Copyright © 1995 Brian Harmer
Pretty much since the "picnic" last week, the weather has ranged wildly from mediocre to plain awful, though today as I write (Monday, Wellington Anniversary Day), things are looking up. What to write about then? Well, during the week, through a long and complex chain of events, I had to rebuild my computer, and learned a lot on the way. But as I passed through various directories, I encountered some pictures I took a month or two ago in Waikanae. I began on the Southern bank of the Waikanae River, near sunset. The sky was clear from the dark blue in the East through the golden yellow to the west merging into the rosy shades of sunset on the horizon. Already, the trees and shrubs were visible only in silhouette, and the river itself was a flawless reflection of the colours of the sky. One lone duck some distance away cruised upstream towards me, leaving a perfect arrowhead wake behind her. She saw me, and the underwater paddling stopped, as she tried to decide whether my camera was a threat to her privacy. Perhaps she was one of those who believe that cameras capture your soul, but in any event she veered off towards the protection and privacy afforded by the reeds on the opposite bank. Within moments the glassy surface showed no trace of her passing, and I was beside the river with no other living creature in sight. Kapiti's looming black bulk provided a dramatic backdrop to the evening sky, and I was moved to drive on down to the beach for a clearer look. Truth to tell, in the broad light of day, the black sands of the West Coast beaches are not always attractive. At this time of evening, it was impossible to tell what colour the beach was. The dunes and the grasses on them were starkly backlit by the reflected light from the flat calm sea, and only the ripple and backflow of the tiny wavelets disturbed the perfect peace. Away to the South beyond the furthest tip of Kapiti, the hills and islands at the head of the Marlborough Sounds were still visible as a black presence. I hope such weather will come again.
And in passing, I should record that HH celebrated her 18th birthday this week.
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 Clay and Louise . Many thanks again.
On with the news:
A helicopter has crashed in a valley near Cook River, 12- kilometres south of Fox Glacier on the South Island's West Coast. Few details are known, but it is believed at least two people have been killed in the crash. Police and emergency services are now at the scene.
(This is not a good week for alpine aviation :-( - BH)
Auckland's Health Board and the radiation therapists' union are hammering out a pay rise deal to try to avert further strike action. Auckland is the only region still facing disruption to radiation cancer treatment. Therapists in the Waikato and Palmerston North secured a pay rise of up to 25 percent last week.
Strong winds have been blamed for yesterday's multiple drownings in the Firth of Thames. Four adult family members died at Te Mata Bay when they got out of their depth. A man and woman in their fifties, and two of their adult daughters, died while trying to rescue grand-children whose inflatable boat had drifted away. Thames Coastguard chairman, Alan Benson says the shallow stretch of water is usually no problem for hundreds of people who swim and gather shellfish. This time though, the combination of strong north-west winds and people getting out of their depth, was a recipe for disaster. Mr Benson says there is a tidal current in the Firth of Thames, but it is not significant.
(This whole thing mystifies me. The beach as I recall it is long and flat. I can understand one of a group getting into difficulties, but when all four adults in a group drown. Leaving four little kids hanging onto an inflatable beach toy, I have to wonder what on earth actually happened. I am of course very sad for their loss, but these were people who had gathered shellfish here many times before. - BH)
Claims of a cover-up over our army's investigation into the death of soldier Leonard Manning in East Timor. Private Manning was murdered by pro-Indonesian militia while on patrol in a border area. A magazine article says his death raises questions over whether the death was preventable. New Zealand First MP Ron Mark says the questions are very serious and need to be answered by a full Commission of Inquiry. Ron Mark says rumours of a cover-up have been doing the rounds in army messes and RSAs since Private Manning was killed.
(Mrs Manning, mother of the dead soldier jumped into the fray and discounted the magazine article. - BH)
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service has not yet declared the state's bushfire emergency over, despite lifting a ban on the lighting of fires. It says firefighters still face days of mopping up and putting out fires. Firefighters finally appear to have won the battle with a weekend of good weather allowing them to push on with mopping up. But more than 50 fires are still burning with fresh outbreaks on the weekend at Coffs Harbour and Grafton. Backburning was carried out last night and both are under control. So far 34 people have been arrested on suspicion of arson.
