WYSIWYG NEWS - 29 August, 2005
news at wysiwygnews.com
news at wysiwygnews.com
Mon Aug 29 20:09:29 NZST 2005
subject: August 29, 2005
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer
Lengthening days and mild temperatures have made it possible
for Mary to persuade me out for more-or-less regular evening
walks once more. As on previous occasions, the walkways beside
the Hutt River are a gentle beginning, doing bridge-to-bridge
walks up one bank and down the other. Delicate blossoms on the
willows are subtle but nonetheless beautiful. Kowhai on the
other hand are not so modest, and flaunt their beauty as if to
say, ignore them, look at me. In domestic gardens beyond the
stop bank, the Kaka beak (Clianthus puniceus) is in prolific
display everywhere. The downside at this time of year, is the
need to breathe through the nose, or at least to keep the
teeth together. By this means, it may be possible to strain
out the bulk of the midge swarms, after the fashion of a
Baleen whale with plankton. Though, now that I think about it,
they inhale the water and the livestock, and then get rid of
the water on the outward part of the cycle. Anyway, on the
still clear days we experienced last week, the setting sun has
provided spectacular skylines and the promise of a similar day
to come. On Friday it lied, because Saturday dawned to lashing
rain, great sheets of it from the south, clattering on that
exposed wall of our house. I suppose it is to be expected,
with lambs and daffodils last week, what is more predictable
than a sudden burst of rotten weather. However, that too has
passed, and the golden weather has returned. Long may it
continue.
In a brief departure from the more usual subjects of the
purple prose section, I want to comment on the new haka
performed for the first time at the Tri-nations rugby test
between the Springboks and the All Blacks at Carisbrook on
Saturday. First, let me note that haka is a form of dance,
with a specific cultural purpose, and is not confined to Te
Rauparaha's familiar "Ka Mate". To claim that one "knows the
haka" is about as meaningful as "knowing the tango". So, it
came as a huge surprise to many, that the haka performed on
Saturday was entirely new and unfamiliar. Composed by Derek
Lardelli, and entitled Kapa o Pango, it was very stirring
indeed, and for a short time at least, may be safe from half-
baked imitations at drunken parties in Earls Court or Bondi
Beach. Unlike Ka Mate, this haka embodies many of the visual
elements from dances of the Pacific nations. Given the
enormous and valuable input to the team from Samoa and Fiji,
nothing could be more appropriate. Commentators who are
knowledgeable in these matters have been very impressed,
though it will be used only on special occasions. The new
words and translation were reproduced by the NZ Herald as
follows:
Kapa o pango kia whakawhenua au i ahau!
Let me become one with the land
Hi aue, hi!
Ko Aotearoa e ngunguru nei!
This is our land that rumbles
Au, au, aue ha!
And it's my time! It's my moment!
Ko Kapa o Pango e ngunguru nei!
This defines us as the All Blacks
Au, au, aue ha!
It's my time! It's my moment!
I ahaha!
Ka tu te ihiihi
Our dominance
Ka tu te wanawana
Our supremacy will triumph
Ki runga ki te rangi e tu iho nei,
tu iho nei, hi!
And will be placed on high
Ponga ra!
Silver fern!
Kapa o Pango, aue hi!
All Blacks!
Ponga ra!
Silver fern!
Kapa o Pango, aue hi, ha!
All Blacks!
The Springboks are indeed a mighty team, with some superb
athletes, and the game was fantastic, but I am glad to report
that our team won in the last few minutes and held out the
determined onslaught. Kapa o Pango, aue hi, ha indeed!
----
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.
All news items (except where noted otherwise) are reproduced
by kind permission of copyright owner, Newstalk ZB News. All
copyright in the news items reproduced remains the property of
The Radio Network Limited.
Formatting this week is sponsored by Terry Dickinson in London.
Thanks Terry.
----
On with the news:
Monday, 22 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SUING DRUGS GIANT NOT EASY
--------------------------
New Zealanders are free to join the thousands suing
pharmaceutical giant Merck over its painkiller Vioxx. The pill
was taken off the shelves last year following evidence it
increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes, opening the
door for the thousands of people who were affected by the drug
to sue. The widow of one heart attack victim in Texas has been
awarded a quarter of a billion dollars. Personal compensation
lawyer John Miller says New Zealanders have successfully sued
an American company before in the case of the Dalkon
Contraception Shield, but a legal suit takes time and is not
easy. Dr Miller says another option is to apply for ACC on the
grounds of medical misadventure.
JUDGE SUMMING UP IN PIPI FRAUD CASE
-----------------------------------
The Pipi Foundation fraud case is likely to wrap up early this
week at the Auckland District Court. Former ACT MP Donna
Awatere Huata and her husband Wi Huata face a total of seven
charges relating to the misuse of funds from the children's
reading fund. The judge will sum up the case this morning, and
then the jury will retire to consider its verdict.
DETECTIVES VISITING SCHOOLS AFTER MOTORWAY DEATH
-------------------------------------------------
Police are going door-to-door in Otahuhu, South Auckland,
looking for clues as to who threw a block of concrete off a
motorway overbridge, killing a young driver. Christopher
Currie of Taupo died instantly, when the concrete chunk
smashed through his car windscreen on the southern motorway on
Friday night. The 20-year-old was driving to Auckland with his
girlfriend and two friends to play a rugby game for the King
Country under 20 team. His coach Justin Marsh says the team is
distraught. Police describe the throwing of the eight kilogram
concrete slab from the bridge as 'an insane act of stupidity.'
They will be speaking with locals and visiting schools in the
area today, hoping to find someone who knows who is
responsible.
