Copyright © 1998 Brian Harmer
Sigmund Romberg knew about days like this ... and so did Rogers and Hammerstein ... Prince Karl-Franz sang wistfully of "golden days" in "The Student Prince", while Curley from "Oklahoma" sang more cheerfully of a "Bright Golden Haze on the Meadow" ... Just such a day last Sunday, and I was struggling to finish off some course administration. I made the mistake of facing the window looking over the valley. It was a day of such vast perfection that my soul rebelled, and hurling the pens aside, I leapt into my car and went out to Trentham to the model flying field near the Army camp adjacent to Rimutaka Prison, and watched my former fellow hobbyists launching their big radio controlled gliders. With no wind to spoil things, these elegant "birds" whistled up to the top of their tow lines and then drifted off in lazy circles against an unstained sky, striving to stay up longest in competition with their fellows. In the background, the noisier members with powered models raced around the sky, but they were just "tuned out" in the same way that yachtsmen don't acknowledge power boats. Crafty modellers watched the soaring gulls, and slipped their planes behind them as they lifted and circled on warm bubbles rising from paddocks below. All things end, of course, and most flights ended with the long winged craft floating gossamer-like into a bed of long grass as near the target spot as possible.
Sigh! One day when other goals are met, I'll get back to my hobby, but refreshed, I got on with my mundane tasks.
On with the news
All news items are reproduced by kind permission of copyright owner, IRN Ltd whose current news listing can be found at http://www.xtra.co.nz/news/.
The Board of Trustees at Whangarei's Hora Hora Primary school says it had very practical reasons for sacking its suspended principal. Ken Johnson was suspended following a raid on his home by Internal Affairs. The department seized a computer, disks and videos which it alleges contains child pornography. The Chairman of the school's Board of Trustees, Paul Gordon, says the decision to sack Mr Johnson was made last week, and parents were informed in a newsletter on Friday. He says now that an investigation is underway, the school needs a permanent principal and expects to have one in place by the end of next term at the earliest.
Concern over the low literacy skills amongst some New Zealand industries, following a report released today by the National Centre for Workplace Literacy and Language. The report shows 40% of employees here are below the minimum level of literacy competence required for everyday life and work. Report spokeswoman Liz Moore says the three industries with the poorest showing, are agriculture, manufacturing and construction. She says it has major implications for businesses trying to streamline for the modern workplace. Liz Moore says the lack of literacy also creates barriers for people who want to gain or retain employment.
Consumers are being told they are not being ripped off despite a scathing independent report on the telecommunications market. The report says Telecom makes nearly $400 million extra a year through its monopoly on phone lines and numbers. Communications Minister Maurice Williamson says people must be sceptical because the report was commissioned by Telecom rival Clear and only uses a hypothetical model. He says while there is still work to be done to ensure a level playing field for all phone companies - consumers are still getting a better deal than ten years ago.
Two deaths at a classic car race meeting in Queenstown have sparked a review of safety procedures for licensing temporary street circuits. Two spectators died when a car flipped and crashed into them, and others narrowly escaped the flying vehicle. Motorsport New Zealand says it will establish a formal inquiry panel to review safety features. Meanwhile, spokesman Ian Snelgrove says it is too early to confirm whether the spectators who were killed were in an appropriate viewing area. He says he has heard the rumours, and either the police inquiry, or the Motorsport New Zealand inquiry, should unearth the truth.
(The lucky winner of the week was a woman with her child who escaped death when the car sailed over their heads to land on the two men who were killed - BH)
Telecom's chief executive has slammed an independent report on the phone industry saying it is not worth the paper it is written on. The report, by public policy expert Jeff Todd, says Telecom is making an extra $382 million a year because of its monopoly on phone lines and numbers. But Telecom's Rod Deane says that figure isn't based on any reality but on a hypothetical model. He says the report also contains gross inaccuracies about the amount Telecom charges for its national and international calls, and appears to be politically motivated.
A tribute has been paid to the former head of TVNZ, 50 year old Neil Roberts, who died last night from cancer. He may well be most remembered for founding Communicado, the TV and film production company. Communicado spokesman Robert Boyd-Bell says Neil Roberts never lost the ability to relate to middle New Zealand, through TV programmes like That's Fairly Interesting, Mud and Glory, and New Zealand at War. Mr Boyd-Bell says Neil Roberts was always extremely generous to new talent, and was responsible for a lot of new people finding their place in New Zealand television.
Tickets for next year's Mission concert, starring the Beach Boys, have sold out within a record four hours. The huge demand left three hundred people waiting outside the Napier Municipal theatre frustrated and angry that they missed out. One fan believed Hawkes Bay people should have had a fair go before tickets went on sale around the country. Another was annoyed that large corporates could buy hundreds of tickets in one go. Promoter IMG spokesperson, Brian Galloway says there won't be any more tickets made available for THIS event, but there are still tickets for the Californian band's Queenstown Concert at Millbrook Resort.
