Copyright © 1995 Brian Harmer
Trips to the island begin at Paraparaumu beach, where people who have prearranged their visit climb up the extensible gangway over the stern of a large aluminium jetboat sitting on a trailer. First things first, and everybody is asked to open his or her pack and to verify for themselves that there are no unwanted stowaways of the mouse or rat variety. When all are aboard, a large modified tractor which has had extensions between the wheels and the rest of the vehicle drives the trailer down the gentle beach into the sea. With a great clatter, the big Cat diesel fires up and the jetboat floats out of the cradle and points across the channel to the island. In minutes, the craft is on full song and on Sunday, with near flat calm conditions, we covered the distance to the island in a little over ten minutes. On reaching the island, the skipper swings the stern towards the beach, and drops his anchor overboard. Then, paying out the anchor chain, and lowering that extensible gangway once more, he reverses gently into the very steep and rocky beach. A cunningly designed plough at the end of the gangway scoops into the beach and thus steadied between the anchor and the sturdy gangway to the beach, the vessel is stabilised, enabling the passengers to walk dry footed onto the shore.
Once ashore, a park staff member gives visitors a talk,
describing the rules, the history, the wildlife and other
useful information. Then visitors disappear into the bush,
not to re-emerge until pickup time some five hours later.
Considering that there are just three available paths, it
is surprising how little you see of the other visitors.
Down on the lower slopes, kaka (Nestor meridionalis
septentrionalis) whooshes out of nowhere looking for a
handout - strictly forbidden, but they keep trying. Weka
(Gallirallis australis greyi) scuttle around in the leaf
mould on the forest floor looking for seeds and insects
with apparent success. The variety of birdlife is enormous
for one island, and some of it we just won't see. Morepork
and the little spotted kiwi are nocturnal, so no surprise
there. Nearly extinct takahe (Porphyrio mantelli
hochstetteri) apparently have a few chicks this season, so
they stay hidden in the long grass on the lowland flats.
Highlight of the trip from an ornithological view point was
the sightings of male and female stitchbird (Notiomystis
cincta) drinking nectar from a feeding station. I believe
these are amongst the world's rarest honey eaters.
However, I am running out of time. We returned from the heights down the Wilkinson track which is much more civilised and less precipitous than the Trig track by which, in a moment of madness, we chose to ascend. When the boat was due at three pm, we suddenly realised we were going to have to scramble to get to the beach on time. I swear that instantaneously, the number of zigzags doubled, and it seemed to take almost as long, and almost as much energy to come down as it had to climb the 500-odd metres to the top. We did make it, with a few minutes to spare, and were soon seated in the stern of the launch watching the cascade of spray from the jet unit leaving a glittering plume of white diamonds on the dark water behind us. Kapiti receded rapidly, and became once more the distant and mysterious presence which is its more normal role.
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 an anonymous South Islander. Thank you. You may notice that some names are now recurring. I have used all the single $20 donations and am now utilising the larger lump sums given by some extraordinarily generous people. In looking at the spreadsheet, I note that some of the promised donations never eventuated. This is not an urgent problem because of the half dozen or so larger donations, but if you did intend to offer support and did not get round to doing so, then your input would still be welcome. On with the news:
Shares in energy company Contact have slipped, on confirmation the takeover bid by Edison Mission has failed. This afternoon Contact shares were trading down five cents to $3. 73. Edison Mission had offered $4. 14 per share for the former SOE. But the deal needed 90 per cent acceptance to go ahead, which it failed to get. As of Friday, Edison had just 56 per cent of the shares in the bag, including a 51 per cent stake of Contact it already owned. Anyone who accepted the Edison offer is now able to do what they want with their shares, including sell them to someone else.
Police are asking the media attending the Mark Lundy trial in Palmerston North to show consideration and respect to witnesses. Mark Lundy, who is 43, is accused of murdering his wife Christine and daughter Amber in August 2000. The case is the biggest homicide trial seen in Palmerston North, with around 160 witnesses to be called. The hearing is expected to start tomorrow, beginning with the selection of the jury.
