----- WYSIWYG NEWS -------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer

More or less at 5 pm on Friday, a two day spell of very 
good weather came to an abrupt end with rain, and wind 
predicted to reach 80 km/h. Since I am focussing on my 
research except for short breaks like this, and have no 
teaching obligations this trimester, the boundary between 
weekend and weekdays is purely notional one. Many with more 
regular working hours, however, are beginning to despair of 
ever seeing summer. A Canadian subscriber called by on 
Wednesday and kindly bought me lunch, after which I 
attempted to give him a brief tour of Wellington 
(regrettably time-constrained to a circuit of the Miramar 
Peninsula and up to the Wind Turbine at Brooklyn). I found 
my self saying far too often, "on a clear day you could see 
such and such from here." I am not entirely sure he 
believed me. It was in any event, a great pleasure to share 
an hour or two with a reader. I am always glad to meet 
readers, and the provision of food and drink is not at all 
necessary! 
 
 
------
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 Bruce Hamilton. Many 
thanks, Bruce. 

On with the news: 
 
Monday, 18 February 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TEACHERS GIVE FAIL MARK TO PAY RISE 
-----------------------------------
  
Secondary teachers have refused to accept a proposed pay 
settlement. Fifty six per cent of teachers turned down the 
offer, which included a 3.5 per cent salary increase over 
two years. The package also included less time spent 
teaching. The Post Primary Teachers' Association has been 
conducting secret ballots around the country over the last 
fortnight. PPTA president Jen McCutcheon says teachers were 
supportive of the workload relief in the package, but saw 
the pay offer as inadequate recognition for a demanding and 
complex job. She says it is too early to speculate on any 
industrial action, but an immediate ban has been imposed on 
day relief. 

(I suspect that this campaign, like that of university 
staff will founder on the rocks of public indifference. 
Neither group is vital to life as the nurses are, nor do 
they have that "angels of mercy" aura. Let me not take 
anything away from the nurses. As I have observed before, I 
am married to one, and some of the others I know could beat 
me up! Yet I think in the long run, the steady salary 
erosion of both groups is causing massive leaking which is 
in no way compensated for by the cosmetic expenditure up 
front. - BH)


ANDERTON FIRES WARNING SHOT AT PARTY COUNCIL 
--------------------------------------------
  
Alliance leader Jim Anderton is firing a warning shot to 
his party about the behaviour of its ruling council. At a 
meeting in Auckland over the weekend, the council refused 
to nominate Corrections Minister Matt Robson as an Alliance 
candidate. The council has been unhappy with Mr Robson 
since he and seven Alliance MPs redirected the money during 
a power struggle between leader Jim Anderton and president 
Matt McCarten last year. If the situation remains as it is, 
Mr Robson will be unable to stand at the next election. Mr 
Anderton says the council should be celebrating the success 
of the party over the launch of Kiwibank and its victory 
over paid parental leave, not fighting amongst itself. He 
says, if MPs cannot make up their minds about whether they 
want to be in Government, the public will make it up for 
them. Mr Anderton also says the council should take note of 
the latest opinion poll. The One News-Colmar Brunton poll 
gives the Alliance a dismal one per cent rating with Labour 
soaring to 51 per cent. Matt Robson is the Alliance's 
third-ranked MP and spokesman for courts, corrections and 
disarmament. 

(I listened with interest to Radio New Zealand's political 
editor suggesting that the Alliance has already split, ad 
is now Jim's mob versus the rest. I don't know if Jim can 
hold Wigram, but I would predict an arctic future for the 
rest of them. - BH)

HOTEL VENUE FOR WALLACE HEARING 
-------------------------------
  
The depositions hearing in the fatal shooting of Steven 
Wallace continues in a hotel today as all the courtrooms at 
the New Plymouth District Court are full. The private 
prosecution is entering its fifth week and moves to the 
'Plymouth' Hotel. The defence counsel is calling Steven 
Wallace's mother Raewyn and sister Helen to the stand. High 
ranking police personnel will also be giving evidence. Dr 
Ian Miller is expected to discuss the concept of 'suicide 
by police', describing how Steven Wallace may have 
purposely placed himself in a confrontational situation 
with the police. The case is expected to continue until the 
end of the week. 

BLAKIE JURY VIEWS KEY SITES 
---------------------------
  
The jury in the murder trial of the man accused of killing 
hitchhiker Lisa Blakie will travel to parts of inland 
Canterbury today. The Crown is arguing that 32-year-old 
Timothy Taylor picked up Lisa Blakie on February 2, 2000, 
strangled her to death and then left her body in a Porter 
River lay-by, where she was found about four days later. 
The trial started at the High Court in Christchurch on 
Friday. The jury is being taken to a number of sites 
significant to the investigation, including the location 
where the body was found, the service station where Ms 
Blakie was picked up and the places where her belongings 
were discovered. The trial is expected to take three 
months. 

PM QUIET ON POSSIBLE JUDGE SACKING 
----------------------------------
  
Prime Minister Helen Clark will not be drawn on whether a 
High Court judge should be sacked for surfing pornographic 
internet sites on his Justice Department computer. Cabinet 
will consider an urgent Crown Law Office report on the 
actions of Justice Robert Fisher, who admits looking at 
pornographic websites at work. The matter has already been 
addressed by the Chief Justice. The Prime Minister says 
there are two issues at stake: judicial independence and 
judicial credibility, both of which are important. Miss 
Clark says it is obvious no employer tolerates the viewing 
of porn on a work computer . She will not be drawn on 
whether it is a sacking offence. She says the question 
concerning the Government now is how people will view a 
judge who has looked at porn. 

