subject: 17 October, 2004
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer
At Greta Point, in Evans Bay, there is a restaurant that,
in its present incarnation, is called Eden. Early this
week, I had occasion to take a guest lecturer there for
an early dinner before putting him on a plane back to
Auckland. After a grey and somewhat scruffy start to the
day, the city turned on a perfect evening, and the
restaurant provided the perfect vantage point from which
to view it. This is not intended as an advert for Eden,
though I usually enjoy the food there, even if I do
resent vegetables or salad being "extra". The restaurant
is partially on piles over the water, and looks from
Greta Point across the remains of the old patent slip and
South across the harbour towards Kilbirnie. To the East,
the view is directly across the bay to the hills and the
cutting that guard Miramar peninsula from the West.
Beyond the peninsula, the perfect golden clarity of the
late afternoon light picked out the high peaks across the
harbour. We were seated against the Eastern windows, and
had an uninterrupted view of the sea at our feet and the
bay beyond. The water below us was glassy calm and
provided a perfect place for the kayakers who were
performing seemingly effortless laps around a circuit
denoted by a set of coloured buoys. Strands of the
seaweed known as "Neptune's necklace floated by. A sudden
ripple in the otherwise still water marked the emergence
of a shag from a fishing expedition, apparently
unsuccessfully. A large flock of terns swooped by in
perfect formation, following some mysterious invisible
pathway as if they were on rails. Since it was the
evening rush hour, a steady succession of Boeing 737s and
the occasional Airbus made their growling ascent under
noise abatement procedures to the North, and between
times, the lesser fry, ATRs, Saabs, Jetstreams and
Metroliners buzzed by at lower altitude. A fleet of small
yachts emerged from the Evans Bay Marina and made small
progress until a light wind arose to ruffle the
previously perfect surface with a very light chop. Then
it picked up. Suddenly the yachts were flying, as yachts
in Wellington are wont to do. Evans Bay runs more or less
North and South between the bulk of Mt Victoria to the
West and the Miramar Peninsula to the East. Thus,
daylight saving notwithstanding, the shadows of evening
fall early across the water, leaving only the hills
beyond in light. So it was as our meal came to an end and
I delivered my guest back to the terminal before
returning home.
The rest of the week seemed characterised by wind and
driving rain. Great sheets of it drifting diagonally
across the landscape from the South. And wind! Buffeting
howling hissing wind. The Hutt River, when it was visible
through the rain, turned from its normal lethargic silver
blue to a sullen somewhat swollen brown surge. The new
works I referred to last week disappeared under the
rising water. The big yellow diggers sitting unattended
on their mounds of rock appeared to be floating on the
water. Until today that is. A bright blue day, with no
wind, and only the still swollen river to remind us the
midweek deluge.
----
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.
All news items (except where noted otherwise) are
reproduced by kind permission of copyright owner,
Newstalk ZB News All copyright in the news items
reproduced remains the property of The Radio Network
Limited.
----
Formatting this week is generously sponsored by Lydia in
Nova Scotia. Thank you so much Lydia
On with the news:
Monday, 11 October
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DIVE SQUAD SEARCH FOR CHCH WOMAN
--------------------------------
The police dive squad will resume their search for a
missing Christchurch woman tomorrow. They have been
scouring rivers and creeks around the Punchbowl car park
in Arthur's Pass today for any sign of Carla Scott.
Senior Sergeant Stu Munro says Ms Scott's silver Subaru
Legacy was found abandoned in the area last Tuesday and
there has been no sign of her since. He says there is a
possibility she could have slipped into a creek in the
area.
(Ms Scott is the daughter of a colleague whose anguish I
can only guess at. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Dr
and Professor Scott in this horrendous period of
uncertainty. - BH)
NO QUICK FIX FOR LOW VOTER TURNOUT
----------------------------------
Experts are warning that there is no quick fix to low
voter turnout. Fewer than half the country's registered
voters decided to exercise their democratic right in the
local body elections, which has prompted calls for an
inquiry into postal voting. Christine Cheyne of Massey
University says Hutt City saw turnout drop to 26 percent
when it dropped postal voting in 1992. That shot back up
to 46 percent when voting by mail was reinstated three
years later. Dr Cheyne says voter knowledge about
candidates and what local government does are key factors
influencing turnout.
(I think 35% was the figure for Lower Hutt this time -
BH)
NATIONAL WOMEN'S LAST BABY
--------------------------
After more than a quarter of a million babies, National
Women's has shut the doors at its Epsom site. The
country's largest specialist women's hospital has moved
across town to new facilities at Auckland Hospital.
