Copyright © 1995 Brian Harmer
I am back in Wellington, but still too involved in the final stages of my dissertation to engage in travelogue and commentary. I may resume next week, but for now, I need to send the news just as Helen gathered and formatted it for me.
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. On with the news:
Former US President Bill Clinton is sitting down to dinner at an exclusive engagement on Auckland's waterfront. Mr Clinton is the keynote speaker at the launch of car maker BMW's latest model. Tickets for the evening cost $795 each, and all 750 tickets sold out within six days of going on sale. On his arrival at the Princes Wharf Hilton Hotel, Bill Clinton told waiting media he was glad to be back in New Zealand. He said he had missed both the people and the scenery. He then rubbed shoulders with 140 VIPs, including Prime Minister Helen Clark, at a pre-dinner cocktail function. Mr Clinton is due to deliver a 45 minute address.
A New Zealand Air Force Orion on a routine South Pacific surveillance flight has located a fishing vessel in distress, and diverted a rescue vessel. The Orion was midway through a flight from New Zealand to Tonga, when it detected an emergency locator beacon. The crew used radar and visual sensors to find the vessel 180 kilometres north west of Tonga. When the Orion flew past, the fishermen set off orange smoke markers and waved flags to indicate all was not well. A suitable rescue vessel has been diverted towards the trawler's position and will arrive about 7. 30 tonight.
Carter Holt Harvey says it has been through the right process, in deciding to make redundant almost half of its workforce at the Kinleith pulp and paper mill. Almost half the workforce - around 381 redundancies - will be made redundant from the South Waikato mill as a result of today's announcement. After consultations between staff and workers, 19 fewer jobs are to be axed than previously planned. Chief executive, Brice Landman, says submissions on the original proposal were received from many salaried employees. He says as a result of the consultation process, for example, two submissions identified a gap in our knowledge management systems, and as a result four entirely new positions have been created which will improve the company's competitive capability. However, Mr Landman says that he is disappointed that hardly any waged employees attended the 30 consultation meetings arranged for them. He says part of the restructuring is the outsourcing of the mill's maintenance work. He says it is possible up to 190 of those being made redundant will be re-employed by the maintenance contractor, ABB. The job cuts are part of the company's plan to outsource its maintenance work. Carter Holt Harvey calculates it will improve its financial performance by at least 12 million dollars a year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working with the Australian High Commission to investigate the detention of 13 foreigners in Brunei. Four New Zealanders are among the detainees, who are being investigated for visa irregularities. MFAT spokesman Brad Tattersfield everyone in the group is safe and well. He says no one is trying to leave immediately. Brad Tattersfield says so far, the situation does not seem critical. But he does not know how long the detention will last.
A New Zealand microbiologist has become only the second person from this country to be made a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. Professor Gerald Tannock, from the University of Otago is a world-leader in research into gastro-intestinal bacteria. He joins the ranks of over 1,700 eminent scientists around the world who are also fellows of the Academy. Professor Tannock says he is "very pleased" and feels "quite honoured" to have been admitted into the fellowship of the Academy. He was awarded a Science and Technology medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand last year. Currently, Professor Tannock's interests include researching the role of gut microflora in inflammatory bowel diseases, and investigating the gut microflora of chickens with the aim of eliminating antibiotic supplements from their diets.
An international relations expert hopes worldwide concern may be able to keep the India-Pakistan conflict in check. The nuclear-capable neighbours are locked in a tense military standoff across the long-disputed border region of Kashmir. The University of Otago's Dr Robert Patman says mounting international pressure on the countries has led to a slight easing of tensions in the past 48 hours. He says the proximity of the countries makes the situation particularly volatile. He says the US has long considered the India-Pakistan region a hotspot. Dr Patman says the huge mobilisation of Indian and Pakistani troops means anything could happen. He says international forces must help de-escalate the situation.
A doctor who 'blew the whistle' on the drug company running a drugs trial has been charged more than NZ$1. 5 million for the delay he caused. Dutch former medical researcher Dr Koos Stiekema left the pharmaceutical company Organon because of concerns he had for the lives of patients taking part in a trial. He took his concerns to the ethics committees who were overseeing the trial. The British Medical Journal reports the company took him to court after the drugs trial was delayed for three months, claiming it cost them more than 900000 euros (NZ$1. 76 million). Dr Stiekema told the BMJ that in his view, doctors are obliged to look out for the well-being of patients involved in drugs trials. But Organon says he breached the terms of a confidentiality clause in his contract, and that he failed to use the proper channels to communicate his concerns within the company. Dr Stiekema now faces financial ruin, and says that ethics committees should be allowed to keep information about whistleblowers confidential.
The man who killed Geraldine resident Desmond Payne in a frenzied knife attack must be mad, the High Court at Timaru has heard today. Murder-accused Raymond Lloyd Cullen has admitted he stabbed Mr Payne 14 times in the car park of a Geraldine hotel. Mr Cullen's defence lawyer, David Ruth, says his client is legally insane. He says the accused told people he was a Mafia don and the son of God. Mr Ruth says two psychiatrists will give evidence to support the insanity verdict. The trial is expected to last a week.
The Prime Minister says she is thinking about revoking her support for Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons in the Coromandel. Helen Clark said last month she would be encouraging Labour supporters to back Ms Fitzsimons in the seat. But the PM's had a re-think since the Green's announced they are not prepared to go into coalition with Labour if it does not play ball over the GE moratorium issue. Helen Clark describes the Greens' tactic as 'Italian-style' politics. She has also indicated an early election IS on the cards. Political editor Barry Soper says Helen Clark is now talking about factors she is considering that will determine the election date. She insists a date has not yet been set, but the date now being talked about in political circles is August 10th.
