Copyright © 1995 Brian Harmer
Oriental parade offers some wonderful views across the bay. I was there today. The harbour under a grey sky was still, and from the seawall, I could see the rocks on the seabed with no difficulty. Even more telling was the fountain which was sending up a plume which was landing on the base of the fountain instead of fifty metres downwind. And as I contemplated life, the universe, and the textures of the cityscape across the water, the Lynx came gliding into view. The vessel currently bearing the name is yet another of Incat's magnificent wave-piercing catamarans. This one is an EV10 (see http://www.incat.com.au/pdf/ev10.pdf). On a grey milky day such as this, the enormity of such an exotic looking piece of naval architecture moving across the still surface was quite striking. Though capable of 43 knots, she was down to idling speed, perhaps partly because of harbour regulations and partly because her master did not wish to park his vessel in the exhibition halls of Te Papa. The backdrop for all this was Wellington's central business district. I don't suppose the boom days prior to 1987 will ever come again, but somehow new faces and new buildings keep appearing. In 1987, there were at one time 13 high rise buildings in progress. Now there are just two that I am aware of, and a few cases where accommodation is being added to existing buildings. People scorn the glass fronted tower block, but to my mind, there is a grandeur to a whole cityscape of blocks, each different in its tones and textures. Add the sombre background of the Tinakori Hills, and the result is, to my way of thinking, a scene of great beauty.
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 MJ who got a year older this week. Thanks MJ.
On with the news:
A call claiming the baby abducted in Lower Hutt last week has been killed has been revealed as a hoax. The call which claimed Baby Kahu had been killed and disposed of in the Mt Albert Road area sparked a massive police search. However police now say they have spoken to a 13-year old Dargaville girl who has admitted making a hoax call to the 0800 line. She has been referred to youth aid.
(The anguish caused to the distraught parents and the appalling waste of police time during a crisis deserve something more than a stern talking to. – BH)
An impassioned plea from MP Georgina te Heuheu for the return of Baby Kahu. It is one week since the eight-month old daughter of Justice Eddie Durie and Donna Hall was taken at gunpoint. Georgina te Heuheu is godmother to Kahu and says, as such, she feels a special link to the child. She says the family just wants to know that Kahu's been fed and that she is clean, safe and warm. Inquiry head Detective Inspector Stuart Wildon says police will set up a caravan in the area today. He hopes it will encourage the public to come forward with new information. Meanwhile, in another twist to the story, police have spoken to a 13- year-old Dargaville girl who's admitted making a hoax call to the 0800 line. The message left on the hotline claimed Baby Kahu had been killed and disposed off in the Mt Albert Road area of Wellington. It prompted a police search. The teenager has been referred to Youth Aid.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard wants to leave politics out of the rugby World Cup debacle. Mr Howard talked with Helen Clark after New Zealand was stripped of its sub-hosting rights for next year's competition. He says trans-Tasman sports and political relationships are too important to be tarnished by one disagreement. Mr Howard says it is best to leave a distinction between sports administration and politics. He says the talks he had with Helen Clark are confidential, but involved making sure our relationship with Australia remains strong.
(Easy for him to say! – BH)
The news of Baby Kahu's safe return rang out across Lower Hutt in the form of church bells. The eight-month-old daughter of Donna Hall and Justice Eddie Durie was found near Taumarunui last night. Reverend Frank Nelson of St James' Church was called to the family's home a short time later to give thanks for her safe return. He then went back to the church and rang the bells. Reverend Nelson says ringing the bells to celebrate good news is a long-standing tradition of the Anglican Church. He says the news had spread quickly, so most Lower Hutt residents knew what the bells were ringing for.
(FANTASTIC! Well done police. Good on you Frank. – BH)
A big thank you from the parents of Kahu Durie to all those who sent messages of goodwill. The eight-month-old girl and her parents Justice Eddie Durie and Donna Hall have just met the media in Lower Hutt. Justice Durie says the family was anxious yesterday when they were called to the police station, but were incredibly relieved when they heard the news. He says they will be looking into more security for the family in the future. Justice Durie says a thanksgiving service will be held later this week to celebrate Kahu's safe return.
Police believe the man charged with the kidnapping of little Kahu Durie was acting alone. The baby is back with her family after police raided a house near Taumarunui late yesterday. She had been missing for more than a week after being snatched from her mother in Lower Hutt. A 54-year-old man will appear in the Taumarunui District Court this morning charged with kidnapping. Inquiry head Detective Inspector Stuart Wildon says eight month old Kahu appears to have been well looked after. He says Kahu was alone in the house when police moved in yesterday. He says further charges will be laid against the accused man when he appears in court this morning. A police doctor examined Kahu last night and says she appears to be okay.