Delivery Suite Educator, Margaret Berry, says it was a
particularly busy last day, with eleven babies born. The
last one was a healthy boy at two minutes past twelve
this afternoon. Margaret Berry says all the patients have
now gone, and there is not even a chair left to sit on.
POLICE WELCOME GUILTY PLEA
--------------------------
Wanaka police have welcomed a guilty plea in the Possum
Bourne trial. Michael Barltrop today pleaded guilty to
aggravated, careless use of a vehicle causing death.
Wanaka police were among the first on the scene when
Barltrop collided with the rally legend during a practice
for the Race to the Sky event at Easter last year. Acting
Sergeant Cameron Sigley says he is pleased Possum
Bourne's family will not have to suffer the ordeal of a
trial. However he is disappointed it took 18 months for
Barltrop to accept responsibility. Race to the Sky
promoter Grant Aitken is also relieved to have closure on
the tragedy. He says the event will always be connected
to Possum Bourne's memory.
(I would love to know what went on behind the scenes that
brought about the change of plea - BH)
NO COMMENT FROM TE ARAWA ON BRASH SPEECH
----------------------------------------
Te Arawa is refusing to comment on a speech by National's
leader. National fears the proposed return of the Rotorua
lakes to Maori will deny other New Zealanders their use.
Leader Don Brash has publicly confirmed his party's
opposition to the proposal. He says Labour is simply
reversing a 1922 deal between Te Arawa and the Crown
which should not be re-visited. Dr Brash says the lakes
should belong to everyone. He says the Government is
clearly unwilling to bring the Treaty of Waitangi
settlement process to an end. Dr Brash says the country
has spent far too long looking in the rear view mirror.
He says he supports a lump sum payment of $10 million
going to the iwi in recognition of the eroding value
inflation has had on an annuity offered in 1922. However
he rejects any title being handed over. Te Arawa is not
commenting on Dr Brash's proposals.
(Arawa did comment, in fact. They pointed out to Dr Brash
that the claim was based not on Treaty principles, but on
common law. - BH)
CLARK PAYS TRIBUTE TO SHADBOLT
------------------------------
Helen Clark has paid tribute to Maurice Shadbolt for his
valuable and important contribution to literature in New
Zealand. She says the news of his death is very sad. Miss
Clark says Maurice Shadbolt was one of New Zealand's
leading literary figures, ranking as one of our finest
ever novelists and short-story writers. She says he won
many awards in his career and was awarded a CBE for
services to literature in 1989. Miss Clark says there was
a unique spirit and energy to his work and he will be
widely mourned. Maurice Shadbolt was born in Auckland in
1932. As well as working as a newspaper journalist, he
also wrote the scripts for, and directed documentary
films for the New Zealand National Film Unit in 1957. His
epic trilogy "Season of the Jew", "Monday's Warriors" and
"The House of Strife" are said to be among the most
important works of historical fiction produced by a New
Zealand writer. Maurice Shadbolt died at a hospital in
Taumarunui, aged 72, suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.
AGEING SAAB AIRCRAFT REPLACED BY DASH-8S
----------------------------------------
Air New Zealand will pay $350 million to replace some of
its aging regional aircraft. Seventeen De Havilland Dash-
8 Q300 turbo-prop aircraft will take over from the Saab
340A planes which currently form the backbone of the
airline's provincial network. The Dash-8 is the most
successful regional airliner in the world, with more than
400 in service around the globe. Air New Zealand will
purchase the aircraft at a cost of approximately $350
million which will be funded via debt. The new planes
start arriving in July next year, with one joining the
fleet every six weeks, completing the delivery process
within two years. They will be serviced and operated by
Air New Zealand's Air Nelson subsidiary. Each Dash-8 has
50 seats, while the Saabs have 33. Air Nelson says the
Saabs have been excellent workhorses, but the fleet's
average age is 17 years. The new aircraft is faster,
quieter and has more room than the Saab. Air New Zealand
managing director and chief executive, Ralph Norris, says
the new aircraft type will provide a welcome boost for
the regions and the additional seating will allow them to
provide an overall increase in passenger capacity to meet
customer demand and less restricted payload on regional
routes. The aircraft has 50 passenger seats each with a
comfortable 31-32 inch seat pitch featuring New Zealand
blue leather upholstery and large overhead lockers on
both sides of the cabin for stowage of carry on luggage.
The Q300 travels at a cruise speed of 285 knots (compared
to 265 knots for the Saab 340A), has an active noise
reduction system and an auxiliary power unit to enable
air conditioning to be run while the aircraft is on the
ground.
