Copyright, Brian Harmer
An aspect of last week's Kapiti trip finds an echo this
week. As we were trudging wearily up Trig track (which a
correspondent who was apparently on the same trip tells me
is achieved daily by people working on the island in about
30 minutes), we encountered a much fitter person who had
already been to the top and was now on his way down.
Between gasps, and dripping sweat, we asked "how much
further to the junction?". His breezy estimate was about
twenty minutes, but he said the stitchbird feeding station
was "just round the corner". Some thirty interminable
minutes later, we collapsed onto the seat at the feeding
station, vowing to strangle that optimist if we ever met
him again.
The echo comes in regard to the promise of summer.
According to all the experts, it too has been "just around
the corner" for several months now. We have had the odd
bright day here and there, but I can not recall a January
and February so filled with cold Southerlies and rain as
this one. I swear the conditions in Wellington yesterday
were such that I would not have been surprised to see snow
on the Orongorongos when the weather cleared. It reminds me
of my six month sojourn working in the head office of the
now absorbed National Insurance company of New Zealand in
Dunedin way back in 1966. I went there in January and when
at last we had a sunny day towards the end of February, a
colleague proclaimed this to be "a typical Dunedin day - at
last!". So it has been here. Even the cicadas, those
harbingers of hot dry weather, have given up waiting, and
are singing their cheerful noisy chorus despite the wind
and rain. Have you ever noticed when driving though bush in
a car with the windows down, that even at a hundred km/h
the solo part in any chorus of cicadas is passed seamlessly
from one to the next, so that the loudest song is always
just outside your window? Still, if nothing else, "summer"
has brought with it a splendid crop of Omega plums, though
alas the golden queen peaches are a sad and sorry lot.
------
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 our friends at
WWW.KiaOraThailand.com. Thank you.
Last week, I raised the issue of funding for the
formatting. It was not my intention to renew the campaign,
or to seek a whole lot of new promises. Rather, I wanted to
remind some of those who promised last time, that they
forgot to follow through, and no support was ever received
from a surprisingly large number.
On with the news:
Monday, 11 February
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEAR MISS AT AUCKLAND SITE
--------------------------
An Occupational Safety and Health official says it is only
luck that prevented another death at an Auckland
construction site over the weekend. A six-metre concrete
wall collapsed at an inner-city building site on Saturday.
The site had only recently re-opened, after a similar
incident three weeks ago killed a construction worker. OSH
regional manager in Auckland, John Forrest, says an
investigation is underway to determine how the wall
collapsed. All work at the site has been stopped
indefinitely, by OSH.
(As far as I can tell, this site seems to border on
Auckland's Anzac Avenue, just below the intersection with
Prince's Street. I am surprised at a construction site
being so unstable and can remember no similar incident in
New Zealand prior to this. - BH)
ABDUCTION VICTIM TELLS POLICE OF ORDEAL
---------------------------------------
West Auckland police are speaking with the victim of a 17-
hour abduction and rape ordeal. The 23-year-old woman was
snatched from a suburban street on Saturday afternoon. She
escaped when her attacker fell asleep. Efforts to capture
him have so far failed. Detective Senior Sergeant John
Sutton describes the man as a slim Caucasian, about 30
years of age, with short brown hair. Detective Senior
Sergeant Sutton wants to hear from anyone who has seen a
light blue or silver Mitsubishi hatchback with damage to
its front, a cracked windscreen and with the registration
number PD 7617.
LABOUR'S PLAN FOR GROWTH OUT TOMORROW
-------------------------------------
A major election-year announcement is expected from the
Prime Minister tomorrow. Helen Clark is scheduled to
release her government's national innovation strategy. It
is a plan Miss Clark says advisers have been working on for
some time, aimed at speeding up economic growth. Miss Clark
says it will concentrate on some key industries, such as
information technology and bio-technology where growth will
flow into other sectors of the economy. Helen Clark says
tomorrow's policy announcement will be followed by budget
initiatives.
(I wonder at the wisdom of making an announcement to the
effect that we are about to say something. That can only
lead to speculation and disappointment. Wouldn't it be more
sensible just to say it when you are ready so that the
first statement is the subject itself which can then be
judged on its merits rather than against a background of
all the possible things it might have been? - BH)
FUEL MOVING OPERATION IN FULL SWING
-----------------------------------
Conservationists wait with bated breath to see if an
environmental disaster can be averted in Poverty Bay as
efforts to remove fuel oil from the stranded log boat Jody
F Millennium gets into full swing. Inflatable barges are
being used to ferry the ship's supply to the Navy's
hydrographic research ship, HMNZS Endeavour. A small amount
of oil has already leaked from the ship. Hundreds of tonnes
remain on board. Bad weather is predicted and there is a
risk far more oil could spill from the battered ship.
Forest and Bird's Senior Conservation Officer Barry Weeber
says two ecologically sensitive areas can be found in
Poverty Bay. He says threatened birds include Dotterels,
Herons and Blue Penguins.
(I have been surprised at the sheer viscosity of this fuel.
It seems to be able to be picked up in lumps, like black
yoghurt. It needs to be heated before it can be pumped.
Ugly stuff, but no doubt more economical than the more
refined fuel used in smaller engines. - BH)
COURT HEARS ABOUT BRAIN AND TISSUE SAMPLES
------------------------------------------
The jury in the Palmerston High Court has heard about the
steps taken to test brain and tissue samples from a shirt
of double murder-accused Mark Lundy. The court heard last
week the samples were many thousands of times more likely
to have come from his bludgeoned wife Christine and
daughter Amber than from anyone else. Today the jury was
shown photos detailing how the samples were obtained and
secured. They were also told Detective Sergeant Ross
Grantham travelled to Texas to have the samples tested . On
his return, on February 13 last year, the murder inquiry
team immediately planned how they would conduct an
interview with Lundy.
