Copyright © 1998 Brian Harmer
First thank you to the kind people who wrote supportive messages in respect of my announcement of the demise of WYSIWYG news at Christmas. Secondly will all of you who look at me as if I am about to shoot the family dog please stop it!
On the road from Karori through to Khandallah, there is a splendid park or arboretum called the Otari Plant Museum. It was the scene of the infamous "SCNZ Pigout" at the beginning of this year. It begins at an unpromising little car park at the side of the road, in an area where the trees are labelled with long botanical names like "metrosideros excelsa" and "podocarpus ferrugineus", and there are planted gardens beside well formed paths. This is not the ideal time of year for the circuit, with many of the paths slippery underfoot with leaf mould and moss, and the bush looks dark green and damp. Nevertheless the track looks intriguing so we plunge off down the path and reach a rustic bridge which crosses a stream, dark and mysterious in the manner of all such streams in tall bush. Here it gurgles and tumbles, a little further on it becomes still and brown, reflecting the colours of the stones and moss clearly seen through it. Somewhere down in that cold water, there are probably eels and maybe the odd little freshwater cray ... who knows? Native trees in immense variety hang over the gully through which the stream and path meander, and you can almost hear the deafening chorus of cicadas which will accompany the gurgling of the water in another month or two. The path is reasonably civilised, apart from the periodic encounter with a runner out to race through this pretty place as fast as possible.
Occasionally, the path climbs, only to swoop again to the edge of the stream. Tree roots now and then catch the unwary walker who looks at the bush instead of the path. Eventually we encounter a broad clearing, sheltered at the south by a stand of dark and rather gnarled looking pines. The sweet smell of the needles is almost overpowering, and conjures up memories of all those net-characters gathered around the now deserted barbecue last summer. The path now begins a zig-zag climb back up towards the road, and takes me wheezing through more native bush of manuka and kanuka kinds, and at last through the formal gardens by the park headquarters back to the road where busy Wellingtonians whiz by in their cars oblivious to the treasure beside them.
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 American company offering a rescue package for Brierleys says it wants to stop the Kiwi corporate from carrying out a fire sale of key assets. Shamrock would inject $200 million into the troubled corporate, in return for an eventual 20% shareholding, and management control. Shamrock president, Stanley Gold, says there are four jewels in the Brierley crown, including its stake in Air New Zealand and Thistle Hotels. But he is worried Brierley's recent problems are prompting management to put assets on the block too quickly.
The lawyer representing Southland fishermen seeking compensation following the sinking of the Dong Won, says the claims could total many millions of dollars. Several groups of fishermen are claiming compensation for loss of earnings, after oil seeping from the sunken ship contaminated waterways, and led to the creation of an exclusion zone around the ship. Lawyer Michael Guest won't say who the legal action is targeting, although he is waiting for replies from the Regional Council, and from the ship owners and operators. He says mutton birds and crayfish are likely to be affected by the spill.
(I heard at least one radio commentator observe obliquely this was an extraordinary claim given that so far, only two birds have been found polluted - BH)
The Education Minister has confirmed plans to shut Petone College. The school's roll has dropped by fifty five per cent over the past five years and now has fewer than 220 students. Wyatt Creech says it has been a very tough decision with strong and conflicting views from many within the community. But he says the quality of education is his paramount concern and on that basis he can't keep the college running. Petone College is the fourth lowest performer out of 333 secondary schools. The school's board of trustees has been given 28 days to try to change the Education Minister's mind.
(Not sure about the conflicting views ... the media coverage showed near unanimity in the community, and among staff and pupils - BH)
Foreign Minister Don McKinnon has today been given the go ahead by the National led minority Government to lobby for the Commonwealth Secretary General's job... Prime Minister Jenny Shipley says the full resources of Foreign Affairs will be thrown behind Mr McKinnon's effort to secure the top job in the Commonwealth... Our political editor says his cause will be helped over the next few weeks as New Zealand plays host to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Wellington.... Around 500 politicians and officials will attend the conference, including the current Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaouku The job will be decided at the next CHOGM in South Africa this time next year...
Maoridom is today mourning the loss of the head of the Ratana church. Raniera Ratana died this morning. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says Maoridom has lost one of its great leaders. He says Mr Ratana played a quiet but influential role in the Maori world and was a source of wise counsel for Maori MPs in particular. Mr Peters says the family of Raniera Ratana can take comfort in the fact that he lived a life of great purpose and touched the lives of many people.