Tuesday 12 October
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ABORTION LAW CHANGE REVAMPED
----------------------------
Critics of a proposed law change which would have seen
parents told if their under-16-year-old daughters sought
an abortion are claiming a victory. National's Judith
Collins has conceded defeat and has radically revamped
her proposal. Her new amendment is based on the
presumption that a doctor will inform the parents of an
underage girl if she wants to terminate her pregnancy. If
the girl wants her pregnancy kept secret, the reason
would have to be given to a Family Court judge. The judge
would then order the appropriate care if that was needed.
Ms Collins claims her new plan will still be a
significant victory for girls and parents. She denies her
change of tack is a back-down but concedes a compromise
was needed.
(I think there needs to be some balance between the young
person's need for privacy, and the rights and obligations
of the parents. One thing I am sure of, is that schools
are NOT the right people to make such a decision, and I
have serious doubts about some GPs - BH)
RECORD YEAR FOR TVNZ
--------------------
Television New Zealand is rolling in cash, at least until
the bulk of it goes to the Government. The broadcaster
has had a record year, the first full year under the
Government's charter. TVNZ returned a net surplus of just
over $28 million and has declared a dividend of almost
$38 million for the Government. Advertising revenue rose
by ten percent during the year to $335 million. The
company's drive to shed the highly paid celebrity culture
still sees Paul Holmes on more than $700,000 with the
next highest paid, probably CEO Ian Fraser, on more than
$600,000. One hundred and twenty four employees earn more
than $100,000 a year. TVNZ chief executive Ian Fraser
acknowledges the network has a heavy commercial load. He
says a similar state television company in Ireland plays
just six minutes of ads an hour, which can be expanded to
eight. He claims TVNZ plays no more than 13 minutes an
hour and says that would have to be reduced if you want
the company to be more of a public broadcaster. However
Mr Fraser says he would prefer to make more New Zealand
programmes than cut advertising.
(Not bad considering the expenditure on wine was capped
at a mere $65 per bottle! :-/ - BH)
CROWN HEADS TO SUPREME COURT
----------------------------
The Crown is heading to the Supreme Court in a bid to
overturn a court decision in favour of Ahmed Zaoui. The
Court of Appeal instructed the Government it must prove
without a doubt the Algerian is a high threat to national
security if it wishes to deport him. It also awarded Mr
Zaoui $12,000 compensation. But Attorney-General Margaret
Wilson says it was never the intention of the Crown to
deport Mr Zaoui. She says regardless of the outcome of
the security risk review, New Zealand would still abide
by its international obligations. Ms Wilson says in light
of that, it is important the real test must be clarified
by the Supreme Court.
(This isn't clarification, in my opinion, this is
stalling. - BH)
BURTON KNEW ABOUT WAIOURU - MARK
--------------------------------
The Defence Minister is being accused of knowing about
some abuse at Waiouru Regular Force cadet school two
years ago. New Zealand First MP Ron Mark says he and
National MP Shane Ardern brought the case of the shooting
of cadet Grant Bain to the attention of Mark Burton in
May 2002. But he says the minister dismissed it. Ron Mark
quoted a letter from Mark Burton in Parliament which
showed Mr Burton saying he was satisfied the matter had
been dealt with as best it can, given that 21 years have
passed since the "tragic accident" occurred.
(Columnist Rosemary McLeod mused on whether it was
reasonable to expect that people who are being trained to
kill on our behalf should be adhere to normal societal
standards ... I am paraphrasing very loosely ... I can
see a grain of logic in the question, but I think that if
we do not expect our military, and especially the
officers to adhere to the rules of civilization, then we
and other countries would live in fear of our own defence
force. Yes I know that some countries already do. - BH)
WARNING FOR PHONE CARD COMPANIES
--------------------------------
The Commerce Commission is warning pre-paid phone card
companies to stop deceptive practices. It has written to
22 businesses, telling them to withdraw advertising and
cards that breach the Fair Trading Act. Fair Trading
director Deborah Battell says consumers face a number of
problems, including non-existent help lines, 'toll-free'
numbers that cost, and special conditions that are not
mentioned. She says the Commission will take tougher
action against companies that do not change.
