Copyright, Brian Harmer
Graduation ceremonies at Victoria University tend to be
broken up by sheer necessity, into manageable blocks so
that no single ceremony is too long (two and a half hours
seems to be more than sufficient for most of us). Generally
this means two groups divided according to the faculties,
and a third group for anyone who wishes to participate in a
ceremony conducted in accordance with Maori custom and
ceremonials. On Thursday, I attended the street parade and
graduation ceremony appropriate to my faculty in the
Michael Fowler Centre and watched as six hundred or so
young graduates were turned loose on the world. On Friday,
for the first time, in order to pay appropriate respect to
a student who had been part of several classes I had taught
in her Master's programme, I was privileged to attend the
Maori ceremony. After an initial welcoming ceremony or
Powhiri on the university's marae, Te Herenga Waka,
followed by "Kapu Ti" (say it out loud, you'll work it
out), the actual graduation ceremony took place in the
normally rather ugly space on campus known as the Quad. The
sun was shining, and screens had been rigged to block out
the wind which can make it a bleak place in bad weather.
>From the glass canopy overhead, the colourful flags of many
nations were draped. Pigeons flitted around, and I had
fears for the dignity of the crowd as they (the pigeons)
perched in the rafters. For the eighty or so graduands,
there must have been something in excess of five hundred
family and friends there in support. The candidates
themselves were wearing their already colourful academic
regalia over the precious cloaks and other ceremonial robes
and ornaments appropriate to their own various cultures.
There were the customary speeches of welcome, in both Maori
and English, until at last we came to the actual conferral
of the degrees and diplomas. That was done, as with the
other two ceremonies, en masse and there was a mighty roar
from the assembled crowd as their loved ones donned the
trenchers which symbolised their new status as graduates.
Then, in accordance with the practice at Victoria, each
student was called by name to have their hand shaken by the
chancellor (Russell Marshall, who at the end of the year,
steps down and heads off to his new post as High
Commissioner in London), and to receive their diploma from
the dean of the faculty in which their degree was taught.
The Master of Ceremonies told the crowd that they were free
to acknowledge the achievement of their family member or
friend in any way that seemed appropriate as long as it was
done in the time required for the new graduate to cross the
stage, shake the necessary hands and have a picture taken.
And then it was all on. Each name was called, and where
appropriate, tribal affiliations were announced. Nothing
prepared me for the outpouring of love and pride as each
successful candidate came up. Many different haka were
performed, waiata sung, and gifts bestowed. Different
tribal groups, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Porou, Kai Tahu,
Whanau-a-Apanui, Ngati Awa, Ngati Raukawa, and many other
groups from even further afield threw their hearts into
showing their support for their graduate, and it became
almost a competitive thing. Where a student claimed several
affiliations, there were sometimes several demonstrations.
On several occasions, especially where the group singing or
dancing were young, the suggested time limit was blithely
ignored, and even when stretched to extremes, the crowd
laughed good naturedly. No less moving were the tributes
paid by their families and communities to members of the
Pacific Island nations who seemed more at home in this
context than the rather more clinical general ceremonies.
Samoa, Fiji and Tokelau seemed particularly well
represented. They began softly, almost tentatively at
first, perhaps a little nervous in that sea of Maori, but
encouraged by the roar of approval from the Tangata Whenua,
soon lost their inhibitions in performing the lovely island
melodies and dances to express their pride. A feature of
most of these island expressions was the presentation of
leis. Lacking the glorious flowers of their homelands, the
families produced brilliant and colourful garlands by
stringing together colourfully wrapped sweets, and
Christmas decorations. Some of the better supported
candidates could scarcely see over the mound of leis with
which they were adorned by the time their relatives were
done. Multiple affiliations seemed nowhere more appreciated
than for the two candidates with "Ngati Pakeha"
association. One had a relative get up and sing a rendition
of "If you're Irish" to enormous applause, and the other
had an obviously Polynesian relative play a Scottish air on
the bagpipes, again to the great delight of the crowd. I
confess with no shame that at times tears streamed down my
face, so moving was this experience of family-ness. I said
as much to "my" candidate, and she replied that if it were
nothing else, Maoritanga is about family support. This was
a truly different and moving experience, and one which I
shall always treasure.
------
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 David Smith.
Many thanks, David.
On with the news:
Monday, 10 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HEALTH GETS BOOSTER SHOT
------------------------
Confirmation this afternoon that the health sector is to
get a $3 billion shot in the arm. Health Minister Annette
King has announced a funding package for district health
boards' health and disability services, which is designed
to see them right for the next three years. Mrs King says
the package comprises $400 million in new funding next
year, $800 million the following year and $1. 2 billion the
year after that. She says it is a significant commitment,
but obviously, not all will be satisfied. Annette King says
any extra funding on top of this, will have to be approved
by Cabinet.
(At first sight this is a mountain of money. Scrutiny of
where it is going produces less encouraging reactions. Much
of it will be used for debt reduction. I look at the debt
and ask to whom is it owed? Mostly, it is owed to the
government. So will this $3 billion so-called, actually
result in a proportionate increase in the service provided?