Workers are being urged to check their contracts after a significant ruling by the Employment Court. It has ordered that a contract for workers at a Hawkes Bay company requiring them to provide a medical certificate as proof of illness be struck out. Under the clause the worker had to undergo an examination by the company's own doctor if their original certificate wasn't accepted. Employment lawyer Alan Creesey says that is common practice in many companies, so workers should check their contracts and demand such clauses be deleted. The court also struck out a clause stating employees might have to work statutory holidays.
(This case seemed to involve a quite Dickensian perspective on the motivation of employees - classic McGregor "theory X" stuff ... BH)
Two birds found dead on Stewart Island are being examined tonight to see whether they died from oil poisoning. The Maritime Safety Authority says a small amount of fuel is still leaking from the sunken Korean Fishing vessel. The slick is now up to 800 metres long. High winds prevented helicopters from spraying chemical dispersant on the spill this afternoon. Searchers have continued to scan the coastline after the discovery of a dead muttonbird and an albatross today. Areas which are home to penguins and seals will be examined tomorrow.
(Note that an examination is necessary to see what they died of. Exxon Valdez this is not! - BH)
The man who has toured the country on a tractor raising money for his sick daughter, admits the drive has raised only a third of the required money. Gary Dixon says his daughter, Michelle, needs treatment as part of a medical trial in the US. He says her condition is degenerative, and time is running out. Gary Dixon says the tractor drive to raise $200,000 to relocate the family to Florida, has raised only around $60,000. He says the family must now consider flying Michelle backwards and forwards to the US for treatment, which he says won't be good for her.
A new home for Massey University's Wellington operation. The University has announced that it has signed an agreement with the Wellington Tenths Trust to use the former Dominion Museum as its Wellington campus. The former Museum will be used from the start of the 2000 academic year and Vice Chancellor Professor James McWha says it will provide a superb study environment for students. It will also provide opportunities for joint initiatives with the Polytech and local tangata whenua. He says if Massey's merger with Wellington Polytech is approved, the main building will house schools in the proposed University College of Design, Fine Arts and Music.
The Telecommunications Users Association says the government will have to step in if Telecom goes ahead with a plan to start charging for local internet calls. Under the Kiwishare agreement, Telecom can't charge for local calls - but it wants to differentiate between local voice and data calls. The plan would mean ALL residential internet users would face new charges from Telecom. But Telecommunications Users Association spokesman Grant Forsyth people pay for line rental - and it shouldn't matter who they are calling.
(Needless to say, the Internet using community in New Zealand are appalled. Until now, all local dial-up calls are free ... now it appears that it might cost an additional 20 cents per two hours of connect time over and above the ISP charges. - BH)
A new report is recommending a radical shakeup of the way we look after New Zealand's heritage. Conservation Minister Nick Smith says there are too many government agencies responsible for heritage The report is recommending one new Ministry of Heritage and Culture, and a separate Maori body to look after historical Maori sites. Dr Smith says the report also recommends the Historic Places Trust lose its regulatory powers to take action against developers - because it is an advocate for old buildings though it is supposed to be impartial. All regulatory powers would be consolidated under the Resource Management Act.
Disappointment from Palmerston North MP Steve Maharey at a ban stopping local Police from speaking at a public meeting tonight over proposed police cutbacks. Superintendent Mark Lammas and city Inspector Dave Scott were set to address the meeting. However, Mr Maharey says the Police Commissioner has now directed that no local staff should attend the meeting in an official capacity. He says it is disappointing that the Police who were to speak tonight have now effectively been gagged.
The rugby sevens star charged in connection with the death of a man in a two-car crash south of Auckland has yet to enter a plea. Rush dedicated his Commonwealth Games rugby sevens gold medal to 23 year old Brendan Malcolm, who died when his car and Rush's collided in August. Mr Malcolm's wife and friend were injured in the smash. Rush has been charged with careless use of a motor vehicle causing death, two counts of careless use causing injury, and two of dangerous driving. He was silent as he stood in the dock at the Pukekohe District court today. The judge remanded Rush for two weeks, but said he must enter a plea at his next appearance on the 28th of October.
Pastoral farm values have dropped as much as 25% in the Hastings District within the past three years. Quotable Value New Zealand have just released revaluations of land in Hastings. Area Valuer, David Nagel says orchard values have also fallen by up to 30% since September 1995. However, he says viticulture is booming, as land values have increased by up to 50% in the area.
