------------------------
ACT claims the Government's billion dollar superannuation
fund is already losing $83,000 a week. The Party's Finance
spokesman Rodney Hide says Treasury figures show Finance
Minister Michael Cullen has put aside $256 million for
future superannuation payments. But he says the figures
also show he has also borrowed $550 million for the scheme.
Mr Hide claims Dr Cullen has not invested the money yet and
that it is earning interest at a lower rate than what he
borrowed it at. Rodney Hide says the loss is costing
taxpayers almost $83,000 a week. He says Dr Cullen's policy
is like increasing the mortgage on the house to invest in
the stock market.
NZ COMPANY GOES UNDERGROUND IN LONDON
-------------------------------------
A New Zealand consultancy firm has been awarded a seven-
and-a-half year contract to upgrade an important stretch of
London's Underground. Opus International will be
responsible for architectural upgrades on the Piccadilly
Line. General Manager David Bunting says it is the line on
which New Zealanders arriving in Britain usually experience
their first underground ride, as it runs from Heathrow
Airport. Mr Bunting says the company is also working on the
award-winning North Greenwich station. Closer to home, Opus
has primary responsibility for Auckland's new Britomart
station.
SOUTHERN CROSS ESTIMATES CLAIMS PROCESSING TIME
-----------------------------------------------
Private health insurer, Southern Cross Healthcare, says it
will be several more weeks before it gets on top of a
mountain of claim payments. Southern Cross blames the
introduction of a new computer system for delays in
processing claims. Chief executive Roger Bowie says extra
staff have been brought in to speed up the process and the
entire claims department is working overtime. He says there
is currently a turnaround time of about five weeks,
although complex claims requiring more information will
take longer. Currently, around $25 million worth of claims
is outstanding.
POLICE UNAWARE OF RACIAL TENSION
---------------------------------
Auckland police say they were unaware of any racial
tensions in the street were a young man was stabbed to
death. Twenty-two-year-old Elikena Inia died early on
Wednesday morning, after being stabbed in the heart.
Witnesses say he was an innocent bystander in a fight
between Somali and Polynesian youths, in the suburb of Mt
Albert. Up to 20 officers are investigating the death. No
arrests have been made. Police Area Controller Inspector
Steve Shortland says disturbances in the street in the past
few months are no indication of serious problems between
the racial groups living there. He says police will be on
high alert in case Mr Inia's death sparks more violence and
will be talking to community leaders.
(I note that the Tongan relatives of the deceased man are
pleading that there be no retaliation. - BH)
FORTY-ONE ARRESTS AT BIG EVENT
------------------------------
Auckland police say 41 people have been arrested at the Big
Day Out for disorderly behaviour. Three of those arrested
are women. Police say the main music event is to wind up in
half an hour's time and fans have been generally well
behaved.
(Can I be so bold as to ask what the relevance of some of
the arrested being women is? - HH)
(I almost wonder if the bigger question is, where was the
good news that thousands of young people and a few oldsters
had a whale of a time and didn't get arrested. Is this
really all the news of the eighth running of the Big Day
Out? - BH)
NATIONAL SAYS HILLMORTON PATIENTS ARE 'PAWNS'
----------------------------------------------
The National Party says patients at a Canterbury
psychiatric hospital are pawns in a dispute between staff
and the District Health Board. The board plans to close
Hillmorton Hospital because of safety concerns over
industrial action. It has begun moving patients to other
districts. Today, Hillmorton patients have been protesting,
supported by several National MPs. Associate Finance
spokesman David Carter says he is concerned government
inaction over the closure will tip patients over the edge.
He says the dispute has gone on for months and Annette
King's recent visit to Christchurch has done nothing to
resolve it. A patient at the Hospital has told IRN she
fears for her future if the hospital closes. 'Megan' says
she regularly uses both outpatient and inpatient services,
and if the hospital closes she will be badly affected. She
says she goes for crisis admissions when things are going
bad for her and she does not know what will happen if it is
not there.
'CHIEF HOBBIT' DEFENDS MOVIE'S HONOUR
-------------------------------------
Lord of the Rings Minister Pete Hodgson has fired a shot
back at Australia, after the Sydney Morning Herald poked
fun at our pride over making the Tolkien film. A tongue-in-
cheek column in the paper says Kiwis have gone overboard
boasting about the film, when director Peter Jackson is
just a front man, and it is really an American movie. But
Pete Hodgson says the column was a million miles from the
truth, and a good excuse to make jokes about Kiwis. Mr
Hodgson says the writer of the column was probably a
cricket fan.......Australia has lost its last two matches
to New Zealand.
THE FINANCIAL PAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 17 January 2002 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 0.4252
AUD 0.8228
GBP 0.2961
JPY 56.25
CAD 0.6791
EUR 0.4833
HKD 3.3247
SGD 0.7816
ZAR 4.9833
CHF 0.7087
INTEREST RATES (%)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call : 4.75
90 Day: 4.87
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