SMALL DOG ALMOST MORE COMPACT
-----------------------------
A small pedigree dog has narrowly escaped getting even
smaller. The pet was accidentally left behind at the Papakura
Transfer Station in Auckland yesterday morning and got amongst
rubbish which was about to be compacted when a quick thinking
worker hit the emergency stop button. One of the staff Leonie
Molloy says the dog was seconds away from being instantly
crushed. She has taken it home, given it a bath and introduced
it to her menagerie of pets. Its owner can call the transfer
station to reclaim the pet.
WINE COMPETITION UNDERWAY
-------------------------
New Zealand wines will compete against the best from overseas
at Liquorland's Top 100 International Wine Competition.
Judging starts in Wellington today, with each judge sampling
more than 150 different wines daily during the competition.
Spokeswoman Belinda Jackson says the wines come from as far
afield as Argentina, Spain and Portugal. She says New Zealand
is doing well with varieties such as merlot and pinot noir.
Syrah is also making real progress. Ms Jackson says the final
Top 100 will be available for public tasting later in the year
at Liquorland outlets.
PM BREAKS SILENCE OVER SPEEDING MOTORCADE
-----------------------------------------
The Prime Minister has broken her silence over the speeding
motorcade case, making her first substantial comments since
the verdicts last Friday. Helen Clark has disputed the
evidence of one police officer who says she was seated behind
the driver and leaning over into the middle of the car. She
says anyone who has seen the footage would see she is sitting
in the passenger side of the car. Miss Clark says she was only
accepting the advice of police when she got into the car for
the dash from Waimate to Christchurch. "I would not have asked
for urgent travel to go to the rugby." Two police officers and
a civilian driver have been fined $675 for dangerous driving
following the case.
(Error of judgement, Helen. An act of generosity would have
been more appropriate - BH)
NATIONAL'S TAX POLICY OUT THIS AFTERNOON
----------------------------------------
Low and middle income earners are expected to get the biggest
slice of National's $9.4 billion tax policy which is announced
this afternoon. There is likely to be a flat tax rate for
those earning from $12,000 to $50,000. The rate is expected to
be struck at 21 percent with those earning between $50,000 and
$100,000 likely to pay 33 cents in the dollar. Company tax is
likely to fall from 33 to 30 percent to bring it into line
with Australia. Components of Labour's working for families
package is expected to remain in a revised form.
BALLOONIST CONQUERS RUAPEHU
---------------------------
A hot air balloonist from Wairarapa has become the first to
soar over the summit of Mount Ruapehu. Carterton man Rick
Walczak took off from the Chateau this morning, rising to 3000
metres before catching a wind shift that took him over the
summit at 52 kilometres an hour. He landed safely on the
eastern side of the mountain. The balloonist describes it as
one of his most dangerous endeavours due to the tough terrain
and unpredictable winds. Last year, Mr Walczak flew over Mount
Taranaki but had to call off an attempt at Mount Cook because
of bad weather.
(Apparently the landing on the military training ranges near
Waiouru was a bit interesting, with various military vehicles
rushing up. - BH)
MOTORWAY DEATH STEPPED UP TO HOMICIDE
-------------------------------------
An eyewitness account has led Auckland police to step up an
inquiry into the death of a motorist. Christopher Currie died
on Friday night, when a concrete chunk smashed through his
car's windscreen as he drove up the southern motorway. Police
now say they are dealing with a homicide inquiry. Detective
Senior Sergeant Neil Grimstone says an eyewitness account has
shed some new light on the incident. The eyewitness has
reported seeing a person who was stooped over, carrying a
piece of concrete from a nearby construction site towards the
bridge. Detective Sergeant Grimstone says he has no doubt that
this is the person responsible for dropping the concrete onto
the car. He adds that as part of the investigation police want
to speak to juvenile street Otahuhu gangs, whose graffiti tags
are in and around the bridge. Meanwhile, speaking in Taupo
this afternoon, Chris Currie's father, Wayne, has pleaded for
the killer to come forward. He hopes who ever did it has a
huge guilty conscience and that it is eating them out. Mr
Currie believes his son deserves justice for what has happened
as it was not an accident. He says if the person was strong
enough to throw an eight kilo block of concrete off an
overbridge they should also be strong enough to come forward
and be accountable. Wayne Currie says it is a living nightmare
for him and his wife, although they are trying to focus on
Christopher's brother and sister. Chris Currie will be buried
at 11am on Wednesday in Taupo.
LABOUR CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS AFTER ALLEGATIONS
--------------------------------------------
Labour's controversial Chinese candidate Steven Ching has
withdrawn from the party's list. Mr Ching was earlier this
year accused of corruption by a Sunday newspaper. He had been
number 42 on Labour's list, and on current polling was likely
to become an MP. Labour Party president Mike Williams says
while allegations against Mr Ching have been withdrawn by the
paper, the party and Mr Ching have agreed it is not in the
best interests of Labour for him to continue as a candidate.
Mr Williams says the allegations are scurrilous innuendo and
have probably have come from political enemies.
POLICE DEFEND HORSE SHOOTINGS
-----------------------------
Police say seven horses have been shot near Taupo because they
kept running loose on local roads. A group of construction
workers say they felt repulsed to see the animals being shot
dead in the settlement of Motuapa. Turangi police say
irresponsible owners are letting the horses in local reserves
and parks, and they keep getting on roads, particularly the
busy State Highway One. They say a woman crashed into one of
the animals recently, and is regarded as lucky to be alive.
Acting officer in charge Duncan McKenzie says attempts were
made to find the owners of the group of horses, but none came
forward.