I doubt it. I share the suspicion of a columnist in today's
Sunday Star Times, that much of the residue will go to
people whose job is to construct high-minded mission
statements, call team meetings, design striking logos or to
document processes. Comparatively little, I fear, will find
its way into the delivery of the actual services which we
the public, naively assume to be the core business of the
health sector - BH)
SECOND INQUIRY INTO TREATMENT OF KILLER
---------------------------------------
Another investigation is underway into the treatment of
Mark Burton, who killed his mother earlier this year. The
20-year-old Queenstown man was found not guilty on the
grounds of insanity of killing his 49-year-old mother,
Paddy. The Health and Disability Commissioner is now
carrying out an inquiry into his care at Southland
Hospital's mental health unit. The Commissioner, Ron
Paterson has a team of clinical advisors on the job in
Invercargill at the moment interviewing hospital staff. His
findings will be released early next year. An independent
audit of Mark Burton's treatment at Southland Hospital
found it was below the minimum standard and his father,
Police Sergeant Trevor Burton wants someone to be held
accountable for the tragedy. Sergeant Burton says while he
is not on a witch hunt - he just wants justice for his
family.
(Sergeant Burton may need to specify what will constitute
justice for him and his family. They have undoubtedly
suffered a grievous wrong, but no retributive action
against the well intentioned people who inappropriately
released his son will bring back his late wife. Justice may
be better served if some of the $3 billion in the previous
article is directed towards adequately staffing hospitals
with trained psychiatrists, rather than having to use
ordinary physicians in roles for which they are not
trained. - BH)
TELECOM PART OF AOL JOINT VENTURE
---------------------------------
Telecom has formed a joint venture with media giant America
Online (AOL) and Australia's Seven Network to enhance AOL
services in Australia. Telecom's Australian unit AAPT,
Seven and AOL will each have a one third stake in the joint
venture company, to be known as AOL7 Pty Ltd. AOL says it
has experienced rapid growth since its launch in Australia
in 1998, and the new venture puts it in a position to take
its business to the next level.
NZ-INDIA FORGE CLOSER BUSINESS LINKS
-------------------------------------
The Government has signed a formal agreement with India to
forge closer business links between the two countries.
Information Technology Minister Paul Swain says it is vital
that New Zealand forge closer links with India, an IT
powerhouse. He says among many things, the agreement
recognises the potential for extensive trade between the
two countries in the IT sector. Mr Swain says both
countries have agreed to exchange information where
appropriate, on legal, regulatory and policy issues. He
says India and New Zealand are also looking to explore the
scope for joint ventures and other business activities in
IT, telecommunications, e-commerce and other knowledge-
based industries.
POLICE BREAKTHROUGH IN TRIPLE HOMICIDE
--------------------------------------
Auckland police investigating the brutal killing of three
people have cordoned off a large section of an Otara street
where they found the car which belonged to one of the
victims. Three bodies were found at the Mt Wellington-
Panmure RSA on Saturday. A fourth victim, Susan Couch is
fighting for her life in Auckland Hospital. Ms Couch's
missing car was found in Clayton Avenue in Otara this
morning. Detective Sergeant David Pearson says police are
now canvassing the area to find out how the car got there.
He says it is a big breakthrough and police will carry out
a major scene examination of the area. Detective Sergeant
Pearson says the car may have been taken by those
responsible for the senseless attacks.
(It seems the car was stolen by people who were unrelated
to the violence. It may turn out to be that this was the
second theft of the same car. The story develops as the
week goes by. -BH)
INTERNET SYMPOSIUM FOR AUCKLAND
-------------------------------
What is being claimed as the world's first symposium on the
social impact of the Internet is being held at Auckland
University in February. The university, police and the
Internet Safety Group are organising the event. Invitations
have been sent to 170 government, business, education and
community leaders. Internet Safety Group president Liz
Butterfield says the symposium will discuss Internet safety
in the home, workplace, schools. She says the symposium
aims to develop ideas to enhance the benefits of the net
and reduce some of the risks. Delegates will also look at
the infrastructure, legal and cultural issues. She says
they aim to develop ideas to enhance the benefits of the
net and reduce some of the risks. The symposium will be
held at Auckland University in mid-February.
FAMILY OF MYSTERY GIRL FRONTS
-----------------------------
The family of a five-year-old girl found wandering alone in
the streets of Penrose in the early hours of yesterday
morning has contacted authorities. The youngster was
unharmed when Auckland police picked her up. Appeals
yesterday failed to find any trace of her family. But Child
Youth and Family Service says members of her family made
inquiries this morning. The service is continuing to
investigate the incident.
(The question reportedly being asked by the police is
"where were the family in the many hours which elapsed
between the initial finding of the child, and the
appearance of the family at the police station - BH)
LINES BLUR BETWEEN WORK AND HOME
--------------------------------
A new survey confirms what many of us already know. Work is
encroaching more and more on our personal lives. An online
survey by recruitment company TMP Worldwide shows half of
those questioned take a mobile phone or laptop computer on
holiday. A similar number always leave their mobile on
outside normal hours so that work can get hold of them.