(Whoops ... overlooked Tuesday, sorry! - BH)
A reassurance from meat company Richmond that it will help redundant staff find new jobs. The company has announced today that more than 40 jobs are going from its Te Kauwhata plant following the decision to move its focus from beef to venison. Chief Executive John Loughlin says the company has begun consultation with staff and their union. Richmond's announcement comes one day after AFFCO announced it is closing down its Whangarei plant, with a loss of 190 jobs.
Alcohol Healthwatch says an 82 per cent rise in the consumption of spirits shows a disturbing trend for alcohol drinkers. Statistics New Zealand has released figures, which Alcohol Healthwatch says show an overall increase in alcohol consumption of 4.1 per cent. But it is the increase in the use of spirits which has jolted the health group. It says the main reason for the 82.4 per cent growth is a substantial increase in the production of pre-mixed spirit-based drinks, known as 'Ready to Drink', or RTDs. Alcohol Healthwatch says the alcohol industry has been targeting young drinkers with these products.
Taupo police have called off their search for a 30 year old parachutist believed to have gone off course before crashing into Lake Taupo. Matthew Royce Neave landed about 300 metres from Wharewaka Point this morning. Mr Neave's main parachute has been recovered, but the reserve chute hasn't - and police believe it is still with the missing man. Buoys are now marking the position where Mr Neave is believed to have landed - with the Wellington police dive team on its way to the scene, to take over the search
(First reports raised eyebrows. Mr Neave was an inmate of Rangipo prison who was out on day parole regaining work experience prior to his imminent release. It turns out that he was employed as a parachute instructor by the firm concerned. There was much speculation as to whether this was a cunning escape ruse - BH)
Auckland University is planning to cut the equivalent of 100 full time positions as it tries to balance its budget in the wake of a ten million dollar funding cut. The University recently caused an uproar when it raised student fees but its now taking the axe to its own staff. Acting vice-chancellor Alastair MacCormick says as well as having to absorb a 10 million dollar funding cut they are also battling to control other financial pressures. He says they have had to find an extra 14 million for their budget. He says they are looking to make savings by reducing salary expenditure and this will be achieved by natural attrition, deferring staff appointments and a new voluntary severance programme.
(Victoria has also made a small number of cuts ... it is a painful time - we have become accustomed to these things in the industrial arena, but it comes as a shock when it starts happening here - BH)
The head of Shamrock is heading home to Los Angeles tonight - confident his company's self-styled "rescue package" for Brierley Investments is on track. Shamrock has succeeded in its bid to get three Brierley board members dumped, despite heated objections from small shareholders at the company's AGM. Shamrock President Stanley Gold says he has held a very constructive meeting with new chairman Selwyn Cushing today, and he is looking forward to working through the issues. Shamrock wants management rights and a considerable stake in the company, in return for a 200 million dollar cash injection.
(Mr Gold, president of the Disney owned company, made some rather overblown metaphors about Brierley's ship having foundered. One of the speakers for small shareholders pricked his bubble by pointing out that "this is not Disneyland, you aren't Tinkerbell, and we aren't Goofy" - BH)
Hamilton City Council will be fighting against having a casino in the city on an equal footing with the developers. The Casino Control Authority heard from both the council and the Perry Group earlier this week but has ruled that the council should have Party Status during the December Hearing. Authority chief executive Trevor Garrett says they were granted party status because they have land near to the development which would be affected. The hearing is due to begin on December the ninth.
The Health Minister has told hospitals it is unacceptable to leave cancer patients waiting for treatment longer than the approved guidelines. Bill English says the situation at MidCentral Health, where dozens of people are waiting for radiotheraphy, isn't acceptable. He has written to all hospitals advising them of their responsibilities. He says if there is a backlog, patients must be transferred quickly to another centre. Mr English says he is to now get weekly reports on waiting times for radiotherapy around the country.
(Some of the situations that health funding policies have created are starting to become an electoral liability it seems - BH)
The deputy Police Commissioner admits there is still work to be done on the new computer system that deals with 111 calls. Barry Matthews has told a Parliamentary Select Committee while there have been five system failures, they haven't affected the ability of police to handle calls. He says more than 80 per cent of calls are answered within fifteen seconds, and while there is a problem with a handful of calls taking longer, the problem is being sorted out. However Telecom told the committee it is very concerned about the big increase in the number of 111 calls and the system's ability to handle overloading if the trend continues.
The Minister of Foreign and Affairs is playing down reports that our Government has seriously offended China. New Zealand has given immunity and special privileges to Taiwanese officials, despite our official position that Taiwan comes under China's sovereignty. A Chinese representative says the move poses "serious concerns". However, Don McKinnon says the change is technical, and it has been in the pipeline for about four years. Prime Minister Jenny Shipley will meet China's President at this year's APEC meeting in Malaysia next week.