Police say Kahu Durie was alone in a house near Taumarunui when officers raided the property. The eight-month-old is back with her family this morning following a dramatic sequence of events that began yesterday afternoon when police identified the house. Inquiry head Detective Inspector Stuart Wildon says baby Kahu was on her own when police arrived. However she did appear to have been cared for during her eight-day ordeal. Stuart Wildon says the 54- year-old man now charged with her kidnapping was arrested some time later when he returned to the house. The accused will appear in the Taumarunui District Court later today.
The man accused of murdering Napier schoolgirl Teresa Cormack is due back in the Napier District Court today for a pre-depositions hearing. Forty-three-year-old Jules Mikus was charged in February with abducting, sexually violating and murdering the six-year-old in 1987. A heavy police presence is expected at the courthouse, in keeping with Mikus' last appearance on the sixth of March. It is not known if a plea will be entered today or, if Mikus pleads not guilty, whether the trial will be held in Napier.
Labour remains top of the heap in the latest opinion poll. And Helen Clark has escaped unscathed from the controversy surrounding the art work she signed but did not paint. Support for the prime minister has risen in the One News/Colmar Brunton poll, up two to 49 percent. Her party has also gone up, one point to 50 percent. National's down one to 34. The Greens are up one to six, while ACT is steady on four. New Zealand First is also up one to three percent. Support for the Alliance is mixed. One percent say they would vote for Jim Anderton's party and 0.3 percent for Laila Harre's Alliance. Another one percent say they will vote for the Alliance, but do not say which one.
(I think I saw the ultimate verdict on the Alliance. Tui Breweries run a series of sardonic billboard ads. They consist of two panels. There is a proposition in stark white letters on the black panel to the left, and always the sarcastic response "Yeah, right" on the red half. For example, "Aucklanders are nice people too" ... yeah right! On Wakefield Street there is a panel in which the improbable proposal is simply, "The Alliance" – BH)
Forget breaking news and in-depth reporting – it is the weather that REALLY counts. A new survey by CVM and Digipoll has revealed that while TV3's news service is seen as being ahead of TV1 on general and sports news, it lags behind in weather news and forecasting. The researchers say their figures explain why TV3 news bulletins lag behind TV1's in viewing figures. CVM spokesman Rodger Gallagher says the study shows that weather news is a strong driver of viewer loyalty. He says unless TV3 dramatically improves its weather news and forecast segment, it faces a long haul to build viewer numbers. CVM/Digipoll says it used the same research approach for the TV News survey that it uses to produce reliable information for political polls.
(Bring back Augie! – BH)
BMW has confirmed former US President Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker at the launch of its new seven series car next month. It will be his only public engagement in New Zealand. BMW is spending about three-quarters of a million dollars launching the new models. Around 700 people are expected at a gala dinner at Auckland's Hilton Hotel on the 27th of May. Tickets to hear Bill Clinton speak will cost $600 to $800 each. BMW's New Zealand managing director Geoff Fletcher says Mr Clinton will be talking about global issues close to his heart. It will be his first public address in this country since leaving office. Mr Fletcher says it is appropriate to have a former US President launch what BMW expects to be the pinnacle car in New Zealand. The launch will be held on 27 May.
The release of the long-awaited Carruthers report, on allegations of improper lobbying among defence circles, has been set back again. The Government ordered Queen's Counsel Colin Carruthers to investigate claims the army has been involved in a campaign to grab the lion's share of the defence budget, at the expense of the two other services. It has been suggested the strategy was contained in a report written by army officer Ian Gordon in 1997. The Carruthers report centres on the Gordon report and an internal navy e-mail which suggested similar tactics. The report was originally due out last October, and it was then hoped it would be released this week. But a defence force spokesman says the report now will not be out until the first week in May.
The mother of abducted Baby Kahu says it appears she was well taken care of by her abductor. Donna Hall and Justice Eddie Durie were reunited with their daughter last night, eight days after the baby was snatched from a stroller while out with her mother and cousins in Lower Hutt. The breakthrough in the police case came after a $3 million ransom was demanded during the eight day period. Donna Hall says she and her husband are relieved to have their baby back, and it appears whoever had her in their care for the past eight days, took great care of her. She says that became apparent when she bathed Kahu and there was no sign of baby eczema, indicating she had been cleaned and wiped with soft cloth. Donna Hall says there is no sign of any mistreatment of the baby during her ordeal. Baby Kahu's father, Justice Eddie Durie, says his daughter spent a very restful night in her cot, and in fact had more sleep last night than her parents. A 54-year-old man appeared in the Taumarunui District Court this morning charged with kidnapping. He was remanded in custody to appear in the Lower Hutt District Court again on Friday.