(Colliding with a horse is not good for anyone, nor even the
vehicle. I gather that the problem is worse in countries where
camels roam free. The vehicle impacts at knee level, and the
body of the camel comes through the windscreen and kills the
driver. Or was that just a story for gullible tourists? - BH)
Tuesday, 23 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AIRLINE FORCED TO HIKE FUEL SURCHARGE
--------------------------------------
Air New Zealand says it has had no choice but to hike its fuel
surcharge. The rise will add $6.00 to a domestic flight, $10
to a trans-Tasman or Pacific flight and an extra $152 one way
on long-haul flights to Europe. The increases apply to flights
booked and paid for after September 1. Air New Zealand says
its jet fuel bill has risen 25 percent in the past three
months and is now 42 percent higher than a year ago. Chief
Financial Officer Rob McDonald says the company cannot go on
absorbing the cost, particularly as favourable hedging it had
negotiated against fuel prices begins to roll off.
SUPPORT FROM HOME FOR PROTESTING TONGANS
----------------------------------------
A group of Tongans protesting in Auckland has received support
from their homeland. At least four people were arrested last
night following demonstrations outside the Tongan King's
residence in Epsom. The protestors want King Taufa'ahau Tupou
IV to discuss pay rises for civil servants and the setting up
of a democratic government. Tears rolled down the face of
protest leader Alani Taione as he phoned Tonga and told the
leader of the People's Party about the arrests and that the
King had failed to front up to the demonstrators. He says the
leader gave his blessing and supports whatever the people in
New Zealand can do to help those back in Tonga. Mr Taione
would not be drawn on what might happen next, saying that is
up to the people. Meanwhile, the King's neighbours are
becoming less tolerant. Antonia Wilson says people have used
her property to try to get to the King's residence and it has
been getting quite intense. She says it has been a struggle
just to get her car into the driveway.
(It has been sad to see the present situation. It is hard to
imagine any modern country accepting a monarchy as anything
other than symbolic. Also sad to see some of the protesters
seemingly fortified with alcohol. As of today, Monday, it is
clear that this has escalated beyond industrial dispute and
has become a drive for nothing less than democracy. - BH)
SMITH REAPPEARS IN COURT TODAY
------------------------------
The man wanted for questioning regarding the murder of a
Tribesman gang member at Waingaro in June will reappear in the
Hamilton District Court today. Kim Smith was arrested at
Patumahoe, near Pukekohe on Friday night and appeared in court
on Saturday. He was remanded in custody until today when he
will face 26 drugs and firearms charges. Smith had been on the
run for eight months prior to his arrest, sparking a man hunt
last month in Port Waikato bush when it was discovered he was
living in a hut in the area.
CLARK PIPPED BRASH SAYS COMMENTATOR
-----------------------------------
A marketing expert believes Prime Minister Helen Clark might
just have pipped Don Brash at the post during TVOne's leaders'
debate last night. Professor Phil Harris from Otago University
believes the debate did not deal with the real issues and was
overshadowed by the raucous audience. He says Don Brash came
across as a gentlemanly and balanced politician, but lost his
cool on occasions, whereas Miss Clark was more strident.
Professor Harris says the crowd seemed pro-Labour and anti-
Brash and a more balanced audience would have allowed greater
focus on the leaders themselves and the issues they were
debating
(TVNZ should rethink their use of selected partisan audiences.
In my opinion they were ill-behaved, added nothing but noise,
and escalated the temperature. - BH)
WRONG PEOPLE BECOMING REAL ESTATE AGENTS
----------------------------------------
A real estate agency believes the industry is attracting some
of the wrong people and not doing enough to retain the right
staff. Business director of LJ Hooker New Zealand, Michael
Davoren, says the huge attrition rate of agents is the
sector's biggest problem, with 80 percent leaving within their
first year. He says while the barriers to entering the
industry have been raised in recent years, people who simply
do not have the right attributes are still coming in,
attracted by the illusion they can make a quick buck selling
houses. Mr Davoren says the Real Estate Institute and the
major networks are trying to raise standards because if they
do not, the government will do it for them, through greater
regulation. LJ Hooker has launched an online tool called 'test
drive a real estate career' to assess whether people are
suitable as agents and try to weed out pretenders.
(I understand similar problems are true of used car sales, tow
trucks, and Parliament - BH)
VEHICLE BEING REMOVED FROM FATAL CRASH SITE
-------------------------------------------
The vehicle which plunged off the summit of Mt Wellington, in
Auckland, killing a nine-year-old girl, will be removed from
the crash site today. Britney Abbott died when she was flung
from the vehicle on Sunday afternoon. Eye-witnesses have told
police it appeared the vehicle was deliberately driven at
speed through a safety barrier. Britney's four-year-old sister
and the driver, a male relative, are in hospital with
injuries. Police say it is likely charges will be laid. It is
believed the man had fled with the two children after a
domestic incident at a Mt Wellington house but it was up to
two hours before police were alerted.
CHH DEFENDS REDUNDANCIES
------------------------
Carter Holt Harvey claims staff layoffs are best for the
company in the long term. The company will lay off 40 workers
at its Tokoroa plywood mill. The announcement follows
predictions last month that 55 staff would be made redundant.
Wood Products spokesman John Thorburn says claims by unions
that the company has taken the easy option are not true. He
says it is responding to difficult market conditions,
particularly in Australia and increased costs within the
business. He says action needs to be taken now to pave the way
for a strong future.
(When I worked at Kinleith from 1966 through 1970, there were
3,500 employees. There are now just a few hundred. - BH)
ARREST IN CONCRETE BLOCK CASE
-----------------------------
Police in Auckland have made an arrest in the fatal concrete
block case. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder
after Chris Currie was killed when the slab was dropped from
an Auckland overbridge and smashed through the windscreen of
his car while he was driving along the Southern Motorway on
Friday night.