The Department of Conservation's hopes for a bumper kakapo breeding season look set to be realised, with the discovery of the first two eggs. Staff on Codfish Island, near Stewart Island, have been delighted to find two eggs in the nest of an adult female bird named Lisa, a fortnight earlier than expected. DOC kakapo recovery team spokesman Daryl Eason says it is likely Lisa will also lay another egg, given that she laid three in the 1999 breeding season. Mr Eason says the early laying has given staff working to save the rare native bird a real boost.
(That's egg-scrucuating - BH)
Good news for New Zealand boysenberry exporters with a breakthrough in the European market. Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton says the European Union has agreed to lift the 12 per cent tariff on imports of New Zealand frozen boysenberries. The move follows intense lobbying by industry representatives and officials. Mr Sutton says the tariff meant New Zealand could not compete with rival berry products entering Europe duty-free. He says New Zealand now needs to persuade European authorities to lift the tonnage restriction on boysenberries, so unlimited volumes of the fruit can enter duty-free.
The Green Party has distanced itself from last week's raid on experimental GM crops at Lincoln near Christchurch. Greens Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says the party does not support or endorse the raid in any way. She says non- direct violent action is justified in some cases where the law has failed to protect the public from a potential danger. But she says the Lincoln attack was not such a case, because it was a contained GM experiment. The Green Party says it has never had a problem with research of that nature. Green MP Nandor Tanczos, a FORMER member of the Wild Greens, which is linked with direct action, has failed to publicly condemn the raid. However, Ms Fitzsimons says she has discussed the matter with Mr Tanczos, and he agrees that in this case the raid could not be condoned.
We are being encouraged to do absolutely nothing for at least 15 minutes a day as part of the Mental Health Foundation's recipe for a healthier life-style. Chief Executive Alison Taylor says most of us come back from holiday relaxed and refreshed, but the feeling fades fast. She says we need to build up a level of mental fitness by giving our minds a break. She says we can achieve that by doing absolutely nothing, even for quarter of an hour. The Foundation's promoting February the first as "absolutely nothing" day. Ideas for celebrating it include an office picnic, neck and shoulder massages, listening to relaxation tapes or going for a stroll.
(I imagine that some employers would be grateful for quarter-hour work breaks? - BH)
Water-logged Canterbury is in line for another deluge. Between 200 and 300 millimetres of rain has fallen in the Canterbury foothills over the past few days. Forecasters are predicting another blanket of rain to cover Canterbury tomorrow. Rivers are already running high and the Met Service warns the soggy land may not be able to absorb all the new water. It is warning residents and holiday-makers to keep up to date with forecasts so they are prepared for any sudden difficulties. The wettest period is expected to come between three tomorrow morning and three in the afternoon. The Banks Peninsula town of Akaroa is still mopping up after flooding, and a bridge on State Highway One at Orari, between Geraldine and Temuka, has been washed out. Meanwhile residents in the Canterbury community of Kowai Bush should have their road to the outside world back later today. Up to 60 residents have been cut-off since flood waters washed out a bridge and road access yesterday. Selwyn Mayor Michael McEvedy says the bridge has been restored for foot traffic and vehicle access should be restored by tonight. Mr McEvedy says the weekend's floods have also damaged camping grounds near Coalgate.
(I remember an old song which contained the persistent theme "How high's the water, Mama?" to which the typical reply was "Five feet high and risin'" and the final verse was "glub glub!" - BH)
The Lord of the Rings is generating publicity for New Zealand that would otherwise cost tens of millions of dollars in advertising. A survey by Tourism New Zealand shows 85 articles have been published in Britain connecting the Fellowship of the Ring to this country. The stories have reached a combined readership of more than 76 million. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton says it would cost around $50 million to buy the equivalent amount of advertising. He says positive articles have appeared in all the major British dailies, such as the Guardian and The Times, as well as several prestigious travel magazines.