(Perhaps mafia style politics might have been more appropriate. I'm sure there are Italians out there bound to be offended by that statement - HH)
The MetService says the cold snap likely to last until Thursday or Friday. An extreme weather warning has been issued for the central North Island and the lower part of the South Island. Winds could hit 120 kilometres an hour in exposed parts of Hawkes Bay, and almost as strong in Otago and Southland. Up to 15 centimetres of snow could fall, from Dunedin south. Forecaster Bob Lake says people need to watch out as the altitude at which freezing conditions are found is very low, especially in the southern half of the South island. He says that will make conditions difficult for farmers and those travelling on the roads. Bob Lake says it may bring enough snow in some areas to get the ski season under way. He says the wind will probably shelter the Canterbury ski-fields much of the time, but they will get some snow. And he says snow will probably also fall on Mount Ruapehu at times. Meanwhile there's no fear at present that the cold snap will drive up the price of electricity in the immediate future. Vector, which supplies electricity retailers in Auckland, says so far power demand is only up slightly. Chief executive Patrick Strange is not expecting any sudden rise in the spot price. He says normally the winter surge in usage does not arrive with the first cold spell but later, often after the All Blacks have lost.
The compulsory collection of DNA is to become a frontline tool in fighting crime. New legislation will see DNA samples being taken from all sorts of criminals including burglary suspects. The law changes will enable mouth swabs to be taken, which give off as much information as blood and can be taken more easily. Justice Minister Phil Goff says in addition, compulsory DNA testing can be applied to prisoners convicted before testing was introduced in 1996. He says these are the worst types of criminals - rapists, murderers and serious violent offenders. Phil Goff says that means 400 of the country's most serious criminals convicted prior to 1996 and still in prison, will be compulsorily DNA tested.
Carter Holt Harvey's confirmed 381 jobs are to go at its Kinleith pulp and paper mill in the Bay of Plenty. The redundancies are part of the company's plan to outsource its maintenance work. It says the move will improve its financial performance by at least 12 million dollars a year. Following submissions from employees, 19 fewer jobs are to be axed than previously planned. Chief executive, Brice Landman, says half of those made redundant could be re-employed by the maintenance contractor, ABB. But that is not guaranteed. However Mr Landman says it is ABB's preference to hire Kinleith people. The restructuring leaves 389 full time workers at Kinleith, compared with an original workforce of 770. Speaking prior to this afternoon's announcement, the Engineers' Union secretary Andrew Little said the information he already had about the redundancies showed negotiations between the union and Carter Holt to try to save some of the jobs have been a farce. Mr Little says when they announced the changes two months ago they said they had a preferred contractor in mind. He says the company's continued to talk with that contractor at the same time as they were negotiating with the union. Mr Little says that raises issues of integrity and good faith and the union expects to file legal action in the near future.
A thank you from police, following today's arrest of a man for the murder of South Aucklander Faletoi KeiMr Kei was stabbed while picnicking with his family in Omana Reserve in April. The 29 year old Hamilton man arrested today will appear in court on Friday. Inquiry head, Detective Inspector John Manning, says the arrest follows six weeks of intensive investigation. He says the help they have received from the public during that time is immensely gratifying. Detective Inspector Manning says he was very pleased to be able to deliver the news of the arrest to Mr Kei's widow. He expects it to help her through the grieving process.
An early election, possibly in August, is now highly likely with the Greens pulling the plug on Labour last week. Our political editor says the Prime Minister's no longer talking about going full term. Helen Clark's now talking about factors she's considering that will determine the election date. One is the Green Party refusing to back a Government that will lift the moratorium on genetic modification. The PM says it is one of a number of factors, but insists a date has not yet been set. Our political editor says the date now being talked about in political circles is August 10th.
More snow and ice have forced the closure this afternoon of a road that only re-opened this morning. Dunedin's Northern Motorway opened to four wheel drive vehicles mid-morning, after being closed for the night. But Transit New Zealand regional spokesman, Murray Clarke, says the conditions have taken a turn for the worse. He says there is already a backlog of vehicles waiting to get through. Snow has closed a number of other South Island roads and made others treacherous. Three Mile Hill and State Highway Eight through the Manuka Gorge are closed. The Lindis, Arthur's and Lewis Passes are blanketed in the white stuff, making chains essential. Schools in the area have been hit by the polar blast. Clutha District Council spokeswoman Janette Paterson, says the wintry conditions have forced two local schools to close. She says a lot of children rely on school buses through South Island high country areas. More snow is on the way, with Milford expected to get around 10- centimetres over the course of the day. And the low pressure's bringing severe winds and heavy seas - Otago coastal areas are on alert. To the north, some areas of the central North Island hill country can expect winds of up 120-kilometres today and tonight. The weather's likely to stay this way for at least another day.
Fatal house fires in the Far North are still a major issue, despite relentless fire safety campaigns. A 50-year-old man died in his home just west of Kaikohe overnight. His house was not connected to electricity - the fire service believes a candle is the most likely cause. Far North mayor, Yvonne Sharp, says there has been success from the smoke-alarm and Housing New Zealand work. But she says many homes still rely on candles. Ms Sharp is urging Far North residents to take the Fire Service up on it's offer of free candle-holders
Former Reserve Bank Governor, Don Brash, is blaming the policies of the Labour/Alliance coalition for his decision to quit the job. Dr Brash is to become a National list candidate, and is almost certainly to be high enough on it to get into Parliament this year. In a speech today, Dr Brash said he strongly believes the current economic policies being pursued will not substantially increase our growth rate. He says that has to be above three percent a year which was forecast in last week's Budget. Dr Brash does not believe the economy will grow as fast as the Budget forecasts, which means the gaps between those with skills and those without will grow wider. He says this country's appeal as an attractive place to live will be gradually eroded.