(What a senseless stupid tragedy all round. - BH)
NZ CONTRIBUTES TO AFGHANISTAN ELECTIONS
---------------------------------------
While election campaigning is reaching fever-pitch in New
Zealand, another significant election is looming on the other
side of the world. The Government has agreed to contribute $1
million to the United Nations to assist with the running of
democratic elections in Afghanistan, which are being held on
September 18. Aid Minister Marian Hobbs says Afghanistan's
elections are truly challenging in scale. The exact number of
candidates is still unknown, but as many up to 10,000 people
could be standing for the Provincial Council and the lower
house. Around 30,000 polling stations will be needed, run by
200,000 staff. The 180 New Zealand Defence Force staff
stationed in Afghanistan will also help out.
TOLL APOLOGISES FOR FERRY DELAYS
---------------------------------
There has been a far from trouble-free start for the newest
inter-island ferry. The Kaitaki was more than an hour late,
when it docked at Picton yesterday. Today's 9am sailing has
been delayed for two hours. Toll Shipping spokeswoman Sue
Foley says berthing difficulties in Picton last night affected
the schedule and it has still to catch up. She denies the
vessel suffered technical problems and says the difficulties
arose because the Arahura was still in Picton when the ferry
arrived. Ms Foley says Toll apologises to customers for any
inconvenience.
(The new ship is a big slab sided thing, at 22, 365 almost
twice the tonnage of the Arahura. It will be interesting to
see if she fares better than the Aratere. A web site at
http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=9107942&lang=en shows
her in previous guises, and if you scroll down far enough you
can see her in the Interisland lines livery. - BH)
TEEN CHARGED WITH MURDER FOLLOWING MOTORWAY DEATH
--------------------------------------------------
Information from a local school has led to an arrest Chris
Currie murder case. The 20-year-old from Taupo was travelling
north with friends on Auckland's Southern Motorway on Friday
when an eight kilo concrete block was hurled from the
overbridge at Otahuhu. It plunged through the windscreen of Mr
Currie's 1993 Honda Civic, killing him instantly. A 14-year-
old boy has been charged with murder. Police say the arrest
was made late last night following inquiries made at a local
school. The 14-year-old boy charged with murder after a
concrete block was dropped onto a car in Auckland has appeared
in the Manukau District Court. Twenty-year-old Chris Currie
was killed when the slab, dropped from a motorway overbridge
at Otahuhu, slammed through the windscreen of his 1993 Honda
Civic as he was travelling towards Auckland on the Southern
Motorway on Friday night. Police have been going to local
schools, appealing to students for information on the case and
say the arrest came from one of the visits. The accused
teenager has been remanded into Social Welfare care without
plea and will reappear in the Youth Court on September 13. Two
of his associates have been spoken to, but are not being
charged.
MAN ARRESTED AFTER AOS CALLOUT
------------------------------
A Hamilton man is in police custody after an Armed Offender
Squad call out. Police had been looking for the man in
relation to a domestic incident on Saturday night. Armed
police stopped the man at about midnight as he was driving
away from an address in the suburb of Forest Lake. The 27-
year-old faces charges of breaching a protection order,
unlawful possession of a firearm, presenting a firearm and
threatening to kill. He has also been charged with possession
of utensils for consuming methamphetamine as well as four
counts of burglary. A 20-year-old man was also apprehended
from the same vehicle.
WELLINGTONIANS ILL-PREPARED FOR DISASTER
----------------------------------------
Wellington's Emergency Management Office admits it is
concerned about results from a recent civil defence survey.
The Regional Council survey showed that 48 percent of
households had either no water stored for an emergency or
insufficient to see them through three days or more.
Wellington's emergency management chief, Adrian Glen says that
would prove disastrous if an emergency struck because the
city's supply would be stretched trying to provide for all
those who have not provided for themselves. He says it appears
that many households have emergency preparations on their 'to
do' list, but few get around to it.
(We have some but not all of the recommended kits. Must
rectify that. The Wellington fault line is about 500 metres to
the East of our house. - BH)
VICTIM WAS ALREADY BATTERED, SAYS ACCUSED
-----------------------------------------
A Christchurch man accused of killing Nicola Hackell in March
told police she arrived at his house battered and bruised.
Nicholas Marsh is facing charges of murder, kidnap and assault
in the District Court. In a depositions hearing, Sergeant Paul
Piper said he arrived at a Woolston property on Easter Sunday.
He told the court Marsh denied any knowledge of how Ms Hackell
had got into his house that day. Sergeant Piper said Marsh
told him Ms Hackell did not say anything when she arrived and
laid down on the floor. Marsh told police he thought the
victim was sleeping.
LACK OF TREATMENT LED TO DEATH
------------------------------
A forensic pathologist's findings have revealed that Nicola
Hackell could have survived a prolonged beating if she had
received medical treatment. Nicolas Marsh is accused of his
former partner's murder and also faces charges of kidnap and
assault. Nicola Hackell was found dead in Woolston on Easter
Sunday and her two school-aged children were also found at the
crime scene. At a depositions hearing in Christchurch,
pathologist Dr Martin Sage said Ms Hackell's injuries fitted
the pattern of a deliberately inflicted violent and prolonged
beating. He said Hackell died as a result of an acute subdural
haemorrhage but could have lived if she had received treatment
within 12 to 18 hours. Dr Sage said 126 bruises and abrasions
were found on the 37-year olds body.
STUDENT LOAN POLICY RE-COSTED
-----------------------------
The Finance Minister says he ordered a new costing on the
student loan policy because initial estimates were
ridiculously high. When Labour revealed its interest free
student loan policy, it used a Treasury estimate of it costing
around $300 million a year. However, that was the second
Treasury analysis, with an earlier calculation putting it
closer to $390 million. Minister Michael Cullen says he asked
for the second estimate because the first was based on a
ridiculous 95 per cent uptake rate. He says in 2000, the
Treasury forecast a 90 per cent uptake on Labour's then
student policy with the reality being just 55 percent.
