Copyright © 1995 Brian Harmer
This afternoon I was out at the airport, seeing off various members of the family, some going on holiday, others returning to their home. The nearly week long spell of summer weather was at an end, the sky was patchy grey and overcast, and being pushed along by a fairly bleak Southerly. Odd thin patches of sunlight broke through here and there, but as summer days go, it was not promising. As usual, I chose to drive around the waterfront skirting Evans Bay rather than engage in the lunacy of the tunnel and the Basin reserve. Across the lumpy bit where the old patent slip once hauled inter-island ferries and the like out of the water, and on past the cluster of apartments which have sprung up near the Greta Point Tavern, and then there opens up a view of the harbour. On this day there was a significant chop, and a cluster of wind-surfers skittering across Evans bay in sheets of spray. Clearly this was one of those days that brings them out of the woodwork, because the road was lined with parked cars, some with surfboards still on the roof-racks, others with the owners struggling into the unwilling rubber of the wetsuit. The Eastbourne Ferry, which in reality goes to Days Bay, bluffed across the mouth of the bay, and up above, an ATR72 crabbed in to line up on the flight path to the airport behind me.
Around Pt Jerningham, the view that always thrills me presented the magnificent cityscape. Across the inner harbour, a large cruise ship, the Crown Odyssey (see http://www.orientlines.com/Crown/) offered a significant change to the usual view. Sundry container ships and freighters lined the long wharf all the way back to the ferry terminal where the Aratere was backing into her berth. Driving on around Jervois Quay we passed the Lynx, a massive lump of high speed aluminium ferry, tied up and immobilised by a 3.5 metre Southerly swell in the strait. Nominally, she is safe in higher sees, but my guess is that a beam sea of that magnitude in a catamaran would be very uncomfortable indeed. The weary looking travellers standing beside their vehicles waiting for an easing of the weather and the chance to board and relax, told an old familiar story.
That's it for the week, and for the first time in nearly two months there are just the two of us again.
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 a Canadian who prefers to remain anonymous. Thank you. On with the news:
POPULATION UP BY 1%
New Zealand's population continues to creep slowly towards the four million mark. Latest figures from Statistics New Zealand show our estimated resident population was 3. 88 million last month. That is an increase of about 37,000, or one per cent over the 2001 figures. The population grew only about half as much in 2000. Statistics says the increase in growth is due to migration, with permanent arrivals to this country exceeding departures by nine and a half thousand last year. Meanwhile the birth rate continues to slow - births exceeded deaths by 27,800 last year, almost a thousand fewer than in 2000.
A Waitara woman has told the New Plymouth District Court she was prevented from giving first aid to Steven Wallace as he lay fatally wounded on the main street of the town. Barbara George has been giving evidence at the depositions hearing into a private murder prosecution case against the police constable who shot Mr Wallace almost two years ago. Steven Wallace was shot after embarking on a window- smashing spree in the town. Ms George says following the shooting, police told her it was a crime scene and the ambulance was coming. She says Mr Wallace was lying on his stomach and groaning, and then made a gurgling sound as if he was drowning in his own blood. Ms George says she gave the police a blanket, and an officer put it over Mr Wallace's legs and thighs but lifted up his jersey exposing his back to the cold weather.
The Government is donating $100,000 to the Vanuatu earthquake relief effort. The Minister in charge of Development Assistance, Matt Robson says the cash grant will go towards temporary repair of the Teouma bridge on the main island of Efate, and other immediate infrastructure repair work. He says Vanuatu's roads and the bridge have sustained major damage from the quake, which struck earlier this month. Mr Robson says New Zealand will be keeping in continuous contact with Vanuatu's National Disaster Management office, to assess the need for long- term assistance.
(As emergency compassionate aid, this seems paltry, given that I read today of a considerably larger sum being gifted to the guardians of Te Tii Marae at Waitangi to ensure that the ceremonial welcome to the prime minister is done properly on Waitangi Day. - BH)
Police are stepping up their efforts to track down a serial armed robber targeting the Waikato region, after the offender struck again. The TAB in Hamilton East was hit just after 5. 30 yesterday evening. The robber got away with a small amount of money. He is believed to be responsible for five other armed robberies in the Waikato region since the 9th January. Six detectives from Hamilton, Cambridge and Te Awamutu are working on the investigation around the clock. Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Dunbier describes the offender as a large Maori in his twenties or thirties. He says on all six occasions he has been unmasked and carrying a pistol. Anyone with information is asked to phone 0800 GET HIM.
