Copyright © 1998 Brian Harmer
Yesterday, as is our occasional custom at the end of a difficult week, we took some of our graduate students to enjoy the atmosphere and comforts of the university's staff club. OK, we took them for a drink! The staff club is located on the third floor of the Rankine-Brown (library) building, and is situated to provide a wonderful view to the East over the inner city and the harbour. As the beautiful light of a very lovely day fades, the scene acquires a special delicacy of colour and atmosphere ... the water reflects the pink of the Western sky, and the distant hills are transformed from mere geographic features to a splendid theatrical backdrop. The Picton ferry engraves deep grooves on the otherwise flawless harbour. Planes bringing business commuters home from Auckland, Christchurch and elsewhere glide along invisible rails in the sky toward a rendezvous with the runway at the end of Evans Bay. Peering over the rim of a suitably filled glass, I observe that each plane seems to disappear behind Mt Victoria at precisely the same tree each time ... the beverage concerned seems to give rise to such stunning and meaningful insights ...
On a different matter, a correspondent raised the issue of editorial ethics with me. I don't believe he was alleging any particular wrongdoing on my part, but I guess it is time to re-state my position.
I have produced this newsletter without charge for almost five years. WYISWYG is not just an amusing acronym ... it is a statement of editorial policy. I will not engage in debate over my selections of news or over my editorial comments thereon. Like most people I perceive myself to be in the centre of the political spectrum with extremists to either side of me. My selections are not deliberately chosen to push a particular political barrow though I will confess to being an "economic wet" (opposite to Roger Douglas, Bill Birch, Ruth Richardson and Rodney Hide). My motives for persisting with this are unclear even to me ... but I have always said I will do it until it stops being fun. (It has come dangerously close on a few occasions). I reserve the right to make irreverent or heartfelt comment on any item I choose, with the proviso that any expression of personal opinion is always clearly marked as such by being in parenthesis and containing my initials - BH
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 government has been given the green light to continue in office. In a historic moment - Parliament has passed a vote of confidence in the government this evening, by 62 to 58. National had to rely on the votes of ACT, United's Peter Dunne, independent Alamein Kopu and the defectors from New Zealand First. It came after a vigorous three-hour debate in which ACT's Richard Prebble told the government he was supporting it reluctantly, because the Prime Minister hadn't laid out her agenda. And there was anger from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters who said the vote was all about treachery and betrayal.
(This vote struck me as a low point in New Zealand Politics. The PM gets some sort of assurance of "confidence" propped up by a bunch of ethically challenged self-serving party-hoppers. It is time that the PM abandoned any pretence that this vote legitimised her policies, and instead sought ratification through the polls - BH)
Satisfaction from police following test results giving speed cameras the all clear. Police carried out field trials in Dunedin, after the courts threw out a speeding charge against a local man who was snapped driving over the limit. Jerry Larason won the case, by claiming police weren't using the speed cameras properly. Superintendent Neil Gyde says the test results will restore public confidence in the use of speed cameras. Meanwhile, police have decided not to appeal the court's decision to drop charges against Mr Larason.
A call for regular testing of mercury levels in fish to be re-introduced. The latest Consumer magazine says pregnant women who eat a lot of fish risk ingesting mercury, which could harm the foetus. It says 20 per cent of fish it tested had illegally high levels of the chemical. Consumers Institute Chief Executive David Russell says the Department of Health, now a ministry, used to carry out regular testing of mercury levels in fish. He says he would like to see some testing re-introduced for monitoring purposes. David Russell says mercury poses no risk to people who eat fish in moderation.
(There is a book called "Minimata" which is a photo-essay on the consequences of mercury poisoning on the people who lived near the Chisso Corporation's chemical plant which was discharging mercury contaminated waste into Minimata Bay. I recommend it to anyone who thinks there is a safe level of mercury - BH)
Free doctors' visits for under sixes could be in jeopardy with the government failing to give assurances that the policy will continue. The scheme was introduced last July as part of the coalition agreement. But it is now being evaluated to see whether it is working. Prime Minister Jenny Shipley says every government initiative must be looked at again in the wake of this morning's bad economic news.
(Go to the polls - BH)
Blame it on MMP. That is the blunt message from one economist following Treasury figures showing the government is about to go into the red. Stuart Marshall of Bancorp says spending decisions by the former National/New Zealand First coalition are to blame for the impending budget deficits. Treasury is forecasting a $700 million shortfall for 1998/99, while the economy is expected to contract half a per cent this financial year. Stuart Marshall says we are now accounting for the cost of the imprudent and juvenile spending decisions made by the first MMP government.