(A more important question for me is how do I view a 
government that defends triple dipping consultants, and 
that is contemplating legalising prostitution while at the 
same time pursing their lips over the judge's admittedly 
foolish actions. And yes, I know he used a work computer in 
work time, but where are the people who get prissy about 
work time when the judge works past the knock off whistle. 
The concepts of "work time" versus "private time" tend to 
get a bit blurred for many salaried workers - BH)

RSA VICTIM'S BROTHER CALLS FOR TOUGHER SENTENCES 
------------------------------------------------
  
The brother of the only survivor of the Auckland RSA 
killings has joined those lobbying for tougher prison 
sentences. Two men have been charged with attempting to 
murder Susan Couch at the Mt Wellington-Panmure RSA in 
December. They are also charged with the murders of William 
Absolum, Mary Hobson and Wayne Johnson. At a pre-election 
strategy meeting of the Sensible Sentencing Trust this 
weekend, Ms Couch's brother Steve said he is seeking 
justice for victims. Mr Couch says his sister is now on the 
mend but, as she struggled for her life in the first few 
weeks, his family was forced to relive the tragedy every 
day. He says major changes are needed in the sentencing of 
violent offenders. 

TUGS POINT JODY IN RIGHT DIRECTION 
----------------------------------
  
Attempts will be made in Gisborne today to point the 
stranded log carrier Jody F Millennium back out to sea as a 
prelude to refloating her later in the week. A third heavy 
haul tug is being connected to the ship this morning to 
control the bow. Seatow 25 will be attached to the stern to 
control sideways movement. Once the tugs are in position 
the ship will be pointed out to sea. The salvors hope the 
Jody could then refloat herself, but are planning to make 
another attempt tomorrow. The oil has been stripped from 
the ship's bottom tanks and the risk of further oil spills 
is now minimal. More logs may be taken off the ship by 
helicopter today. Local crayfishers say there are several 
rock reefs between Jody and the open sea, which is causing 
some concern. 

(As of Friday night, Jody F is still firmly on the sand 
bank. - BH)

EMPLOYERS HAVE INTERNET BROWSING RIGHTS 
---------------------------------------
  
Business New Zealand says employers have the right to 
monitor what their staff are looking at on the Internet. 
The comment follows the revelation High Court judge Robert 
Fisher has admitted viewing pornographic material over a 
period of several weeks on his work computer. Business New 
Zealand Executive Director Anne Knowles says most employers 
would have strict guidelines covering what workers can 
access on their office computer. She says employees should 
realise that their bosses have the right to check up on 
what they are downloading on their office computer. Ms 
Knowles says if they find inappropriate material is being 
looked at the ultimate action a company could take against 
an employee is dismissal. 

LABOUR, CLARK CLEAR FAVOURITES - POLITICAL POLL 
-----------------------------------------------
  
The Labour Party can seemingly do no wrong, while National 
and The Alliance both slip off the pace early in election 
year. A One News/Colmar Brunton poll has found that 
economic optimism has risen by 3% since mid-December, and 
with it, has risen Labour's popularity in the Party Vote. 
It is at 51%, up by six since December, and Helen Clark's 
popularity as Prime Minister continues its upward momentum 
- by 4% to 45. National slips by 4% to 35, and Bill English 
is at 14%, sliding by three as preferred Prime Minister. 
And the popularity of the Alliance has dived by two-thirds, 
to 1%. 

(Polls always seem to favour an incumbent, no matter what 
the party. Nevertheless, there is a baffling Teflon quality 
to this Prime Minister. - BH)

GANGS GUARANTEE END TO INITIMIDATION 
------------------------------------
  
Palmerston North's MP believes gang leaders are prepared to 
stop intimidation in the city. Leaders of the Mongrel Mob 
and Black Power faced around 400 locals today with police, 
the city's mayor and MP Steve Maharey. Family of murdered 
16-year-old Wallace Whatuira were also there. Mr Maharey 
says residents sent a strong message to the gang members, 
who spoke openly at the meeting. He says they gave a 
guarantee to try to stop their associates behaving in a 
threatening way. Steve Maharey says the meeting was 
positive, and a clear indication that everyone in the 
community is ready to resolve the issue. 

ATTEMPT TO STOP PIG HORMONE FAILED 
----------------------------------
  
The Pork Industry Board says it tried to stop the 
introduction of a genetically-engineered hormone, used to 
fatten up pigs in the last month of their lives. The use of 
porcine somatotropin was approved by the Animal Remedies 
Board last October. Pork Industry Board Chief Angus 
Davidson says the board was kept in the dark about the 
product. He says the board tried to stop the drug being 
registered, but it was too late. Mr Davidson refused to say 
when pork containing the growth hormone will be on 
supermarket shelves. He says pork produced using the 
hormones will not carry the Board's seal of approval.  

(If the Board is sincere, I wonder how they will know which 
pork actually has the hormones. The bovine equivalent was 
always firmly rejected by the Dairy Board for fear of 
precisely this kind of backlash - BH)

DAIRY SALE HITS WORLD WIDE WEB 
------------------------------
  
Long established rural supply company Wrightson has geared 
itself up for the information superhighway. The company's 
new website boasts 52,000 dairy cows and heifers on offer 
on line. The firm says farmers can browse through herds for 
sale, check out the latest sales results from saleyards, 
look at velvet prices and view stud animals. Managing 
Director Dr Allan Freeth says Wrightson will continue to 
offer more traditional livestock services. 