More tertiary students are taking out loans to fund their education. A survey by the New Zealand University Students' Association shows average debt has increased by 18 per cent over the last three years, while the number of debt-free students has halved. NZUSA Co-President Andrew Campbell says more than 200,000 people are covered by the loan scheme with the total student debt expected to reach $5 billion this year. The average student now owes almost $14,000. Mr Campbell says the two causes of debt are high fees and a lack of living allowances. He says student debt will snowball unless the Government addresses the issue. Meanwhile, the Government is blaming National for the dramatic increase in student debt. Associate Education Minister Steve Maharey says the Student's Association survey charts the impact of rising fees and ballooning student loan debt on the lives of individual students under the National government. He says since the Labour /Alliance coalition took over, it has stabilised fees and cut interest on loans.
The National Party says discounting debt for graduates who work in New Zealand could help overcome the student debt crisis. A new study reveals student debt has risen by 18 per cent and the average student debt is $13,700. Tertiary Education spokesman Maurice Williamson says, if students are offered a reduction in their debt, it might entice them to work in New Zealand and pay it off. He says this would lower student debt and put money back into the economy. Mr Williamson says he has had a positive response to the idea from universities around the country.
(I suppose there are several possible approaches here. One is to say you can't got through the exit gates until your loan is repaid. That seems improbable. Another is to reverse the massive under funding which has taken place over the last ten or more years - BH)
Anti-globalisation protestors are being described as a 'spent force' by economists ahead of the World Economic Forum taking place in New York at the end of this week. Previous forums have been disrupted by protestors who claim globalisation makes rich nations richer at the expense of poor nations. The overall theme of this year's meeting is "Leadership in Fragile Times". Robert Thomson from the New York Financial Times says the attacks on the World Trade Centre in September have lessened the impact of the protestors. He says anti-globalisation movements are the victim of 'collateral damage', as their messages seem soft compared with events of September 11th. However, he says demonstrations are still expected to continue.
After years of planning, the country's new high school qualification kicks off this week. Year 11 students will jump straight into achievement standards in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement, or NCEA. Students will be assessed by a combination of external and internal assessments. There will be examinations for subjects like English and Maths - just like School Certificate in the past - and more than half the assessment for regular school subjects will be by exam. There will also be internal assessments for things that cannot be tested in exams; for example, speeches, research projects and performances. Secondary Schools Principals Association President Tom Robson says the groundwork laid by teachers means the scheme will get it off to a good start. However, Mr Robson hopes the first year of the new qualification is not tainted by teacher shortages or further industrial action by teachers.
Police are extending an invitation to ACT police spokesman Ken Shirley to inspect the Greymouth Police Station, after fresh claims of corruption and dishonesty. Mr Shirley is calling for an independent inquiry into the activities of police at the small West Coast station, after complaints by two officers, who are now preparing to take legal action against the police. He says the culture of policing at the Greymouth station has been a major concern for a number of years. Mr Shirley says he would be more than happy to take up the offer to inspect the station. Police are holding their own internal inquiry into the allegations. Police Minister George Hawkins is refusing to get involved.
(I heard today that an inquiry will now be conducted by a QC into this little mess. - BH)
The Green Party's announced it intends standing candidates in all 69 electorates at this year's general election. Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says the selection process is well advanced, with 29 people already confirmed in the candidate selection pool. She says many more candidates will be confirmed over the next few months. The Greens contested 50 electorate seats at the last election. Ms Fitzsimons' announcement comes at the conclusion of the Greens' national policy conference in the Coromandel. Conference members discussed a wide range of policies including the Treaty of Waitangi and children's issues. Ms Fitzsimons says the Greens have never been more prepared for an election.
Parliament's finance and expenditure select committee is being asked to revisit the launch of Kiwibank. New Zealand Post says seven branches in Hawke's Bay and Manawatu will take part in a pilot programme next month. The other franchises will begin operating in April and May. ACT Party finance spokesman Rodney Hide says Kiwibank promised to start in February with 25 to 30 branches launched each week. He says 170 of the planned 300 branches are franchisees and more than 100 of them are not satisfied with NZ Post's offer. Mr Hide says New Zealand Post has already been questioned by Parliament's finance committee over Kiwibank and he wants the company to explain the latest problem.