(I fail to see how the entry mechanism by which we select our parliamentarians can be blamed for the decisions taken by expediency-driven politicians ... these decisions have always been taken by politicians regardless of the selection mechanism. Mr Marshall would do better to sheet the blame home to politicians who wanted to stay in office - BH)
A Feilding student at the centre of a row over his hair-cut is now back at school. The pupil, known as Steven, had been suspended because of an extreme haircut. Principal Roger Menzies says the school spoke with Steven's mother this morning, and he decided to cut his fringe back to an acceptable level. Steven has now been reinstated, and was back at school this afternoon.
An 80 year old Justice of the Peace convicted of four charges of indecent assault has been sacked. The Associate Minister of Justice Tony Ryall says he has been removed from office after his appeal against conviction was dismissed. The man was convicted of assaulting three children including his own two-and-a-half year old daughter.
(Why do we still have JPs at the age of 80 anyway? All the judges have to retire long before then don't they? - BH)
There will be a debriefing tomorrow for people and agencies involved in last month's fatal ditching of the Southern Air Cessna 402 in Foveaux Strait. The session will concentrate on everything that happened after the mayday was sent. A police spokesman says the debriefing will be closed to the public in order not to compromise the inquest. The inquest into the five deaths was opened to hear evidence from surviving members of the Chisholm family, who have since returned to England. The inquest is now in a state of adjournment.
Hundreds of Telecom operators could walk off the job later this month, as the company continues to refuse to enter formal contract negotiations. The jobs of 600 workers in Palmerston North, Auckland and Christchurch are up in the air, as American company, Sitel prepares to take over all operator-assisted services. Union spokesman Mark Brownsey says workers are worried they will lose existing terms and conditions under a new employer. He says the operators want their existing contract rolled over before it expires at the end of the month. Mark Brownsey says it is of particular concern for Palmerston North and Christchurch staff, who will remain on the Telecom payroll for at least another year.
National backbencher Arthur Anae has apologised to Parliament tonight for the actions of his electorate office. A Samoan couple gave the office $700, so it could lodge an immigration application on their behalf. But that application was never lodged, and the couple are now overstayers. Mr Anae says his staff member involved has now resigned, as he deeply regrets his actions. The couple also gave Mr Anae's office $150 in donations. The MP says this is a long-standing tradition amongst Samoan people, but he has asked Parliamentary Services to clarify the correct procedures.
GOVERNMENT BACKS TWO ALLIANCE MPs' BILLS IN PARLIAMENT
The government has saved itself from possibly embarrassing defeats, by supporting two private members bills in Parliament. Earlier today Laila Harre's bill allowing paid parental leave sailed through the House, and will now go to a select committee for consideration. And now Jeanette Fitzsimon's bill on energy efficiency has also been passed. However the fate doesn't look so good for independent MP Neil Kirton. His private members bill calling for no asset sales without the support of Parliament doesn't appear to have the numbers to get to a select committee.
A spray paint attack on an art work in Dunedin. Police have arrested a man after he allegedly attacked one of the Goldie paintings being exhibited at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery with a can of spray paint this morning. Gallery director Priscilla Pitts says the man spent half an hour in the gallery looking around. The painting has been sprayed with red enamel paint. Ms Pitts says gallery staff have been able to remove all the paint without any damage to the painting. She says staff have no idea what the motive for the attack would be, because the painting isn't one that would provoke a protest.
(This is the third attack on an artwork in recent times ... the theft of the McCahon, the theft and near destruction of the Tissot, and now this ... are we an especially philistine nation? Should we blame it on our sports culture? - BH)
Confirmation that the National minority government will move away from the political agenda of the coalition... and towards that party's 1996 agenda. ACT leader Richard Prebble is threatening to bring the government down... unless it comes up with a full policy programme in line with National's agenda at the time of the 1996 election. In parliament today Mr Prebble asked Prime Minister Jenny Shipley whether that is likely to happen. Mrs Shipley says her ministers do support National's 1996 agenda... as the public will see from the policy the government intends to progress.
(Go to the polls - BH)
The country's exporters have today been praised for the way they have handled the international financial crisis... Treasurer Bill Birch says their reaction to what he describes as the traumatic shocks have been stunning... Mr Birch says they have continued to grow this country's earnings from exports despite the international downturn... He says there is no reason why that should change considering the mix of conditions which has seen a weaker dollar and lowering interest rates...Mr Birch says they are conducive to an export led recovery...
(Interesting that the producer boards, the bete-noir of the government have been by far the greatest contributors to this buffering of our economy - BH)
Brierley Investments believes it has set its house in order, following today's loss announcement of $904 million. That is the second biggest loss in our corporate history, and is the result of massive write-downs of more than $1 billion in the value of assets in the US and Asia. Chairman Sir Roger Douglas says Brierleys had to own up to the real value of those assets. He says it would have been easy to restrict the writedown to three or four hundred million dollars, but that would have been a nonsense. Along with today's loss, Brierley has announced it is scrapping its final dividend.