POSSIBLE SHOWDOWN LOOMING FOR ALLIANCE 
--------------------------------------
  
The Alliance council appears to be prepared for a walk-out 
of some of its MPs. Tensions between leader Jim Anderton's 
camp and president Matt McCarten's loyalists are 
intensifying, after staunch Anderton ally, Matt Robson's 
candidacy was rejected by the Alliance council at the 
weekend. The council failed to endorse the MP after he 
refused to reinstate his tithing of part of his salary to 
the party coffers. Seven MPs including leader Jim Anderton 
re-directed their payments last year after a row between 
the leader and president. Mr Robson says the council's 
resolution is symptomatic of "other issues" being resolved 
within the party. He says he is concentrating on building 
support for the election and representing the views of 
Alliance members who are excited about various projects, 
like Kiwibank and paid parental leave. Party leader Jim 
Anderton says if Matt Robson goes, he will go too. 
Canterbury University political scientist, John Henderson, 
says Mr Anderton has the power to make good that threat by 
walking away to form a new party. Dr Henderson predicts Jim 
Anderton will probably be re-elected in Wigram, but any 
party formed by what is left of the ruling council will not 
have a show of getting in. 

(Which is pretty much as I suggested earlier - BH)

LAWYERS PRESENT VERY DIFFERENT SCENARIOS 
----------------------------------------
  
Two very different stories are being heard in the High 
Court in Christchurch, at the murder trial of Kevin Harmer. 
The Crown alleges the death of Harmer's wife Jillian Thomas 
in a vehicle fire on their farm in October of 1999 was no 
accident. Crown prosecutor Phil Shammy says they will 
present evidence which shows Jillian Thomas was either dead 
or deeply unconscious before the fire started, and that it 
was deliberately lit by Harmer. However, defence counsel 
Nigel Hampton QC says the Crown will have trouble proving 
its case, as he claims it is based purely on opinion and 
speculation over what will be proved to be an innocent 
accident. 

(To the best of my knowledge, this gentleman is not related 
to me. The disclaimer makes no assumptions about guilt or 
innocence. - BH)
(I hope not - HH)

TEACHERS TURN DOWN 3. 5% RISE 
-----------------------------
  
Secondary school teachers are not ruling out strike action, 
after turning down a settlement offer. Fifty-six per cent 
have voted not to ratify the deal, which included a 3. 5 
per cent salary rise over two years. The secondary school 
teachers' union conducted secret ballots around the country 
over the last few weeks. PPTA president Jen McCutcheon says 
the union must now look at how it can get an acceptable 
offer. She says there will be an executive meeting later 
this week followed by a seminar of activists. Ms McCutcheon 
says an immediate ban has been imposed on day relief 
teaching. 

Tuesday, 19 February 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HOUSE PRICES DOWN, SALES UP 
----------------------------
  
House prices fell slightly in January, but the number of 
sales has surged ahead. Nearly 6,800 properties changed 
hands last month. That is $2,000 up on January 2001. The 
median price last month was $175,000 dollars, down $3,000 
on December. But overall the Real Estate Institute thinks 
the residential property market is pretty buoyant. 
Institute President Rex Hadley says low interest rates and 
competition from mortgage lenders are contributing factors. 

ALLIANCE BURIES HATCHET (NOT IN EACH OTHER) 
-------------------------------------------
  
A change of tune in the Alliance Party today. IRN political 
editor Barry Soper says Alliance members have emerged from 
their caucus meeting at Parliament all singing from the 
same song sheet. He says Mr McCarten sounded like a 
relationship counsellor, saying it is unhelpful when people 
make public comments that are not the common consensus. 
Barry Soper says it was a bit like 'Groundhog Day' as the 
leadership repeated their pledges to work together, just as 
they did after the showdown between Party president Matt 
McCarten and leader Jim Anderton late last year. Mr 
McCarten, whose leadership was questioned by Mr Anderton 
yesterday, says everything is 'hunky dory'. He says they 
have all pledged to work together, promoting Alliance 
policies. He is now going to approach each MP who has 
redirected their weekly tithing into a campaign account, to 
restore it to the party coffers. 

(Like most songs, once the echoes have died away, only the 
memory remains. - BH)

MICROSOFT PIRACY CAMPAIGN SUCCESSFUL 
------------------------------------
  
Software giant Microsoft's anti-piracy programme is so 
successful it is being extended. The "Five plus Five" 
campaign encourages people to report cases of software 
piracy by offering a $5,000 reward, together with another 
$5,000 for charity. It was originally intended to finish in 
December but will now run through until March. Microsoft 
New Zealand Intellectual Property Manager Anna Lundon says 
254 cases of piracy are currently under review. She says it 
is vital to New Zealand's industries that the innovators 
who develop software are able to benefit from their 
creations without others effectively stealing it. Ms Lundon 
says this country invests a significant amount of money in 
research and development, and it makes sense to protect 
that investment. She says the problem of piracy affects the 
music and movie industries as well as computer software. 
According to a survey, pirated software accounts for around 
28 per cent of ALL software in New Zealand, and costs the 
industry 40 million dollars a year. Microsoft's anti-piracy 
campaign can be contacted on 0800 747229

COURT HEARS EVENTS OF NIGHT OF LUNDY MURDER 
-------------------------------------------
  
Events at the Lundy house in Palmerston North on the night 
of 29th August 2000 are still being pieced together at the 
High Court trial of Mark Lundy. Lundy has pleaded not 
guilty to the charge of murdering his wife and daughter. 
Safka Bennett, who knew the Lundy family through the local 
Operatic Society, and who lived in the same street says she 
was accustomed to seeing the Lundy house lights on when she 
went past just before 10 o'clock after finishing her night 
shift at New Zealand Post. However, on the night of the 
murders, she noticed the Lundy house was unusually dark. A 
neighbour says the security lights, plus the kitchen and 
toilet lights, were on and the conservatory door wide open 
at 11 o'clock. 

