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Tuesday, October 31

NZ involved in multi-national security exercise.

New Zealand Forces have been involved in a US led multi-national security exercise. It has joined 16 other countries in Exercise Leading Edge as part of a commitment to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction. This is the third time the United States has temporarily lifted its ban on military exercises with New Zealand in 14 months. Other participants included Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway and the Netherlands. Defence Minister Phil Goff says its aim was to build co-operation among participating states to counter trafficking of weapons of mass destruction.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Queen to attend NZ ceremony.

There is to be a royal presence at the unveiling of the New Zealand Memorial in London. The tribute to the shared sacrifice of Kiwi and British defence forces, is to be officially dedicated on Armistice Day next week. Buckingham Palace has now confirmed the Queen and Prince Philip have accepted an invitation to the ceremony. Prime Minister Helen Clark is welcoming the news and says the unveiling, on November 11, will be a significant event.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Afghanistan Becoming More Unstable - Returning NZ Troops.

New Zealand Defence Force personnel returning from Afghanistan say security is worsening in the country. The eighth rotation of troops flew into Ohakea Airbase on Monday, finishing a six-month tour rebuilding and patrolling the wartorn country. The commanding officer of the contingent, Captain Ross Smith, says violence in Afghanistan increased during his time there. He says bombings and other incidents have slowly spread closer to where New Zealand troops are based.
NewsRoom 2006



Explosion in junk emails overloads service providers.

By Kiran Chug
Junk email has been causing havoc for internet users and service providers since Saturday, with around 37,500 ihug customers experiencing the most serious delays. Ihug spokeswoman Cherie Lacey said up to half of the company's 75,000 customers were experiencing 24-hour delays in receiving their emails. But the ISP's email service has been choked over the past few days due to "a massive outbreak in viruses and spam". Ms Lacey said the junk emails disguised as images managed to bypass the ihug filter. As a result, ihug became overloaded and emails sent to customers over the weekend took an extra day. The company installed new software to combat the problem and hoped the delays would be resolved within a couple of days.



Dutch Royals Embark On Official NZ Tour.

The heir to the Dutch throne, the Prince of Orange Willem-Alexander, and his wife, Princess Maxima, left Queenstown on Tuesday morning to begin an official tour of New Zealand. The royals will host three receptions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch for expatriate members of the Dutch community. The pair were in Queenstown on a three-day private holiday before embarking on their official tour of New Zealand. They left Queenstown in a bright orange private jet and will host their first reception in Wellington on Wednesday.
© NewsRoom 2006



Schools gear up for Muslim students.

By REBECCA TODD
Providing Muslim prayer rooms and halal meat are some of the ways Canterbury institutions are accommodating an influx of Saudi Arabian students. Seven hundred Saudi students have been granted scholarships from their government to study in New Zealand next year. Canterbury University manager of international student support Bex Gilchrist said the university was expecting to take in a number of these students, and was looking at ways to prepare for the new arrivals. This included finding a larger Muslim prayer room and talking to the university's Muslim population about its needs.
Source:NZPA



Schools gear up for Muslim students.

By REBECCA TODD
Providing Muslim prayer rooms and halal meat are some of the ways Canterbury institutions are accommodating an influx of Saudi Arabian students. Seven hundred Saudi students have been granted scholarships from their government to study in New Zealand next year. Canterbury University manager of international student support Bex Gilchrist said the university was expecting to take in a number of these students, and was looking at ways to prepare for the new arrivals. This included finding a larger Muslim prayer room and talking to the university's Muslim population about its needs.
Source:NZPA



NZ voted second favourite spot in Lonely Planet poll.

New Zealand has been voted the number two "favourite destination" by a poll of 32,000 travellers in the latest Lonely Planet Bluelist book. The tourist guide company is due next month to release the second edition of its Bluelist – a collection of the best, quirkiest and most beautiful of the world's travel spots. As well as being voted No 2 overall, New Zealand has made the top ten in several individual categories. Wellington was named one of the "cities on the rise" by the Bluelist authors, who said the capital was more beautiful than Seattle and Melbourne, and had plenty of youthful energy thanks to live music, cafes, fashionable bars and bookshops. Motuara Island, a tiny, predator-free "kiwi's revenge" in the Queen Charlotte Sound made it on to the list of most deserted islands, while the sunken Rainbow Warrior was named one of the globe's best diving destinations. The Milford Track earned praise in the category of "slow travel" – it's 53.3 rainforested kilometres making it one of the finest walking trails in the world, according to the Bluelist writers.
Source:NZPA



Trapped Christchurch scouts low on food.

A Scout tramping party of five trapped at the Broken River Hut in the Craigieburn Range, west of Christchurch, will be brought out by helicopter today if the raging river fails to drop. The group, comprising a female adult supervisor with two 15-year-old and two 20-year-old scouts, was among several tramping parties caught out by swiftly rising streams in the Arthurs Pass and Craigieburn area at the weekend. Weather conditions were described as "atrocious", with 180mm of rain recorded at Arthurs Pass in 24 hours from Saturday and 70mm falling in the Craigieburn catchment. Christchurch police Search and Rescue (SAR) co-ordinator Sergeant Tony Tully spoke to the group by radio this morning and told NZPA they were running short of food but unable to walk out because the river was still too high.
Source:NZPA



Greens say report a call to action.

The Greens say the release of a major report on the costs of climate change should be a call to action for New Zealand politicians. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has launched the government-commissioned Stern Review on Economics of Climate Change. It estimates the impact of global warming will cost the world economy trillions of dollars. Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says New Zealand is particularly vulnerable to climate change because of its heavy reliance on primary industry. She says farming, forestry and fisheries depend on a stable climate and New Zealand politicians need to replace words with action.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Business confidence rises.

Business confidence has hit an 18 month high, according to the latest National Bank survey. Chief Economist Cameron Bagrie says businesses are more upbeat about their own activity, their employment intentions and profit expectations, boosted by lower fuel prices adding to the discretionary income of consumers.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Women sent to Aust for cancer treatment.

National says Auckland Hospital is sending up to 30 women will be sent to Australia for breast cancer treatment in the next few weeks. The party's health spokesman says Auckland Hospital's cancer services have reached crisis point, because of recent industrial action and staff shortages. Tony Ryall says Labour promised five years ago that it would stop this happening again. He says National supports the women getting treatment urgently, but sending cancer sufferers offshore is far from ideal, as patients will be away from their families and support systems for weeks on end.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Musos applaud Christchurch Town Hall.

Christchurch Town Hall has made the cut in the latest international venue rating by a US music industry magazine. Pollstar names the Town Hall as Australasia's best theatre and one of the world's top venues. It comes in at number 73 and is the only New Zealand venue in the top 100.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Monday, October 30

Wind and rain block roads, cut power around Christchurch.

Wind gusts up to 130km/h and heavy rain closed roads and cut power in pockets around Christchurch this morning. The wind toppled a pine tree and dislodged several large rocks on Sumner Rd, closing one lane on the Evans Pass route between Christchurch and Lyttelton Port. A Christchurch City Council spokesman said the road would need to be closed later this morning to allow contractors to remove the debris. Another slip on Main Rd between Governors Bay and Allandale was making it difficult for residents in the southern bays of Lyttelton Harbour to get to work in Christchurch via Dyers Pass Rd.
Source:NZPA



NZ's oldest dogs named

By Kate Chapman
Corgi-cross Princess and fox terrier Spike - at 22 - are this country's oldest dogs. Pet food company Eukanuba, which carried out the search for the oldies through veterinary clinics, found Princess in Whangarei and Spike in Christchurch. And those 22 years are indeed ancient in doggie terms - a vet says they equate to between 140 and 150 human years. Princess's minder, Gillian Munn, said it was business as usual for her charge but "she deserves it for staying around for so long". The Guinness Book of Records says the oldest dog ever was Bluey, an Australian cattle dog, who almost made 30 years in 1939.



Increasing numbers try to kick smoking habit.

A big jump in the number of people trying to quit smoking has been attributed to increased publicity surrounding health effects on the smoker and their family. Quitline, a group that aimed to help people lose the habit, has registered a 32 per cent increase in numbers calling their service. Executive director Helen Glasgow said 8453 people registered on the programme in April, May and June this year, compared to 6384 in the same three months last year.
Source:NZPA



TVNZ staff walk out.

TVNZ's news operations have been affected by the latest wildcat strike to hit the broadcaster. PSA and EPMU members walked off the job at 11.15 this morning. Today's strike follows a two-hour stoppage yesterday. The action is part of union efforts to secure a five percent pay rise for members. TVNZ is offering just under half that amount.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Sunday, October 29

Wellington Zoo turns 100.

Wellington Zoo is celebrating its 100th birthday. The zoo is the oldest in New Zealand and is now headed by Australian Karen Fifield who says there will always be a place for zoos. "Utopia would be that we could all see animals in the wild but...most people can't get to those wild experiences," says Fifield. Research shows zoos to be the most popular form of family entertainment and Fifield is confident people will be coming to see the animals for another 100 years.
Source:One News



Al Gore visiting.

Former United States of America vice president Al Gore will visit New Zealand next month. Mr Gore will be in Auckland on November the 14th and deliver an invitation-only lecture on the impact of climate change on business and investment. While in New Zealand Mr Gore will also address the board of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



NZ Citizens Advice Bureau Celebrates Success.

The New Zealand Citizens Advice Bureaux is celebrating its success at its annual conference this weekend, with a record number of enquiries in the past 12 months. The organisation has had nearly 600,000 enquiries in the past year, one every 12 seconds. Chief executive Kerry Dalton says the organisation is changing to reflect the changing face of New Zealand, with migrants making up 36 percent of clients and 32 percent of volunteers.
© NewsRoom 2006



Police Recruit Campaign Starts Tonight.

The police launch a new advertising campaign this evening in a bid to attract the new recruits it needs by 2009. The Government has promised an extra 1,000 frontline and 250 non-sworn staff over the next three years. The recruitment marketing manager, James Whitaker, says the police have recruited more people in the past 10 months than in any other calendar year and they want to continue that momentum.
© NewsRoom 2006



Former pupil sues ministry of education for $1 million.