The Government had made arrangements to provide the three million dollar ransom for baby Kahu. But Prime Minister Helen Clark is reported as saying it is unlikely the Government would have paid out the money. Baby Kahu was found safe and well last night with the man accused of kidnapping the eight-month-old appearing in a Taumarunui court this morning. Police sought higher level permission from the Finance Minister for the money, so they could negotiate with the kidnapper if needed.
(This seems to run counter with the principal of never negotiating with terrorists – BH)
Air New Zealand is confident it has taken all necessary measures to keep its passengers safe from deep vein thrombosis. An English businessman has been awarded compensation after a DVT scare following a long-haul flight. The judge in that case ruled it was due to insufficient leg room and called for airlines to offer at least 86-centimetres. Air New Zealand spokeswoman Rosie Paul says the airline already meets that standard in its economy class. She says it has also responded by giving passengers additional information, including an in-flight video with recommended leg exercises.
The frigate Te Kaha is back in the water after a dry-dock inspection to check the extent of cracks in the hull. Hair- line cracks have been found in one of the Australian Navy's ANZAC class frigates as well as Te Kaha. The Navy has yet to confirm whether another New Zealand frigate, Te Mana, has the same problem. It does not yet know how much repairs to Te Kaha will cost. Talks are being held with the design agent and the ship-builder.
Two cranes are lifting the roof off a Balclutha house as emergency services work to extract a truck and trailer unit which slammed into the building yesterday. Police expect it will take all day to remove the Owens Transport rig and its load of wool bales. The 40-year-old driver of the truck died in the crash. He was Hugh Gordon Muckle from Rangiora near Christchurch. Police are investigating whether a medical condition contributed to the crash. Constable Craig Dennissen says the area around the house remains cordoned off but a large number of people are turning up to view the scene.
The Finance Minister does not believe the Government's offer to underwrite a large ransom for Baby Kahu Durie will encourage other potential kidnappers. Michael Cullen authorised the underwriting of the $3 million ransom, as part of police efforts to track down the kidnapper. Dr Cullen has no regrets about getting involved. He doubts the Government's actions will encourage potential kidnappers to make exorbitant demands. Dr Cullen says the Government did not believe the money would be needed. Meanwhile, police have confirmed members of the Special Tactics Group were involved the case. However, they will not comment on reports that heavily armed members of the group spent three days staking out the Taumarunui house where the child was found. Police spokeswoman Kaye Calder says the group was part of a joint effort to find the eight-month-old. A team of around 50 police officers are still involved in investigations into the kidnapping and expect to complete their scene examination today of the Taumarunui house where she was found. Scientists are also carrying out forensic tests on the Mitsubishi car that was found in Lower Hutt, and is believed to have been the getaway car used in the abduction. Detective Inspector Stuart Wildon has confirmed members of the police Special Tactics Group were involved in finding Baby Kahu. But he will not comment further.
A New Zealand fruit and vegetable marketing business is looking to exploit the huge potential for Chinese produce. Delica (NZ) Ltd, which is based in Auckland and Hawke's Bay, started just five years ago and expects to earn $70 million in foreign exchange this year. The company has today been presented with a Trade New Zealand export award. Managing director Anton Masutti says they are constantly monitoring the global marketplace and exploring opportunities as they arise. He says they see China as a major focus in the future. The company already has multi- lingual agents on the ground in China and has a new joint venture to give it access to Chinese product for export.
War veterans will be on the lookout for imposters on ANZAC Day. Christchurch RSA secretary Patrick Duggan says in the last couple of years several people have been caught out, falsely claiming to be Vietnam veterans. He says the imposters anger the real veterans, who cannot understand why they do it. Mr Duggan says if the imposters are wearing medals they are actually breaking the law. He says if a fake is spotted, they will be taken aside and spoken to.
(Actually the wearing of other people's medals, even with the best of intentions seems to me to be dodgy. I recall that when Russell Crowe received his Oscar last year, he wore his Grandfather's medal in honour of the old gentleman. I respect the sentiment, but still think it vaguely improper to wear a medal you haven't earned. – BH)
An opposition field day is in the offing today as Parliament sits for the first time with two Alliance leaders. Jim Anderton is continuing to call himself the Alliance leader, despite plans to set up another party. The rump of the old Alliance is headed by cabinet minister Laila Harre. Ms Harre was elected the party's new leader by the Alliance ruling council at the weekend. Mr Anderton and a group of his loyalists were expelled from the party at the same meeting. Parliament's Speaker Jonathan Hunt will recognise Mr Anderton as the Parliamentary leader of the Alliance because the majority of Alliance MPs support him. The situation has been described as farcical by Opposition parties.