National's will start to unveil their long-awaited policies this afternoon in the run-up to the election. Leader Bill English will hold his first news conference of the year which will signal where National wants to be by election time. IRN political editor Barry Soper says Mr English will formally step down as the party's finance spokesman to make way for Christchurch businessman David Carter. His main policy announcement today will concentrate on law and order, where he will confirm the party's stance of last year where a life sentence will mean life for certain degrees of murder. National backbencher Brian Neeson has been advocating that for some years, but his legislation was defeated by the Government late last year.
Success for the doctors hunting diners who may have been exposed to Hepatitis A while at an Auckland restaurant earlier this month. Last night they were still searching for a dozen of the 120 people who had dined at Bluefins in Mission Bay on the 15th and 16th of January. Today is the cut off point for immunisation, as it has to be administered 14 days after exposure to be effective. However today the last of the diners have phoned in and been offered vaccinations. Another 226 people who ate at the restaurant when an unknowingly infected staff member worked between the 7th and 10th of January are being warned to be on the look out for flu-like symptoms. Meanwhile the Restaurant Association says Bluefins should not be held responsible in the public mind, as neither they nor the employee involved would have had any idea that they were infected.
The New Zealand Islamic Association is hitting back at Richard Prebble's comments on refugees. The ACT leader believes white Zimbabwean farmers should be placed at the top of the immigration queue, ahead of what he calls "desert cultures", because they are better able to integrate into New Zealand society. His comments come as the Government considers increasing New Zealand's refugee quota of 750 by 250 if it is re-elected. Association Secretary, Mohammed Salim, says Mr Prebble's comments smack of racism. He says New Zealand has had a very good track record in dealing with refugees and Mr Prebble's remarks are disgusting. The Islamic Association intends to lodge a complaint over the remarks. Meanwhile, Race Relations Conciliator Gregory Fortuin says people need to be reminded that New Zealand was built on the back of immigration and that all people are created equal. He believes cool heads are needed and that emotionally-charged, sensational comments are unnecessary. Mr Fortuin says he will be studying Mr Prebble's comments in their context.
Richard Prebble and Winston Peters are being accused by a political colleague of racism over their stance on refugees. The ACT and New Zealand First leaders have re- ignited the refugee debate, making it clear they would not support any increase in the refugee quota. The Government is considering letting in an extra 250 refugees if it is re-elected. Mr Prebble believes New Zealand should take in people like white Zimbabwean farmers, rather than people from "desert cultures", who he says have trouble fitting in to New Zealand's western-style society. However, United Future leader Peter Dunne says both Mr Prebble and Mr Peters are on the wrong track. He says the pair are failing to address the positive side of immigration. Mr Dunne says both MPs are trying to pander to people's fears about the country being swamped with refugees. He says a consistent, long-term immigration policy would benefit the economy.
A Waitara resident who witnessed the fatal shooting of Steven Wallace says Mr Wallace was swearing and still making threats as he lay on the ground wounded. Keith Luxton, who lives above a Post Shop in the main street of the North Taranaki town, says he and his wife were woken by the sound of smashing glass. He told the New Plymouth District Court Mr Wallace was "out of his tree and seemed to have devils in his head". The depositions hearing into the private murder charge against the constable who shot Mr Wallace is continuing, with the officer in charge at New Plymouth at the time taking the stand.
(Another pair of witnesses swore he never uttered a sound. I think this tends to support the "justice delayed is justice denied" line of argument. Memory, especially when it relates to a few seconds of high speed action in the middle of the night needs to be captured at the time, and not two years later when it has been tainted by all the other inputs to which every human is subject. I am personally convinced that most of our memories are a reconstruction of various stimuli, not all of which are consistent with the objective facts. I imply no ill-will or deception on the part of any witness in this case. I imagine each is telling in good faith what their memory says. My point is that memory is unreliable. Evidence given at the time may be less so. - BH)
An unexpected piece of economic news. The country recorded a trade surplus for December of $26 million dollars. Economists had been expecting a deficit of around $71 million. The trade surplus for the year to December has come in at $995 million. That is against an expectation of just $869 million. Imports for the month were $2. 564 billion while exports were estimated at $2. 59 billion. Imports were down 15. 4 per cent on the previous month and by 5. 3 per cent on the same month a year ago.