A former special needs pupil is suing the Ministry of Education for $1 million for loss of education, opportunities and trauma. Daniel Anderson, now 21, was being home schooled when the ministry told his parents to send him to Mr Roskill Grammar in Auckland. The claims says he was bullied, his special needs were not met and he was eventually expelled, the Sunday Star Times reports today. Paul Pa'u, lawyer for the family, said Mr Anderson was mismanaged by staff at primary school and at Mt Roskill Grammar.
Source:NZPA



Female circumcision supported by Somalis.

By RUTH LAUGESEN
A decade after New Zealand banned female genital mutilation, Somalian women have told researchers the law is "unfair" and too harsh. And they say New Zealanders don't understand how important or positive the procedure is for Somali women. Some are even risking prison terms, telling researchers they plan to take their daughters out of the country to have the procedure performed. Fifty-four women in four cities were interviewed for the research, by Dr Pauline Guerin and Fatuma Hussein Elmi, both at Waikato University when the research was done.
source:Sunday Star Times



Disgraced teachers face being named.

By RACHEL GRUNWELL
The Teachers' Council is considering naming and shaming teachers found guilty of serious misconduct. Last November, the council set up a disciplinary tribunal to hear serious allegations against teachers and since then most of the 19 cases it has considered have resulted in teachers being struck off the register. None of the cases has been made public. But now that may change. The council's director Dr Peter Lind hopes to say before Christmas how it will announce the outcomes of the hearings, and the Star-Times understands that could include naming errant teachers.
source:Sunday Star Times



Flag of Turkey flies today.

It is Turkey's turn atop the Auckland Harbour Bridge today. The country's flag is being flown there to commemorate its national day. Recently the Austrian, Nigerian, Maltese and Hungarian flags have all been flown from the top of the bridge to mark the national day of their country.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Al Gore visiting.

Former United States of America vice president Al Gore will visit New Zealand next month. Mr Gore will be in Auckland on November the 14th and deliver an invitation-only lecture on the impact of climate change on business and investment. While in New Zealand Mr Gore will also address the board of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Maori business successes hailed.

Massey University is celebrating successful Maori businesses in a book of case studies that will be launched in Palmerston North today. He Wairere Pakihi was produced by Massey's Maori business research unit Te Au Rangahau, and profiles 17 businesses owned and operated by Maori. The businesses feature such industries as fashion, farming, sports and outdoor pursuits, tourism and education. Given the economic trends presented by the Hui Taumata, it was clear that Maori participation in economic and business activities was increasing at a considerable rate.
Manawatu Standard



Maritime NZ To Investigate Lengthy Sailing.

Maritime New Zealand says it will be formally investigating Tuesday's ten-and-a-half-hour Cook Strait ferry crossing. The 800 passengers aboard the Interislander Kaitaki had to endure nine metre swells and spent hours sheltering in Cloudy Bay near Blenheim waiting for conditions to improve. Maritime New Zealand spokesperson Steve Corbett says it will be looking into the decision to sail and the actions taken by the crew while at sea.
© NewsRoom 2006



New Zealand in exercise.

New Zealand will being taking part in a naval exercise in the Persian Gulf, intended as a show of strength to Iran. About 25 nations are involved in the exercise, which United States officials say is designed to practice stopping ships carrying nuclear materials. It will begin next week, and comes as major powers consider a United Nations' sanctions resolution against Iran over its nuclear program. It is also the first such exercise since North Korea held underground nuclear test.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Saturday, October 28

Lack of male teachers continuing - college manager.

By STU OLDHAM
Claims of sexual misconduct and the fear of being stigmatised continue to stop men entering a teaching profession desperately short of male role models, a Dunedin College of Education manager has said. Dunedin College of Education corporate services director Tony Stevely said he expected the 2007 student teacher intake to be just as dominated by women as it had been for the past five years. Mr Stevely said it seemed likely men would make up less than 20 percent of the more than 1600-strong roll in the next academic year. "Even with the advertising and the media attention about the need for men in the system, we just haven't been seeing any real change in the number of men who want to apply," he said. "The uptake continues to be exceptionally low in primary and early childhood education, but it seems men are still seeing the allegations and incidents elsewhere in education and wondering whether they should bother."
source:Southland Times



Chase ends in tragedy.

A police chase in Waipukurau has ended in tragedy. The 19-year-old driver of a stolen car died when he failed to take a bend in the road and crashed into a tree stump early this morning. Police began pursuing the car after a dangerous driving incident in the Hawke's Bay town, where speeds of up to 140 kilometres an hour were reached.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



PM salutes hubby.

Prime Minister Helen Clark has paid special tribute to her husband Peter Davis, who she says has 'been through the mill this year'. Addressing the Labour Party's 90th annual conference in Rotorua, Miss Clark said when her political opponents could not attack her, they decided to go after her husband. She said no family in politics should have to endure that. Miss Clark says politicians have a responsibility to make their profession honourable, to make sure it attracts the best and brightest.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



New Zealand in exercise.

New Zealand will being taking part in a naval exercise in the Persian Gulf, intended as a show of strength to Iran. About 25 nations are involved in the exercise, which United States officials say is designed to practice stopping ships carrying nuclear materials. It will begin next week, and comes as major powers consider a United Nations' sanctions resolution against Iran over its nuclear program. It is also the first such exercise since North Korea held underground nuclear test.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Ministry's snack food sets the bar.

By Derek Cheng
Diet soft drinks, muesli bars, 99 per cent fat-free sweets - the Ministry of Health practices what it preaches in the contents of its vending machines. Under guidelines last updated in June, the ministry has sent notice to its suppliers that it has banned some food products, including:
* Full-strength sugar-sweetened drinks.
* Sweets and chocolates.
* Chips and crisps.
Senior adviser Dr Doug Lush said the ministry wanted to set the standard, and he hoped it would be an example for other workplaces.



Asset freeze as Otago DHB looks to recoup losses from $16m deals.

The Otago District Health Board is going to court in a bid to recover up to $16 million it spent on information technology deals now subject to Serious Fraud Office (SFO) inquiries. Michael Swann, the DHB's former chief information officer, was sacked for "gross mismanagement" after earlier being suspended on full pay. This week the DHB lodged a civil claim in the High Court seeking damages, the Otago Daily Times reported today. The claim names Swann and 19 other defendants and lawyers, trustees, company directors and companies. The DHB wants a trial to assess the damages it allegedly suffered through $16 million worth of IT deals in which Swann was involved.
Source:NZPA



Air NZ's new around the world route taking off.

The All Blacks will be on board as Air New Zealand launches its new around the world route to London. The airline begins flying to the British capital via Hong Kong tonight, in addition to the existing daily run via Los Angeles. The new route will increase Air New Zealand's capacity to the UK by nearly 80 percent.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Police launch new recruitment drive.

New Zealand Police is launching a new recruitment drive on Sunday with the catch phrase, "get better work stories". The Government has set a target for 1000 extra police officers to be on the street by 2009. Police recruitment marketing manager James Whitaker said the slogan was aimed at 18 to 35-year-olds and drew attention to key priorities for that age group. New Zealand Police recently ratified its employment package, with new constables receiving more than $45,000 per annum after graduating from police college.
Source:NZPA



NZ Muslims disown Australian cleric.

A New Zealand Islamic group says Australia's top Muslim who likened scantily dressed women to uncovered meat has no connection to New Zealand. Australian Mufti Sheik Alhilali outraged Muslim leaders and politicians in Australia with his comments that women were responsible for sexual attacks. He has not been stood down from position as Mufti of Australia, but will not be giving sermons for the next two to three months. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) president Javed Khan said Mr Alhilali was not the Mufti of New Zealand as was reported by media today. He said FIANZ could not understand why Mr Alhilali had compared women to uncovered meat and it totally disassociated itself from the statement. "We are really concerned that he has made such a statement. Really it's not called for."
Source:NZPA



Labour meeting in Rotorua.

Labour Party faithful are in Rotorua this weekend for their 90th anniversary conference.
More than 500 delegates are gathering at a time when the party is facing several controversial issue including overspending on election advertising. Delegates will be expected to dig deep with the party facing a $830,000 bill. They will also be reflecting on the latest opinion poll, which shows Labour trailing National by 13 percent.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Concern Pacific workers won't return home.

Business leaders are concerned the new scheme to recruit seasonal workers from the Pacific could result in more overstayers. The New Zealand Pacific Business Council says there are flaws in the Government's plan to allow up to 5,000 workers to fill temporary jobs in the horticulture and viticulture industries. Chairman Gilbert Ullrich believes there should be an independent trust holding a significant portion of the workers' pay. The money would either be remitted to their homeland, or released once the worker leaves New Zealand. He says the scheme must have proper controls to ensure the workers do not become overstayers.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Friday, October 27

Sheik apologises for any offence.

Australia's senior Muslim cleric Sheik Taj Aldin Alhilali has apologised for any offence caused by his comments that immodestly dressed women provoke sexual attacks. The Australian newspaper reported on Thursday that, in a sermon delivered last month, Sheik Alhilali likened scantily clad women to uncovered meat eaten by animals. "I unreservedly apologise to any woman who is offended by my comments," he said in a statement today.



Boost For Primary School Maths Teachers.

Hundreds of primary school teachers are being given an opportunity for higher study to help them teach maths better. The Government says from next year it will fund 600 primary teachers to undertake post-graduate papers at university. The Minister of Education, Steve Maharey, says the maths study project is the first stage in a scheme the Government wants to extend into other subjects, such as English and science.
© NewsRoom 2006



Survey Of Maori Finds Homeownership Declining.

A new report shows that home ownership among Maori is declining, with low incomes and poor access to finance among the key barriers. The report by the Family Centre Research Unit for the Centre for Housing Research and Te Puni Kokiri brings together information from three censuses, available literature and surveys of 70 people. The Family Centre says the report shows only 48 percent of Maori own their own homes, compared with 68 percent of the total population.
© NewsRoom 2006



NZ's nuclear policy may come in handy for US.

