Copyright © 1998 Brian Harmer
The concert? Well call it a Morningtown ride, if you will ... a nostalgic wallowing in the memory of the Seekers, now doing their 30th Anniversary tour. Since the concert was at the Queen's Wharf Events Centre, we stopped for a pre-show drink at a hostelry in the same building. We were much struck by the number of bald heads and grey hairs in evidence, and commented on this to the barman. He said "I haven't seen so many old people in here since ... oooohhh ... last weekend when the Viet Nam veterans came to Wellington." As an aside, I am pleased and proud to say that the citizens of Wellington accorded these men and women due honour, applauding the parade warmly as it went by. Ghosts were put to rest for some, the dead remembered, and the living were honoured, as I hoped would be the case.
Back to the concert. The Events Centre was packed and I reckon that if everyone under 40 had got up and left, it would still have been full. The Seekers received a rapturous welcome, delivered in full on the old memories, sang a few of their new songs (which we enjoyed) and did us the courtesy of appearing to have a good time in doing so. Judith Durham's soaring voice was just as I remember it, from a concert in Hamilton's Founders Theatre a quarter of a century ago. After several encores, we oldies cheered ourselves hoarse and waved our Zimmer frames at the group and hoped they would come again :-)
On with the news
The continuing controversy of the head of the Fire Service Commission is likely to go to the Solicitor General. Labour MP Trevor Mallard says he is going to refer what he claims are irregularities surrounding the qualifications of Roger Estall. Mr Mallard alleges Mr Estall only has only an honorary fire engineer's qualification, and wants the Solicitor General to confirm that doesn't entitle him to be called a fire engineer. If that is so, the Commission will have breached the Fire Service Act by not having a qualified fire engineer on it.
(From the what lawyers used to call the perspective of the person on the Clapham Omnibus, things look blacker and blacker against Mr Estall despite his repeated denials of any wrong doing. The minister involved, Jack Elder has won few friends either for his apparently implacable anti-firefighter stand - BH)
Bringing New Zealanders back to a community based society is one of the main aims of the Green Party. Meeting in Dunedin at the weekend Green Party Members heard from a number of campaign organisers including those campaigning for safe children's food, a healthy environment and healthy communities. Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says despite the growth in the country's economy New Zealanders are very unhappy.
(I'm occasionally unhappy too, but I don't want the Government meddling in it - BH)
The next round of protests against the proposed radical restructuring of the Fire Service begins in the deep south this morning. A convoy of fire fighters and supporters will leave Invercargill at eight this morning and finish with a protest march on Parliament on Thursday. South Island union organiser, Steve Warner says there are about 70-thousand signatures on petitions around the Island and more are expected as the convoy goes from town to town.
(Some have wondered what memories the government have of the admittedly low turn out referendum which was 90% against reduction of the service. Some have sniffily disdained what they regard as an improper use of a referendum to intervene in an industrial relations matter ... it seems to me that the point of any referendum is for we peasants to express our views, and that no matter of national importance ought to be out of bounds ... they are not binding anyway, but someone ought to remind the government that this was the sentiment expressed - BH)
The debate about urine testing children suspected of using marijuana has been reignited. Substance Abuse Education Trust spokeswoman Liz Jamieson has revealed marijuana smokers are blowing smoke into their children's mouths in an attempt to quiet them down. She says children as young one have smoke from a joint blown into their lungs. Ms Jamieson says schools should have the option to urine test children who may have become addicted. And she says it shouldn't stop there .. doctors should also urine test young patients.
A Labour MP believes the taxpayer will be losing at least two ways if the Government decides to cut police numbers. Treasury is currently reviewing our police force, and MP George Hawkins anticipates it will recommend that 450 jobs go. Mr Hawkins says he has seen the likely level of redundancies to be offered to police, and they range from about 54 thousand dollars for long-serving constables to 117 thousand dollars for superintendents. He says while that is a lot of money, police can triple that by perfing, so it is likely more will opt out before the redundancies, to the taxpayers' expense. George Hawkins says that means the taxpayer will lose by paying more, but having fewer police.