A jury of seven women and five men will hear a charge of manslaughter against a Northland couple at the High Court in Auckland. Deborah and Roby Moorhead are accused of causing the death of their six-month-old child. The charge arises from the couple's son, Caleb, allegedly being taken out of Auckland's Starship Hospital against doctors' wishes. He later died. The two accused are representing themselves. Christine Gordon and Steven Haszard are appearing for the Crown. The trial is before Justice Rhys Harrison. After the jury was sworn in, Justice Harrison told them the case was being adjourned, because one of the prosecutors is unwell.
The end justifies the means, according to Saatchi and Saatchi. Anti child abuse groups are unhappy with a Saatchi-devised advertisement to raise money for a new neo- natal unit in South Auckland. The advertisement shows a huge hammer near the head of a tiny premature baby. It says the baby is the problem, the hammer is the solution. Saatchi's Creative Director Andrew Tinning says the hammer indicates the urgent need for the building project. He denies it is irresponsible, saying it is inconceivable anyone would suggest people hit premature babies with hammers. Mr Tinning says the ad's just one part of a four- week campaign and the test will be how much money is raised. Meanwhile, South Auckland Health Foundation chief executive Pam Tregonning says the ads have to compete with those of all other charities, and must grab people's attention. Ms Tregonning says shock tactics in New Zealand advertising are nothing new. She says they are desperate to raise enough funds to allow them to build the new neonatal unit.
A jury has been asked to decide if the man who killed Geraldine man Desmond Payne last July was insane at the time. In a statement to the high court at Timaru, murder accused Raymond Lloyd Cullen has admitted slashing Mr Payne's throat in the car park of a hotel. He says he was not provoked or acting in self-defence. Crown Prosecutor Tim Gresson told the jury the crucial issue is whether Mr Cullen was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the attack. The trial is expected to take one week.
Thousands of kiwis are expected to attend meetings with the Dalai Lama this week. The spiritual leader of Tibet arrives today after a tour of Australia. He is speaking in Wellington, Auckland and Nelson as he preaches happiness in a material world. Dalai Lama Trust spokesman Simon Harrison says the Australasian tour so far has been hugely successful, but not without a certain amount of controversy. He says there has been a noticeable lack of meetings with Government representatives. Mr Harrison says the Dalai Lama will continue to raise awareness of China's occupation of Tibet.
Bay of Plenty police are negotiating with gangs in the area to crack down on rising tension. It follows the killing of 20-year-old Te Rangi Carroll in Whakatane on Saturday morning. Police believe around 30 Black Power associates were involved in the attack. District Commander Superintendent Gary Smith says there have been fears in the community over escalating tension between gangs. He says police are trying to negotiate with the gang leaders to work through the problems. Superintendent Smith says police will also be taking a hard-line on any intimidation tactics.
A bail hearing for a Huntly man charged with the murder of a toddler in his care has been adjourned until the end of the week. The 39-year-old man was denied bail last Tuesday at an appearance in the Hamilton District Council. He is charged with the murder of three-year-old Tamati Pokaia, originally from Ngaruawahia, who died last month. He has also been charged with assault on a child. The man, who has name suppression, appeared at the bail hearing in the High Court at Hamilton today. The case will be continued on Friday.
National has raised questions in Parliament about the Maori TV Service's attempts to acquire studio facilities. Broadcasting spokeswoman, Katherine Rich, says the Maori TV board invited a studio proposal from a company called Carbine Group Limited, when it had not yet been created and had no experience in studio facilities. Ms Rich says the only other company approached was BCL, a transmission arm which had no chance of winning the contract. She asked the Minister of Maori Affairs to prove the board's dealings with the Carbine Group are anything other than a jack-up. Minister of Maori Affairs, Parekura Horomia, says the Maori TV board has asked for expressions of interest from some companies concerning studio facilities. But he denies there has been any jack-up.
A doctor at Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital has told a High Court jury six-months-old Caleb Moorhead was suffering almost the most severe form of malnutrition, when he was brought in by his mother. Deborah and Jan Moorhead deny charges of manslaughter, after the death of their son in March last year. Doctor Patrick Kelly testified the baby was white as a sheet, when he arrived at Starship on March the 13th. His mother Debbie told him the child's development was normal until three months old, when he became unwell and did not improve. The doctor told the jury Caleb was unusually light for his age. He said the child was removed from the hospital's care before he could be measured further. Crown prosecutor Christine Gordon says doctors at Starship believed a B-12 vitamin injection would have saved him, but his parents claimed their faith in God would save their son. She says instead, they opted for home remedies, including poultices, cayenne pepper and garlic. Twenty-one witnesses will be called.
Air New Zealand is axing business class and meals on its domestic routes, expanding its international flights and enhancing its air points programme. The airline announced the changes in Auckland this afternoon. The changes are part of the five year plan to support the recapitalisation package, and take effect from October. The news is not all good for staff, as around 200 jobs will be lost across the board, though the airline hopes that in the future the savings made now will result in more jobs further down the line. In October the airline is introducing Air New Zealand Express, its new cut price domestic service, which will have about a dozen more seats per plane, thanks to the removal of business class. Legroom will also be slightly reduced to accommodate the extra seats. The airline will also dispense with meals on the "Express" routes. The number of international flights will be increased, with extra flights on both Freedom Air and Air New Zealand across the Tasman. No prices have been mentioned yet, though the airline says trans-Tasman prices will be cut. The airline is also talking about an enhanced 'Air Points' programme, which will be streamlined and made easier to operate.
Wanganui police are concerned at the theft of a number of firearms, after burglaries at the seaside town of Mowhanau. Two semi automatic shotguns, an Enfield rifle with scope, and a . 22 rifle with scope have been taken. A leather ammunition belt and ammunition have also been stolen. Police are concerned the weapons may fall into the wrong hands, but admit they haven't any firm leads at this stage.