By Audrey Young and Ruth Berry
New Zealand's anti-nuclear credentials are ironically one of the key reasons the United States considers it useful in dealing with North Korea. United States Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill confirmed the stance this week in a visit to the Pacific summit in Fiji. "We know that New Zealand in particular has had an anti-nuclear bent and we certainly think we can talk to New Zealand about what we can do together in terms of strengthening non-proliferation." He agreed there was some irony in his comment - the United States still has in place formal reprisals against New Zealand over its 1987 anti-nuclear legislation.



Drug free sport now law.

Drug free sport has now become a part of New Zealand law. Parliament has passed the Sports Anti-Doping Bill which will implement the world anti-doping code. It aims to protect the rights of athletes to compete in drug free sports. Under the Act, rules will be put in place that will see the world anti-doping code implemented. They can be adopted by national sporting organisations through their individual rules and regulations. The Act is aimed at coordinating anti-doping measures at national and international levels.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



More workers signing up for unions.

There has been a record leap in the number of workers joining New Zealand unions.A Victoria University annual survey shows more than 23,000 people joined a union last year. The 6.6 percent growth is the strongest seen since the survey began, 15 years ago. Professor George Lafferty,director of the Industrial Relations Centre, puts it down to a more confident union movement.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Thursday, October 26

Banker donates $1 million for sports stadium.

Merchant banker Sam Kelt is donating $1 million to a proposed Hawke's Bay sports park. Mr Kelt is making the donation regardless of whether a company he owns manages the $35 million project, Hawke's Bay Today reported. Hastings District Council signed a $1.03 million deal to buy a 17ha block last year to build the park. Kelt Capital's role would include obtaining funding and sponsorship, and possibly helping clubs relocate to the stadium. Mr Kelt was initially asked to be a naming sponsor for the Hawke's Bay Opera House, opened in April, but that role went to Hawke's Bay businessman Sir Selwyn Cushing.
Source:NZPA



Vehicle smoke test set to begin.

The controversial new smoke test for vehicles during warrant of fitness inspections starts tomorrow.
The test involves a visual check of smoke emitted while a vehicle idles for five seconds, then while accelerating from idle to 2500rpm, associate transport minister Judith Tizard said. If the vehicle emits clearly visible smoke for five seconds or more it will fail the warrant and need to be tuned or repaired before it can pass. The test is part of a campaign to "choke the smoke" and reduce vehicle pollution.
Source:NZPA



Historic pub to move over for tunnel.

By Mathew Dearnaley
Auckland's 19th-century Birdcage Tavern, 86 trees and more than 100 church carparks are likely to have to make way for the $320 million Victoria Park motorway tunnel. But Transit NZ, at public hearings which opened yesterday in Auckland, signalled its intention to move and preserve the Birdcage - minus its basement. It also undertook to consider transplanting four early-1900s London Plane trees in its reinstatement of Victoria Park after construction of a 460m "cut and cover" tunnel. The imposing brick and plaster Birdcage would be hauled on skids to a new site about 30m up Franklin Rd, subject to an authority which Transit is seeking from the Historic Places Trust.



US denies Vegemite ban.

Kiwis and Australians travelling to the United States can breathe easy. The US Government yesterday dismissed media reports it had banned Vegemite. "There is no ban on Vegemite," a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spokesman said. The controversy centred on folate in Vegemite, which the FDA said could be added only to breads and cereals, but "I don't think we intend to target Vegemite simply because of that".



Scientists consider nuclear debate.

By PAUL GORMAN
Some of New Zealand's top scientists may soon be leading a new debate on the thorny subject of nuclear power. The Royal Society of New Zealand's (RSNZ) council will consider at its December meeting whether it should promote a serious public debate on the issue next year. Even contemplating a nuclear-powered future is almost taboo in nuclear-free New Zealand.
Environment Canterbury councillors can vouch for that after causing outrage two years ago when they decided to debate the merits of nuclear power. However, the issue has been bubbling not far from the surface in recent years as New Zealanders continue their opposition to new hydro-electricity projects and to burning coal to generate power. The Government has made it clear that the nuclear-free policy is not up for review.
Source:The Press



Aquarium gets go-ahead for Wgtn coast.

Wellington's new $20.4 million south coast aquarium has been granted resource consent. Wellington City Council announced today that Wellington Marine Conservation Trust's marine education centre proposed for Te Raekaihau Pt on the south coast has just been granted consent, more than seven years after the concept was first floated by marine science educators Victor Anderlini and Judy Hutt. Touted as the Aquarium of New Zealand, the project will incorporate aquatic displays of local marine life, education facilities and a 150-seat cafe and bar.
Source:Dominion Post



Alliance sought with individual US states.

New Zealand trade officials in the United States have found a way to get around the lack of a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. Trade and Enterprise staff are targeting individual states to form an alliance with New Zealand. Iowa has so far agreed to work together in terms of biotechnology and agritech companies. Trade and Enterprise Chief Executive for the Americas Peter Bull says while a free trade agreement would have its benefits, it is not clear to what extent. He says the most important thing is ease of access for New Zealand products, which by and large already exists. Mr Bull says the Iowa deal is just the beginning and the same type of agreement is being sought with other states.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Rules tightened for young people on the dole.

The Government is to tighten up its handling of young people on the dole. Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope has unveiled a number of changes which will be put in place over the next year.
Young beneficiaries are being targeted with intensive case management for those on the youth benefit, and there will be changes to existing work tests. Services for 18 and 19-year-old unemployed youths will also be tweaked, with use of career advice, more interventions, and enforced attendance at job search services and seminars. Announcements on Maori unemployed will be revealed in December.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



NZ soldiers come home from Afghanistan.

It is hoped Afghanistan may have been left a better place because of them - but the tour of duty for 122 New Zealand soldiers is over. The Army, Navy and Air Force personnel will return home to Ohakea Air Base next Monday after serving six months on the Provincial Reconstruction Team. During their time in Bamyan province, the team destroyed tons of munitions and weapons, helped to construct five police stations and six bridges and built relationships with local security forces. A fresh rotation of 108 personnel went to the region earlier this month to pick up where this deployment left off.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Tough news US rules for passports.

New Zealanders are being reassured they will still be able to get into the United States, as tough new passport requirements come into force today. All newly issued passports must now contain a microchip which holds digital information about the holder. The Department of Internal Affairs Passports Manager David Philp says New Zealand has been issuing e-passports since late last year. He says most passports issued before then are machine-readable, which will be acceptable if you are only planning to visit the US for up to 90 days.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Wednesday, October 25

Mother Of Missing Boy Jailed For Contempt Of Court .

The mother of a six year old boy who is alleged to have been kidnapped two months ago has been jailed for refusing to reveal where he is. Kay Skelton, 35, was found in contempt of court in the High Court in Hamilton this afternoon. Ms Skelton and her father are facing kidnapping charges after the child went missing form the Hamilton Public Library in August. Five other defendants, all immediate family members of Ms Skelton, were found not to be in contempt. Justice Keane ordered Ms Skelton be held in custody until she tells the court where her son is.
© NewsRoom 2006



Speaker stands up for herself.

Parliament's Speaker Margaret Wilson is developing a reputation as an iron maiden. During question time today Ms Wilson showed in no uncertain terms she was not prepared to have MPs interjecting on points of order and those that did - five of them - got biffed out of the debating chamber. Some of those given their marching orders are seen as the more mild mannered MPs, including Invercargill's National MP Eric Roy along with Aucklanders John Key and Richard Worth. Joining them in the sin bin were Whip Darren Hughes and Immigration Minister David Cunliffe. New Zealand First's Winston Peters was responsible for two of National's explusions, as he told the Speaker they had transgressed.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Anti nuclear stance seen as positive.

New Zealand's strong anti-nuclear stance is being seen as an advantage by a top US diplomat. US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill has raised the issue at the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji. He says New Zealand's vigorous backing of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, shows that the United States and New Zealand have a lot of common ground and he believes that is an enormous help as the US tries to strengthen anti-proliferation around the world. Noting New Zealand's long-term anti-nuclear stance, he says it is certainly a country that they will be speaking to.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



USA free trade agreement still on cards.

A free trade agreement with the US is still on the cards according to US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill. He has spoken about the issue at the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji. Mr Hill says there is a positive view in Washington on an FTA with New Zealand, and it is envisaged that something along the lines of the existing deal with Australia could be struck. He says the issue is when it can be fitted into the negotiating schedule.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Warnings over fake drugs.

The Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences is warning the trade of fake pharmaceuticals in Asia is getting worse and could become a serious humanitarian problem. Counterfeit operations are taking place in Asia, producing billions of pills, containing carcinogenic chemicals, solvents and other harmful substances. GNS scientist Dallas Mildenhall says his research reveals that the counterfeits are so convincing you can not tell the difference between an original and a fake. He says they suspect several thousand people die as a result of the drugs worldwide each year. He is concerned imitations of drugs like Viagra could make it into New Zealand via the Internet.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



NZ under fire for sucking resources.

New Zealand has been ranked one of the ten worst countries for sucking the world's natural resources dry. A World Wildlife Fund report shows humans are stripping nature at an unprecedented rate, and it claims that by 2050 the human race will need two planets' worth of natural resources to feed current consumption rates. New Zealand ranks ninth in a list of the ten countries which place the most demands per capita on the world's natural resources. The top three are the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Finland - in that order. Australia is ranked sixth.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



$2m Pandemic project announced.

Helen Clark has announced a $2million Pacific Regional Influenza Pandemic project at the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji. Miss Clark says previous pandemics have had enormous social and health impacts in the region and planning for future pandemics is vital. She says a pandemic in the Pacific is inevitable and that is why New Zealand is putting a lot of emphasis on supporting the region. The funding is for a two year period.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



BBC confirms Castaway to be filmed on NZ island.

The BBC has confirmed the second series of its reality TV show Castaway is to be filmed in New Zealand. The BBC said yesterday the location was chosen "to take the castaways even further from their current lives". No location was disclosed but last month London's Sunday Times reported several of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf were being considered by the series' producers. It was reported in August that filmmakers had visited Great Barrier Island. The Sunday Times said filming was planned to start in February.
Source:NZPA



Ferry reaches harbour after 9½ hours.