PM SAYS JUDGE PORN ISSUE HANDLED BADLY 
--------------------------------------
  
The Prime Minister is miffed she was not told earlier about 
the High Court Judge Internet sex scandal. Helen Clark's 
making it clear she does not want to be left in the dark 
again, after being informed 15 months after the event. She 
says the Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias did not believe the 
issue needed to be brought up with the Government, because 
she had already sorted it out with the man at the centre of 
the row, Justice Robert Fisher. Helen Clark says, in her 
view, that should not have happened. She says, once there 
is a suggestion such a matter could become public, the 
Government needs to be advised. The Government's now 
considering establishing a judicial commission to deal with 
matters like the Justice Fisher case. 

LISA WAS 'CARING' SAYS MUM 
--------------------------
  
Murdered Timaru woman Lisa Blakie has been described as a 
caring and free spirited girl who was on the run. That from 
the 20-year-old's mother Philippa Dee, who has been 
testifying in the high court trial of Timothy Taylor. The 
32-year-old is accused of strangling Ms Blakie, after 
picking up the hitch hiker in February 2000. His trial in 
Christchurch started yesterday. Philippa Dee says she spoke 
with her daughter the day before the Crown claims Taylor 
killed her. She said her daughter was scared, anxious and 
on the run. She says someone had threatened to smash up her 
Timaru flat. 

HEALTH BOARD SUED OVER FAILED VASECTOMY 
---------------------------------------
  
The lawyer representing a couple suing over a failed 
vasectomy is describing the case as "complex". A High Court 
has given the go-ahead for a couple to sue a district 
health board for $250,000. The couple claim they were not 
told about the risk of failure before having the 
sterilisation procedure. The woman became pregnant after 
the vasectomy. The couple's lawyer, Roger Chapman, says 
there is conflicting evidence between the two parties. They 
disagree on just how much information was disclosed before 
the operation. All details about the couple, the location 
and the Health Board concerned have been suppressed. 

(The very prospect of such a suit means that some poor 
child is branded as an unwanted accident. This is a heck of 
a burden to carry - BH)

DISTRICT COURT JUDGES CLEARED OF PORN VIEWING 
---------------------------------------------
  
The five District Court judges being investigated for 
accessing pornographic websites during work hours have been 
cleared. Attorney-General Margaret Wilson has met with the 
Chief District Court Judge, David Carruthers to discuss the 
matter. Ms Wilson says Judge Carruthers has sought an 
explanation from each of the judges. She says in four 
cases, the access was work-related and in the other case, 
the access was of extremely short duration and accidental. 
Margaret Wilson says on that basis, no further action will 
be taken. However, she says a court official is still being 
questioned over access to internet porn sites. Meanwhile, 
the government is still taking advice on the case of High 
Court judge, Justice Robert Fisher, who admitted accessing 
internet sex sites. 

HARBOUR MASTER NOT AT FAULT SAYS COUNCIL 
----------------------------------------
  
The Gisborne District Council is denying that the harbour 
master made the decision to put to sea on the night the 
Jody F Millennium grounded. The stricken log carrier's 
Japanese owners are reported to have alleged that the 
harbour master made the call to sail on Waitangi Day during 
rough weather. The local council has navigational and 
harbour master responsibilities through the Local 
Government Act. District Council CEO Bob Elliott says the 
harbour master took no part in the decision to leave port. 
Mr Elliott says the master was not aware of the situation 
and was not informed until 2.15 the following morning, when 
the log carrier was already aground. Meanwhile, hundreds of 
people have gathered on Waikanae Beach as moves to 
reposition the ship reach crunch point with high tide. 
Three tugs are pulling and pushing the log carrier in a 
controlled effort to reposition the ship's bow out to sea. 
However there are no noticeable signs the Jody F Millennium 
is about to refloat. 

AWARD SCHEME FOR TERTIARY TEACHERS 
----------------------------------
  
Tertiary teachers are to be given official recognition for 
their work for the first time. There will be up to nine 
awards for excellence across three categories as well as a 
supreme Prime Minister's award. The prize money awarded for 
excellence will be $20,000 dollars per award, and the 
winner of the Prime Minister's award will receive $30,000. 
Associate education minister Steve Maharey says it is time 
tertiary teachers received the recognition they have lacked 
for so long. Steve Maharey says the awards are a way of the 
government encouraging clear direction, and will improve 
quality teaching and research. Recipients will be announced 
at a ceremony in June. 

(Don't praise them! Pay them! - BH)

JUDGE PORN ROW "FEMINIST WITCH-HUNT" - ACT 
-------------------------------------------
  
The Act Party claims more information is needed before any 
consideration is given to sacking the judge at the centre 
of the internet pornography controversy. High Court judge 
Robert Fisher has admitted logging on to explicit adult sex 
sites on his work computer. It has been revealed that at 
least three District Court judges have also been looking up 
porn at work. Stephen Franks says, unless the web sites 
Justice Robert Fisher visited are vicious or illegal, the 
whole row looks like a feminist witch-hunt. He is accusing 
Attorney-General Margaret Wilson of stirring up the issue 
of sacking judges because of her own pet project to 
restructure the Courts and make space for "politically 
correct" appointments. 

