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Thursday, June 30

Parties lay claim over who likes old people the most.

National and New Zealand First were yesterday laying claim over liking older people the most. National Party leader Don Brash today launched the party's SuperBlues website, for those in the 60-plus age group. Among his promises were that there would be no changes to superannuation entitlements and that National would continue contributions to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund to ensure entitlements were protected. Dr Brash said he wanted to lead a government where the values and ideals of senior citizens were highly regarded and respected as they deserved to be.
Source: NZPA



Snow closes desert road, other roads need chains.

Snow and ice on New Zealand roads this morning closed the Desert Road through the central North Island and the Crown Range near Wanaka and caused ice and snow warnings on many other roads. State Highway 1 along the Desert Road was closed at 7am because of ice while the Crown Range has been snowed shut since 9pm yesterday. In Waiouru, at the southern end of the Desert Road, ice was also a problem with the Automobile Association putting out an extreme care warning. The Met Service said up to 6cm of snow could settle on the Desert Road today. In the South Island, snow closed State Highway 8's Lindis Pass between Omarama and Tarras and State Highway 85 between Ranfurly and Alexandra to towing vehicles.
Source: NZPA



Netball-Silver Ferns beat Australia.

New Zealand 50 - Australia 43
New Zealand overcame a slow start to beat Australia 50-43 in a one-off netball test in Sydney tonight. The Silver Ferns seemed to suffer from nerves as a series of fumbles saw Australia earn a small lead early on. However, they regained their composure to hold a 17-15 advantage at the end of the first quarter and were never headed thereafter as Australia's shooters regularly missed their mark in the closing quarter. It was New Zealand's first netball test win in Sydney in 24 years. It was the 128th international appearance for New Zealand goal shoot Irene van Dyk, equalling the world record held by England's Kendra Slawinski.
Source: NZPA



NZ in second place for jobs growth.

New Zealand has the second highest employment growth rate in the developed world, according to new figures. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's just-released employment outlook report shows the country's labour force grew 3.4 per cent last year, up from 2.3 in 2002 and 2003. New Zealand came in just half a per cent behind top performer Mexico and ahead of Ireland, Greece and Spain. Australia and Korea placed sixth equal on the list of 30 countries. The Netherlands, Sweden and Czech Republic were the worst performers. While New Zealand's employment growth was expected to slow, it was one of only four countries - including Australia, Spain and Mexico - predicted to post rises of more than 2 per cent this year.
Source: The Dominion Post.
For full story CLICK HERE



Women starting to turn away from Labour.

Labour's previously huge support among women has dived in the latest Herald-DigiPoll survey. Overall the party's support fell seven points - leaving National with a four-point lead. But the support from women has fallen nearly 10 points, from 51 per cent a month ago to 41.9 per cent - a drop of 18 per cent. The poll suggests that Labour is still supported by a larger proportion of women than National: 41.9 per cent for Labour, 36 per cent for National, 9.8 per cent for New Zealand First and 4.7 per cent for the Greens. The Maori Party is disproportionately supported by women and Act is disproportionately supported by men.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
For full story CLICK HERE



Shania Twain can build her Wanaka house.

Canadian country music singer Shania Twain has finally been granted consent to build a house on her Wanaka high country property. The Motatapu Station development is subject to 17 conditions, including the immediate replacement of any dying plant or tree, a water supply for fire-fighting purposes and an agreement to plant the same grasses as those growing on surrounding land. They bought 24,731ha of Crown pastoral leasehold farm land between Wanaka and Arrowtown for about $21.4 million last year. They want to build a diamond-shaped residential complex on top of a ridge on the southern side of a knoll in the Motatapu Valley, about 1.4km from the existing homestead.
Newstalk ZB



Wednesday, June 29

Rugby-Lions finally let rip with a roar.

The Lions are back! Well, they managed to thrash Manawatu 109-6 in Palmerston North last night, a victory that eased them back on to a winning track after the misery of the first test loss to the All Blacks. But what coach Clive Woodward took from such a training run canter as he endeavours to sift through his mammoth squad to find a test 22 for Saturday's second test in Wellington is anyone's guess. They finished with 17 tries, which was one short of the 18 scored in their record 116-10 win against Western Australia in Perth in 2001. But they eclipsed the previous biggest win in New Zealand, a 67-3 hiding dished out to a combined Nelson-Marlborough regions side in 1959.
Source: The Dominion Post.



Peter Jackson wants $143m more.