NATIONAL DEMANDS TEACHER SHORTAGE INQUIRY
-----------------------------------------
The National Party is calling for an inquiry into the
secondary school teacher shortage. Education Minister
Trevor Mallard concedes 141 more secondary teachers are
required around the country, because many more students
than expected have enrolled this year. National's Education
spokesman Nick Smith says Mr Mallard must be held
accountable for the huge under-estimation of enrolments. He
says it is not a complex task to monitor the flow of
students from one year to the next. Mr Smith has lodged a
Notice of Motion with the Education Select Committee
calling for an inquiry into the enrolment problems.
COURT APPEARANCES FOR MONGREL MOB MEMBERS
------------------------------------------
Six Mongrel Mob members arrested by police in Palmerston
North at the weekend are appearing in the District Court
today, facing a variety of charges. They were rounded up in
a major operation following the shooting of 16-year-old
Black Power prospect Wallace Whatuira on Waitangi Day. A
Black Power member who turned himself in to police will
also appear in court. The men face charges including
breaching bail, possession of cannabis, obstructing police
and fire arms offences. The funeral of Mr Whatuira is
underway at the Highbury Whanau Centre. His body will be
taken to Pahiatua for burial
NZ POST ACCUSED OF COVER-UP
---------------------------
New Zealand Post is being accused by the Act party of
trying to cover up the failure of an overseas consultancy
job in South Africa. It follows the leaking of a report
into New Zealand Post's International wing Transend and its
failed postal contract with the South African Government.
The leaked report says the venture was disjointed and based
on unrealistic targets. But Act's Finance spokesman, Rodney
Hide, says what is most concerning is that New Zealand Post
denied having the report when asked by a Select Committee
in November. He claims the Committee was misled, as the
leaked report was given to New Zealand Post in August last
year.
(I always have mixed feelings about Mr Hide. My vision of
him is that he is an extremely hard worker who finds
windmills to tilt at, even if he has to build them himself.
On this occasion, I have formed a strong impression that he
is right. - BH)
TUKU'S TV FUNDING IN THE LIMELIGHT
----------------------------------
Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia will be seeking a
briefing today on reports a large chunk of Government
funding for Maori documentaries has gone to Tukuroirangi
Morgan. The Maori broadcasting agency, Te Mangai Paho, is
said to have allocated more than 40 per cent of its
documentary and magazine budget last financial year to the
former New Zealand First MP's production company. Mr
Horomia says he will comment once he knows more detail this
afternoon. Tukuroirangi Morgan is already receiving $1.6
million in taxpayer funding to make a Maori language
documentary series tracing Maori migration across the
Pacific.
(To be fair, the budget variously reported as $1.6 or $1.8
million is to achieve a project with a huge number of
costs. The media persists in acting as if $1.8 million is
being paid personally to Mr Morgan, which of course it is
not. On the basis of history, I would have preferred him
not to be in charge. - BH)
CALL FOR REVIEW OF SUPPRESSION ORDERS
-------------------------------------
A tougher stand on the issue of name suppression is being
called for, after a week of speculation and rumours in
Christchurch. Local car dealer Rick Armstrong says his
business has suffered after he was falsely rumoured to be
the businessman convicted of trying to hire a 12 year-old
girl for sex. National MP Gerry Brownlee says a review of
the name suppression law is needed. He says the whole point
of name suppression orders is to protect the innocent and,
in this case, it has clearly backfired. He says, to avoid
similar problems in the future, name suppression should
rarely be used in the courts. Mr Brownlee says, if the
police appeal against the name suppression is unsuccessful,
he will seriously consider using parliamentary privilege to
reveal the convicted man's identity.
(Not often I agree with Mr Brownlee, but on the matter of
broad principle at least, I think he is right. - BH)
PROPERTY PRICE BOOM PREDICTED
------------------------------
New Zealand is heading for a property price boom according
to one property investor. Olly Newland says all the current
market signs point towards big increases in property values
and he expects house and land prices in prime areas to move
up as much as 20 per cent. He says the current upswing in
activity feels like the property booms experienced in the
1980s and mid-90s. But Mr Newland is warning investors not
to get sucked into purchasing cheap apartments and
townhouses for investment purposes. He says property booms
only last between six and 12 months.
Tuesday, 12 February (belatedly, Gung Hey Fat Choy!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DIARY FOCAL POINT IN HEARING
----------------------------
The lawyer representing Steven Wallace's family has asked
to see the diary of Department for Courts worker Patricia
Dombrovski. Prosecution lawyer John Rowan has asked to see
the diary, saying he has suspicions about names entered in
it. The court heard that a fortnight before Steven Wallace
was shot, Mrs Dombrovski received a call from Steven
Wallace's mother, requesting protection from her
increasingly violent son. The defence has opened its case
today.
NEW JURY NEEDED FOR BLAKIE TRIAL
--------------------------------
There has been a set back to the start of the Lisa Blakie
murder trial in Christchurch. The jury for the three month
trial of former Darfield man, Timothy Taylor, had been
selected this morning and opening addresses were about to
be delivered. However, after a meeting in chambers, Justice
William Young revealed a juror had revealed a problem about
being part of the trial. He discharged the jury and ordered
the case be reconvened on Friday. It is not the first time
jury problems have arisen in Christchurch. One case
involving a former police officer was twice deferred last
year under similar circumstances.
(The frustration on the face of the learned judge was just
a picture. Having had to discharge one jury, he admonished
the next batch slowly and clearly, requiring them to listen
very carefully to the instruction that if they had a
problem which would prevent their sitting throughout the
trial, they should say so before they took their seat.
