From news at wysiwygnews.com Sun Jul 3 21:23:19 2005 From: news at wysiwygnews.com (news@wysiwygnews.com) Date: Sun Jul 3 21:23:29 2005 Subject: WYSIWYG NEWS - 3 July, 2005 Message-ID: subject: July 3, 2005 ----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ Copyright, Brian Harmer Oriental Parade has iconic value for Wellingtonians. Just as Aucklanders away from home in winter might dream fondly of Mission Bay, Christchurch people of Sumner, and Dunedin dwellers or St Kilda or St Clair, so we denizens of the Harbour Capital picture the tiny crescent around which so many of our summer memories seem to revolve. In other parts of the world this might be called the corniche, or the perhaps the esplanade. Most expatriates will have memories of the old Victorian villas which formed the backdrop to the beach. Fewer and fewer of them remain as they yield to the pitiless march of development. Big orange demolition machines reduce the grand old houses to matchwood, and after a time of chaos and inconvenience, tower cranes and concrete pumps, yet another bland monument to affluence emerges from behind the plastic safety barriers. This lament is not to say that Oriental Bay does not present a handsome frontage. It does, and as I have often said in the past, the view across the harbour from there is one of my favourites in all the world. There are still many fine old houses, some in better repair than others, scattered in all their pastel painted finery on the narrow streets that climb up and around the steep North face of Mt Victoria. The fine brick building that used to be a Cistercian monastery, St Gerard's, still watches over its Western end. At the Eastern end, the apartment block on Point Jerningham, notwithstanding the blue paint job, still looks to me like a barracks block. Just below Carlton Gore Rd, the building that was until recently the Hotel Raffaele is undergoing a significant makeover to some purpose I have yet to discover. If you have been away from Wellington for a very long time, this is on the site of the old hostel that I think was run by the then P&T for its unmarried employees. The fountain that has been the centrepiece of the bay for years continues to make a spectacular display. You know it's a really calm day if any of the water falls back to the fountain's base. More usually, the tumbling spray arrives back in the harbour from whence it came, some tens of metres from the base. When the wind is in the north, there is an automatic cut-off to ensure that more salt water than necessary is not sprayed on the houses and shops in the suburb. Several small and fashionable restaurants do a steady trade, especially with the "brunch" crowd during the weekend. My position remains unchanged. Brunch is a fine concept as long as I have first had a good breakfast! -- A whole week later, and the above didn't get sent, consequent to some technical issues with Helen's gathering of the news. In the meantime, New Zealand life has been dominated by sport. In Australia, our Netball team, the Silver Ferns, comprehensively confirmed their world champion ranking by beating the Australians. They achieved this in part by finally learning to play our Trans-Tasman rivals at their own fairly physical version of the game. For years in this non-contact sport, we have watched our players suddenly pop out of the court, victim of sometimes quite unsubtle hip charges. Now both teams do it in equal measure, which is a pity, but it makes the squeals of outrage from the Australian coach and their media quite comical. And then there was the rugby. Last week's game was played in Jade Stadium (formerly Lancaster Park) in driving rain and sleet. The touring British and Irish Lions Team got comprehensively beaten on the day (21 - 3), and despite the media spin from the red camp, it was not as a result of Tana Umaga attacking O'Driscoll. After the bleak and miserable weather in Christchurch, Wellington turned its most benign face to the visiting hordes. Four to five days of clear sharp golden weather presented the city to good advantage. And indeed Wellington was suddenly flooded with tourists wearing Lions jerseys. In the Westpac Stadium (only foreigners, idiots and Aucklanders refer to the cake tin), where the spectators commonly wear the colours of their team, red outnumbered black! Isn't that amazing, half way around the world? No hotel rooms could be had, pubs were overflowing, streets were closed off for extra hospitality tents. It was a carnival. The Lions had improved dramatically in the week that passed, perhaps as a consequence of replacing 11 of the fifteen players, and were at least twice as good as before. It was a fantastic game. The All Blacks won by a stunning 48 - 18. In fairness, the ABs were a cohesive national team in the full flight of the local football season. The Lions are an amalgam of players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales put together for the tour, playing a winter game in their summer. Individually they are great athletes. Collectively it is a bit unfair to expect them to perform at the level of a standing national team. They have one more chance to salvage pride next week at Eden Park in Auckland. Of course the All Blacks don't plan to give them an easy ride. They need the preparation for the real foe, the wily Oz who squeaked through against France in Brisbane yesterday :-). In case anyone thinks that I've gone over to the dark side, this afternoon (Sunday), Mary and I went into the city, among the wreckage of last nights many parties, to see the NZ Opera performance of Don Giovanni. It was magnificently performed and sung, though the staging was a little Spartan for my taste. From there we went out to the airport to pick up a friend who is staying with us for a week. Apart from those fog cancellations, I have never seen the place busier. Strangely, almost everyone wearing red looked very glum indeed. Happy 4th of July to my many American friends. ---- 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 Barbara Johnston in Scotland. Barbara made the time to drop her support in personally, so a Special warm thank you to you. ---- On with the news: Monday, 20 June ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SEARCH FOR MISSING WOMAN CONTINUES ---------------------------------- Police investigating the disappearance of 62-year-old Kaye Stewart in the Rimutaka Forest Park will return to Wainuiomata today. Mrs Stewart has been missing for a week. Detective Senior Sergeant Soni Malaulau says an investigation base is being set up in a caravan at Coast Road. Posters are also going up in Wainuiomata and other areas close to where Mrs Stewart went missing, showing the clothing she may have been wearing and the vehicle she was driving. Mr Malaulau says it is hoped memories will be jogged to yield fresh information. (Two weeks on, there has still been no sign of her, despite many hours of painstaking searching by police and army personnel - BH) CARTER WANTS PROCESS FOR JAPAN'S WHALE KILL ------------------------------------------- New Zealand is proposing a disputes settlement process be established to enable the International Whaling Commission to deal with Japan's whaling policy. Conservation Minister Chris Carter is in Korea for the IWC's annual meeting. He says Japan's proposal to double its so-called scientific slaughter is the focus of the conference, but he will be putting forward a request to establish a formal process so IWC nations can finally deal with the Japan dispute. Mr Carter says all modern international organisations have an effective disputes resolution process including penalties for nations that do not comply. Japan wants to take the number of whales it hunts to around 900. SECRECY SURROUNDS RAPE CASE --------------------------- Name suppression for four men accused of pack rape is likely to continue for the duration of their two-week trial, which begins in Wellington today. The men are charged over an incident that is alleged to have happened in Mt Maunganui 16 years ago. They are facing rape, sexual violation and abduction charges relating to events at a location near Tay Street in January 1989. The trial has been moved from Rotorua to Wellington and strict suppression orders are in place surrounding the men's identity, their past and previous occupations, and details of the alleged offences. Some of the testimony of witnesses in the case has also been suppressed. NORM DANCES TO SUCCESS ---------------------- A former All Black hooker has become a dancing sensation. Norm Hewitt stole the show in the final of Dancing with the Stars last night with his pasa doble with a difference. The judges awarded him and dancing partner Carol-Anne Hickmore just one point more than the other finalists, Shane Cortese and Nerida Lister, but public opinion ensured the gold was theirs. Ms Hickmore admitted that when the partners were first announced, she would have preferred Daniel Carter, but she now says she could not have asked for a better partner. (It's not often you see a ballroom dancer with a cauliflower ear. Norm has been in way to many rugby mauls to have escaped undamaged. - BH) TEEN FIGHTS FOR LIFE AFTER BRAWL -------------------------------- A 17-year-old is fighting for his life after a massive brawl in Auckland at the weekend. The teenager is in a critical condition in Auckland City Hospital after the incident in Grey Lynn in the early hours of yesterday morning. Up to 50 youths were involved in the fight in Surrey Crescent at around 3.30am. Detective Inspector Bernie Hollewand says a number of witnesses are being spoken to before police make any further comment. GREENS ATTACK NZ FIRST ---------------------- The Green Party has announced its human rights and launched a broadside against the policies of New Zealand First. Spokesman Keith Locke says Winston Peters sees New Zealand as consisting of two varieties of people, European and Maori and regards newcomers as a threat. He claims there is an undercurrent of discrimination in New Zealand which is being fostered by the New Zealand First leader. Mr Locke says migrants are a great asset and should be welcomed. (How many combinations are possible of one party attacking another if there are 'x' parties. Some vague mathematical stirring says n!/(n-2)! And that's if each attacks the other once only. We have months of this rubbish to come :-( - BH) POLICE TIGHT-LIPPED ABOUT BODIES -------------------------------- Police are yet to release the names of two women, whose bodies were found in the sea off Lyall Bay on Wellington's south coast yesterday morning. One of the women is believed to be in her 50s and the other in her 70s. The Dominion Post reports the women faced murder charges in relation to the death of a 77-year-old Levin man in February. Police are appealing for anyone who was around the coastline over the weekend to contact them. Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Cotter says people often park at the bays and they want to hear from anyone who was there in the 24 hours before 11 o'clock yesterday morning. He says a car found nearby has been seized, but a burnt out vehicle on the beach is not related to the enquiry. DEAD WOMEN FACED MURDER CHARGES -------------------------------- Police have confirmed the two women whose bodies were found in Wellington's Princess Bay yesterday were facing murder charges over a death of a man in Levin in February. They were a mother and daughter aged 75 and 51. Police have not yet said how they died, though there were reports of shots from locals. Post mortem examinations are continuing, which could take a couple of days. Their identities are yet to be revealed as their next of kin have not been confirmed. Police have also not revealed whether the deaths are to be treated as a homicide. Tuesday, 21 June ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CHARGES LIKELY AFTER SEALS SHOT -------------------------------- The police and the Department of Conservation will lay charges this week against those believed to be responsible for shooting at seals in Otago. A tourist filmed men shooting at seals from a boat and contacted police. Two protected fur seals died from shotgun wounds. Seven Otago men have been spoken to, including former All Black Andrew Hore. Three shotguns have been confiscated. Robin Thomas from the Department of Conservation says a solicitor is reviewing the evidence and it is likely three of the men will face charges under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. He is not ruling out the possibility that more people will be charged. COULD DAIRY KILLER STRIKE AGAIN? -------------------------------- Police are concerned the man who gunned-down a shop worker in central Auckland could strike again. Bhagubhai Vaghela died behind the counter the Uptown Mini-Mart in Eden Terrace on Sunday night. The 58-year-old was shot once. Police believe the attack happened at about 8pm on Sunday, but due to a malfunction in the security system there is not any video footage and no one seems to have seen or heard anything. Detective Inspector Bernie Hollewand says a mobile office has been set up outside the dairy to make the inquiry team more accessible to the locals. He says he is also liaising with the other Auckland police districts in a bid to catch the killer. AUTOPSY COMPLETE ON WOMEN'S BODIES ----------------------------------- Post mortem examinations have been completed on the bodies of two women found off Wellington's south coast on Sunday morning. Police have confirmed that the mother and daughter were facing murder charges over the death of a man in Levin. Their names remain suppressed, pending a further court hearing next month. Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Cotter says the case will now be referred to the Coroner for him to determine the cause of death. He says neither woman had suffered gunshot wounds and they are no longer looking for a gunman believed to have been hunting near Princess Bay on Saturday night. PETERS AIMS TO REMOVE "BENIGN APARTHEID" --------------------------------------- In a radical speech unveiling New Zealand First's Treaty of Waitangi Policy, Winston Peters has promised to remove what he says if the benign apartheid infesting New Zealand. Mr Peters says it is foolish to assert that ethnicity if a sound basis on which to develop Government policy and service delivery. He is promising to eradicate the evil of segregation and special treatment. Treaty related courses in the public service will be wiped, there will be no more politically correct jobs and race will not be the key to any Government service. Race based departments like Te Puni Kokiri will be reviewed. Mr Peters says the use of the powhiri at everything from the opening of a new public building to welcoming new staff is costly tokenism and unnecessary. The Maori Affairs Minister says it is no surprise the New Zealand First leader will call for the removal of all race-based positions in the public service. Parekura Horomia says it is 'more of the same' from Winston Peters, whom he says simply does not understand there must be targeted policies for Maori. He says a lot of effort went into the New Zealand Maori team's win, Michael Campbell's historic victory and Norm Hewitt's success on the dance floor, and he claims that is all down to targeting. COURT HEARS ATTACK CLAIMS ------------------------- A woman has told the High Court it is "absolute rubbish" that she agreed to have sex with five men she accuses of raping her in 1989. Four men on trial for the alleged attack claim the sex was consensual. The woman has told the court she was lured to a lonely beach hut, where five men raped her one by one. She says when she saw five men present she thought, "I'm a goner". The court heard one of the men also repeatedly sexually assaulted her with a foreign object, to the point where her pelvis ached and she had trouble walking. She says the men were standing around her grinning, "like a pack of dogs looking at raw meat". She says she made a conscious decision to comply, because the men were an unknown quantity, and she did not know whether she would be bashed or worse. The 37-year-old says the same accused made intimidating visits to her several times after the alleged offences. She says the clear implication was she should not make a complaint, because it would not be worth her while. The woman did not complain to police until last year. COLLEGE DISCUSSES BRAWL WITH POLICE ----------------------------------- De La Salle College officials have met with police to discuss a brawl which landed one of its students in hospital. The 17- year-old youth has been in a critical but stable condition in Auckland Hospital since Saturday night. It is understood he was involved in a fight outside a Grey Lynn warehouse, where an after-ball party was taking place. De La Salle Principal Brother Steve Hogan says the incident does not appear to be school-based or directed at the college. He says their prayers are going out to the young lad and his family. Brother Hogan says the college does not condone violence or sanction any after-ball functions. POPULAR HUT BURNED DOWN ----------------------- It appears as if a popular trampers' hut in the Arthur's Pass National Park has been destroyed. The Department of Conservation has been told by a tramper that the Hawdon Hut has been razed by fire. DOC area manager Bryan Jensen says staff are flying into the site today to confirm the report and check on the damage. He advises those intending to go into the area not to rely on the hut, but to take a tent and be self- sufficient. REVIEW RECOMMENDED ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING ------------------------------------------- An Auditor-General's report on the use of taxpayer money for political advertising raises concerns about the weakness of guidelines. The inquiry points out the process was last reviewed in 1989 and says since then, advertising has evolved and MMP has changed the system. It says it is now increasingly difficult for advertising of Government departments to be kept free of political parties, bringing with it, more potential for Ministers and parties to benefit. It also raised concerns about a lack of transparency and accountability. The report recommends a full review be launched after the election. Wednesday, 22 June ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ IDIOT CAUSES SERIOUS INJURY TO MOTORIST --------------------------------------- A man in his 60s has been seriously injured and has lost an eye, after his vehicle was hit head-on by a car travelling the wrong way down one of Auckland's major motorways. Police say the offending vehicle was being driven west in the eastbound lanes of the North-Western motorway. It was in the centre of the three available lanes with its lights off. Two motorway units had been dispatched shortly after 11pm, when the collision occurred. The driver of the offending vehicle is reported to be unhurt. He is described as being in his 30s, and at last report was being processed for drink driving. Motorway staff at the scene say they are particularly upset about the circumstances surrounding the incident. VACCINES IN DOUBT AFTER FRIDGE MALFUNCTION ------------------------------------------ Parents whose children were in Hutt Hospital's special care baby unit recently are being notified that booster shots may be needed after a problem with their six-week vaccine. A vaccine storage fridge in the unit was running too cold and may have caused some of the vaccines to lose their effectiveness. Paediatrics chief, Philip Leadbitter says letters have been sent to the parents of children who were in the unit recently explaining the situation. He says the hospital wants to reassure parents that the likelihood their children are not fully immunised is small, but they are advised to get a booster shot just to be sure. COW KILLED ON HIGHWAY --------------------- An unusual warning for a road in the lower North Island. Police are urging caution after a car hit and killed a cow on State Highway 1, about seven kilometres north of Hunterville. The animal's high fat content has made the road quite slippery. Highway contractors have been called in to clean up the mess. CHANGES WANTED TO ADULTS ONLY TV TIME ------------------------------------- A group wanting to improve the quality of television believes it has some support from politicians. Viewers for Television Excellence, (VoTE), wants the adults only timeslot on TV pushed back from 8.30pm to 9.30pm to protect children from inappropriate programming. Secretary Glenyss Barker says when VoTE launched its AO campaign at the Avalon studios in Lower Hutt recently, members also put a case to politicians. She says Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey told them he was sympathetic to the idea of changing the adults only time. TAUPO TREE-KILLER STRIKES AGAIN ------------------------------- Tauranga's tree killer may have struck again overnight. There has been a fresh attack - the second in a week - on trees along the Takitimu Expressway, a main artery that provides a city bypass to the harbour bridge. On Monday night, someone was seen with a knapsack spray unit poisoning freshly -planted pohutakawas. Council Arborist Shane Moohan says overnight someone snapped or pushed over a further 18 trees. He says it is a kind of eco-terrorism. The council has posted a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the conviction of the offender or offenders. BIBLE CLUB MAY SEE LEGAL ACTION ------------------------------- Supporters of a Wellington school's volunteer Bible group have not ruled out taking legal action over classes being axed. Kids' Club has been banned by the Seatoun School board, which claims it is inappropriate in a secular state school. Parents backing the Bible studies programme have engaged constitutional lawyer Sir Geoffrey Palmer, who wrote a legal opinion on the matter. Previous board member and Kids' Club organiser, Mike McKee, says discussions are continuing on the matter and it is hoped common sense will prevail. Mike McKee says holding the classes outside of school hours or during weekends would not work. POLICE SEEK TWO MEN OVER DAIRY SHOOTING --------------------------------------- Police have released the name of one of two men they are seeking in relation to the fatal shooting of an Auckland shopworker. Officers from the three police districts that cover the region are now working on the murder of Bhagubhai Vaghela. The 58-year-old was shot dead behind the counter of the Uptown Mini-Mart in Eden Terrace. There are concerns a drug-crazed offender is targeting dairies and minimarts on Sunday nights. Police say the public needs to be extremely aware of 33-year-old Christopher Robert Smith. He is thought to be using the drug P, and is also wanted in connection with the robbery of a Buckland's Beach superette. Police also are also worried about an unidentified man involved in the holdup of staff at a store in Pukekohe. Thursday, 23 June ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TEEN MUM SENTENCE FOR NEGLECTING BABY ------------------------------------- An 18-year-old woman has been sentenced to community work for leaving her baby locked in a car on a 30 degree Gisborne day. Shiloe Thompson-Hatley was sentenced to 150 hours community work on charges of failing to provide the necessaries of life and assaulting an ambulance officer who was helping her infant. Ms Thompson-Hatley's child has been returned to her, following a family group conference and extensive counselling and parenting training. The sentencing judge says it was a case of 'pure ignorance', and while it is easy to be outraged, sending the young woman to prison serves no purpose. THREE CHARGED OVER SEAL SHOOTING -------------------------------- Three Otago men have been charged in relation to the shooting of a New Zealand fur seal earlier this month. The incident took place near Taiaroa Head nearly two weeks ago. Department of Conservation's charged the men under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The police are prosecuting under the Arms Act, and it is not yet clear how many charges are involved. The three men will face court after they receive summonses this week. PUBLIC OPINION SOUGHT ON DRINKING AGE ------------------------------------- The public is being asked to put forward opinions on the proposed reversal of the legal drinking age. The bill to put the legal limit back up to 20 years was sent to the Law and Order Select Committee for consideration. It also proposes strengthening laws around the sale of liquor to minors and imposing a 10pm restriction on broadcast advertising of alcohol. The committee requires 20 copies of every submission being made by members of the public. The deadline is August 12. NORM DANCES TO STARDOM ---------------------- Norm Hewitt says he has been blown away by the public's response to his win on the TV show "Dancing With The Stars". The ex-All Black arrived in Queenstown today in his capacity as a youth worker and motivational speaker. Hewitt says an average of 970,000 people watched the show, with viewer numbers peaking at 1.2 million. He says he never got as much attention when he was an All Black, and ended up doing 114 interviews on Monday alone. Queenstowners have been quick to congratulate the rugby hard man turned ballroom champion, with endless handshakes and car horn toots. CARPARK BUILDING SPRINGS A LEAK ------------------------------- Auckland City Council is going into crisis mode as it debates repairing the cracked and leaky Civic Carpark. The level of damage to the structure beneath Aotea Square has exceeded predictions, with the upgrade and repair bill now estimated to be $73 million. The carpark roof's waterproofing is deteriorating, causing cracks, rust and dampness. Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard is labelling it a crisis and is now going over contingency options with the council. Repairs will cause massive disruption as the carpark will be closed for 14 months and events at Aotea Square, the Town Hall and the Sky City Metro cinema complex will be restricted. However, if the council does nothing, Aotea Square could be shut down for good, within a year. Friday, 24 June ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HORSE TRAINER'S PENALTY REDUCED ------------------------------- A Christchurch horse trainer found guilty of administering a banned substance has had his penalty reduced by the Judicial Control Authority. Nigel McGrath was banned last September from working in the harness racing industry for three years for administering the performance-enhancing substance propantheline bromide to his horses. In an appeal hearing yesterday the penalty was reduced to 18-months. McGrath says accusations that he deliberately used the substance to increase his horse's performance are untrue but he accepts he breached the rules. He claims the decision helps to clear him of deliberate wrong doing. FORMER COP WHO THREATENED PM SENTENCED -------------------------------------- The former police officer found guilty of threatening to kill the prime minister has escaped a jail sentence. Frank Miessen was given a 12-month suspended sentence, during an appearance this morning in the Christchurch District Court. The 47-year- old was also discharged without conviction on two drugs charges. Meissen was charged after threatening to strangle Prime Minister Helen Clark and break her neck. His comments were made in the presence of the Christchurch police Armed Offenders Squad who were at his Banks Peninsula farm in July last year. Police were seizing firearms from the property. MAJOR REPAIRS NEEDED AT SWIMMING POOL ------------------------------------- Petone's swimming pool needs an urgent facelift. The McKenzie Outdoor Pool is 73 years old and suffers from major structural damage. It is still in operation, but engineers estimate it could cost up to $1 million to fix. Hutt City Council leisure active manager Marcus Sherwood says closing it down is one option that needs consideration. He says the pool has been altered a number of times and a big earthquake could see it collapse. Marcus Sherwood says a feasibility study needs to be carried out over the next two years. The council is currently seeking feedback on its draft strategy, which includes six swimming pools. Submissions close July 20. MOBILE YOUNG PEOPLE DO NOT VOTE ------------------------------- The mobility of New Zealand's young people is being blamed for the low level of electoral enrolments. Latest statistics from the Electoral Enrolment Centre show eligible voters under the age of 25 make up more than 40 percent of those not enrolled to vote. National Manager Murray Wicks says youth lifestyle is the likely reason behind the high numbers. He says young people are often moving flats and electoral enrolments are not at the top of their minds. ISRAELI APOLOGY COULD BE CLOSE ------------------------------ An apology from Israel over the passport affair could be close. Diplomatic relations remain strained after the conviction of two suspected Israeli agents for fraudulently trying to obtain a New Zealand passport. The Government wants Israel to say sorry. Prime Minister Helen Clark says a resolution is close, but she will not be drawn on a specific timeframe. She says it could be days, or it could be weeks. Helen Clark says as well as the apology, New Zealand wants an assurance that steps will be taken to ensure that there will not be a repeat of the issue. HUBBARD DENIES DEPUTY HAS TAKEN OVER ------------------------------------ Dick Hubbard has categorically defended his role as leader of the Auckland City Council. He says reports that Deputy Mayor Dr Bruce Hucker has wrested control of the council are totally unfounded. He says he gave a commitment to Auckland that he would provide clear and decisive leadership. He says he is delivering that. Mayor Hubbard says there is always political jockeying at council and grumbling that he's always voting with the left-leaning parties is sour grapes. Monday, 27 June ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ POWERBALL WINNERS STILL IN SHOCK -------------------------------- It was a double shock for a Hawke's Bay family when they realised they had won Lotto on Saturday night. A Napier family has claimed their $12 million jackpot after winning their share of first division and Powerball. Lotteries Commission Spokesperson Helen Morgan-Banda says when watching the draw, the family could not believe they had won first division of around half a million dollars. She says it was not until they logged onto the lotto website to confirm their numbers an hour later, they realised they had the Powerball number as well. She says they told her they checked the ticket about a hundred times. Helen Morgan-Banda says they are still in shock. TOO MANY CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY ----------------------------------- Sobering statistics are behind a plea for the public to help fight child poverty. The Auckland City Mission has launched its annual winter appeal with the message that one in three Auckland children are living without the basics. City Missioner Diane Robertson says New Zealand's level of child poverty ranks fourth worst in the developed world. She says the public does not realise there is a population of people who are falling further and further behind. Ms Robertson says already this winter the mission knows of parents unable to take their children to the doctor, and families sleeping on damp garage floors. She says we forget to focus on the fact that poverty is affecting children, who have not chosen to be in the situation. She says the problem has long-term consequences for the whole of society. Ms Robertson says the Government needs to focus on change and stop using the issue as a political football. RAPE ACCUSED DESCRIBES ENCOUNTER -------------------------------- One of four men accused of pack-raping a woman in Mount Maunganui in 1989 has recalled in a statement that the complainant seemed to enjoy their sexual encounter. A policeman has read the statement to a High Court jury this morning. Detective Sergeant Maxwell Taylor told the court the accused said in a statement prior to his arrest in July last year that he was told to meet at an empty building at a certain time on a sunny day in January 1989. He saw the other three accused men outside and then went in by himself. The accused saw the woman sitting on the floor and thought she seemed fine and not stressed. The pair talked for a while then had sex, which he thought she enjoyed. The accused said he left the building together with the woman. SERIOUS YOUTH OFFENDERS FOCUS OF CONFERENCE ------------------------------------------- A conference in Wellington today is focussing on curing serious youth offenders. Agencies are meeting to discuss how to cope with youths who misbehave. Clinical Director Justine Harris from the organisation Youth Horizons, which supports at-risk families and youngsters, says young people must be targeted as soon as possible. She says it is also necessary to ensure government funding is spent in the right areas. SINGLE-SEX SCHOOL RESEARCH QUESTIONED ------------------------------------- National is being told to check its research after announcing its education policy. Education spokesman Bill English told the party's annual conference in Wellington yesterday that research proves boys and girls do better in single-sex schools. He told delegates National will build more boys' or girls' schools where there is demand. Mr English also said that National will push for a return to bulk-funding and re- vamp the NCEA. PPTA president Debbie Te Whaiti says research into the success of single-sex schools is pretty tenuous. She says success cannot be put down solely to gender as there are socio-economic factors at play too. Ms Te Whaiti adds that many of the existing single-sex schools are moving to amalgamate, which indicates there is not a great demand for them. (There are certain fields of research in which it seems protagonists can find research to support any of the available positions. Interestingly, an Australian researcher Prof Peter Cuttance is reported as saying "Most educational research is irrelevant, has no impact on schools and is ignored by policy makers". Of course this should include his own research, since it is on education. - BH) COMPLAINANT WAS FLIRTATIOUS SAYS RAPE-ACCUSED --------------------------------------------- One of the four men accused of a pack rape 16 years ago at Mount Maunganui told the police his accuser was flirtatious. A police officer has been reading the man's statement, made before his arrest last year, to the High Court. Detective Constable Brian Cameron asked the man how he would describe the woman's personality. The man replied that she was outgoing and flirtatious when she had had a few drinks. He was referring to her behaviour at a bar the night before the alleged incident, when she asked him to organise a meeting with one of the other accused and indicated she wanted to have sex with him. The man disagreed when the detective told him the complainant's workmate did not think she was acting up that night. He also denied group sex had happened the next day. MANHUNT LAUNCHED AFTER ATTACK ----------------------------- A manhunt has been launched following an attack on a woman in Plimmerton. Wellington Police say the incident occurred around 2pm today. The offender left the scene, but has since been seen in various locations around Mana and Plimmerton. Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam says since then they believe the man has stolen clothing from another house in order to disguise himself. He says the man is dangerous and should not be approached and he is urging those returning home to that area not to enter their homes alone. Tuesday, 28 June ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FIRE AT CAR DEALERS ------------------- A car dealer's business is on fire in central Wellington. Fire Service spokesman David Meikle says 10 appliances are battling the blaze in Belfast St in Newtown. The fire is on the upper storeys of the building. It is not clear if any vehicles have been damaged. Firefighters are working to ensure the blaze does not spread to nearby buildings. NATIONAL'S TAX CUT PROMISE PAYS OFF IN POLLS -------------------------------------------- National is riding high in the latest New Zealand Herald- DigiPoll with its promise of tax cuts. Today's poll has National up four points to 40.1 percent support, while Labour has slumped seven points to 36.2 percent. It appears the Government's failure to announce any significant tax cuts in the Budget has triggered the slide, with 61 percent of those polled saying they do not believe Michael Cullen cannot lower taxes. National leader Don Brash says details of his party's tax cut announcement depend on when Prime Minister Helen Clark announces the election date. New Zealand First is the only other party to top five percent in the poll, up three points to almost 11.8 percent support. The Greens are on four percent, the Maori Party 3.1 percent, ACT 1.9 and United Future 1.3 percent. FRESH SEARCH FOR MISSING WELLINGTON WOMAN ------------------------------------------ A fresh search will be mounted today for signs of missing Wellington woman, Kaye Stewart. It is now more than a fortnight since the 62-year-old disappeared in the Catchpool area of the Rimutaka Forest Park. Detective Senior Sergeant Soni Malaulau says the park will be closed to the public for at least two days to allow for a detailed search. Teams will be looking for Mrs Stewart's personal items such as her glasses and jewellery but he concedes that she is probably dead. Mr Malaulau says police have received a lot of information from the public. CAPILL PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD SEX CHARGES ----------------------------------------- Graham Capill, the former leader of the Christian Heritage Party, pleaded guilty to child sex charges against children as young as five when he appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning. Capill had admitted five charges including one of rape, one of unlawful sexual connection and three of indecent assault, following complaints from two women who said the offences took place in the 1990s. Earlier this year Capill pleaded guilty to an indecent assault charge involving an eight-year-old-girl. NO TAKERS FOR LUXURY SUITE SO FAR -------------------------------- What may be Wellington's most expensive hotel room has no takers so far, despite the thousands of rugby supporters filtering into the Capital for this weekend's test between the Lions and All Blacks. Guests who book the upmarket suite at the Bolton Hotel must stay at least three nights at a cost of $7,000. Hotel manager Kathy Tipler says that is actually very good value considering what is on offer. As well as two bedrooms, and two bathrooms decorated by an interior designer, the person booking the room receives complimentary beer and bubbly, bathrobes and high-class toiletries. POLICE UNAWARE OF P USE BY DRIVERS ---------------------------------- Wellington Police say they are unaware of a P problem amongst taxi drivers in the Capital. The comment follows a claim from a taxi operator that his complaints about drivers' drug habits have not been-investigated by the taxi regulator, Land Transport New Zealand. Senior Sergeant Sean Hansen says they have not received any complaints about taxi drivers using P. However he says the drug's ill effects, including increasing paranoia and affecting judgment, could cause any taxi driver using it to put themselves and passengers at risk. Sean Hansen is urging anyone with information about P use in the community to call the police. LITTLE SYMPATHY FOR CAPILL -------------------------- The confessions of Graham Capill have led to a major re- branding of the political party he once headed. The 46-year- old former leader of the Christian Heritage party is in jail awaiting sentencing on multiple child sex charges. The party says it would be naive to think Capill's actions have not tarnished its reputation. Leader Ewen McQueen says despite that, the party is committed to the upcoming election, and new branding. He says it will be promoting families and Christian values, but presenting them in a much more positive way than Capill ever did. Mr McQueen says he was shocked when Capill confessed to earlier charges two months ago, but that was nothing compared with today's guilty pleas of sexual violation, indecent assault and rape. He says although Capill has not been involved with the party for two years, it is inevitable his association with it will stick. Capill has found little sympathy in political circles following his guilty pleas Transsexual Labour MP Georgina Beyer remembers the time Capill questioned her right to exist at all. She says his fall from grace highlights his hypocrisy on moral issues. Criminologist Greg Newbold says Capill faces a double- barrelled risk while he is in jail; not only is he a sex offender, generally despised by other inmates, but until earlier this year he had been a police prosecutor and before that a dispatcher in the police Southern Communications centre. He says prison authorities will have to keep Capill separate from other offenders and predicts he will be moved to a Harmony Unit outside of the general prison population. Associate Professor Greg Newbold believes it is one of the most bizarre cases he has ever seen. He says it is hypocrisy of the highest order in an outrageous case. Wednesday, 29 June ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FUGITIVE SURRENDERS TO POLICE ----------------------------- Fugitive John Douglas Willis will appear in court today after giving himself up to police. Willis was being sought after an alleged attack on a woman in Plimmerton, north of Wellington. Police were seeking him in connection with a number of offences, including the theft of a $200,000 launch. He was located in Plimmerton last night, after he had phoned police saying he was ready to surrender. Willis appears in the Porirua District Court charged with assault with intent to rape, indecent assault, kidnapping with intent to have sexual intercourse, the theft of a boat, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon. EDUCATION KEY TO PREVENTING SEXUAL ABUSE ---------------------------------------- Rape Crisis professionals believe education is the key to preventing repeats of the sort of crimes carried out by Graham Capill. The former Christian Heritage leader is in jail awaiting sentencing after admitting raping and sexually assaulting girls as young as five. The National Rape Crisis Collective says the case reiterates all children need to be taught they have the right to say no to inappropriate behaviour. Spokeswoman Andrea Black says fears that parents are going to harm their child by teaching them what is sexual, are a myth. She says if they learn someone cannot touch them in certain places they are more likely to disclose early on when sexual abuse is happening. PARENTS WANT GOOD TEACHERS REWARDED ------------------------------------ The majority of parents want high performing teachers to be paid more than their counterparts according to a survey by the think tank the Maxim Institute. A thousand parents have been polled as part of a campaign for performance-based pay in teaching. Seventy-two percent of parents say teachers who work the hardest and produce the best results should be paid more than other teachers. Seventy percent believe that if teachers were paid according to their performance, standards would rise. Maxim Institute says overseas evidence shows what parents want is sensible and workable. It claims the current centrally-controlled and collectively bargained pay structure leaves great teachers unrewarded and bad teachers with no incentive to improve. KFC PRISON FEAST CONDEMNED -------------------------- Officials have been quick to condemn actions by staff at Hawke's Bay Prison after prisoners were rewarded with takeaways for behaving while their cells were searched. Inmates at Hawke's Bay Prison's low to medium security unit were given KFC after a search two weeks ago which uncovered drugs, smoking devices and cell phones. Public Prison Service general manager Phil McCarthy says the unit manager went too far and acted inappropriately. He says the manager has been spoken to and has given assurances it will not happen again. The issue has been brought to the attention of site managers nationwide. Mr McCarthy says the unit had previously been doing some very good work in relation to contraband. (If I were served KFC, I would regard it as cruel and unusual punishment ... BH) OLDER WORKERS BEING LEFT OUT ---------------------------- Employers are being urged to make better use of older workers if they want reliable staff who will stay in the job. A new survey commissioned by recruitment companies Select Australasia and Clayton Ford shows New Zealand employers are still not doing enough to attract and retain staff. The Employment Trends Survey shows despite 93 percent of respondents claiming they know why their staff are leaving, turnover remains high. Chief Executive Debbie Loveridge says New Zealand employers are not actively engaging older people into new roles and continue to have hang ups about them being over-experienced. She says this results in many older workers spending a long time between jobs. GOVERNMENT TAKES CONTROL OF ISLAMIC SCHOOL ------------------------------------------ The Government has taken direct control of New Zealand's only co-educational Islamic school, the Al-Madinah School in Mangere in South Auckland. It follows concerns about a clash between religious and educational obligations, highlighted in Education Review Office reports. The Ministry of Education has appointed Dennis Finn as commissioner. He took over troubled Cambridge High School last year. Mr Finn says he cannot comment on his role yet because he needs time to analyse what is happening at the school and formulate his approach. LIONS FANS' INVASION OF CAPITAL ------------------------------- The invasion of Wellington by Lions' fans has begun. A cruise ship carrying 1,300 people arrived in the harbour yesterday. There is also a noticeable increase in the number of campervans around the Capital. One Brit who was at the harbour for the cruise ship's arrival says they have had a great welcome. John Goodyear says their time in Christchurch was incredible and he is looking forward to partying in Wellington. He does not know if Wellingtonians are aware of just what is in store, but he is predicting that by tonight the city will be a sea of red. (It sure was, and the number of parking spaces filled with wandering camper vans was astounding. Camper vans are the cow pats on the road of life! - BH) KING KONG TRAILER UNVEILED -------------------------- Fans of movie director Peter Jackson have been given their first peek at his latest masterpiece. The King Kong hype has begun with the movie trailer, coordinated by Universal Pictures, hitting screens last night. Doug Whitcombe from Reading Cinemas says it has been a long time coming and is set to ignite a flurry of Internet chat. He believes the movie will be hard to top when it is released in December. The $200 million film stars Adrien Brody, Jack Black and Naomi Watts. SECOND RAPE-ACCUSED TAKES STAND ------------------------------- Another of the accused men has taken the stand in the High Court trial of four men who allegedly pack-raped a woman in Mt Maunganui in 1989. The 47-year-old also denies abducting and raping the woman. In opening his client's case, lawyer Bill Nabney told the jury the accused is in the dock as an innocent person. Mr Nabney says all the sexual activity was consensual, and after the event the complainant invited his client back to a motel where they had sex again. On the stand, the 47-year- old described the chemistry between himself and the woman, and how they were both attracted to each other. He talked about a meeting at a bar the night before, and was flattered when one of the co-accused told him she had "the hots" for him. POLICE TARGET NITROUS OXIDE RETAILERS ------------------------------------- Christchurch police have a plan to stop retailers selling nitrous oxide or NOS. A review in April resulted in it being made illegal for retailers to sell the gas for non- medicinal purposes. However police are only now starting to enforce the legislation, and have written to retailers to let them know. Inspector Peter Cooper says some Christchurch retailers have taken the drug off their shelves but there are some who are reluctant to do so. He says the ideal solution would be to get them to do it voluntarily, but retailers who continue to breach the law will be prosecuted. Nitrous oxide, also known as 'laughing gas', is used as a mild sedative and analgesic, and is less toxic than other alternative chemicals. However, prolonged or long-term use of it has been linked to brain damage, damage to bone marrow and interference with the nervous system. Even short term use can cause nausea and disorientation. The gas is commonly also used as a propellant for foodstuff dispensers such as whipped cream aerosols. Thursday, 30 June ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ANOTHER BABY INFECTED AT HOSPITAL --------------------------------- Poor hygiene could have contributed to another baby developing an infection while in Wellington Hospital's neonatal unit. A baby was moved from the green to red zone last week. Tests have confirmed the infant has contracted Staphylococcus aureus, the bug which has already killed three infants. Hospital microbiologist Mark Jones does not know how the baby caught the bug after being in the area reserved for healthy babies, but he believes it could have been transmitted indirectly by staff. Dr Jones says it is the first case to escape protection protocols and staff are being reminded about the importance of hand washing. STILL NO SIGN OF MISSING WOMAN ------------------------------ Detectives investigating the disappearance of Kaye Stewart in the Rimutaka Forest Park have issued another plea for help. More than 80 people have spent the past two days searching for personal items belonging to the 62-year-old, but have found nothing of significance. Detective Senior Sergeant Soni Malaulau says they want to speak to trampers and anyone else who may have seen Mrs Stewart on June 13. He says the case is still being treated as a missing person's inquiry but admits it is odd that nothing has been found. POSSIBLE SEXUAL ASSAULT IN FAST FOOD RESTAURANT ----------------------------------------------- Auckland police are investigating the robbery and possible sexual assault of a young girl in the toilets of a fast food restaurant. The nine-year-old girl was robbed of her pink handbag in a Wendy's restaurant in Queen Street at about seven o'clock last night. The man who carried out the attack was last seen running up Queen Street holding the bag. The girl has undergone a medical examination. (They got this guy - BH) PRINCE WILLIAM TOUCHES DOWN IN NZ ---------------------------------- A royal touchdown at Wellington Airport this morning. Prince William is in New Zealand for his first official visit, which will focus around the Lions' final test matches. Dressed in a dark suit, the 23-year-old strolled confidently through the terminal, smiling briefly at the cameras before being whisked away by security officers. Andrew Manning from Christchurch's St Andrew's College was among a crowd of around 200 people who turned out to catch a glimpse of the royal. He says his heart jumped when he saw William come around the corner and seeing him in real life was a privilege. Prince William's 11-day stay is packed with official engagements, including a meeting with Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward this afternoon. DOOR-TO-DOOR RETAILERS SOLD FAKES --------------------------------- Home Shop has been fined $12,000 for selling fake brand named clothing. The counterfeits include Nike, Diesel and Adidas including an All Black t-shirt with the words "Official Licensed Product" on the collar. The court was told the items were low quality fakes. Commerce Commission Fair Trading Director Deborah Battell says Home Shop was ripping off customers as the goods were no cheaper than the real thing. Home Shop sells goods door-to-door, often on a credit basis with customers signing up to regular automatic payments to repay the amount of the purchase. Ms Battell is urging people to shop around and compare prices and quality before buying. TEENS CHARGED OVER ASSAULT -------------------------- Three teenagers have been charged with assault as police continue investigating the bashing of a 17-year-old schoolboy who remains in a critical condition in Auckland hospital. The teens, aged 15,17 and 19, are appearing in the Auckland Youth Court. The 17-year-old victim was attacked in Grey Lynn eleven days ago. Detective Senior Sergeant Gerry Whitley has visited the victim's school, De La Salle College, to inform the students and teachers of this morning's arrests. He is hopeful that any tensions between De La Salle College and any other school have been alleviated. SEVENTEEN ARRESTED IN DRUGS SWOOPS ---------------------------------- Seventeen people have been arrested in drug swoops as part of "Operation Crunchie". Police have executed 50 search warrants at addresses from Whangarei to the Far North. They say they have found two clandestine methamphetamine labs in Kerikeri and in Kaikohe and have recovered a large amount of stolen property. The stolen goods from just one address filled a high sided trailer and three police cars. Ten of the 17 people arrested face serious charges relating to drug dealing. Police say more arrests are likely. Friday, 01 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CAR COULD BE KEY IN MURDER CASE ------------------------------- A distinctive looking car may hold the key to finding a third man wanted in connection with the murder of Auckland dairy worker Bhagubhai Vaghela. Two men have already been arrested and are facing charges, police are now searching for Vietnamese man, Minh Hong Nguyen. His BMW was allegedly used by one of the accused to drive to and from the shooting. He is also wanted for breach of bail for drug related charges. Police believe Nguyen was in Hamilton on the night of Mr Vaghela's murder and was driving a Subaru Impreza four door saloon with a large red rose and stem painted on each side of the car. He was thought to be accompanied by an Asian woman and it is understood they intended to drive to Rotorua on Monday. Police are asking anyone with information to call 09 302 6548. "FAKE" POLICE TARGET MOTELS --------------------------- A number of people in Gisborne are posing as police officers and demanding what they claim to be 'rent' from local moteliers whom they say are using Maori land. The legitimate Gisborne police say the imposters are calling themselves the 'Aotearoa Maori Police', and are wearing black uniforms with the word 'police' on them. Senior Sergeant Maui Aben says they have received several complaints from motels. He says police would like to hear from anyone else who has come across the fakes, who are described as local Maori activists. Senior sergeant Aben says they face charges of impersonating police officers. IT WILL BE ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT --------------------------------- Some historic New Zealand buildings have been wrapped in white as part of a massive international campaign spearheaded by some of the world's biggest names. The Make Poverty History campaign launched its first White Band day by decking out landmarks like Auckland's War Memorial Museum and the Christchurch Cathedral. They are in company with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and London's St Paul's Cathedral. U2 front man and activist Bono reiterates the campaign is not seeking peoples' money. He says it is about the public getting active and informed about the difference increased Governmental aid can make in impoverished nations. Make Poverty History New Zealand chairman Barry Coates says they are trying to change people's belief that they are powerless. The campaign to pressure the G8 leaders to alleviate poverty gets its biggest publicity boost over the weekend with Bob Geldof's Live 8 concerts. TWO MORE ARRESTS IN BURGER KING CASE ------------------------------------ Two further arrests have been made following the death of a South Auckland stabbing victim. Thirty-two-year-old Rodney Tenamu died in Middlemore Hospital last night. He was stabbed during an altercation outside the Papatoetoe branch of Burger King on Tuesday night. A 21-year-old man appeared in court this morning, charged with murder. Police have now arrested two 19-year-olds from South Auckland; one has been charged with murder and the other assault. They will both appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow morning. RACIAL ATTACKS WORRY NELSON POLICE ---------------------------------- Police in Nelson are becoming increasingly concerned about a spate of race-related attacks and abuse cases. Area Commander inspector Brian McGurk says there have been several recent assaults and incidents where the victims have an obvious non- European appearance. He says in most cases offenders are teenagers who have links with older people who are openly hostile to people from non-European backgrounds. Mr McGurk fears an underlying white supremacist organisation could be gaining a foothold in Nelson which police and the community will not tolerate. ARRESTS MADE IN AFTER-BALL BASHING ---------------------------------- The family of a 17-year-old who was badly bashed on his way to an after-ball party in central Auckland is pleased police have made arrests. Three teenagers, aged 15, 17 and 19 have been jointly charged with assault. They appeared in the Youth Court yesterday and the hearing will resume today. Detective Senior Sergeant Gerry Whitley says police have put a lot of hard work into the investigation and it was satisfying to be able to tell the victim's parents about the developments. However, the couple's son is still in a critical condition in hospital and Mr Whitley says the family is hoping he will come out of his coma soon. ARREST IN WENDY'S ATTACK ------------------------ Police have made an arrest in their hunt for a man who attacked a young girl at a central Auckland fast food restaurant. The nine-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and robbed in the toilets of Wendy's in Queen Street on Wednesday night. A 37-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court today, charged with robbery and sexual violation. CHEAPER DOCTOR VISITS FOR 18-24-YEAR-OLDS ------------------------------------------ Younger New Zealanders can expect to have their doctors' bills slashed by up to half with the roll out of higher subsidies. >From today, 250,000 18 to 24 year olds enrolled in Primary Health Organisations will have the cost of a doctor's visit reduced by up to $26. Prescriptions will be slashed from $15 to $3. Health Minister Annette King says the cost of healthcare is a major problem for the younger age groups during periods of study and lower incomes. She hopes that reducing the price will promote more frequent visits increasing early detection of serious illness. THE FINANCIAL PAGE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Date: 1 July 2005 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. To Buy NZD 1.00 USD 0.7066 AUD 0.9208 GBP 0.3929 JPY 78.22 CAD 0.8623 EUR 0.5827 HKD 5.4820 SGD 1.1899 ZAR 4.7010 CHF 0.9046 INTEREST RATES (%) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Call : 6.75 90 Day: 7.04 SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian Harmer does NOT administer the mailing list. Please do not send subscription related messages to him. Instead, visit the website listed below, where you can make changes as required. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://wysiwygnews.com/archives/news/attachments/20050703/75184258/attachment.htm From news at wysiwygnews.com Mon Jul 18 22:08:30 2005 From: news at wysiwygnews.com (news@wysiwygnews.com) Date: Mon Jul 18 22:08:32 2005 Subject: WYSIWYG NEWS - 18 July, 2005 Message-ID: subject: July 18, 2005 ----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ Copyright, Brian Harmer You may or may not have noticed, but the distribution and archiving of WYSIWYG News is handled at no cost to us, by a fine NZ company called OneSquared. During the week, I had the pleasure of a visit from Simon and Sam, two of the senior figures from that excellent company (see http://onesquared.net). We chatted about life and the universe, and then moved on. They were adamant that they did not seek any additional exposure, but I can't help urging readers to visit their site and see whether they offer services you could use. Fear not, this is not the beginning of a new era of commercialism, but I am a firm believer in the idea that one good turn deserves another. Thanks guys! Meanwhile, Wellington continues to enjoy a mix of weather, mostly of the cool damp variety, though with little rain to speak of, and just the lightest of frosts so far. The harbour continues to present an ever changing face, though it has been mostly benign in recent weeks. I enjoy the harbour as the sun rises, though I must necessarily keep my eyes on the road as I drive to work. Even so, it is often possible to identify the distinctive outlines of the various regular maritime visitors to the port. The two ferries, Aratere and Arahura have unmistakeable profiles. The dark blue of the Santa Regina operated by Seabridge has a different profile again, while the various cross-strait freight ferries each have their own way of sitting on the water. The small ships, Purbeck, Kent and Spirit of Competition have quite different characters, stumpy, asymmetric, dominated by their loading ramps. The cement carriers, Westport and Milburn Carrier plod their appointed rounds on a regular schedule, as do the coastal tankers. It's a habit with me to identify each ship (or aircraft for that matter) by its outline and the way it sits, and so I needn't take my eyes off the car ahead for more than the blink of an eye. Did you know that the Airbus A320 has longer legs and sits with its nose higher in the air on approach than the B737? But I digress. Time has passed and yet another disturbance in the force (a new laptop) means that we missed a week, for which I apologise. Two weeks of news follow. ---- 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 James Lawry, formerly of soc.culture.new-zealand. Thanks James. ---- On with the news: Monday, 4 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ JURY EXPECTED TO RETIRE TODAY IN PACK RAPE CASE ----------------------------------------------- The jury will retire today in the High Court trial of four men accused of pack rape. The men, whose names and occupations are suppressed, deny raping and abducting a woman at Mt Maunganui in 1989. In closing their cases last week, the Crown and the defence asked the jury to consider the credibility of the complainant. The Crown said she was consistent and balanced while the defence has argued too much of her evidence did not stack up. The last of the four defence lawyers will sum up this morning. FIRST CASE UNDER SMOKEFREE ACT ------------------------------ A former South Island publican becomes the first person to face prosecution under the Smokefree Environments Amendment Act today. John Van Buren who ran the Wheatsheaf Tavern on Banks Peninsula will appear in the Christchurch District Court on charges of failing to take practical steps to stop patrons from smoking. He liquidated his company last week in the belief that the Ministry of Health would withdraw the charges if the company no longer existed. However, the ministry says the case will be heard as scheduled today. MOTELS THREATENED BY SOVEREIGNTY GROUP -------------------------------------- National claims police are not doing enough to stop a self- styled group terrorising Gisborne. There have been complaints about the Maori sovereignty group which is demanding money from local motel owners. They wear black uniforms with the word "police" emblazoned on them. The business owners say the group is demanding rent and are threatening to evict them if it is not paid. Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon claims all the police have done is write to the group telling them they will be arrested if they do not stop wearing the uniform. National's law and order spokesman Tony Ryall says police should be calling an urgent meeting with the group and laying down the law. He says this is the sort of behaviour that started the mafia in New York. (Oh dear, that's twice in two issues that I have agreed with Mr Ryall. This is a worrying trend. - BH) NZ$ CONTINUES SLIDE ------------------- The New Zealand dollar is finally turning. The kiwi has slid below 69 US cents, to 68.50 after trading at US 71c at the start of last week. Analysts say the decline has been triggered by worse than expected current account data and GDP growth. Foreign investors are pulling out of New Zealand, and the country's interest rate differential to the rest of the world is likely to close up in the future, from the current four percent to about two percent. DHBS PUTTING PLUNKET AT DISADVANTAGE ------------------------------------ Plunket is struggling to recruit new staff because of pay inequities with other nurses. A registered nurse on the top salary scale with a district health board earns at least 20 percent more than a qualified Plunket nurse. Plunket's general manager Colleen Fakalogotoa says the widening difference is causing recruitment problems and staff are left working hard to cater for the demands on their services. Provisional figures released by the organisation show that for the year ended June 30, Plunket made more than 500,000 contacts with families. HIKOI MEETING POLICE ABOUT BRIDGE WALK -------------------------------------- Police on Auckland's North Shore will meet with a group of protestors this morning after their hikoi caused huge traffic delays. Twenty-five adults and children on a hikoi from Northland to Stewart Island were stopped from crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge yesterday afternoon. The incident created major congestion for southbound traffic for more than an hour, when one lane was blocked from Onewa Road to the bridge. North Shore Area Commander Mike Hill says the group finally allowed police to drive them across. Police will continue talks with the group today to ensure their trip south is safe. ACTIVATOR WHEEL OFFERS PUSH PLAY TIPS ------------------------------------- The latest phase of the Push Play campaign has been released by Sport and Recreation New Zealand. The activator wheel contains many helpful tips for exercising outside or indoors while in front of the telly. SPARC spokeswoman Deb Hurdle says research into the Push Play campaign has found that some people simply are not motivated by the need to exercise to stay healthy. However, she says they may instead be motivated by something such as the need to be a good role model for their kids. Activator wheels can be obtained by calling 0800 ACTIVE or through SPARC's website. MORE ON APPLE DISPUTE SOON -------------------------- There could be some word soon on the dispute with Australia over apples. Foreign Minister Phil Goff discussed the issue with his Australian counterpart during the weekend. He says the Australians have indicated an import risk analysis by their biosecurity officials will be released within weeks. New Zealand took Australia to the World Trade Organisation last week, protesting the 84 year ban on imports of New Zealand apples. Canberra says there is a risk of fireblight disease if New Zealand apples were imported, but the New Zealand government argues the risk is negligible. ANOTHER SPATE OF CAR BREAK-INS ------------------------------ Napier police are warning motorists not to leave anything valuable in their cars, after another spate of thefts on Saturday morning. Senior Sergeant Nigel Hurley says it is likely the same offender is responsible for the break-ins which happened in the central city area through to Taradale. He says staff spent hours on Saturday morning working through the complaints. Mr Hurley says while it is difficult to stop a determined car thief, the risk can be minimised by taking valuable objects out of vehicles. TEST CONFIRMS CAPITAL AS "PARTY CENTRAL" ---------------------------------------- Tourism authorities are praising Wellington's efforts to ensure the success of the Saturday's test match between the All Blacks and the Lions. Tens of thousands of rugby fans partied hard on Saturday night and kept Wellington humming until early the early hours of Sunday morning. Positively Wellington tourism chief, Tim Cossar says the city council and others worked hard to cement Wellington's reputation as party central. He says the entertainment was great and the economic benefits will be huge. FERAL GOATS TARGETED -------------------- Environment Canterbury is taking a broader approach to controlling pest plants and animals. The Regional Council has reviewed its pest management strategy and has decided to target more species than in the past. Predator programmes, designed to protect native species, are in place to control ferrets, stoats, weasels, and feral cats. Wilding pines will be removed from main river systems, wild thyme is earmarked for complete eradication, and efforts will be made to stop the spread of oxygen weed and Egeria in waterways. Feral goats will be eradicated from Banks Peninsula. BABY CARE UNIT FOR WEST AUCK ---------------------------- West Auckland's long-awaited special care baby unit opens today. A new 10-bed paediatric short stay ward and an eight cot SCBU has been established at Waitakere Hospital. There will also be a paediatric short stay and outpatient service for children aged up to 14 with medical problems such as asthma, croup and gastroenteritis who may be able to return home within 24 hours. TWO WALK AWAY FROM CRASH ------------------------ Two men have walked away with minor injuries from a light plane crash near Auckland. The Cessna aircraft, from the Ardmore Flying School, crashed into the Wairoa River at Clevedon. It is believed to have been carrying an experienced instructor who was training a colleague. Police Inspector Gavin MacDonald says emergency services rushed to the scene, where the plane was found to be submerged. One of the two men on board has a suspected broken collarbone. Inspector McDonald says inquiries will continue into what caused the accident. Tuesday, 05 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAIRY OWNERS ARMING THEMSELVES ------------------------------ Police are concerned about the actions of some dairy owners, who are arming themselves to ward off intruders. There are reports of dairy owners in the Western Bay of Plenty arming themselves with crowbars, softball bats and machetes in an attempt to scare off criminals. The recent murder of Auckland dairy owner Bhagubai Vaghela appears to have sparked their security fears. Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says this is the worst thing shop workers could do as it would merely aggravate the situation. He says when approached by an intruder, people should comply with every instruction. WORKERS SHOCKED BY COLLEAGUE'S DEATH ------------------------------------ Staff at the Glenbrook Steel Mill southwest of Auckland are still in shock following the death of a colleague. A 40-year- old man was killed at New Zealand Steel's plant when he was crushed between two rollers yesterday. Occupational Safety and Health is investigating. Site union convener Peter Elsley says people want answers. He says the man's brother and father also worked at the mill so the whole workplace is shaken. Andrew Little, from the Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union, says the company has been working hard for years to have a good health and safety record and has achieved that. RURAL BIGGIES WANT TO MERGE --------------------------- A big shake up is on the cards for rural New Zealand. Wrightson and Pyne Gould Guinness have unveiled plans for a merger, to form the country's biggest rural services company. The deal has the backing of the major shareholders in both companies, but is subject to regulatory and other approvals. Wrightson and Pyne Gould Guinness compete in most provincial cities and towns across New Zealand. There is no word yet on redundancies. The combined company would employ more than 2,500 people. (This is apparently proceeding and the new entity will be known as PGG-Wrightson - BH) VERDICTS IN PACK RAPE TRIAL --------------------------- The jury has delivered its verdicts at the pack rape trial in Wellington. Guilty verdicts have been handed down on five of the six counts The verdicts were greeted by sobs from the families of the accused in court. Sentencing is on August 5. (This case caught many by surprise. As one commentator pointed out, historic rape charges are hard to bring, hard to prove, hard to defend. The outcome also seems to have surprised the media - BH) DOZENS OF TRUANTS CAUGHT ------------------------ Eighty truants have been caught in Lower Hutt in a police operation lasting just a few hours. The operation targeted areas such as gaming arcades, where young people skipping school congregate. Inspector Bruce Dunstan says Lower Hutt has a high rate of youth crime and often young truants are involved. He says those caught in the crackdown had a variety of excuses for not being at school, and the officers were surprised about how many truants there were. Mr Dunstan says they could easily have apprehended another 200 if they had had the resources to do so. DIVE SQUAD SEARCHING BAY FOR BODY --------------------------------- The identity of a woman whose body was seen floating in the Manukau Harbour is still not known. A police dive squad is searching Waikowhai Bay for any trace of the woman, who was spotted two days ago by two fishermen. They lifted the woman out of the water and discovered she was bound up in a fishing or cargo net. Police say the pair were so shocked by what they saw, that instead of putting her into their boat, they dropped the body back into the water. A police enquiry team is on standby to investigate the suspicious nature of the death. (So far, despite extensive searching, the body has not been found again. Nor has it been linked to any particular missing person - BH) ANTI-NUCLEAR LAWS STAY --------------------- The Government has no plans to amend anti-nuclear legislation any time soon, according to Prime Minister Helen Clark. Departing US ambassador Charles Swindells has lamented the fact that New Zealand and America continue to drift apart over the policy. Miss Clark says in fact New Zealand's relationship with the US has come a tremendously long way. She says there is no reason this country cannot have a relationship with the US similar to the ones enjoyed with other nuclear powers, including Britain and France. Miss Clark believes it is time the US started judging New Zealand on its efforts against terrorism, not just its anti-nuclear policy. She says New Zealand has bent over backwards to be a very good friend, including making one of the highest per capita contributions to the US-lead campaign against terrorism. (There are those who sneer at what they see as the backwardness of this legislation. I see no sign of any softening of the public mood on this, and I suspect the law is here to stay - BH) SECOND ARREST IN "MAORI POLICE" SCAM ------------------------------------ Gisborne police have arrested a second person as they crack down on a group police say are demanding "rent money" from moteliers, supposedly using Maori land. A 32-year-old man was arrested today shortly after leaving the home of the woman who was arrested and bailed yesterday. He has been charged with impersonating police and with demanding money with menace. Police are still seeking two other men, after several moteliers were presented with invoices for rent ranging from $200-600. POLICE INVESTIGATE CINEMA DEATH ------------------------------- Police are investigating the death of a man at a movie theatre today. The body of a man thought to be in his twenties was found by cleaners in a theatre at Auckland's Sky City Metro complex. It was discovered just after 2pm. Police believe the man had been in the theatre since 12.30pm for a screening of the film 'A lot like love'. STONING STATEMENT ROW RUMBLES ON -------------------------------- Labour's Muslim MP has released a statement condemning stoning after a controversial refusal to go against the Koran during an interview. Ashraf Choudhary was asked on the TV current affairs show 60 Minutes about the practice of stoning homosexuals and adulterous women. He refused to disagree with the Koran's recommendations, saying it was appropriate in "those societies", not in New Zealand. Dr Choudhary's statement says he is a devout Muslim and stands by the teachings of the Koran but, as a matter of personal belief, he abhors stoning and is strongly opposed to violence. The Prime Minister has weighed into the argument, saying she wants to make it clear her party is inherently opposed to capital punishment. Helen Clark says Mr Choudhary's comments on the show certainly do not fit with Labour values or her own. She says she does not care if it is in any religious tract, it is not something that is acceptable. Miss Clark says she understands Dr Choudhary is a devout Muslim but she will discuss the matter with him. RAPISTS WAIT TO HEAR FATE ------------------------- The four rapists convicted at the High Court in Wellington today will have to wait another month to find out their fate. Peter McNamara, Warren Hales and two other men whose names are still suppressed were found guilty on 11 of the 13 charges they faced, in connection with the rape and abduction of a woman in Mount Maunganui 16 years ago. None of the men's defence counsel indicated following the convictions today whether their clients will appeal. However, it should not be ruled out given that the men professed their innocence throughout the two-and-a-half week trial. Before the woman foreman announced the verdict this lunchtime, Justice Ron Young asked members of the public gallery to show no reaction. However as soon as she read "guilty" for the first time, some family members of those convicted began to sob uncontrollably. The convicted men in the dock managed to hold their composure, although the 47-year-old was seen shaking his head. The woman complainant, who now lives in Australia, is understood to have been present for the verdicts, but left quickly, flanked by her support people. The men will be back in court on Friday, August 5 for sentencing. They will be sentenced according to the laws in 1989 when the rape happened. FARMERS WORRIED ABOUT MERGER ---------------------------- The squeeze could go on some smaller companies if two of New Zealand's biggest rural service companies are given the go- ahead to merge. Together Wrightson and Pyne Gould Guiness would have more clout than any other. The merger has the backing of major shareholders, but has to be approved by the Commerce Commission. Federated Farmers spokesman Don Nicolson says the new company will be a dominant player, particularly in the South Island. He says that does raise issues about the competitive viability of smaller companies. He says farmers need to know they are getting the best value out of rural service companies, and says it is valid to have some concerns over the possibility of diminished competition. Wednesday, 06 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WOMAN'S COURAGE PRAISED AFTER GUILTY VERDICTS --------------------------------------------- Rape Crisis is praising the courage of the woman who came forward after 16 years to tell of being pack raped. A High Court jury in Wellington has delivered guilty verdicts against Peter McNamara, Warren Hales and two other men whose names remain suppressed. The woman said she was lured to a beach hut in Mt Maunganui in 1989 believing she would be having lunch with one of the men but was raped. Auckland director of Rape Crisis, Kim McGregor, says only one percent of rape complaints result in a conviction, so it shows how difficult it is to even bring such a matter to court. She says it is hard for survivors of sexual abuse to speak to anyone about their experiences, let alone the police. The men will be sentenced on August 5. HUNT FOR BODY CONTINUES ---------------------- Police are embarking on their third day of searching as the hunt continues for a body discovered in the Manukau Harbour. Two men fished up the corpse at Waikowhai Bay last Sunday. The body, believed to be a woman's, was bound up in a net and weighted down with rocks. The men were so shocked about their gruesome discovery, that they dropped the body back into the water. Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Gutry says searchers hope to bring in sonar equipment today. He says the investigation is a real puzzle. FOUR CHILDREN INJURED IN BUS CRASH ---------------------------------- Four children have been injured in a collision between a school bus and a truck, near Taupo. There were 35 children on the bus at the time. The truck driver was knocked unconscious in the accident and four children were taken to Taupo hospital with minor injuries. The children on the bus are from a mixture of schools around Taupo, including Kinloch Primary and they are being offered counselling. Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen says most of the children are in good spirits but they are being offered help through victim support if they decide they need it later. BOOKSTORE OWNER'S VISA CANCELLED -------------------------------- Immigration is in the process of cancelling the business visa of the Auckland bookstore owner accused by Winston Peters of being a paedophile. Jim Peron has gone to Germany to organise a conference, and immigration officials have told him he will not be allowed back. Immigration spokeswoman Mary Anne Thompson says it follows an investigation based on character requirements. She says Mr Peron is subject to an advanced passenger processing alert that will prevent him boarding flights to New Zealand, and he has until July 18 to make submissions before the visa is cancelled permanently. Thursday, 7 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HELP NEEDED IN HUTT ASSAULT CASE -------------------------------- A plea for help from the public to find a man wanted in connection with an alleged assault in Lower Hutt. Forty-one- year-old David Paul Edwards failed to appear in the Lower Hutt District Court on June 15 over a serious assault charge and other matters, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Edwards is described as a male Caucasian, 174 cm tall and of medium build, and is believed to be in the Petone area. Detective Sergeant Mike Sears says Edwards is regarded as dangerous and should not be approached. CHCH TEEN MISSING 3 WEEKS ------------------------- Fears are now being held for the safety of a Christchurch teenager missing for three weeks. Fifteen-year-old Jessica Elliott left her home on June 16 and her parents have not seen or heard from her since. Police say she was last spotted in Christchurch on June 26 and believe she may have travelled to Invercargill. They say they are now concerned about her wellbeing, and want anyone with information about Jessica's whereabouts to contact them. SHOOTING VICTIM IDENTIFIED -------------------------- Police have identified the man who was gunned down outside a central Auckland karaoke bar this morning. Thirty-eight-old- year-old Tam Yam Ah died after being shot once in the chest. He was part owner and manager of the Top Karaoke Bar where he was killed, and lived in a set of flats in Symonds Street overlooking the murder scene. Detective Sergeant Mark Benefield says at this stage robbery does not appear to be the motive behind the shooting. A woman was in the car with Mr Tam when he was gunned down. Mr Tam had been to pick the woman up and was returning to the bar. Detective Sergeant Benefield says the woman had been working all night and police have only a preliminary idea of what she saw. But he says basically the pair were confronted by a male and a gunshot was fired. Mark Benefield says the woman is being helped by victim support and at this stage police are not concerned for her safety. But he says progress in the inquiry is slow, particularly as English is the second language of most of the people they are dealing with. The Asian Crime Unit and other police staff from the greater Auckland region are helping with the inquiry. (Mr Tam is being described in some media as a Triad enforcer. That's a totally new concept for New Zealand. - BH) BIG CLAN LAB BUSTED IN NORTHLAND -------------------------------- Northland police have busted what they say is the largest clandestine laboratory they have come across in their region. They have seized what they say is a significant amount of chemicals and by-products used to make methamphetamine, or P, at an address in Paparoa, between Wellsford and Dargaville. Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Pannett says it was obviously a large scale drug manufacturing operation. He says the chemicals and waste products posed a potential risk to locals and surrounding rivers and streams. LIVING ALONE PAYMENT EXTENDED ----------------------------- All superannuitants living alone will soon be paid the single, living alone rate of New Zealand super. The Prime Minister has told a meeting of Grey Power members in Nelson that married superannuitants with a partner in long-term residential care have not been able to be paid the single living alone rate if their partner was in unsubsidised care. She says the Government has accepted a select committee recommendation that the law be amended, so those people can receive the higher Living Alone Payment. Helen Clark says from July next year, around 2,000 superannuitants with partners in care will be better off. KKK TAGGED ON POLICE CARS ------------------------- Authorities say "white supremacy" is the theme of late-night vandalism on a Central Otago police station and police cars. Cromwell Sergeant Steve Ereckson says two vehicles were tagged some time on Tuesday night - one's a marked police car and the other is plain. The word pigs, the letters KKK and the swastika symbol have been drawn on the cars. A rhyme has also been written on the back door of the police station. Mr Ereckson says it is threatening, and police are not willing to disclose its contents yet. Another Cromwell property was vandalised in a similar fashion last night. PETERS CALLS FOR ELECTION DATE ------------------------------ Winston Peters is trying to pressure the Prime Minister into setting the election date. The New Zealand First leader says the smoke and mirrors game over the date has already cost Labour in the polls. He says it is further evidence of a Government that has made an endless array of blunders, and its childish agenda has failed. Mr Peters says holding the country to ransom in this way is cheap politics. However Winston Peters' gripe will have no impact on Helen Clark's decision making, with the release of the date still likely to be several weeks away. HEARING SET IN SUTHERLAND CASE ------------------------------ A depositions hearing has been set down for the man accused of the murder of Christchurch prostitute Susan Sutherland. Thirty-year-old Jule Patrick Burns is accused of killing the 36-year-old in mid-April. He appeared in court this morning, where his lawyer Brian Davis advised the judge he has yet to receive witness statements from the prosecution. The judge remanded Burns in custody and set down the depositions hearing for two weeks in September. Burns's lawyer says an application for bail may be made in due course. LARGE POLICE TEAM INVESTIGATES FATAL SHOOTING --------------------------------------------- A post-mortem examination is being carried out on the body of an Asian man who was shot in central Auckland this morning. Police are talking to about 10 people who witnessed the shooting outside the Top Karaoke Bar on Symonds Street at around 5am. A murder weapon has not been located yet, although some property has been found in a side street opposite the premises. Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Benefield says there is a large team of staff from throughout the Auckland region working on the case. Mr Benefield says members of the victim's family are still being contacted. BOARD RELENTS ON BIBLE CLUB ---------------------------- The board of Seatoun School in Wellington has relented over a Bible-based lunchtime club. The board pulled the pin on the Kids Klub earlier this year, saying a religious activity had no place in a secular school but has now agreed to allow the group to resume its weekly meetings next term. Kids Klub spokesman Mike McKee says the issue has been divisive and they now want to work on rebuilding the school's sense of community. He says children with whom he has spoken, are very pleased the club has been reinstated. DRINKING AGE DEBATE CONTINUES ----------------------------- The issue of raising the drinking age will be raised again in Hawke's Bay. Progressive Party Deputy Leader Matt Robson will talk about his private member's bill in Hastings tonight. The bill proposes to return the drinking age to 20 to tackle youth alcohol abuse. The bill has been a hot topic in Hawke's Bay, with Napier MP Russell Fairbrother abstaining from voting, then holding a public meeting on the issue. Friday, 08 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FREE CALLS - BUT NOT MOBILES ---------------------------- Telecom says phone calls made to the UK to check on family and friends following yesterday's bomb blasts in London will not attract a charge. But the offer from the telecommunications giant does not extend to calls made to mobiles in the UK - often the only type of phone people have while away from home. Telecom says the credit will only apply to direct dial calls made from Telecom residential lines to land lines in the UK. It will be made retrospectively for all calls made from 7.30pm Thursday until 11am Saturday NZ time. REFUGEE REPRESENTS NEW ZEALAND ----------------------------- A young Tampa refugee is about to represent this country in soccer. Mokhtar Mohammadi was one of the young Afghani people rescued from the MV Tampa in 2002 and allowed in to New Zealand. He is currently living in Northcote. He almost missed out on playing for the Junior All Whites because he was not eligible for a New Zealand passport. With the help of some MPs, Mr Mohammadi discovered that under the Immigration Act he was entitled to a passport because he had been selected for a national team. Northcote MP Ann Hartley will hold a citizenship ceremony for the Birkenhead College student today. Mokhtar Mohammadi leaves for Hong Kong on 16 July. NZ OFFICIALS VISIT LONDON HOSPITALS ----------------------------------- New Zealand's Foreign Affairs' officials in London have visited the three hospitals dealing with most of the casualties from this morning's bomb blasts. They say there is still no indication any New Zealanders are among the 700 injured, but point out the process of checking patient lists and nationalities is still very much in the initial stages, and warns that gathering the information will take some time. It is believed the official death toll, which is currently 37, could rise to 50. New Zealand's High Commission in London will continue to man its call centre throughout the New Zealand day, but New Zealanders are still being urged to make Wellington Foreign Affairs their first call on 0800 432 111. NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY SAYS BRASH ---------------------------------- National leader Don Brash says the horror in London proves no country can be complacent about the risk of terrorist attacks. He is joined the wave of international condemnation over the strikes, describing them as totally despicable. Dr Brash was having dinner with prominent British Conservative MP Kenneth Clarke when the news came through. He says the table was plunged into shock. Dr Brash says it is a sobering reminder that New Zealand should not believe it is immune to such attacks. He says we must be totally vigilant and mindful that it is an event which could happen anywhere. He says it is a sad day not only for London, but for people and nations around the world committed to freedom and justice. WAIROA - GREAT HOTELS BUT NOTHING TO DO --------------------------------------- Wairoa is lacking in vital services to cope with its 65,000 annual visitors. Wairoa District Council CEO, Peter Freeman, says the township needs to improve its infrastructure, including creating attractions, if it wants to become a tourism hot-spot. The council's annual report states tourism is a developing industry but is slowed by poor infrastructure. Mr Freeman says the problem lies in its services - the town offers accommodation but no attractions. He says there are no guided tours, no tourism packages and no way to enjoy the place. Peter Freeman says this needs to change, and the first thing to be improved must be the roading. MURDER ACCUSED RELEASED ON BAIL ------------------------------- The man accused of murdering a woman in McLaren Falls Park near Tauranga, has been released on bail under strict conditions. Michael Curran, who is pleading not guilty, was committed for trial last month. He is charged with the murder of 24-year-old Natasha Hayden in the popular park in the lower Kaimais in January. The release has been granted in the Rotorua High Court, in spite of the Crown prosecutor's opposition. Curran is permitted to stay at his wife's Tauranga home under a 24-hour curfew. The 25-year-old accused has been in custody since his first appearance in court in late January. ANGRY APPLE GROWERS CONFRONTING PM ---------------------------------- The Prime Minister will be greeted by hundreds of angry apple growers in Hastings today. Helen Clark is addressing a Grey Power meeting this afternoon. However, local orchardist John Bostock says Grey Power has agreed to let grower representatives attend the meeting. Growers claim the government is not taking a strong enough stand on apple access to Australia. MEETING OVER KILLING OF BHAGUBHAI VAGHELA ----------------------------------------- Auckland's Indian community, concerned about the murder of Auckland shop attendant Bhagubhai Vaghela, is holding a public meeting. Spokesman Hemant Parikh says the cold blooded killing of has sent shock waves throughout New Zealand. Mr Vaghela, was fatally shot last month while working at the Uptown Mini- mart in central Auckland. Mr Parikh says Indians own and operate a large number of dairies, mini-marts and service stations, and the tragedy inflicted on the Vaghela family has raised a lot of concern within the community. Police Minister George Hawkins and other MPs have been invited to Sunday's meeting at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland. Twenty-five- year-old James Junior Lawrie has been charged with Mr Vaghela's murder and the aggravated robbery of five Auckland businesses. Monday, 11 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THREE KILLED IN TAUPO SMASH --------------------------- Three people have been killed and six more are injured in a road smash involving a car and a bus on State Highway One north of Taupo. Taupo police Sergeant Tony Jeurissen says the people killed were in the car. He says the bus was carrying 43 teenagers on their way to Waiouru for an army camp and six of them received minor injuries. Sergeant Jeurissen says the driving conditions were miserable, with low cloud, mist and persistent rain. He says the Hyundai car was overtaking other vehicles when it collided with the bus coming in the other direction. It lodged underneath the bus. Traffic is backed up although one lane of State Highway One is open. Police say it is not possible to put other detours in place on this particular section of State Highway One. QUEEN ASKED TO APPROVE MEDALS ----------------------------- The Queen will be asked to approve medals for New Zealand soldiers who served in Malaysia, Borneo and Singapore in the 50s and 60s. More than 12,000 service personnel will be eligible for medals. Those who served in a non operational role will also be eligible. CHOUDHARY CONDEMNS MOSQUE ATTACKS --------------------------------- Labour's Muslim MP is the latest to condemn the weekend's attacks on mosques in Auckland. Ashraf Choudhary says many members of the Muslim community are shaken by the events and are staying at home in a bid to keep a low profile. He is urging the community to remain calm and not fight back. He says the attacks are the doings of demented people who must be brought to justice. Meanwhile the Mayor of Waitakere believes the weekend attacks on mosques in Auckland have tarnished New Zealand's good record for tolerance. Bob Harvey says the incidents are a blip on an otherwise clean record. He says fellow New Zealanders should not be punished for the random violence of a few evil individuals half a world away. TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH VANDALISM ------------------------------------------ Two young men have been arrested for a crime spree targeting four churches in Taupo. The 18-year-olds are accused of using letterboxes, bricks and concrete slabs to smash windows earlier this month. The churches were from a range of denominations. A third man is also facing intentional damage charges but police have yet to catch up with him. VICTIM OF FREAK ACCIDENT WAS FROM CLYDE --------------------------------------- A five-year-old New Zealand boy killed in a freak accident in Bali has been identified as Jack Hogg from Clyde. The Clyde Primary School pupil was holidaying with his parents Don and Karen Hogg when a stone statue fell on him in the hotel gardens. It is understood Jack had just begun to climb the statue - which was about the same size as him - when it toppled. He died immediately from head injuries. His body is being flown back to New Zealand on Wednesday. It is understood there will not be an investigation into his death. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Emma Riley says the Australian Consul General acted on the ministry's behalf to help the family bring back the boy's body. PETERS DENIES BLAME IN MOSQUE ATTACKS ------------------------------------- Winston Peters is dismissing claims by Jim Anderton that he is partly to blame for a series of attacks on mosques in Auckland. Muslim places of worship in Ponsonby, Blockhouse Bay, Mount Roskill, Ranui and two in Otahuhu were vandalised. The mosques had windows smashed and 'R-I-P London' scrawled in spray paint across the front. Mr Anderton says people like the New Zealand First leader can be blamed for fostering a negative attitude towards other cultures. But Mr Peters says that is a low blow. He says Jim Anderton is obviously suffocating from a lack of attention and is trying to build up his profile. He says the allegations are baseless and unsubstantiated and that he has never unfairly targeted immigrant communities. Meanwhile the mayor of Waitakere is appealing for tolerance towards the Muslim community in the wake of last weekend's attacks. Bob Harvey is urging people not to target anyone out of hate or spite. Mr Harvey says the Muslims in Waitakere clearly have no connection to the London bombs. Police are yet to come up with any leads following the attacks. Detective Inspector Stu Allsopp-Smith says at this stage there are no suspects and police are not going to speculate whether there was one or more people involved. He says they are collating information from all the attacks. LIONS LEAVE TILLS BULGING ------------------------- Lions fans returning their campervans and heading for the airport have left tills bulging in Auckland. Before the tour NZRU estimated it would generate around $250 million for the economy. An official profit figure is months away, but Auckland retailers say they have had a massive boost over the past four weeks. Business group Heart of the City is likening the sales margins to Christmas Eve. CEO Alex Swney says it shows just how important major events are for Auckland. He says the returns are tenfold, for both the economy and the spirit and soul of the city. Tuesday, 12 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FORMER MAYOR HAILED A VISIONARY ------------------------------- A former Lower Hutt mayor is being hailed as a visionary who left his mark on the city. Sir John Kennedy-Good died in Auckland yesterday aged 89. He served as a Lower Hutt City councillor for 24 years and mayor for 16 years, from 1970 till 1986. Former mayor John Terris served with and him and says he was instrumental in developing the Queensgate shopping centre, which was very controversial at the time. He says Sir John had a great way of working and led a very harmonious council. (I had the pleasure of Sir John's acquaintance. He was a formidable figure, even in retirement, but will be remembered for the good deal of work he did for our city. - BH) WALKING BUS COULD SAVE LIVES ---------------------------- The Dunedin City Council is encouraging alternative transport measures to get children to school, in the hope that it will prevent a child being seriously hurt. It is cracking down on illegal parking, high speeds and dangerous driving outside primary school gates, to ensure child safety. Traffic engineer, Ron Minema, says motorists need to be aware that small children are unpredictable, but he says parents also have a role. He believes that walking children under the age of 10 to school, rather than driving them, helps to teach them how to cross roads safely and be traffic smart. It is hoped initiatives like the walking school bus and plans to establish cycle lanes, will reduce traffic flow and lower the chances of accidents. MEETING HOUSE LOCATION STAYS ---------------------------- The location of a planned $7.7 million meeting house on Wellington's waterfront is unlikely to be changed, despite concern from rowing enthusiasts over boat access. Submissions on the Taranaki Street Wharf developments, including the establishment of the wharenui and wharewaka have closed. The Wellington Rowing Club and Star Boating Club fear the position and size of the wharenui might restrict trailer access for launching boats. Waterfront Wellington CEO Ian Pike says it takes the concerns of club presidents seriously but it is not practical to change the building footprint. He says discussions over access will continue and he expects to deal with the clubs' objection at a hearing scheduled to take place late next month. FIRST OF NEW LOOK 747S UNVEILED ------------------------------- Air New Zealand has unveiled the first of its upgraded Boeing 747s at Auckland International Airport. Twenty million dollars has been spent adding new entertainment gear to the plane, and improving facilities for business travellers. It has taken more than 60,000 hours of work to revamp the airline's first new look 747-400 aircraft. Upgrading the whole fleet of eight 747s will cost $160 million. But Air New Zealand CEO Ralph Norris says it sets the platform for the company to grow its long-haul business. The Business Premier class has the longest bed available in the skies. In Pacific Premium Economy class, the seats cost about 25 percent more but are more roomy and there is on screen digital entertainment. There is also a more basic Pacific Economy class. The newly fitted out 747 will operate across the Tasman and to Los Angeles from August 7. GOVT COUGHS UP COSTS OF STEWART ISLAND PARK ------------------------------------------- Stewart Islanders are getting the money promised to them to help cope with the infrastructure costs of Rakiura National Park. In 2002, former Conservation Minister Sandra Lee assured the island's population the Government would assist with costs created by visitors to the park when it was established. Conservation Minister Chris Carter says $5.6 million will now be made available. $2.5 million of it will go on tourism related infrastructure projects, with the remainder being spent on Stewart Island's sewerage system. CLARK SWOOPS ON ELDERLY VOTERS ------------------------------ There is no question the Prime Minister is electioneering on her visit to the Wairarapa today, although she continues to keep the date of polling day a secret. Helen Clark has addressed around 200 mainly elderly people in Masterton, telling them that people are preoccupied with things other than the election. She thinks the country has more rugby fever than election fever at the present time, and says there is every reason for that - considering the success of the Lions tour. Miss Clark says somewhere before the end of September there will be an election, and the public has some big choices ahead. Our political editor says the decent lunchtime turnout and strong media contingent are signs the election campaign has begun. Barry Soper says most of the crowd were elderly - a key target group this election with more than 600,000 voters over the age of 65. He says the Government may deny the campaign-proper has begun, but it clearly has today. BRASH DEMANDS ELECTION DATE -------------------------- Don Brash is demanding the Prime Minister hurry up and give an election date, claiming the public is sick and tired of the games. The National leader says Helen Clark has had people believing it will be held in late September, but now she appears to be fuelling talk of an August weekend. He says when it does come time to go to the polls, voters should reciprocate the lack of respect that is being shown to them. But Dr Brash does not believe he is playing the same games he accuses Miss Clark of, by not releasing his party's tax policies. He guarantees people will have enough time to digest the policy before the election. Dr Brash argues he can only respond to the Prime Minister, who is dictating the game. She is today spelling out the issues she believes will determine the election outcome. Helen Clark has told a Masterton campaign meeting it will all come down to whom voters believe they can trust. She believes people want straight talking from the politicians, and says long hard experience has shown Labour it needs to say what it is going to do, and stick to it. Helen Clark says if you can do even more than you promise, that is a great thing. POLICE LIFT WOMAN'S BODY FROM BUSH ---------------------------------- Police are attempting to remove the body of a woman from bush in an Auckland suburb. A homicide investigation has been launched in Hillsborough, after the woman's remains were found 200 metres off Waikowhai Road this morning. Police say they have no idea who the woman is, and cannot yet identify her age or race, or say whether she was fully clothed. Our reporter at the scene says police will use a cherry picker to extract the body. She says they are being very careful not to interfere with any evidence that may be in the immediate vicinity of the body. Police are mystified by the discovery, made just after 8am by passers-by walking a dog. The death is being treated as suspicious because of the position of the body. In the meantime an appeal is being made to anyone with a friend or relative who is missing to call police. SCIENTIST DEFENDS TIMBER SPRAY TREATMENT ---------------------------------------- Scientists who tested the timber surface spray which has revived leaky building fears say it works, when it is used properly. The Government has ordered a review into the T 1.2, over concerns that it does not prevent rot. Scientist Mick Hedley tested the product and says it works fine. He says the problem is there are conditions attached to its use, which are not getting through to builders. Mick Hedley says the bottom line is timber framing should not get wet in buildings. He says all these types of treatments are just a last line of defence. MAN REMANDED OVER STABBING INCIDENT ----------------------------------- A 31-year-old Gisborne man has been remanded in custody over an alleged stabbing incident on Sunday. He is facing wounding with intent to cause grievous harm charges. The 31-year-old victim is in a stable condition recovering from numerous stab wounds. Police say the two knew each other. The case will come before the Gisborne District Court again on Monday. TEEN HAS SOME EXPLAINING TO DO ------------------------------ A Lower Hutt boy missing since yesterday morning has been found safe and well. Police were concerned for his safety, when the 14-year-old walked off without his medication. Detective Sergeant Carolyn Crawford says the boy, identified only as Dylan, was located a short time ago at a friends house in Wellington and he is fine. She says the boy disappeared after a minor disagreement with his family. TERROR JITTERS IN CAPITAL ------------------------- Terrorism jitters are rife in Wellington. The Police Specialist Search Group has been called out three times today to investigate three packages left unaccompanied in the central city. Each incident ended with the item being declared harmless. Sergeant Dave Rose says these incidents provide a timely reminder following the London bombings that people should not leave things like bags or boxes unattended in public. WOMAN ARRESTED OVER "BABY MOSES" DEATH -------------------------------------- A woman has been arrested over the death of a baby, whose body was found in Hastings early this year. A newborn baby - given the name 'Moses' by police - was found dumped behind the Christian Community Church in Heretaunga Street on the 4th of January. DNA samples were taken from a number of woman who were spoken to during the initial police investigation. Police say it is thanks to those DNA tests that the parents of the baby have now been identified. A 24-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with concealing the dead body of a child.\ She has been bailed, to appear in the Hastings District Court on Thursday. Police say the woman was living near the church grounds at the time the baby's body was found. Wednesday, 13 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FRAUDSTERS GIVE QUEENSTOWN BAD NAME ----------------------------------- Police are concerned that some tourists are giving Queenstown a bad name. Constable Sean Drader says police arrest up to two visitors a week, on charges of lodging false theft complaints for insurance purposes. He says the growing problem is bumping up the resort's crime statistics, making it look like a bad place to have a holiday. BOMBING CONDOLENCES FLOW IN --------------------------- A book of condolences at the British High Commission in Wellington for the victims of the London bomb attacks has attracted more than 150 messages of support. Spokesman Brian Nicholson says most mission ambassadors visited the commission soon after the tragedy. The book will remain open until Friday and Mr Nicholson says Wellingtonians are welcome to visit the Commission at 44 Hill Street. CLANDESTINE DRUGS LAB BUSTED ----------------------------- Police have busted a clandestine drugs laboratory in central Nelson. The operating laboratory was found when police raided a Totara Street house shortly before eight o'clock last night. Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Wood says the most worrying aspect of the find was its closeness to Victory School, and it is fortunate it is the school holidays. Two men, aged 29 and 39, face charges relating to possession of Class A controlled drugs and chemicals. A 38-year-old woman is charged with allowing premises to be used for drug related offences. EMAIL SENDER IDENTIFIED ----------------------- A parliamentary worker has been identified as sending inappropriate e-mails to police addresses. The General Manager of the Parliamentary Service Joel George says five inappropriate e-mails were sent from Parliament. The parliamentary e-mailer was identified in a police audit. Mr George says while the contents of the e-mails were not objectionable, they were inappropriate and the parliamentary worker has been spoken to. He says because it is a matter for investigation and possible disciplinary action, he will not be making any further comment. COUNCIL BUYING LAND ON WAIHEKE ISLAND ------------------------------------- The Auckland City Council is spending more than $12 million dollars for land on Waiheke Island. Mayor Dick Hubbard says the land at Matiatia, the main arrival and departure point for the ferries, is a strategic purchase to be funded by short term borrowing and possibly some input from rates. The land was earmarked by Waitemata Infrastructure Ltd for high rise development, but Mr Hubbard says that will now not go ahead. He says the council will develop and operate a car park and lease out land for business development. WOMAN'S BODY UNDERGOING POST MORTEM EXAM ---------------------------------------- The body of a woman found in the Waikowhai Reserve in Auckland yesterday is currently undergoing a post mortem examination. She is thought to be Caucasian, aged in her early to mid 20s. Police are still unsure of her identity and are asking anyone with information to come forward. WOULD BE ROBBER REMANDED IN CUSTODY ----------------------------------- A man accused of holding up staff at a Wellington bank has been remanded in custody. Jason White has appeared in the Wellington District Court this morning on one charge of aggravated robbery. The 38-year-old is accused of entering the Westpac Bank in Karori yesterday afternoon armed with a spear gun and taking more than $3,000. White entered no plea to the charge and will reappear in court in two weeks' time. Police say the bank staff were traumatised by the ordeal and are receiving counselling. HELEN CLARK MAY HAVE TO TESTIFY -------------------------------- The Prime Minister may yet have to testify in the so-called motorcade trial. A hearing will be held in Christchurch next week to decide if Helen Clark and Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton will be called as witnesses. Three police officers, a civilian driver, a police bodyguard and a diplomatic protection squad member face trial on driving charges in the Timaru District Court next month. The trial relates to the high speeds reached by the Prime Minister's motorcade as it raced from Waimate to Christchurch in July last year. BRASS BAND COMES THIRD ---------------------- New Zealand has come third at the inaugural World Brass Band Championship in the Netherlands. Music director David Gallaher is delighted with the achievement. He says the band gave a stunning world class performance and received standing ovations. The championship was won by Switzerland and second place went to Belgium. The Golden Bay Bag Ladies are on an anti-plastics push. On Monday the group will distribute 1700 cloth shopping bags throughout the area to encourage people to stop using plastic shopping bags. Spokeswoman Nicola Basham says the Plastic Bag-Free initiative is designed to reduce waste and pollution. She says New Zealanders are among the world's biggest wasters, using more than three million plastic shopping bags every day, but locals can now can put the cloth bag in their handbag or car so they have it on hand when they do their shopping. Ms Basham hopes eventually the initiative can be taken nationwide. She says the group has approached the Government about the scheme, but has to prove it can work locally before taking it throughout New Zealand. NATS WANT TO RETURN TO 90S HOUSING POLICY ---------------------------------------- Labour claims National wants to return to the housing policy of the 1990s. National wants to resurrect its 'home buy' scheme, which gives low income families a $15,000 suspensory loan to purchase a state house. The loan is written off if the family stays in the house for seven years Minister of Housing Steve Maharey says it just shows the National Party has not learned from its mistakes. He says Labour already has the Mortgage Insurance and Kiwi Saver Schemes and they will soon be making more announcements to encourage home ownership. Steve Maharey says the Labour government is still trying to dig its way out of the hole National put it in the last time around. He says National did not modernise housing and sold thousands of state houses. Thursday, 14 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BODY DISCOVERY TURNS TO HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION ---------------------------------------------- Auckland police have no suspects yet but are treating the discovery of a woman's body as a homicide investigation. Katrina Jefferies' body was found in bush near Waikowhai Road in Hillsborough on Monday. Detective Senior Sergeant Gerry Whitley says the forensic team will be out again this morning combing the area where the 22-year-old was found. He says although the exact cause of death is not known, Ms Jefferies suffered injuries to her upper body. Further tests were being carried out overnight. It is believed Ms Jefferies had been dead for no longer than 48 hours when she was found. Mr Whitley says police are getting plenty of information from the family and people that knew Katrina. Waikowhai Road will reopen sometime today. AMNESTY CALLS REJECTED ----------------------- The Labour Department is rejecting a call by vineyard contractors to grant amnesty to illegal workers pruning vines in Marlborough. Marlborough Winegrowers' spokesman Stuart Smith says vineyards do not want to employ anyone illegally in New Zealand, but are short of 1,000 workers to complete pruning before spring and the clock is ticking. He says the department estimates there are more than 20,000 people working illegally and if they were all rounded up and sent home tomorrow the hospitality and horticultural industries would suffer greatly. Mr Smith says contractors are calling for an amnesty to get overstayers working productively in vineyards rather than hiding in other parts of the country. The Department of Labour says it will continue to remove illegal people. GOVT TRANSFERS KAWERAU GEOTHERMAL ASSETS ---------------------------------------- The Government has made a multi-million dollar deal to transfer its Kawerau geothermal assets to Mighty River Power. Finance Minister Michael Cullen says the state-owned enterprise will pay $14 million to the Crown, representing the commercial value of the Kawerau fields. He says Mighty River Power will then on-sell the majority of the assets to Ngati Tuwharetoa Geothermal Assets Limited. Finance Minister Michael Cullen says if Mighty River Power goes ahead with its proposal to build a power station at Kawerau, the geothermal activity could generate 80 megawatts of new energy every year. ERECTION OF LABOUR BILLBOARDS PLAYED DOWN ----------------------------------------- The Prime Minister is playing down the fact that Labour volunteers are being mobilised to begin erecting election billboards on July 24. Helen Clark says there is quite a simple explanation and it does not have anything to do with the yet-to-be-announced election date. She says the date is significant because it's two months out from the latest date that she could hold the election. Winston Peters is the latest political leader pressuring Helen Clark to reveal when the country will go to the polls. DOCTOR WHO TOUCHING DOWN ------------------------ Memories of the world's longest running science fiction show are flooding back for one of the stars as the Tardis gets set visit to New Zealand. Two former incarnations of Doctor Who travel to Auckland next month to give fans an insight into the BBC show. Among them will be the seventh Doctor played by actor Sylvester McCoy from 1987 to 1996. Mr McCoy says New Zealanders can expect a very happy human being to step off the plane because he has always wanted to see the country. He says New Zealanders are in for a real show in August with opportunities to ask questions of the actors and share secrets about the programme's production. CAPILL SENTENCED TODAY ---------------------- The fate of disgraced former Christian Heritage Party leader Graham Capill will be settled today. The 46-year-old will be sentenced in the Christchurch District Court this morning on a series of historical sexual abuses he committed against three young girls between 1990 and 2002. Capill has been in custody since late last month after he entered guilty pleas to the latest raft of charges including indecent assault, sexual violation and rape. Sentencing begins at 10am. MINISTER'S MESSAGE TO FISHERS ----------------------------- The Fisheries Minister says the industry has to take some responsibility for dealing with climate change which has already had such a huge impact on New Zealand waters. It follows a promise by National Party leader Don Brash to save the fishing industry $20 million a year by sparing it from the carbon tax. Minister David Benson-Pope says climate change has created major concerns about the sustainability of some stock, especially deep sea species facing rising temperatures. He says the decline in hoki numbers has already been linked to warming seas. Mr Benson-Pope says fishing companies can access the same grant schemes as other businesses to help offset the costs of the carbon tax. LITTLE KNOWN STIMULANT'S IMPACT ------------------------------- An expert in party pills says BZP is uncommon as a performance enhancer in sport. An unidentified New Zealand athlete has tested positive for the party drug, which contains a banned stimulant. Forensic scientist Kevin Bedford says there is little published information on how BZP could be used in the sporting context. However he says it might help the user in the same way as an amphetamine, to push the limits of endurance. ZIMBABWE PROTEST STILL SCHEDULED -------------------------------- A planned rally to protest over the atrocities in Zimbabwe will go ahead this Saturday despite suggestions of a peace offering. The International Cricket Council has indicated it could waive penalties against New Zealand Cricket if the August tour is cancelled because of a government directive. But spokesman for Global Peace and Justice, John Minto says that does not stop the fact human rights abuses continue in Zimbabwe. He wants the boycott taken up internationally, not just with New Zealand Cricket. The protest in Queen Street, Auckland, will be led by former Zimbabwe cricketer Henry Olonga. SEAWEED ALERT ------------- Aucklanders are being asked watch out for a foreign seaweed threatening coastal waters. Auckland Regional Council says the Asian plant Undaria poses a significant danger to the aquaculture in Waitemata Harbour. The seaweed was first discovered in Auckland last year and the ARC fears it could harm the region's parks. It wants Aucklanders to help them identify how far the plant has spread. The ARC says anyone who sees a golden brown and frilly seaweed should phone 366 2000, as the coastline is the jewel in the crown of Auckland's environment. CAPILL JAILED FOR NINE YEARS ---------------------------- The fate of disgraced former Christian Heritage Party leader Graham Capill has been sealed. In the Christchurch District Court this morning the 46-year-old paedophile was sentenced to nine years in jail. He was sentenced to seven years for rape, three years for sexual violation, to be served concurrently, and two years on the indecent assault charges. The charges relate to offences against three girls between 1990 and 2000. It was revealed Capill himself suffered sexual abuse as a 19- year-old, but his lawyer Jonathan Eaton told the court that was not an excuse for his offending. (Mr Capill apparently sent an email to his supporters arguing that his acts were less severe because they were consensual. With an eight year old? I don't think so. The fact that he can still justify this behaviour to himself indicates a need for a deterrent sentence - BH) GIRL'S GRANDFATHER SPEAKS OUT ----------------------------- The grandfather of one of the three teenage girls killed in Hamilton's Cobham Bridge crash has spoken out about the driver's sentence. Whiti Hepi has been sentenced to seven-and- a-half years in jail, after pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter. The 21-year-old was at the wheel of the car which plunged into the Waikato river back in February. Hayley Forbes' grandfather Mana says the families of the girls do not think it is fair the burden should rest solely on the shoulders of Hepi. He says they want to see a second man who was involved in the crash, punished. Fifteen-year-old Hayley escaped the vehicle with a badly broken leg, but drowned as Hepi and his male companion ignored her cries for help. CAR SLAMS INTO POLICE VEHICLE ----------------------------- A police car has been involved in a crash near Alexandra. Senior Sergeant Mike Cook says the vehicle was turning right off Earnscleugh Road, when a car smashed into the driver's side. Both drivers suffered minor injuries. The senior constable involved in the crash is based in Alexandra, but is a member of the national Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit. The driver of the other car is a 17-year-old local man. Mr Cook says early investigations indicate the constable is not at fault. AIR NZ CANCELS 16 FLIGHTS ------------------------- Air New Zealand has cancelled at least 16 trans-Tasman flights next week due to a planned strike by cabin crews. The cancellations are part of the airline's contingency plans which will also stop dozens of flights between New Zealand and Asia-Pacific destinations from next Monday. The cancellations affect about 14,000 customers. On average, about 15-20 international flights will be cancelled each day. After two days of mediation ended without agreement, the 1,000-member Flight Attendants and Related Services Association opted to strike. Friday, 15 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CAPILL LEFT PAIN AND STRUGGLE FOR VICTIMS ----------------------------------------- A sex abuse counsellor says Graham Capill has left a legacy of pain and struggle behind for his victims. The former Christian Heritage Party leader and police prosecutor has been sentenced to nine years jail for a series of historical sexual abuses committed against three young girls between 1990 and 2002. Counsellor Jude Hill says Capill's sentencing is not about him but his victims and it will take a lifetime for them to heal. She says they will have trouble trusting and forming intimate relationships and healing will be made harder because of the level of respect Capill had in the community. Ms Hill believes Capill's nine year jail term is justice. ADOPTED PERSON CANNOT SEEK DECLARATION OF PATERNITY --------------------------------------------------- The Supreme Court has ruled that an adopted person cannot seek a declaration of paternity from his or her biological father. In a unanimous decision, the judges say once a child has been adopted, any legal ties with the biological parents are severed. In doing so they have overturned an earlier ruling from the Court of Appeal. The case was brought to courts by 51-year-old John Young. He and his twin sister were adopted by their biological mother and her husband in 1958. But Mr Young wanted the courts to declare a father-child relationship existed between him and John Hemmes, the man he claims to be his biological father. As well as losing his case, Mr Young has been ordered to pay Mr Hemmes $25,000 to cover his court costs. ARREST IN AUCK MOSQUE ATTACKS ------------------------------ An 18-year-old Manukau student has been arrested over the attacks on mosques around Auckland last week. Six mosques in west, central and south Auckland were vandalised last weekend, in apparent retaliation for the terrorist bombings in London. The man faces seven charges of intentional damage, and is due to appear in the Manukau District Court this afternoon. DOCTORS MAY REVIEW POSITION ON EUTHANASIA ----------------------------------------- New Zealand doctors will consider reviewing their position on voluntary euthanasia. The Medical Association's British counterpart recently voted not to oppose a law change that would allow doctors to assist suicide. Chairman Ross Boswell attended the British Association meeting and will raise the topic at the board's next meeting at the end of the month. New Zealand currently subscribes to the World Medical Association rules which deem it unethical for a doctor to be involved in euthanasia or doctor-assisted suicide. CONDOMS USED TO ATTRACT VOTERS ------------------------------ The Young Labour Party has created "mini billboards" using condoms with the slogans "be safe with Labour" and " don't get screwed by National". A thousand will be handed out as part of Auckland University's mid-year orientation events next week. President Connor Roberts says it is a way to engage young people and politics. Mr Roberts says harping on about tax cuts is a sure fire way of turning off young voters. He says only half the young people enrolled actually bothered to vote at the last election. (I don't know if it will strike a chord with the young, but to me, it is as off-target as the party's reading of the public mood about tax cuts - BH) UNIQUE FISH AT RISK --------------------- Fish and Game is labelling the proposed Lower Waitaki River power scheme 'mini-Aqua', and says it will put unique fisheries at risk. Meridian Energy is publicising its planned replacement for the scrapped Project Aqua, saying that further energy production from the Lower Waitaki is sustainable. Fish and Game spokesman, Jay Graybill, says the fishery there is unique, because salmon and rainbow and brown trout populate the area. He says no other river in New Zealand has a similar combination. He says surely the Waitaki River has made enough sacrifices already to give power to the national grid. COUNTERFEIT MONEY DETECTED -------------------------- Rotorua retailers are being urged to be aware of counterfeit money. Earlier this week of a fake $50 note was cashed at Woolworths but it was not until after the offender left with their shopping that staff realised it was counterfeit. Sergeant Percy Ruri says retailers need to watch out for the notes because there are bound to be more circulating. He says when the notes are held up to the light, there is no security mark in the plastic window. Sergeant Ruri says it is hard to judge whether the notes have been made locally. RUMOURS ABOUT KEVIN SENIO ARE PREMATURE --------------------------------------- Kevin Senio's manager is denying rumours the Bay of Plenty halfback is being looked at by Canterbury for next season as a replacement for Justin Marshall. Bruce Sharrock says they have only had an official offer from the Steamers at this stage for Senio's long term services, but it is no secret there is plenty of interest around the country. Sharrock says he has signed with the Bay for the current season, so there is no rush to finalise a contract with the transfer window only opening in November, although that has not stopped players signing with other teams in the past. Senio comes off contract in November, and Sharrock says the halfback is aware he will need to sort out his future, but there are no active negotiations underway. ARCHITECTS SHORTLISTED FOR WATERFRONT ------------------------------------- Waterfront Wellington has short-listed a group of architects to design four buildings proposed for Waitangi Park. The only firm chosen from New Zealand is Kerstin Thompson Architects Joint Venture. Waterfront Wellington chairperson Fran Wilde says each of the five contenders holds national or international awards and honours recognising excellence in previous work. They have been given six weeks to complete concepts which will eventually be put to the public before being judged on cost and creativity. JUNK FOOD ADVERTISING DOES NOT CONTRIBUTE TO OBESITY ---------------------------------------------------- Junk food advertising around schools does not contribute to obesity, according to the head of the Secondary Principals Association. A pilot study conducted by a Dunedin medical student has found the advertising of foods high in fat, sugar or salt make up two thirds of the advertising around schools. It also suggests this may be contributing to the country's growing obesity levels. Secondary Principals Association president Graham Young says the findings do not surprise him. However Mr Young says children are educated to make their own decisions and he would like to think that means they can look after their own bodies. NATS SAY LABOUR USED TAXPAYER MONEY ----------------------------------- National claims Labour has used taxpayer money to attract people to a Grey Power meeting to promote the party's policies. MP Murray McCully says Grey Power was contacted by someone from Prime Minister Helen Clark's office who offered to organise advertising, mail outs and hall hire, and to pick up the $2,000 tab. He says that is totally inappropriate and indicates a new level of desperation from the Government. Murray McCully says there has been no denial from the Prime Minister's office that Parliamentary funding was involved. He says labour should pay back every cent. The Prime Minister is defending putting funds from her leader's budget towards public meetings. Helen Clark says Labour often sends out letters inviting people to come and hear them talk about policy. She says it is something which is done by every parliamentary party. CHILD MORTALITY RATE HAS DROPPED -------------------------------- A new study shows our child mortality rate has dropped, but poorer children are still most at risk of dying. Otago University has used census data to track the changes in child mortality between 1981 and 1999, according to socioeconomic status. The study found the death rate in the one to 14-year- old age group fell. There were 744 deaths in the 1981 to 1984 census period, compared with 534 between 1996 and 1999. Research fellow Caroline Shaw says children in low income households were more than ten percent more likely to die between 1996 and 1999 than those in wealthier homes. GROUP CLAIMS LAW INCONSISTENCIES IN CAPILL'S SENTENCE ------------------------------------------------------ A group working to stop child abuse is not happy about what it sees as inconsistencies in the punishment handed out to paedophile Graham Capill. The former Christian Heritage leader and police prosecutor has begun a nine year sentence for sex attacks on young girls and could qualify for home detention within three years. Denise Ritchie, from the Stop Demand Foundation, says Capill has been sentenced under laws current at the time the offences were committed, yet can also get the benefits of more recent sentencing regimes such as home detention. Ms Ritchie believes this demonstrates a double standard. She believes a few years in prison will be an unpleasant experience for Capill. THE FINANCIAL PAGE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Date: 16 July 2005 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. To Buy NZD 1.00 USD 0.6829 AUD 0.9056 GBP 0.3888 JPY 76.91 CAD 0.8284 EUR 0.5663 HKD 5.3241 SGD 1.1651 ZAR 4.5491 CHF 0.8835 INTEREST RATES (%) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Call : 6.75 90 Day: 7.04 SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian Harmer does NOT administer the mailing list. Please do not send subscription related messages to him. Instead, visit the website listed below, where you can make changes as required. From news at wysiwygnews.com Sun Jul 24 21:41:49 2005 From: news at wysiwygnews.com (news@wysiwygnews.com) Date: Sun Jul 24 21:41:53 2005 Subject: WYSIWYG NEWS - 24 July, 2005 Message-ID: subject: July 24, 2005 ----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ Copyright, Brian Harmer One of the odd little pleasures of doing this is to have readers from far distant places pop out of the shrubbery and pay a visit when they pass through this town. This week, John from California visited and we were able to have a coffee together in a crowded and noisy caf? on campus. Despite the clatter of the surroundings, it was a great pleasure to meet one of my readers. I hope others will follow the lead, and make contact. Yesterday, Mary and I flew to Christchurch to mark a significant birthday for her brother. Since it was the last weekend of the school holidays, we had to take what flights we could get, so this was an early morning journey on an ATR 72. It may be slower than the Boeing, but I find them comfortable with good leg room, and remarkably stable even over that WLG - CHC leg which is notorious for its turbulence. It was a clear day anyway, though the sun was barely over the horizon, and so the views over the alps were spectacular indeed. As we came in over the Northern outskirts of the Garden City we noted that the grass appeared less green than usual ... from our altitude, a sort of grey green colour. The closer we got to touch down, the more obvious it became that we were seeing a fairly strong and widespread frost. Sure enough as we emerged onto the tarmac we were hit simultaneously by the brilliant clarity of a cloudless Canterbury morning, and the sharp bite cold of a Canterbury Frost. I understood why the airline staff whose job it was to stand on the tarmac to ensure that we went along the designated path to the terminal building looked so miserable and had gritted teeth. They were hypothermic. Brother-in-law was inside waiting for us and for his son who was on the same flight, and then took us Southwards to his home in Rolleston, "town of the future" according to its entrance billboards. The family gathering was a very congenial occasion indeed, with several siblings and offspring to swell the numbers, and to gradually reduce the need for the diesel oil burner that did such a great job throughout the weekend. Star of the show was the five month old grand-daughter whose wide-eyed curiosity about the world and all these strangers won hearts and thawed reserve even quicker than the bright sun disposing of the frost. Good food, good wine, and good company may not be every physician's prescription for longevity, but in my book they are way ahead of whatever is second-best. At the end of the day's festivities Mary and I retired to our motel at nearby Weedons. This was a rather old-fashioned affair that gave the impression of having been built for a different purpose. Perhaps it was a ministry of works or perhaps defence force hostel in the fifties. It had all the essentials, however, even if the electric fan heater made more noise than the engine room ventilation system on the Cook Strait ferries. The sky grew steadily blacker, and glittering stars told us that it was even colder out there than here in the rapidly falling temperature of a night on the Canterbury Plains. Periodically, a large jet aircraft would pass overhead on final approach to Harewood, or a train would clang and rumble by on the track just beyond the fence. Out front, the rough chip seal of SH1 made every passing car or truck so much louder in the otherwise still night. Blessed oblivion until next morning, at which time I became aware once more of the deep chill outside the bed covers. Nevertheless it was necessary to get breakfast and be ready for Sister-in-law who had kindly insisted on providing transport to the airport. No frost this morning, but still cold by Wellington standards. An innocent blue sky and total lack of wind ensured a clear view across the plains to the sharply etched peaks and ridges of the Southern Alps. Another ATR took as north, and to my great pleasure it took a comparatively low altitude inland route from Christchurch along the coast beside the Seaward Kaikouras to finally turn toward Wellington at Cape Campbell. Every ridge, every snow covered bush was visible in sharp detail. Views both near and far were spectacular beyond any words of mine to do them justice. Over the Southern parts of the Cook Strait, the sea surface ceased to look placid and changed colour to a dark green with marching armies of white wave tops. A large trawler in the act of bringing in its net amidst swirling seagulls passed beneath. Soon afterwards, the flaps were lowered and the wheels came down and Wellington's runway smacked us neatly on the wheels and we were home once more. ---- 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 James Lawry, formerly of soc.culture.new-zealand. Thanks James. ---- On with the news: Monday, 18 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ COPPINS CLOSING ON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER --------------------------------------------- New Zealand's recent domination of world motocross has continued with another outstanding performance from Josh Coppins winning the South African MX1 World Championship round in ideal conditions at the Sun City circuit. Coppins has won the South African Grand Prix, winning both races at Sun City, and he has closed the gap on world championship leader, Belgium's Stefan Everts, to 39 points. Coppins also won back to back races in Sweden two weeks ago. It is the fourth successive round to be won by a New Zealander, with Ben Townley having won the rounds in Italy and France. Townley finished fourth and 17th in the two South African races to be 10th overall for the round, and remains third in the standings. There are six rounds remaining in the championship. FLIGHTS DISRUPTED AS AIR NZ STAFF STRIKE ---------------------------------------- Thousands of people are having their travel plans disrupted this morning as strike action hits Air New Zealand. Eighty-five international flights have been cancelled as around 1,000 flight attendants begin the first of three 48 hour strikes. Forty-five of the flights are outward and 40 are New Zealand bound. The union wants a 3.8 percent increase for each of three years. It also wants more staff on the new Boeing 777 aircraft which start flying in September. The Airline has made an offer of 3.3 percent followed 3.4 percent next year and 3.3 percent in 2007. Heather Stanley from the Flight Attendants and Related Services Association says staff hope to engage in meaningful dialogue with the company. She says a phone call is all it would take to restart negotiations. The strike could cost the airline up to $2 million. (My visitor referred to in the opening was due to fly out the next day and it seems almost certain he would have been caught up in this. Please let me know how you got on, John. - BH) HUNT CONTINUES FOR ESCAPED PRISONER ----------------------------------- Police are urging residents in the Manawatu district near Rongotea to remain on high alert as the hunt continues for an escaped prisoner this