Police divers have found the body of the Rangipo prison inmate who parachuted into Lake Taupo. The body of Matthew Neave was found in 25 metres of water, 400 metres south of Wharewaka Point. Earlier today the dive squad recovered the man's reserve parachute from the bottom of the lake, still in its pack. The 30 year old disappeared after landing in the lake yesterday. He was on work parole from prison at the time. A post mortem examination will be carried out on Mr Neave's body- it is expected to be completed later today or tomorrow morning.
(So, despite the cynics' speculation, it was not an escape ruse - BH)
Paul East is the latest National party MP to be given a diplomatic posting. The former Attorney General who was dumped from the Shipley Cabinet earlier this year, is to be our next High Commissioner to London. The list MP takes up the appointment in February. Earlier this year former prime minister Jim Bolger took up the position of New Zealand ambassador to Washington. And MP Jim Gerard was made High Commissioner to Canada after missing out on the Speaker's position after the last general election.
(I am affronted by this appointment. There was a perfectly capable professional diplomat in the post who has been bumped to find a post for Mr East. Don McKinnon spoke eloquently of Mr East's ability, but failed to answer the question about if he was so good, why was he dumped from cabinet? I recall that Mr East was awarded silk (became a QC) to enhance his standing when he argued NZ's anti-nuclear case before the international court. There was much protest at the time from his profession that he had not the requisite experience to be a QC. Nevertheless, I have nothing against Mr East for his own sake, but believe his is less well qualified for the post than the career diplomat who has had to make way for him - BH)
Tense scenes in Wellington today as Food and Fibre Minister John Luxton addressed a rally opposing producer board deregulation. Mr Luxton's defence of the government's programme of changes was met with jeers and angry interjections. Those leaving the rally were dubious about Mr Luxton's promise to listen to the rural sector... with many saying the minister cannot be trusted... and is likely to be rejected by the rural sector at the next election.
(Mr Luxton said at the annual meeting of the dairy industry that he would stake his career on deregulation being the right answer. When invited to make good on his commitment by resigning, Mr Luxton attempted to suggest that the delegation was unrepresentative ... I think he is wrong - BH)
A bid to get the laws tightened up on tattooing. National MP Eric Roy has introduced a private members bill which would require anyone under the age of 18 to have parental consent before getting a tattoo. He says too often young people don't think hard enough about the fact that a tattoo is permanent. Mr Roy says he says he has looked at similar legislation in some Australian states and the UK, and feels this bill is in line with those countries.
Front line fire fighters have today been dealt a serve by Fire Service Chairman Roger Estall... In the Service's annual report to Parliament, Mr Estall says they are not sufficiently productive, skilled, well focused or adequately paid... Mr Estall says the resistance to change in the service isn't unusual...he says it is the same with fire services around the world...but he believes the case against change is commonly emotive and simplistic... Mr Estall says the challenge ahead is to find solutions to the elusive problem of persuading the workforce that, despite their own rhetoric, the Commission is motivated by better protection of the community.
(I seem to be adopting the role of a knocker in this issue, but I wonder whether it is the front line officers who are not sufficiently productive, skilled or well focused, or whether it is the commissioner? I don't believe the motivation is anything other than reducing costs to the insurance industry - BH)
The Commissioner of State Services has called in two other people to assist his inquiry into the information for money scam.. Former Chief Ombudsman Sir John Robertson and David Cullwick, a senior partner in Ernst and Young have been appointed. Michael Wintringham says the first phase of the inquiry will involve Inland Revenue and the second will look at the new Work and Income Department... Mr Wintringham says the inquiry's findings will be given to the State Services Minister next month and will be made public... He says his decision to carry out the inquiry is an acknowledgement of how seriously the departments and the public service take the claims that have been made...
Kiwi spuds are at the centre of a hearing in Wellington today, as researchers apply to inject the humble potato with toad DNA. The Institute for Crop and Food Research wants to run a five year trial and there is a hearing on the issue before the Environmental Risk Management Authority today. Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimmons believes the proposed trial is a waste of public money, which would be better spent on research into organic vegetables. It is hoped the DNA of the African Claw Toad will help produce soft-rot resistant spuds.
(Remember the legend of the prince who was turned into a frog? Well I have a suspicion that there is a scientist who believes that that if you kiss a tuber with toad DNA it will turn into duchess potatoes - BH)
Waikato Hospital officials are now refusing to comment further on its u-turn decision for a cancer patient. Jacqueline Leinhardt may now have a brain tumour cat-scan before Christmas. She has already lost both breasts to cancer and was told it could be up to a year before she received the follow-up scan. Waikato Hospital says the radiology department has had problems meeting demand because of resource constraints.