The Government is about to embark on a two-week, million dollar publicity campaign about its new superannuation fund. Finance Minister Michael Cullen says the material is designed to outline the Government's superannuation policy and has been cleared by the Audit Office. It is also in line with Cabinet guidelines for Government advertising. Dr Cullen says the launch should be welcomed by National which has challenged the Government to educate the country about the policy. Advertisements will be run from Sunday on television, in newspapers and on iwi and Pacific Island radio stations. There will also be a leaflet drop to all households.
The Japanese Prime Minister's decision to visit a controversial war shrine has been described as unwise by Prime Minister Helen Clark. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made a surprise visit to the Tokyo shrine which is devoted to Japan's war dead. Many allied countries associate the shrine with convicted World War II criminals. However, Helen Clark is sure it was not a deliberate action to coincide with ANZAC Day or Mr Koizumi's up-coming visit to New Zealand. She says the visit was unfortunate and she is sure other allied countries that fought against Japan in the war would say the same thing. The Japanese Prime Minister is due to visit New Zealand and Australia next month.
Prime Minister Helen Clark is confident the alleged kidnapper of Kahu Durie will get a fair trial, despite the high profile of the case. The eight-month old is now settling back into home life after being returned to her parents on Sunday night. A 54-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping for ransom. Kahu's parents are High Court Judge Eddie Durie and lawyer Donna Hall. But Helen Clark says the couple's standing in the legal community will not be an issue. She says the judiciary operates in the same way for everybody. The Justice Minister admits any high- profile crime like the Kahu abduction affects the way the country thinks, but says it must be kept in perspective. Phil Goff says kidnapping for ransom is very rare in New Zealand. Meanwhile, a godmother of baby Kahu Durie says whanau support got the family through the ordeal. Karen Waterreus says the community and whanau embraced the Durie family and hundreds of cards, letters and flowers arrived at the house. Ms Waterreus says Kahu's parents were humbled by the acts of kindness. She says the police investigation team became part of the Durie family because of their relentless commitment to finding the baby.
New Zealanders are more positive towards Asian migrants. The latest Asia 2000 Foundation survey shows that five years ago, 37 percent of respondents had negative views. That has fallen to 28 percent. The survey has also found that New Zealanders regard Asia as the most important region to this country's future. New Zealanders also highly rate tourism from Asia important, with 83 percent having positive views about what it brings to the country. Asia 2000 Foundation executive director Chris Butler says the partnership is essential to New Zealand jobs, communities, education and living standards. The region is now becoming part of New Zealand life, with one in three New Zealanders claiming to be involved with Asians and their culture.
TV3 is conceding the weather segment of TV1's news has the edge by having a long standing presenter. This follows a new survey by CVM and Digipoll, which shows that although TV3 is generally seen as being ahead of TV1 in terms of general news and sport, it can not match TV1's weather news and presentation. The researchers say this is the reason for TV3 news bulletins lagging behind TV1 in viewing figures. TV3's managing director, Rick Friesen says their news ratings are increasing, so he cannot accept the weather is dragging their news down. He accepts that TVNZ's weather is a strength for the state broadcaster with having the same presenter, Jim Hickey for years. Mr Friesen says that is bound to affect the loyalty of viewers, but it is untrue to suggest TV3 does not have a good weather presenter. He says Toni Marsh is doing a great job. He says TV3 is investigating improving its weather graphics, but not immediately.
(Bring back AUGIE! – BH)
New Zealand is to stick by its decision to scale down its commitments in East Timor, despite a UN recommendation that a military force should remain there for two years. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan wants to keep troops in the area for up to two years after East Timor becomes independent on the 20th of May. A spokesman for Defence Minister Mark Burton says New Zealand's troop commitment will drop in November this year, but we will still keep some soldiers in the area. A decision will be made next month as to the exact size of New Zealand's contribution to the UN force. UN troops will gradually pull out of East Timor as its local police force grows.