AWATERE HUATA IS IN JAIL
------------------------
Donna Awatere Huata is behind bars this evening after she was
found guilty of fraud. The former ACT MP and her husband Wi
Huata were this afternoon jointly found guilty on four charges
of defrauding the taxpayer-funded Pipi Foundation, and one of
attempting to pervert the course of justice. The Hawke's Bay
couple misappropriated more than $80,000 in funds from the
children's reading programme, for personal use. More than
$20,000 was used for a stomach-stapling operation for Mrs
Huata, and to pay the school fees of their two children.
Awatere Huata faced two additional charges of fraud, and was
found guilty of one, and not guilty of the other. Before the
verdicts were read out, a court official told our reporter
that she was in good spirits, and received flowers from
supporters. The Huatas were stoic as they stood in the dock
holding hands to hear their fate. As the verdicts were
delivered Awatere Huata clung to her husband and her
complexion paled as she learned of the decision to deny her
bail ahead of her sentencing in September. A court official
had to get tissues as tears flowed down Awatere Huata's face,
and her husband put his arms around her.
(What can usefully be said at this stage. Regrettably some
Maori are seeing the conviction as anti-Maori, while others
point out that the crimes of which they have been convicted
were precisely crimes against Maori. - BH)
WI HUATA WAS GRANTED BAIL
--------------------------
The Crown said it had no objection to his bail, but said that
the case of Mrs Awatere Huata was completely different as she
had been an MP, and frittered away the public funds given to
the Pipi foundation. The Crown said she should be put behind
bars to show people that fraud on this scale will not be
tolerated. Wi Huata will probably receive a sentence of two
years or less, which would make him eligible for home
detention. However, the Crown and the Judge agreed that a
lengthy jail sentence was the most likely outcome for Awatere
Huata. Meanwhile, her former party leader, Richard Prebble,
told Newstalk ZB that he is glad he took the action against
Awatere Huata which saw her removed from Parliament when the
fraud allegations first surfaced. He says she was a very
plausible liar, and deceived a large number of people for
quite a time. He says the affair is a tragedy for her, her
family, for Parliament and for Maoridom.
Wednesday, 24 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DHBS IN BETTER HEALTH THAN EXPECTED
-----------------------------------
Another surprise fiscal announcement has emerged just weeks
out from the election. District health boards have delivered a
better than expected deficit. The combined results for the
financial year to the end of June 2005 show that DHBs? actual
deficits are better than planned by $73.5 million. The total
planned deficit for the financial year to June is $88.7
million. The actual deficit is $15.2 million. A one-off
Government payment of $11.4 million for asbestos removal as
part of the redevelopment of Auckland City Hospital provides
part of the explanation, but the difference is largely
explained by underspending due to delays in putting new
programmes in place in several DHBs. Some of the reduced
deficit is also explained by a small number of DHBs prudently
making provision for planned major capital expenditure, or
taking a conservative position on spending until extra funding
was provided for holiday pay costs. The total planned deficits
for the full financial year ending June 2005 include a carry-
forward of $7.3m of mental health funding from the previous
year which was unspent, and in this year shows as a deficit
due to accounting practice. Ministry of Health Funding and
Performance Manager, John Hazeldine says the ministry is
continuing to ensure deficits are reduced, with Auckland DHB
coming in for particular attention.
GREENS CLAIM TOO FEW WOMEN ON SOME LISTS
----------------------------------------
The Greens claim any potential National/New Zealand First
coalition would be a retrograde step for women. Co-leader Rod
Donald says both parties have just two women in their top 18
list spots, which he says shows a contemptuous attitude rather
than a real attempt to reflect diversity. Mr Donald says
Labour has six women and the Greens' have seven. He says
having a fair representation of women in Parliament was last
century's debate. Mr Donald believes the claim by National
Party leader Don Brash that he restrained from attacking Helen
Clark in the leaders' debate because she is a woman, is a case
in point of National's attitude.
(I'd hope that both parties had the best candidates in the top
eighteen lists judged on skill and experience rather than
gender or race. If eighteen men happen to be more appropriate
for the job than eighteen women do, that is not gender based
discrimination, it's being selective about who can do the best
job and rightfully so. - HH)
(That's my girl - BH)
"GENTLEMAN" BRASH PRAISED AND SLATED
-------------------------------------
Women have come out from both sides of the ring, after the
revelation from Don Brash that he treats Helen Clark
differently because of the Prime Minister's gender. The
National Party leader says he would have been more aggressive
in Monday night's leaders' debate if his opponent had been a
man. The woman responsible for Dr Brash entering politics,
former National Party president Michelle Boag, is defending
him, saying it shows what a gentleman he is. Ms Boag says he
is polite and courteous and politics is unlikely to change him
in that respect. But former Alliance MP Laila Harre says the
incident shows that Dr Brash is uncomfortable dealing with
strong women. She says if National gets into power and the US
sends Condoleezza Rice to negotiate passage for nuclear ships,
it is highly likely the nuclear ban would be "gone by
lunchtime."
(Given that Dr Brash has already spent a whole parliamentary
session in combat with Helen Clark, it seems odd that now he
is competing for her job, he is suddenly going to soft pedal.
- BH)
BEERMAKERS WALK OFF THE JOB
---------------------------
Around 170 staff have walked off the job at Dominion Breweries
for 24 hours in support of a pay rise. The action affects
sites in Auckland, Mangatainoka in the Tararua district,
Timaru and on the West Coast. The Engineering, Printing and
Manufacturing Union says it is the first national strike at DB
in more than 20 years. Workers are seeking a five percent pay
rise, but the brewer is offering four percent.
CONCRETE BLOCK VICTIM'S FUNERAL TODAY
-------------------------------------
The funeral for Chris Currie, who was killed when a chunk of
concrete smashed through his windscreen on Friday night, will
be held this morning a Founders Chapel in Taupo. His father
Wayne expects it to be a large affair. The 20-year-old was in
Auckland to play rugby for the King Country under-20 side when
his car was struck by the slab, which was dropped from an
overbridge at Otahuhu on Auckland's Southern Motorway A 14-
year-old boy has been charged with murder.