Three quarters of respondents work 40 hours or more per
week. Seven per cent worked more than 60 hours a week.
(I find the boundary is very blurred - students seem to
expect email responses to their queries all evening and at
weekends. - BH)
BEEF AND BERRIES ON CHRISTMAS MENUS
-----------------------------------
Beef and berries are the hot items for the Christmas dinner
table this year according to top Wellington chef, Ruth
Pretty. She says many of the clients she is catering for
are asking her to prepare beef instead of the traditional
turkey dinner. She believes a rise in the cost of beef has
made it more of a luxury food. Ms Pretty says a barbecue is
one of the easiest ways of cooking beef for a Christmas
feast. She say tayberries, a cross between boysenberries
and loganberries make a delicious dessert.
(I once hired Mrs Pretty's catering organization for a
departmental function. She certainly has some interesting
and radical food combinations which I enjoyed thoroughly,
but I am not sure she is representative of a wide enough
section of the community to allow the writer to use the
term "hot". - BH)
Tuesday, 11 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AIR NZ PROMISES TO KEEP UNIONS IN THE LOOP
-------------------------------------------
The engineers union is pleased Air New Zealand has agreed
to consult with them about any plans to axe jobs. The
Engineering, Printing, and Manufacturing Union and several
other unions which represent Air New Zealand staff met with
the airline today. EPMU secretary, Andrew Little, says the
unions have not been advised of any moves to reduce
staffing levels at this stage. He says he cannot guarantee
jobs are safe, however, with the air industry being in
turmoil following the September 11th attacks. Mr Little
says the next few months will be vital, but he is delighted
the airline has promised to include unions in the decision-
making process. The unions hope to meet again with Air New
Zealand management early next year.
PETER BLAKE'S MOTHER TO ATTEND FUNERAL
--------------------------------------
Sir Peter Blake's mother Joyce will be flying to England
for his funeral later this week. Her attendance has been in
doubt because of an ear problem which has in the past
prevented her from flying. Joyce Blake's doctor has cleared
her to fly to London, and she will be leaving tomorrow
night for the funeral which will be held early Saturday
morning New Zealand time. She will be accompanied by
daughter her Jane and son Tony, and his wife Fiona. On the
way to England they will meet up in the US with her other
daughter Liz. A family spokeswoman says a number of other
family and friends will be going to the funeral. She says
Joyce is very much looking forward to being there.
SHIPLEY WANTS TO BE CONVINCED
-----------------------------
Former National Leader Jenny Shipley has denied reports she
has issued her successor an ultimatum to promote her or she
will quit. Mrs Shipley says she has never been into
ultimatums. However, she says she would have to be
convinced she is making a significant contribution if she
is to continue in politics. Mrs Shipley says whether her
capability is currently being fully utilised is the
question she will have to address over the Christmas break.
She says she is not a passenger, she is a person who likes
action and she does not intend to just occupy a seat. Mrs
Shipley is currently ranked at number 22 in the caucus
lineup.
(I am minded of the scene from "Blazing Saddles" in which
Sheriff Bart holds a gun to his own head and says (excuse
me) "That next man makes a move, the nigger gets it." As
the script now might go on to say, "Listen to her Bill,
She's not bluffing!" - BH)
TEENAGERS ADMIT TAKING RSA VICTIM'S CAR
----------------------------------------
Two teenage brothers have admitted taking the car belonging
to the sole survivor of Saturday's slayings at the Mt
Wellington-Panmure RSA. Susan Couch's Toyota Corolla was
found dumped in the south Auckland suburb of Otara two days
after the attack. Amid a heavy media presence the boys
appeared separately at the Youth Court at the Auckland
District Court today. Neither denied taking the car and
police requests to have them detained in custody were
granted. The judge remanded them in the custody of the
Child, Youth and Family Service until the 14th of January.
No details have been revealed as to where the car was taken
from.
LAW SOCIETY APPLAUDS MOVE TO WIPE CRIMINAL RECORDS CLEAN
--------------------------------------------------------
The Law Society is cautiously applauding moves to wipe
minor criminal convictions from the public record. Hundreds
of thousands of New Zealanders stand to gain from the Clean
Slate Bill, which allows minor convictions to be concealed
after 10 years. The Law Society's Civil Liberties spokesman
Stuart Cummings says it recognises that upstanding citizens
are often punished decades after a minor wrong. He just
hopes the bill makes it onto the law books as it is not the
first time such legislation has been considered but not
pursued. Mr Cummings says it is unfortunate that under the
proposed legislation minor criminal histories will still
prevent many people from travelling. He says cannabis
offences prevent thousands getting visas for the US.
CLARK TO DELIVER EULOGY
-----------------------
Details have been released today of the Prime Minister's
whirlwind trip to Britain this week to attend Sir Peter
Blake's funeral. Miss Clark will leave the country tomorrow
night and will arrive in time for the wake on Thursday
night. Sir Peter's family has asked her to deliver a eulogy
at the funeral which she says she is happy to do. She says
in public life she has been asked to deliver a number of
eulogies but the one for Sir Peter will be one of the
toughest. Miss Clark believes the congregation will want to
celebrate Sir Peter's life and will want to hear of the
passion he brought to everything he did. Miss Clark will
leave Britain on Saturday morning.