The Treaty settlements process has become a perpetual geyser of public money benefiting not Maori, but what New Zealand First leader Winston Peters calls 'Treaty People'. In a hard hitting speech, Mr Peters said an entire multi- million dollar industry has proliferated like a noxious weed around the Treaty. Mr Peters says the industry consists of an unholy alliance of consultants, lawyers, public relations 'spin doctors' and what he calls fellow travellers in the bureaucracy and media. He says he is not going to turn a blind eye to the outrageous pilfering of the public purse under the guise of addressing Treaty grievances.
ACT MP Rodney Hide has denied harassing a person who lost $400,000 dollars in a bogus investment scheme, which he may have unwittingly helped promote. Sydney Taare has signed an affidavit saying Rodney Hide's talk at a Fiji conference promoting the scheme, gave him confidence to invest. Rodney Hide maintains he never knew the scheme was dodgy when he spoke at the conference in Fiji. It has since been alleged by Government MPs in Parliament that Mr Hide rang Mr Tarre in the dead of the night and threatened to get his lawyers on to him. But Mr Hide told Parliament the call was at 8:45 in the evening and he was very polite. He says there is no way he bullied or intimidated him and he simply wanted to get to the bottom of what Mr Tarre had actually said about him.
So what did former American President Bill Clinton get up to, after the $800-a-seat dinner in Auckland last night?Well, Mr Clinton sauntered around to former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley's apartment nearby, and spent a few hours with her and his old golfing partner Burton Shipley. Mrs Shipley says Mr Clinton sent a message in advance of his trip that he wanted to catch up. She says it was a private meeting of old friends. She told our political editor Barry Soper that it was a lovely, casual evening with just the three of them present. Mr Shipley played golf with Mr Clinton at Millbrook during the APEC meeting in New Zealand a few years back. Mr Clinton apparently left the Shipleys' apartment just after midnight.
Auckland's Mayor says he wants a little respect. The City Council has removed a sign publicising the visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. He's in New Zealand for several public speaking engagements and meetings with top-level politicians. The Chinese Embassy complained about the banner, which suggested the Dalai is in exile from Tibet. The Dalai Lama's position has long been a controversial one for the Chinese government, which claims Tibet is one of China's provinces rather than an independent nation. Mayor John Banks says the sign was inappropriate. He says when it comes to religion, it is important to respect everyone's beliefs. The Dalai is in Auckland on Thursday.
National will spend more than $100 million boosting the number of frontline police on our streets if it comes to power following the next election. The party's unveiled its law and order policy, which focuses on getting tougher on the worst criminals. Leader Bill English has confirmed the Nats' 'life means life' policy, and says his party would increase the minimum non-parole period for murder from 10 to 15 years. He says in addition, National will put 500 more police on the beat over the next three years at a cost of $100 million. National will also double the non-parole period for violent offenders.
Police in Whakatane have revealed a man's been shot in the leg - in what appears to be another development in the town's gang conflict. Police cordoned off a house on Churchill Street after shots were fired last night. Police now say a number of shots were fired at an unidentified person - who received two bullet wounds to the leg. The victim's in hospital in a satisfactory condition. The incidents follow the fatal stabbing of 20-year-old Te Rangi Carroll on Saturday morning.
Wellington International Airport has announced plans to develop a shopping complex on almost five hectares of land it owns on the western side of the airport. Chief executive John Sheridan says the land's currently occupied by a number of older industrial buildings, and isn't needed for aeronautical uses. The development - to be called Airport Retail Park - will have 27,000 square metres of retail space. Mr Sheridan says historically there has been a lack of land suitable for large format retailing in Wellington, and the airport already has strong interest from prospective tenants.
Eat your greens - it could safe your life. Scientists have discovered that broccoli - the cause of much pre-adolescent heartache - contains a chemical which can kill the bacteria which is the most common cause of stomach ulcers and cancers. Research teams based in Baltimore in the United States and in France report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that vegetables containing sulforaphane can help to relieve infections due to Helicobacter pylori. The chemical - a mild antibiotic - is more effective against the H. pylori bacteria than most other antibiotics. The scientists hope that refined forms of sulfurophane may be effective against H, pylori bacteria which have become resistant to just about everything else.
Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton has buckled under pressure in Parliament, admitting he has no intention of resigning when the House rises. It is no secret Mr Anderton intends leading a new party, the Progressive Coalition, at the next election. He has come under intense pressure in Parliament this afternoon, to say whether he would resign his Cabinet responsibilities when the election date's announced and he will be campaigning for another party. In response, Jim Anderton's told the House he'll continue his full ministerial duties after the House rises, until he believes he's not capable of doing so.
Doctors believe the practice of infant bed-sharing may be a factor in the number of cot deaths in this country, particularly among Pacific Island communities. The New Zealand Medical Journal reports that the number of cot deaths in general has reduced substantially over the years except among Pacific Island families where the rate is constant or may even have increased slightly. The researchers say the main risk factors appear to be infant bed-sharing - particularly if the mother is a smoker. Factors already identified include putting babies to sleep in a prone position, a lack of breastfeeding, and maternal smoking. The team, based at Auckland University of Technology, says Tongan ethnicity, being Pacific-born, a lack of fluency in English, and overcrowded living conditions were significant factors in whether infants shared beds. The researchers say effective education is essential, along with a need to address the housing issues facing many Pacific Island families.
Two meetings are being held in Wellington today to look at the consequences of New Zealand ratifying the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gases. The first meeting is for local body officials, the second will be open to the public and business representatives. Martin Harvey from the New Zealand Climate Change Project says the meetings are a way of helping people to understand the proposed changes and the outcomes for business and the general community. He says there has been a lot of focus on the cost to companies of meeting the protocol's requirements, but the carbon emission charges will also be used to encourage a reduction in greenhouse gases.