There are some puzzling contradictions in the latest survey on attitudes to road safety. Seventy-five per cent of people agree speed enforcement and compulsory breath- testing help to reduce the road toll. But at the same time, 40 per cent say they enjoy driving fast and 25 per cent admit they have driven while drunk. The Land Transport Safety Authority says the survey shows New Zealanders are gradually letting go of their misconceptions about risky driving. Eighteen percent of respondents believe they will not crash when speeding, as long as they are careful. That is down from 24 per cent in 1995.
Health Minister Annette King will attend a crisis meeting in Christchurch tomorrow, aimed at heading off the closure of the city's only mental health facility. The future of the Hillmorton psychiatric hospital is in doubt after the District Health Board raised patient safety concerns over its on-going pay dispute with staff. Mrs King says her role at the meeting will not be to solve the pay dispute. She says she will be encouraging both parties to put the interests of patients first. She says they must also look at the issues with the long term in mind. Mrs King and Ministry of Health chief Karen Poutasi were invited to the meeting by the region's mayors.
Health Minister Annette King says she realises money is the issue in the Canterbury health crisis, but she says the Canterbury Health Board already receives its fair share of the budget. The future of Christchurch's only mental hospital, Hillmorton, is in grave doubt because of industrial action. And now, more than 3000 Canterbury health workers will walk off the job for eight days, starting on the 30th of January. The Health Minister was at today's meeting between the warring parties. A short time ago the meeting finished for the night, and all parties voiced optimism, although nobody was prepared to be specific about why. They say they will return to the negotiating table tomorrow and again on Thursday.
A short time ago Health Minister Annette King left the emergency meeting which continues this evening over Christchurch's health workforce crisis. Three thousand health workers have given notice of an eight-day strike starting on January the 30th. Philippa O'Regan says the meeting had been going two hours when the minister left. She says both the Canterbury District Health Board and unions representing the health workers showed a lot of goodwill. She says she was able to put the government's perspective to the parties. She says while money is the issue, the Canterbury board is getting its fair share of the health budget.
Senior army officer Brigadier Ian Marshall has been suspended after admitting he was the one who leaked the infamous 'Gordon Letter' to the public. The letter, written by then-Lieutenant Colonel Ian Gordon, was a strategy detailing how the army could secure the lion's share of the national defence budget. The Letter was publicised by National Party defence spokesman Max Bradford late last year, and was the subject of an investigation by prominent QC Colin Carruthers. Defence chief Air Marshal Carey Adamson says further action on the matter of the leak is under consideration.
(Brigadier Marshall's crime as I understand it is simple "whistle-blowing", albeit by a channel not approved of. The people I want to see answer for their actions are the ones who engaged in the substantive act of attempting to highjack the military funding process. I agree with Ron Marks, that this guy should have a medal rather than punishment. - BH)
Federated Farmers says the police should bring the full force of the law down on the protestors who destroyed genetically modified potatoes at a Lincoln University contained laboratory at the weekend. Federated Farmers President Alistair Polson calls the protestors 'eco- terrorists'. He says if the protestors are not punished, the democratic process has been derailed by those who choose to live outside the law. Mr Polson says it is vital for a small trading nation like New Zealand to maintain international competitiveness by embracing GM technology, which he says offers the country significant opportunities. He says the Government should ensure penalties for the crime act as a deterrent to any other would-be eco- terrorists.
A local academic says the US Congress has yet to pass fast- track legislation allowing a free trade agreement with New Zealand to go ahead. Prime Minister Helen Clark looks set to meet President George Bush at the White House as early as next month, an opportunity that is seen as important for advancing talks on the proposed deal. But US/New Zealand relations expert Dr Steve Hoadley says to an extent Mr Bush's hands are tied by his Government and officials. However he says the Clark/Bush meeting will be good for interpersonal relations.
(Recent utterances from George W. show that he intends to play the US Farm Lobby for every vote it can yield, and that very little friendly action towards global free trade is likely to occur. - BH)
Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton welcomes the ANZ bank's move today to introduce a special low fee bank account. It is seen as a direct response to the government-owned Kiwibank, due to open in March. Mr Anderton says it shows Kiwibank is already delivering benefits to New Zealanders by increasing competition. He says Australian banks like ANZ have to do better if they want to keep customers and the Kiwibank is making them do that. He says lower fees leave more in the pockets of New Zealanders.