(It seems appropriate to me. - BH)
LORD OF THE RINGS PREMIERES IN LONDON
-------------------------------------
The much-hyped first instalment of the Lord of the Rings
trilogy has had its world premiere in London this morning.
Stars Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellen and Sean Bean were
among those at the Leicester Square screening of Fellowship
of the Ring. New Zealand director Peter Jackson was there
to soak up the atmosphere. He told reporters that in making
the film he was only trying to appeal to one fan - himself.
Elijah Wood is coming to New Zealand for the Australasian
premiere in Wellington next week. The movie opens to the
public on December 20th.
SKYHAWKS DECISION TO BE APPEALED
---------------------------------
Opponents of the decision to scrap the Skyhawks are to
appeal an unfavourable court decision. The Save Our
Skyhawks Campaign is to taking the case to the Court of
Appeal. The campaign's arguments against disbanding the
strike force was shot down in the High Court last month.
Opponents argued that the decision to get rid of the
warplanes was unconstitutional. Save Our Skyhawks lawyer
Clive Bradbury says the appeal grounds are quite technical.
He hopes the case can be heard as soon as possible in the
new year. Meanwhile, a number of Skyhawks and Aermacchi
trainer jets are today taking part in a final flypast over
much of the country.
RAPID INCREASE FOR FAST FOOD SALES
----------------------------------
Fast food operator Restaurant Brands has recorded a big
increase in sales. Turnover at its KFC, Pizza Hut and
Starbucks stores rose 11. 8 per cent in the last quarter
compared with the same period last year. Some of that rise
came from new stores. But on a same-store basis sales are
still up more than seven per cent. Growth was strong at
Pizza Hut, at 11. 6 per cent, while KFC sales rose 6. 7 per
cent.
AIR FORCE FLY PAST UNDERWAY
---------------------------
The final fly past for the air force combat wing is
underway. The Skyhawks and Aermacchis of 75 and 14
squadrons have already taken off from Ohakea. The Skyhawks
are due to give a display over Whenuapai at Auckland. They
will then go back to Ohakea to refuel, before beginning a
run down through the lower North Island and the South
Island this afternoon.
(Low cloud prevented their appearance over Wellington,
which just may have prevented the acquisition of the
Beehive as a target in their bombsights :-) - BH)
OTHERS QUIET AS KIRSTY BENTLEY'S BROTHER GOES PUBLIC
----------------------------------------------------
Canterbury police and the mother of murdered Ashburton
teenager Kirsty Bentley are not commenting on the latest
developments in the case. Kirsty disappeared on New Year's
Eve in 1998. Her body was found 17 days later near the
Rakaia Gorge. Now her brother John Bentley has gone public
claiming he is the main suspect in the homicide enquiry,
but has denied he was involved in the killing. His father,
Sid, has also been closely questioned by police. However
police refuse to be drawn on John's claims, saying they do
not comment on operational matters. Kirsty's mother, Jill
Bentley, is also staying silent.
NEW DEFENCE CHIEF AIMS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
--------------------------------------------
The new head of the defence force admits morale is low
within the armed forces, but it is promising things will
improve under his reign. Air Commodore Bruce Ferguson is
adamant he will fix the dysfunctional relationship between
the three arms of the Defence Force as found by the Auditor
General earlier this year. He also wants to eliminate
intense lobbying for Government funds, after criticism of
the army's push for funding. Air Commodore Ferguson says he
was shocked when he was told he had won the top job in
defence as the appointment came "out of left field." He
says he will work to ensure the defence force works as a
team. Meanwhile, the Air Force makes a farewell fly-past
over several towns and cities today to mark the disbandment
of the strike wing. Four Aermacchis and seven Skyhawks will
take part in the event. The aircraft will depart from
Ohakea at 9. 20 am and fly a route over Napier, Taupo and
New Plymouth before reaching Auckland at 10. 11 am. The
planes will then fly back to Ohakea via Hamilton and
Wanganui. In the afternoon, the aircraft will depart from
Ohakea at 1. 53 pm and fly over Napier, Hastings,
Christchurch, Woodbourne, and Masterton to reach Wellington
by 3. 05 pm. The planes will then pass over Trentham and
Paraparaumu before arriving back at Ohakea by 3. 19 pm.
STAFF BONUS NOT A PAY DISPUTE SWEETENER
---------------------------------------
Victoria University is denying that a $1 million staff
bonus is being offered as an inducement to try to resolve a
long running pay dispute. The University will make the one-
off payment while negotiations continue over the dispute
which has seen staff take limited industrial action.
However Vice Chancellor Stuart McCutcheon says the bonus
payout has come about because record student enrolments
mean the institution has a budget surplus of $5. 5 million
not $2. 9 million as projected. He says the bonus payment
is not a sweetener as it is not being offered with any
conditions. He says it is just a way of letting staff
benefit from the University's financial turn around.