Staff and students at Taradale High School feel betrayed, following the conviction of seven of the Napier school's former students. At the High Court in Gisborne today, Kent Burns, Daniel Cutbill, Mark Hagen, Anthony Lloyd, Gabriel Williams and Rewi Gemmell were found guilty of sexually violating a classmate with a broomstick. A seventh student pleaded guilty to the charge last month, and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment. Taradale High School Principal, Mike Kilty, says five of the seven convicted were leaders of the school. He says the incident is all the more distressing, because the school had placed so much trust in them. Mike Kilty says there was nothing to suggest they were anything other than appropriate for their roles. He says the school held an assembly this afternoon to discuss the verdicts, and there was a deep abhorrence of the incident. A newsletter has also been sent home with students and staff today, outlining the school's response.
Nurses, midwives and caregivers employed by the three Auckland district health boards have overwhelmingly rejected the latest pay offer from their employers. The salary offer varies depending on the job. But for most, the offer comprised a three to four percent pay rise in the first year, and a two percent rise in each of the following two years. The Nurses Organisation says the three year term for the settlement is too long. They also claim the salary offer is not being fully backdated, and is not adequate to address recruitment and retention issues. The nurses hope to be able to resume negotiations with the employers next month.
Allegations of rampant corruption within the Ministry of Fisheries. NZ First leader Winston Peters has told Parliament he has evidence certain people in the ministry are aiding and abetting a major cover-up. Among his claims are that some ministry staff are colluding with fishing industry members by forewarning them of imminent investigations, so their catch can be concealed. He says in addition, the ministry has condoned the misreporting of species and catch history, and has been party to the inflation of catch history records. Winston Peters claims Fisheries Minister Pete Hodgson knows about the corruption but has not done a thing.
Television and radio stations around the country have agreed to simulcast a special ANZAC remembrance programme tomorrow morning. The two minute broadcast will feature a reading of the Ode to the Fallen, six seconds of silence, and the haunting strains of the Last Post. Wellington broadcaster Sue Scott has organised the event, with the backing of the Prime Minister and the RSA. She says part of the idea is to keep the fading memory of our war veterans in the minds of younger people. The simulcast will start at 10am, roughly the time when troops first landed at Gallipoli.
State Owned Enterprises Minister Mark Burton has reiterated his complete confidence in the board of New Zealand Post. It follows the leaking of a letter written in September last year, by the board's deputy leader Syd Bradley, which was critical of the company's CEO, Elmar Toime. The Opposition says it highlights major divisions within the SOE's governance structure, and heads should roll. But Mr Burton says he accepts Mr Bradley's explanation, that he no longer holds the views he expressed in the letter. He says he has spoken with Mr Bradley about the issue, and is happy the matters raised in the letter were part of an internal board debate. ACT wants to know why Mr Burton has not asked the Auditor-General to investigate New Zealand Post's external operations. ACT leader Richard Prebble claims Mr Bradley raises serious concerns in the letter about accounting standards at the company's consultant business, Transend. Mr Prebble has called on Mr Burton to give Parliament a reason why he did not take action after reading the letter. Mr Burton remains unmoved reiterating he has complete confidence in the board.
There has been a huge turnout to an anti-violence rally in Lower Hutt. The rally was organised in response to the killing of Kate Alkema and the abduction of baby Kahu Durie 11 days ago. Around a thousand people joined the march, with half that number staying on for a rally. The crowd was addressed by several speakers, including representatives from Victim Support, the police, and Kate Alkema's family. Organisers say they are amazed with the large number of people who turned out for the march. They hope it will encourage people to take more responsibility for helping keep the city safe.
(I saw the rally, but thought however well intentioned it was futile. Preaching to the choir is the phrase that comes to mind. The people who stood and applauded didn't need the parade to form their opinion. And I doubt that potential perpetrators of violent crime weren't hanging around to watch. – BH)
(I don't know how I missed it but the other major news was an arrest in the Alkema murder case. The accused is a 21 year old student who lives in Pharazyn St., just a few hundred metres from the crime scene. Though it won't bring Kate back, the arrest rounds out a great week for the police – BH)
National will introduce a veterans' gold card if it gets into power again. The card is a feature of the party's just-announced Veteran Affairs Policy. Leader Bill English says the veterans' gold card will have many benefits, including priority access to hospital services and state housing. He says it is very important to acknowledge those who have put their lives on the line for their country. Bill English says the Government is not doing enough. National says it would also establish a Tomb of the Unknown Warrior to remember those who have died and whose bodies were not recovered for burial.
Opening a food establishment is not the recipe for success some people think it is. Latest statistics show the average life of a restaurant or cafe is just 20 months. Restaurant Association Chief Executive Neville Waldren says profit margins are low, at just five to six percent. He says the industry tends to attract people who are inexperienced at running a business and would not know a soufflé from a sorbet. Mr Waldren says up-market cafes are more successful, especially if the owner has a hands-on approach.