Twice, it seems, the jury was laboriously empanelled and
twice, if I understood tonight's TV news, someone belatedly
decided they couldn't stay. I don't understand why another
juror could not be selected. We apparently don't have any
system of alternate jurors sitting like a spare tyre
waiting one of the initial panel to go flat. I am surprised
someone didn't get at the very least, vigorously ticked
off! - BH)
PARLIAMENT PAYS RESPECTS
-------------------------
Parliament has held a minute's silence today in tribute to
Princess Margaret. The Princess died at the weekend aged 71
after a series of strokes. All of the political parties
paid their respects, and offered their condolences to the
Royal family. Many who spoke today commented fondly on her
fun-loving and, at times, controversial life.
PENSION PAYMENT CLAIM
----------------------
An east Auckland woman claims her partner has lost out on
16 months worth of pension payments because of a mistake by
the Department of Work and Income. The Howick woman, who
wants to be known only as Jan, says a few weeks before her
partner's 65th birthday last month, the department
contacted him to organise the payment of superannuation.
When he went in to do so, he was informed payments should
have started in October 2000, because of the changeover
period while the age of eligibility was raised from 60 to
65. Jan says they were told the missed instalments,
amounting to more than $10 thousand, could not be back-
paid. She says she now has to apply to the Social Security
Appeal Authority for money which she claims is rightfully
theirs.
CLARK SPELLS OUT PLAN FOR FUTURE
--------------------------------
Innovation, diversity and strategic intervention have been
painted by the Government as the key to our economic
future. Prime Minister Helen Clark has unveiled a vision
the coalition hopes will lead to the economy growing by
four per cent a year in four years time. It focuses on
continuing to build partnerships with the private sector in
areas such as biotechnology, communications technology and
creative industries such as film production. Miss Clark
says New Zealand must not only pinpoint but promote what it
does best. She says New Zealand must be seen as smart and
innovative, and not just clean and green. The Prime
Minister's opening speech to Parliament has been
immediately shot down as nothing but a "vacuous political
exercise". National's leader Bill English has told the
House the Prime Minister's provided no practical measures
to transform New Zealand's economy. He says New Zealanders
will be hugely disappointed with the PM's State-of-the-
Nation. Bill English says National will focus on building
ambition amongst New Zealanders.
DAVIDSON ADMISSION OVER DESIGNS
-------------------------------
Former Team New Zealand designer Laurie Davidson has
admitted some One World team members may have seen some
photographs of Team New Zealand testing its yachts. Another
former Team New Zealand member, Sean Reeves, has alleged Mr
Davidson sold key design secrets to the Seattle-based
challenge. Mr Davidson is flatly denying the claims. He
says his intentions were honourable with the photographs,
saying he wanted to take them back to Team New Zealand. He
says, on the way there, he stopped at the One World
offices, where the photos may have been seen by other
people. Mr Davidson says he returned the photos to Team New
Zealand the same day.
BAD WEATHER MAY HELP IN EMERGENCY
---------------------------------
Salvage experts hope to use heavy swells, expected to hit
Poverty Bay tomorrow afternoon, to help refloat the Jody F
Millennium. They say an attempt will be made to move the
log carrier before the weather gets too bad. The ship's bow
has moved three degrees to port and is now facing more out
to sea. The towing vessel Pacific Chieftain has had a line
to the vessel since last night. United Salvage spokesman
Ian Hoskison says it is possible the ship will start to
move as the weather gets up tomorrow. He says, if that
happens, the salvage master may begin dumping ballast and
move the vessel out to sea. Meanwhile, the team set up to
save wildlife caught in the leaked oil has not been too
busy so far. Treatment Centre coordinator Richard Norman
says shoreline searches showed only a small number of birds
affected by the oil. He says only two were contaminated to
the extent that they needed capturing and cleaning. Both
birds have since died, partly because of the level of
contamination. The wildlife centre will stay on standby.
(It didn't - BH)
MISSING TRAMPER IDENTIFIED BY FATHER
------------------------------------
The father of a missing tramper, whose body has just been
found, has travelled to attend the post mortem examination.
A body found near Lake Daniels is almost certainly that of
14 year old Elon Oved, who disappeared in the area last
December. The boy's father has already identified the
remains as his son's, through photos, although dental
records are yet to give final confirmation. A search and
rescue member discovered the body on Sunday, several
kilometres from the hut where the boy was last seen alive.
ABBOTT DEFENCE TO CALL WALLACE FAMILY MEMBERS
----------------------------------------------
The defence has begun its case this afternoon at the
depositions hearing into the private prosecution being
brought over the police shooting of Steven Wallace.
Constable Keith Abbott's defence lawyer, Susan Hughes, told
the New Plymouth District Court he would not be giving
evidence. Susan Hughes said Constable Abbott gave
information at the time of the shooting and did not want to
be subjected to further public scrutiny. Mrs Hughes said
she will be calling Steven Wallace's parents and sister to
give evidence.
'IMMENSE INTEREST' CLAIMS KIWIBANK
----------------------------------
Kiwibank chairman Jim Bolger and chief executive Sam
Knowles are convinced this is one kiwi that is going to
fly. Personal banking has returned to some Post Shops, with
Kiwibank opening for business today in Palmerston North.
Sam Knowles says there has been immense interest in the
launch of Kiwibank's first seven branches this week. He
says appointments are being set up for people who want to
open accounts weeks in advance. Kiwibank staff say there
has been particular interest in home loans.
PETROL TAX RUSHED THROUGH
-------------------------
The Government is expected to rush legislation through
Parliament which would push up the price of petrol by
another four cents a litre. The Government currently takes
around 35 cents a litre in petrol taxes. The money will go
towards the Government's $740 million transport strategy
with the bulk of it being spent on easing traffic
congestion in Auckland. Labour has been arguing with the
Greens about the strategy, with the minor party saying not
enough is being spent on public transport. Finance Minister
Michael Cullen says he never comments in advance on changes
in excise tax. The move comes as Shell and BP announce they
are increasing the price of petrol prices by five cents a
litre and diesel by three cents.