Professor McCutcheon says staff have been performing
exceptionally well which has led to increased student
numbers. There has been a 3% increase in domestic student
numbers and an 80% increase in international student
enrolments. Professor McCutcheon puts the enrolment
increases down to a good quality audit review and the lure
of Wellington as a great place for students to live. Staff
are voting this week on whether to stage strike action next
year, in support of an 8% pay claim. The university has
offered nearly 1. 8% plus a bonus.
(Anything I could say here would be clearly interpreted as
biased - BH)
TOP US OFFICIALS WORK TO LIFT GRAPE BAN
----------------------------------------
US officials are working to prevent more black widow
spiders entering New Zealand in shipments of Californian
grapes. A senior delegation from the US Department of
Agriculture is discussing the problem with MAF, the
Department of Conservation and the Health Ministry. MAF
banned the grapes after four of the deadly spiders were
found in grape shipments. Spokesman Justin Downs says
offers of greater information sharing, and contact with US
pest management experts, have been well-received. He
expects more solid decisions will be made in the coming
months as the problem is addressed. Mr Downs says the
Americans are perfectly aware of the attention the problem
deserves, having lost significant earnings after the
imposition of the ban.
Wednesday, 12 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PIZZA HUT RELUCTANTLY ACCEPTS DECISION
---------------------------------------
Fast-food giant Pizza Hut says it does not have a lot of
choice than to accept a High Court decision to ban it from
offering beer and wine with their orders. Three Pizza Hut
outlets on Auckland's North Shore offer the service, and
other Pizza Huts were hoping to gain off-licenses to offer
the same service. The outlets had been granted a liquor
license by the Liquor Licensing Authority. However, Justice
Tony Randerson upheld appeals by the police and the
Auckland District Licensing agency against the licenses.
General manager for Pizza Hut Kurt Whitlow says they have
no choice but to obey the law. The decision has been
welcomed by the Alcohol Health Watch.
DOCTORS WELCOME FANTASY DECISION
--------------------------------
Indications that Fantasy and similar party drugs are likely
to become illegal have been welcomed by an Auckland doctor
who has repeatedly warned of their danger. The Government
agrees with the recommendations of an expert committee that
Fantasy, 1,4-B and GHB should be classified under the
Misuse of Drugs Act. They will probably be classified as
Class B. Trafficking in them would carry a maximum 14-year
prison sentence. An Auckland man died after taking GHB in
April, and others have required hospital treatment.
Auckland intensive care specialist Dr Tony Smith says the
recommendation is pleasing. He says the drugs should be
classified as quickly as possible.
NZ NO LONGER LEADS IN HOME OWNERSHIP
------------------------------------
New Zealand has lost its reputation as having the highest
proportion in the world of people owning their own homes. A
Massey University study shows Asian countries have
overtaken New Zealand in home ownership. The survey shows
while fewer New Zealanders are buying homes, many still
view paying off a house mortgage as their main form of
accumulating wealth. The university's Professor Bob
Hargreaves says where we led the world in home ownership in
1986 we have now slipped to tenth place. He says Singapore
has 90 per cent home ownership, Taiwan 85 per cent and New
Zealand is down to two-thirds. Most people renting
accommodation say they cannot afford either the deposit or
a mortgage Professor Hargreaves says other countries attach
more importance to assisting people into their own homes.
He says New Zealand has removed a lot of the subsidies
previously available to get into housing,. They included
low deposits and capitalising the family benefit.
ENGLISH PROMISES TO TACKLE MAORI ISSUES
----------------------------------------
National's promising a more open and robust debate on Maori
and the Treaty of Waitangi. Party leader Bill English says
if culturally sensitive issues like that are raised in
Wellington he runs the risk of being branded a racist by
the Prime Minister and the Labour Party. But Mr English
says unity can not be built on what the Government's doing
with Maori at the moment. He says there are no treaty
settlements, more welfare and the soft bigotry of low
expectations. Mr English says Maori are allowed limited
opportunity for self determination but no one else is
allowed any which he says is particularly hard on the
Pacific island community. He says they do not have a treaty
to shape their destiny and tend to be tagged on at the end.
MOTHER ADMITS ABANDONING BABY WHILE SHE GAMBLES
------------------------------------------------
A mother has been sentenced to 12 months supervision for
leaving her seven-week-old baby in a car, while she gambled
at Auckland's Sky City casino. The baby girl suffered
dehydration and spent the night at Starship Hospital after
being left in a car for three hours last month. In the
Auckland District Court a 22-year-old, Puao Faumuina has
admitted one charge of unlawfully abandoning her baby girl.
VICIOUS KILLERS WILL BE LOCKED UP FOR LIFE UNDER NATIONAL
---------------------------------------------------------
National is working on a policy that will see the toughest
sentence ever imposed for murder in this country. Party
leader Bill English says he wants to send a clear message
to murderers who take the lives of innocent people. For the
worst offenders a life sentence would mean life without
parole. Mr English says it is done in New South Wales and
he believes similar law would catch two to three cases a
year. At the moment a life sentence runs for 20 years, with
convicted murderers usually eligible for parole after 10
years.