An early election is likely, but not as soon as some pundits are picking according to a political scientist in Canterbury. Confusion reigned in Parliament yesterday as questions were asked about the status of the different factions of the Alliance. There is speculation of an election being called in early August. Political scientist Dr John Henderson does not believe it will happen that soon, but says an election may take place before November depending on the activities of Jim Anderton. He says the crunch will come later this year when the new Anderton-led party is formed.
The Police are looking for a criminally insane Australian killer. Australian authorities believe 26-year-old Claude John Gabriel who absconded from Brisbane's John Oxley psychiatric hospital last November is now in New Zealand. Gabriel was charged with murdering a 17-year-old girl on the Gold Coast in 1998, but was found unfit to stand trial. Australian authorities are negotiating with their kiwi counterparts to get him extradited but there could be problems with international laws which exclude mental institution escapers. The New Zealand Police say they are yet to confirm whether Gabriel is here. A spokeswoman says police want to know whether he is well and seeking appropriate medical treatment.
The three year term which is part of a pay offer from the Auckland District Health Boards has angered nurses. Pay talks broke down again last night between the two parties with Auckland nurses emphatic in their rejection of the latest offer. New Zealand Nurses Organisation area manager James Ritchie says they need to have a shorter period between negotiations. He says their members believe the offer of a two percent pay rise in the second and third year of their contract is not acceptable. Mr Ritchie says they need regular pay talks in order to build towards parity with other professions.
There is a palpable feeling of grief at Gallipoli, as New Zealanders and Australians mourn their fallen comrades this morning. Conservation Minister Sandra Lee is leading the New Zealand delegation in Turkey. She says the battles that took place there hold a special place in New Zealand's history. Ms Lee says it is a very emotional time, walking around and seeing the memorials to those who lost their lives. She says the inscriptions on one of the town's walls by New Zealand soldiers being evacuated from the area are especially moving, as many of them say farewell to fallen mates. Sandra Lee points out Gallipoli is also a place of immense pride, as ANZAC troops battled successfully against some of the most terrible odds of the entire war. Meanwhile, tens of thousands have attended dawn parade services throughout New Zealand. Despite the rain around 15-thousand people attended a service in the Auckland Domain, while six-thousand battled the drizzle in Wellington. Several thousand paid their respects in Christchurch this morning with around three thousand attending Napier's dawn service. In Kaitaia almost 600 took part in the town's dawn service with scouts and girl guides amongst those remembering soldiers from the Far North who never returned home. And a cool westerly and misty rain did not deter an estimated crowd of up to 3,000 people from packing Invercargill's cenotaph for the southernmost Anzac Day dawn parade.
There has been a resurgence in people paying their respects to those who fought and died for our country. The Returned Services Association estimates today's Anzac Day services attracted the biggest crowds seen for 20 years. RSA chief executive Pat Herbert says, judging from the information that has come in so far, attendance is up in all areas. He says that's a continuation of the trend of the last few years. Mr Herbert believes the September 11 terrorist attacks may have encouraged more people to attend services. He says he is pleased he saw more young people at this morning's dawn parade service in Wellington.
The results of a Maori language survey are to be used to assist in the development of language programmes. Five- thousand Maori people were questioned in a study by the Ministry of Maori Development. It showed nearly 10 percent of Maori adults can speak Te Reo 'well' or 'very well' and a third have some Maori language speaking skills. Te Puni Kokiri spokesman Steven Crisp says this information will help government agencies, local iwi and Maori communities plan their language programmes. He says the survey also shows differences between the regions, with Maori speakers in Northland more likely to be elderly while young Maori speakers are found mostly in urban areas. Steven Crisp is pleased the Maori population is feeling positive about the language and says it is encouraging to see more people learning Te Reo.
An elderly woman, who was assaulted at Tauranga Hospital, has died. Seventy-five-year-old Morrinsville woman Susie Tehaora Murray was attacked in the hospital last Sunday. She passed away late yesterday due to strangulation. Police say a 45-year-old sickness beneficiary, who is already facing assault charges resulting from the attack, is now likely to face more charges. The man has been remanded in custody pending a psychiatric report.
Fisheries Minister Pete Hodgson is challenging New Zealand First leader Winston Peters to put up or shut up over claims of corruption allegedly involving the Ministry of Fisheries. Mr Peters has alleged in Parliament, that the ministry is involved in a major cover-up and is helping some in the fishing industry to cheat quota restrictions and inflate catch records. Pete Hodgson says he will not respond until Mr Peters produces evidence. Winston Peters says he will, but in his own time. He says his evidence will include sworn affidavits and will demonstrate widespread corruption. Mr Peters also claims Pete Hodgson is aware of what is going on.