A defiant Tariana Turia is accusing National MP Tony Ryall of playing political football, at the expense of the families of two Wanganui hit-and-run victims. The Associate Corrections Minister has hit the headlines again, after she explored the possibility of getting home detention for the man who was convicted of manslaughter, when he knocked the boys off their bikes and killed them two years ago. Mr Ryall's accusing the Associate Corrections Minister of putting the interests of criminals ahead of those of victims and their families. However, Mrs Turia says the suggestion is immoral.
The Ngapuhi Runanga meets today to finalise the programme for tomorrow and Wednesday - Waitangi Day. Chairman Sonny Tau says there will definitely be exchanges of views between iwi and the Government, but he says the environment will be more controlled right from the powhiri at Te Tii marae tomorrow afternoon. Sonny Tau says the Prime Minister will have the opportunity, and will be expected, to reply. Record numbers of visitors are expected to attend at Te Tii and the Waitangi upper marae.
Air New Zealand says it will defend its markets vigorously against any attack from Qantas. The airline is responding to reports that Qantas is planning an aggressive push into Air New Zealand's domestic and trans-Tasman routes. Air New Zealand chairman John Palmer says threats from Qantas are nothing new. He says the only surprise is that Qantas is actively looking for a fight on two fronts - competition from a revived Ansett in its home market, and stronger competition offshore from a re-capitalised Air New Zealand. John Palmer says he notes the Qantas comments were reportedly made some weeks ago, and that the airline's CEO is now denying them.
(On the few occasions when business travel took me into Qantas territory, the enthusiasm, courtesy and grace of the cabin service helped me to form the view that I would not ever travel with them if I was paying with my own money. Notwithstanding his disavowal, I have read that many at the meeting vouch for the accuracy of Mr Dixon's statement of intention to put Air new Zealand out of business. If they are instrumental in the demise of Air new Zealand, I think I would rather walk than get on one of their planes. - BH)
Schools are being advised to have policies on safe Internet use, after a cyber survey revealed shocking results about young children and the worldwide web. The Internet Safety Group survey shows one in four children aged between 7 and 10 met face-to-face with strangers they met online. Group member and Mt Roskill Grammar's associate principal Claire Balfour says parents, teachers and pupils should sign contracts with conditions about safe Internet use. She says schools should be implementing the Internet safety kit, which was distributed to all schools in March 2000. Meanwhile, the Education Review Office is renewing its call for all schools to develop Internet safety policies. National manager of reporting services, Francis Salt, says last year ERO found 82 per cent of schools had inappropriate Internet policies. She says those schools are now developing better policies. Ms Salt says schools should follow the guidelines set out by the Internet Safety Group.
(Is it just me, or is there developing a grievance industry intent on demonising the net. I don't deny that all the things they fear can happen, but I suggest that most of these things could happen by other means long before the net. I find the "one in four have met strangers" figure hard to accept - BH)
A retired police sergeant who is experienced in negotiating with armed offenders told the New Plymouth District Court this morning Constable A used excessive force when he shot Steven Wallace. Denis Pennefather has been giving evidence at the depositions hearing in the private prosecution brought by the family of the dead man against Constable A. Mr Wallace was shot dead after a window-smashing spree in the Taranaki township in April 2000. Mr Pennefather said Constable A made many mistakes in handling the incident, and that he did not contact his superior officers and communicate with them about the incident and his plan. He also criticised the Constable for confronting Mr Wallace when the situation demanded a more conciliatory approach, such as a 'cordon and control' tactic. Mr Pennefather said Constable A failed to retreat sufficiently when he had extra room to do so. He said that at close range two shots after a warning shot is adequate for a man with a baseball bat and the additional two shots were excessive.
Pakeha should have to pay rent to live in New Zealand, according to Maori activist Titewhai Harawira. The woman who reduced Helen Clark to tears four years ago at Waitangi says the Treaty has not been honoured for any of the country's tribes. Mrs Harawira says the Treaty gave Maori full and undisturbed possession of the land, not just a settlement. The activist says she is serious in her call for a change of landlords and also wants an open discussion of what Maori sovereignty really means.