(This is being seen by many as compounding an already
iniquitous theft. A large percentage of the present tax on
petrol goes straight into the consolidated fund and is not
tagged at all for matters pertaining to road transport. To
add even more to support Auckland's roads which many of us
see as overfunded already is just salt in the wound. - BH)
HATE CRIME LEGISLATION PLANNED
------------------------------
Harsher penalties are in the pipeline for people who commit
hate crimes based on race, sexuality or religion.
Parliament's Justice Committee has recommended hate crime
legislation be added to the Government's Sentencing and
Parole Bill, which is designed to toughen up sentences for
the worst crimes. Chairman of the Committee, Labour MP Tim
Barnett, says courts need to start looking at prejudice and
racism as an aggravating factor when sentencing. He says
people who are attacked solely because of their race or
religion, will be able to see their attacker get a longer
sentence based on that factor. The Committee has also
recommended increasing the use of restorative justice as a
way of balancing longer jail terms.
ANOTHER VETERAN NATIONAL MP CALLS IT QUITS
------------------------------------------
Another veteran National party MP has decided to call it
quits. List MP and former Cabinet Minister John Luxton has
announced he will stand down at this year's election. Mr
Luxton, who has been in Parliament for 15 years, including
nine as a Minister, says he wants a career change. His
retirement follows that of other former Cabinet Ministers
Wyatt Creech and Jenny Shipley. He says the decision of
three senior MPs to step down will make room for new blood
to come into the party. But Mr Luxton says he was under no
pressure to stand aside.
Wednesday, 13 February
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SHIP GROUNDING RAISES INSURANCE QUESTIONS
-----------------------------------------
Insurance companies say large, sub-standard ships are
coming to New Zealand, because of our lack of laws
requiring insurance. Insurance Council chief executive
Chris Ryan says New Zealand is becoming isolated in the
international community for not requiring vessels over 400
tonnes to have a minimum level of insurance. Chris Ryan
says these ships could do enormous damage to our
environment and tourism industry. He says countries like
the US, and more recently Australia, have passed such
legislation and as a consequence the uninsured ships are
heading for our waters. However, the stranded log carrier,
Jody F Millennium, which is at the centre of a salvage
operation of the Gisborne coast, DOES have insurance. The
salvage company working to free the stricken vessel says it
is happy with the way things are going. Logs are being
lifted off the vessel's bow to lighten it, and the ship has
now swung 20 degrees round towards the direction of the
open sea. Ian Hoskison, a director of United Salvage, says
the salvage master plans to "cajole" it off, rather than
drag it off. He says they may try to refloat the ship
tonight, or wait until the next high tide in the morning.
(Given that this ship is so insured, I am a little unsure
about the relevance of the headline. - BH)
QUEEN VISIT SPAT
----------------
The Prime Minister has come under fire in Parliament for
not being able to greet the Queen, when she arrives for her
state visit here later this month. Helen Clark will be at a
meeting of Progressive Governments in Stockholm, when Queen
Elizabeth arrives on the 22nd of February. National's Bill
English says it is unacceptable for the Prime Minister to
be out of the country when our official head of state
arrives. He says he wants to know why having morning tea in
Stockholm is more important than meeting the Queen. Helen
Clark says she will be back in time for the official start
of the Queen's tour, which is two days later, and that the
Palace is happy with that arrangement.
(There is nothing worse than a grumpy palace! - BH)
BOY STILL MISSING
-----------------
An extensive air and water search is under way this
afternoon in Waiwera north of Auckland, after a dinghy with
three children onboard overturned. Auckland Volunteer
Coastguard duty officer Jaron Phillips says a search has
been going on since around 2 o'clock this afternoon. Two of
the children have been recovered but a seven-year-old boy
is still missing. Mr Phillips says the Coastguard, air
patrol and water search vessels are being used and a
shoreline search is also in full swing.
(His body was reported found on Saturday - BH)
WIDE-SCREEN ALL THE RAGE
------------------------
Electronics giant Philips is confident wide-screen
televisions will be in just about every household in a
relatively short period of time. Philips has recorded
phenomenal levels of growth in the wide-screen market over
the past 12 months. Philips general manager, Errol
McKenzie, says it will become the normal format for every
television because broadcasters are increasingly sending
out wide-screen signals. He says cost will not be a problem
because as time goes on, the price will come down.
(I am not sure why the advent of wide-screen TV is news.
Now if it included a full nationwide upgrade to the HDTV
standard, that would be news. - BH)
JUSTIFICATION FOR SIGNING TREATY
--------------------------------
The Government has released a detailed justification for
its decision to sign New Zealand up to the Kyoto Protocol.
The National Interest Analysis Report to the UN, weighs up
the pros and cons of joining, and the policies required to
meet the climate change treaty. The report concedes that
signing up to the treaty may hold back economic growth
slightly and reduce Gross National Product. But it says New
Zealand's climate-based farming industries make it
extremely vulnerable to climate change and it is in the
country's best interest to join. It also says New Zealand
would severely damage its international reputation by not
joining. The country is also expected to gain economically
from the treaty's carbon sink system, whereby we get
credits on the greenhouse gases we emit in proportion to
the number of forests we have. Signing up will mean New
Zealand has to cut back greenhouse gas emissions to 1990
levels.
HEALTHY BUTTER?