The waiting time for patients needing cancer radiation treatment has dropped. Ministry of Health figures show the number of people who had to wait more than six weeks for treatment fell by 59 percent in February, compared to January. Ministry of Health spokesman Dr Andrew Holmes says more than half of all patients waited less than four weeks. He says while the figures are good, the Health Ministry and cancer treatment services are working hard to bring the waiting time down further. Dr Andrew Holmes says the figures apply to Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Canterbury.
A criminally insane Australian killer who has been on the run in New Zealand is back in custody. Police say they found Claude Gabriel wandering the streets of South Auckland. He had just checked out of a hotel in Mangere. Gabriel escaped from a psychiatric hospital in Brisbane last November. He had been charged with murdering a teenage girl on the Gold Coast in 1998, but was found unfit to stand trial. Following his escape, Gabriel fled with his parents to Melbourne and then Italy before coming to New Zealand. He is now confined to a secure psychiatric unit in Auckland.
(Since he was not convicted of a crime in Australia he can't be extradited in the usual way. He may be sent back under some provisions of our Health act, but only if a thorough examination determines that he is truly insane – BH)
School boards are sending out a warning that New Zealand's billion dollar income from overseas students is at risk if the teachers' dispute is not settled soon. Sixteen school boards in the Wellington region are concerned that teachers may stop work on the National Certificate of Educational Achievement if their pay claim is not settled by the May 8. Spokesman Laurence Zwimpfer says education is one of the fastest-growing export earners, with 65,000 foreign students studying in this country this year. He says, a fortnight into the new term, teachers are tired and morale is low, which must affect the quality of teaching and learning. Zwimpfer says, if it becomes known overseas that teachers are embroiled in industrial action, students may opt to study in Australia instead of New Zealand.
Local film makers are assessing the threat posed by an American actors' union. The Screen Actors' Guild is threatening to fine, suspend or expel members who work on non-union productions overseas from next week. It claims such productions cost jobs and millions of dollars in lost pension funds. Screen Producers' and Directors' Association chief executive Jane Wrightson says the move is primarily aimed at Canadian film production companies. She says the reason New Zealand has been dragged into the wrangle is because of the high profile of Lord of the Rings.
The Returned Services' Association believes more children are interested in ANZAC Day because of a change in attitude towards World War II. RSA chief executive Pat Herbert says it was encouraging to see such a high number of young people at yesterday's ANZAC Day commemorations around the country. He believes the interest has been sparked by teachers encouraging pupils to do projects on the war, making it OK to talk about the conflict again. Mr Herbert says more soldiers are speaking out about their war experiences, years after they returned from the battlefields. He says the grandchildren of those who fought in the war know more about it than their parents.
Security will be tight at the Lower Hutt District Court this morning as the man charged with kidnapping eight- month-old Kahu Durie makes his second court appearance. Lower Hutt police are boosting the number of security guards on duty as a higher-than-usual number of members of the public are expected to be at the courthouse. Forensic tests are still being carried out on the Mitsubishi car, believed to have been the getaway vehicle used in the abduction, which took place in a residential street in Lower Hutt nearly a fortnight ago. Police say around 50 officers are continuing their scene examination of the Taumarunui house where Kahu was found last weekend. A 54- year-old Taumarunui man, who has name suppression, is facing charges of kidnapping for ransom.
The Chinese community is being invited to start a reconciliation process with the Government. The move follows Helen Clark's apology to New Zealanders of Chinese descent earlier this year, for the poll tax their family members were forced to pay in the late 19th century. Minister for Ethnic Affairs George Hawkins wants to consult representatives from the families of early settlers on an appropriate form of reconciliation. He says a series of meetings around the country will give the Chinese community a chance to voice their opinion. Mr Hawkins recognises the past cannot be undone, but says the reconciliation process will be a positive step forward. Miss Clark made the original apology at a function marking the Chinese New Year at Parliament. She said the poll tax, imposed from 1881 to 1944, was a considerable hardship. Each Chinese immigrant was forced to pay a tax of a hundred pounds. Other laws which singled out the Chinese include the requirement for a thumbprint before leaving the country. The immigrants were also deprived of their right to naturalisation in 1908. This was not rescinded until 1951. Unlike other immigrants, the Chinese newcomers were required to sit a reading test in English. No other ethnic group was subjected to such restrictions.