(Since I have pig posteriors in mind at this moment, I noted with interest over the weekend that Frank Haden was recommending some bacon chops being sold by his local butcher - presumably in Petone - I must get some of those. - BH)
A plan is underway to establish meat as a "food for the future". The plan is the thrust of Meat New Zealand's strategic plan which has just been released. Senior Executive of Planning, Phillip Porter, says it is important the approach succeeds to ensure a bright future for all parts of the industry - farmers, processors and exporters. He says New Zealand has established a reputation in some areas as producing some of the best food in the world. He says meat must be positioned as a food that is convenient to prepare and eat, food which offers increasing taste and variety and which is perceived as being healthy or having health enhancing attributes.
Veteran broadcaster Angela D'Audney died at her home in Auckland this morning. She was 57. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year, after she found she had difficulty reading the television autocue. Born in London , with a South American and Jewish heritage, Angela D'Audney emigrated to New Zealand with her parents when she was 10. She made her home here after being educated at Wesley Primary and Epsom Girls in Auckland. She began her career in broadcasting in 1962 and her career spanned the next forty years. Angela hosted her own shows on TV and radio, and co-hosted the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in 1990. In an acting role , she appeared in a controversial topless scene in a TV play. More recently she made cameo appearances on Mikey Havoc's TV show , and ensured that magazines in which she appeared on the cover were best- selling issues. Angela D'Audney was still working as a television presenter when she was diagnosed with the brain tumour last year. In recent days she had slipped into a coma , and passed away peacefully in the early hours of this morning surrounded by friends.
Colleagues of the broadcaster, Angela D'Audney say she was known for demanding high standards from those around her. The 57-year-old celebrity died this morning from a brain tumour. Long-time newsreading partner Tom Bradley says Angela was always thoroughly professional, and would go into a studio very well rehearsed. He says she would get tetchy with people who were not similarly prepared. Mr Bradley says in many ways she was quite demanding of people she worked with. He says she expected them to work to her standards, but that is what made her a good broadcaster.
Services marking the beginning of Waitangi Day commemorations at the national marae at Waitangi are off to a shaky start. Prime Minister Helen Clark was forced to sit down this morning after being invited to speak. Miss Clark was heckled by a protester calling on her to address Maori sovereignty issues and claiming her government is killing Maori children. After a few minutes she was able to resume and offer a short message of conciliation before handing over to Labour MP Mita Ririnui for a prayer. The rest of the service has progressed smoothly although there are a number of protesters outside the church.
Prime Minister Helen Clark is downplaying this morning's protests at Waitangi. Miss Clark was heckled both inside and outside the national marae by protesters, who demanded the Government address Maori sovereignty issues. But despite having to be escorted to her car by police, Miss Clark says she never felt threatened. She says there will always be protesters at this type of event. Miss Clark says it is a small number who want to shout, most people have come to the marae to talk. She says she is happy with the two days so far at Waitangi and is sure the Crown will return next year.
Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia says he is delighted with today's celebrations at Waitangi, despite protesters almost overshadowing events at the national marae. Maori sovereignty demonstrators heckled Prime Minister Helen Clark both inside and outside the national meeting house. Mr Horomia says Ngapuhi elders told protesters off for yelling at Miss Clark during the church service. But he says the disruptions were nothing new to the service, or to Waitangi, and did not stop the morning being a success. Mr Horomia says the progress over the last couple of days shows Maori and Pakeha are keen to move on Treaty issues together.