An Otago University researcher says the cost of meat and dairy products are partly behind a huge rise in the cost of feeding the family. An annual survey of food costs by the university shows the average cost of feeding a family of four has gone up about eight dollars per person, to 230 dollars a week. In most years, the cost only goes up by around three or four dollars per person. Researcher Winsome Parnell says the 230 dollars a week is a very basic food bill. The research has led to calls for an urgent rethink of current benefit rates. A beneficiaries advocate on Auckland's North Shore, Pam Apera says she deals every day with people complaining they do not have enough money for food. She says the matter's serious, as food is the first thing people cut back on when money's tight.
The Tax Department has admitted overcharging some ex- students living overseas. Potentially, thousands of people with student loans of more than $15,000 may have been told to make excess repayments. Inland Revenue is blaming a calculation glitch for the error. People who didn't file a tax return prior to leaving the country, and who made other repayments within the 2002 tax year, may be affected. The Department wants to hear from anyone who thinks they have been overcharged.
Te Puni Kokiri admits it's unlikely to see thousands of dollars in employment-related expenses it is seeking from Canadian con-man, John Davy. The 51-year-old former chief executive of the fledgling Maori TV Service was sent to prison for eight months and Judge Phil Moran refused him leave to apply for home detention. He said the enormity of Davy's deceit justified called for a prison term and a deterrent for others who might be tempted to apply for senior jobs using bogus credentials. Davy had pleaded guilty to fraud, after lying about his credentials to get the top job. Te Puni Kokiri says it's trying to recover around $82,000 from Mr Davy. That includes salary paid to him during his employment, and an advance of around $32,000. But Te Puni Kokiri says given Mr Davy's apparent inability to pay, it is reviewing whether it will be financially viable to continue chasing the money. Meanwhile, Davy himself has made an emotional apology from the dock to Maori television and the people of New Zealand.
So-called Alliance leader Jim Anderton has come as close as he has ever come to publicly acknowledging he's a Progressive Coalition MP. Our political editor Barry Soper says the Opposition has hammered Mr Anderton in Parliament, telling him to come clean and say who he really represents. Mr Anderton was again defending his position when his tongue slipped saying the more the Opposition attacks the Progressive Coalition, the party he represents, the more people join it in droves. He corrected himself but the Opposition said it was more than a Freudian slip.
No sign of the two fishermen missing since yesterday off Whananaki, north of Whangarei. Two men set out in heavy seas to check a fishing net. Their overturned boat was recovered last night. Senior Sergeant Dave Palmer the dive squad has recovered a net and articles from the boat, including gumboots. He says an extensive sea, air and land search has now finished for the day. The search will begin again in the morning.
July 27th or August 10th are looking more likely as election dates. National's claiming a member of its staff was told June 11 is the last date for tabling documents, which means an election's looming. Finance Minister Michael Cullen's been goading National MPs in Parliament over an early election. He said he could feel the earth moving for them, caused by the knocking of their knees. . Calling an early election is the prerogative of Prime Minister Helen Clark who's in Australia at the moment. However, Parliament's Speaker Jonathan Hunt says the Opposition's reading too much into a claim that a cut off date of June 11 has been set for Parliamentary reports. Mr Hunt says he knows of no such deadline for reports and says the one National referred to was to coincide with a meeting being held on that day. National says it knew nothing of the meeting and isn't convinced by the Speaker's explanation.
There are calls for a Commission of Inquiry into Christchurch prisons after the apparent suicide of an inmate at Paparua Prison. Corrections Minister Matt Robson has confirmed a male inmate was found dead in his cell yesterday morning. He says he is unable to comment further or confirm the cause of death, as a Coroner's report has yet to be completed. NZ First MP Ron Mark believes the prisoner's death could have been prevented. He has claimed in Parliament, that Christchurch prison officers are being prevented from searching prisoners returning from home leave. He believes this could have been a factor in the prisoner's death, reportedly from a drugs overdose.
Preparations for next year's 50th anniversary celebrations of Sir Edmund Hillary's ascent of Mt Everest, have been kicked off this afternoon. The Government is putting up $100,000 for the preparations, and for the establishment of a new Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. It was on this day - 49 years ago - that Sir Edmund and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to scale Mount Everest. Sir Edmund says this time next year he and Lady Hillary will be in Katmandu, and they'll be having a big party with the Sherpa friends they've made over the years. He says the new Trust will try to help the Sherpa people in Nepal and encourage young New Zealanders to use the outdoors.
Former Maori TV boss John Davy has been sent to prison for eight months. The 51 year-old Canadian national has been sentenced in the Auckland District Court. Davy pleaded guilty to fraud,after lying about his credentials to get the top job at Maori Television. Our reporter in court says the judge refused to allow him to serve a suspended sentence and wouldn't allow him leave to apply for home detention. The judge says the sentence should act as a deterrent to others.
South Auckland police have charged another man with the murder of 44-year-old ASB bank worker, John Vaughan. The 25-year-old Otara man was arrested today, and was due to appear in the Manukau District Court this afternoon. The man has also been charged with the aggravated robbery of the ASB's Mangere Bridge branch, and with aggravated robberies in April of the East Tamaki TAB and the central Auckland pub The Surgery Bar. John Vaughan was fatally shot during the Mangere bank robbery on the 15th of May. Three other men have already been charged with Mr Vaughan's murder. Two of them are also charged with the murder of pizza parlour worker Marcus Doig during a robbery in Pakuranga a week earlier.