("Feminist witch hunt" is not a phrase which would come 
easily to my lips, nor on the other hand am I an apologist 
for porn. However, I have found it hard to swallow the 
outrage of Women's Refuge over this. Correct me if I am 
wrong, but was it not their CEO, now a Christian Heritage 
Party Candidate who not only saw nothing wrong in strip 
joints, but actually patronised one? I have nothing but 
admiration for the work of Women's refuge, but the 
indignation of one of their spokespersons is just off the 
wall in this case. However the real sting in the tail in 
this story is that Mr Franks was apparently unaware that 
the person who gave the story to the media was his ACT 
colleague, Rodney Hide.  - BH)

Wednesday, 20 February 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NZ TRIP RELIEF FROM CRISIS 
--------------------------
  
The Australian Governor-General's trip to New Zealand today 
is going ahead, despite his being embroiled in a career-
threatening controversy at home. Dr Peter Hollingworth has 
been accused of covering up child sex abuse claims during 
his tenure as Archbishop of Brisbane. Dr Hollingworth is 
coming to Wellington to open an exhibition of Ned Kelly 
paintings and will be greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Jim 
Anderton at the airport. The visit could be a welcome 
relief for Dr Hollingworth, who is being hounded by the 
Australian press. Dr Hollingworth has denied the 
allegations and says he will not resign. But he may be 
asked to take part in an independent investigation by the 
Anglican Church into the past handling of child abuse 
cases. 

OUR BOOKS ARE FINE - TELECOM 
-----------------------------
  
Telecom maintains there is nothing wrong with its books. 
The company's accounts are under review by the Securities 
Commission. Analysts are questioning Telecom's better-than-
expected December quarter result of $161 million. In 
particular they have zeroed in on Telecom's upfront 
recognition of revenue from long-term contracts. Some 
experts think that revenue should be spread over the life 
of the contracts. However, Telecom says its accounting is 
consistent with New Zealand standards. There is heightened 
interest worldwide in company accounts, in the wake of 
accounting issues at collapsed US energy company Enron. 

DETAILS ON PREMIUM INCREASES STILL NOT KNOWN 
--------------------------------------------
  
Southern Cross clients will have to wait a while longer to 
find out just how much their premiums are going to go up 
by. It is still unknown exactly how much extra Southern 
Cross clients will have to pay, but it is thought some 
services could go up by 20 per cent. Board spokesman Bryan 
Kensington says they are still working out the exact 
increase in what will be the second premium rise in a year. 
He says it will differ between products but will bring them 
in line with their competitors. Mr Kensington says premiums 
are going up because the number of claims are rising as 
well. He says the public sector is doing less elective 
surgery than it has in the past, and advances in health 
technology mean there are more surgery options available. 

KYOTO COULD BENEFIT NZ - WORLD AUTHORITY 
----------------------------------------
  
A world climate authority believes New Zealand can benefit 
from the Kyoto Protocol. United Nations' climate expert 
Robert Watson has been addressing the Kyoto Protocol 
Business Summit in Auckland. The summit aims to measure the 
economic implications of the protocol. Dr Watson says New 
Zealand can trade its carbon dioxide credits with other 
nations, resulting in a slight economic profit. He says the 
Government must implement a clear stimulating policy for 
industry. Dr Watson believes the Government is capable of 
ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, and pleasing big business at 
the same time. 

FINDING A WAY TO PROVIDE RURAL BROADBAND 
----------------------------------------
  
Telecom says it is keen to work with regional councils and 
rural communities to find commercially viable ways to bring 
broadband internet access to remote parts of the country. 
Telecom has today announced 12 exchanges will be upgraded 
to bring the total number of high speed exchanges to 146. 
Broadband access enables Internet users to download data 
more quickly, which is particularly important for people 
who want to access audio and video files on the world wide 
web. Telecom Chief Operating Officer Simon Moutter says 
broadband access is available from exchanges where it is 
likely to be commercially viable, based on factors 
including the cost of upgrading an exchange and likely 
customer demand. He says there is low demand for fast 
Internet access in rural areas, which makes it necessary to 
work with communities to pool customer demand before 
Telecom actually spends money on the technology. Mr Moutter 
says Telecom is pleased with the success of a pilot scheme 
in Otago where the Community Trust of Otago made it 
possible to introduce broadband in 13 Otago towns Â" and to 
every secondary school in the region. He is keen to see 
similar schemes in other remote parts of the country where 
Telecom cannot immediately see a business case that 
justifies investment in exchange upgrades. 

(I wouldn't mind some affordable bandwidth in suburban 
Lower Hutt! - BH)

HARMER CASE: MORE WITNESS STATEMENTS 
------------------------------------
  
A High Court jury in Christchurch has heard witness 
statements regarding murder-accused Kevin Harmer's 
behaviour at the time of his wife's death, on the third day 
of his trial. According to Alistair Harvey, the first 
person on the scene of Jillian Thomas' death, Harmer was 
yelling and screaming at the vehicle as the fire consumed 
it. The Crown alleges Harmer set the fire and murdered his 
wife. Alistair Harvey says Harmer was visibly upset, as he 
was himself, on learning Ms Thomas was in the fire. He 
noticed no trace of petrol or accelerant around the vehicle 
and he also testified the doors of the vehicle were closed, 
But he couldn't say how secure they were. 

NZ FIRST PRESS SECRETARY TO FACE SEX CHARGES 
--------------------------------------------
 
Parliament is abuzz following revelations a former press 
secretary to New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is in 
jail. His remand follows allegations he had sex with a 14-
year-old Australian girl he made contact with over the 
Internet. Thirty-nine-year-old Rex Widerstrom, a father of 
four, has appeared in the Wellington District Court today 
where he consented to being extradited to Australia to face 
the sex charge. Widerstrom lost a bid for name suppression. 
He has been remanded to Rimutaka Prison and a detective 
will accompany him to Perth on Friday. Widerstrom was a 
former radio talk-back host in Hamilton before coming to 
Wellington to join Mr Peters. 