GOVERNMENT IN DIPLOMATIC OVERDRIVE
----------------------------------
There is fury in the Prime Minister's office over a story
that appeared in one of India's biggest circulating
English language newspapers today. It quoted her as
telling India to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Treaty. A journalist from the Hindustan Times was brought
to New Zealand by Foreign Affairs in advance of her trip
to India next week. Miss Clark says the journalist is
unlikely ever again to get to interview a New Zealand
leader. She says this country would never tell another
country to do anything. She claims the journalist made up
quotes and attributed them to her, describing the article
in the Hindustan Times as a "low level beatup". Miss
Clark was also quoted as saying Kashmir was a nuclear
flashpoint but she denies using the word nuclear. She
says it is obvious to any commentator, though, that
Kashmir is a flashpoint. The Indian Foreign Affairs
ministry in New Delhi has been contacted by Wellington in
an effort to put the record straight.
GOVERNMENT RULES OUT WTO APPLE APPEAL
-------------------------------------
The Government has ruled out an appeal to the WTO over
Australia's ban on New Zealand apples. The ban was set to
be lifted, but that was put off in the run-up to the
federal election. Pipfruit growers here say an appeal is
fast-becoming a real option and the situation cannot go
on forever. However, Trade Negotiations Minister Jim
Sutton says New Zealand has not yet reached the point of
a WTO appeal. He says it should not have to come to that.
Mr Sutton says New Zealand has a good relationship with
Australia and enjoys one of closest trading and
investment relationships in the world.
(Peace in our time? - BH)
Wednesday, 13 October
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DRIVERS FEEL OIL PRICE PINCH
----------------------------
New Zealand drivers are starting to feel the effects of
surging oil prices. World prices have set new highs for
the sixth day in a row. A deliberate fire at a Nigerian
refinery pipeline, which has cut production, and a strike
in the world's seventh biggest exporter, have caused the
latest international rise. US light crude is trading at
$US54 a barrel. Prices have now risen 66 percent this
year. In New Zealand, prices at the pump have remained
static for the past few weeks with 91 grade selling at
between $1.20 and $1.22 a litre, however, the four major
oil companies have increased prices by around 2c a litre
overnight.
(Currently, $1.259 per litre of 91 octane <sigh!> - BH)
LINE DRAWN IN CHILD NEGLECT CASE
--------------------------------
Christchurch police are drawing a line in the sand over
an alleged case of child neglect. A 25-year-old mother
and a 41-year-old grandmother are appearing in the
Christchurch District Court this afternoon charged with
wilful neglect. It relates to a six-year-girl being found
in a distressed state in the underground car-park of the
Christchurch Casino in the early hours of this morning.
Christchurch Police Area Commander David Lawrie says this
may be an isolated case, but the police want to send out
a clear message that children should not be the ones to
suffer while adults responsible for them gamble at the
casino. Police say the pair were intoxicated when
apprehended inside the Christchurch Casino. Mr Lawrie
says the young girl is now with other family members. He
says this situation is very sad, and raises the question
whether enough is being done to mitigate the effects of
problem gambling.
ZAOUI APPEAL A "HARDLINE APPROACH"
---------------------------------
Ahmed Zaoui's legal team says the Government's appeal to
the Supreme Court over the Algerian refugee is a
"hardline approach". The Government says it needs
clarification of what the Inspector-General of Security
must take into account when reviewing the security risk
certificate issued against Mr Zaoui. The Appeal Court has
ruled he must consider human rights. Lawyer Deborah
Manning says the High and Appeal Courts have clarified
the law and she questions how much clearer the Government
needs it. She says the Supreme Court move leaves Mr Zaoui
in prison without being charged while the security risk
certificate review is delayed yet again. Mr Zaoui has
been in prison since December 2002. The Court of Appeal
instructed the Government it must prove without a doubt
the Algerian is a high threat to national security if it
wishes to deport him. It also awarded Mr Zaoui $12,000
compensation. But Attorney-General Margaret Wilson says
it was never the intention of the Crown to deport Mr
Zaoui. She says regardless of the outcome of the security
risk review, New Zealand would still abide by its
international obligations. Ms Wilson says in light of
that, it is important the real test must be clarified by
the Supreme Court.
(A TVNZ documentary this week appeared to me to undermine
almost all of the possible reasons for treating him as
other than a simple refugee. I think our government
departments have tried seriously to mislead the public on
this. - BH)
BREAST SCREENING PROG EXCEEDS TARGET
------------------------------------
The National Breast Screening Programme is bucking the
trend in health care provision by exceeding its target
for women screened in the last three months. Eight
thousand screenings have been carried out since July,
three times the number targeted for. The effort is being
put down to the hard work of radiographers and
administration staff. However they still have a long way
to go with a target of 22,000 women set for the year
ending July. The increases follow an extension to the
National Breast Screening Programme which now covers
women aged 45 to 49 and 65 to 69.