Beds at Christchurch Hospital are filling up, because of an onslaught of the flu. Christchurch Hospital virologist Lance Jennings says the number of cases of the flu started picking up earlier this month. However he says now, with the colder weather, the burden of disease and illness in the community is increasing. He says there has been a large number of admissions to Christchurch hospital since last weekend, with many people suffering from pneumonia and other complications caused by flu. Dr Jennings says influenza epidemics are invariably associated with deaths in the community, as complications from the viral infection can be extremely serious. He says the virus can attack the respiratory tract, opening it to bacterial infection, which in turn can lead to pneumonia, heart attacks and death.
National has unveiled its plans to try to attract more doctors to rural areas. It says the provision of rural health services is in crisis, and New Zealand is short of around 100 full time GP's. Health spokesman Roger Sowry says National would commit an extra $15 million to rural health. He says part of this will go into a $6 million fund available to district health boards over three years, to help them recruit GPs. Mr Sowry says National is also committed to maintaining provincial hospitals.
The Gore New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards are in full swing in Gore. Tonight sees the crowning of the Gold Guitar queen at a function at the Longford Function Centre. There are 15 performers vying for the honour. Included in the prize pack is a trip to the Australian Country Music Festival in TamworthThe songwriting finals are on tomorrow, while the busking competition is on tomorrow and Friday. A songwriting seminar is planned for Friday conducted by Wayne Mason and Mike Chunn. The Gold Guitar spectacular is on Friday night
A fire has uncovered a sophisticated cannabis growing operation in Central Hawke's Bay. The fire service was called out to an address in Waipukurau at 7. 30 last night to find a shed and garage well-ablaze. They called in police after suspicions were raised. Sergeant Geoff Strother says during their inquiries they found an indoor cannabis growing operation. He says it appears the heating system overloaded and started the fire. A 41-year-old Waipukurau man has been arrested and charged with various cannabis-related offences. He appears in court next month.
An analyst says there would be many mutual benefits if Qantas took a minority stake in Air New Zealand. Talks are underway between the airlines, although the proposal is yet to be run past Air New Zealand's major shareholder - the Government. Aviation editor at the Sydney Morning Herald, Geoff Thomas says Qantas feels there is tremendous synergy with Air New Zealand, and the two have been partners twice before. He says there would be many advantages to an arrangement with Qantas, including Air New Zealand being able to tap into a Qantas purchase of 75 new 737s at a good price. Mr Thomas says Air New Zealand wants more cash and the government is reluctant to supply it, and Qantas wants Air New Zealand's excellent and cheap engineering. He says he feels the time is right for the two airlines to get together seriously with equity.
National claims the Government's 'nobbling' Air New Zealand, by considering selling part of it to Qantas. It has been confirmed talks ARE underway, about Qantas taking a minority stake in Air New Zealand. Associate Finance Minister Trevor Mallard says the airlines have been in on- going negotiations since May last year. But he says no agreement has yet been reached, and the Government is keeping out of discussions concerning any Qantas bid. No proposals have been run past the airline's major shareholder - the Government. Mr Mallard says at the current time it's not selling any shares. But he says the Government would consider any proposals carefully. Meanwhile National's Transport spokeswoman Belinda Vernon says selling shares to Qantas would reduce Air New Zealand to a 'small bit regional airline'. She says Qantas reportedly has a strategy of trying to put Air New Zealand out of business. Airline industry experts in Australia say Qantas would only want to take up to the 25 percent limit imposed on foreign airlines by the Government. They say that even so, there would be significant regulatory hurdles for the Australian airline on both sides of the Tasman.
The High Court in Auckland has heard that Starship Hospital doctor, Patrick Kelly, asked Deborah Moorhead if she lived on a commune. The 34-year-old and her 45-year-old husband Roby Jan Moorhead have pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of their infant son, Caleb. Deborah Moorhead repeated the doctor's question in a video interview with a detective. She said she could tell the doctor didn't have a high opinion of her. She'd asked him if he thought she had been negligent and he'd replied, "yes. "Deborah Moorhead said other doctors had agreed with her that Caleb showed signs of meningitis. She said vitamin B12 was never mentioned. The court has already heard Caleb died as a result of B12 deficiency
A petrol price war appears to be intensifying. Shell has just cut the price of petrol by a further two cents a litre. That follows Mobil decision to drop the price of petrol by four cents a litre. Earlier, BP, Shell and Gull, dropped the price of petrol and diesel by two cents a litre. Shell spokesman Simon King says the move has been made possible by the strength of the kiwi dollar. He says Shell's committed to bringing New Zealanders the lowest possible fuel prices.
The lawyer representing disgraced Maori TV boss, John Davy, is to apply for bail before an appeal is heard in the High Court. A date for Davy's appeal against his eight month prison sentence is still not known. Davy's lawyer, Kahu Barron-Afeaki, says he's trying to get the appeal heard as soon as possible. He hopes he can get Davy out of prison before his appeal is heard. Mr Barron-Afeaki says the bail hearing will be before the sentencing judge. It'll be heard in the Auckland District Court tomorrow morning.
A Christchurch businessman, linked in Parliament to a bogus investment scheme, has had his response to the allegations presented to Parliament. Dave Henderson was attacked in the House earlier this year by NZ First Leader, Winston Peters. Mr Peters claimed Mr Henderson organised the seminars which were promoted by ACT MP, Rodney Hide. He said it was hard to believe Mr Hide wasn't aware the scheme was bogus, given that Dave Henderson was a good friend and former business partner. Mr Henderson says Winston Peters' claims are without foundation, and have adversely affected his reputation. He says he hass never been involved in organising or promoting any seminars run or held by Investors International, and he has never been in business with Rodney Hide.