Hundreds of people are expected at an Auckland ceremony to celebrate the return of Bishop Pompallier's remains. The bishop brought Catholicism to New Zealand more than 100 years ago. Catholic Church spokeswoman Lindsay Freer predicts crowds of people will welcome the remains at St Patrick's Cathedral tonight. Lindsay Freer says Catholics, Maori, other church leaders and Prime Minister Helen Clark will be attending. She says the celebration will include a traditional Catholic mass and readings in Maori, English and French. The remains will be touring New Zealand from next week.
A ban on the navy's involvement at Waitangi has been lifted, following confirmation the Prime Minister will attend celebrations this year. Navy personnel were not allowed to mark the event last year, because Helen Clark had refused to go. However, navy spokeswoman Michelle Taylor says her return this year also signals the return of the navy. She says last year was the first time since the signing of the Treaty the navy was unable to play a part in the celebrations. Michelle Taylor says staff are very pleased and says the exact nature of the navy's involvement has yet to be decided.
Secondary schools are bemoaning pay parity with primary teachers, saying it is leaving them short-changed for the start of the school year. Rangitoto College, the country's largest secondary school, is still trying to find a full complement of staff. It needs another four teachers in English and technology. Principal Alan Peachey is optimistic he will find the English teachers but says he has not a hope of filling the technology positions He says pay parity has caused the biggest crisis in secondary teaching in 30 years. He says secondary schools can not compete with the encouragement young teachers get to go to primary schools.
(It's pretty hard to get parity with a group that is striving to maintain existing relativity - BH)
Recent freak thunderstorms have destroyed cereal crops in Canterbury. The region produces 80 per cent of the country's wheat and more than 60 per cent of its grain. Grains Council Chairman Neil Barton says farmers have not been able to harvest crops because of the wet weather. Some cereal crops have fallen down and are likely to produce a poorer yield. Mr Barton says if there is fine weather over the next few days the damage will be minimised but he does not hold out much hope. He says some farmers have had to replant barley three times.
(I am told by at least one correspondent, that the persistent electrical storms kept him off e-mail for several days - BH)
The Opposition Leader says he will maintain his party's record of always attending Waitangi Day celebrations at Waitangi, next month. Bill English says National has always gone to Waitangi, even if it means facing criticism from Maori. He contrasts that with Helen Clark's decision to stay away in recent years, after she was reduced to tears in 1998 by veteran activist Titewhai Harawira, who challenged her right to speak. He says the Prime Minister has never properly addressed Maori issues, and that is why she has had so much trouble at Waitangi. Mr English says the change in ceremony arrangements this year is no guarantee further difficulties will not dog her. Meanwhile Waitangi day organisers say they will use force if necessary to prevent anyone from disrupting the Prime Minister's return to Waitangi. Co-chairman of the Waitangi Day organising committee, Pita Paraone says he will take steps to prevent protesters disrupting the official welcome. Titewhai Harawira has condemned the Prime Minister's return to Waitangi.
The Government is prepared to meet Australia at the World Trade Organisation if the trans-Tasman apple dispute is not resolved. New Zealand apples have been banned from Australia for years, as that country claims our apples pose the risk of fireblight disease. Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton says he is running out of patience with the Australian decision-making process over the issue. He says every time a resolution is close, the Australians move the goalposts. He says eventually it will become clear, even to the WTO, that the Australian process is just a delaying tactic. Mr Sutton's fighting talk follows the appointment of a former Australian pipfruit industry lobbyist to a panel which oversees the supposed risk to Australia from New Zealand apple imports.
A Brisbane court has ordered a New Zealand woman be remanded in custody after an accident on the Gold Coast which killed a triathlete. Forty-one-year-old Sandra Wilde had been sought following the fatal hit-and-run accident on Saturday. Several cyclists were struck, including 24-year- old Luke Harrop. He died in hospital the following day. It is alleged that Wilde had been driving a stolen car. She was arrested yesterday after a neighbour at a Brisbane block of flats recognised her photograph, which police had circulated throughout the media. Wilde has been charged with a range of offences including manslaughter and dangerous driving.