(Mr Widerstrom was a sometime poster to soc.culture.new-
zealand - BH)

KAKAPO CHICK HOPED FIRST OF MANY 
--------------------------------
  
It is hoped a breakthrough in the Kakapo recovery programme 
this morning will be the first of many. The first chick of 
this year's breeding season hatched overnight on Codfish 
Island, northwest of Stewart Island. Kakapo recovery team 
leader Paul Jansen says they still have 52 eggs left to 
hatch. He reckons half of those eggs will produce chicks 
which will survive. This will result in about 25 to 30 
chicks this season which will increase the Kakapo 
population by 50 per cent. 

WAITARA CASE DISMISSED 
----------------------
  
The private murder prosecution against Constable A over the 
death of Steven Wallace has been dismissed. The decision 
was announced in the New Plymouth District Court a few 
minutes after midday. The court has been hearing 
depositions for the past five weeks. The decision, made by 
two Justices of the Peace, goes against the hopes of both 
the Prosecution and the Defence, who all wanted the case to 
go to trial in the High Court. The Defence claims an 
acquittal is the only way to clear Constable A's name. 

(If you have read my earlier opinions on this case, you 
will not be surprised that I am delighted. - BH)

WALLACE FAMILY WANT DECISION OVERTURNED 
---------------------------------------
  
The counsel representing the family of Steven Wallace is 
calling for today's District Court decision to be 
overturned - but police say they are delighted. The Wallace 
family's private murder prosecution against Constable A 
over the shooting of the Waitara man has been dismissed by 
the New Plymouth District Court. On day 23 of the 
depositions hearing, the two Justices of the Peace who have 
been presiding have decided the case will not go before a 
High Court jury. Both prosecution and defence were in 
agreement when they made their final submissions yesterday 
that sending the matter to the High Court would have been a 
final solution to the argument. The two JPs concluded 
Constable A shot Steven Wallace in self defence, and that 
the evidence suggested excessive force had not been used. 
John Rowan QC is to advise the Wallace family to seek an 
administrative review of the decision at the High Court. He 
says he is confident the review will result in an 
indictment in due course. Meanwhile, Police Association 
president Greg O'Connor says it is a pity the case did not 
get as far as a High Court acquittal, which would have 
protected Constable A from further action. But Mr O'Connor 
says that is a small down-side to what is a positive 
decision, not only for the constable's family, but for 
middle New Zealand which can now know the police are able 
to do their job. Greg O'Connor says Constable Abbott was 
called out of bed at four o'clock in the morning, became 
caught up in a set of circumstances, and took the only 
option available to him. 

RARE HATCHING EXCITES CONSERVATIONISTS 
--------------------------------------
  
The first kakapo chick in three years has hatched. Mum, 
Flossie, has been nurturing the egg on Codfish Island off 
the Southland coast. The chick has been temporarily named 
F-One. The hatching raises the world population of the 
endangered species to 63 birds. DoC staff are hoping it is 
just the start of the best kakapo chick season ever. 
Flossie is sitting on another two eggs which are expected 
to hatch within the next six days. In total, there are 18 
birds sitting on 53 eggs. 

NO THREAT, JUST CONCERN FROM JACKSON 
------------------------------------
  
An outspoken Alliance MP has denied issuing an ultimatum to 
his leader. Newspaper reports say Willie Jackson has given 
Jim Anderton until the end of the week to say if he still 
wants the Mana Motuhake leader in the party. But this 
morning Mr Jackson says that is not true, but he does want 
things to be worked out before the end of the week. Willie 
Jackson says the party needs to sort out its problems for 
the good of the country. He says Mr Anderton thinks 
Alliance president Matt McCarten is trying to undermine his 
leadership, when that is not the case. Mr Jackson believes 
the current infighting means the Alliance is going down the 
tubes. 

Thursday, 21 February  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR-GENERAL ARRIVES IN NZ 
-----------------------------------------
  
The embattled Australian Governor-General is now at 
Government House in Wellington, which given the events in 
Australia over the past few days may be a welcome bolt-hole 
for him. Peter Hollingworth has been accused of turning a 
blind eye when he was Archbishop of Brisbane, to the sexual 
abuse of a 14 year old girl by one of his priests. IRN 
political editor Barry Soper says Dr Hollingworth will be 
pleased to be out of the limelight. He says it seems 
appropriate the Governor-General was greeted by a Maori war 
dance when he arrived, although he says the challenge laid 
down here is nothing compared with the challenge facing him 
back home. 

LUNDY'S MOVEMENTS OUTLINED TO COURT 
-----------------------------------
  
Murder-accused Mark Lundy told an interviewing detective he 
had been a naughty boy, as he retraced the 24 hours before 
the killings of his wife and daughter. Mark Lundy's written 
statement took more than two hours to be read to the jury, 
at the High Court in Palmerston North. In the statement, 
Lundy recalled the people he saw, the contacts he had with 
his wife, petrol he bought, and the motel in which he 
stayed. He purchased a bottle of rum, some food and a soft 
drink, and checked into his motel unit. Taking a book, he 
drove to the foreshore and read until it was dark. He then 
returned to his motel unit to watch TV, until a prostitute 
arrived just before midnight. He said he had used an escort 
eight to 10 times over the past six years and that his sex 
life with his wife was not particularly active. 

TEENAGER TO BE SENTENCED FOR KILLING FATHER 
-------------------------------------------
  
A teenager accused of shooting his father has been 
convicted of manslaughter in the High Court at Whangarei 
this afternoon. Fifteen year old, Tikiahi Erstich has been 
remanded on bail for sentencing on the 8th of March. He had 
been facing charges of murdering his father, Walter Erstich 
at Awanui, just north of Whangarei in July last year. 