morning. Kerry Jason Taylor is thought to be in the area after escaping from Manawatu Prison last Sunday. Police say Taylor has been known to commit violent crimes and locals are being advised to lock their buildings and vehicles and not pick up hitchhikers. Taylor is described as a 36-year-old Caucasian, and is 179cm tall. (They got him. He was caught by a traffic cop! - BH) SCENE EXAMINATION AFTER SHOTS FIRED ----------------------------------- Further scene examinations will be carried out today on the area of Auckland's northern motorway where shots were fired at a police officer. The officer was carrying out a routine vehicle stop in the northbound lanes of State Highway 1 just south of the Silverdale off-ramp, when a series of shots was fired from a grey van travelling in the opposite direction just before 6pm on Saturday. Police are still looking for the 1986 grey or silver Nissan Vannette or Mazda Bongo which has tinted windows. North Shore City Police Commander Inspector Mike Hill has little doubt the officer was deliberately targeted and says it was a dangerous, unacceptable act. He is appealing for anyone with information to come forward. STUDENTS COMPETE FOR FAMINE TRIP -------------------------------- A group of Forty-Hour Famine supporters are getting the chance to travel to Mongolia to experience first-hand the problems facing the developed world. A senior scholarship programme involving 21 secondary school students is being held in Wellington this week. Participants will spend the time honing their leadership skills and learning how New Zealand can help fight poverty abroad. World Vision CEO Helen Green says only three students will be selected for the trip, and the successful candidates will be announced on Thursday. She says they must be students who have either done an outstanding job in either organising the famine within the school or raising money for the cause. Ms Green says the trip gives students a chance to visit the projects their work has funded. GUN DEALER'S DEFAMATION CASE DELAYED ------------------------------------ A Christchurch gun dealer will have to wait before his case will be heard in the High Court in Christchurch. David Tipple is suing police over a senior officer's allegedly defamatory remarks in 1999, when his dealers licence was revoked. Justice Pankhurst told potential jury members the case would not go ahead because of last minute developments. He said the trial would not proceed until a decision was made on another similar case in Wellington. David Tipple served nearly two years in US jails for breaching gun laws before being released last year. MAN MAKES PLEA IN ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING CASE ------------------------------------------ A Reporoa man charged in connection with an accidental shooting earlier this year has pleaded guilty. Albert Hurihanganui has admitted to an incident on April 30, when his 10-year-old nephew was shot by his six-year-old son. They were on a hunting expedition in the Waikite Valley area with another man, when the two adults went to recover a pig. Hurihanganui told the boys not to touch the rifle but heard a shot fired when they were away. They returned to find Hurihanganui's nephew had been shot in the stomach. He spent several weeks in Starship Hospital and needs ongoing operations. Hurihanganui will be sentenced late next month on one charge of careless use of a firearm causing injury. JEWELLER PLANS SCULPTURE PARK ---------------------------- Michael Hill has applied for consent to create a sculpture park within his 18-hole Arrowtown golf course. Two sculptures - in the form of autumn-coloured reeds, and stone slabs and boulders - have already been erected on the jeweller's 143 hectare property. The remaining six will be stone stacks with steel branches, a wooden structure, a black and red steel piece, three bronze figures, a kinetic metal sculpture, and stacked stone slabs and boulders. They range in height from three to eight metres, and two will be by Michael Hill's son Mark. WANTED WOMAN FOUND IN HUNTLY HOUSE ---------------------------------- A woman whom police had been looking for, in connection with the murder of Waingaro man Andre Wilson, has appeared in the Hamilton District Court today. Carrie Lyndon was found at the weekend in a house in Huntly following a tip-off from a member of the public. She faces charges ranging from possessing methamphetamine to being an accessory to aggravated robbery after the fact. She has been remanded in custody until tomorrow due to confusion over a bail application. Police are still looking for her associate Kim Smith, who is also wanted for questioning regarding Mr Wilson's death last month. POLICEMAN'S BRIEFCASE STOLEN ---------------------------- The Department of Labour is making a list of the contents of a briefcase stolen from a police officer over the weekend. The officer, on secondment to immigration, had his briefcase taken from an Auckland hotel reception area on Friday. Department of Labour spokeswoman Maryanne Thompson says it contained a laptop, but staff are still working to establish exactly what else was inside. Police say no counter terrorism material or other highly sensitive information is amongst the stolen documents. Tuesday, 19 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GREENSTONE DEPOSITIONS HEARING DATE SET --------------------------------------- Two Haast men charged with stealing greenstone and money laundering will face a depositions hearing in the Alexandra District Court in September. David and Morgan Saxton have denied three charges of stealing 13 tonnes of greenstone from south Westland and two charges of money laundering. The men failed in their appeal to the High Court to have the case transferred to Greymouth. Meanwhile, the pre-trial hearing for two other men facing similar charges began in the Dunedin District Court yesterday. They are Harvey Hutton of Makarora and Dougal Innes of Wanaka. UNION HOPES FOR STRIKE SETTLEMENT --------------------------------- Union officials hope the Air New Zealand flight attendants strike could be settled this afternoon. Four flights across the Tasman and four Asian services have been cancelled due to the stoppage. Flight Attendants and Related Services Association Industrial Officer Heather Stanley says the union and airline management are continuing talks this afternoon. She says Air New Zealand is keen to talk and they may be able to resolve the strike issues today. (Alas, it was not to be - BH) TANCZOS DEVISES OWN CANNABIS BILL --------------------------------- Pot-smoking Green MP Nandor Tanczos is set to unveil his own plan to reform current cannabis laws. He has drafted a private member's bill which he says will offer a way forward. Mr Tanczos says he believes the measures will be acceptable to the Government and the public. The bill is expected to focus on decriminalisation and setting an age limit for cannabis use. (You will probably not be surprised to learn that I am a conservative on this - BH) COUNCIL TIGHTENS UP FOOD REGS ----------------------------- The Rotorua District Council is set to toughen up even further on regulating food premises. It is planning to release its proposed Food Services Bylaw for public consultation, after the Planning and Bylaws Committee passed a number of recommendations yesterday. The committee resolved that a bylaw was the best way to address the perceived problem of the safety and hygiene of food premises and food worker training. Once the bylaw is implemented, food premises will have two years for staff to obtain a certificate in approved basic hygiene. Where there are four or more workers employed at one premises, 75 percent of them will have to be qualified in basic food hygiene. TRANPOWER CONFIRMS PYLON ROUTE ------------------------------ Transpower has confirmed the final route for its proposed transmission line through the Waikato and South Auckland. An interim route for the 400 kilovolt line was announced in May and it has now been decided it is the one with which Transpower wants to proceed. The line will run between Otahuhu and Whakamaru; information packs being delivered to affected landowners and occupiers today. Transpower chief executive Ralph Craven says the route will be 500 metres wide with the pylons themselves taking up 65 metres. Ralph Craven says construction is now subject to the Electricity Commission and Resource Management Act approval. (New Zealand is in something of an energy pickle. We could have wind farms, as long as they are not near the people of Makara or Ashhurst. We could have a coal fired power station, as long as it's not at Marsden B, or anywhere the Green Party is. We could have hydro power, but not where any conservationist knows about it. We could have nuclear power, as soon as someone figures a safe method of disposing of the waste, and safeguarding it from our seismic risks. As an old friend used to say, "everything in our favour is dead against us!". Regardless of the source of additional energy, I understand that the Whakamaru to Auckland transmission line is still necessary. - BH) DRUG SYNDICATE BUSTED --------------------- Auckland police have busted a white-collar drug syndicate, arresting six people including a 55-year-old company director. Operation Aqua resulted in police executing 10 search warrants at different addresses across Auckland's inner city this morning. The ring has allegedly been supplying methamphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine. Police say the syndicate is effectively a group of friends, with the company director allegedly at the top and some of the others at the lower end of the supply chain. Superintendent Ted Cox says it shows drug dealing is not limited to the criminal underworld. (This case has generated more gossip and speculation than any I can think of in recent times. It demonstrates the folly of our suppression laws. It is widely known that several celebrities involved with sport and TV are involved. It is also the inevitable result that as long as the real accused are not named, everyone who fits that description is a suspect. And on the topic, I was astonished to someone reported to be a columnist say on TV that if celebrities were involved, they would have to be rehabilitated and returned to circulation quickly. The astonishing rationale was that there are so few "interesting people" that we needed them. Sorry lady, I don't know what planet you live on, but you share no common reality with me. - BH) COMPLACENCY COULD LEAD TO AIDS ------------------------------ An increase in the number of AIDS diagnoses in New Zealand is leading some experts to wonder if the country is becoming too relaxed about the disease. Thirty-three New Zealanders have been told they have AIDS this year compared to 14 at the same time last year. AIDS Foundation Chief Executive Rachael Le Mesurier says the improvements in HIV treatment may have brought about complacency and made some people prepared to take more risks. She says it is difficult to put one's finger on the true reason for the trend. Ms Le Mesurier says too many people are not keeping up with regular testing, leading some people to discover they have AIDS shortly after being diagnosed with HIV. SIX ARRESTED IN MAJOR BUST --------------------------- Six men have appeared in the Auckland District Court this afternoon after a major drugs bust in the city this morning. The men are charged with various offences following the bust of an alleged white collar drug syndicate, including supplying cannabis, ecstasy and methamphetamines. The men's occupations include a mechanic, a bar manager and a property developer. They have all been granted name suppression and ordered not to make contact with each other. Five of the six men have been granted bail and will reappear on August 4, while the sixth man, the alleged ringleader, will appear tomorrow. Police are still seeking several other people alleged to have been involved in the operation Customs Drug Investigation Manager Simon Williamson says the bust has put the spot-light on the country's drug culture and adds the arrest of a 55-year-old company director highlights an on-going issue with demand for A-class drugs. He says it shows it is not possible to isolate the drug abuse problem in one sector of society. Mr Williamson says that demand is fuelling supply from trans-national drug syndicates. He says the joint police/customs operation began with the border-seizure of a couple of hundred grams of cocaine and then spiralled into this major bust. MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SLAIN KIWI ------------------------------- A memorial service will be held in London tomorrow for the New Zealand woman killed in the tube bombings. Twenty-six-year-old Shelley Mather was travelling on the Piccadilly line when she was caught in one of the four terrorist blasts nearly two weeks ago. The memorial service will take place at St Pancras Church in Euston Road at four pm London time. Among those attending will be a representative for Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon. Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey has arranged for a floral tribute to be laid at the service on behalf of his city, as Shelley Mather spent her childhood years in Titirangi. The coroner's inquest into Ms Mather's death begins in London on Wednesday. Wednesday, 20 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TANCZOS BELIEVES CANNABIS BILL HAS SUPPORT ------------------------------------------- Green MP Nandor Tanczos is already having to defend his new cannabis reform bill after introducing it to Parliament yesterday. The bill would see fines, rather than convictions, handed out for small scale cannabis use. National and United Future are against it. Justice Minister Phil Goff says the government will not support legalising cannabis. Mr Tanczos says United Future's stand is to be expected but he remains confident the bill will have supporters in the National and Labour camps after speaking to individual MPs. He expects any vote on the bill would be a conscience vote and is confident it would get enough votes to pass. COMPANY DIRECTOR BACK IN COURT ON DRUGS CHARGES ---------------------------------------------- A 55-year-old company director is due back in the Auckland District Court today on a variety of drugs charges. He is one of six men arrested yesterday in a massive white-collar drug bust who face charges of supplying or conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy. They have been granted name suppression and five of the accused have been granted bail, on the condition they do not make contact with one another. They have been remanded to reappear on August 4. Their occupations include a mechanic, bar manager and property developer. Four other men, including two well-known names, are also being sought by police in connection with the drug-ring. COLD DAY AS UNI STAFF STRIKE ---------------------------- Canterbury University is a cold place today as members of the Association of University Staff go on strike. They are protesting at an impasse in collective national pay talks. Management says the strike means staff responsible for the campus heating system will not be working so lecture theatres will be cold. Discretion has been given to non-striking teaching staff to decide whether their lectures will proceed. The strike has also closed the university's recreation centre and library. (All universities except Otago where a settlement offer was made, were on strike. - BH) POUNAMU HEARING CONTINUES ------------------------- A pre-trial hearing into the theft of pounamu continues today at the Dunedin District Court. Harvey Hutton of Makarora and Dougal Innes from Wanaka, deny they stole the greenstone for financial gain. The Crown has applied to have their case heard alongside that of David and Morgan Saxton of Haast, who face similar charges. The judge is expected to make a decision on the issue, today or tomorrow. Most pounamu in the South Island is the property of Ngai Tahu, and large amounts are not allowed to be taken without permission. (Pounamu is the Maori name for nephrite jade or greenstone. - BH) HATE MAIL CASE BEGINS -------------------- A hearing relating to the sending of hate mail to Muslims has begun in the Wellington District Court. A 53-year-old is facing several charges. An Iranian woman who came to New Zealand as a refugee told the court she received a cartoon of pigs attending a funeral, with the heading 'Islamic Pall Bearers'. The witness said she shifted here because she thought it was a country where her children could grow up and be safe. In written statements other witnesses told of receiving similar letters, and some had also been sent pieces of pork or ham. The witnesses spoke of fearing violence against themselves or their families. STRIKE AFFECTS BREAKERS' PRE-SEASON ---------------------------------- A blow to the New Zealand Breakers NBL pre-season program. The Breakers have had to cancel the two matches against Hunter Pirates in Auckland next week, due to the industrial action affecting Air New Zealand. The airline strikes will delay the Tall Blacks return from China until late Tuesday night, leaving the Breakers without four key players. Their first warm-up game will now be against Melbourne Tigers in three weeks. LAWYER APPEALS ON CANCER INMATE'S BEHALF ---------------------------------------- A counsellor speaking out for a young man dying of cancer in jail is again appealing for compassion and understanding. Richard Ghent says Henry Matafoe knows he did wrong and is totally remorseful. The 23-year-old has been jailed for five years for aggravated robbery but has now been given nine months at most to live. Matafoe's mother has been in touch with the robbery victim. Mr Ghent says the victim believes Matafoe should be released from prison to die at home and he is asking for similar compassion from other New Zealanders. He says if society wants to show empathy and compassion, it must show those facets despite whatever happened in the past. Richard Ghent says it is also very important for Matafoe's mother, who has been an exceptional, hard-working person. AUCKLANDERS VENT ANGER ON WEBSITE --------------------------------- Aucklanders now have a place to vent their anger about traffic issues. The REVUP campaign has been launched by the Employers' and Manufacturers' Association, with a website for people to visit to raise any concerns. Chief Executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association Alasdair Thompson says they are going to make sure Auckland's traffic problems become an election issue. Mr Thompson says it is aimed at getting all politicians to commit to completing the region's transport network urgently, both roading and public transport. He says the website went live today and they have already had more than 500 responses. GUILTY VERDICT IN HATE MAIL CASE -------------------------------- An Upper Hutt man has been found guilty of criminally harassing Muslim women in Wellington after sending them offensive mail. The 53-year-old appeared in the Wellington District Court today. The man admitted sending up to 30 letters, claiming he did it because he was angry about the 9-11 attacks and the Bali Bombings. He said he did not mean to offend the letters' recipients personally. One Iranian refugee was sent a cartoon of pigs attending a funeral and others received pieces of pork. The man was found guilty on four charges of criminal harassment and one of unlawful possession of a pistol. He is due back in court in a fortnight for sentencing. BROTHEL CLOSED DOWN ON NORTH SHORE ---------------------------------- An unlicensed brothel has been closed down on Auckland's North Shore. Council, police, Immigration, Inland Revenue and health officials were all involved in the swoop on the Glenfield house. Council environment protection team leader Warwick Robertson believes it is the first time a council has enforced a brothel bylaw. He says there were eight working girls and a number of clients on the residential property. Mr Robertson says the bust went well and the local community is delighted that the establishment has been closed down. POLITICAL VANDALS AT WORK ------------------------- Police are encouraging people to look out for election billboard vandals. Three political campaign billboards in Paekakariki, Waikanae and Levin have been targeted. A man has appeared in court over an incident and ordered to pay $1,500. Senior Constable Wayne Hassell says there has been always an increase in vandalism around election time. He says anyone who sees such activity should note down registration plates and notify police. Mr Hassell says the larger billboards are worth up to $750 each and offenders can expect to foot the bill. (For my part I would ban them all as eyesores, regardless of which party they are supporting. Those that purport to draw comparisons between the parties twist and distort the position of their opponents. Perhaps if every party were to confine its campaign to the merits of its own case without being allowed to mention any other party's case, the campaign would be at once cleaner, and more informative. - BH) Thursday, 21 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE DISRUPTION FOR AIR TRAVELLERS ---------------------------------- There will be further disruption for international travellers today, as Air New Zealand international cabin crew begin a second 48-hour strike. Talks last night were described as constructive, but no resolution was reached, as flight attendants seek a 3.8 percent pay rise. Air New Zealand has offered 3.3 percent, however several issues are unresolved including crew numbers aboard the new 777 fleet, leave and meal allowances. Eleven international flights have been cancelled today. The worst affected are the Asian routes, with six flights abandoned. Three Pacific and two Trans-Tasman flights have also been called off. An Air New Zealand spokesman says most passengers have already been contacted and rebooked on alternative flights. The next 48-hour strike begins on Sunday. BISHOP BRIAN DEFENDS PROTESTER OUSTING -------------------------------------- A Green Party member removed from a public Destiny Church meeting in Christchurch is being accused of trying to ruin the event for others. Alan Liefting claims he was assaulted by members of the church when he turned up with a protest banner on Tuesday night. Church leader Brian Tamaki believes Mr Liefting went to the meeting to deliberately disrupt and hijack it. He also claims an elderly woman who objected to his protest felt threatened. Mr Tamaki says Mr Liefting was removed nicely and describes the meeting as well organised. SUPPRESSION LAWS PUT TO THE TEST -------------------------------- Court suppression laws are being put to the test as rumour runs rife about the identity of two celebrities caught up in an Auckland drugs bust. The pair linked to drug offences, have name suppression and are being sought by police. They are believed to be out of the country. Media law expert Professor John Burrows QC agrees the case shows how suppression orders sometimes do not work as well as they should. He says suspicion often falls on the wrong person and yet word still seems to get out. Professor Burrows believes the speculation will not make any difference to the guilt or innocence of the accused parties, as that has to be judged on the evidence. Meanwhile, a 55-year-old man who police allege is the kingpin of the operation, faces 22 drugs charges including supply. He has been denied bail and will reappear on August 4, along with five other men who are on bail. MUSLIMS EXPRESS CONCERN AT MEETING ---------------------------------- The Muslim community is concerned that Islam is being linked to terrorism. Leaders told government representatives and police at a meeting in Auckland last night that there is a perception in the public arena that all Muslims are terrorists. Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter says a Parliamentary select committee is looking at whether hate speech should be a crime, but he says there has to be a balance between people's right to free speech and the use of language that incites racial hatred. The President of the Federation of Islamic Association of New Zealand Javed Khan is also concerned about what he believes is negative reporting of Islam in the media. He says the media needs to give a lot more exposure to what the Muslim religion is all about. The meeting was called following attacks on six mosques in Auckland earlier this month, in apparent retaliation to the London bombings. PM ACCIDENTALLY HIT BY SNOWBALL ------------------------------- The Prime Minister was hit by a snowball while opening a new chairlift at Treble Cone ski area yesterday. Inspector Bruce Blayney of the Diplomatic Protection Squad says a young man threw the relatively small snowball, hitting Helen Clark on the back. She appeared not to notice. Mr Blayney says the man was not being malicious, but simply a case of misguided high spirits, and he has been spoken to by police. Ski area manager Jackie Van Der Voort says the man is a Treble Cone season pass holder. She will be speaking to him and insisting he write a letter of apology to Miss Clark. Ms Van Der Voort says his action showed a lack of respect, but the incident has been blown out of proportion. (Ms Van Der Voort should get over herself. Insist? By what right? One of the things I value about NZ is the informality of our contact with our leaders. Long may it remain so. - BH) HUMAN REMAINS INVESTIGATION CLOSED ---------------------------------- Tokoroa police are closing their investigation into human remains sent anonymously to a Putaruru businessman. A note accompanied the skull and jawbone stating they were found in a cliff-top cave in the Waotou district in the 1960s. Detective Rick Rudolph says the area is steeped in Maori history and the police do not want to disturb it further by continuing their search. He says the remains will now be buried appropriately but he will not comment on where or when. Mr Rudolph says the bones belonged to a Caucasian man and a young girl. HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND FAT ------------------------ A snapshot of New Zealand's social status shows overall improvements but continued deterioration in the areas of obesity, income equality and voter apathy. The 2005 Social Report from the Ministry of Social Development reveals New Zealanders are wealthier and healthier with longer life expectancy, fewer suicides and more education. But 21 percent of adults are now classed as obese, which project manager Conal Smith puts down to cheaper calories. He says diets have more high fat, high energy foods. International competition has pushed up high incomes, widening the gap between rich and poor. There is bad new for politicians with a marked increase in voter apathy. TSUNAMI WARNING FOR DEVELOPERS ------------------------------ A tsunami expert believes the Wellington City Council is failing to adequately protect the capital from natural disasters. His comment follow the announcement of plans for a multi-million dollar business park development at Harbour Quays. Hydraulic Modelling Engineer Alastair Barnett says the council needs to ensure no part of the harbour perimeter is lowered by excavation. He says civil defence personnel need to be involved in all waterfront development planning. Dr Barnett says the existing barrier cannot be weakened as there is already a considerable risk of tsunamis going right through to Lambton Quay. He says the entire area needs to be mapped and plans made to at least sandbag all identified low points within 12 hours notice. TIME RUNS OUT FOR PROUD POOCH POSSESSORS ---------------------------------------- Dog owners who believe they have the ultimate pooch are being given a chance to prove it. They only have two weeks left to enter their dogs in the national Canine Hero competition. The New Zealand Kennel Club launched the event last year. Senior vice president Martin Hewitt says it is a chance to showcase dogs which have demonstrated excellence in the categories of life saving, service and pet of the year. He says owners should not be discouraged by the size of their pet, as last year's life saving dog was a toy poodle. Martin Hewitt says interested people should visit the Kennel Club web site. COMPLAINTS ABOUT NAKED MAN -------------------------- Christchurch police have received complaints of a naked person harassing women on New Brighton beach. Sergeant Gary March says police have taken a number of calls