Three men, charged in connection with last week's drugs raid in Napier, will reappear in court this morning. Eight hundred grams of high-grade heroin was found at a Napier house by police and customs officials. The drugs were detected in two parcels, which had been posted from Cambodia. The three men, two aged 30 and one 42, will appear on charges of importing heroin and possessing heroin for supply.
Unions claim the Canterbury District Health Board will not be able to handle an eight-day strike threatened by 3,000 health workers. The strike notice was issued just half-an- hour before a special crisis meeting called by Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore yesterday, to discuss the closure of psychiatric facility Hillmorton Hospital. Nurses' Organisation spokeswoman Chris Wilson hopes the strike notice will make the DHB re-assess its position on the pay dispute. She believes the Board will not be able to a deal with a strike of that duration and says Health Minister Annette King should change her stance of not intervening. The Board and unions are holding further mediation talks over the next two days. The Canterbury District Health Board faced a bill of $1 million last month when staff went on strike for two days.
Customs will use new technology in a world-first method of screening in-coming tourists. Officers will soon start boarding New Zealand-bound ships at their last foreign port of call and begin processing passengers using computers and the Internet. Customs spokesman Paul Campbell says more than 70,000 people will arrive via cruise ships this summer. He says the number of cruise ships visiting and their passenger capacity is constantly growing. Mr Campbell says Customs officers are working with cruise ship operators to speed up visitor visa procedures and maximise the tourists' enjoyment, as many are only here for a very short time.
The Green Party is offering its support to a man staging a hunger strike outside Parliament to protest GM research. Twenty-one-year-old Tom Davis is refusing to eat food for three weeks because of the Government's decision to allow research into genetically-modified food. Greens co-leader Rod Donald says he admires Mr Davis' determination and courage. He does not think the 21 day fast is extreme. Mr Donald says the consequences of genetic engineering are unthinkable and what Mr Davis is doing is noble.
The deployment of New Zealand troops to the international security force in Afghanistan has begun. Three Defence Force personnel left for Britain last night. Another ten will leave Auckland later today. The 13-strong team will help manage the loading and unloading of aircraft for the international security force. They will be attached to a British unit. A Defence Force spokeswoman says it is possible the team will be based in neighbouring Pakistan.
TVNZ is facing fresh criticism for its decision to stop screening infomercials on TV One last year. National MP Murray McCully says as a result, LV Martin and son has been forced to shed 40 jobs from its infomercial business. Mr McCully says it is a lose-lose situation as not only are there jobs lost, but TVNZ is also losing $2 million worth of advertising revenue a year. He says the Government has created a politically correct environment at TVNZ with its charter, which is scaring off advertisers.
(Anyone who stamps out all infomercials on all channels, including the wretched religious ones, will get my vote as a registered insomniac! - BH)
(Speaking as a registered insomniac, I say hear hear to TVNZ, more music television, less AbFlex, Magic Wok, Total Gym, etc - HH)
The Defence Minister believes tough action from Defence Headquarters is the only way to repair ongoing problems within the armed forces. Brigadier Ian Marshall has been suspended after admitting leaking the infamous 'Gordon Letter'. It detailed ways the Army could secure the lion's share of the defence budget. The leaking of the document sparked a series of inquiries. The Brigadier could face dismissal or a court martial. Defence Minister Mark Burton says Defence Headquarters has proved it will take a hard line with any officers acting irresponsibly. He says Air Marshal Carey Adamson had no choice but to follow through with a tough punishment and the measured approach replaces endless ad-hoc decision making. He believes the action shows the issue is finally being resolved. Mr Burton says it will be another couple of days before the Defence Forces make a final decision on what action to take against Brigadier Marshall.