The interisland passenger ferry Kaitaki reached the safety of Wellington Harbour tonight after nine and half hours in turbulent seas. The ferry set out from Picton at 1pm with 800 passengers aboard.
t was expected to dock in Wellington at 4.30pm, but faced extremely heavy seas in the Cook Strait with 9m swells. Toll spokeswoman Sue Foley said the ferry master decided to shelter from the rough weather off Cloudy Bay near the entrance to the Tory Channel. The Kaitaki is Toll largest ship at 182 metres long. It can carry 1600 passengers and 600 cars.
Source:NZPA



Governor-general's butler sues.

A Government House butler for 20 years is suing the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet for $90,000 for reneging on the terms of his redundancy settlement. After 40 years in the public service Robert Sisson-Stretch finished working at Government House in August when former governor-general Dame Silvia Cartwright ended her term of office. In an Employment Court case that started yesterday, he is claiming that, under a mediated settlement signed earlier this year, the department was obliged to pay a $90,000 employer contribution to complement the $49,000 he was paying to buy Government Superannuation Fund entitlements for his service between 1970 and 1990.
Source:Dominion Post



Press freedom in NZ takes a dip.

New Zealand has slipped in an international ranking of press freedom by global media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres). The recently released 2006 Worldwide Press Freedom Index put New Zealand in joint 19th place with Bosnia/Herzegovina, Denmark and Trinidad and Tobago. This is a fall of seven places from its 2005 ranking of 12th. The organisation did not provide commentary on reasons behind the decline in New Zealand's ranking. However New Zealand was still rated well ahead of Australia in 35th, the United Kingdom 27th and the United States of America which ranked 53rd.
Source:NZPA



Pacific Island workers to enter NZ.

Up to 5000 workers from the Pacific Islands will be allowed into the country next year to work in the viticulture and horticulture industries. New Zealand already has around 19,500 overstayers and the Government says employers of the new workers will be responsible for ensuring they return home after a maximum stay of seven months. If they do not the employer could face fines. The Government says the scheme is the result of pressure from industries needing seasonal workers.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Austral finds oil.

Energy explorer Austral Pacific says it has found oil in a new well being drilled in Taranaki. The company says it has detected oil bearing sands in the Cheal B1 well. The Cheal onshore field's oil reserves have so far been estimated at around 4.4 million barrels of oil. It has an initial output of 300 barrels a day, which is expected to rise to 1,900 barrels a day next year.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Tuesday, October 24

Record ozone layer boosts sunburn risk.

By HANK SCHOUTEN
and Sydney Morning Herald
Ultraviolet radiation levels over New Zealand could be higher than ever this summer, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research says. Commenting on Nasa reports that the ozone hole over Antarctica was the largest it had been, Niwa ozone project leader Greg Bodeker said the hole had increased as a result of the stratosphere over Antarctica being very cold this year.
Source: Dominion Post



Hundreds of Saudi students eye NZ.

By REBECCA PALMER
Hundreds of Saudi Arabian students, some accompanied by chaperones, are set to come to New Zealand on scholarships funded by their government. "This is the first time we will ever have so many students from one country that a government has sponsored," Victoria University pro vice-chancellor (international) Roberto Rabel said. "If things go well, it's a very secure market for a considerable time." The scholarships were among 15,000 funded by the Saudi Government internationally, Professor Rabel said. It had originally allocated 500 to New Zealand next year but now seemed likely to send more. About 3500 students had applied to come to New Zealand.
Source: Dominion Post



Australia looks to NZ dentists to help fill gap.

Australia is looking to New Zealand to plug the holes in its dental system left by a shortage of dentists. About 215,000 people are on the public dental waiting list in New South Wales, the Australian newspaper reports. Health Minister John Hatzistergos said a campaign was under way to hire 30 dentists from Britain, Ireland and New Zealand, the newspaper reported. He blamed the federal Government's failure to fund adequate training places for the shortage of public dentists.
Source:NZPA



Americans ban vegemite.

By Maggie McNaughton
Kiwis planning to go on their OE, be warned: Your beloved Vegemite might be confiscated if you travel to the United States.
An Australian has revealed that US border security police questioned him recently on suspicion of carrying Vegemite into the country. The yeasty spread is banned because it contains folate, which in the US can be added only to bread and other grain products such as cereal. Daniel Fogarty told the Geelong Advertiser that he was amazed when he and his partner Sarah Egan, who live in Canada, were asked if they had any Vegemite at a border crossing between the two countries. "Australians love Vegemite, but only a small number of people in the US actually eat it."



Wild Weather Causes Chaos In Lower North Island.

Lower North Island police say they are being kept extremely busy with weather related calls. The MetService has heavy rain warnings in place for Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wellington, Wairarapa and the seaward Kaikoura ranges. It expects a further 70 - 100 millimetres in Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wellington and the Wairarapa regions overnight. Sergeant Andy Dow from the police's lower North Island communications centre says they have been dealing with reports of fallen trees, signs, slips and surface flooding.
© NewsRoom 2006



NZ standing by Australia amid Solomons spat.

Prime Minister Helen Clark is heading into one of the most highly-charged meetings of Pacific leaders in many years. The Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji involves 16 heads of government and is expected to be dominated by the bitter row between Australia and the Solomon Islands. The threats by the Solomons to expel RAMSI, the Australian-led regional assistance mission, has prompted an unwavering declaration of support for Australia by Miss Clark. She says the mission simply will not be viable without Australia. Miss Clark says it is important the stabilisation process continues and Australia has her firm backing. She is down-playing her role as a mediator, saying RAMSI's future will be decided by the forum.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Hillary to return to Antarctica.

By JOHN HENZELL
Sir Edmund Hillary might not have returned to Everest for the jubilee of his ascent, but the adventurer is vowing to get to Scott Base's 50th anniversary this summer. Hillary led the group that set up New Zealand's outpost in Antarctica in 1957, and returned two years ago to open the field centre named in his honour. Speaking from Auckland yesterday, Hillary said he was aiming to get back to Antarctica to celebrate half a century since the prefabricated base was opened on the ice-fringed shore of Ross Island. He is waiting on details of the trip to be announced by Antarctica New Zealand (AntNZ), but plans for January are understood to include Prime Minister Helen Clark making her first visit to Antarctica.
Source:The Press



Millions of old coins still to be returned.

New Zealanders may still have more than 700 million old coins to return to the bank, use or donate before they become invalid in a week's time, the Reserve Bank said today. By next Tuesday the old five, 10, 20 and 50c cent coins will no longer be legal tender. So far, just over 280 million coins had been returned, but more were out there, Reserve Bank currency manager Brian Lang said. "Since 1967 the Reserve Bank has issued more than a billion of the old silver coins.
Source:NZPA



Labour 'not panicking' over Nats lead in poll.

Labour is not panicking over a poll that shows it sliding 13 per cent below National, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen says. A One News/Colmar Brunton poll last night showed Labour had dropped two points from last month to 36 per cent, while National's support was unchanged on 49 per cent. The Greens were steady on 6 per cent, New Zealand First 3 per cent, with no other parties above 2 per cent. But Dr Cullen said there was a long time before the next election and the poll was no cause for panic.
Source:NZPA



Monday, October 23

Substation Fire Cuts Power To Wellington.

Many businesses and dwellings in central Wellington are without power after a fire broke out in a major power substation. The substation supplies electricity to The Terrace and the central business district. Wellington's Chief Fire Officer, John Graham, says the station is located in the James Cook Hotel on The Terrace, where about fifty people have been evacuated. He says the fire broke out in the cabling and is still burning because they have not yet established if the power has been turned off.
© NewsRoom 2006



Eight staff a week quit CYF.

By ANNA CLARIDGE
Almost eight staff members a week are quitting government welfare agency Child, Youth and Family (CYF), worrying critics who say the child welfare sector is facing a staffing crisis. Figures released by Child, Youth and Family show 395 staff quit the organisation in the year to June, showing staff attrition at 14 per cent – a drop of just 2 per cent since the crisis-point of 2003.
The exodus comes despite the introduction of $7000 recruitment cash incentives for graduate social workers and a $127 million funding boost from the Government. Welfare advocates and unions say the sector is facing an image crisis, and large numbers of workers are being lured overseas by attractive salary packages.
Source:The Press



Mt Hutt closes for season.

As summer approaches ski bunnies are putting away their poles and boots for another year. It is Mt Hutt's last day for the season. Ski area manager David Wilson says it has been one of the best seasons the skifield has had in years.
He says they expect this year's success to have people raring to go next year.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Phar Lap mystery unravels.

The state government in Victoria is funding $20,000 for research on the arsenic found in Phar Lap's system. After examining the champion New Zealand-born racehorse's hair, scientists found that he ingested the poison about 35 hours before he died in 1932 in America. Scientists used state of the art technology to identify arsenic in six hairs and a piece of hide taken from the gelding bit they say there is no way of saying who gave the animal the substance. Phar Lap was born in Timaru in 1927 and was taken to Australia as a two-year-old. He gained 36 wins from his last 41 starts before winning North America's richest race, the Agua Caliente Handicap. The horse died from a mystery illness two weeks later. Many suspected gangsters were to blame.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Fair-trade food rockets in popularity.

By Derek Cheng
Fair-trade cotton, sugar and products such as biscuits and cereal bars look set to hit New Zealand stores as the ethical-food market continues to skyrocket. Retails sales of fair-trade products - mainly coffee, tea and cocoa products - have surged by more than 400 per cent in the past year to be worth about $4 million, as the booming number of conscious consumers wade into the mainstream. In New Zealand, 22 companies are now licensed to carry the Fair Trade brand - an independent consumer label guaranteeing a fair share to disadvantaged producers in the developing world.



Teachers Close Ranks Over Registration Allegations.