---------------
A new butter product is being hailed as a potentially great
opportunity for the New Zealand dairy industry. The new
butter, developed by a team of researchers at the New
Zealand Dairy Research Institute in Palmerston North, has
been shown to help reduce blood cholesterol levels when
eaten as part of a moderate fat diet. The butter was
altered to increase the proportion of unsaturated fats,
which are thought to be 'heart healthy', by giving the
milking cows a specially formulated feed supplement. The
trial was conducted on 20 young men and showed that the
modified butter lowered circulating levels of cholesterol
by around five to 10 per cent. Dr Sally Poppitt, from the
University of Auckland Human Nutrition Unit, says even
small reductions in blood cholesterol are encouraging
clinically. She says it was particularly interesting that
blood cholesterol decreased in these young, healthy, normal
weight men who are thought to be the group most resistant
to improvements in health through dietary change. Fonterra,
which funded the research, says that the initial trial
results are exciting. However, any decision about the
possible commercialisation of the modified butter is still
some way off.
GOVERNMENT STRATEGY COULD BRING CREATIVE SUCCESS
-------------------------------------------------
Creative New Zealand believes it will be easier to produce
more successes like Lord of the Rings, thanks to the
Government's innovation strategy. The Government is
including the arts as one of the industries it wants to
promote. Creative's chairman Peter Biggs says that will
make it easier for artists to succeed in their trades. He
says you just need to look at the 'Lord of the Rings'
trilogy to see how that will benefit the country. Mr Biggs
says the film has created jobs and raised New Zealand's
profile. Eleven New Zealanders have been nominated for
Oscars for their involvement in making Lord of the Rings.
STEVEN WALLACE'S FATHER TAKES STAND
-----------------------------------
The father of Steven Wallace has been in the witness stand
in the Constable Keith Abbott depositions hearing at the
New Plymouth District Court. Constable Abbott is facing a
private prosecution for the murder of Steven Wallace, whom
he shot after a window smashing spree in the Taranaki town
of Waitara nearly two years ago. The court has heard of a
son who "played up a bit" and was hard to calm down after
drinking alcohol. Jim Wallace told the court at times it
was best to leave Steven alone when he became aggravated.
He said, when he did intervene, it was talking that calmed
Steven down. Jim Wallace told the court of a family dinner
with a beer over a rugby league game, before Steven went to
town. He said it was the last time they had together. Our
reporter in court says today's proceedings have been held
up by interruptions - including 11 in one 32-minute period,
caused by arguments between defence and prosecution
counsel.
NZ CONSULTANTS WIN FISH DEAL
----------------------------
A Wellington-based consortium has successfully bid to
survey fish stocks in the waters off the United Arab
Emirates. It is hoped the $3 million deal will lead to even
better things. The group of three fisheries management
consultants has landed the contract to survey the stocks of
fish in the Gulf of Oman, as well as around the UAE. One of
those involved , Bruce Shallard, says the 15 month project
will be of great benefit. He says a research trawler will
be there for 12 months surveying the area. Mr Shallard says
contracts of this type are a sign of significant growth
area for New Zealand consultancies.
ACTOR SMITH IN 'SERIOUS' CONDITION
-----------------------------------
New Zealand actor Kevin Smith is in a 'serious' condition
in a Beijing Hospital after being injured in a fall. Exact
details about how the actor hurt himself and the extent of
his injuries are scarce. Kevin Smith's wife, parents and
brother-in-law have flown to China to be with him. The
actor was in Beijing to take part in a martial arts film,
but he was not filming when he fell. Richard Taylor from
Wellington film company Weta Workshop says he has heard
Smith is in a poor condition but improving. He says its
lucky Kevin is a strong person both physically and
mentally, which he hopes will help the actor to recover
from the injuries he has sustained. Kevin Smith began his
career as a stand-up comedian but came to world wide fame
as an actor, playing the character Ares in the New Zealand-
made fantasy series Hercules and Xena, Warrior Princess. He
is a veteran of dozens of stage plays and musicals in this
country.
(Last night's TV news tends to say the actor's condition is
much worse than has been previously admitted. - BH)
VARROA TESTS COMPLETE
--------------------
Bee keepers in Pauatahanui near Wellington will soon know
if they have been affected by the varroa mite. A log
carrying a hive infected by the mite was found at a local
sawmill last month after it was transported to Pauatahuanui
from Northland. MAF experts were concerned that bees from
the infected hive would spread the deadly pest to hives in
the south of the North Island and to the South Island.
Neither area has been affected so far. MAF's Varroa Project
Manager, Paul Bolger, says they have just completed testing
for the mite. He says the mite could have infected 80
hives, as well as two commercial operations in the area.
The varroa mite causes worker bees to become sluggish,
which slows honey production and can lead to the eventual
death of the Queen bee and the hive.
(There was no trace of varroa mite in that particular hive
- BH)
FONTERRA INCLUDED IN MAF SWOOP
------------------------------
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officials have swooped
on a number of North Island properties, as they investigate
allegations of illegal exports of dairy products. One of
the searches took place at a site owned by dairy giant
Fonterra. MAF spokesman Tim Knox says Fonterra was very
cooperative and produced the documents officers were
looking for. He says the visits are part of an on-going
inquiry, and should not be seen as a sudden escalation of
its investigation. The current investigation was triggered
by allegations of illegal exports brought to MAF's
attention by the Dairy Board in September.
FORMER BANK BOSS PREPARES FOR TAKEOFF
-------------------------------------
The former head of the ASB Bank, Ralph Norris has been
appointed CEO and managing director of Air New Zealand. Mr
Norris put his application forward at the last minute,
after being on the board of Air New Zealand which was
selecting the new chief executive. Air New Zealand's
chairman, John Palmer, says Mr Norris has a track record in
change management, competitive marketing and innovative use
of technology, which is all relevant to the company. Ralph
Norris, who is 52, says his experience on Air New Zealand's
board means he is aware of the problems which the company
has to overcome.