Deposed Auckland mayor Les Mills has gone to ground. The two term mayor, who was beaten by Epsom MP Christine Fletcher at last weekend's local body elections, has issued a release saying he won't comment on Auckland City issues for the next three months. In the release Mr Mills says it is his intention to give the newly elected mayor and council a fair go in getting themselves established. He says after eight years as mayor of Auckland he knows how difficult it is for an incoming council to face harassment from people close to the issues. Mr Mills ends the release saying he will be seeking new challenges in both the private and public sectors.
(What a remarkable display of dignity from Mr Mills. He has gone up in my previously less favourable estimation. - BH)
Time is running out for the organisers of Auckland's Hero parade as they scramble to find $100,000 to fund next year's event. Hero chairman Paul Sheriff says they need to have the funding together by next week otherwise the 1999 parade won't go ahead. He says they need the remaining time to organise the event, which attracts thousands of people to the central city. Paul Sheriff says the biggest problem is the debt they are carrying from previous years. He says that has grown to a point where the amount of sponsorship they usually receive won't stretch to cover the parade as well.
Tauranga Hospital is pulling out of a service that most people aren't keen to use anyway... Western Bay Health says it won't provide autopsy services from the end of next month. Earlier this year, OSH identified the mortuary as unsafe, and the CHE was given a deadline to address the issues. A spokesperson says they have seriously considered upgrading the facility to meet OSH requirements -- but rejected this due to the costs involved. The Health Funding Authority has been advised there are local providers interested in continuing the service.
Deer-hunters, greenies, anglers and protectors of historic buildings have set aside their differences to oppose government changes to the Resource Management Act. Environment Minister Simon Upton wants the act changed to make it less restrictive... and allow the private sector to process resource consents. But groups as varied as the Fish and Game Council, Maruia and the Historic Places Trust have joined in a campaign to stop those changes. Maruia spokesman Guy Salmon says the groups have a common interest in protecting our environment and heritage.
The Health Minister concedes the government has a lot to do to convince New Zealanders that we have a good health system. A major survey will be released next week comparing the health services of eight countries including New Zealand, Britain and the United States. It is expected to show New Zealanders have a far more negative perception of their health system than people in other countries. Bill English says the health system is more settled now than it was in the early nineties but the negative perception will remain until the government sorts out issues like waiting lists and mental health.
(And perhaps who the Health Minister is? - BH)
It is back to the negotiating table for firefighters and their employer following a decision released by the Employment Court this afternoon. The Firefighters Union took the Fire Service Commission to court claiming it hadn't negotiated over the proposed restructuring. The Court has now allowed an injunction to halt the Commission's plans to sack firefighters and make them reapply for fewer jobs. Union spokesman Derek Best says that is great news and they are ready to go back into talks again. He says one of their biggest concerns was the Commission's refusal to negotiate. But Derek Best says the ruling has recognised that and the ball is now firmly in the Commission's court.
(Whereas I referred to the previous industrial case as "Dickensian", the court in this case was explicit ... it observed that the employer was willing to deliberately break the contracts it has with its employees. It had acted as neither fair and reasonable, nor even honest and ethical. The minister attempted to justify the path taken by the commission on the grounds that the ECA was relatively new legislation and that they "could not be expected to know the fine details of the legislation." FINE DETAILS? For goodness sake this was breach of contract, plain and simple! - BH)
AMP/ERGO is now offering the country's lowest fixed mortgage rate. AMP's new six month fixed rate is just 5.9 per cent... point five of a percent lower than the ANZ bank's. AMP ERGO spokesman Philip McIntyre says since June, their floating rate has dropped from 11.10, to 6.75 per cent today. He says that means homeowners with a $100,000 mortgage over 25 years are now saving $369 a month. Treasurer Bill Birch says the latest round of interest rate cuts is an important gain for families and businesses.
A life saver has stepped forward for Auckland's Hero Parade. Organisers of the gay and lesbian event said financial problems could prevent the parade going ahead next year. Coopers Creek Winery has agreed to sponsor the parade to the tune of $15,000.
(And Bill Ralston has brought Metro Magazine to the party with a repeat of last year's $15,000 - BH)
Businessman Selwyn Cushing has confirmed being approached about taking up the chairmanship of troubled Brierley Investments. He won't say who made the suggestion, and won't rule out taking over the role. However earlier this week investment firm Shamrock said its self-styled rescue package for Brierleys would involve the appointment of a prominent New Zealand business leader as chairman. The Brierley board of directors is meeting in Singapore tonight- a representative of Shamrock has been invited to address them.