Teachers are hitting back at claims that some teachers are being certified for the classroom despite criminal offences or improper behaviour. The Herald on Sunday has reported that some teachers have been re-registered despite convictions for drugs and assault, or allegations of relationships with students. The Teachers' Council says the newspaper used quotes selectively and insists the registration process is sound. The head of the teachers' union, the PPTA, Debbie Te Whaiti, also says there is nothing wrong with the system. However, the Minister of Education says he wants to hear more from the Teachers Council about claims that teachers have been re-certified despite past offences or improper behaviour.
© NewsRoom 2006



Several roads closed.

Heavy weather is affecting roads in the lower North Island. State Highway Three has been closed in the Manawatu Gorge between Woodville and Palmerston North, where there has been a slip. State Highway 56 has been closed by flooding at Opiki, south of Palmerston North.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Hungary's flag flies to mark uprising.

Hungary's flag is flying from the Auckland Harbour Bridge today, to mark the 50th anniversary of the uprising in 1956. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets to demand the end of Soviet rule.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Pacific Forum- Clark arrives today.

The Prime Minister arrives in Fiji today, with beefed up security, for what promises to be one of the most contentious Pacific Islands Forum gatherings in years. She flies straight into a meeting with Forum chair and Fiji's Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, followed by a meeting with Forum Secretary-General Greg Urwin. But the serious dialogue will begin tomorrow at the leaders' retreat, where problems that have emerged in the Pacific over the past few weeks will come under intense scrutiny. These include Australia's strained relations with the governments of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, threats to throw out the Australian-led regional assistance mission in the Solomons, and a potential military coup in the host nation.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



New law to keep treasures onshore.

Illegal exporters of national treasures will face heavy fines from next month as a new law comes into force. The law is aimed at giving greater protection to anything of importance to New Zealand. In the past the export of treasures such as Maori artefacts, early All Blacks' memorabilia and even the debris of meteorites have been restricted, but the law is now clearer about the range of objects considered to be of national significance. Those found guilty of illegal exports will face up to five years in jail or a maximum of a $100,000 fine for individuals, and $200,000 that for companies.
Source:One News



Praise For South Auckland Literacy Programme.

A report into a South Auckland-based family literacy programme has revealed that families who have taken part are now earning more. The City of Manukau Education Trust, known as COMET, has been operating for three years. A report by Price Waterhouse Coopers says that on average, each of the 85 families who participated have increased their average weekly income by around $200. The head of the programme says this is because 92 percent of those enrolled gained a qualification, and 71 percent reduced their dependency on government agencies. The programme's chief executive, trust, Bernadine Vester, says the core reason for its success is that it involves parents and their children learning together.
© NewsRoom 2006



Thousands queue to hear the word of the bishop.

One of America's best known evangelists was greeted by a vocal crowd of Kiwi women when he fronted a Destiny Church event yesterday. Bishop T D Jakes was voted America's most influential Christian in 2005 and was in Auckland for a three-day event open to enthusiasts from any denomination. Yesterday he spoke at a session geared to helping women recognise their potential. Welcomed on to the stage by Pastor Hannah Tamaki, wife of Destiny leader Bishop Brian Tamaki, the charismatic speaker had a message for the thousands of women at the almost-full 3500-capacity Telstra Clear Stadium in Manukau, South Auckland: "You are significant." The crowd responded with cheers, claps and a standing ovation.
source:Sunday Star Times



Hunt on for asbestos claimants.

By DEIDRE MUSSEN
ACC is taking out newspaper advertisements to search for anyone with an asbestos-related disease who may qualify for a six figure payout. Last week the Appeal Court decided people falling ill after exposure to asbestos qualified for $110,000 lump sum payments. ACC believes payments will cost around $150 million over the next decade, although some predict they could be as high as $416m. The three widows of men who died of asbestos-related diseases were elated to win the court case, which opens the way for others to keep or receive payouts.
source:Sunday Star Times



Sunday, October 22

Rugby-Comeback kids back in ABs squad.

By CHRIS BARCLAY
The All Blacks selectors today anointed one new cap and welcomed back a clutch of former internationals from long-term injuries for the rugby tour to Britain and France. The sole newcomer for the four-test tour, which starts against England at Twickenham on November 6, is Canterbury's Andrew Ellis, the halfback earmarked for Tri-Nations duty this season until a knee injury in the Super 14 semifinal put his promotion on ice.
The squad:
John Afoa (Auckland)
Dan Carter (Canterbury)
Jerry Collins (Wellington)
Clarke Dermody (Southland)
Jason Eaton (Taranaki)
Andy Ellis (Canterbury)
Nick Evans (Otago)
Rico Gear (Tasman)
Carl Hayman (Otago)
Andrew Hore (Taranaki)
Chris Jack (Tasman)
Byron Kelleher (Waikato)
Luke McAlister (North Harbour)
Richie McCaw (Canterbury - captain)
Leon MacDonald (Canterbury)
Chris Masoe (Wellington)
Aaron Mauger (Canterbury)
Keven Mealamu (Auckland)
Malili Muliaina (Waikato)
Ma'a Nonu (Wellington)
Anton Oliver (Otago)
Keith Robinson (Waikato)
Josevata Rokocoko (Auckland)
James Ryan (Otago)
Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato)
Conrad Smith (Wellington)
Rodney So'oialo (Wellington)
Reuben Thorne (Canterbury)
Neemia Tialata (Wellington)
Piri Weepu (Wellington)
Ali Williams (Auckland)
Tony Woodcock (North Harbour)
Source:NZPA



Missed your court date? Expect jail.

By RACHEL GRUNWELL
People facing minor charges are being arrested and sometimes kept in police cells overnight for missing their court dates in a tough new move which a top lawyer fears may breach human rights. People charged with any offence - from driving charges to serious crimes - are summonsed to appear in court at a specific time and date. In the past, if they missed their appointment they could reschedule. But the northern regional district courts, from Pukekohe, south of Auckland, to Kaitaia in Northland, have a new policy which means court staff no longer reschedule appearances and instead issue arrest warrants. People missing their court dates are given a letter when they go to court and are told to go to their local police station. When they turn up there, police automatically have to arrest them because there is a warrant out on them for failing to appear in court.
source:Sunday Star Times



New push to raise minimum wage.

Trade Unions are using the Labour Day weekend to begin a new push to raise the minimum wage. The Council of Trade Unions has this morning launched a report on low pay, as part of its campaign to improve wages. The CTU says the 40-hour week which was fought so hard for is not a reality for many low income workers. Secretary Carol Beaumont says years of rising economic growth and people working longer hours have failed to deliver a fair deal for all. She says a reasonable minimum wage would be one which is two thirds of the average wage. Ms Beaumont says that means a 12-dollar minimum wage is needed now, along with an end to youth rates.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Manawatu Gorge road closed.

The road through the Manawatu Gorge has been closed by a large slip. Authorities say at this stage they do not know when the road will be reopened.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Knicker shortage solved.

A Taranaki clergyman has saved the ladies in his rural town from a knicker shortage. The 'Knicker Vicar', Reverend Gary Husband, was discussing the shortage with ladies at his St Andrews parish in Inglewood three months ago when they decided a 'knicker run' to New Plymouth could work. He says the women can no longer buy knickers and other essential items in their small rural town. Reverend Husband says the demand for the service has skyrocketed. He says the church originally planned to take the ladies into town using cars and volunteer drivers, but they now have to look at hiring a bus to meet the demand for the service. The service will begin at the end of November to cater for the busy Christmas period.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Rugby-Waikato take out Air NZ Cup.

By John Whiting
Waikato capped a tremendous season on Saturday night, taking out the inaugural Air NZ Cup 37-31 over Wellington at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. The mooloos controlled the majority of the match as they built a healthy lead which Wellington could not haul in. The Lions had the better of the final 10 minutes but it was too little too late as the visitors fell short by six points as time expired.
Waikato 37: Tries; Richard Kahui, Byron Kelleher (2), Brendon Leonard. Cons; David Hill (4). Pens; David Hill (3).
Wellington 31: Tries; Ma'a Nonu (2), Tana Umaga. Cons; Jimmy Gopperth (2). Pens; Jimmy Gopperth (4).
Halftime: Waikato 17-13.
Source:One Sport



Guest Worker Scheme for Pacific Islanders Ruled Out.

An Australian Parliamentary Committee has ruled out a Guest Worker Scheme for Pacific Islanders including Fiji. The committee made the decision after 12 months of investigation and concluded that there's simply not enough evidence to support such a program but the committee has left the door open for a trial.



Saturday, October 21

Dunedin Railway Station Marks Centennial.

Thousands of people have turned out to celebrate the centenary of one of Dunedin's most famous landmarks, its railway station. Fourteen locomotives have arrived to mark the occasion and are lined up on the platform. The station, designed by former Wellington mayor George Troup, is world-renowned, with rail enthusiasts from as far away as Denmark coming to Dunedin for the event. The grand and ornate stone station is built in the Flemish Renaissance style and was this year named by a major travel guide as one of the 200 must-see places in the world. Historic steam trains from around the country are taking excursions throughout the weekend as festivities are set to continue throughout the weekend.
© NewsRoom 2006



More Bodyguards For PM In Fiji .

A beefed up team of bodyguards will accompany the Prime Minister Helen Clark to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum. There have been security concerns in the country, following an ultimatum from Fiji's military to its Government to change some contentious laws or resign. Fiji's Government has said the regional leaders heading to next week's forum will be safe and secure. Nevertheless, Miss Clark says the New Zealand Police have decided to boost her security team. She says she will not talk about the total size of the team, but it is the largest she has taken anywhere outside of Afghanistan and Iraq. Miss Clark leaves for Fiji on Monday.
© NewsRoom 2006



Rob Moodie officially becomes Miss Alice.

The lawyer formerly known as Rob Moodie is now officially Miss Alice. First name Miss, last name Alice. A statutory declaration to the registrar of births, deaths and marriages has made it legal, he has applied to the High Court to have his name changed on the roll of barristers and solicitors, and the Law Society has been advised. The 68-year-old Feilding lawyer says he is revelling in the changes. With spring in the air he reaches for something light and flouncy to wear. "There's the freedom of getting up in the morning and deciding what you are going to wear without following a stereotype." There are other advantages to being Miss Alice. "I have discovered . . . pretty flowers and bows and all sorts of things." He has already worn an Alice in Wonderland outfit to the Court of Appeal and says he will continue to wear women's clothes for court appearances. "Some days I'm in court and I'm the prettiest thing there." Miss Alice's wife, who has apparently accepted the name change as she did the women's clothes, will remain Sue Moodie.
Source: Dominion Post



South Africa to reopen High Commission in NZ.