DEALING WITH UNRULY STUDENTS
----------------------------
Police are supporting Otago University, as it considers making
changes to its disciplinary process. The move comes after a
student party in Castle Street on Sunday, which attracted more
than 100 people and required the attendance of all emergency
services. One of the options floated by the institution is to
impose sanctions on those students who bring the university
into disrepute, on or off campus. Inspector Dave Campbell says
police have discussed concerns with the university and the
City Council. He says it is a difficult situation, as hosting
a party is not illegal. He says the police are constantly
trying to come up with new ideas to combat disorder in North
Dunedin, caused by a relatively small number of students.
SCHOOL STANDS BY "HOW TO SMACK" LEAFLET
---------------------------------------
An Auckland school is making no apologies for a pamphlet in
its latest school newsletter, telling parents how to correctly
smack their children. Carey College says the pamphlet was
written to encourage discussion about smacking. Principal
Michael Drake says it aims to help people understand smacking
is completely different from abuse. He says the school wants
to encourage a proper evaluation of the anti-smacking bill
currently before Parliament. He says the bill does not have
the support of ordinary New Zealand parents, who practice
smacking and do so in a loving and safe way. However, the
advice has raised the hackles of those seeking to outlaw the
practice. Green MP Sue Bradford, who is behind the anti-
smacking bill in Parliament, has described the pamphlet as
outrageous and slightly perverse. Michael Drake says the
school has always supported parents' rights to smack and he is
amazed a politician, in a democracy, is criticising the school
simply because it disagrees with her. He says what is needed
is open debate on the topic, without emotive name-calling.
THREE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH ROBBERIES
-------------------------------------------
Police investigating two armed robberies in Tauranga earlier
this month have arrested three people. One is a 29-year-old
man alleged to be the main offender in the two raids. They
included the August 11 robbery at Summit Service Station in
Waihi Road, where a shotgun was fired. A 16-year-old youth has
also been charged as an alleged party to this robbery. A
second 16-year-old has been referred to youth aid for a
burglary where the firearm and ammunition allegedly used in
the robberies was stolen.
TEEN ARRESTED AFTER DRAMATIC CHASE
----------------------------------
Christchurch police have arrested another teenager in
connection with a series of high speed pursuits in the city
last weekend. Four other youths have already been arrested in
connection with the incidents that saw their vehicle driven
the wrong way down one-way systems, on foot-paths and through
red lights. Detective Sergeant Gary Hay says the latest arrest
was made with help of West Coast police with a 19-year-old man
arrested in Westport. He appeared in the Greymouth District
Court earlier today. So far 88 complaints have been laid in
relation to the burglaries and pursuits spree.
Thursday, 25 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ANOTHER ROCK THROWN AT MOVING VEHICLE
-------------------------------------
Less than a week after 20-year-old Chris Currie was killed
when a concrete block was dropped from an overbridge onto his
car, a second missile has been thrown at a moving vehicle. A
woman passenger was knocked unconscious by a rock which was
hurled through the window of the bus she was on in Mt Albert,
Auckland, at about 9.30 last night. Inspector Darroch Todd
says the woman escaped with minor injuries, but it could have
been much worse. He says it is an appalling incident which
defies belief in light of Mr Currie's death. Inspector Todd
says the offender was seen running away and could only be
described as a dark shadow. He says anyone who can identify
the person should contact police. Around a thousand people
attended Mr Currie's funeral in Taupo yesterday. A 14-year-old
boy has been charged with murder.
(Is it the pollen in the air? Or is there a rampant "stupid
gene" starting to emerge? - BH)
PRINCIPAL RECOMMENDS PARENTS DRUG TEST KIDS
-------------------------------------------
A North Island high school is recommending that parents who
suspect their children are using drugs, should buy a urine
test kit. The Morrinsville College principal says drugs are
becoming an increasing menace in New Zealand's schools. John
Inger says cannabis use leads to shorter concentration spans,
a lack of motivation and learning difficulties, even though
the students themselves have the illusion that they're doing
well. In a school newsletter, he suggests that parents who see
changes in their children, buy a 30 dollar urine test kit to
check for cannabis use.
MEDIATORS BRING HOPE TO TONGA
-----------------------------
The Tongan Cabinet is hoping a team of New Zealand arbitrators
will resolve a pay dispute with civil servants that has
fuelled unrest and spilled into violence. The team, led by
former Employment Court judge Tom Goddard, has arrived in the
Pacific Island kingdom. Laumeesi Latu, the chief reporter at
the Times of Tonga, says a cabinet meeting yesterday could not
resolve the issue. The arbitration meeting is expected to be
held this morning.
(Except that the strikers refused to meet with the mediators
unless their government first met all their conditions. That
doesn't sound like mediation to me. - BH)
EXPERTS MEET IN GORE TO DISCUSS SUICIDES
----------------------------------------
Mental health experts are meeting in Gore today after a number
of suicides in the Southland region. It is believed up to
eight young people have taken their lives in as many weeks.
Southland District Health Board General Manager of Mental
Health Chris Nolan says it is a delicate situation and it is
important all agencies work together. He says young people are
vulnerable and impulsive and must be offered help and guidance
through rough times. Mr Nolan says there will be a focus on
helping young people who are particularly vulnerable.
(That headline had me worried. I had a vision of a lemming-
like herd of experts rushing towards a cliff. - BH)
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS PLAN STRIKE
----------------------------------
Major disruptions loom for Wellington hospitals with clinical
psychologists due to walk off the job next week. It follows 12
months of failed pay talks between union representatives and
the Capital and Coast and Hutt DHBs. National Union of Public
Employees secretary Nadine Marshall says following a recent
meeting, psychologists assumed an offer was being prepared,
but she says there was no evidence at mediation yesterday,
that the Government was going to commit to providing pay
parity with nurses and doctors. Ms Marshall says psychologists
will be on call to provide life emergency services during the
five day strike.