The Treasury is to carry out an inquiry into the new Maori TV channel. Finance Minister Michael Cullen is demanding a full report on the hiring of the station's Chief Executive. It follows doubt about the credentials of John Davy, and what checks were made on him before he was given the job. Mr Davy's appointment was announced in mid-March. Dr Cullen says he's concerned at doubts raised over Mr Davy's credentials and has asked Treasury to investigate.
Painted apple moth fighters are making substantial progress in killing the pest in west Auckland. Before the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry began aerial spraying programme they were catching around 900 of the pests in their traps each week. That has dropped dramatically to just 143 moths last week. Project coordinator Mary-Ann Crawford says it shows the aerial spraying programme is proving successful in killing the painted apple moth, which threatens our horticultural and forestry industries. She says it is too early to tell whether they will be able to eradicate the moth as they are yet to complete the aerial spraying programme. MAF plans to conduct its fifth aerial spray next week and has another eight more applications to complete the programme.
The results of a Maori language survey are to be used to assist in the development of language programmes. Five- thousand Maori people were questioned in a study by the Ministry of Maori Development. It showed nearly 10 percent of Maori adults can speak Te Reo 'well' or 'very well' and a third have some Maori language speaking skills. Te Puni Kokiri spokesman Steven Crisp says this information will help government agencies, local iwi and Maori communities plan their language programmes. He says the survey also shows differences between the regions, with Maori speakers in Northland more likely to be elderly while young Maori speakers are found mostly in urban areas. Steven Crisp is pleased the Maori population is feeling positive about the language and says it is encouraging to see more people learning Te Reo.
Maori TV chairman Derek Fox says he will look into the allegations about the network's chief executive. John Davy's qualifications and work history are alleged to have been exaggerated. Finance Minister Dr Michael Cullen has asked Treasury to investigate. Derek Fox says he will also check out the allegations but is confident the recruitment process followed was as robust as it could have been. Mr Fox plans to make a more detailed comment this afternoon.
Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash has resigned. He says he has been invited to seek nomination for the National Party in this year's election. Dr Brash says the decision is not motivated by any tension with the Finance Minister or the Government. His resignation is effective immediately.
(This is a brilliant stroke on the part of the national Party. Brash stood as a national candidate for East Coast Bays back in the early eighties and was defeated bya social credit candidate. Now of course, his name has recognition value. His economic credibility is high, and I guess he would be the strongest possible contender for Minister of Finance in any future National government. He certainly fills a gap in the National lineup. I am not sure that he is a charismatic person, but then, nor has any other minister of Finance been in my memory. – BH)
Finance Minister Michael Cullen has been quick to acknowledge Don Brash's contribution as a leading central banker. The Reserve Bank Governor has announced he is quitting immediately to stand as a list candidate for National at the next general election. He says the decision is not a result of any tension with the Minister of Finance or the Government. Dr Cullen says Don Brash is recognised around the world for his commitment to price stability. He says, assuming that Dr Brash is sufficiently highly-placed on the National list to make the cut, he can look forward to facing him across the floor. Economist Gareth Morgan says Dr Brash has done a lot for the economy by keeping inflation in check, often in the face of stiff opposition. The New Zealand dollar has slipped against the U. S. following the resignation. The dollar slumped around a quarter of a cent against the US dollar. It has dropped to 44. 7 US cents, from around 45 cents prior to the announcement. Dr Brash says working at the Reserve Bank has been a very great privilege and he is now seeking to serve New Zealand in another way. He was unsuccessful when he stood for the National Party in an East Coast Bays bye- election in 1980 and in the general election the following year. Deputy Governor Rod Carr will take over from Don Brash as Acting Governor.
Police are pleased there has been an early resolution in the kidnapping of Baby Kahu, with her abductor pleading guilty today. Terence Traynor has admitted kidnapping the eight-month-old baby, threatening to kill Donna Hall's nieces and using a pistol to commit a crime. It was revealed in court he had initially intended kidnapping Donna Hall because she appeared on the New Zealand Rich List. He got her address from the electoral roll. Detective Inspector Stuart Wildon says Baby Kahu's family and the police are pleased Traynor has admitted the crimes. He says police are grateful for the support they received from the public throughout the case. Donna Hall's cousin, Shirley Korohika, who was at the court this morning, says she is delighted with today's events. She says it is a huge weight off the family especially for Donna Hall and Eddie Durie. Some 60 Lower Hutt people turned up at the court today for Traynor's appearance. Those interviewed following the court hearing all welcomed the guilty plea. Traynor is to be sentenced on the 24th of May.
Date: 24 April 2002 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
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