A near capacity crowd at an Auckland Cathedral today for the funeral of former TVNZ boss Neil Roberts. Up to one thousand people attended today's send-off at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, including a speckling of celebrities and 11 speakers. Among them were broadcasters Paul Holmes and Mike Havoc. 50 year old Mr Roberts, who died of cancer last weekend, was cremated in a private ceremony this afternoon.
Political party ACT is mocking the concept of buying a third frigate. ACT's defence spokesman, Derek Quigley, today described the notion that we need three frigates as "nonsense". A study he did 10 years ago showed our frigates spent more than half the year docked in Auckland... three months training in Australasian and South Pacific waters... and two to three months in South East Asia. In the next few weeks cabinet is expected to decide whether to buy a third ANZAC frigate. It doesn't need ACT's backing to make that decision... but going against ACT's desires could damage the relationship between the two parties.
Wrap-around sunglasses, "bovver boy" suits and menacing scowls have been banned from this year's New Zealand First annual convention. The two day meeting kicks off tomorrow morning in Wellington... and a leaked memo from high up in the party reveals that delegates and MPs have been told to present a tidy and respectable image. In the past the party has suffered from a macho image... Party president Doug Woolerton says now that Mr Henare and his cohorts are gone... the party needs to rid itself of that image.
A $44,000 backdown from Wairarapa Health. The hospital has changed its mind about charging the family of Marg McMaster for care bills dating back to 1987. Mrs McMaster died in February after 14 years in hospital with multiple sclerosis. Wairarapa Health billed her estate for $44,000, saying she was merely "disabled" and not suffering from a medical condition during the early years of her hospitalisation. But they have now decided to wipe the debt.
(I sometimes wish the faceless bureaucrats who make these kinds of judgement should have to stand up and account for themselves. Anyone who has ever worked with MS knows this is not a mere "disability" ... it is a serious auto-immune disease with a very grave prognosis - BH)
The trans-sexual mayor of Carterton's coming to terms with her new role as a Labour candidate in the Wairarapa. Georgina Beyer is fresh back from overseas today, confirming her intention to stand against Deputy Prime Minister Wyatt Creech at the next general election. The 40 year old former prostitute and drag queen has resisted the temptation of national politics, but says she succumbed on the condition that she stays as Carterton mayor.
The Government will put itself to the test next week with tax legislation which will see the National led minority fall if it fails.... Our political editor says the move confirms the tax rates for the year, including the reduction last July... He says it is unlikely ACT or the Independents would vote against it... Prime Minister Jenny Shipley will be overseas when the vote is taken... Labour leader Helen Clark says Mrs Shipley's simply grandstanding...after the vote Ms Clark says the Prime Minister will claim to once again have the confidence of Parliament...
Concern after Wellington's police communications system experiences more technical glitches - the second computer hitch in four days. On Wednesday the system failed for almost an hour following a thirteen hour system failure on Sunday. Police Deputy Commissioner Barry Matthews says a computer technician will be on deck 24 hours a day to ensure any problems are dealt with quickly. He says they are taking the computer problems seriously.
The Labour leader wants the government to wait until the United Nations Security Council makes a decision about Iraq before making any commitment to support US led military action. Helen Clark says it was inappropriate for Jenny Shipley to commit New Zealand troops the last time Iraq and the United Nations couldn't agree over weapons inspections and it would be inappropriate now. Mrs Shipley will meet with US President Bill Clinton at APEC next week.
One of the few list MPs to have made a splash in Parliament has thrown his hat into the ring in the Epsom electorate. Rodney Hide is to stand as ACT's candidate. The Epsom seat is wide open with Christine Fletcher standing down because of her Auckland mayoralty job. Epsom was ACT's highest polling electorate at the last election.
Date: 12 November 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 0.5352
AUD 0.8473
GBP 0.3220
JPY 65.35
CAD 0.8274
FRF 3.0175
DEM 1.8998
HKD 4.1547
SGD 0.8869
ZAR 3.0689
CHF 0.7426
INTEREST RATES (%)
Call : 4.40
90 Day: 4.81
*****
I had occasion to drive on State Highway one on Saturday this week.
Coming up to Sanson, Ruapehu stood strong and clean against a clear
blue sky. Further up the road just North of Bulls, a faint white
smudge on the horizon resolved itself to be the snow covered peak of
Taranaki. The distant blue of the mountain blended so well with the
sky that it seemed the mountain was embossed rather than painted. Two
mighty mountains on one trip is just wonderful.
See you next week.
Brian Harmer
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~bharmer/
I may not be disgruntled but I am far from gruntled
P G Wodehouse
To subscribe to, or unsubscribe from the WYSIWYG News E-mail list visit: WYSIWYG Subscriptions
To find it on the WWW go to the WYSIWYG Archives