Picking the election date has become something of a sport around Parliament. Those charged with maintaining secrecy in Government have been pitting themselves against those wanting to find out the date. In Parliament this afternoon, National's chief whip John Carter says he has had a call from a person responsible for hall bookings. The woman said she'd received a letter from Internal Affairs confirming a booking for polling day on July 27th.
An existing partnership agreement between the Public Service Association and the Government, is to be independently reviewed. State Services Minister, Trevor Mallard, agreed to the PSA request for a review in his speech to its congress this morning. The "Partnership for Quality" agreement was signed two years ago and reflected a change in attitude to employment relations under the Labour Alliance Government. Mr Mallard says some Government agencies had adapted very well to the new employment philosophies, while others had not. Mr Mallard confirmed the Public Service had increased its staff by the equivalent of nearly 900 full time positions since the Government took office.
Transend has decided it no longer wants the services of the current Maltapost CEO, Bob MacGregor. The New Zealand Post subsidiary has a 35 percent share in Maltapost, and has been heavily involved in reshaping postal services in Malta. It's understood the Transend board, which decides on Maltapost's top appointments, decided not to continue Mr MacGregor's contract. Acting Managing Director of Transend John Allen, says they're looking for a new CEO with a greater emphasis on innovation and business development. Mr MacGregor oversaw the development of Maltapost's five year business plan.
Three 14-year-old Waitara girls are to face trial at the High Court in New Plymouth, for the murder of Kenny Pigott. Three not-guilty pleas to the murder charge have been entered today in the Youth Court. Two of the defendants have admitted the charge of taking Mr Pigott's four wheel drive vehicle. Kenny Pigott was found dead in the Waitara River on Taranaki's Anniversary Day, March 11th.
There could be as many as 20,000 overstayers in New Zealand. In an answer to a Parliamentary written question, Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel says there are currently between 16,500 and 19,900 overstayers in the country. Samoans make up the largest number of overstayers, at around 4,300. They're followed by Tongans and Thai nationals. We also have up to 1500 overstayers from the United States, and an estimated 1400 from Great Britain.
A woman been given a seven year prison sentence, after being found guilty of setting her lover on fire. A jury found Hamilton woman Armajeet Singh guilty of attempted murder and arson, at her High Court trial earlier this month. Singh, who's married with three young children, turned on her lover Swaran Singh - who was not related - after he tried to end their affair. She doused his car in petrol, and set it alight with Mr Singh inside. He spent six weeks in hospital after the incident.
The radio industry's efforts to play more kiwi music has been appreciated by the Broadcasting Minister Marian Hobbs. The industry agreed earlier this year to implement a voluntary 20 percent local music quota by 2006. Ms Hobbs says this month's New Zealand Music Month promotion has given the voluntary quota a big boost. She says figures for this week reveal New Zealand content of 20 percent across all stations sampled. Ms Hobbs says it's great news.
West Auckland police have apologised to a man and his relatives, after inadvertently identifying him as the dead man found washed up on Green Bay Beach yesterday. The correct identity of the person found on the Manukau Harbour beach is 59-year-old Jack Rapana, of Green Bay. This morning police identified the body as that of 59-year-old local Garry Greaves, who'd earlier been reported missing. The New Lynn police say the mistake was due to the mis- reading of police paperwork on a busy shift. They say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Rapana.
A court's been told a South Canterbury man had been living in 'a very mad world for a very long time', before killing Geraldine man Desmond Payne. Murder-accused Raymond Lloyd Cullen is on trial in the High Court at Timaru, following the killing in a hotel car park in Geraldine last July. Forensic psychiatrist, Peter Miller, says Cullen suffered from undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenia for at least three years before the attack. He says Cullen believed the men at the pub were persecuting him, and that Mr Payne was the ringleader. Dr Miller says Cullen didn't admit the killing until after anti-psychotic medication took hold. Once that happened he became very remorseful and depressed. The trial's expected to end tomorrow.
Gisborne police say their annual summer anti-drugs operation netted thousand of cannabis plants, worth between $17-18 million dollars. The clean up was carried out during February and March in the area from Kotemaori in Hawke's Bay to Te Araroa on the East Cape. Around 13,400 plants were seized in the major part of the operation, and a further 4000-5000 in follow up raids. About 30 arrests were made. Police say this year they seized several thousand more plants than last year.
A blood-soaked infant's cardigan found in the Waikato town of Putaruru earlier this month will be tested today. Last week police confirmed the blood on the white cardigan was human blood. It was found in bushes at the corner of State Highway One and Sholson Street on the 7th May. Detective Sergeant Peter Rankin says the blood on the cardigan will be tested today to determine whether it is from an adult or a child. He says it will be tested for foetal haemoglobin, which is present in children under six months of age.
Infertility comes under the spotlight next week, at the beginning of Infertility Awareness Week. The New Zealand Infertility Society will hold a day-long seminar at Turnbull House next Saturday called 'Life, Infertility and You'. Society spokeswoman Robyn Scott says members will be calling for public funding of fertility treatment. In New Zealand, couples with infertility problems are given one publicly funded IVF cycle in a lifetime. If that fails, they don't get a second chance unless they fund the expensive treatment themselves. By comparison in Australia, there is no limit to the number of publicly-funded IVF treatments. Mrs Scott says the question is not whether people affected by infertility have a right to publicly- funded fertility treatment but rather, why should they be discriminated against in being denied access to appropriate health care services. She says there is no other medical condition for which a person has only one chance of fixing the problem - particularly one with an emotional and physical impact that should not be underestimated or forgotten. Mrs Scott points out there is no limit to the number of terminations a woman can have.