(The PM called a press conference later in the week to allay some off the more extreme fears but succeeded in confirming that at least some senior police might lose their jobs as money is moved around, mainly it seems to support the INCIS computer project. I don't know to what extent I speak for the average citizen, but I would personally rather fire every one of our politicians and invite them to reapply for their jobs that reduce the police or fire service by even one! What was that movie where ppeople were sticking their head out of windows and yelling "I'm really mad!"? - BH)
The Fletcher Homes trial will continue for at least another week as the company defends itself against allegations it over-priced three of its houses. Three home-owners claim the construction company included the costs of supposedly free services into the overall price of the house, consequently pushing the price up. They also claim Fletcher Homes then pressured compliant valuers into matching the inflated prices. The trial has already been going for two weeks.
The lawyer for convicted serial rapist Malcolm Rewa, will take steps this week to prevent him facing a new trial for the murder of Susan Burdett. 45 year old Rewa was found guilty of 24 rape and assault charges. However the jury couldn't reach a verdict on the charges relating to Ms Burdett's murder. Rewa's lawyer, Barry Hart, will apply to the solicitor general this week, to argue there should not be a new trial. Mr Hart claims the person really responsible for murdering Susan Burdett is still at large.
Auckland police are investigating how a bomb came to be left outside the Amway national headquarters in East Tamaki today. Staff reported a suspicious package this morning. Labour department officials later exploded the package which partially detonated. Police say it appears the device contained a timer device and was contained in a flask. Amway staff have received victim counselling. The fragments of the bomb are now being examined by scientists at the ESR.
(Hmmm.... Amway huh? BH)
A Ministry of Health report into the mental health care of convicted murderer Jason Mackrell is critical of one doctor and his assessment. Mackrell was found guilty of murdering 78 year old Catherine Coster in her Aranui home last year. The jury rejected a defence of insanity. The just released report says most of Mackrell's care was exemplary, but one clinical assessment was inadequate. It says the doctor didn't give enough weight to the concerns of Mackrell's family or his background. However, it goes on to say the doctor concerned had no reason at the time to suspect Mackrell was potentially dangerous. The Ministry says it is confident of the senior psychiatrist's ability and won't be taking any further action.
(Reminds me of a reference written by a former boss "this is to certify thathas been employed by where he did his job to his entire satisfaction" - BH)
The lawyer who defended serial rapist Malcolm Rewa has been receiving abusive telephone calls today in the wake of news his client plans to write a book. Barry Hart says he is not surprised at the public backlash against him. An Auckland High court jury found Rewa guilty on 24 rape and assault charges, but couldn't reach a unanimous verdict on the charge of murdering Susan Burdett. He is to be sentenced next month.
(The lawyer was admonished by executives of the Law Society for a number of apparent breaches of protocol, including attempting PR for their client prior to the sentencing. - BH)
It has emerged that Northland's cannabis industry is an important part of the region's economy, and will continue to be so, whether or not the drug is legalised. A University of Auckland report puts the street value of cannabis seized by police in the region at up to 700 million dollars a year. But while the report confirms big bucks are involved, it also says very few people are likely to be getting rich from it. Any income from cannabis is more likely being used by local people to top up the dole. The report highlights the number of children smoking dope, often with the consent of their parents. It also discusses environmental effects, such as the accidental trapping of birds and the lighting of fires to burn out other growers, or as retribution against DOC or forestry companies for reporting cannabis crops.
A New Zealander has died in an attempt to become one of the oldest men ever to climb Mount Everest. It is thought 52 year old Christchurch-born Roger Buick died in an accident a week ago about 7,500 metres up the mountain. His body was found some time later. Mr Buick was climbing solo and unsupported. His brother, Christchurch photographer Don Buick, says the Sydney based mountaineer had always been a great adventurer. A memorial service will be held in Sydney on Sunday.
A Palmerston North policeman has explained in the High Court how police established the identity of a man seen by an undercover officer at a Dannevirke cannabis oil production laboratory in 1993. Dannevirke freezing worker, Craig Withey claims that an undercover policeman maliciously altered a statement to wrongly secure his conviction for manufacturing cannabis oil. Sergeant Peter Baird told the Court he recalled hearing that the man at the drug lab had a tattoo on his arm above the t-shirt line and he went to Withey's home to check his tattoos. He said Withey's tattoo was only visible after Withey removed his t-shirt.