By JANNA HAMILTON
The new South Africa, freed from apartheid, will re-establish a diplomatic presence in New Zealand, Prime Minister Helen Clark announced yesterday. Miss Clark held formal talks with South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlabo-Ngcuka in Auckland yesterday. It was decided South Africa would open a high commission here next year after a more than 20-year absence. Miss Clark said South Africa had a consulate here "in the bad old days" – during its apartheid regime (1950-1994).
Source:NZPA



800 state house tenants encouraged into private housing.

More than 800 tenants of state houses who had been paying market rents had been shifted into private sector properties in the past year, Housing Minister Chris Carter said yesterday. About 108 of these had bought their own homes, he said. Housing Corporation had also shifted 410 state house tenants who did not need the space into smaller homes, freeing up their houses for larger families. Mr Carter said such moves had delivered efficiency gains worth an estimated $282 million in the past year. Encouraging the 865 tenants paying market rents into private sector housing had freed up $242m in capital, he said. More than 11,700 people are on a waiting list for a state house.
Source:NZPA



Stagecoach ordered to pay $6400 to sacked driver.

Stagecoach Auckland has been ordered to pay a total of $6400 to a bus driver it fired for swearing at his supervisor. David Davies took his case to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), claiming that he was unjustifiably dismissed and suffered a personal grievance for duress. The ERA adjudicator found that Stagecoach's disciplinary process was "full and fair" but that Mr Davies should have been issued with a final warning, rather than being dismissed over the incident. It therefore found that he had been unjustifiably dismissed but did not find that he had a personal grievance for duress. Stagecoach was ordered to pay Mr Davies $3900 as partial reimbursement for lost wages and $2500 in compensation.
Source:NZPA



Rugby-Extra forces for final.

Hamilton police are taking steps to ensure the city is trouble-free for the final of the Air New Zealand Cup tonight. Waikato play Wellington in a match for which all 25,000 seats have already sold out.
Police say they will have extra staff on duty at the game, and those officers will head into the city centre after the final whistle has gone and the crowds have dispersed. Waikato supporters, police say, are generally well behaved.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Roxburgh Dam turns 50.

The Governor General will be a guest of honour at an event commemorating the country's longest serving hydro-electric scheme. Central Otago's Roxburgh Dam is celebrating 50 years in operation this weekend. The Dam and power station were commissioned in 1956 after four years of construction. Well over a million tonnes of concrete were poured during the construction period, much of it by hand. Contact Energy's Jonathan Hill says the 320 megawatt power station is still going strong, and the company is confident it has another 50 years of life in it.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Radical change proposed for tobacco sales.

Public health researchers are pushing for the government to take complete control of the country's tobacco industry. Their controversial plan would do away with brand names on cigarettes, which would be sold in plain packets featuring only health warnings. Dr Nick Wilson of the Wellington School of Medicine says tobacco companies try to pretend cigarettes are like any other consumer product. Dr Wilson says it would be more appropriate for the government to control tobacco in the same way as it does dangerous drugs.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Friday, October 20

Drinking age bill given the go-ahead.

A bill raising the drinking age back to 20 has been given the go ahead by a committee of MPs, and the issue will be decided by a conscience vote in Parliament. The cross-party law and order select committee released its report on the Sale of Liquor (Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill today and recommended that it proceed with only minor changes. Parliament voted by a narrow majority in 1999 to lower the drinking age from 20 to 18, and the bill was drafted by former Progressive Party MP Matt Robson to reverse that decision. It passed its first reading 78-41 but a significant number of MPs said they would wait to hear the evidence presented to the committee before making up their minds on whether it should become law.
The committee said in its report it considered 180 submissions, conducted hearings in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch and received advice from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health.
Source:NZPA



Stormy weekend forecast.

Labour weekend looks set to be a stormy one across much of New Zealand.

After Thursday's severe gales, with winds clocked at near hurricane force in Otago and southern Wairarapa, strong winds are again expected tomorrow. Radio Network Weather Commentator, Philip Duncan expects winds to pick up on Saturday morning: "In the early hours of Saturday, north westerlies will strengthen quite quickly, reaching severe gale during the day, in areas like Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa. He says the worst winds will be during daylight hours, with gusts to 120km/h in exposed areas. It is not just the strong winds that will disrupt holiday makers. Heavy rain is likely to drench the South Island's west coast and the Southern Alps. "The rain is also expected to affect some parts of the west coast of the North Island on Sunday, from Wellington to Waitomo then Auckland eastwards on Monday", he says. Some heavy falls may fall in the Gisborne region on Monday.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Microsoft launches new browser.

New Zealanders will be the first to get their hands on the new version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Version Seven of the world's most used computer program was launched yesterday and includes a series of new features, including a much larger emphasis on security. The new IE7 will allow users to browse through multiple pages at once using tabs to switch between pages. Mr Colbert says the "phishing" filter will help prevent the theft of private information such as credit card numbers and passwords. Internet Explorer 7 is ready to be downloaded at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx but will also start to be installed in users' computers by the Windows Automatic Update system next month.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Staff turnover impacts on Defence Force.

The Defence Force's annual report is highlighting areas of concern for the military. While staff turnover has improved compared with 2005, it is still impacting on all service branches. The Navy has shortages in key positions, particularly aircrew, aircrew instructors, warfare officers and operations branch personnel. For the Army, most units are staffed at 80 percent of establishment level and while prepared for low level conflict, the report says deficiencies would impair effectiveness in conventional military operations in a higher threat environment. The Air Force also has issues with insufficient aircrew and mission equipment inadequate for the majority of the more demanding surveillance and maritime air operation tasks.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Dr Hillary scales another peak.

By Simon O'Rourke
Sir Edmund Hillary yesterday added a fourth honorary doctorate to his mountain of awards and tributes. The 87-year-old attended the Waikato University's spring graduation ceremony to receive his accolade and took the attention in his stride with typical humility. Among the honours bestowed on the Everest conqueror has been appointment to the Order of the Garter, the world's oldest national order of knighthood, limited to no more than 25 full members, or companions.



Contact Energy Plans New Power Station.

Contact Energy is to call for tenders to build a 400 megawatt power station in Auckland. Chief executive David Baldwin told the company's annual meeting today that the station would be built next to the company's Otahuhu B station. He says the new station, Otahuhu C is the best new thermal generation option for New Zealand.
© NewsRoom 2006



Drug Group Surveys MPs On Drinking Age.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation has launched a survey of MPs on their support for the return of the drinking age to 20. The survey comes as a select committee is expected to report to Parliament on Friday on whether it recommends raising the drinking age under the Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction Bill. The bill also covers alcohol advertising and the supply of alcohol to children. The Drug Foundation says there is huge support among the public for the implementation of the bill and the public has a right to know what MPs think.
© NewsRoom 2006



Hundreds Gather To Name America's Cup Boat.

About 800 people have gathered at the Auckland base of America's Cup challenger Team New Zealand for a ceremony to name the latest boat built for its campaign next year in Spain. The boat, numbered NZL92, will be known simply as New Zealand. It will begin serious testing next week before being shipped to Valencia early next year for the campaign to win back the America's Cup, which New Zealand lost nearly four years ago.
© NewsRoom 2006



Midwife Shortage Continues.

Midwives say New Zealand is still short of about 100 midwives, with some areas worse off than others. The issue came up at the College of Midwives' conference in Christchurch yesterday. The college chief executive, Karen Guilliland, says many pregnant women are struggling to find a midwife, and midwives are often under pressure to take on extra cases.
© NewsRoom 2006



Dunedin Marks Railway Station Centenary.

Train spotters and history buffs from around the country are steaming their way into Dunedin this weekend for the centenary of its famous railway station. Dunedin Railway Station has been named one of the top 200 must-see attractions in the world and the city will be celebrating all Labour Weekend. It all kicked off last night with the arrival of Steam Incorporated's JA1271 steam train from Christchurch. Hundreds of rail enthusiasts were on board and hundreds were there for its arrival.
© NewsRoom 2006



Thursday, October 19

NZ travel agents keen to sell space flights.

Local travel agents have joined the rush to sign up the first commercial travellers to outer space. Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic is appointing agents around the world to sell seats on its SpaceShipTwo space flights. The Flight Centre's John McGuiness says it would be a very exciting project to be involved with. He says space is literally the final frontier, and is a great product to offer customers.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Fat Freddy's, Bic Runga scoop Tuis.

Fat Freddy's Drop and Bic Runga were the big winners at the New Zealand Music Awards in Auckland on Wednesday night. Fat Freddy's Drop took away three awards for highest selling album, for Based on a True Story, and the coveted people's choice award. Mark Williams won best music video for the band's Wandering Eye track. Bic Runga's album Birds won album of the year and she took the prizes for best female solo artist and best producer. Best male solo artist went to Dave Dobbyn for Available Light. It was his 15th Tui award in a career spanning more than 20 years. Single of the year went to Pluto for their track Long White Cross, and rock band Elemeno P was voted best group for Trouble in Paradise.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Easing the load for volunteers.

By Paula Oliver
The Government is considering tax rebates for people who donate their time to charities. The proposal is included in a document which focuses on how tax incentives could be used to increase donations to charities and non-profit organisations.
At present people who donate money can claim a rebate, but there is no recognition for people who donate time. In some instances people pay their own petrol costs while volunteering, as well as giving up their time. Revenue Minister Peter Dunne yesterday said the rebate for volunteers was "new territory". "This is not about paying volunteers - we don't want to compromise the spirit of volunteerism," Mr Dunne said. "But it's looking at, is this a way in which we can acknowledge the contribution that they make through their time, to provide voluntary service?" The discussion document suggests the rebate could be based on an hourly rate, such as $5, although it would not try to recompense all the time volunteers gave.