(My own view of the proceedings is somewhat jaundiced. I think that Ms Titewhai Harawira was given roles beyond any actual position that she has or should have, and rather than risk another confrontation, elders permitted her to take roles that would have been better given to others. - BH)
Four young women face a range of charges after an overnight escapade which started in Auckland and came to a crashing halt in Huntly. The night began with a car being stolen in Auckland and driven to West Auckland where two teenage girls were kidnapped. Police say the women experienced car troubles near Te Kauwhata south of the city where they came across a man asleep in his car on the side of the road. He was assaulted, had his car taken and was left with the two kidnapped girls on the side of the road. The second stolen car was driven to Huntly where it crashed. The women will appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
The Warehouse is on track to build more of its distinctive red sheds around the country. The country's biggest retailer has announced a 13 per cent increase in sales for the three months to the end of January. It rang up $624 million in sales at more than 100 stores here and across the Tasman. The Warehouse is looking at more sites in the Wellington region, as well as adding another couple of stores in Auckland. Chief executive Greg Muir believes there is also scope for expansion in the provinces, and he does not think the New Zealand retail scene has reached saturation point.
WestpacTrust is standing by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust while it is investigated by the Serious Fraud Office. Money given to the Trust from the proceeds of pub gaming machines is being looked into by the SFO after a referral from Internal Affairs. The Trust relies solely on donations to operate, most of which is supplied by key sponsor, WestpacTrust. WestpacTrust spokeswoman Jane Anderson says the bank is not involved in the management of the Trust. But she says it is proud of the rescue helicopter's work, and hopes to continue the relationship. Meanwhile, the Trust claims it audits its finances every year and is confident of its conduct. Trust chairman Malcolm Beattie says the organisation has to rely solely on goodwill and charitable donations. He says the SFO has taken financial records, but is yet to give any indication of how long the investigation will take.
Transend, a division of New Zealand Post, is dismissing suggestions from the ACT Party that it should not take on a job with Maltapost. Transend has taken a 35 per cent stake in Malta's mail company, as well as entering into a contract to manage services for two years. But ACT claims Transend has a disastrous record after failing to deliver on profit promises with its South African contract. Transend spokeswoman Suzanne Stephenson says the company deals with clients all over world and says business is sometimes up and down. But she says any problems are resolved with the client, not on a political platform.
The Nurses's Organisation is celebrating the end of the five month pay dispute between its members and the Canterbury District Health Board. The bitter conflict has been resolved after 70 per cent of the 2,000 nurses voted to ratify the latest pay offer. It includes an overall 10 per cent rise by the middle of next year and more recognition for graduate nurses. Nurses Organisation spokesman Anthony Rimell says ratifying the offer puts the Canterbury nurses more in line with their Auckland colleagues. He says the resolution is a relief but believes more work is needed. Mr Rimell there is still frustration over the relationship with the District Health Board and says the Board must be warned against becoming complacent after the settlement.
A warning for students to thoroughly check the contents and qualifications offered by courses before committing to them. The Christchurch-based Design and Arts College of New Zealand was yesterday fined ten thousand dollars under the Fair Trading Act. Commerce Commission Director of Fair Trading, Deborah Battell says the course was advertised as a national diploma qualification when it is only a certificate course. She says the investigation was begun after the Commerce Commission started receiving complaints from students.
More skilled migrants are being allowed to live here. Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel says demand from skilled migrants seeking New Zealand residence is so high, the Government has extended residence approvals in the general skills category by 3,500. Ms Dalziel says there will be no increase to the thresholds in other categories. She says encouraging highly-skilled migrants to come to New Zealand has been a key focus of the Government, through several initiatives already introduced or being developed.
Auckland Police have arrested two men after a Post Shop hold up in East Tamaki. Police say two robbers fired a shot at the police car which was chasing them after they left the Post Shop. Inspector Jim Searle says fortunately the shot missed. He says police dropped back but saw one of the alleged robbers getting out of the car in Papakura. Inspector Searle says, shortly after, the police officers apprehended the driver and recovered a sum of money. A second arrest was made by other police and members of the Armed Offenders' Squad at 5pm. A firearm thought to have been used in the robbery has also been recovered. Police are now questioning the two men.