A loud and raucous protest by firefighters in Christchurch today, as they vented their anger at Internal Affairs minister Jack Elder. Around 80 off-duty personnel were waiting for the minister outside the city's central police station, where he was scheduled to make a visit this afternoon. They are angry at being made to reapply for fewer new positions in a restructured Fire Service. The firefighters burnt an effigy of Jack Elder after he failed to turn up.
(I saw this on TV and thought it was a vicious and irresponsible act from people who should know better. While generally biassed in favour of those who fight the fires, I found my sympathy was eroded by this stupidity - BH)
Hopes that the USA won't impose trade sanctions on New Zealand following the decision to introduce parallel importing. It allows goods to be imported in competition with companies which already have the franchise for those same items. The United States is angry the legislation prevents copyright from being used to block parallel importing. Labour's Mike Moore says it is a very serious trade rift, But he doesn't believe the US will introduce trade sanctions. But he says it should never have been allowed to get this far, and the government should have allowed the diplomatic and business community to make submissions at a select committee.
The manager of a bank renowned for setting new interest rate trends is confident others will follow his lead during the next 24 hours. The TSB Bank has trimmed interest on its floating home mortgages in light of recent moves in 90 day bills. Manager Kevin Rimmington says floating rates are down to nine point nine five per cent, half a point ahead of the nearest rival. Mr Rimmington says it remains to be seen whether other major lenders will be able to match the offer.
The last of our troops in the Gulf are coming home. Prime Minister Jenny Shipley has announced the SAS unit currently stationed in the region will be redeployed. However she says New Zealand remains committed to the Multinational Coalition formed earlier this year to pressure Iraq into obeying UN sanctions. The decision to withdraw our troops follows discussions between defence minister Max Bradford and his Australian counterpart.
Northland police are to attack the cannabis problem with fresh fire in their bellies, according to the region's top cop. Superintendent Les Lilley is commenting in the wake of an Auckland University study, which shows up to seven hundred million dollars worth of marijuana is traded annually in the Far North. Superintendent Lilley disputes the figures but says officers do the best they can with the resources they have. He says there has been a new wave of asset confiscations connected to drug convictions.
Officials in Christchurch believe today's Super 12 parade may have been the biggest the city has ever seen. Up to a hundred thousand people are thought to have turned out to officially welcome home the team that beat Auckland on the weekend. The city council says they never expected in their wildest dreams that so many people would take part.
(Who could deny the Canterbury crowd the pleasure of this day ... good on you Canterbury - BH)
Students angry at changes to the emergency unemployment benefit scheme have staged a sit in at the National Party's offices in Dunedin. Earlier around 200 people marched from Otago University to vent their anger at the Budget changes, which could see some students ineligible for the emergency dole over the summer holidays. Protest organiser Steven Day is pleased with the turnout, especially since mid year exams are only a week away. Tertiary students have also marched in Wellington where one person was arrested.
(The logic of the move which simultaneously soaks up all available casual employment by introducing "workfare" at the same time as the eligibilty for the dole is removed just escapes me. Students are angered too by the non-fulfilment of the coalition promise of a student allowance equivalent to the dole - BH)
ACT leader Richard Prebble says people will look back on today as marking the end of Winston Peters' political career. Mr Prebble made that bold claim at the opening of an ACT office in Tauranga, the electorate currently held by the New Zealand First leader. ACT is today launching a vigorous campaign to unseat Mr Peters at the next election. Mr Prebble says it is now just a matter of waiting till election day to see Winston Peters off the political scene.... and back to representing traffic offenders as a lawyer. Winston Peters is defending his patch. Mr Peters has turned the attack back onto ACT, saying Tauranga voters will see ACT for what it is - a puppet for big city financiers. Winston Peters says ACT's policies would close schools in Tauranga and leave many people destitute on the streets.