Daylight saving could start earlier.

An attempt is being made to lengthen daylight saving. United Future leader Peter Dunne is working with Nelson City Councillor Mark Holmes to extend Daylight Saving by three weeks. The pair will launch a petition in Nelson tomorrow seeking a start to extended daylight hours on the last Sunday in September, running through to the first Sunday in April. Most countries have 28 to 31 weeks of daylight saving, while New Zealand has 24.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Job market is thriving.

The job market is thriving - and will cope with hundreds of planned redundancies. A number of companies, including Feltex, Sealord and Telecom, are preparing to shed staff, but Tina Morgan of Manpower believes the market will easily reabsorb the losses. She says it depends on where talent shortages are - and the latest indications from their Employment Outlook survey are that one of the most buoyant industries at the moment is the service industry. Ms Morgan believes Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland are the cities best placed to cope with job losses, as she says at the moment it is a job rich market which is talent short.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Wednesday, October 18

Stern warning ahead of Guy Fawkes.

The Retailers Association says its members will be abiding by government requests for the responsible sale of fireworks. The government has put the public on notice, saying if behaviour around Guy Fawkes Day is not up to scratch fireworks could be banned. Last Guy Fawkes night emergency services dealt with hundreds of fires and other fireworks-related incidents. Retailers Association spokesman Barry Hellberg says members acknowledge government expectations and plan to meet them. But he says there is only so much they can do when it comes to public behaviour.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Website on iwi readied.

A former Ngai Tahu director is setting up a website to better inform the tribe's beneficiaries about its operations. Richard Parata, who was a director of Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation from 2000 until he resigned in June this year, said the 37,000 Ngai Tahu members needed more information and the iwi had to become more democratic. Failure to make changes could endanger "something that is extraordinarily good for iwi and for the South Island as a whole", he said. Parata decided members were not getting enough information from the tribe's management, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (Tront). "The website is designed to inform beneficiaries and the wider public, if they are interested, about what is going on and what they need to make their voices heard on."
Source:The Press



NZ tops for midwifery services - expert.

New Zealand has one of the best midwifery services in the world, according to British obstetrics expert Jane Thomas. A key guest speaker at the New Zealand College of Midwives conference in Christchurch today, Ms Thomas said New Zealand rated as one of the best countries in the world in midwifery service delivery. "Intervention rates are rising around the world but New Zealand women and mothers should feel confident in having natural births in this country." In New Zealand intervention rates were low, at 20 percent, but rates were much higher in the United States and Australia, she said.
Source:NZPA



Labour weekend to bring changeable spring weather.

New Zealanders relaxing over Labour weekend can expect typical spring weather, a combination of sunshine and rain, the MetService says. A front on Thursday was forecast to bring heavy rain to Fiordland and parts of Westland, which would then spill over to the divide between Lake Wakatipu and the Waimakariri River. The rest of the South Island, Wellington and the Wairarapa should brace themselves for "vigorous" northwest winds, MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said. The weather was expected to clear for Friday and Saturday, except for some drizzle between Waikato and Northland. Another front was forecast to hit Fiordland on Saturday night bringing more wind and rain, which is likely to reach Auckland by Sunday evening, Mr McDavitt said.
Source:NZPA



Rugby memorabilia comes home.

Rugby items including a jersey and cap from the 1905-06 Originals tour have come home. The memorabilia is on loan from a private collection in Britain, and belonged to Originals All Black Duncan McGregor. Prime Minister Helen Clark has hosted a reception at Parliament for their return. She says their significance cannot be underestimated. Miss Clark says they symbolise a turning point in New Zealand's history, referring to the 1905-06 tour and the All Blacks' success. The items will be showcased at the New Zealand Rugby Union headquarters in Wellington, as well as other venues before they are returned to their owner after the Rugby World Cup.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Iceland whaling decision "deplored"

The Conservation Minister is deploring Iceland's decision to resume commercial whaling. Iceland has announced that whalers will be allowed to harpoon a commercial quota of 30 minke and nine fin whales a year, despite an international moratorium on commercial whaling. Minister Chris Carter says New Zealand will be making it very clear to the Icelandic government that it utterly rejects their right to resume commercial whaling and remain part of the International Whaling Commission.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Diana's brother brings rail safety message.

The brother of Diana, Princess of Wales is coming to New Zealand to help promote rail safety. Earl Spencer will be in the country early in the New Year, at the invitation of Toll and former Black Caps player Chris Cairns. The February visit will coincide with the official launch of the Chris Cairns Foundation, established to raise awareness and funds for rail safety across the country. Cairns lost his sister Louise in a level crossing accident in Rolleston in 1993. Cairns has also announced plans to walk from Auckland to Canterbury next summer to raise money for the "Tracks are for Trains" school programme.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



70-year-old accident site discovered.

A ranger has uncovered the historic wreckage from a potentially fatal bush tramway accident near Waihi - nearly 70 years ago. Department of Conservation Ranger Warren Geraghty found the remains of a tramway bogie in the Waitawheta Valley. It careered off a sharp bend and plunged into a creek bed in 1928, forcing five men aboard to leap to safety. Another man was left clinging to the bridge; all escaped with relatively minor injuries.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Fans frustrated by ticket glitch for rugby final.

By Simon O'Rourke
The Waikato Rugby Union is not happy with its ticketing agency after huge demand for the final of Air New Zealand Cup exposed weaknesses in Ticketmaster's ability to cope with online sales yesterday. Tickets to the Waikato versus Wellington match went on sale to the general public at 9am yesterday, and by 3pm the union had sold 18,752 tickets - with just 7000 tickets left to sell. But a botch-up with some internet sales has inconvenienced an unknown number of rugby fans. Those who chose to order their tickets through the Ticketfast system, which allows people to print their tickets from their home or business, found the system was flawed. After choosing the option to print tickets, people waited up to nine hours before being told they would have to physically visit an agency to pick their entry passes up.



New Marine Reserve In Whangarei.

A new marine reserve has been officially opened in Northland. The event follows years of work by Whangarei secondary students. The Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve was proposed by the seventh form geography class at Kamo High School in 1996 and subsequent classes have worked on the proposal ever since. The reserve comprises two sites: one near the Whangarei Heads at Passage Island and a mangrove forest at Waikaraka. The two sites cover 250 hectares or about 2.5 percent of the harbour. The students initially wanted a larger reserve, but settled for less to accommodate the concerns of recreational fishermen and Maori over traditional kaimoana areas.
© NewsRoom 2006



Pacific Islanders in plan to fill work shortages.

Central Otago leaders and World Bank representatives are hoping to lure Pacific Island workers to orchards and vineyards to solve chronic worker shortages. If the ground-breaking scheme goes ahead it will also create temporary jobs for thousands of unskilled Pacific Islanders. The World Bank proposed the plan, which it will partially fund, following a report that showed less then 10 per cent of job seekers in some Pacific countries will find work at home. Already it has found eager support in New Zealand, where Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes are talking about a trial group of 30 workers from Vanuatu and Fiji beginning on orchards before Christmas.
Source:The Press



Clark concerned about coup rumblings.

Prime Minister Helen Clark expects security to be stepped up at next week's Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji where the threat of military action to overthrow the country's government looms. Military leader Commodore Voreque Bainimarama has warned that the military will walk into the office of Fiji's Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and demand his resignation if contentious legislation regarding an indigenous coastal rights bill and legislation which could pardon perpetrators of Fiji's 2000 coup, are not dropped. The armed forces have given the Government three weeks to comply. Miss Clark says the ultimatum is extremely concerning and disappointing given that Fiji recently had successful democratic elections and is moving on from the last coup.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Jobs to go at Telecom.

Hundreds of Telecom workers are likely be laid off before Christmas but the company is neither confirming nor denying it could be as many as 700. Spokesman John Goulter says there will be some redundancies, but it is not known how many yet. He says the job losses are part of a reorganisation and efficiency project which looks at making Telecom more customer focused.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Tuesday, October 17

Nine-year high for work stoppages.

Work stoppages have hit a nine-year high according to figures just out from Statistics New Zealand. There were 59 strikes and lockouts in the 12 months to the end of June, the highest number of stoppages for a June year since 1997.
The disputes involved more than 16,000 employees, who on average lost $322 each. Statistics New Zealand says almost five thousand working days have been lost and an estimated 1.4 million dollars in wages and salaries have been unpaid.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Consent given for new development.

A major residential development on Maori ancestral land in the Far North is being seen as sad but probably inevitable. Consent has been given for a 25 hectare development at Matauri Bay. The Maori landowners are being forced to sell in order to repay almost $6 million owed after a mineral water-bottling investment which went bust. Labour list MP Dover Samuels initially objected to the development, but he says one of the positives is there is a strong chance all the outstanding money will now be repaid. The consent provides for 139 leasehold residential sections, the establishment of a new public road, the provision of 100 carparks and legal access to the Matauri Bay foreshore.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Last chance for fireworks fans.

Tougher rules on firework sales could be on the cards.
Environment Minister David Benson-Pope says a total ban on public firework sales is just one of many possibilities that could be considered if this year's behaviour isn't up to the mark. He says there are intermediate steps that could be looked at, such as raising the age of sale and they types of fireworks that could be sold. While organisations such as the Fire Service and the RSPCA support a total ban, Mr Benson-Pope believes the community is equally split on the issue. He says last year's behaviour, which saw firefighters rushed off their feet, simply was not good enough.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Australia Warns Pacific Neighbours Of Aid Cut.

Australia has warned its smaller South Pacific neighbours that it will cut aid if they do not do more to tackle graft. Prime Minister John Howard said on Monday that Canberra had every right to place conditions on aid, and he would deliver that message to Pacific Islands leaders at a summit in Fiji next week.
Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has barred visits to Australia by PNG Prime Minister Michael Somare and other PNG ministers, extending a ban that is already in place for the Solomons. It has flagged a rethink of the NZ$342 million it gives PNG in aid each year, as well as NZ$914m it spent rescuing the Solomons from collapse.
© NewsRoom 2006



SA to strengthen ties with Australia, New Zealand.