Criticism of the mental health system from police, following the verdict in the case of a man stabbed to death in a Geraldine hotel car park. A Timaru jury's found Raymond Cullen not guilty of murdering Desmond Payne, by reason of insanity. Cullen stabbed Mr Payne 14 times in March last year, but his defence argued he was insane at the time. During the trial, the court heard Cullen was an undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenic. Our reporter in court for the verdict says there were tears in the public gallery, and shouts of "you murdering bastard". The police officer in charge of the inquiry says the mental health system needs to do more to protect innocent people. Detective Inspector Paul Kench says proactive steps are needed when it comes to diagnosing mental illness. He says it's wrong that an innocent man was killed for no reason. Cullen has been detained as a special patient under the Mental Health Act.
Four men charged with the murder of ASB Bank worker, John Vaughan, have made another appearance at Manukau District Court. Two of them are also charged with murdering pizza shop worker, Marcus Doig. More than 50 people packed into the public gallery for the brief appearance of the four accused. They've all been remanded in custody for a fortnight, with name suppressionIt has also emerged that there have been death threats made against the lawyer representing one of the accused. Defence lawyer, Kevin Ryan, says he has received several abusive phone calls and letters, since it was made public he was representing one of the accused. He says he's just doing his job and shouldn't be persecuted for it. Mr Ryan says the threats haven't affected his desire to represent the man.
Big changes at the top of TVNZ. The role of Head of Television, currently held by Shaun Brown, is to be discontinued. The Chief Executive of TVNZ, Ian Fraser, says two new positions are to be created - Head of Programming, and Head of New Business Development. Mr Fraser paid tribute to the contribution Shaun Brown made as Head of Television, particularly in co-ordinating the activity of TVNZ's two channels. However, Mr Fraser pointed out that in appointing him Chief Executive from April this year, the TVNZ board had appointed a broadcaster who would expect to have a close involvement in TVNZ's content and output. Mr Fraser confirmed that Heaton Dyer, the Head of News & Current Affairs will report directly to the Chief Executive, who is also Editor-in-Chief at TVNZ. He says the changes are necessary as TVNZ faces the challenges presented by the Charter, which comes into effect on 1 July. He says the new Head of Programming position is a common one in many television companies around the world, with the job of shaping the big picture in terms of programming and positioning for both channels. Mr Fraser says the other new role of Head of New Business Development will be aiming to grow TVNZ's business within New Zealand and internationally. Until now, the Head of News & Current Affairs, Heaton Dyer, reported on editorial matters to the Chief Executive and on operational matters to the Head of Television. Mr Fraser says that situation required clarification, particularly during an election year, and in future he will report directly to the Chief Executive.
Noise levels in some of our early childhood centres are so high, they're being described as alarming and toxic. In a study of 13 early childhood centres, Massey University researchers often found noise levels hit 85 decibels or greater. Senior lecturer in Environmental Health, Stuart McLaren, says door-banging, sirens, alarms and playground equipment can be very noisy when they all occur at the same time. Even children's rough and tumble play reached 88 decibels. Mr McLaren says staff comforting distressed children are particularly at risk of hearing damage. The screaming, next to a teacher's ear, can exceed 110 decibels. One to two minutes of that is equivalent to the maximum a worker is permitted to receive in an entire eight hour day.
Name suppression for a 39-year-old Huntly man accused of murdering his foster child has been lifted today. Michael Waterhouse is charged with murdering three-year-old Tamati Pokaia, originally from Ngaruawahia. Tamati died of internal injuries last month. Waterhouse appeared at the High Court in Hamilton for a bail appeal today. He was earlier denied bail at an appearance in the Hamilton District Court. Nearly 30 members of Mr Waterhouse's family appeared in the public gallery to support him in court and two representatives spoke at the hearing. Justice Paul Heath has reserved his decision until Tuesday. He has suppressed all further details of the case.
It's a case of 'steady as you go' for whale-watching ventures off the Kaikoura coast for the next ten years. There's currently a moratorium on new commercial contracts to enter the whale-watching industry, which is carried out by Ngai Tahu on the sea and two companies offering views from the air. There were hopes that a second boat licence would be issued. A team from the University of Otago has spent four years studying the effects of whale-watching on sperm whales. They observed changes in the behaviour while being watched but no evidence that it adversely affects them. However the report recommended against an increase in whale-watching activity and the Department of Conservation has taken on board the recommendation.
Concern is rising in sexual health circles at what is being described as the hidden epidemic. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates in New Zealand are up by 13 percent from last year. Our rates are around four times higher than those in Britain, Canada and Australia, according to a recent public health survey. Sexual Health physician Doctor Rick Franklin says chlamydia has no symptoms so public awareness needs to be heightened about the infection. He says the best advice is to practice safe sex. Doctor Franklin says people who are having unsafe sex should always get regular checkups.
More than 15 thousand head of stock are stranded and have been without food for the past four days in Central Otago. Otago MP Gavan Herlihy says farmers in the Styx Valley are struggling to get to stock stranded from extremely heavy falls of snow in the high country. Farmers were not able to assess how bad the situation was until yesterday afternoon. Gavan Herlihy says there were five helicopters working late yesterday afternoon but he has asked the Government for an Air Force Iroquois to help get food to the stricken animals.
Fonterra has declared a record final payout to dairy farmers of $5. 33 per kilo of milk solids. That is 33 cents more than last year and will pump $5. 7 billion into provincial New Zealand. However a footnote from Fonterra takes the cream off the top of today's announcement. The board is repeating earlier warnings that next season's payout will be significantly lower. In fact, it calculates the payout will plummet to just $4 a kilo, because of lower commodity prices and the rising value of the kiwi dollar.
Date: 30 May 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 0.4827
AUD 0.8537
GBP 0.3303
JPY 60.23
CAD 0.7413
EUR 0.5176
HKD 3.7747
SGD 0.8682
ZAR 4.7310
CHF 0.7591
INTEREST RATES (%)
Call : 5.50
90 Day: 5.87
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