ROAD RAGE SUSPECT TURNS HIMSELF IN
----------------------------------
A man has turned himself in to police after a brutal road rage
attack. The 35-year-old man from Mangere, South Auckland, has
been arrested and charged with intent to cause grievous bodily
harm after a truck driver was pulled from his cab and
viscously bashed with a claw hammer. Detective Senior Sergeant
Sue Schwalger says footage caught on security cameras was
broadcast on TV last night and forced the man to surrender to
police. He will appear in the Manukau District Court this
morning.
(The attack was broadcast on every news programme for a day or
too and was utterly shocking in its utter savagery. - BH)
TREE TROUBLES IN TAURANGA
--------------------------
Tauranga's mayor has spoken out in support of locals grappling
with tree issues on their properties. Mayor Stuart Crosby's
comments came in a major debate over city trees and their
protection. He told a committee meeting that owners who want a
registered tree removed are treated like criminals who have to
prove their innocence, and who end up being put to exorbitant
expense. Councillor Mary Dillon however, pointed to the
results of surveys showing an overwhelming consensus in favour
of tree protection.
HURLED ROCKS ARE A GROWING PROBLEM
-----------------------------------
Train drivers say they are worrying that it will only a matter
of time before one of them is serious injured by youngsters
throwing stones at them as they pass. Toll says an incident is
reported every week, and one driver has already received
facial injuries from a rock. The company says drivers get a
huge fright when stones shatter the glass of their cabs, as
the majority of these incidents happen at night. The situation
is so bad around Papanui in Christchurch, that drivers now
wear safety glasses as they travel through the area. Toll is
asking the public to watch for any such activity and report it
to police. Meanwhile, an Auckland truckie doubts whether the
serious issue of objects being hurled at motorists will ever
be remedied. Dave Shailer from Daily Freight says he sees
young kids hurling rocks and bottles off overbridges nearly
every day. His comments come after two buses were attacked
this week in what are thought to be copycat incidents from
last Friday's tragedy, in which Chris Currie was killed by an
eight kilogram rock which was hurled through his windscreen.
Mr Shailer says he has had a couple of experiences himself and
has complained to the council to no avail. He says he is not
even confident these latest, more serious incidents will have
an impact.
Friday, 26 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BOTCHED CERVICAL TESTS "UNACCEPTABLE"
-------------------------------------
Auckland Women's Health Council says the latest problem with
cervical screening is an appalling mistake which should not
have happened. Thirty seven Gisborne women are being recalled
after mistakes in the processing of smear tests taken over the
past three months. Health Council coordinator Lynda Williams
says it is particularly disturbing that the women are again
the focus of a botched test as it creates more uncertainty
around the screening programme. She adds that it is
unacceptable for this to be happening after the Gisborne
Cervical Screening inquiry in 2001, which outlined
recommendations to prevent errors occurring in the future.
SENTENCING IN OTAKI BABY DEATH CASE
-----------------------------------
A young woman who admitted playing a part in the death of her
baby will be sentenced today. Twenty-year-old Tracee Harris
will appear in the High Court at Wellington on charges of
manslaughter and permitting her baby to be ill-treated. Baby
Kathleen Harris was already dead when she was taken to a
medical centre in Otaki in November last year. Earlier this
year a pathologist told a depositions hearing that Kathleen
had many injuries, including skull fractures, head and
abdominal injuries and a broken arm. Harris' partner at the
time, Blair Williams has pleaded not guilty to murdering the
baby and is awaiting trial.
SEVEN YEARS' JAIL FOR BABY'S DEATH
----------------------------------
A 20-year-old woman has been jailed for seven years for the
manslaughter of her baby. Tracee Harris has been sentenced in
the High Court at Wellington. Her seven month old baby,
Kathleen Harris, died in November last year. A pathologist
found that in the weeks before her death she had suffered
several injuries, including damage to her spleen, broken bones
and extensive bruising. Harris's lawyer told the court his
client was very immature and did not have the ability to
protect her daughter. He said she was remorseful and knows she
let Kathleen down. However Justice Goddard said that even when
it was obvious the baby would soon die, Harris still failed to
act.
MAN SENTENCED IN DRUG RING CASE
-------------------------------
A man named in the celebrity drug scandal has been convicted
and sentenced at Auckland District Court. Restaurant manager
Phillip Clark admitted to attempting to procuring cocaine from
another man already charged in connection to the case. Clark
has been convicted and fined $250 and ordered to pay court
costs of $130. The judge said the 31-year-old was a first time
offender and that he took that into account when sentencing
him. Meanwhile, a sports celebrity named in connection with
the drug ring is due to appear in court this afternoon.
YOUNG BOY ASSAULTED IN OWN HOME
-------------------------------
An eight year old boy has been indecently assaulted by an
intruder in his Wairoa home. Police are investigating a report
from early yesterday morning that a man entered the house, got
into bed with the child and assaulted him, then left the
property soon afterwards. The man is described as skinny with
short hair, aged about 30, wearing a dark-coloured hooded
sweatshirt and black jacket. Police want to hear from anyone
who may have seen a person fitting that description near
McLean Street just before 6am on Thursday.
ABS BEND REF'S EAR
------------------
The All Blacks have bent the ear of the French referee ahead
of tomorrow night's crucial tri nations test against the
Springboks in Dunedin. The All Black coaching staff have this
week publicly highlighted some illegalities in the Springboks
rushing-defence. Graham Henry has indicated they have been
brought to the attention of referee Joel Jutge. Henry says
they discussed things that are obvious, and he does not need
to list them, as most people will know what was on the agenda.