DEPUTY MAYOR CASTS CLOUD OVER V8 RACE
-------------------------------------
The head of the controlling faction within the new
Auckland City Council has virtually signalled the death
of the proposed V8 Supercar race. Deputy mayor Bruce
Hucker says the resource consent process has still to be
completed and no final decisions have been made. However
he says he and the other City Vision councillors have
been elected on a platform which includes stopping the
street race. Dr Hucker says if they now change their
minds, it will show the promises they made are not worth
the paper they were written on. Mayor-elect Dick Hubbard
has indicated he now favours allowing the race to go
ahead.
(By sheer numbers, Dr Hucker looks set to be the
eminence-gris of Auckland city. Dick Hubbard wears the
chain, but Dr Hucker gets to pull it! Or am I mistaken? -
BH)
LICENCE CHANGES FOR OLDER DRIVERS
---------------------------------
The elderly may find it easier to get around after a
review of driving legislation. Transport Safety Minister
Harry Duynhoven is reviewing the rules for senior
citizens which would include the option of a conditional
licence permitting people to drive within a 10 kilometre
radius of their home. Mr Duynhoven says mobility for all
people, particularly the elderly, is a huge issue. "We
realise that for many older people the ability to drive
is the key to continued independence. Losing their
licence can have a profound impact on their lives. At the
same time, we have to balance maintaining mobility for
older drivers with the need to provide for the safety of
all road users." The current system requires people aged
80 and over to renew their licence every two years. The
proposed amendment to the Driver Licensing Rule will give
people six months to renew their licence when it expires,
instead of the current 60 days. The "automatic only"
condition will be removed, so that older people who sit
their licence in an automatic transmission vehicle will
also be able to drive either an automatic or manual
vehicle. The policy changes are likely to be approved
early next year and introduced later in 2005. Grey Power
National President Graham Stairmand is welcoming the
announcement, calling it a positive step towards removing
barriers to mobility for older New Zealanders. There has
been a 66 percent increase in the number of drivers aged
80 and over since 1999, when the current licensing system
was introduced.
AIDS FOUNDATION CALLS FOR CONDOM ACTION
----------------------------------------
The AIDS Foundation says unsafe sex can only be avoided
by taking action. The Durex Global Sex Survey shows an
alarming number of New Zealanders put themselves at risk
of HIV and sexually transmitted infections by not using
condoms. New Zealanders are well ahead of the world
average when it comes to having unsafe sex without
knowing their partner's sexual history. AIDS Foundation
director Rachael Le Mesurier says being aware of the risk
is not enough and it must be followed by the positive
action of using condoms.
SEARCH RESUMES FOR PIHA MODEL
-----------------------------
Search and rescue teams are back in the Piha area on
Auckland's west coast, this morning, looking for any
trace of a missing 25-year-old woman, Iraena Asher.
Iraena Asher has not been seen for almost two days, after
going missing at Piha on Auckland's west coast. Thirty
search and rescue personnel, along with family and
friends, are combing the area which includes bushland.
The family of a missing 25-year-old Auckland woman has
made an emotional appeal for the return of their
daughter. The family has issued a statement through the
police, saying they love Iraena dearly and their first
and foremost concern is her safety and well-being. They
say her actions and behaviour prior to her disappearance
are out of character.
AIR NZ LOOKS TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES
---------------------------------
Australia's Competition Tribunal has just given the green
light to the proposed Air New Zealand - Qantas alliance.
The decision overturns an earlier ruling by the
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission against
the plan. Air New Zealand managing director Ralph Norris
says they will be reviewing today's ruling in detail and
will then seek advice on what options it opens up. He
says they will need to find paths that do not conflict
with last month's New Zealand High Court decision which
backed the NZ Commerce Commission in turning down the
alliance. Mr Norris has attacked the New Zealand High
Court for rejecting the proposed Qantas merger, in the
face of Australian approval. Last month the New Zealand
High Court rejected a similar appeal of the Commerce
Commission's negative ruling. Mr Norris says the
Australian review process was more robust. He says the
tribunal members started their review a month before the
High Court, and delivered their decision a month after.
He says Australian approval of its proposed alliance with
Qantas changes the landscape, opening up new
opportunities. He says the ACT has given the planned tie-
up a five-year approval. Mr Norris says the airlines are
looking at options which could bring them close to the
original merger plan, but which would circumvent New
Zealand refusal to allow the alliance. Meantime, an
aviation commentator says he would have been surprised if
Australian regulators had not upheld the appeal over the
proposed tie-up. Aviation Transport World senior editor
Geoff Thomas says the airlines were able to introduce new
evidence in the ACT appeal, which they were not allowed
to do in the New Zealand High Court. However the deal
still cannot proceed because it requires permission in
both countries.