(I am not sure why this should be surprising. Don't tell me meteorologists never get caught without their umbrellas? Why should economic forecasting be more reliable? - BH)
The bidding starts in earnest today at the annual yearling sales at Karaka, south of Auckland. The high point of the bloodstock calendar was opened by the Prime Minister last night. New Zealand Bloodstock spokeswoman Julia Naismith says there was strong bidding for the 80 lots that went through last night. She says attention today will be on one particular lot, a colt by Zabeel out of Marquise, making him a three quarter brother to the champion horse Octagonal. Last year the colt's full sister was bought for $1. 45 million. The record price for a horse at Karaka is $3. 6 million recorded in 2000.
Australia's Governor-General will visit New Zealand. Peter Hollingworth and his wife arrive on February 21 for a four day visit. They will stay at Government House in Wellington. Dr Hollingworth will open an exhibition at Wellington's City Gallery of Sidney Nolan's famous series of paintings of Ned Kelly. It is the first official visit to New Zealand of an Australian Governor-General since 1985.
A long-time insulin dependent diabetic is dubious about research claiming pig cells can cure the illness. Auckland company, Diatranz says a Mexican girl who was treated with insulin-producing cells from piglets has overcome the disease. The process is banned in New Zealand. Labour MP Geoff Braybrooke, who is insulin dependent, says there is a vast amount of more orthodox research taking place. He believes not enough study has been done to claim the pig- cell research is a cure. Mr Braybrooke says he does not like the idea of having pig cells in his body and would only support the practice being used in New Zealand if it was approved by the Ministry of Health.
Information technology experts from around the world will take part in a symposium on the social impact of the Internet in Auckland. The Internet Safety Group is hosting next month's conference. Keynote speaker, Commander Barbara Etter from the Australasian Centre for Policing Research will speak about the Internet's use in crime solving. Another guest speaker, Ileen Berson, a psychologist from Florida, will discuss internet safety. Ms Berson has carried out research into on-line victimisation of young people.
The radiotherapists' union is livid that the Health Ministry is considering bonding graduates. The Health Ministry wants to get radiotherapists to work here longer, before heading overseas. District health boards currently pay for their training. APEX union spokeswoman, Dr Deborah Powell, says that is a negative response and will have the opposite effect. She says the Health Ministry should leave things alone, as radiotherapists have told her the new pay rise is enough to keep them here. There is a chronic shortage of radiotherapists worldwide, and New Zealand- trained staff are frequently targeted by advertising campaigns from overseas employers.
A man charged in connection with a series of armed robberies in the Waikato, has been denied bail at the Hamilton District Court today. The 28-year-old unemployed Hamilton man faces six counts of aggravated robbery relating to hold-ups at Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Cambridge, Putaruru and Tokoroa. Lawyer for the accused, Nitin Deobhakta also requested interim name suppression for the man until the pre-depositions hearing in March. Judge Spears refused the request. Mr Deobhakta plans to lodge an appeal on this decision at the High Court in Hamilton tomorrow.
Christchurch-based computer software company Aoraki Corporation is to be renamed the Jade Software Corporation ahead of its listing on the New Zealand Stock Exchange by early 2003. The company's chairman, Ruth Richardson says the rebranding is strategically important, grouping all products and services under a single company brand. She says that makes it easier for customers and investors to see what the company is really worth. She says Jade intends to become a global player in a number of niche markets for enterprise computer software. It already employs 350 people in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. All of the company's operating subsidiaries will be amalgamated under the Jade brand.
(Speaking of Jade, if you are a potential Jade Professor of E-commerce at Victoria University, and have the appropriate academic standing to apply for such a position, see http://www.sim.vuw.ac.nz/positions/jadechair.html - BH)
The youth minimum wage and adult minimum wage are to be topped up again. Low paid adult workers will soon get $8 an hour - an increase of 3. 9 per cent. The Youth minimum wage, which applies to 16 and 17-year-olds, has gone up from $5. 40 an hour to $6. 40. It is estimated the increase in the adult minimum wage will affect 5,000 workers. The increase in youth minimum wage rates will affect around 7,000 16 and 17-year olds. This year's changes will come into effect on March 18th.