(Frankly, I think the whole parole system is a nonsense. If
we really mean, when a person is sentenced to 10 years,
that he or she should be released in six, then why don't we
sentence them to six, with no ifs or buts. I am not
especially advocating harsher penalties. I just want the
ordinary public to have a more realistic appreciation of
what a sentence means for any given crime. - BH)
ARRESTS FOLLOWING UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS
---------------------------------------
Nearly 200 police officers have spent the morning executing
search warrants across the Wellington region, marking the
end of a major undercover bust. Class A and B drugs worth
more than $80,000 have been seized - including LSD, cocaine
and methamphetamine. Stolen property worth $215,000 has
been recovered - much of it has already been returned to
its owners. Police have been executing 78 search warrants
in Wellington, Porirua and the Hutt Valley. Officers are
also in action in Palmerston North, Nelson, Dunedin and
Canterbury. Wellington District Crime Services Manager
Detective Inspector Norm Cook expects 51 arrests by the end
of today.
NO DECISION ON POWELL RETRIAL CHARGE
------------------------------------
Christchurch's Crown Prosecutor is yet to decide what
charge to lay against boat dealer, Derek Paul Powell. His
conviction of manslaughter of hitting port picketer,
Christine Clarke with his vehicle was overturned by the
Court of Appeal. Powell's retrial has been set for mid-July
next year but prosecutor, Mark Zarifeh says an indictment
has not yet been filed. He says he can not say whether it
will be a manslaughter charge or a lesser charge, such as
careless driving causing death. The Court of Appeal ruling
effectively means a manslaughter charge would require the
Crown to prove Powell's driving was dangerous when he
barged through a port workers picket line at Lyttelton.
TRADE NZ CASHES IN ON RINGS HYPE
--------------------------------
Trade New Zealand is working to ensure the home of Middle
Earth is not forgotten after the release of the Fellowship
of the Rings. The first instalment of the legendary Tolkien
trilogy has had its film debut in London's West End. Trade
New Zealand spokesman Paul Voigt says the New Zealand theme
at all the premieres is just the tip of the public
relations iceberg. He says events are planned for the next
year, including meetings with other US film production
houses. Mr Voigt says New Zealand food, wine and gifts are
being offered at all the premieres, including Los Angeles
and New York.
SALMONELLA CASES RISE
----------------------
The strain of salmonella that killed an elderly
Christchurch man last year is back and this time eggs are
being blamed. Crown Public Health is warning people to be
extremely cautious about the use of raw eggs, following
investigations into 23 salmonella cases over the last six
weeks. Nine of those cases were Salmonella 160, the strain
that killed a man and hundreds of sparrows last year.
Eleven of the cases have been linked to the consumption of
raw eggs. Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Mel Briesman
says that suggests that the use of raw eggs carries a very
high risk of passing on salmonella. He is advising people
to avoid the use of raw eggs in foods that will be eaten
uncooked and to wash their hands after handling fresh eggs.
WHAT'S HOT AND WHAT'S NOT IN FOOD AND DRINK STAKES
---------------------------------------------------
Two retailers have outlined what's hot and what's not in
the food stakes this Christmas. If you are after bubbles
for Christmas you do not have to go for a top-name imported
product, according to Mill Liquorsave in Wellington.
Spokesman Lee Martin, says cheaper sparkling wines such as
Montana Lindauer and Jacobs Creek Pinot Chardonnay are just
as good and a lot easier on the pocket. He says while beer
sales seem to be on a par with last year, there has been a
definite increase in sales of wine for Christmas. Mr Martin
says from sales figures so far he believes it is going to
be a merry Christmas for most retailers. Meanwhile, a baker
says Christmas puddings are not as popular as they once
were, but Stollen, a European Christmas treat, is making
inroads with customers. Max Fuhrer from Arobake says
Christmas mince pies are still a traditional favourite. He
believes that by Christmas Day, his company would have made
approximately 30,000 Christmas mince pies. Mr Fuhrer says
mince pies are a reasonably-priced treat, which also make
great gifts. He says price increases in baking essentials
such as butter have driven up the price of most baked
goods.
Thursday, 13 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AT LEAST A WEEK BEFORE RETURN TO LAND COLLAPSE AREA
---------------------------------------------------
Waihi's mayor is pessimistic about how long it will be
before residents around the site of today's land collapse
will be able to return to their homes. Around 30 people
have been evacuated after a house and caravan toppled into
a huge hole in Barry Road, opposite the Waihi Gold Mining
Company offices. It appears the subsidence is a result of
the collapse of an old mine shaft begun in the early 1900s
which was never back-filled. Mayor Basil Morrison says he
can not see people being allowed to return to the area for
at least a week. The Government has promised swift action
over the collapse.
HIGHER SALARIES COMMISSION SAYS CLARK WOULD ATTRACT MORE
--------------------------------------------------------
The head of the Higher Salaries Commission is defending a
pay rise for politicians, the second in three months.