(There is certainly an odd appearance to a person who is on
the selection committee presenting himself as a late
candidate. I do not allege impropriety, but it is not my
idea of how these things should be conducted. - BH)
Thursday, 14 February
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TUG LINE SNAPS
--------------
There has been a setback for the salvors trying to get the
Jody F Millennium back out to sea. The line from the large
tug the Pacific Chieftain has snapped this afternoon,
leaving only one smaller tug holding the stranded log
carrier in position. IRN's reporter at the scene Murray
Robertson says the Seatow 25 is gamely trying to hold on
with its line still attached to the ship. But he says the
Jody F Millennium has drifted back almost to her original
position where she ran aground just over a week ago.
(Another large salvage tug is on its way across the Tasman,
and the two of them together may effect the rescue that
everyone is hoping for. Seatow 25 is just a pup when seen
alongside Pacific Chieftain which is normally based at New
Plymouth in support of the oil rigs. - BH)
NATS GO ON ATTACK OVER TV JOB
-----------------------------
The National Party is wasting no time in attacking the new
head of Television New Zealand. TVNZ staff are expected to
be told at around 4 o'clock this afternoon that former
well-known broadcaster Ian Fraser will take over as the new
CEO of the company. Mr Fraser has previously been the head
of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. National's
Broadcasting spokeswoman, Katherine Rich, is questioning
whether the Government will get value for money with Mr
Fraser. She says her sources say he will be earning a
salary of close to half a million dollars. But she says the
key issue is whether he has the financial and management
skills required, to run a multi-million dollar TV company.
(I don't know how Mr Fraser will make out. As Russell Brown
observes he is an absolutely positively Wellingtonian
plonked in the middle of the brashest Auckland industry.
Personally I think he should move the whole deal back to
Avalon <just kidding!> ... but in any event, it only takes a
little bit of starter culture in a vat of cream to begin
the process of creating a really good cheese, so maybe he
will improve Auckland as well as TVNZ <grin> - BH)
SHIP TAKES ANOTHER BATTERING
----------------------------
The Jody F Millennium stranded just off Waikanae Beach at
Gisborne is taking a battering from a large swell. The two-
and-a-half-metre swell has been pounding the boat, which
was being positioned to be re-floating. Reporter Murray
Robertson, who is at the beach, says the waves are crashing
over the boat and the ship is rocking and bucking in the
conditions. He says the two tug boats attached to the ship
have lengthened their ropes to cope with the rising swell.
Murray Robertson says the salvors are not too concerned
about the current conditions, which are expected to last
for another 24 hours. Today's rough conditions have also
forced the postponement of the helicopter operation to
remove the logs from the ship. Meanwhile, the Government is
moving swiftly to ensure all ships - not just oil tankers -
will be required to take out compulsory insurance in the
future. Transport Minister Mark Gosche says the appropriate
legislative changes will be made within the next few
months. He also agrees with National's Nick Smith, that any
new laws should cover all costs associated with strandings.
Mark Gosche says that will be included in the new
legislation. He says, while the Jody F Millennium is fully
insured, the incident highlights the need for comprehensive
legislation.
DIFFERENT STORIES IN COURT
--------------------------
There was conflict today at the New Plymouth District Court
over claims the police officer who shot dead Steven Wallace
was at a staff function on the night of the shooting. The
prosecution says Constable Keith Abbott was at a police
farewell party, but Inspector Anne Knox testified
otherwise. She has told the court she did not see Constable
Abbott at the function on the night of Steven Wallace's
shooting. Inspector Knox also said Constable Abbott was
following police firing orders and admits, if she had been
in his position, she would have done the same. Defence
counsel Susan Hughes has threatened to call all the
officers who attended the party to give evidence if need
be.
WEATHER IMPACTS ON FOOD PRICES
------------------------------
You can thank last month's rotten weather for a big jump in
food prices. The Food Price Index rose 1. 5 per cent in
January. The markets had been expecting a rise of just
under one per cent. Statistics New Zealand says difficult
growing conditions in many parts of the country pushed up
the price of vegetables by more than 15 per cent. The cost
of a cauliflower rose more than 100 per cent in January,
while tomatoes also cost 36 per cent more. Food prices
overall have risen more than five and a half per cent in
the past 12 months.
MISSING PERSONS INQUIRY SCALED UP
----------------------------------
A three-week-old missing persons inquiry has become a
murder investigation. Wellington police believe Wathanak
Tea was attacked and killed in her Johnsonville home and
her body disposed of. They say blood found in the house and
other evidence backs up that belief. The 37-year-old
Cambodian was last seen on December the 27th. A friend saw
her at her home that morning and there is an unconfirmed
report that she was seen upset in a nearby dairy the same
afternoon. Her bank account has not been touched. Her
disappearance was not reported to police until three weeks
later on January 19. Police are combing scrubland between
Johnsonville and Tawa, where Ms Tea's wallet was found on
December 28. It contained bankcards, papers and a small
amount of cash and was handed in to a nearby bank before
being passed on to police. Police have also released
photographs of a yellow 1985 Honda City car in the hope
people may have seen it in the Johnsonville/Tawa area
during the Christmas/New Year period. Detective Inspector
Stuart Wildon says it has been examined by police and is of
interest to the homicide inquiry. They also want to hear
from a man seen carrying a shovel leaving the grounds of
Onslow College at about 2. 15 pm on 28 December. Mr Wildon
says a Cambodian interpreter is attached to the
investigation and is able to help members of the Cambodian
community who may have information but who have difficulty
with the English language. Ms Tea emigrated to New Zealand
with her Cambodian husband in 1998. The couple divorced
some time ago. Her 12-year-old daughter and mother live in
Cambodia and were expected to emigrate to New Zealand in
the next few months to live with Ms Tea. Ms Tea had also
hoped to return to Cambodia to attend her brother's wedding
on 30 December. Police say Ms Tea's disappearance is out of
character.