Peter Jackson is going after an American film studio for US$100 million ($143 million), claiming he has been underpaid in the deal brokered for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. New Line Cinema, the Time Warner subsidiary that backed the films, is understood to have paid Jackson about US$200 million ($286 million). But he claims he lost out because New Line gave several distribution deals on highly lucrative spin-offs such as DVDs and books to companies within the Time Warner empire. Jackson claims that if the process had been competitive, revenue from Lord of the Rings merchandise would have been much higher. Other Hollywood movie moguls will be watching with interest, as the practice New Line is accused of - known as "vertical integration" - is common among the conglomerates that control many movie studios.



Retreat on public access to farmland.

The Government has backed down over plans to increase public access to waterways, saying there is "too much conflict" to introduce the legislation now. The rethink comes as a Herald-DigiPoll survey confirms 60 per cent of voters oppose the plan and will see the Government try to initiate further consultation rounds in an attempt to win greater support. Associate Rural Affairs Minister Jim Sutton is promising compromises are on the table in exchange for good-faith negotiations.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
For full story CLICK HERE



Government takes over Islamic school.


The country's only co-educational Islamic school has been put under direct Government control amid concerns that its cultural environment is clashing with its education obligations. Al-Madinah School in Mangere, Manukau City, has been under fire for several years for prioritising religion at the expense of the curriculum and segregating staff and students according to gender. Successive Education Review Office reports have drawn attention to problems of "governance and segregation", and a limited statutory manager was installed in 2002.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
For full story CLICK HERE



Tuesday, June 28

NZ trade deficit at 30 yr-high.

New Zealand recorded its highest annual trade deficit in 30 years to the end of May, due to lower export prices and a rise in imports. In the 12 months to May 31 the trade deficit was 5 billion New Zealand dollars ($3.5 billion), up from NZ$4.3 billion ($3 billion) in the 12 months to the end of April, Statistics New Zealand reported. Economists had been expecting an annual deficit of NZ$4.7 billion ($3.3 billion).



Cracks beginning to show in economy.

The latest business survey shows cracks are beginning to show in New Zealand's economic foundations.
The latest National Bank business outlook reveals 49 percent of firms expect general business conditions to deteriorate over the next year. That is a slight improvement from the 57 percent last month. But ANZ National Bank economist Cameron Bagrie says the collective theme remains negative, with a high currency and skyrocketing oil prices taking their toll. However, he believes the threat of inflation is looking reasonably well-contained and coupled with rising growth, interest rates should not rise over the next six months but should be heading down.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Farmers protest access law.

Moves to mend a rift between the Government and farmers ended yesterday in a tirade of personal abuse hurled at Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton. In a noisy gathering outside Parliament, North Canterbury's Harry Schat presented a 26,000-signature Federated Farmers petition against plans to take 5m-wide strips of farmland to create river walkways throughout New Zealand. The petition also proposed a compromise in the form of a protocol that would allow public access to farmland, if farmers were asked for permission, and set out the responsibilities of both parties. But Sutton dismissed the petition and protocol after his efforts to speak to the 200 to 300 protesters were shouted down by cries of "Jim's a wanker".
Source: The Press



Foreign workers flock to vineyards.

Czechs, Brazilians and Malaysians now make up the three biggest groups of foreigners in Marlborough vineyards, according to statistics from the Department of Labour. People on visitors' permits can work in Marlborough if they get a Variation of Conditions (VOC) on their permit. In the past two months, about 400 VOCs have been issued. Marlborough is now the only region in the country which uses this system to plug labour gaps in the vineyards. Since the fast-track work visa system started in November 2004, 730 people have been given permits to work in this region, giving it double the number of workers employed under the system in Nelson and Otago. Those two regions ceased to use the VOC system at the end of May.
source; The Marlborough Express



Top kiwifruit on a roll in Asia.

Zespri has made a strong start to the season, with high-quality kiwifruit commanding better prices in key Asian markets. Zespri chief executive Tim Goodacre said today that early concerns about the late start to the season were beginning to ease as it became clear the fruit quality was significantly better than last year. In the Japanese market, where Zespri kiwifruit commands the largest profit margin, sales volumes are up 53 per cent on the same time last year. Sales in the "tiger" markets of Taiwan and Korea are also well ahead despite the delayed supply. Mr Goodacre said that as Japan was the most lucrative market, Zespri tried to direct as much fruit there as possible.
Source: NZPA



Drug tests for police suggested.