The 16-year-old girl convicted of the arson of Fraser High's gymnasium has been referred to the Hamilton District Court for sentencing. The girl appeared at the Hamilton Youth Court today. Judge McAloon has remanded her on bail under a strict curfew until her sentencing date in mid- February. Meanwhile, her co-offenders Damian Roughan and Stephen Medd are coming home this week. They were sentenced to 15-months imprisonment in November, along with Nikki Fulker. Roughan and Medd will serve the remainder of their sentence on home detention.
CAR THEFT UP 50%
The Insurance Council is advising people to secure their cars, following reports which show theft has risen over the past six months. Some insurers estimate the average rate of car theft is up 50 percent on the same period last year. Insurance Council Chief Executive, Chris Ryan, says it is not only expensive cars being stolen to order, as ordinary cars are being attacked by opportunistic thieves. He is advising people to lock their cars and park them under lights or in the garage. Chris Ryan says it is also up to neighbours to keep an eye out for each other.
(Apparently, a Subaru Legacy is twice as likely as any other vehicle to be stolen - BH)
A family lawyer wants couples to be able to opt in rather than out of the new Property Relationships Act. The new law, which covers the division of property after a relationship break up, comes into effect on Friday. It encompasses not just married couples, but de facto and same sex relationships. Lawyer and former ACT MP Patricia Schnauer says the Act will impact hugely on thousands of couples. She says they have the choice of going to a lawyer to draw up a contract opting out of the law, but many complain that they should not have to go to that trouble and expense. Ms Schnauer believes a public register should be set up to allow de facto couples to opt out if they do not want to be covered by the law.
The Government has announced new measures aimed at reducing the incidence of food-borne illnesses. It is establishing a new New Zealand Food Safety Authority, which will be charged with numerous tasks including administering safety and hygiene matters in food production. Health Minister Annette King has been appointed Minister-designate for Food Safety, in addition to her existing health and racing portfolios. Mrs King says the authority will ensure that food producers and processors are audited regularly, and that appropriate action is taken to ensure they are complying with the rules. Mrs King says people in the food business will face increased compliance costs, but promises they will be minimal. The authority will be up and running by July 1st.
The Department of Child Youth and Family Services has decided the immediate fate of a Gisborne seven-week-old who was found alone in an overheated car. The baby has been placed in the care of his extended family for the meantime. The boy's parents have been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life. They are alleged to have left the seven-week old in the car with all the windows up while they played pokies.
Crown prosecutors are appealing against the name suppression handed down to a Christchurch businessman who tried to buy sex from a 12-year-old girl. The man was sentenced on Tuesday and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine - half of the amount he was prepared to pay for a night with the youngster. The Christchurch District Court allowed the man to remain anonymous, saying the publication of his name could affect his employees if there was a downturn in business. The decision has outraged the Children's Commissioner, Roger McClay, who says the courts are now protecting businesses at the expense of children. Crown Prosecutor Brent Stanaway has filed an appeal against the name suppression. He says he will decide whether to proceed with the appeal after receiving the Judge's original decision in writing.
(It is rare for me to agree with this particular commissioner, but on this case, I agree. - BH)
There are red faces at the Christchurch Press today over an overly optimistic cricket headline. The paper's early edition obviously went to bed last night before Australian batsman Michael Bevan saved his team from what looked like certain defeat in the day-nighter against New Zealand. The headline in the sports section screams "Black Caps stretch winning streak to five straight over the world champs". The front page is slightly more modest, suggesting a likely win. But as we all know now, Bevan's 102 not out helped his side to a stunning two-wicket win.
(I am sorry, but I think it was all my fault. Whenever they have been losing lately, I have gone to bed in disgust - and they usually recover and win. On the night when they were doing well, I decided to stay and watch, and would you believe it, a defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory!!! - BH)
The pathologist who performed the autopsy on Steven Wallace the day he was fatally shot, has told the New Plymouth Court that he removed four bullets which caused nine wounds. He was testifying in the private prosecution for murder brought against Constable A by the family of Mr Wallace after the incident in Waitara in April 2000. Dr James Hunt performed the autopsy at 3 pm on the day of the shooting in front of forensic experts, detectives and ESR scientists. He says Mr Wallace died from a fatal wound to his abdomen, which lacerated his liver. During cross- examination, Dr Hunt was asked whether a bullet could enter the lower neck and shoulder area and exit through the upper back. He replied it was possible, but that he was not a ballistics expert.