from women about a naked man in the area. He says the complaints have come from the area north of Waimairi Surf Club. Sergeant March says there is probably more than one person involved and says people need to respect that the area is not deemed a nudist beach. He says what people do in their own home is up to them, but they cannot inflict their ideas on others. SEX WORKERS CONCERNED AT CRACKDOWN ---------------------------------- Sex workers are concerned that a crackdown on unlicensed brothels will drive them underground. Council and immigration officials raided a North Shore property yesterday. Council staff say the brothel was operating in a residential area, breaking new bylaws which came into effect in May. Auckland Prostitutes Collective regional coordinator Kate Dickie says the immediate concern is for the welfare of the workers. She is also worried about the high profile of the operation, which she says is likely to force sex workers underground - something the Prostitution Reform Act is supposed to stop. POLICE CONTINUE SCENE EXAMINATION --------------------------------- The scene examination continues at the site of a brutal home invasion in Lower Hutt. A man confronted three intruders armed with a steel bar and hammers early yesterday, managing to fight off two of the men and hold a third until police arrived. Detective Sergeant Tony Heathcote says the motive remains unclear, but he does not believe it was a case of simple burglary. He is asking people who may be able to help with the investigation to come forward. Detective Sergeant Heathcote says the previous night a neighbour had a verbal altercation with some people loitering in the area and they want to speak to anyone else who saw that group. He says they believe those people may have been casing properties for burglary and could be connected with the home invasion. Meanwhile the man arrested at the scene is in hospital being treated for head injuries. A bedside court hearing will take place later today. SOCIAL REPORT SHOWS NO NEED FOR TAX CUTS ---------------------------------------- The Government is using the Social Report as a prime example of why there should not be tax cuts. The annual report from the Social Development Ministry shows significant improvements over the past decade in the areas of health, wealth and education. Minister Steve Maharey says the improvements are purely due to increased investment. He says that is exactly why it is the wrong time to offer tax cuts. Mr Maharey says the core lesson learned from the 1990s is that there must be wise investment in social wellbeing. He says setting up a strong social structure means spending can be cut back in the future, but not right now. The report reveals an increasing gap between high and low incomes. Steve Maharey says it is a tough area because the higher incomes are largely driven by the international market. He says the focus has to be on lifting up the bottom rates. It may seem to some that women are taking over the country but the report shows the reality is quite the contrary. One area failing to make ground is the representation of women in Parliament. The top jobs of Prime Minister, Speaker of the House, Governor General and Chief Justice are all occupied by women but do not indicate a changing trend. Female representation has remained static since the mid-1990s. The Social Report shows the country is making headway on the suicide rate, however, but it remains disproportionately high. Youth suicide has decreased by 41 per cent since 1995. Project manager Conal Smith says there are many contributing factors, some of which are not yet fully clear. He told Newstalk ZB that the suicide rate does appear to be tracking economic performance. Mr Smith says it increased in the late 80s and early 90s when there was higher unemployment and the economy slowed. He says in recent years, it has decreased with the drop in joblessness and improved economy. Meanwhile, the great brain drain could actually be a myth according to the Social Report. It shows across the board increased participation in education. Conal Smith says while there is no specific indicator for the brain drain, there is data on adults' tertiary education. He says if the departure of educated New Zealanders was having a significant impact on society, then the educational attainment of the adult population would be eroding. Although New Zealanders are revealed as wealthier and healthier with longer life expectancy, 21 per cent of adults are now classed as obese, which Conal Smith puts down to cheaper calories. He says New Zealand diets have more high fat, high energy foods. Friday, 22 July ~~~~~~~~~~~ DAVID LANGE SERIOUSLY ILL ------------------------- David Lange has taken a turn for the worse. The 62-year-old former prime minister was admitted to Middlemore Hospital in Auckland last Friday. His wife, Margaret Pope, says staff are describing his condition as fair, but he is very unwell. Mr Lange has the incurable plasma disorder, amyloidosis. Mr Lange was prime minister from 1984 until 1989. STABBINGS AT BALCLUTHA PARTY ---------------------------- Two youths have been stabbed at a party in Balclutha. Senior Sergeant Lane Todd says both suffered chest wounds. One is in a serious condition in Dunedin Hospital, the other was treated locally and released. An 18-year-old man has been arrested and will appear in Balclutha District Court later today. HOSPITAL UNAWARE PATIENT GOING PRIVATE -------------------------------------- Wellington Hospital is standing by its clinical assessment of a woman who paid thousands of dollars for private heart surgery. In November last year, Joanne Schimanski was told by a specialist that she needed heart valve replacement surgery before Christmas. Her condition started to deteriorate but she remained on the semi-urgent list. She eventually opted for private treatment but the $43,000 operation could cost and her family their Wainuiomata farm. The hospital's medical services business manager, Chris Lowry, says she had no idea Mrs Schimanski was considering going private. She says the assessment of her condition was based on consultation between a Lower Hutt consultant and the Wellington cardiovascular team. Ms Lowry concedes there is still a possibility non-urgent patients could wait for more than six months for an operation. PM WILL NOT BE CALLED AS WITNESS ---------------------------------- The Prime Minister and Aoraki MP Jim Sutton will not be called as witnesses in the trial involving police officers in a high speed motorcade. Charges were laid against five officers and one civilian after the Prime Minister's motorcade was caught speeding between Waimate and Christchurch Airport in July last year. The accused face charges including dangerous driving and following too close. Today in the District Court in Christchurch Judge Strettell threw out an application from defence lawyers to force Helen Clark and Jim Sutton to appear as witnesses. The trail is expected to begin in early August. BROTHELS GET APPROVAL ---------------------- Four brothels have been approved in Auckland, despite not meeting the terms of the city's bylaw. Under Auckland's Brothel and Commercial Sex Premises bylaw, brothels operating outside the designated area must apply for dispensation if they are within 250 metres of a place of worship, a school, community facilities or a residential zone. Auckland City Council says 36 brothels have applied for dispensation and four have so far been given approval. Four more applications have been declined, 12 require more information, three have been withdrawn and the rest are still being processed. CRITICAL TIME FOR LANGE ----------------------- Helen Clark says it is a critical time for David Lange. The former prime minister has been in Auckland's Middlemore Hospital for the past week, receiving treatment for the incurable plasma disorder, amyloidosis. Miss Clark says she saw David Lange earlier this month, and in terms of mental fitness he was his old self; however she says everyone knows Mr Lange has a very serious illness, and this is a critical time. Finance Minister Michael Cullen went to visit his former leader yesterday, and told the prime minister that Mr Lange wanted to talk about politics, and not about his health. David Lange's wife Margaret Pope says his condition is fair, but emphasises that he is very unwell. REAL EEL APPEAL --------------- More than half a million dollars spent on trying to get eels to breed in captivity is finally paying off. Scientists at Mahurangi Technical Institute, north of Auckland, have made a breakthrough they say has the potential to end severe shortages constraining the international eel farming industry. They are celebrating the birth of thousands of tiny hatchlings. It is a world first and has taken five years' hard work. Breeding eels in captivity is very difficult and has never before been achieved with the New Zealand short-finned variety. Technical Institute Director Paul Decker says the development opens the door to creating a sustainable industry based on artificial breeding. Mr Decker has privately funded two thirds of the research, fearing without help New Zealand eels could become extinct within our lifetime. FURTHER CHRGES LIKELY IN STABBING CASE -------------------------------------- An 18-year-old arrested in relation to the stabbing of two Balclutha youths this morning, is likely to face further charges. He appeared in the Balclutha District Court and was granted name suppression. He is charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon and breach of bail. The teenager was remanded in custody to reappear in the Dunedin District Court in a week. Police say he is likely to face further charges. TEEN GUILTY OF MURDER --------------------- A 19-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering an Auckland stamp collector. A jury at the High Court in Auckland has found Dick Faisauvale guilty of murdering 55-year-old Robert Hunt. Mr Hunt died after he was stabbed and cut several times in his Ellerslie home in July last year. THE FINANCIAL PAGE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Date: 22 July 2005 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. To Buy NZD 1.00 USD 0.6930 AUD 0.9028 GBP 0.3953 JPY 76.59 CAD 0.8448 EUR 0.5708 HKD 5.3945 SGD 1.1480 ZAR 4.5659 CHF 0.8934 INTEREST RATES (%) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Call : 6.75 90 Day: 7.04 SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian Harmer does NOT administer the mailing list. Please do not send subscription related messages to him. Instead, visit the website listed below, where you can make changes as required. From news at wysiwygnews.com Fri Jul 29 21:29:20 2005 From: news at wysiwygnews.com (news@wysiwygnews.com) Date: Fri Jul 29 21:29:21 2005 Subject: WYSIWYG NEWS - 29 July, 2005 Message-ID: subject: July 29, 2005 ----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------ Copyright, Brian Harmer In some parts of my day, I think I must function on autopilot. Have you ever driven from here to there, and arrived with no recollection at all of passing through the bit in the middle? It is a bit like that. With my mind on other things, I am often oblivious to my surroundings. At other times, I suddenly become conscious of them in such clear and minute detail that those around me conclude that I have lost the plot completely. I suppose it is like breathing. For most of our lives we do it automatically. We get so good at it, we can do it in our sleep. But if we pay attention to our breathing, and try to manage it as an act of will, then it's a totally different experience. Most times, when I am in the narrow canyons of Wellington's CBD, the buildings of the city are mere background. And then, at unpredictable times and for no apparent reason, the textures of the city become the inescapable focus of my attention, and I find myself looking at them as an act of will. Then they present themselves collectively as a magnificent work of landscape art. Despite those who scoff at the rectangular boxes and glass sheets of modern architecture, the overall effect is sometimes stunning. Many buildings are handsome in their own right, though others are quite undistinguished. Some of the older buildings need no defence from me. The old Town Hall, the old BNZ on the corner of Willis and Lambton Quay, the nicely restored Harbour Board Buildings, and Antrim House on Boulcott St are all excellent examples of their time. Pastoral House on Lambton Quay is a handsome edifice by any standards. I am less interested in the merits of individual buildings, but rather enjoy the visual impact of the variety of buildings visible from any particular viewpoint. A favourite view is had from the Southern end of Featherston Street where you can look up over the older frontages on Lambton Quay to the tower blocks behind on the Terrace. The familiar grey concrete of the James Cook Hotel (Jimmie to its friends) is next to metallic gold glass and various other textures. Another, slightly rarer view, is from the deck of the Interislander, looking across the wharf sheds towards Kelburn. There are structures of bottle green, golden sandstone, bright terracotta, and sheer black glass. And more than mere colour, the architects' choices of material and separation between floors, or of the way in which windows relate to the buildings all lend interest to the texture of each building. Each has its own proportions of height and width, and of features on the top. The whole sits against a backdrop of wooden domestic dwellings artfully strewn amongst Kelburn's greenery. On a bright day the effect is beyond compare. Have I ever told you that I love this city of ours, this Wellington? ---- 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 my anonymous friend Mike in New Jersey. Many thanks Mike. ---- On with the news: Monday, 25 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HEARING TODAY INTO CASE BROUGHT BY LOUISE NICHOLAS -------------------------------------------------- The Rotorua District Court begins hearing the case against three men facing sex charges in relation to allegations by local woman Louise Nicholas. Former police officers Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum, and Assistant Police Commissioner Clint Rickards are before the court. The depositions hearing is set down for two weeks and is subject to a complex set of suppression orders. The charges centre around events said to have occurred in Rotorua in 1986 when Louise Nicholas was 18. Shipton, Schollum and Rickards are pleading not guilty. The nature of the charges against them is suppressed, as is the evidence of some witnesses. The media has been banned from recording, filming or taking photographs inside the court during the hearing. BLUMSKY BEATEN UP IN STAIRWELL ------------------------------ Political hopeful Mark Blumsky believes he may have interrupted dope smokers on the stairwell of his apartment block, before being assaulted. The former Wellington mayor and now Wellington Central candidate for National, was found by a doorman early on Saturday morning in a pool of blood. Mr Blumsky lives in an apartment in Cuba Mall, above several pubs. He cannot remember anything but has an idea as to what happened. He says he often catches young people smoking marijuana on the stairs and believes they took exception when he tried to move them on. Mr Blumsky has a black eye and needed dental work. (Several media commentators have been unkind enough to suggest that Mr Blumsky might have simply knocked himself out by falling down stairs after a night on the town. - BH) MEDIA AND POLITICIANS SINGLED OUT AT MEETING -------------------------------------------- Muslims are applauding the strong turnout of supporters to yesterday's rally for unity. More than 200 people gathered in Auckland's Aotea Square in a bid to show solidarity against some of the backlash faced by New Zealand Muslims in the aftermath of London's bombings and following the desecration of six Auckland mosques. The rally was organised by the Council of Christians and Muslims. Achmed Esau believes the gathering will help unite different religions. He says it is one thing for people to say they condemn prejudice, but another to physically make a stand against it. The media and politicians were also singled out for fuelling misconceptions about Islam. The organiser of the meeting, David Wakim, claims the media does not differentiate between political moves and religious ones. He says labels such as 'Islamic extremists' are unfair as often extremists' actions are based on political viewpoints, not religious ones. Mr Wakim says unless such terms are abandoned, bigotry and intolerance and will always exist. (Mr Esau is quite correct. After all the slaughter of Muslims in Srebrenica, while undoubtedly committed by people who professed to be Christians, is never described as an attack by Christian extremists. Barbarians are barbarians, whatever religion they profess. - BH) GREYPOWER RESPONDS TO EARLY PENSION FOR MAORI --------------------------------------------- A group representing pensioners doubts a suggestion Maori be given the pension earlier than others will win much support. Maori Party Co-leader Tariana Turia says Maori and Pacific people often do not live past 65 and she says those who do, tend to suffer poor health. Ms Turia says they should be entitled to superannuation at 60 years of age, instead of 65. Greypower's National President Graham Stairmand says that is unlikely to be welcomed by others. He says those struggling to live alone on superannuation would feel aggrieved by such a move. (Sometimes I wonder if people actually think through the issue before they speak. Surely there is a justice issue in a sector of society paying taxes towards pensions, but rarely living long enough to collect it? - BH) TSUNAMI SCARE AFTER EARTHQUAKE ------------------------------ A New Zealander on holiday in Thailand says locals were very worried when a large earthquake struck the Indian Ocean. The quake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale and struck near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, between India and Indonesia. Thailand issued tsunami alerts for six coastal areas, but cancelled them soon after. Christchurch man Leon Powell is staying at Kata Beach on the Thai resort island Phuket and says he slept through the quake. He says at about midnight, he was phoned by someone who alerted him to the possibility of a tsunami and he jumped into a van and headed to the top of a nearby hill. India says the situation is under control at this stage, but is monitoring developments. There are no reports of damage or casualties. NATIONAL FOCUSES ON APPRENTICESHIPS ----------------------------------- National is trying to change the focus of industry training in its new tertiary policy by taking students out of polytechs and on to the job. It is planning to abolish community education courses provided by tertiary institutions and put the money into training more apprentices. Education spokesman Bill English says hundreds of millions of dollars have been wasted on dodgy tertiary courses, while funding for apprenticeships and workplace training has been capped. He says National will not be spending any more money on low-level certificate courses until the sector's problems have been fixed. MAYOR CONCERNED ABOUT TV STEREOTYPING ------------------------------------- Waitakere's mayor is concerned the "Westie" stereotype is being broadcast across the nation. New local drama Outrageous Fortune is centred around a family called the Wests, who live in west Auckland and have always done things the less-than- legal way. The mother in the programme, Cheryl, played by Robyn Malcolm, decides that it is time for her family to get out of crime, but breaking the habits of a lifetime is much easier said than done. The show's co-creator says while the programme could be seen as a parody of the "Westie" stereotype, that is not his intention. Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey says he is in two minds about whether the show is a good idea because he is unsure whether people can differentiate between fantasy and reality. Mr Harvey says it may have been better if the show's family were called the Swansons, or the Hendersons. SURVEY SHOWS SUPPORT FOR HEALTHY EATING --------------------------------------- Anti-obesity campaigners have turned to surveys to put pressure on the decision-makers. They point to the result of a 490-person survey where a strong majority of respondents are in favour of banning unhealthy food from school canteens. The same survey also finds respondents wanting advertising of these products banned during children's television hours. Fight the Obesity Epidemic spokeswoman Robyn Toomath says the politicians have not understood the strength of feeling thus far, but this should get the message through. She says one cannot ignore the feelings of the majority of respondents who want action taken. BEWARE INTERNET "QUACKERY" -------------------------- Researchers are warning of the dangers of Internet "quackery" and are urging the government to set up an improved health information website. For the past eight months, Massey University researchers have been studying how New Zealanders use the web to find health information and how effective it proves. Respondents believe they get better value from the web than they do from a visit to their doctor. Researcher Guy Scott says some of the information is unreliable and even unsafe but the Government could use the web to improve understanding of illness and increase beneficial health behaviours. SEX SCENES PROMPT SECOND LOOK ----------------------------- The Chief Censor is taking another look at a video game after the discovery it contains hidden sex scenes. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was classified R18 in 2004 because of its depiction of crime and violence. Now it has been discovered that sexual content can be activated by downloading additional software to unlock codes that already exist within the game. Chief Censor Bill Hastings says that sexual content was not known when Grand Theft Auto was originally classified. He says the rating may not necessarily change but he wants to be sure the current classification is still appropriate. CALL FOR REGULATION OF BOUNCERS ------------------------------- There is a call for legislation to keep thugs out of the bouncing business. Blenheim police are investigating the death of a 36-year-old man who was killed in a scuffle with security staff outside the Copper Bock Bar and Cafe yesterday. Michael Wallace is the director of D-fuse, a company which contracts trained bouncers out to bars around the country. He says too many of these sorts of incidents are occurring because there are no standards of professionalism in the door-security industry. He says at the moment any bouncer or thug with a criminal conviction can become a doorman, which he says is not good enough. Michael Wallace wants to see government regulating the industry. SECURITY FOOTAGE CHECKED AFTER BLUMSKY ATTACK --------------------------------------------- Wellington police investigating how Mark Blumsky received some nasty facial injuries are reviewing security footage from a nearby bar. But they say they are not expecting to find anything to help establish what happened. Cleaners found the former Mayor turned National Party candidate for Wellington Central on Saturday morning. He was lying unconscious in a pool of blood at the bottom of stairs leading to his Cuba Street apartment. Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Perry says it seems whatever happened took place in the stairwell and not on the street. He says it will be another few days before police have finished their inquiries. Tuesday, 26 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PIZZA DELIVERY MAN BEATEN ------------------------- Police are seeking witnesses to an attack on a pizza delivery worker in Tauranga. The man was set upon by three people in Bancroft Avenue at about nine o'clock last night. Police say he was savagely beaten about the head and body. His money pouch and the pizzas were taken. The assailants are described as Maori in their late teens to early 20s. The man was able to drive himself to Tauranga Hospital where he was kept overnight. A police dog unit followed a track from Bancroft Avenue to a party in Hampton Avenue. Witnesses to the attack are asked to come forward. (Nasty memories here, of the murder of Michael Choy by a bunch of youngsters in South Auckland back in 2001 - BH) BAR STAFF SPOKEN TO IN BLUMSKY INQUIRY -------------------------------------- Police investigating a possible attack on former Wellington mayor Mark Blumsky plan to question staff from Cuba Street businesses. The National candidate was found lying on stairs outside his Cuba Mall apartment early on Saturday morning. He had been out campaigning and believes he may have been assaulted by dope smokers who he often comes across in the stairwell. Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Perry says police are making a number of inquiries, including talking to bar staff and reviewing security camera surveillance footage. Police have not ruled out the possibility Mr Blumsky injuries were accidental. MAYOR ARGUES FOR BURIED POWERLINES ---------------------------------- The Mayor of Manukau is planning to meet the Prime Minister to discuss Tran power's contentious power pylon plan. Sir Barry Curtis is seeking Helen Clark's support for his stand against the plan which would see a 500m-wide path of 490 giant steel towers go through the eastern part of Manukau City. He says the 400kV transmission line, which is planned to run from Whakamaru in Waikato to Otahuhu in South Auckland, should be placed underground from at least the southern side of the Bombay Hills. Sir Barry says the first seven kilometres are definitely going to be buried, so the other 23 should be too. He plans to tell the Prime Minister that if the pylons are erected, it could stunt the future growth of the Clevedon/Whit ford area. FRAUDSTERS POSING AS COUNCIL WORKERS ------------------------------------ Manukau City Council is warning residents not to be fooled by people phoning them posing as council workers. Spokeswoman Joyce Rudd says the callers claim to be conducting a customer service survey for the council, but they are doing nothing of the kind and residents should not give out any information. Ms Rudd says a number of people reported the caller asking to speak to the man in home and hanging up after being told there was no male there. 