Hutton Peacock says no time is right to give a pay increase
and the Commission faces a dilemma every year between what
is fair and reasonable, and what the public sees as
acceptable. Mr Peacock says if the Prime Minister is
considered the Chief Executive of New Zealand, arguably the
biggest company in the country, then she would be paid a
multiple of her 244 thousand dollar annual salary. Helen
Clark is to get an increase of five and a half per cent -
almost 12 thousand dollars. Back Bench MPs will see their
pay rise by four per cent, putting them on just over 90
thousand dollars a year.
(I don't begrudge the politicians their rise if it is in
line with movement the private sector. What does stick in
my gullet, however, is their determination that nurses,
teachers, and dare I say it, tertiary staff may not also
have such relativity. If the overused "pay peanuts get
monkeys" metaphor applies to politicians, why is it not
applicable to the other people employed by the state?
Within the last decade, a senior lecturer had parity with a
backbencher. There is now a $20,000 gap. If the logic is
that it is unaffordable, then that logic should apply
equally to the politicians. It used to be a tenet of
leadership that a good leader looks to the needs of the
subordinates before attending to his or her own wants. I
think the higher salaries commission, however well
intentioned, and however constrained by formulae, are a
disaster in terms of morale and public good will. I have
said before that I think that the politicians should be
paid the average wage, as an incentive to do more for the
people they represent. Of course that won't happen, but at
least their salaries should be indexed to it, rather than
to the extravagant and volatile rewards of senior private
sector executives. - BH)
PRINCE CHARLES SALUTES AIR COMBAT FORCE
----------------------------------------
As the RNZAF's air combat force becomes part of history,
the occasion has been marked by a message from its
Commander-in-Chief, the Prince of Wales. Squadrons two, 14
and 75 have been officially disbanded in a ceremony at
Ohakea air base today, following the Government's decision
to axe the air strike capability. In a message read by
Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal Don Hamilton, Prince
Charles is quoted as saying - it is often said all good
things must come to an end. The Prince of Wales says the
squadrons have built an enviable reputation for courage,
flair and a can-do approach.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE BILL PASSES 1ST HURDLE
------------------------------------------
The Government's Paid Parental Leave Bill has passed its
first hurdle in Parliament. The bill has won majority
support during its first reading and will now be sent to
select committee for consideration. Women's Affairs
Minister Laila Harre says the scheme will help inject some
equity into pay and employment conditions for women. Twelve
weeks Paid Parental Leave will come into effect on July the
1st next year. It will be paid at 256 dollars a week after
tax. The maximum payment rate will be adjusted annually in
line with average earnings.
UNI STAFF TO STRIKE
-------------------
Union members at Victoria University have voted to strike
early in the new academic year. The results of a ballot
have just been released, with the Association of University
Staff saying the strike motion was passed overwhelmingly.
They are looking for an eight per cent raise for academic
staff and six per cent for general staff. The most recent
offer from the university is 1. 8 per cent, with an extra
one-off payment of 1. 2 per cent. The Association of
University Staff says salaries have fallen over the past 10
years relative to inflation. It claims academic salaries in
New Zealand are not competitive internationally.
(Not competitive? Our offers for a full professorial chair
are actually less in real terms than a newly minted PhD can
get in some universities overseas. The "lifestyle
advantage" just does not cut it as a counter argument, and
more and more, universities are having to contemplate
incestuous internal promotions which, in the long run
diminish the credibility of our institutions. Biased? Me?
Darned right! - BH)
DVD LOOPHOLE TO BE CLOSED
-------------------------
A loophole that has allowed retailers to rent the latest
movies on DVD before they come out at the box office is
about to be closed by the Government. Commerce Minister
Paul Swain is introducing legislation which will ban the
parallel importing of films, videos and DVDs for nine
months from a title's first international release. He says
it will mean retailers will no longer be able to legally
import copies of a motion picture without the permission of
the local copyright holder. The new law, which will be
introduced to Parliament early next year, will not apply to
DVDs imported for private use.
EXPORT BEEF STOLEN
------------------
Nearly 15 tonnes of beef destined for Korea has been stolen
from the AFFCO freezing works at Horotiu near Hamilton. The
meat, in a truck and trailer unit, was stolen from the
works between 3am and 4. 30am today. The truck was found a
few hours later near Miranda on the Firth of Thames. The
meat was in 590 cartons. Each carton has the words Export
for Korea stamped on them. Ngaruawahia police think the
meat is destined for the black market. They want any
members of the public who are offered the meat to contact
them.
FILM UPSETS MP
--------------
New Zealand First MP Peter Brown wants the Chief Censor
sacked for approving a new french film featuring high
levels of sex and violence. Mr Brown says the film, which
he will not name, is disgraceful and disgusting as it shows
gratuitous violence, demeans women, and displays people
under torture. The film has been given an R18 rating and
will be restricted to film school and film society viewing.
Mr Brown says he has written to the Minister of Internal
Affairs and urged him to view the film and make his own
assessment. He says if George Hawkins agrees with his
assessment he should then sack the Chief Censor.