Dunedin Electricity has upped its bid for control of Otago Power by just under $20 million dollars, to $80 million. Company spokesman John Walsh says Dunedin Electricity has been able to considerably increase its offer, after closely examining Otago Power's business and its accounts. Shareholders will decide whether to accept the offer at a meeting late next month.
A 15-year-old Gisborne youth facing a murder charge has been remanded into the secure custody of Child, Youth and Family after a chambers court hearing this morning. The youth is charged with murdering 45-year-old Robert Wilson Ropiha, who was found with a single stab wound to the chest at a house in the city yesterday afternoon. Chief Youth Court Judge Boshier presided over the hearing by telephone, and ruled that the accused be held in custody pending a preliminary hearing in the Youth Court on February 15. The tearful youth was supported during this morning's hearing by close family members. Police say the dead man was known, but not related, to the youth.
Foreign Minister Phil Goff is heading to Africa to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe. A Commonwealth ministerial action group has decided not to suspend Zimbabwe from the organisation. New Zealand has been pushing for the suspension, to punish the government of President Robert Mugabe. It follows restrictions on press freedoms and opposition parties ahead of presidential elections in March. The ministerial action group has condemned the abuses, but Phil Goff says that is not enough. He says there comes a point when you have to back words with actions. Mr Goff is now en route to Africa for meetings with his counterparts in South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.
The law and order debate has moved up a notch today, with the ACT Party saying New Zealanders are now more at risk of being mugged in the street than New Yorkers. ACT and the National Party have launched an attack on the Government's sentencing, parole and reform bill saying it is too soft on criminals. The new law would allow a person sentenced for a serious, violent offence to be considered for parole after serving just one third of a sentence. But the Government argues the current system sees a person automatically released after serving two thirds of a sentence. For the first time, it says a parole board will have to take public safety into account and says the changes could in fact allow a person to serve their full sentence.
New Zealand will not support an extension of the war on terror to include Iran, Iraq and North Korea. President George W Bush says the three states form an axis of evil, which are developing weapons of mass destruction. But Foreign Minister Phil Goff says New Zealand would not back military action against North Korea, Iran and Iraq, as those countries did not take part in the September 11 terrorist strikes. Australian Prime Minister John Howard says his country would look positively at any request to join a broader international campaign against terrorism.
(With all due respect to the sensitivities of our American readers, I think it is right and proper for governments such as ours to think carefully through each case for military action, rather than to follow blindly the hawkish instincts of President Bush or Secretary Rumsfeld. We should act on the evidence available to us. Please note that I DO NOT equate this to saying we should not help. I am saying that our reasons for helping should be clear and well understood. - BH)
The body representing councils is disappointed the Government is rejecting its "room tax" proposal. The Government is removing the clause from the new Local Government Rating Bill, which allows councils to levy a rate on hotels and motels based on room numbers not occupancy. Local Government New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Winder says room taxes are commonly used to fund convention and visitor information centres, and tourism promotion. He says he is upset the Government sees it as a threat to the tourism industry.
The mother of slain Waitara man Steven Wallace has stormed out of the hearing for the constable facing a private prosecution for murder. Constable At fatally shot Mr Wallace in Waitara nearly two years ago. Raewyn Wallace yelled out and left the courtroom following an exchange between a witness and Constable A's lawyer. Defence counsel asked Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward about a white vehicle seen in Waitara's main street just before Steven Wallace was shot. He says police were told that it might have been the vehicle of Mr Wallace's father Jim. At that point, Steven mother yelled out from the public gallery "you've got to be joking," and stormed out.
Meat exporters are welcoming the new food authority. Food producers and retailers will now have their safety and hygiene standards monitored by the Food Safety Authority. Meat New Zealand CEO, Neil Taylor, says the organisation supports anything that helps retain its worldwide reputation of producing safe, nutritious meat. But he says it is also important that the internationally recognised MAF brand is not lost. Mr Taylor believes producers and consumers must be a part of the independent advisory board being established to assess the authority's performance.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet's principal male dancer for the last decade is about to step out in a new role. At the age of 40, with more than 25 years dancing behind him, Ou Lu is hanging up his ballet slippers. Lu began his career as a 12-year-old in China at the Beijing Dance Institute and joined the New Zealand Ballet in the late 1980s. He has been honoured for his services to ballet by New Zealand and China. Lu says he will remain with the company as assistant director and will help artistic director Gary Harris manage the company. The Royal New Zealand ballet opens its new production next month of the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The Government will spend $3 million to help the country cash in on the next defence of the America's Cup. Prime Minister Helen Clark and America's Cup Minister Trevor Mallard announced the funding during a visit to Team New Zealand's base at the Viaduct Basin in Auckland. The money is in addition to $5. 6 million announced in May 2000 to help the team's defence. Miss Clark says the latest funding will be spent on a number of activities aimed at promoting New Zealand through the link to the Cup. These include the areas of trade, tourism, industry development and culture. Money will go towards promoting tourism in the challenging syndicate countries.