The two detectives, who headed the investigation into the case of murder-accused Mark Lundy have been giving evidence in the High Court in Palmerston North this afternoon. Forty-three year old Lundy is charged with murdering his wife Christine and daughter Amber in August 2000. Under questioning by the Crown prosecutor, Detective Sergeant Steve Kelly said Lundy was on the top of their list of suspects from the start, because he was the husband and because he did not have an alibi. A document showing a cheque payment to Tower Health dated 25th August for an extension to Christine Lundy's life insurance was also read out to the court. The jury heard how the water used to wash the body of Christine Lundy after the post-mortem examination was filtered and the results sent for forensic examination. Detective Sergeant Ross Grantham says results revealed a sample of paint which matched the tools and paint in Lundy's shed. Ross Grantham said at another meeting, Lundy told him there was a tomahawk missing from the garden shed but he did not know its whereabouts because Christine had tidied and moved things in the shed sometime before she died. The case is expected to last six weeks.
The New Plymouth District Court has heard a single radio call could have averted the shooting of Stephen Wallace. Constable A is facing a private prosecution for the murder of Mr Wallace brought by the dead man's family. Mr Wallace was shot dead by Constable A in a confrontation at the end of a window smashing spree in Waitara in April, 2000. Former Police Superintendent Brian Rowe told the court a situation report, or sitrep, from Constable Dombroski could have brought police back-up to Waitara within minutes. He said Constable Dombroski was the more senior of the two officers and should have requested guidance and recommended a call-out of other staff. He said it was a tragedy that he did not give a situation report.
(I have been struck by the parade of disgruntled former officers who have been produced as prosecution witnesses. I do not refer to Mr Rowe in this, but in several of the other cases, the witnesses left the police in unhappy circumstances, and in most cases were never in a situation such as that faced by Constable A. - BH)
The Government says National's superannuation tax policy would cause misery for many New Zealanders. National is understood to want to abolish the Government's superannuation fund, in favour of a tax incentive for private savers. Finance Minister Michael Cullen says the policy will only benefit those who are able to save enough money for their future. He says the Government wants people to save more, and it supports some form of incentive. But he says he is ruling out a tax incentive at this stage, because it is too expensive.
The Government says New Zealand's unemployment rate is pretty good on a global level, despite the number of jobless here increasing for the first time in 18 months. Latest figures show unemployment at 5. 4 per cent, up 0. 2 per cent, in the December quarter of last year. The increase, though, is coupled with a significant rise in the rate of employment which has increased by 16,000. Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey is encouraged by the figures. He says the growth in labour supply can be largely attributed to Kiwis coming home. Mr Maharey says our unemployment rate is good compared with other countries, and New Zealand has come through an international slow-down particularly well.
(Of course it's no problem, unless of course you are one of them - BH)
Police in Palmerston North investigating the homicide of Wallace Whatuira do not believe the 16-year-old was shot where he was found. The 16 year-old's body was found with a shot gun wound on the front section of an address in Coventry Street in the suburb of Highbury on Tuesday morning. He had close connections with the Black Power gang. Detective Dennis O'Rourke says a strong police presence is being maintained, with still more than 50 staff in or around the area. He says the neighbourhood wants to carry on with life as normal. Mr O'Rourke says most residents are being very co-operative in helping to piece together what has happened. Police have stepped up patrols in the area, because of continuing unrest with neighbouring members of the Mongrel mob. The results of a post mortem examination of the body will not be released, as police say they are significant to the homicide investigation.
The stranded log carrier Jody-F Millennium has started to leak fuel oil into Poverty Bay and efforts are underway to contain it. The Maritime Safety Authority says small cracks have now been found in the ship's hull, and early this afternoon an oil stain was spotted coming from the vessel. The Jody F Millennium was driven ashore in heavy swells on Wednesday night and attempts to refloat her have been unsuccessful. The vessel had 700 tonnes of fuel aboard when it ran aground. Police have set up a 500 metre exclusion zone around the ship stopping all but authorised vessels from going near it. They are urging the public to stay off Waikanae Beach. A council spokesman says it appears to be just a trace of fuel oil, and dispersants have been spread because the oil is heading towards the city's rivers 400 metres away. Booms have been positioned at the mouth of the first tributary.