Police are taking issue with claims of delays in responding to last month's fatal plane crash in Foveaux Strait. Sergeant Noel Boniface, who co-ordinated the rescue, says the media reports are wrong and hurtful. He says the barrage of misinformation includes anonymous statements following yesterday's debriefing. In addition, Mr Boniface strongly disagrees with claims of unnecessary delays, which were made by the operator of the Taieri-based Tranzrail rescue helicopter.
The National Council of Women is welcoming news that the paid parental leave bill has come one step closer to being passed. The Government has allowed the bill to go forward to a parliamentary select committee. If the bill is passed women will be able to take the first three months of their maternity leave as paid leave. National Council of Women president Janet Hesketh says it is about time, as New Zealand has lagged behind the rest of the world on this issue. She says every member of society, not just employers, should contribute to the cost of the scheme.
Environment Waikato says it will lobby the government for assistance after the July floods, to raise awareness of the damage that was caused. The cost of the floods has been calculated to be $17.5 million, but the most the council could expect to see from the government is $200,000. Assets manager Scott Fowlds says the government needs to realise the impact of the flood on local communities. Scott Fowlds says Environment Waikato will begin their lobbying process early next week.
An appeal is to be lodged over a Southland youth's three-year jail term for manslaughter. Lawyer Roger Eagles filed the papers today. The sentence was conferred on 18-year-old Tee-Jay Crossan in the High Court at Invercargill last month. Crossan was the owner and backseat passenger in the car that crashed through a fence at Gore in January, killing 7-year-old Samuel Kingsbury. The 16-year-old driver is serving a four-and-a-half-year jail term for manslaughter and other charges.
A 44-year-old Dunedin man, charged in connection with the spray paint attack on a Goldie art work at Dunedin Public Art Gallery, has appeared in court. The man was remanded to Wakari Hospital for a full psychiatric assessment to reappear on the 24 September. He has yet to enter a plea. Gallery director Priscilla Pitts says the man allegedly sprayed the painting with red enamel paint after being at the gallery for half an hour yesterday. Staff managed to remove the paint before it dried, and the work hasn't been damaged.
Treasurer Bill Birch is defending the MPs who broke away from New Zealand First to support the government. Mr Birch says Labour, the Alliance and the remainder of New Zealand First are trying to bind the government to spending promises made two years ago... under a totally different set of economic circumstances. He says opposition parties are also accusing the independent MPs of deserting their parties out of self-interest. But Mr Birch says those independents are actually working in the interests of the country... by showing a willingness to think afresh about how to help New Zealand through the Asian crisis. He says the opposition parties are trying to advance their own interests at the expense of the country.
(Give it up Mr Birch! The actions of the so-called independents are nothing short of electoral fraud! - BH)
The National Bank has completed an $850 million take-over of Countrywide Bank. The deal has just been finalised, and National says it is too early to tell what changes will take place.
The impact of closures in the local car assembly is making itself felt in official statistics. The overall level of manufacturing sales is down for the first half of the year when compared with 1997. Statistics New Zealand says the winding down of car makers had a significant impact. Falling exports also played a factor, despite a substantial decline in the value of the dollar. There are some bright spots in the latest figures- businesses exporting metal products, machinery and electrical equipment have reported strong export growth.
A high profile march against poverty arrives in Auckland this morning. About six hundred places have been booked on two Devonport ferries this morning, as the Anglican Hikoi of Hope hits central Auckland. Spokesman Reverend Harvey Smith says the marchers, who set off from Cape Reinga on the first of the month, will be joined by hundreds more when they arrive at lower Queen Street.
The row over claims of major hiccups with the Fire Service's new communications system is heating up. Alliance MP Grant Gillon has released what he says is documented evidence of a series of delays and problems with the dispatch of fire crews in Auckland, since the new system started. Internal Affairs Minister Jack Elder says Mr Gillon's only undermining public faith in the 111 system. But Grant Gillon is accusing the Fire Service and the Minister of trying to cover-up the problems. He says the Fire Service has issued a memo directing staff not to talk to the media.
Date: 10 September 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 0.5100
AUD 0.8673
GBP 0.3059
JPY 70.02
CAD 0.7767
FRF 2.9515
DEM 0.8799
HKD 3.9622
SGD 0.8911
ZAR 3.1963
CHF 0.7216
INTEREST RATES (%)
Call : 5.70
90 Day: 5.74
*****
Bye for now.
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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