A new survey shows young people think New Zealand needs a well equipped and trained defence force. Two thirds of people under the age of 30 who were surveyed say it is important to have effective armed forces... to meet defence and peace keeping responsibilities. Defence Minister Max Bradford says that result shows young people are becoming increasingly aware that the world "is a volatile and unpredictable place". Mr Bradford says the survey results reflect a growing maturity in this country toward New Zealand's obligations to international peace and security.
A veil of secrecy has been thrown over the outcome of a bail application by convicted paedophile Peter Ellis. Ellis is appealing against his convictions in 1992 for sexually molesting children in his care at the Christchurch Civic Creche. His lawyer - Judith Ablett-Kerr - today met with Appeal Court justices in Wellington... to request that Peter Ellis be bailed until the appeal is heard. Ms Ablett-Kerr isn't commenting on whether bail was granted at today's closed-door meeting. Legal sources say if bail HAS been granted then Ms Ablett-Kerr would need to travel to prison to inform her client before making any public comment.
The Bank of New Zealand has reduced its floating home mortgage rate, joining a wave of other major lenders who have moved today. The BNZ is now offering a variable rate of 10.5 per cent, down from 11.25. Other banks to move today include the ASB, ANZ and Countrywide. The reductions come in the wake of the Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Statement released last week, which saw wholesale rates fall.
The Police Association believes a threat it made to take the government to court over the review of the police department, may have prompted an apparent change of heart. Prime Minister Jenny Shipley says the review team's draft report will be made public when it is delivered to the government next Thursday, and interested groups will also be consulted. Police Association president Greg O'Connor says the government has a legal obligation to discuss the review, and it threatened court action over the matter.
More than 300 firefighters have again taken to the streets of Wellington to protest against planned reforms. They're angry at proposals that will see them be forced to reapply for their jobs. Today's protest is one of many that have been held outside Parliament since plans to reform the Fire Service were announced. Around 40 of the firefighters protesting today had travelled from the South Island to present a petition with 32 thousand signatures against the reforms.
Auckland University students burnt an effigy of the Prime Minister and occupied part of Queen Street this afternoon, as part of a series of protests against plans for the Emergency Unemployment Benefit. They fear that most students who can't find work during the summer holidays, will be denied any form of financial safety net from the government. Auckland student president, Mark O'Brien says the benefit is worth only 120 dollars a week anyway, but it's difficult to find work which pays more than that. He says there wasn't a single arrest, from the 500 students on today's march.
The Mayor of Tokoroa is standing by the town's controversial pole, saying it is not offensive, it is traditional. Christian Heritage Party leader Graham Capill wants the carvers of the pole, or toko, prosecuted, because it depicts a man holding an erect penis. But Mayor Gordon Blake says the pole is only the first of about forty "talking poles" which are aimed at livening up the town. Mr Blake says the idea of the poles is to represent the cultural diversity of the town, so each will be different. He says this one just happened to be carved in traditional Maori motifs, depicting the seed of life and rejuvenation.
(Desperately trying to avoid bad jokes about free willy here ... mmmppppff! But seriously, having seen it on TV, I agree that the carving is detailed and explicit, but that does not necessarily make it pornographic - BH)
The Education Minister is considering shutting down a Wellington school. Wyatt Creech says he has serious concerns about the future viability of Petone College. He says the college has the capacity to cater for 900 pupils but only has a role of 220. Mr Creech says a study by the Ministry of Education shows Petone Colllege would need a signficant injection of funds to make it viable. He believes if it was closed down other schools in the area would be able to absorb students currently studying there. He says he will make a final decision shortly.
It has been revealed in Wellington's High Court today that a man on bail on a rape charge went out and raped a 79 year old woman. Kevin Michael Chadwick has today been sentenced to preventive detention...and indefinite prison term. The court heard this morning that Chadwick had pleaded not guilty to a count of rape and despite police opposition was granted bail. Chadwick then broke into the home of a 79 year old Raumati woman and raped and injured her. She wasn't discovered until two days later when a homehelp worker called at her house. Since the May attack on the 79 year old, Chadwick has pleaded guilty to the original rape after being confronted with police DNA evidence.