200 INTERVIEWED AFTER FATAL BRAWL --------------------------------- Around 200 witnesses are being interviewed by police investigating the death of a Blenheim man after he struggled with bouncers. Thirty-six-year-old Cedric Joyce died following a scuffle with security staff outside the Copper Bock Bar and Cafe. Detective Sergeant John Hamilton say a preliminary post mortem examination has been carried out, but the results will not be released. He says there were a large number of patrons at the bar and witnesses on the street who need to be interviewed before the investigation can proceed further. NATIONAL UNVEILS NEW BILLBOARD ------------------------------ National is set to unveil what the party considers to be one of its best election campaign billboards yet. It began running a series of hoardings featuring Prime Minister Helen Clark and National leader Don Brash several weeks ago. The billboards are designed to highlight the differences between the leaders and their parties. The latest features the words "more personal attacks" under a picture of Helen Clark, and "less personal tax" beneath a photo of Don Brash. Dr Brash has said he does not intend getting personal, and will focus his energies on issues which affect ordinary New Zealanders. Newstalk ZB political staff say Labour has re-jigged its campaign strategy to target Dr Brash. Meanwhile Prime Minister Helen Clark believes National is shooting itself in the foot by refusing to release its tax policy for another few weeks. She says people will be getting increasingly irritated by the "tease and tell" strategy the party is employing. Miss Clark says National is running into problems with a policy which seems to be getting harder and harder to write. She says there have been many different statements about when the policy is going to be released, and now National is teasing it out for another month. Miss Clark says it is going to be like a train wreck. (The irony of the "more personal attacks" billboard must surely be apparent to all? The whole red/blue billboard series fall into that category. As I said last week, parties would get more attention from me if they would ignore their opponents, and spend their campaign funds telling me what is positive about their own campaign. - BH) ATTACK DOGS LIKELY TO BE DESTROYED ---------------------------------- It is unlikely charges will be laid following a dog attack in Palmerston North at the weekend, although the dogs are expected to be destroyed. A 40-year-old man is in a stable condition following surgery for the puncture wounds he received when two pit-bull-cross dogs attacked him in Highbury on Saturday. The Palmerston North City Council is looking into the attack. UNIVERSITIES ARE COPING WITH STRIKES ------------------------------------ Universities around the country are rolling with the punches as staff continue with industrial action. Association of University Staff members at Auckland, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Lincoln and Canterbury are in the middle of a two weeks of rolling strikes. Most of the universities have had staff downing tools for an hour or so everyday, but say the disruptions have been minor and the students are handling the situation well. (As a member of AUS, I of course, am biased. Nevertheless, I see this as administrative spin. I also reject the idea that staff are against the university. In the language of this industrial conflict, official communications tend to appropriate the title of "the university" to management, thereby putting the rest of us in opposition to "the university". The Victoria University of Wellington Act 1961 says "The University shall consist of the Council, the professors emeriti, the professors, lecturers, Registrar, and librarian of the University for the time being in office, the graduates and undergraduates of the University, the graduates of the University of New Zealand whose names are for the time being on the register of the Court of Convocation of the [University], and such other persons and classes of persons as the Council may from time to time determine." Thus, we are the university. The others are merely management :-) - BH) PM URGES END TO CRICKET TOUR ---------------------------- The Prime Minister has described Zimbabwe's regime as "corrupt, self-serving and indifferent to human suffering". Helen Clark has presented a motion in Parliament urging New Zealand Cricket to abandon the Black Caps' tour of Zimbabwe. She says Robert Mug Abe's Operation Clear Out Rubbish has left more than 700,000 people homeless. Miss Clark urges New Zealand Cricket and the International Cricket Council to heed the call of public opinion, both in New Zealand and around the world. Parliament has passed the motion, with 110 votes in favour with just ACT and the Maori Party in opposition to it. NATIONAL UNIMPRESSED BY STUDENT LOAN PLAN ----------------------------------------- The election year bidding war has begun. National's student loan tax rebate policy has been gazumped by Labour, which is promising to scrap all interest on student loans from next April. The cost will initially be a $100 million a year rising to $300 million. National's education spokesman Bill English is unimpressed, saying it is nothing more than "pork barrel politics" in the run up to the election. He says Labour is trying to buy the student vote but he believes they are too bright to fall for it. Mr English says Labour is picking off sector groups whereas National favours an across-the-board tax "cuts for all" approach. He says National's plans will benefit all hard working New Zealanders, many of whom do not have student loans. POLICE TIGHT-LIPPED ON CAUSE OF DEATH ------------------------------------- Only the investigating detectives and the killer know how Katrina Jefferies died. The 22-year-old's body was found in bush near Waikowhai Park in Auckland earlier this month. Inquiry Head Detective Senior Sergeant Gerry Whitley says the manner of her death is very unusual and there is no murder weapon. However, he is keeping tight-lipped about the actual cause of death. He says police want to hold on to that information so that when they come across the killer or killers they know they are on to the right person. Detective Senior Sergeant Whitley says it is an intriguing and unusual case. He says police are still sifting through information from the public and would welcome any more information that might help solve the puzzle. SENIOR COPS COMMITTED FOR TRIAL -------------------------------- Assistant Police Commissioner Clint Rickards and two former policemen have been committed for trial on rape and indecent assault charges. Shortly before 4 o'clock in the Rotorua District Court, Judge Chris McGuire ruled Rickards and his former colleagues Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton will stand trial on 20 charges relating to local woman Louise Nicholas. Mrs Nicholas alleges Rickards and Shipton forced her to have sex and committed indecencies on her over a period between 1985 and 1986, and that Schollum joined them in the offending on one occasion. The trio say they had consensual group sex with her, and deny the charges. (This is a sorry affair all round. I don't know how it will turn out or whether they did it, but it is always regrettable when skeletons in the cupboard bring shame not just to the accused, but to the institution they represent - BH) CASE BUILT ON STRAW CLAIMS DEFENCE LAWYER ----------------------------------------- Queen's Counsel John Hag has delivered an impassioned speech to the Rotorua District Court, saying the case against his client Assistant Police Commissioner Clint Rickards is built on straw. Rickards and former police officers Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum have been committed to stand trial on 20 charges that they raped and indecently assaulted Louise Nicholas when she was an 18-year-old bank worker. Before Judge Chris McGuire made his ruling, Mr Hag told the court the Crown's case is based on an obsessive and flawed police investigation, which has accumulated stale and unreliable evidence. He says he does not concede there is a case to answer against Rickards, who has been stood down from his job since the allegations resurfaced early last year. Louise Nicholas claims the men raped and indecently assaulted her at two Rotorua houses in the mid 1980s. The accused deny the charges but say they had consensual group sex with Mrs Nicholas. SMACKING INEFFECTIVE SAY KIWI PARENTS ------------------------------------- A survey of kiwi parents suggests the majority of them consider smacking the least effective discipline for children. The survey of more than 1,300 parents of under fives was carried out by the Littlies Lobby. Seventy-one percent described smacking as an ineffective method of getting children to behave well. Ninety-six percent said praising and encouraging good behaviour is the most effective way. Wednesday, 27 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LOCALS CLAIM SPA RESORT WILL RUIN BAY ------------------------------------- Opposition is mounting to plans by a US-based company to develop a 74 unit spa resort at Butterfly Bay, near the mouth of the Waingaro Harbour in the Far North. Submissions close today on resource consent being sought by Cerulean Properties. Butterfly Bay Protection Society spokeswoman Sue Gibb son says the scale of the development will destroy the habitat of some endangered species. She says some of the animals and birds threatened include the endangered New Zealand dotterel, the North Island brown kiwi and marine life in the bay. The Far North District Council says the exact number of submissions will not be known until next week but staff say there is a high level of opposition on ecological ground and against the sheer scale of development. BRAIN DRAIN WILL NOT STOP SAYS BUSINESS --------------------------------------- Business leaders think scrapping interest payments on student loans will do little to keep graduates from leaving New Zealand. Labour is promising that if it wins the election, students who stay in the country will not have to pay interest on their loans from April next year. But Auckland Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Michael Barnett says it is not the answer to the skilled labour shortage. He says some students might find the offer attractive but it is not going to stop many going overseas to earn more money. Mr Barnett says students are looking for a challenging environment that offers high growth, high wages and rewards them for investing in their education. He says graduates will still be able to earn more in Australia than in New Zealand and until conditions become more attractive, students will go offshore. (Oddly, another report this week says that there is no brain drain - BH) NO TAXPAYER MONEY USED FOR TVNZ PARTY ------------------------------------- TVNZ is denying claims it used tax payer money to fund an extravagant party. Winston Peters told Parliament yesterday the taxpayer footed a $52,000 bill for a mid-winter sales department function in Auckland. He claims it is further proof of the broadcasters culture of extravagance. But TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards says the money came from the company's commercial revenue which makes up 90 percent of what TVNZ gets. She says not one single cent of taxpayers' money was used. REPAIRS TO VANDALISED CARS COST THOUSANDS ----------------------------------------- Up to 40 cars have been substantially damaged in a smashing spree around Wellington. Four male students, aged between 19 and 21 will appear in court today on charges of wilful damage. Sergeant Dave Robson says the group allegedly drove slowly around a wide area, including Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Wellington, taking pot shots at cars using golf clubs. Front and rear windscreens and wing mirrors were smashed. Repairs are expected to cost thousands of dollars. The alleged offenders told police they wanted to feel young again. TVNZ DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN SUPPRESSION ORDER -------------------------------------------- TVNZ says its made no attempt to suppress the identity of one of its presenters who is before the courts. ACT MP Stephen Franks has told Parliament that TVNZ has supported a QC in repeated court actions for name suppression for the star of one of its high ranking programmes. He claims it is an attempt to save ratings until the show ends. But TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards says the company has had nothing to do with suppression order whatsoever. (Mr Franks has "accepted" this assurance. I would have thought an apology might have helped. - BH) NZ SCREEN AWARDS TONIGHT ------------------------ The red carpet will be rolling out for our film and television stars tonight. The inaugural Screen Awards is being held in Auckland. Tonight's ceremony is being touted as the premiere film and television awards event in the country. There are about 50 finalist across 40 categories. 'In My Father's Den' has the most nominations with 12. The films 'Fracture' and 'Perfect Strangers' both have 11. In the television categories 'The Insiders Guide to Happiness' has eleven nominations. (The phrase "world famous in New Zealand" comes to mind. - BH) POLICE RESORT TO TEXT MESSAGES ----------------------------- Blenheim police have turned to text messaging in the investigation of the death of Cedric Joyce. The 36-year-old man died in the courtyard outside the Copper Bock Bar after a confrontation with a bouncer early on Sunday morning. Detective Sergeant John Hamilton says for the first time, police are asking anyone who saw the incident to text them. He says they are dealing with people in their late teens and early 20s who use mobile phones all the time. Thursday, 28 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MPS SAY NO TO NUKE-PROPELLED SHIPS ---------------------------------- A bill which would allow nuclear propelled vessels into New Zealand waters has been overwhelmingly rejected by Parliament. The private member's bill from ACT MP Ken Shirley missed out on going any further by 109 votes. Environment Minister Marian Hobbs says New Zealand is fundamentally nuclear free and is not about to compromise that. She says New Zealand opposes nuclear power because it is passionately against weapons of mass destruction and it makes no sense to welcome nuclear weapons or sign away sovereignty to ban such weapons. Ms Hobbs says the other major concern is the environment, because the problem of nuclear waste is yet to be resolved. (Occasionally the people who regard themselves as better informed than the rest of us, sneer at the nuclear ban. I suspect this response is as much a reaction against the smart- Ales as it is against the issue itself - BH) REGULATION FOR GAS SUPPLIERS ---------------------------- The Government is stepping in after an inquiry found Power co and Vector are charging too much for their gas pipeline services. Energy Minister Trevor Mallard says the services will now be regulated, which will bring a drop in the cost for Vector consumers of around 18 percent, or $114 a year. The saving for the average Power co pipeline consumer is expected to be around 12 percent or $51 a year. Legislation will have to be introduced into Parliament before regulation can begin. FOUR ARRESTED AFTER HOME INVASION --------------------------------- A Christchurch woman is in hospital after five people broke into her Waltham home early this morning. Inspector Bob Palmer says the violent attack happened at around 4am and police were notified shortly afterwards by a member of the public. Four of the alleged offenders have been arrested. Inspector Palmer says the woman was one of three in the house at the time and is currently being treated in Christchurch Hospital for minor to moderate injuries. EMERGENCY LANDING AT WHENUAPAI ------------------------------ A plane has made an emergency landing at Whenuapai Air Force Base on Auckland's North Shore. The Fire Service says the Boeing 757 with 20 people on board touched down safely. It is understood the jet suffered engine problems. (The RNZAF transport aircraft apparently suffered a compressor stall. For some reason the fact that this aircraft is one month out from a major overhaul is scandalising some of the media. I am not sure what you can do in an overhaul to prevent a compressor stall. Ideas please? - BH) BID TO CHANGE FLAG ABANDONED ---------------------------- A bid to change the New Zealand flag has been abandoned. The NZFlag.com Trust is withdrawing its petition for a referendum on whether New Zealand should change its flag and was hoping to get 300,000 signatures by October. But chairman Lloyd Morrison says despite numerous polls showing up to 60 percent of people supported a change, getting pen to paper proved too difficult. Mr Morrison says only around 100,000 signatures were collected but he says the issue is far from over. He says the current flag is a result of an Act of Parliament and sooner or later the public will want an identity which reflects the country's independence. Mr Lloyd believes the petition's failure was a case of bad timing. (Maybe, Mr Lloyd, more of us like our present flag than you are willing to believe. - BH) LEGAL CALICIVIRUS ARRIVES ------------------------- The first legal consignment of the rabbit calicivirus has arrived in New Zealand. The rabbit-killing disease reduced rabbit populations eight years ago after it was illegally released by South Island farmers. Biosecurity Manager for Environment Southland, Richard Bowman, says 10 regional councils have been given the go ahead to use the virus within the next few weeks. However some councils including Auckland and Marlborough have opted not to use the virus this year because rabbit breeding is at its lowest in the winter. GOVT ADMITS STUDENT LOAN MISCALCULATION --------------------------------------- The Government has been forced to admit it has exaggerated the savings to students from its interest-free loans policy. National was due to hold a media conference pointing out the error on the Government's website. However, Education Minister Trevor Mallard has got in first, telling Parliament the on- line student loans calculator needs fine-tuning. He is warning that a technical error is giving inaccurate results for people who have less than a year to study. Mr Mallard says the website has already received more than 300,000 hits. (Independent assessment suggests that it is not in error at all. The differences between this web site and that of the IRD are simply due to slightly differing assumptions, and the assumptions are clearly stated in each case. The independent assessors said neither site is wrong. - BH) SHOTGUN LEFT BY SIDE OF ROAD ---------------------------- A forgetful shooter is looking for his shotgun. The Christchurch man inadvertently left it on the side of the road in Little River, on Banks Peninsula. When he went back for it had gone. He has reported the loss to police who have determined it was probably picked up by the occupants of a white utility vehicle last Friday. They hope the safety- conscious person is merely keeping it to make sure it does not fall into the wrong hands and will hand it in to police. NZ OFFERS HAVEN TO "DR DEATH" ---------------------------- The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of New Zealand is offering Australia's Dr Death, Philip Nitschke, a safe haven. Legislation, coming into force across the Tasman later this year, will make it illegal to disseminate information by Internet, phone or fax about voluntary euthanasia. The New Zealand society has offered Dr Nitschke its office facilities and given him access to its website. President Jack Jones says Dr Nitschke has accepted the offer and they are now discussing how to implement it. He says sending information from New Zealand will not break any Australian laws. NECK AND NECK RACE SAYS NEW POLL -------------------------------- The election race has just become tighter with a TV3 opinion poll showing Labour and National are now running neck and neck on 39 percent. New Zealand First party has taken the biggest hit, down four percent to seven percent. The Green Party is still in the mix on six percent but the rest fall well short of making the five percent cut. On this poll Labour would find it easier to form a government with the Greens, the Maori Party and the single Progressive seat. PETERS ACCUSED OF "ISLAM BASHING" --------------------------------- New Zealand Islamic leaders want to know why Winston Peters thinks there are radicals and troublemakers in their midst. The New Zealand First leader wants the Islamic community to report those who pose a potential danger to society. Islamic Federation Javed Khan says it is nothing but "Islam bashing". He says they decided a long time ago to keep an eye out for anyone involved in undesirable activity. He says they have not found anybody involved in any suspicious activity and consequently have not advised authorities. Meanwhile the Government says it is not about to target Islamic communities as dangers to society. Prime Minister Helen Clark is refusing to back Mr Peters' call. She says the Muslim community is being targeted because the latest wave of global terrorism is coming from that particularly group. Miss Clark says the Government focuses on people who may look as if they could be inciting attitudes which are not helpful and adds that is not specific to any particular group. (I make no secret of my intense dislike of Mr Peters's style of politics. - BH) Friday, 29 July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ POLICE HAIL PRISON TERMS FOR KIDNAPPERS --------------------------------------- Hefty sentences have been handed down to the three Chinese men who pleaded guilty to kidnapping a woman in the Auckland suburb of Howick earlier this year. Chang Song Li, Zu Ping Zhou, and Xiang Quan Chen have all been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Judge Charles Blaikie said it was hard to imagine a more traumatic experience than the one the victims of this crime suffered. He said it was a criminal activity, carefully planned right down to the last detail. The maximum sentence for this crime is 14 years imprisonment - the three men were sentenced to ten years in jail, and upon parole will be deported back to China. Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Grimstone, who headed the inquiry, described the men as parasites who deserve the tough sentences, and the sooner they are out of New Zealand - the better. He said their victim is still traumatised by her ordeal and has trouble sleeping. But he said the sentencing will be part of the healing process for her enabling her to go forward in her life. Detective Senior Sergeant Grimstone says the benefits of today's sentences are three fold - one, that the Asian community will go to the police; two, that criminals will get caught; and three, that offenders will go to prison for a long, long time. PROSTITUTES WELCOME COURT RULING -------------------------------- Prostitutes are praising a High Court ruling which quashes a Christchurch bylaw restricting the areas of the city where brothels can operate. The bylaw made it illegal for brothels to operate anywhere but the city centre. The court said the bylaw failed to recognise that a significant number of the city's sex workers are employed in suburban houses. Prostitutes Collective spokeswoman Kate Dickie says small owner-operator brothels are not bad neighbours. She says they are not open all hours, take few clients a day, and sometimes only operate part-time. Ms Dickie says the bylaw was doubling up, because in most places the district plan regulates the operation of home-based businesses She says small owner- operator brothels, or SOOBs, are happy to comply with restrictions on things such as traffic and noise. Local Government New Zealand is considering the implications of the decision. (A scatological sense of humour has always been one of my downfalls. I am just so glad there are no big owner-operator brothels - BH) CLARK AMONG MOST POWERFUL WOMEN ------------------------------- Prime Minister Helen Clark has moved 19 places up the ranks of the world's most powerful women to the 24th spot. The Forbes list puts US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the top. After being placed 43 last year, Miss Clark believes her climb up the ranks can be put down to New Zealand's increased visibility on the international stage. She says as an individual she is not powerful but has been made so by the support of her team and the country. Miss Clark is also buoyed by various polls out today that put her party at the top. Labour has clawed its way back to a six point lead in NBR and Herald-DigiPoll surveys. Miss Clark says she is encouraged by the trend and remains optimistic about the election based on Labour's record. SECOND CHARGE LAID IN MAORI POLICE CASE ---------------------------------------- Gisborne police have laid a second more serious charge against the 69-year-old woman arrested in connection with the so- called Maori Police of Aotearoa. Sue Nikora has now been jointly charged with demanding money with menaces. The charge relates to invoicing of local moteliers for rent after suggestions they were occupying Maori land. Nikora entered no plea on the charge when she appeared in court today although she did plead not guilty to an earlier charge of being party to impersonating police. She has been remanded on bail to appear again in a fortnight. Thirty-two-year-old Elijah Matenga was also remanded on bail without plea on charges of impersonating police and demanding money with menaces. Police are still looking for two other men. COMMISSIONER FOR SEX ABUSE CLAIMS --------------------------------- An independent commissioner has been appointed to investigate allegations of sexual abuse at Wellington's Berhampore Children's Home. Thirteen people have complained of being sexually abused during the 50s and 60s by its former head, Walter Lake, who died almost 20 years ago before police could lay charges. The complainants and Presbyterian Support, which ran the home, have agreed to assign an independent commissioner. The complainants' lawyer, Gordon Paine, says a report should be completed shortly which will help to ascertain what steps can be taken to bring closure to the matter. BRA LAYBY ANGERS SOME CARDRONA LOCALS ------------------------------------- Some locals are unhappy that the council has spent money helping motorists to get a better view of the Cardrona Valley's infamous bra fence. Several hundred bras have been pinned to the fence near Wanaka in recent years, but community board chairman Bill Gordon says people are unhappy the Queenstown Lakes Council used road funding to build a layby alongside the fence. He says a lot of residents think the fence has become tatty and the novelty has worn off. Mr Gordon says the layby cost up to $8,000 and the money could have been spent more wisely. PREBBLE BOWS OUT ---------------- ACT MP Richard Prebble used his valedictory speech to tell the House it could do a much better job. The former Labour MP and ACT leader has bowed out of politics after a 30 year career. Mr Prebble says New Zealand's Parliament is now one of the oldest in the world, and has developed the best select committee process of any Westminster Parliament. However, he is critical of the rule that limits speech to five minutes and says he defies any MP to explain ACC reforms, Resource Management Act amendments or taxation changes in that timeframe. He says the time limit does not allow MPs to represent constituents or give value to the taxpayer. Mr Prebble leaves Parliament as the current longest serving MP with the most recorded words on Hansard. MORE ARRESTS EXPECTED IN LATEST DRUGS BUST ------------------------------------------ Police expect to make more arrests in relation to a major drug investigation in the Lower North Island. Around 30 police raided properties in Upper Hutt, Eastbourne and Palmerston North yesterday. Two women and a man have been arrested. They face charges in relation to supply of methamphetamine and cannabis and are also accused of money laundering. Detective senior sergeant Darrin Thomson says police also recovered several firearms. Police are planning to search more homes. Mr Thomson says the bust has no connection with recent raids in Auckland. NZER FIGHTING TERRORISM FUNDING ------------------------------- The head of the Overseas Investment Commission is moving to Washington DC to help fight the financing of terrorism. Steve Dawe is taking up a role with the International Monetary Fund focussing on anti-money laundering and countering the backing of terrorist groups. His role will focus on the Asia-Pacific region. He says New Zealanders probably do not realise the OIC has a role in screening investors to make sure terrorists are not coming in to this country. He says the chances of preventing a terrorist act by spotting a bank transaction are small, but hopes the standards will make it harder for terrorists to move their money around, and easier for officials to trace the financial backers after an event. Mr Dawe has also worked for the Reserve Bank and the Government on international money laundering issues and has done a lot of work since September 11 internationally negotiating agreements. He takes up the new role in September. HUGE TURNAROUND FOR LABOUR IN POLLS ------------------------------------ Labour has leaped to a healthy lead in two political opinion polls. Both the New Zealand Herald-Digipoll and the NBR have Labour ahead of National by six points, a significant turnaround in the past month. In the Digipoll, Labour surges almost eight points to 43.9 percent support, while National has dropped three points to 37.5 percent. New Zealand First has also suffered and is down 4.7 to 7.1 percent. The NBR poll spells similarly bad news for National, with Labour on 41 percent and National on 35 percent. Both polls were taken in the period Trevor Mallard was accusing National of having its policies written in Washington. DigiPoll director Gabriel Dekel says his company usually surveys 800 people, but because of the huge change of heart voters appear to have had, increased the sample size to 1,000 to check the results were accurate. SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian Harmer does NOT administer the mailing list. Please do not send subscription related messages to him. Instead, visit the website listed below, where you can make changes as required.