(I think the Minister is targeting the wrong officer. If I understand it correctly, the leaked letter reveals some distinctly improper actions by other officers. Brigadier Marshall seems to be a whistle-blower, and whereas that kind of activity can be inconvenient and embarrassing, it is usually less damaging than any inappropriate behaviour it reveals. - BH)
Desperate organisers of last week's loss-making Golf Open at Paraparaumu asked local councils to help underwrite the event. The request was made five weeks out from the tournament, when less than ten per cent of tickets had been sold. At least five local councils were collectively asked to underwrite the event by as much as 600-thousand dollars. Wellington City provided more than 230-thousand dollars, while the Kapiti Coast District Council contributed another 45-thousand. Porirua, Upper Hutt, and Hutt City were not so keen. Porirua City says underwriting commercial operations is not the council's business and not the sort of thing to spend ratepayers' money on.
The details of the compensation offer to Waihi land collapse victims have been decided. Following a meeting in Waihi today, affected residents of the Coromandel town will be offered a total of $1.6 million. The Earthquake Commission will put up the lion's share, with a top-up coming from mining company Waihi Gold. Residents will be compensated up to the value of their homes as at December 12, the day before the collapse. Waihi will also be making a plea to the Insurance Council to be reimbursed for the cost of security around the collapse area. Despite its financial contribution Waihi Gold will not be taking any responsibility for the land subsidence, thought to be due to mining activities.
The Solicitor-General's decision to appeal the jail sentence handed down to Hastings murderer Dartelle Alder is a legal first. It has now emerged that it is not the only minimum non-parole sentence being appealed. The Crown Law Office says such intervention by the government's top counsel is unprecedented. The Solicitor General wants Dartelle Alder's 15 year minimum non-parole period extended. Alder was convicted in November of running down, raping and stabbing Wellington woman Margaret Baxter. The same day the Alder appeal was lodged, a similar appeal was made against the minimum non-parole period given to psychiatrist Colin Bouwer. His conviction for poisoning his wife was also handed down in November. Meanwhile Dartelle Alder's barrister says the judge who sentenced him studied a lot of material before handing out the 15-year minimum non-parole period. Defence counsel Russell Fairbrother says he does not believe the material considered by the judge, including two psychiatric reports, warrants a longer minimum period. He says sentencing is a matter of judgement rather than a precise exercise.
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark believes the military officer suspended for leaking the Gordon letter yesterday should have instead been given a medal. Brigadier Ian Marshall is off work on full pay after admitting he leaked the letter, which detailed ways the army could get a bigger slice of the defence budget. Mr Mark claims Brigadier Marshall has been singled out for attention because he is part of a warring faction in the army that disagrees with the strategy. He says he is worried one of the factions will end up copping most of the flak because it does not have the support of the Government. Ron Mark says Brigadier Marshall was doing his public duty in uncovering allegations concerning the politicising of the military.
Greenpeace say Japan is spending millions of dollars to buy votes for commercial whaling. A research document released today shows the Japanese Government spent more than a $100 million paying six countries for support. Greenpeace Campaigner Sarah Duthie says the Japanese government has spent nearly $800 million in an attempt to resume commercial whaling. She says Japan admits buying votes and a PR firm has been hired to advertise its plan to overturn the ban on commercial whaling. Sarah Duthie says Japanese taxpayers are unaware of the way the money is being spent.
Westland dairy farmers have officially rejected a merger proposal from dairy mega-company Fonterra. Shareholders in Westland Milk Products unanimously voted against the offer at a special meeting in Hokitika today. Early last week the company's board of directors recommended shareholders reject the proposal. Chairman Ian Robb says the vote reflects dairy farmers' confidence in the future of the local industry and their desire to remain in control of dairy production in their region.
(A unanimous vote on anything at all in the dairy industry is almost unheard of. I would love to know what they were told to achieve such a result. - BH)
Weather conditions were good at the time of this morning's fatal plane crash in the South Island. Six people were killed when the scenic flight crashed into mountainous terrain, en route from Te Anau to Milford. The alarm was raised just after ten, when the Air Fiordland Cessna 207 failed to reach its destination. Two New Zealand men, one of them the pilot; along with couple from England and a couple from Canada, were killed. Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Bill Sommer says the weather at the time of the crash was fine for flying. Air Fiordland chief executive Russell Baker described it as a clear day with beautiful skies. Planes have been banned from flying over the crash site, and an air accident inspector is due to inspect the wreckage tomorrow.