Thursday, 14th October
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TRANZ RAIL ACTION A TEST CASE
-----------------------------
There is a lot riding on the Securities Commission's
first case of alleged insider trading. The Commission is
taking action against four former Tranz Rail directors
and two investors. The former Tranz Rail employees named
in the proceedings are managing director Michael Beard,
chief financial officer Mark Bloomer and directors Carl
Ferenbach and David Richwhite. New Zealand Herald
business columnist Fran O'Sullivan says it is an
important case for a number of reasons. She says not only
is the Commission is taking on some high-profile
businessmen, but it is also the first test of new
legislation. Ms O'Sullivan says everyone, particularly
the Government and other securities lawyers, will want to
see how the case plays out. It is the first time the
Securities Commission has used its powers to take court
action for insider trading. Its inquiry focuses on the
sale of shares in the first half of 2002, before the
Tranz Rail price began to fall. At the start of that year
the share price was four dollars - but by April 2003 it
had fallen to just 30 cents. The Securities Commission
says it has been investigating the matter for more than a
year. The case carries up to $133 million in penalties.
COURT FEES TOO HIGH
-------------------
Parliament's Regulations Review Committee is hearing
submissions on court fees, which have been increasing
since 2001. The Law Society says costs have increased
significantly, in some cases up 1,500 percent. President
Chris Darlow believes that is stopping people from taking
cases to court. He says it is unacceptable to have a
public court system with fees so high that people are
being forced into private arbitration. Mr Darlow says
there is a place for arbitration, but not at the expense
of a proper public justice system.
(The Law Society might also contemplate whether $300 per
hour is a reasonable fee for legal representation. - BH)
HOUSE PRICES FALLING
--------------------
A drop in house prices is seen as a sign the economy is
slowing. One report says average house prices in Auckland
are falling by as much as $500 a day. One real estate
agency says the average price in the region peaked at
$456,000 in May and is now down to $414,000. Rising
interest rates are partly blamed. The New Zealand
Institute of Economic Research's latest survey confirms
the economy is slowing. Senior economist Doug Steel says
the housing market and service sector are pointers to
what is happening. He adds a drop in borrowing is
probably related to housing.
ARTHUR'S PASS SEARCH ABANDONED
------------------------------
Police have abandoned the search at Arthur's Pass for
missing Christchurch woman Carla Scott. Senior Sergeant
Stu Munro says they have thoroughly searched every likely
place she might have been and are confident she is not in
any of them. Miss Scott's bank accounts and cell phone
have not been used since Tuesday, the same day she left
her car and belongings at Arthur's Pass. Senior Sergeant
Stu Munro says they really do not know what has happened
to her. He says she could be a victim of foul play or
does not want to be found, but there is no evidence to
point to either scenario.
LUCKY ESCAPE FOR KIWI IN SUDAN
------------------------------
A New Zealander has had a lucky escape in an incident in
Sudan which has left two fellow Save the Children Fund
aid workers dead. Alister Shields was working with a
British programme manager and a Sudanese engineer in a
previously inaccessible area. The Briton and Sudanese
were in a vehicle which struck a land mine. Mr Shields
was in another vehicle and was unhurt. Save the Children
Fund director John Bowis says staff have been temporarily
evacuated from the Zagawa region. But he does not imagine
it will be for very long. Mr Bowis says that will enable
a debriefing and security review, and to make sure the
group was not being targeted. He says it highlights the
danger aid workers face.
POLICE COMPLAINTS TO REVIEW ARMY DEATH
--------------------------------------
The Police Complaints Authority will investigate all the
issues raised over the death of 17-year-old Army cadet
Grant Bain in 1981. Acting police commissioner Steve Long
also wants any files that may still exist over the
original investigation. He says any police officer or
former officer identified as having a role in the matter
will be questioned. Fellow-cadet Andrew Read was charged
with careless use of a firearm following the shooting of
Grant Bain. He was fined and ordered to do community
work. He died some years later in a logging accident.
Grant Bain's family allege an Army and police cover-up
and want to know why Mr Read did not face more serious
charges. They also believe the focus of a second inquiry
into the cadet's death, carried out by the Defence Force
is too narrow. Defence Minister Mark Burton says the
investigation can only consider the actions of Defence
personnel up to half an hour after the fatal shooting. At
that point the case was handed over to police. Grant's
brother Murray says it is clear the Army's involvement
went well past 30 minutes after the shooting.