NZ HAS GROWING SENSE OF NATIONHOOD 
----------------------------------
  
Republican sentiment appears to be alive and well in 
Parliament, on the eve of the Queen's visit to New Zealand. 
IRN political editor Barry Soper says the leaders of the 
political parties have spoken fondly of the Monarchy, but 
most have mentioned the growing sense of nationhood in this 
country. It was 50 years ago last Waitangi Day that Queen 
Elizabeth was crowned. Labour's acting leader Michael 
Cullen told Parliament a year ago there was very little 
republican sentiment in this country but that appears not 
to be so today. 

(Oddly a poll released the same day seemed to indicate just 
33% in favour of abolition, 58% firmly in favour of 
retention, and the rest undecided. I don't think the change 
will happen while Her Majesty is here this trip? - BH)

SEX ABUSE CLAIMS IMPACT ACC STAFFING 
------------------------------------
  
A rising number of sexual abuse claims has ACC needing more 
staff. The government agency is receiving around 500 claims 
a week, since it was revealed last month victims could 
receive lump-sum payments of up to $100 thousand. Chief 
Executive Garry Wilson says the extra workload is 
manageable, without blowing out the budget. He says they 
are taking on a couple of extra administrative staff, as 
well as about seven case managers to deal with the claims. 

STUDENTS BACK ALLIANCE DESPITE SQUABBLES 
-----------------------------------------
  
The Alliance will not lose student votes, just as long as 
their squabbling does not affect their education policies, 
according to University Students Association co-president, 
Andrew Campbell. He says the Alliance is the best advocate 
for student issues and for promoting change. Mr Campbell 
believes if the Alliance maintains the free education 
policy, students will vote for the party. He says students 
rely on the Alliance to maintain a commitment to reduce 
student debt. He says it is important for student debt to 
be a key focus with the election coming up. 

KEEP US SHUT SAY RETAILERS 
--------------------------
  
Some retailers in the country's big shopping malls are 
pleading for new legislation not to force them to open on 
the few remaining holidays they have left. Parliament is to 
debate Rodney Hide's bill seeking to allow shops to open on 
Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. He says that 
is what retailers want. But Debbie, who runs a shop in a 
big Auckland Mall told IRN that it was a crime to rob her 
and her staff of their only three remaining holidays. 
Debbie says, if the bill goes through, she will be forced 
to open. She says the fine for not opening imposed by the 
Mall owners is one thousand dollars for the first hour, and 
a hundred dollars for every hour after that. 

NATIONAL SAYS MORATORIUM STIFLES AGRICULTURE 
--------------------------------------------
  
The National Party's Agriculture spokesman, Gavan Herlihy 
says the Government should call off the proposed moratorium 
on genetic modification. He says the impending ban has 
already seen top researchers - such as Phil l'Hullier who 
led AgResearch's calf cloning research - head offshore to 
join overseas companies. He says the Government should back 
this country's talented agricultural researchers, otherwise 
the Prime Minister's claimed support for innovation is just 
weasel words. Mr Herlihy says he agrees with AgResearch's 
science general manager Dr Paul Atkinson, who says the 
moratorium goes against the major conclusion of the Royal 
Commission on Genetic Research, which ruled that this 
country should keep its options open. He says Agriculture 
Minister Jim Sutton is sitting on his hands by not speaking 
up in support of the agriculture sector. 

PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE WON'T GET TAX BREAK 
---------------------------------------------
  
The Government is ruling out tax breaks for people with 
health insurance, who are now being burdened with higher 
premiums. The Private Hospitals Association is concerned 
people will turn away from health insurance following the 
announcement from Southern Cross of a premium rise. The 
Association says the public health system would not be able 
to cope with an influx of people who are currently being 
treated privately, and may even collapse. However, Finance 
Minister Michael Cullen says there is no chance of any tax 
relief in these circumstances. He says the government would 
just be shifting resources from the public to the private 
health sector, if it were to offer a tax break

FISHING VESSEL FINE WELCOMED 
----------------------------
  
The Ministry of Fisheries is welcoming a US Government 
decision to fine the operators of an American fishing 
vessel which fished illegally in New Zealand waters. The 
operators of the Fetu have been fined more than $US11,000 
for violating the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. The Fisheries 
Ministry says the purse seiner drifted into a prohibited 
area and unlawfully used a spotter plane, while fishing for 
skipjack tuna off North Cape. Compliance manager Dave Wood 
says the breaches were reported to US authorities. He says 
it is the first example of the Ministry being able to get 
such a result and it is a good sign of things to come. 

POLICE CRITICISE WALLACE FAMILY LAWYER 
--------------------------------------
  
Frontline police believe the lawyer for Steven Wallace's 
family is unnecessarily raising the family's expectations. 
John Rowan QC is unhappy with the decision not to send 
Constable Keith Abbott to trial. He believes there are 
grounds for a judicial review of the decision not to send 
the private murder prosecution to the High Court. But Greg 
O'Connor, of the Police Association, says it is time to let 
the matter rest. He believes the family's expectations are 
being raised and will only be dashed. But John Rowan 
believes a High Court judge reviewing the case will have no 
hesitation in overturning the JPs' decision. He says they 
clearly went beyond their brief and set out to decide the 
case, when that was really a matter for the High Court. Mr 
Rowan will not comment on how much the private prosecution 
has cost the Wallace family. 

RULES CLEAR SAY JPS 
-------------------
  
The association which represents Justices of the Peace says 
their rules are quite clear about how a decision is made 
over whether a case gets sent on for trial. Their comment 
follows the ruling by JPs at New Plymouth District Court 
that Constable Keith Abbott should not face trial for 
fatally shooting Steven Wallace. Ken Little from the Royal 
Federation of New Zealand Justices says all JPs serving in 
courts go through special polytechnic training. He says the 
role of the JPs is to determine whether there is enough 
evidence to put the accused on trial and possibly find them 
guilty. 