COASTGUARD ACCUSATIONS REFUTED
------------------------------
Police are refuting accusations the Coastguard was not
immediately called to a beach emergency yesterday. Seven-
year-old Casper Rennie is missing and presumed drowned
after he was swept out to sea in a rip at Waiwera Beach
north of Auckland. Spokesman for Auckland Coastguard, Dean
Lawrence, says they were the last to hear about the
emergency and as a result were 45 minutes late. But police
spokesman Peter Gill says the Hibiscus Coast sea rescue was
notified in less than five minutes and passed on the
message to the Auckland Coastguard. Mr Gill says the
WestpacTrust helicopter and police launch section were also
called to the scene.
RAUKAWA-TAIT MAKES ANOTHER BID FOR PARLIAMENT
---------------------------------------------
Women's Refuge head Merepeka Raukawa-Tait is making a bid
for Parliament. She will stand for the Christian Heritage
Party in the Wairarapa electorate. Mrs Raukawa-Tait
unsuccessfully stood for the Wellington mayoralty last
year. At the time she was embroiled in a scandal after she
and her husband were photographed at the opening of a
Wellington strip club. Mrs Raukawa-Tait said at the time
she saw nothing wrong with going into such establishments.
(Political suicide by someone who might have made it in a
mainstream party. As a National candidate, she might have
had a chance against Georgina Beyer. For the CHP, her
chances seem doomed to go the way of her bid for the
Wellington mayoralty. - BH)
HEALTHY PROFIT
--------------
A healthy profit has been announced for the healthcare arm
of one of our household names. Fisher and Paykel Healthcare
made a net profit of just over $14 million in the last
three months of 2001. That is 28 per cent up on the
previous corresponding period. The medical equipment arm
split away from its Fisher and Paykel parent in November.
Revenue from its three core areas, which include equipment
to help people with sleep apnoea and respiratory problems,
rose seven per cent.
(Healthy profit or not, it was way less than what was
expected by the market, and the share price nose dived as a
result - BH)
CONCERN ABOUT PARENTAL LEAVE PROPOSAL
--------------------------------------
A women's welfare group is concerned about proposed
legislation which could see fathers taking paid parental
leave when they believe it should be taken by mothers.
Submissions on the new legislation opened yesterday.
Women's Electoral Lobby spokeswoman Barbara Mabbett is
worried paid leave would be transferable between parents.
She believes the move is inappropriate because the focus
should be on new mothers having time to recover from the
trauma of giving birth. Ms Mabbett says while fathers are
great, they are not so good at breastfeeding and do not
need to rest after labour. She says mothers must be
encouraged to stay at home and breastfeed during the early
stages of a baby's life.
CLARK'S "SHAMEFUL" PLEA TO AUSSIES
----------------------------------
Helen Clark's plea to Australian politicians to stop
criticising her government is being described as shameful.
National's defence spokesman Max Bradford is commenting on
reports the New Zealand Government has told officials to
ask Australian Cabinet Ministers not to talk about
decisions here which impact on Australia. It follows
Australian criticism of New Zealand's immigration and
defence policies. Mr Bradford says Ms Clark's demand is
extraordinary and unprecedented. He says if Australia's
defences are compromised by New Zealand policies, he would
expect Australians to be told.
(Hmm. I disagree. If during their election campaign, we had
told the Australians what we really think of their handling
of the Tampa or of the extent of their own contribution to
the Ansett collapse, I think they would have declared war
on us. - BH)
Friday, 15 February
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RAUKAWA-TAIT CONFIDENT OF POLITICAL FUTURE
------------------------------------------
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait is convinced she is doing the right
thing standing for the Christian Heritage Party. The
outgoing Women's Refuge boss will try to win the Wairarapa
seat. She is also the party's new deputy leader. Mrs
Raukawa-Tait's appointment has raised some eyebrows as she
is opposed to smacking children, is supportive of gays and
has a different view from the party on abortion. However,
she says she can live with 80 per cent of Christian
Heritage's policies and that is good enough for her. Mrs
Raukawa-Tait says Christian Heritage has not won a seat in
12 years and has to consider how it can do better.
RIMU FEAST LEADS TO CHICK BOOM
------------------------------
The Department of Conservation is hoping the population of
one of New Zealand's most endangered birds will increase by
at least a third. Female kakapo birds of breeding age were
transferred from Marlborough's Maud Island to Southland's
Codfish Island/Whenua Hou, to maximise mating opportunities
and boost the population. DoC Kakapo Recovery Team Leader
Paul Jansen says the best rimu fruit crop in 20 years has
seen a kakapo breeding-frenzy. Forty-seven kakapo eggs have
been laid so far and DoC hopes that at least 15 chicks from
those eggs alone will survive. Mr Jansen says the kakapo
only breed when rimu trees fruit and that happens about
every three years. The kakapo's population stands at 62
birds between two islands. Kakapo generally start mating in
January, with chicks hatching from late February to early
April.
MORE OIL MAY BE PUMPED FROM SHIP
--------------------------------
An attempt will be made to lessen the risk should the Jody
F Millennium break up before salvors get a chance to
refloat her. They will not now attempt the refloat job
until Sunday, or possibly Monday, after a towing cable
broke yesterday. In the meantime, the ship is now lying
broadside to the waves. Maritime Safety Authority Director
Russell Kilvington says the ship appears structurally sound
at the moment, but is taking a battering from the waves at
high tide and at low tide she could break her back as she
settles on the seabed. He says they are now trying to work
out how to pump the log carrier's remaining oil from the
lower fuel tanks to lessen the pollution risk.