The All Blacks are after an improved start to tomorrow night's
test. In the last two tests they conceded 13 unanswered points
early on, having to fight their way back into the game.
Captain Tana Umaga admits that is something they have
emphasised in their preparations. He says whether they can put
it into practice will only be known tomorrow night. The All
Blacks have held a captain's run this morning on Carisbrook,
with the Springboks having a light jog later tonight.
Meanwhile, Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery is looking
forward to using a Gilbert ball again tomorrow night at
Carisbrook. Last weekend in Perth, Montgomery kicked just
three out of eight attempts at goal. He puts it down to the
Summit brand of ball used there. He says even the Australian
kicking coach describes the Summit balls as rubbish. Fine
weather is forecast for the test.
(What a game it was. The Springboks have some astonishing
talent, especially Enrico Januarie and Bryan Habana, but then
so has our team, and the All Blacks won a really tough and
exciting match. - BH)
ELLIS APOLOGISES TO PARENTS
---------------------------
Marc Ellis has made a public apology to his parents and family
following his conviction for possession of ecstasy in the
District Court in Auckland. Former sports star and TV
personality Marc Ellis has admitted that in June this year he
bought five tablets of the Class B drug ecstasy from a man
already charged in connection with Auckland drug ring case.
The case has sparked nationwide rumours about which
celebrities might have been involved in the scandal. Ellis has
freely admitted this afternoon that he possessed Ecstasy,
after he was caught with the drug in June. He says the drugs
were for his own personal use. Ellis alternately looked at the
ground and the public gallery as the prosecution explained how
he and an unknown accomplice originally sought to purchase ten
tablets from the man. He told the court he bought each tablet
at a cost of $60, and was convicted and sentenced to pay $300
and $130 in court costs. Ellis was only arrested this morning,
but his lawyer told reporters that he wanted to get the issue
dealt with immediately, and not play "hide and seek" with the
media. He says Ellis wanted to front up to the charges and get
on with his life. Outside the court he apologised to his
parents, friends and supporters for what he had done,
admitting he has made a bad error of judgement.
NATIONAL DEMANDS FIGURES ON STUDENT LOANS
-----------------------------------------
National's finance spokesman John Key is calling on the
Government to come clean over the real cost of its promise to
scrap the interest on student loans. Mr Key says when she
announced the package, the Prime Minister knew the $300
million price tag was too light. He says Labour initially said
there was no Treasury advice on the package, then it said
there was. Finance Minister Michael Cullen is saying it will
cost almost $400 million. Mr Key says Dr Cullen should
immediately release the Treasury advice.
LABOUR HAS GOT NZ "RIGHT FOR IMMIGRANTS"
----------------------------------------
Helen Clark has told a gathering of Muslims in Hamilton that
Labour has got the country just right for immigrants. The
Prime Minister says with such low unemployment, manufacturers
are screaming out for skilled workers. She says that trend
would be in jeopardy if any other party was in government.
Miss Clark has also travelled to Waikato University where her
student loan policy has proved very popular. She is also set
to reveal Labour's Maori policy later this afternoon.
BODY DUMPED "LIKE RUBBISH"
-------------------------
Police have revealed details about items that they say were
used to dump the body of a young Auckland mother like a piece
of rubbish. Katrina Jefferies' body was found in Waikowhai
Reserve in the Auckland suburb of Hillsborough in July. Police
say her body was found wrapped in a red tarpaulin, yellow
raincoat and black plastic rubbish bag. A distinctive oil
painting was also found nearby. Detective Senior Sergeant
Gerry Whitley says the objects, put together, could form the
link that police need. He says police need to know who may
have used the items to callously dump the body of the young
mother. Last month, the investigation team enlisted the help
of a criminal profiling team to see what they can add to the
investigation. An appeal for information on TV's "Police 10/7"
at the same time prompted a report that a silver Nissan Pulsar
and white Mazda 323 were seen in the area. However, Auckland
Police believe friends and associates of Ms Jefferies have
been telling them lies. They have been unable to rule out a
number of her associates as suspects and Detective Senior
Sergeant Whitley says some of them have not been telling
police the full truth. He says there is a chance one of them
has killed Katrina Jefferies.
MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS CANCEL STRIKE
-----------------------------------
Mental health workers have called off a planned strike on
Monday. The Public Service Association met with District
Health Boards yesterday. PSA National Secretary Richard
Wagstaff says talks went well and as a show of good faith,
they have called off the 24 hour strike. Mr Wagstaff says they
hope to complete negotiations next week. He says there is
still a lot of work to do but they are confident good progress
has been made and hope to finish up settlements next week. He
says they are determined to achieve a fair pay deal which
reflects the work they do.
ONE KILLED IN CHOPPER CRASH
---------------------------
One person is dead after a helicopter crash in Shenandoah near
Murchison. The helicopter crashed onto private property at
around quarter past five this evening. Emergency services are
still at the scene.
LABOUR REVEALS MAORI POLICY
---------------------------
The Prime Minister wants to focus on promoting Maori business
development in a third term Labour Government. Helen Clark has
been in Hamilton launching her party's Maori policy in the
traditional Labour stronghold of Tainui. She focused more on
Labour's Maori achievements and our political staff say she
offered few new or tangible ideas for Maori voters. Miss Clark
says her biggest goal in a third term would be to further the
work of the Hui Taumata - the Maori economic development
summit. She says there need to be better ways of managing
claim settlements with training to help provide appropriately
skilled staff. The newest element included was the
announcement of Labour's Treaty deadline policy, which was
revealed three weeks ago. Miss Clark has rejected suggestions
there is very little on offer in the policy, however,
maintaining there is plenty on offer for Maori under Labour.
She says the overall thrust shows redistribution through
family tax relief, support for lower decile schools and new
health care initiatives.
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