Private health providers want the board of Southern Cross to confirm assurances made by its former chief executive that the claims backlog will be cleared soon. Roger Bowie resigned yesterday, saying he did not agree with the company's direction. Private Hospitals' Association president Andrew Blair says in the short term, the resignation will not make much difference. However he plans to meet with Southern Cross directors to get an assurance the backlog will be cleared by the end of February as guaranteed by Mr Bowie.
Plaudits from National leader Bill English as the woman he ousted bows out of politics. Jenny Shipley announced at an Ashburton electorate meeting last night that she will not contest a seat at this year's election. She has been an MP for 15 years but was demoted from number one on the party list to number 22 after losing the top job to Bill English. Mr English says Mrs Shipley has been a significant force in the National Party and it is sad that she is going. He says her departure will be a big loss and it will be a real challenge to fill the gap she leaves. The National Party leader says she earned huge respect from her colleagues and the public. Mrs Shipley became Prime Minister in 1997 after leading a coup against Jim Bolger, as he returned from an overseas trip. She was ousted as leader in October last year by Bill English. She turns 50 next week but has not announced what she will do next.
(Whatever I might have said about Mrs Shipley in the past, I have to say that the manner of her going is a model of grace and style. Would that more politicians would do likewise. Actually, just the act of leaving would be a serious advance for some of them. - BH)
The thoroughbred breeding industry is being advised to rethink its strategy for the National Yearling Sales at Karaka, south of Auckland. Premier session prices were down approximately 15 per cent overall on last year. The top price was $1,050,000 paid for a Zabeel colt out of Marquise. Racing correspondent Tim Greene says one reason for the downturn is that the Australian sale preceded Karaka. He says many Asian buyers were absent this year and there was a "sameness" about the offering.
The New Plymouth District Court has heard that the usual homicide inquiry procedure was not followed in the Steven Wallace case. Constable At faces a private prosecution for the murder of Mr Wallace. A long time friend, Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward, gave evidence that Constable A was an excellent shot and very fit. Mr Coward was questioned about the investigation of the fatal shooting. He said he did not request a test for gunpowder, did not have Constable A photographed in the clothes he was wearing at the time of the shooting and did not take the clothes as evidence.
(Given that the fact that Mr Wallace was shot by Constable A is not in dispute, I fail to understand the relevance of the lack of a gunpowder test or photograph. Perhaps that's why I'm not a lawyer - BH)
Unions say proposals to update the Holidays Act get rid of some of the more repressive features of the old Employment Contracts Act. Labour minister Margaret Wilson proposes a number of changes, including workers getting time and a half, as well as a day in lieu, for working statutory holidays. Sick and bereavement leave will also be more clearly defined. CTU President Ross Wilson says the changes will set a fairer minimum standard for everybody. He says they also address a lack of balance in the old Employment Contract Act. He says they reinstate entitlements prior to he 1990s and re-establish fairness. Labour Minister Margaret Wilson says holiday practices are different in each industry. She believes the changes will ensure consistency. The finer details are still up for discussion with an advisory board. But National says intended changes to the Holidays Act show the government does not understand the pressures of small business, as requiring employers to pay time and a half on statutory holidays will increase the cost of doing business. Spokesman Simon Power says the cost will have to be passed on to consumers, and may mean employers will not hire new staff.