COMMERCE COMMISSION WARNS BUS CO
--------------------------------
The Commerce Commission is warning the Stagecoach bus
company in Auckland it must adhere to perceived promises
over its Big Ticket Sale. Earlier this year Stagecoach
advertised Big Tickets with discounted monthly passes for
August, September and October, stating the offer was
valid until October 31. However the Commerce Commission
received complaints when notices went up saying the Big
Ticket Sale would finish on October 10. Stagecoach has
told the Commission it intended to offer three months
cheaper travel, not three months in which to buy the
discounted travel. The Commission says the wording was
open to interpretation, but is pleased with Stagecoach's
reaction, which includes an apology, extending the
purchase offer to the end of the month and reimbursing
customers who think they have lost out.
CIVIL CLAIMS LAWS TO BE REVIEWED
--------------------------------
Civil claims procedures in district courts could be in
for a major shakeup. Submissions close today with the Law
Society's Rules Committee on changes to district court
practice. Auckland District Law Society courts committee
convener Max Rawnsley says that because of the magnitude
of the changes, wide input has been sought from the
profession. He says the object is to try to eliminate
most proceedings that end up filed in the district court.
The new procedures would mean many claims would be
resolved with proceedings being filed. At present 94
percent of district court claims are settled before a
defence is filed.
Friday, 15 October
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
POLICE SEARCH FOR MAN IN IRAENA CASE
------------------------------------
Police looking for missing model Iraena Asher are now
searching a Piha house for forensic evidence and trying
to locate its occupant, a man in his forties. The man
left the house at the weekend without paying rent.
Meanwhile, police have also revealed 25-year-old Ms Asher
made a 111 call from Piha at 9pm on Sunday night. They
sent a taxi, not a patrol car, but Ms Asher had
disappeared. Police then got a call just after one on
Monday morning to say she had gone missing from the home
of a local who had taken her in, after finding her
wandering semi-naked along the road. Six minutes after
getting that call, police sent a patrol car to Piha. An
investigation is underway into their handling of the
affair. Police have today called off their land search
but have sent up a plane to search the Piha coast.
CHALLENGE FACING UNIONS - CTU
-----------------------------
The Council of Trade Unions says the biggest challenge
facing unions is to build the union movement's power in
order to give workers a stronger voice. CTU president
Ross Wilson told the Police Association's conference in
Wellington that unions played a key role in empowering
workers to take part in debates about the country's
economic and social future. He says the unions have a
legitimate role in using their collective strength to
influence Government and business.
BIG APPLE CALLS KIWI FILM-MAKERS
--------------------------------
A couple of young Wellington movie-makers have made a
film which has been invited to screen at the New York
Film Festival. They now need help from the public to make
their dream come true. Gary Davies and Mike Hohaia's
movie, "Flatmates Wanted", was filmed on a shoe-string
budget, costing just $1500. It is being shown at a
benefit screening at midnight tomorrow night to raise
funds to get them to New York. Davies says the trip to
New York could boost their future careers by putting them
in touch with some of the movie industry's movers and
shakers.
TWO DIVERS DIE OFF NAPIER
-------------------------
Searchers have found the bodies of two divers missing off
the Napier coast. The group of four divers left the
Hawke's Bay Sports and Fishing Club at around 3pm
yesterday to dive at Pania Reef. Two have been found
alive. He was one of a party of four who failed to return
from a trip to Pania Reef yesterday afternoon. The divers
left the Hawke's Bay Sports and Fishing Club around three
yesterday afternoon. Senior Sergeant John Lovatt says
their boat was swamped at about 7pm last night and the
divers were in the water from then on. Mr Lovatt says the
group had drifted from Pania Reef to Awatoto. The search
got underway at seven this morning after their families
reported them overdue. Two coastguard vessels, a plane,
helicopter and several fishing boats were involved in the
search for the fourth diver, and the boat the group went
out in.
SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN WELCOMED BACK
------------------------------------
Cambridge High School is welcoming back special needs
children as the new regime makes changes. Under previous
principal Alison Annan, such children were told they
would get no special treatment from the school. Twenty-
four families sent their children to Hamilton schools, 20
kilometres away. However parent Gavin Marriott says the
new commissioner for the school, Dennis Finn, has had no
hesitation in making the change. There will be a public
meeting in the first week of next month to map a way
forward for what is new territory for Cambridge High
School.