Dozens of children who saw their schoolmate fall out of a moving bus north of Auckland are being spoken to by police. Twelve-year-old Joseph Bilan is in a critical condition after falling from the Bayes Coachlines bus, when its back doors opened unexpectedly while the vehicle was moving in Red Beach yesterday afternoon. Rodney police spokesman Peter Gill says officers will spend the day at KingsWay Christian College talking to the children. He says they are also eager to speak to any pedestrians or motorists who saw the incident. Mr Gill says the bus has been impounded while police and the Land Transport Safety Authority investigate. Bayes Coachlines co-owner, David Bayes says it seems someone might have interfered with the door's emergency control after the bus left the school. He says the company's staff are very upset and their hearts go out to the injured boy's family. Joseph Bilan is at Auckland's Starship Hospital.
Disappointment for the man whose job it is to keep the varroa bee mite out of the South Island, as the parasite is found in a hive in logs at a timber yard at Pauatahanui, near Porirua. The tree in question had been milled in Northland in December, and was then trucked to Rotorua, before being sent to Wellington. It was 12 days before MAF was alerted. The varroa bee mite has decimated hives in the central and northern areas of the North Island. It is a minute parasite which feeds from the host bee's blood after attaching itself firmly to the body. Blood loss leads to lethargy, and with a decline in worker bees collecting pollen, the honey output of the hive declines. The hive itself can be completely wiped out in some cases within a few months. Varroa Programme Co-ordinator Paul Bolger says it rained for around half the time the logs were in Pauatahanui, making it difficult for the bees to fly. He hopes the mite has not been able to hitch a ride with bees across the Cook Strait to the South Island. As a safety measure, MAF is testing and treating all hives within a five kilometre radius.
Lower-than-forecast spending on defence, social welfare and health and higher-than-forecast revenues from taxes and state-owned companies have had a positive impact on the Government's books. Latest Treasury figures show that for the six months ended 31 December 2001, the Government's operating balance was $1. 458 billion, $169 million higher than forecast. This was due largely to total revenue being $28 million higher-than-expected. Total expenses were $34 million lower-than-forecast. This was due partly to lower- than-forecast spending on social security, welfare, defence and health. Net Crown debt was $655 million lower than forecast.
The Cancer Society wants to see more education available about sunbeds and tanning lamps, following a US study which has found strong evidence linking their use to skin cancer. The Dartmouth Medical School says the effect is especially pronounced in young women who are also most likely to use them. The Cancer Society's Liz Price says there need to be better guidelines regarding sunbed use. She says the only safe artificial tan is from a bottle. Ms Price is concerned that sunbeds are still being promoted as a safe way of getting a tan.
(I remember many years ago a Consumers' Institute report on the then fashionable home sunbed market, that most New Zealanders needed another source of UV like they need a third nostril - BH)
National leader Bill English is dismissing suggestions his party is no longer a major political force. A National Business Review-Compaq poll shows support for National has dropped six points to 29 per cent in the three months since Mr English took over as leader from Jenny Shipley. The party would lose at least four seats if an election were held today. In contrast, Labour is up six points to 48 per cent, while Act sits just above the five per cent threshold. Bill English denies the NBR's allegation that his "softly, softly" style of leadership has driven support away from National. He says ups and downs are the nature of politics. Mr English says he is focussed on getting the party organised in the buildup to this year's election.
The Nurses' Organisation is warning the Government not to jeopardise pay negotiations in Auckland. The Government has asked the Auckland District Health Board to put a two per cent cap on any pay rises for nurses. It comes hard on the heels of a resolution of the nurses' contract in Christchurch after a bitter and lengthy pay dispute. Nurses' Organisation Auckland spokesman James Ritchie says the Government's request makes negotiations almost impossible. He says nurses want much more than a two per cent rise and, if the Government does not like that, it should send its own representatives to the talks.
Date: 7 February 2002 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
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