SELF DEFENCE EXPERT CONTINUES EVIDENCE
--------------------------------------
A police expert in self defence continues giving evidence
this morning at the depositions hearing into the private
murder case against the policeman who shot dead Steven
Wallace. Senior Sergeant John Moran has already told the
New Plymouth District Court that long batons would not have
been effective against Steven Wallace's softball bat. He
said the batons are not good weapons and there would be
only three or four officers in the country who could use
them effectively against a softball bat. The prosecution
has argued that officers involved in the case did not
consider the option of long batons before confronting
Steven Wallace.
(I am glad to see serving officers with relevant experience
being called to contradict some of the unhappy former
officers who have testified. - BH)
FEMALE GRADUATES CONTINUE TO LAG BEHIND
----------------------------------------
Female graduates still do not earn as much as their male
counterparts according to a new survey. The Graduate
Destinations Survey, carried out by the University Vice
Chancellors' Committee, shows women earn on average $3,000
in their first job after graduating. University Students'
Association Women's Rights Officer Anna McMartin says this
inevitably means it takes longer for a female graduate to
pay off her student loan. She says on average it currently
takes a woman 28 years to pay off her loan which is twice
as long as it takes a man.
BLAKIE JURY SELECTION TRIES AGAIN
---------------------------------
A second attempt to select a jury in the trial of the man
accused of murdering Lisa Blakie will be made in the High
Court in Christchurch today. Opening addresses were about
to start on Tuesday when Justice Young was forced to
discharge the original jury, as a juror was ruled
ineligible. Timothy Taylor is accused of murdering the 21-
year-old Timaru woman two years ago. Lisa Blakie's body was
found in the Porter River after she disappeared while
hitchhiking to the West Coast. More than 300 witnesses will
be called during the trial which is scheduled to last 12
weeks.
FRASER HOLDS NO GRUDGES
-----------------------
The new head of Television New Zealand says he has no
problem working with senior executives involved in axing
his last TV show. Ian Fraser will replace Rick Ellis as the
CEO of Television New Zealand in April. Mr Fraser left TVNZ
in 1998 after his current affairs show was dumped. He says
that is now too long ago for him to hold a grudge. Mr
Fraser says the people who dumped his show actually did him
a favour, as the things he has done since then have been
incredibly satisfying, such as running the New Zealand
Symphony Orchestra.
CLARK 'RUDE' SAYS NATIONAL
--------------------------
National has accused the Prime Minister of being rude to
Australia, and the Queen. It follows comments by Helen
Clark warning the Australian Government to stay out of New
Zealand domestic politics during election year. It also
comes after confirmation the PM will not be on hand to meet
the Queen when she arrives for her official visit here next
week. National leader Bill English questioned Foreign
Minister Phil Goff in Parliament today over what foreign
policy he thought the Prime Minister would come up with
next. Miss Clark heads to Australia tonight for bilateral
talks with John Howard tomorrow.
DIPLOMATIC TIGHTROPE AS CLARK TALKS TO AUSSIES
----------------------------------------------
The Prime Minister will walk a diplomatic tightrope when
she meets her Australian counterpart in Sydney today. Helen
Clark refuses to comment on Australian domestic politics
and has asked the Australians to keep their opinions about
Labour's policies to themselves, especially as it is
election year. Miss Clark says clearly trade is the common
issue between our countries with the Closer Economic
Relationship agreement approaching its 20th anniversary.
She says she will talk to John Howard about the people
smuggling issue and the separate approaches New Zealand and
Australia are taking to free trade agreements with the
United States.
NZ GAINS FIRST PACIFIC ISLAND DISTRICT COURT JUDGE
--------------------------------------------------
New Zealand will soon have its first Pacific Island
District Court judge. A'e'au Semi Epati will be admitted to
the bench next Friday. He will work at the Manukau District
Court in South Auckland. National Party MP Arthur Anae says
he has been pushing for eight years to get someone from the
Pacific Island community on to the bench. He says it is
good to have someone there who understands the Pacific
community and is well-respected. Mr Anae says the Pacific
Island community makes up a large portion of the
population.
NZ BUCKS CORPORATE TAX RATE TREND
---------------------------------
New Zealand is bucking the international trend when it
comes to corporate tax. The latest KPMG survey of 68
countries shows there has been an increasing trend among
governments worldwide to lower corporate tax rates. The
2002 Corporate Tax Rate Survey shows that for a second year
running, no OECD country has raised its corporate tax rate,
but that 12 of the 30 countries have cut their rates in the
last year. But it shows New Zealand has stuck with the same
rate of 33 cents in the dollar for at least a decade. The
average corporate tax rate for OECD member countries is 31.
39 per cent with only 11 of those countries having tax
rates in excess of New Zealand's rate. KPMG senior taxation
partner Chris Abbiss is concerned New Zealand's high tax
rate will deter overseas investors. He says it does not
create the business environment required. Mr Abbiss
believes the Government should urgently consider cutting
the corporate tax rate to ensure New Zealand remains
internationally competitive.
TEAM NZ ON TOP IN REGATTA
-------------------------
Team New Zealand remains unbeaten in the America's Cup
International Regatta with a comfortable win over GBR at
the end of the first round robin on the Hauraki Gulf. The
kiwis took out the match race by two minutes and six
seconds despite losing the start. In today's other clash,
One World pipped Sweden by a narrow 32 seconds. Team New
Zealand leads the regatta with three points, One World has
two, Sweden one and GBR is yet to get on the board.
(It did lose a race yesterday - BH)
THE FINANCIAL PAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 14 February 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 0.4227
AUD 0.8284
GBP 0.2957
JPY 56.47
CAD 0.6728
EUR 0.4860
HKD 3.3054
SGD 0.7753
ZAR 4.8838
CHF 0.7200
INTEREST RATES (%)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call : 4.75
90 Day: 4.91
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