(Police on TV tonight are very bitter that they tried and failed to persuade first a pair of JPs and then a judge to refuse bail on the grounds that this was a perpetrator of predatory violencce of the worst kind. In both cases they did not succeed. One officer described feeling physically sick when the victim of the rape for which he was on bail identified Chadwick as the perpetrator from a broadcast description of his eyes. The second victim was his neighbour. DNA evidence helped convict him, and as the sentencing judge said, he had robbed the elderly lady of her twilight years. She will now be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. I don't pretend to know any answers, but at present there is a real sense of rage, and a belief that this guy should never be turned loose. - BH)
Solid Energy says it is unclear how long the mine at the centre of a fatal collapse will remain closed. The Mount Davy pit near Greymouth has shut-down today, while inspectors search for the cause of yesterday's cave-in. Two young men, 22 year old Royden John Stewart and 29 year old Shaun Conrad Jennings, died in the accident... two others working with them had narrow escape. Solid Energy spokesman Brett Sangster says the company is deeply saddened. A 31 year old man died at Mount Davy during November. He says the company's waiting for a preliminary accident report before re-opening the operation.
A South Auckland petrol station owner claims to have been threatened with massive legal action if he switches fuel companies. The allegations come hard on the heels of revelations about the three point four million dollar law suit, laid against a Pahiatua Service Centre after it switched from Mobil to Challenge. Auckland's Malcolm Holmes says the company is fiercely protecting its patch. He too is determined to leave the Mobil fold, but since his contract expires in 16 months he hopes to escape any legal confrontation.
Mercury Energy is being accused of dirty tactics, with an offer of power-crisis compensation to retailers in Auckland's Downtown shopping centre. The claim comes from Power to the People spokesman, Reg Newcombe. Mr Newcombe says the compensation offer is tagged to an agreement that the retailers won't sue the energy company ... for losses incurred during the power crisis. He claims its a blatant attempt to undermine the class action he's organising against Mercury.
A possible downgrade of New Zealand's international credit rating has seen the dollar fall and interest rates rise today. However, Treasurer Winston Peters says the fact that the credit rating agency Moodys is looking at this country comes as no surprise. Mr Peters says in January Moody's changed the foreign currency rating of a number of Asia Pacific economies, including Australia's and New Zealand's... He says Moodys has emphasised the Aaa rating on our domestic debt isn't in question...it is more concerned with the large current account deficit. Mr Peters has hinted at a further pruning to the additional five billion dollars worth of spending signalled in the coalition agreement.
The artist responsible for the controversial pole in Tokoroa says he can respect other people's views about his work. The leader of the Christian Heritage Party, Graham Capill, has taken exception to the pole, or toko, which depicts a man holding his penis, saying it is pornographic and therefore illegal. But Maurice Reti, who designed the pole and oversaw the carving, says it's a portrayal of the separation of Rangi and Papa, and is about giving life, among other themes. Mr Reti says he is not offended that people are offended by the pole and he respects all sorts of views.
Alliance MP Grant Gillon wants the Audit Office to audit the Fire Service Commission, on top of an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office. The SFO has announced it will hold a preliminary investigation into the Commission over allegations millions of dollars of fire service levies have gone unpaid. Mr Gillon alleges there have been conflicts of interest at the Commission and that has allowed some large companies to avoid paying their dues. He says an audit into the issue was stopped by the new Commission a year ago, and he wants that resumed, especially because the companies have already had twelve months to rearrange their affairs.
The saga of former New Zealand First MP Michael Laws' book continues today .. in court. "The Demon Profession" was to have hit the bookshelves last month, but was pulled after Television New Zealand political editor Linda Clark served Michael Laws and his publisher Harper Collins with injunction writs. All parties will appear in the Auckland High Court this morning.
(The book as written apparently hints at some lack of impartiality on the part of Ms Clark. A settlement was reached tonight in which the book will be published with the offending paragraph removed. - BH)
Date: 4 June 1998 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 0.5303
AUD 0.8663
GBP 0.3230
JPY 73.73
CAD 0.7707
FRF 3.1555
DEM 0.9409
HKD 4.1195
SGD 0.8920
ZAR 2.7179
CHF 0.7843
INTEREST RATES (%)
Call : 8.10
90 Day: 8.47
See you all next week. Brian Harmer
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