Friday, 14 December
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLAST AT FACTORY
----------------
There has been an explosion at a car painting factory in
Hastings. Emergency services at the scene say one person
has been injured and taken to hospital. It is not yet known
what caused the explosion, which was heard some distance
away. Occupational Safety and Health staff have been called
in to investigate.
LIFEJACKETS LAW LIKELY
----------------------
The government says the carrying of life-jackets on all
recreational boats is likely to become law from mid-next
year. Transport Minister Mark Gosche says the issue is the
subject of a maritime rule, which goes out for consultation
tomorrow. He says 75 per cent of all those who drown while
boating could have avoided death by wearing a life jacket.
Mr Gosche says the rule proposes every skipper will be
responsible for providing a life-jacket of the appropriate
size for every person on board. He says while this is
required by existing bylaws in some regions, there is no
national requirement. The draft rule does not apply to surf
boards or boogie boards. Sporting events such as dragon
boating or ceremonial events are also exempted under the
rule.
NATS SAY COME CLEAN OVER AIR NZ
-------------------------------
The National Party is calling on the Government to come
clean about its intentions for Air New Zealand. Opposition
leader Bill English claims the Government is in
negotiations with Qantas over it buying up to 25 per cent
of our national carrier. The Finance Minister's office says
Dr Cullen is meeting Qantas executives next week, but at
their request. Bill English says taxpayers have put $1
billion into Air New Zealand and they do not expect it to
be sold to the Australians. Mr English says the rumours are
that the Government wants to sell a cornerstone
shareholding as fast as it can.
US MOVE DISAPPOINTS MINISTER
----------------------------
Disarmament Minister Matt Robson fears the decision by the
United States, to pull out of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic
Missile treaty, could spark a new type of arms race.
President George W. Bush has confirmed his country's
withdrawal from the agreement with Russia, saying it is a
relic of the Cold War. Matt Robson says he accepts the ABM
had its faults as an instrument for nuclear disarmament.
But he says there is now a fear the decision holds the
potential to see a new form of arms race emerging on earth
and in space, based on 21st Century technology. Mr Robson
says the decision signals the US is moving towards the
implementation of the proposed National Missile Defence
System.
UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR HOUSES
---------------------------
Emergency services are currently discussing what to do
about three houses in Waihi, that remain at serious risk of
collapse. The homes are precariously teetering on the edge
of the large subsidence which has already swallowed up one
house and a caravan. Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh says the
meeting of all emergency services will include the question
of when residents can return home. But he says the reality
is some may never be allowed to go back to their houses.
Sergeant Hindmarsh says the roads around the area have been
reopened.
KIWI SOLDIERS ACCUSED OF WAR CRIMES
-----------------------------------
Allegations have emerged in a new book that New Zealand
soldiers carried out a grisly war crime in North Africa
during World War 2. The claims come in the second volume of
a semi-official German history, called "Germany and the
Second World War, the Global War". The book says New
Zealand troops overran a German medical station in Africa
in June 1942, and bayoneted to death every one of its 80
occupants, including doctors and the wounded. The 1,200
page book, which is published by Oxford, was co-written by
four German authors.
MOTHER SENTENCED FOR INFANTICIDE
--------------------------------
The Stratford woman convicted of infanticide has been
sentenced in the New Plymouth High Court to two years
supervision Twenty-two-year-old Evelyn Marshall drowned her
13-month-old son Daniel in January this year. The two-year
supervision sentence includes conditions such as living
where directed, and undertaking psychological and alcohol
and drug counselling. Marshall was originally charged with
murder, but was convicted of the lesser charge of
infanticide. The jury agreed with the defence claim she was
suffering from post-natal depression at the time.
SECONDARY TEACHERS OUTRAGED OVER MPS' PAY RISE
----------------------------------------------
Secondary teachers say the latest MPs' pay rise is
hypocritical when teachers have been told the well has run
dry. Politicians are getting an average five per cent pay
increase - their second in three months. Secondary teachers
have recently accepted a two per cent pay increase. But
that acceptance is now at risk. Post Primary Teachers
Association president Jen McCutcheon says ratification of
the deal will be difficult, with teachers unhappy over the
gap between teachers and MPs' pay increases. She says it
shows the Government simply does not understand the real
world. Jen McCutcheon says the deal is due to be ratified
at the beginning of the next school term.
THE FINANCIAL PAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 13 December 2001 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
CURRENCIES
~~~~~~~~~~
The currency codes given below conform to ISO 4217, which
can be found at http://www.xe.net/currency/iso_4217.htm.
The rates given are for telegraphic transfer and are
as given in the Wellington Evening Post today.
To Buy NZD 1.00
USD 0.4252
AUD 0.8142
GBP 0.2940
JPY 53.90
CAD 0.6659
EUR 0.4747
FRF 3.1121
DEM 0.9282
HKD 3.3249
SGD 0.7808
ZAR 4.7574
CHF 0.7007
INTEREST RATES (%)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call : 4.75
90 Day: 4.86
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