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka embarks on a weeklong trip to Australia and New Zealand from Monday, to strengthen political and trade relations with the two countries. Accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka will hold talks with her counterparts Mark Vaile in Australia and Michael Cullen in New Zealand. She is also expected to pay courtesy calls on both Prime Minister Howard in Canberra and Prime Minister Helen Clark in New Zealand.



NZer says Hawaii unprepared for quake.

A New Zealander caught up in today's earthquake in Hawaii says locals seemed completely unprepared.
Gayle Dickson, advertising manager from the NZ magazine SeaSpray, is on a working trip to the Hawaiian island of Maui. The main 6.6 magnitude quake struck off the west coast of Hawaii early in the morning. She says hotel staff seemed ill-prepared, and were unable to tell hotel guests what they should do to ensure their own safety. She says they eventually told guests to return to their rooms about an hour after the quake happened - but since they had never been told to get out of their rooms in the first place, it was academic.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Rare plant found on New Zealand island.

A plant prized by British explorer Captain James Cook as a defence against scurvy, but thought near extinction has been found growing abundantly on an island off New Zealand, protected by strong currents and sharks. Officers from New Zealand's Department of Conservation landed by helicopter on the islet off the North Island's west coast and found a substantial colony of the grassy plant. "When Captain Cook voyaged here in 1769, the plant was recognised as a valuable source of vitamin C and was famously used as a food source for the vitamin-deprived crew, hence the common name of Cook's scurvy grass," Brandon said. The plant had been recorded at just eight locations along the west coast of the North Island, with only two of those sites containing more than 20 plants.



Monday, October 16

Netball-Ferns lose series finale.

Australia has won the Fisher & Paykel series after a barnstorming 46-40 victory over the Silver Ferns in Christchurch. The visitors seemed more determined and hassled and harried the Ferns into submission in the final test between the sides before next year's world championships. The victory will be particularly sweet for Australia coach Norma Plummer after her side gained a third win in four games over the Commonwealth Games gold medallists.
Source:One Sport



Israel recalls ambassador.

Israel has recalled its ambassador to New Zealand and Australia to explain comments he reportedly made about Asians. Naftali Tamir was quoted in an Israeli newspaper as saying Israel and Australia need to cooperate as they are like sisters in Asia - without yellow skin and slanted eyes. The Sydney Morning Herald says the Israeli Foreign Ministry says it is checking whether the comments, as reported, are accurate - as they are obviously unacceptable. Meanwhile Ambassador Tamir, who was on his way back to Australia after a short holiday in Israel, has been instructed to return home immediately.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Rugby-Lomu tipped to become a Titan.

Former All Blacks rugby great Jonah Lomu has been linked with the Gold Coast Titans, a National Rugby League (NRL) expansion club. The Gold Coast Bulletin newspaper in Queensland today reported that the Titans were poised to sign the big winger for 2007. The newspaper said it understood Lomu would meet Titans management tomorrow to discuss a code switch. It said Lomu, 31, who played 63 tests before his international rugby career ended in 2002 because of a life-threatening kidney disorder, would undergo a tough medical assessment.
Source:NZPA



Defence Force Personnel Honoured.

Seventeen members of the New Zealand Defence Force have been awarded medals at the United States Embassy in Wellington for their service in Afghanistan. Ten were awarded the Bronze Star and seven the United States Army Commendation Medal in recognition of exemplary service in Afghanistan between 2004 and 2005. The ninth deployment of New Zealand Defence Force personnel left for Afghanistan this morning.
© NewsRoom 2006



Geologists Brought In To Put Out Coal Mine Fire.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says geologists have been brought in to try and put out a fire in a local coal mine, which has been burning for the past month. Mr Kokshoorn says an attempt will be made to flood the mine in an effort to put out the fire this week. He says if the fire is not extinguished soon it could continue to burn for decades.
© NewsRoom 2006



Weeds keep hydro station idle.

Weeds in the water have forced one of New Zealand's major hydro power stations to shut down. Multi-million dollar screens are being installed to tackle an infestation at Genesis Energy's Tokaanu station, which has been standing idle for a fortnight. Water is drained from Lake Rotoaira, just south of Lake Taupo in the central North Island, at more than 100 cubic metres a second, raging down through pipes underneath Mt Tihia and through the Tokaanu power station into Lake Taupo. But in recent years Rotoaira has been invaded by a floating weed called hornwort, which jams the station's intake pipes.
Source:One News



Uniform vote splits parents.

By ARWEN HANN
School uniform has always been a child's pet hate, but a plan to make it compulsory at one Christchurch school is also upsetting parents. Beckenham School is asking parents to vote on the idea but it has split the school community. A similar bid failed three years ago, but the board of trustees has agreed to reintroduce the idea after receiving a petition signed by 100 parents asking for uniform to be compulsory.
Source:The Press



Protest march against weapons conference.

Peace activists will take to the streets in protest tomorrow at a weapons conference being held at Te Papa.
Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington, one of the groups organising the protest, said officials from 200 of the world's largest weapons manufacturers would be attending the annual NZ Defence Industry Association conference tomorrow and Wednesday. "We want to give them a strong message that those who profit from bloodshed and war are not welcome here," she said. Last year, 19 demonstrators, many dressed as clowns, were arrested during a similar protest at Te Papa.
Source:NZPA



Deadly infection causes ward closure.

Staff at a Christchurch hospital have assumed the worst case scenario in dealing with a deadly infection.
Canterbury District Health Board has closed off one of the geriatric wards at Princess Margaret Hospital following the deaths of three elderly patients in two weeks. They died after contracting an invasive outbreak of a group A streptococcal infection.
General manager of older persons health, Vince Barry, says about 30 staff and 19 patients will take a course of preventative antibiotics. He says staff are very concerned until they can determine the source of the infection.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Topp twin diagnosed with breast cancer.

One of the well known entertainment duo, The Topp Twins, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Jools Topp is recovering from surgery and will begin chemotherapy soon. It is understood her cancer was detected early and promptly treated. Both Topp twins have been involved in raising awareness about breast cancer over the last few years.
Source:One News



Govt urged to re-think car import ban.

A motoring group is encouraging the government to re-think a proposed age ban on second hand car imports. As part of the government's preparation for climate change, it has announced initiatives to reduce car emissions including imposing an age limit. But AA spokesman Mike Noon says problems arise when rolling age bans are put in place. He says the government would be better off considering a standards test for new imports.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News



Peters scotches diplomat rumour.

By Audrey Young
Foreign Minister Winston Peters yesterday pledged to lead New Zealand First into the next election and rejected speculation he might take a diplomatic post. "Why would I want that? Why on earth would I want that? I am running the posts." It was the assurance that about 200 of his party faithful at the convention on the North Shore were waiting to hear. He referred to the rumour that has run for a year that he might not stand next election as "a most unusual and mysterious myth".



Chance to have a say on toll roads.

The public has its first chance to have a say on proposals that motorists pay tolls for faster motorway trips to the airport and other destinations. Transit holds the first of a series of information weeks tomorrow at North Harbour Stadium in Albany. The plan has proved unpopular with the majority of people who have contacted the Herald, but Transit maintains that without them, it will be unable to complete Auckland's western bypass motorway system before at least 2025. The highways agency wants seven tolling points along the 48km route, between Manukau in the south and Albany in the north. Peak-time tolls at charging points will range from 75c to $1.50 for cars, and double those amounts for trucks.
Source:APN



Pensioners in line for discounts.

By Audrey Young
Pensioners will get discounts on petrol and insurance under gains New Zealand First has negotiated for a senior citizens card, leader Winston Peters has indicated. And he hinted at his party's conference in Auckland yesterday that a programme of personal tax cuts through adjustments to the thresholds was being discussed. "Watch this space," he said, advice later echoed by Revenue Minister and United Future leader Peter Dunne. New Zealand First campaigned strongly last election on the promise ofa "Golden Age" discount card for senior citizens. Details of how the card will function and its name will be announced next month and the card is expected to be issued and take effect next year.



Tobacco sellers flouting laws, study says.

A quarter of stores are breaking the law on selling cigarettes next to sweets and other children's products, a new Otago University study has found. The study also found more than half of all shops selling cigarettes were breaking the laws on displaying them, including more than three-quarters of dairies. The university's Wellington School of Medicine surveyed nearly 300 stores selling tobacco and cigarettes in the greater Wellington region, and found over 60 per cent were not complying with the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act.
Source:NZPA



Cancer Drug Herceptin To Remain Unfunded.

State drug-buying agency PHARMAC says the cancer drug herceptin will remain unfunded for the meantime. PHARMAC has been studying latest information on the drug, which it turned down for funding in July. PHARMAC's clinical advisory committee has been examining further evidence about herceptin since the decision not to fund the drug for women with early stage breast cancer, but to keep the matter under review. It says the committee's view is there is still uncertainty surrounding herceptin and it is not possible to justify recommending it be funded for a 12-month course of treatment.
© NewsRoom 2006



MIA On Fuel Economy Measures.

The Motor Industry Association says the government needs to include all vehicles in its fuel economy proposals. The government is looking at measures to improve the fuel economy of cars, which would reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and pollution. Options include restricting the age of imported cars and limits on the collective emissions of a sale yard's fleet. But any rules will not apply to vehicles over three and a half tonnes, such as buses or heavy trucks.The chief executive of the Motor Industry Association, Perry Kerr, says such vehicles are the greatest polluters and fuel users.
© NewsRoom 2006



Thefts rock literary world.

By DEAN CALCOTT
The last prosecution from a police investigation into a criminal group of book thieves targeting libraries and museums has wrapped up, leaving a sadder and wiser literary community. The group grossly breached the trust of New Zealand's public and university libraries, where for many years researchers had easy and virtually unsupervised access to important books and documents. Operation Pukapuka (book) cracked down on the organised theft of at least 2500 books over 10 years, with a retail value of at least $1 million. About 1500 were recovered. Museums and libraries from Auckland to Invercargill were targeted. Around Canterbury, victims included the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Canterbury Museum, the Christchurch College of Education and Christchurch Public Library.
Source:The Press


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