ACT claims the Government's billion dollar superannuation fund is already losing $83,000 a week. The Party's Finance spokesman Rodney Hide says Treasury figures show Finance Minister Michael Cullen has put aside $256 million for future superannuation payments. But he says the figures also show he has also borrowed $550 million for the scheme. Mr Hide claims Dr Cullen has not invested the money yet and that it is earning interest at a lower rate than what he borrowed it at. Rodney Hide says the loss is costing taxpayers almost $83,000 a week. He says Dr Cullen's policy is like increasing the mortgage on the house to invest in the stock market.
A New Zealand consultancy firm has been awarded a seven- and-a-half year contract to upgrade an important stretch of London's Underground. Opus International will be responsible for architectural upgrades on the Piccadilly Line. General Manager David Bunting says it is the line on which New Zealanders arriving in Britain usually experience their first underground ride, as it runs from Heathrow Airport. Mr Bunting says the company is also working on the award-winning North Greenwich station. Closer to home, Opus has primary responsibility for Auckland's new Britomart station.
Private health insurer, Southern Cross Healthcare, says it will be several more weeks before it gets on top of a mountain of claim payments. Southern Cross blames the introduction of a new computer system for delays in processing claims. Chief executive Roger Bowie says extra staff have been brought in to speed up the process and the entire claims department is working overtime. He says there is currently a turnaround time of about five weeks, although complex claims requiring more information will take longer. Currently, around $25 million worth of claims is outstanding.
Auckland police say they were unaware of any racial tensions in the street were a young man was stabbed to death. Twenty-two-year-old Elikena Inia died early on Wednesday morning, after being stabbed in the heart. Witnesses say he was an innocent bystander in a fight between Somali and Polynesian youths, in the suburb of Mt Albert. Up to 20 officers are investigating the death. No arrests have been made. Police Area Controller Inspector Steve Shortland says disturbances in the street in the past few months are no indication of serious problems between the racial groups living there. He says police will be on high alert in case Mr Inia's death sparks more violence and will be talking to community leaders.
(I note that the Tongan relatives of the deceased man are pleading that there be no retaliation. - BH)
Auckland police say 41 people have been arrested at the Big Day Out for disorderly behaviour. Three of those arrested are women. Police say the main music event is to wind up in half an hour's time and fans have been generally well behaved.
(Can I be so bold as to ask what the relevance of some of the arrested being women is? - HH)
(I almost wonder if the bigger question is, where was the good news that thousands of young people and a few oldsters had a whale of a time and didn't get arrested. Is this really all the news of the eighth running of the Big Day Out? - BH)
The National Party says patients at a Canterbury psychiatric hospital are pawns in a dispute between staff and the District Health Board. The board plans to close Hillmorton Hospital because of safety concerns over industrial action. It has begun moving patients to other districts. Today, Hillmorton patients have been protesting, supported by several National MPs. Associate Finance spokesman David Carter says he is concerned government inaction over the closure will tip patients over the edge. He says the dispute has gone on for months and Annette King's recent visit to Christchurch has done nothing to resolve it. A patient at the Hospital has told IRN she fears for her future if the hospital closes. 'Megan' says she regularly uses both outpatient and inpatient services, and if the hospital closes she will be badly affected. She says she goes for crisis admissions when things are going bad for her and she does not know what will happen if it is not there.
Lord of the Rings Minister Pete Hodgson has fired a shot back at Australia, after the Sydney Morning Herald poked fun at our pride over making the Tolkien film. A tongue-in- cheek column in the paper says Kiwis have gone overboard boasting about the film, when director Peter Jackson is just a front man, and it is really an American movie. But Pete Hodgson says the column was a million miles from the truth, and a good excuse to make jokes about Kiwis. Mr Hodgson says the writer of the column was probably a cricket fan.......Australia has lost its last two matches to New Zealand.
Date: 17 January 2002 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
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