(Mr Cushing is the man who successfully sued Winston Peters for Defamation. Winston has appealed through every avenue available, and lost his case in every one of them. - BH)
The Dairy Board is pleased with the unanimous support it received from farmers at the first of a nation-wide series of meetings. The meetings are being held to outline the Dairy Board's position on the Government's controversial plan to deregulate producer boards. Dairy Board Chairman John Storey says it is important the Government talk thoroughly with producer boards, before making its decision. He says farmers are particularly emotional about the issue, but have indicated their support in the Dairy Board.
(Most, though not all pip-fruit growers are equally opposed to deregulation in respect of the Apple and Pear Board, and the Minister, John Luxton is increasingly finding himself alone on the podium beating the drum of pure market theory - BH)
The judge has reserved his decision over whether the New Zealand on Air broadcasting license is a tax or a fee. Over 130 plaintiffs brought a case against the Broadcasting Commissioner in the High Court in Auckland today over whether the fee was in fact an illegal tax. Council for the plaintiffs made submissions this morning that the broadcasting fee was not a fee because it offered no service in return and therefore it amounted to an illegal tax. But council for the broadcasting commission maintains the Broadcasting Act of 1989 made provisions for the commission to charge the broadcasting fee. Mr Liddell for the defence told the court it doesn't matter what you call it because parliament has authorised it and that should be the end of the matter. The judge will release his decision in a month's time.
A volunteer Petone firefighter is beginning a three year jail sentence after admitting to a spate of arson attacks in the region. 29 year old Dion Lance McKenzie was sentenced today on ten arson charges dating back to November 1997. The court heard how the emotionally distressed volunteer firefighter developed an uncontrollable urge to light fires after the deaths of his brother and stepfather. The arsons caused more than $45,000 worth of damage, but Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce spokesman Michael Romanos admits he has some sympathy for McKenzie.
Remembering those who fought in the forgotten war. Around 500 returned servicemen from as far away as the United Kingdom are expected in Whangarei over the next three days for the 15th annual Korean Veterans Reunion. It is 48 years since the first troops left for Korea and this is the first time the reunion has been held in Whangarei. President of the Whangarei Korean Veterans Committee, Alan Yates, says it is a time to catch up with old mates and remember those who lost their lives in the Korean war. Highlights on the three day reunion include a banquet on Saturday night and a march to the cenotaph on Sunday morning at 9.30.
A German mini-submarine is loose in Lake Taupo. The vessel was launched today, and will allow scientists to study the lake bed. The yellow German-designed sub, Jago, was trucked in from Wellington this morning, accompanied by a team of German and New Zealand scientists. Weather permitting, the sub will be towed to Horomotangi Reef tomorrow, to make the first of a series of dives to the lake bed at the centre of the 18 hundred year old Taupo Volcano.
An MP who was once the minister responsible for the Fire Service has repeated his calls for Roger Estall to be dumped as Fire Service Commission chairman. Peter Dunne's comments follow yesterday's Employment Court decision, which was critical of aspects of the Fire Service restructuring plans. The United Party leader says that decision is an embarrassing blow to Internal Affairs Minister Jack Elder. Peter Dunne describes the restructuring proposal as a costly and wasteful experiment which should be stopped immediately.
(Mr Dunne has a talent for understatement - BH)
Maritime safety officials are beginning to scale down the emergency response to the Dong Won oil spill. The latest surveillance flight over the sunken Korean fishing trawler has revealed a small amount of oil is still leaking from the vessel, off Stewart Island. But Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman Fiona Cassidy says the 500 metre long slick is dispersing naturally. She says searchers haven't found any new wildlife harmed by the spill, so they are moving to scale down the operation. Fiona Cassidy says they will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the impact on the environment is minimised.
(Remember so far we have reports of two dead birds which may or may not be related to the spill ... and we have claims for millions? I wonder if there are some legal contingency fees somewhere in this picture? - BH)
Date: 15 October 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 0.5433
AUD 0.8539
GBP 0.3187
JPY 64.65
CAD 0.8375
FRF 2.9990
DEM 0.8935
HKD 4.2192
SGD 0.8785
ZAR 3.0934
CHF 0.7271
INTEREST RATES (%)
Call : 3.5
90 Day: 4.67
*****
Saturday, fine, calm, beautiful. The summer trimester stretches ahead and
the research beckons ... must go! See you.
Brian Harmer
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~bharmer/
I may not be disgruntled but I am far from gruntled
P G Wodehouse
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