----- 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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