GRASS SKIRT MAN RELEASED FROM PRISON 
------------------------------------
  
The man convicted of causing the death of a workmate by 
setting fire to his grass skirt costume at a party has been 
released from prison. Matthew Schofield served ten months 
of a two year sentence for manslaughter. He was also 
convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to a woman, at 
their staff Christmas party in Auckland in December 2000. 

Friday, 22 February 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUST GOV-GEN TOURS NZ AS CONTROVERSY RAGES 
------------------------------------------
  
Australia's Governor-General continues his visit to New 
Zealand today, after surviving a concerted effort back home 
to have him sacked. Prime Minister John Howard has again 
rejected calls to dismiss Peter Hollingworth over claims he 
ignored child sex allegations against members of the 
Anglican clergy while Archbishop of Brisbane. Dr 
Hollingworth's visit to New Zealand is his first 
international trip. He is due to return to Australia in 
time for the Queen's visit next week. 

DRUG BUYING STREAMLINED 
-----------------------
  
The Government has moved to streamline the way in which the 
country's hospitals buy their drugs. A new National 
Pharmaceutical Purchasing Strategy will see the 
Government's drug-buying agency Pharmac, become the sole 
agent for the country's hospitals. Currently most District 
Health Boards negotiate separately with pharmaceutical 
companies for the drugs they need. Health Minister Annette 
King says Pharmac's negotiation skills mean there will be 
consistency in purchasing drugs and the opportunity for 
savings. She says Pharmac will be able eliminate much of 
the variation in prices individual DHBs currently pay for 
drugs. 

COLLISION COURSE FOR DAIRY FARMERS 
----------------------------------
 
A showdown over land use on the Canterbury plains. 
Environmentalists and dairy farmers are on a collision 
course over the farmers' use of water from rivers such as 
the Rakaia and Rangitata. Business correspondent Roger Kerr 
says there is a test case coming up, with Ngai Tahu and 
Fish and Game both appealing a 10-year water right granted 
to a 2400 cow dairy operation  He says the Canterbury 
Regional Council is starting to exclude dairying in some 
areas and has made it a conditional use, which means people 
can appeal it on emotional rather than purely economic 
grounds. Roger Kerr says it is the age old argument between 
economic development and jobs on one hand, and 
environmental concerns on the other. 

HEAVY RAIN WARNING FOR SOUTH ISLAND 
-----------------------------------
 
A heavy rain warning has been issued for much of the South.  
Forecasters expect a band of heavy rain over southern 
Fiordland will move north as far as Otira with some heavy 
falls spilling into the headwaters of Lake Wakatipu. 
Trampers in the Southern Alps and motorists travelling the 
Haast Pass are being warned to take care. Kayakers, 
fishermen and runholders on main rivers in Otago and 
Canterbury are also being warned to expect rivers to rise.  


MIDCENTRAL HEALTH $6 MILLION IN RED 
-----------------------------------
 
MidCentral Health Board met for the first time this week - 
and members were told of a $5. 7 million deficit. Chairman 
Ian Wilson says the coming year will be a period of 
consolidation with a major effort by the Board to reduce 
costs and recruit and maintain staff levels, while working 
with the community. He says the $5. 7 million deficit, 
incurred over the six months to December 2001, reflects the 
increasing costs of healthcare delivery. Mr Wilson says the 
Crown has agreed to a cash injection so creditors and 
government charges can be paid. He says the Government is 
currently considering the Board's district annual plan, 
which plots a course to bring finances back to break even 
over the next three years. 

20-YEAR-OLD IN CUSTODY AFTER AOS CALL-OUT 
-----------------------------------------
 
A 20-year-old man is in police custody after sparking an 
Armed Offenders' Squad standoff in central Wellington last 
night. The rear window of a police car was smashed just 
before 6 pm. Police initially thought a gun had been fired. 
Reports were received of a man seen nearby with a firearm. 
Commuters were delayed on their journey home as part of 
Webb Street was blocked off for more than two hours and 
surrounding buildings were evacuated. However, police now 
say it appears the missile which hit the police car was 
fired from a slingshot.  

(It was a fairly powerful looking slingshot as illustrated 
in the Evening Post - BH)

MOBILE PHONE MARKET ALIVE & WELL 
--------------------------------
 
A telecommunications expert believes the mobile phone 
market is nowhere near slowing down despite the number of 
cellphones exceeding the number of fixed lines. The 
International Telecommunications Union says growth rates 
are beginning to slow and some markets are reaching 
saturation point. However Ernie Newman, from the 
Telecommunications Users Association, says that is not the 
case in New Zealand. He says there is plenty of scope for 
growth with new services and technology continuing to come 
on stream.  

LINCOLN UNI PAY TALKS UNRESOLVED 
--------------------------------
 
Industrial relations at Lincoln University look to be 
heading for a stormy period after the latest round of pay 
talks between staff and management. The groups are at 
loggerheads over contract negotiations and appear no closer 
to a resolution. Staff Association spokesman Jim McAloon 
says the university has come back to them with a two stage 
offer of 3. 3 percent. He says the offer is disappointing 
and not likely to be accepted by staff; however further 
talks are scheduled for next Tuesday.  

(The headline is modest, and should apply equally to Otago, 
Canterbury, Victoria, Massey and Waikato - BH) 

THE FINANCIAL PAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 21 February 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  0.4247
AUD  0.8179
GBP  0.2975
JPY  56.99
CAD  0.6758
EUR  0.4888
HKD  3.3209
SGD  0.7788
ZAR  4.8411
CHF  0.7323

INTEREST RATES (%)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call  : 4.75
90 Day: 4.98



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