Previously suppressed evidence at the depositions hearing into the police shooting of Stephen Wallace has today been made public. New Plymouth District Court is hearing evidence in the private prosecution brought by the family of Mr Wallace against Constable Keith Abbot, the police officer who shot him. Lawyers outlined four key arguments in the hearing, including details of an emergency 111 call and news that the women in the family fled the house before the incident in Waitara. Stephen Wallace's previous convictions were also divulged including an incident in 1995 where he assaulted a man with a piece of wood and then smashed property. Evidence was produced to show that Stephen Wallace became angry and volatile when he drank alcohol. Other evidence included an aborted 111 call made to New Plymouth police on the morning of the shooting. That call was later traced back to the Wallace family house.
A former police officer says Steven Wallace's shooting was unnecessary and totally avoidable. Peter Woods, who had been in the police force for 22 years and had trained officers to use batons, has been giving evidence at the depositions hearing in the private prosecution brought against Constable A by the family of Steven Wallace at the New Plymouth District Court today. He says Constable A chose the wrong options in the way he handled Steven Wallace in April 2000. Mr Woods says Constable A and his colleague Constable Jason Dombroski had armed too hurriedly and had no plan. He believed they should have parked their police cars at either end of the main street and waited for back up, especially from a dog handler. Mr Woods told the hearing that two police officers using batons and pepper spray working together as a team were more than a match for an offender with a baseball bat.
(It was further reported that the witness had never been in any such a situation as that faced by Constable A, and that he had "PERFed" from the police. It was also reported to his apparent surprise, that some of his internal assessment documents relating to his own abilities were less than flattering. - BH)
Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton says a British documentary maker who claims New Zealand's meat is contaminated by 1080 poison is mischief-making. British public relations consultant Terry Brownbill claims contaminated beef and lamb from New Zealand is being sold in Europe. He is also accusing public servants in New Zealand of corruption and bureaucratic indifference. Mr Sutton says the allegations have absolutely no basis. He says MAF has a world-class residue monitoring programme and traces of 1080 have never been picked up in New Zealand livestock meat. Mr Sutton says the corruption claims are also outrageous. He says it is internationally recognised that New Zealand has the least corrupt public service in the world.
A fatal house fire in Christchurch is likely to claim a third life. The fire in Spreydon overnight took the lives of a woman and child, and left a man and four-year-old girl in critical condition. Fire Service spokesman Mark Chubb says he has been told by Police liaison officers that life support for the 4-year old girl who was removed from the building last night will be turned off. Relatives are currently on their way to Christchurch and will head straight to the hospital. Mark Chubb says the injured man is still in a coma. He says fire officers have completed a preliminary investigation and believe the fire was accidental.
(The child died - BH)
Medical Insurance giant Southern Cross is being warned it needs to show a unified front before its claims saga causes irreversible damage. The health insurer has been plagued with problems since a new computer system created a multi- million dollar backlog of claims. The crisis has been compounded by the shock resignation of Chief Exec Roger Bowie. Auckland University Head of Marketing, Richard Brookes, says key people at Southern Cross do not appear to understand the full extent of the problems. He says the insurer may be facing a second PR nightmare when the backlog is cleared, and the waiting public rush forward with new claims.
(This weekend, it is reported that premiums are likely to rise 15% in the coming year, on top of 30% last year - BH)
Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton is rubbishing claims by a British documentary maker that our lamb and beef are laced with 1080 poison. Terry Brownbill claims New Zealand meat exported to Europe, is contaminated with the possum-killing poison. However, both Meat New Zealand and the Minister say the claims are untrue. Jim Sutton says strict precautions are in place to ensure 1080 is properly used. He says MAF has a world-class residue monitoring programme and traces of 1080 have never been picked up in New Zealand livestock meat. Mr Sutton suspects Mr Brownbill is mischief-making in an attempt to get someone to pay for his film.
The woman who reduced Helen Clark to tears at Waitangi four years ago, is confident the Prime Minister will return to the troubled lower marae this year. Miss Clark says she is seriously considering a return to Te Tii marae next week, after being invited there by local Maori. Titewhai Harawira says a return to the lower marae would be the right decision by Helen Clark. She says to bypass it, would be a gross breach of protocol which would not go down well. Mrs Harawira says she is delighted with the development and has offered to escort the official party.
Date: 30 January 2002 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 0.4252
AUD 0.8301
GBP 0.3008
JPY 56.95
CAD 0.6766
EUR 0.4928
HKD 3.3246
SGD 0.7822
ZAR 4.8853
CHF 0.7253
INTEREST RATES (%)
Call : 4.75
90 Day: 4.88
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