(Further evidence of the absolute necessity for a change
at Cambridge! - BH)
AIR NZ GROUND CREW STRIKE
--------------------------
Around 400 Air New Zealand ground staff at Auckland and
Christchurch airports walked off the job at 2am, amid
conflicting opinions on the impact it will have on
passengers. The workers include some of those who staff
the check-in counters. They will stay on strike until
midnight. Food and Service Workers Union advocate
Alistair Duncan, believes the strike will have a
significant impact on Air New Zealand and some of its
client airlines. Mr Duncan apologises to passengers for
the situation, but says they are left with little choice.
Air New Zealand's group general manager Rob Fyfe, says
other staff have been redeployed to fill the gaps. He
says Air New Zealand entered mediation with the SFWU this
week in good faith and with a view to resolving the
issue. He says the union is asking for a six percent wage
rise, twice the amount the airline has settled with other
unions. Mr Fyfe says the union's claim would set a
benchmark that would undermine the company's performance
and see airfares rise. Mr Fyfe says the SFWU walked away
from the negotiating table on September 3, a move Air New
Zealand believes was premature. "At no time did the union
seek to re-enter negotiations with the company or seek
mediation before issuing a strike notice. Since this
time, the SFWU has not substantively changed their
claim." Around 10,000 Air New Zealand customers are
expected to travel through Auckland's international and
domestic terminals today. The airline is asking
passengers to check in 30 minutes prior to domestic
departures and three hours before international
departures to ensure flights depart on time. Air New
Zealand is investigating allegations that some union
members threatened colleagues with reprisals, if they did
not join the strike.
CHANGI PRISON COMES TO NEW ZEALAND
----------------------------------
A part of the Second World War's more notorious history
will soon be on display at the Airforce Museum in
Christchurch. With the help of the New Zealand High
Commission and authorities in Singapore it has obtained
portions of Changi prison which was demolished earlier
this year. Although Changi was built by the British in
the 1930s for 450 prisoners, it was turned into a prison
for thousands more men, women and children, both
civilians and armed services, following the occupation of
Singapore by the Japanese. Airforce Museum Collection
Manager David Watmuss says some New Zealand air force and
navy personnel were incarcerated there. He says it is
part of New Zealand's national history and helps people
understand where kiwis come from. David Watmuss says the
artifacts include a cell door, part of the perimeter
wall, as well as windows from the prison's clocktower.
FORENSICS EXAMINE MISSING WOMAN'S CAR
-------------------------------------
Police are studying forensic tests from the car of a
missing Christchurch woman in the hope of finding any
clue to her disappearance. Twenty-six-year-old Carla
Scott's vehicle was found in the Punchbowl car park near
Arthur's Pass a week and a half ago. Senior Sergeant Stu
Munro says that while police have finished their search
at Arthur's Pass, they are still investigating her
disappearance. Ms Scott's cellphone and bank card have
not been used since when she was last seen at a
Christchurch petrol station and at a shop in Arthur's
Pass on October 5.
SHADBOLT'S WRITING-SHED INSPIRATIONAL
-------------------------------------
There are moves to make the Waitakere home of Maurice
Shadbolt a writers' residence. The author died on Sunday,
seven years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's
Disease. Shadbolt's private funeral will be held at St
Matthews in the City in central Auckland on Friday
morning. The author of numerous novels, short stories and
plays won many of New Zealand's top literary awards over
a period of more then 40 years. His works include
Strangers and Journeys, which is considered by critics to
be one of New Zealand's best novels. Waitakere mayor Bob
Harvey says Shadbolt's writing shed overlooks the Manukau
Harbour and would provide inspiration to other writers.
But he is quick to add that any decision lies with the
Shadbolt family.
LIQUIDATORS SEEK ACCESS CLIENTS
-------------------------------
Liquidators are trying to get in touch with the remaining
5,000 people left out of pocket by the collapse of Access
Brokerage. Value-wise, 84 percent of claims have been
paid out, but this only represents 48 percent of the
failed sharebroker's clients. Liquidators will be writing
to those still owed money and placing advertisements
asking them to get in touch. They say most claims are
small, but some are worth as much as $70,000.
THE FINANCIAL PAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 15 October 2004 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
CURRENCIES
~~~~~~~~~~
The currency codes given below conform to ISO 4217, which
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The rates given are for telegraphic transfer.
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AUD 0.9410
GBP 0.3825
JPY 75.51
CAD 0.8628
EUR 0.5558
HKD 5.3656
SGD 1.1586
ZAR 4.5587
CHF 0.8670
INTEREST RATES (%)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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