New Zealand police could be asked to take drug tests to prove their pedigree. The suggestion was made yesterday by police commissioner Rob Robinson in an address to the Hamilton Rotary Club. Mr Robinson said drug testing police officers would provide a pedigree they could point to when complaints were made against them. "That will show they are drug-free," he said. Mr Robinson said there was no timeline set on the introduction of drug testing for police but a team had been set up to look into it.
source: Waikato Times



NZ groom could be banned from US wedding.

Kiwi Scott Downie's American bride-to-be in the state of Maine has just been told she may be missing the main man at her wedding. Lauren Goodine, of Waterville, Maine, has been told the United States government may not let her fiance back into the country in time for their wedding on July 23. In fact, Mr Downie, who is alleged to have overstayed on a previous visit to the USA, may not be allowed back for 10 years. Meanwhile, Ms Goodine has sent out the wedding invitations, the bridesmaids are buying their dresses, a caterer and photographer have been hired, and relatives from both families have bought their plane tickets. The United States consul in Auckland wrote to Ms Goodine last Thursday saying Mr Downie had been refused an immigration visa for being in the United States unlawfully more than 365 days in 10 years.
Source: NZPA



US mother reunites with taken daughter in NZ.

An international tug of love over a young child has ended in Auckland with an emotional reunion. Four year-old Taylor Hill has been reunited with her mother, three years after the infant's father allegedly kidnapped her in the American state of Missouri and went on the run. The toddler was found by police in Takapuna last week and reunited with her mother, Julie Coleman, who had not seen her since she disappeared. In a statement released by the United States Embassy in Wellington Julie Coleman thanked all those who helped find her daughter.
Source: NZPA



Labour support plunges again.

Labour's grip on power is looking decidedly shaky with a slump of almost seven points in the latest Herald-DigiPoll survey. The gap between the parties has steadily narrowed since April, when Labour led by 13 points. The reversal of fortunes sees National ahead of Labour by almost four points, with no more than 13 weeks to an election. This time Labour falls 6.9 to 36.2 per cent, National is up 3.9 per cent to 40.1 per cent, NZ First climbs 3.6 to 11.8 per cent, the Greens are up 0.7 to 4 per cent, the Maori Party is up 0.4 to 3.1 per cent, Act is down 0.6 to 1.9 per cent and United Future is down 0.5 to 1.3 per cent.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
For full story CLICK HERE



Monday, June 27

NZ needs more unskilled labourers.

Unskilled labourers are now in almost as strong demand as skilled workers, as the labour shortage cranks up a notch, says a Government report. Half of all companies are having trouble finding unskilled workers, and 60 per cent cannot find enough skilled workers, says the Department of Labour report. Worst-hit are large firms. Three-quarters of New Zealand's biggest companies found it hard to find skilled staff in the March quarter, and almost as many had trouble finding unskilled staff.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Telecom told to change broadband attitude.

The Telecommunications Commissioner says Telecom and its customers would benefit from an attitude change at the company. Douglas Webb says Telecom needs to focus on becoming a wholesaler in the broadband area, if more people are to get access to low priced fast Internet services. Mr Webb says if Telecom does not make the changes itself, the likely result will be increased regulation.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



All Blacks branded 'thugs'.

One Irish newspaper has branded the All Blacks "thugs" over Lions rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll’s tour-ending injury on Saturday. "Thugs!" exclaimed the headline on the back page of Ireland’s Sunday World newspaper. The Sunday Express headed it’s back page report: "Was this rugby or All Black thuggery?" They were referring to the tackle by All Blacks captain Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu on O’Driscoll, which resulted in the Irishman suffering a dislocated shoulder. There was just a little mention of Lions lock Danny Grewcock’s two-month suspension for biting the finger of Mealamu. The true anger among British rugby fans in Britain however seemed to be directed at Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward and his selection of so many out-of-form English players. Roy Curtis, of Sunday World, said if the Queen was watching the 21-3 drubbing, she might have considered "stripping the bumbling fool of his knighthood".
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Super-rich resort to new level in luxury.

At an eye-watering $187,500 a week, the nearly completed Sanandaloka luxury lodge in the Bay of Islands will surely be the most expensive place in New Zealand to lay one's head. Taking a huge leap beyond the relatively meagre $1000 or $2000 charged by New Zealand's most elite luxury lodges, Sanandaloka will house up to eight people at almost $3350 each a night or, should a couple want some privacy, more than $26,000 a night. In New Zealand, it compares with long-time glamour leader Huka Lodge in Taupo, which charges up to $2311 a night, or Bay of Islands' Kauri Cliffs, which charges $1788. Rotorua's Treetops, famously the host of Hollywood royalty Renee Zellweger and Jamie Lee Curtis among others, slips in at up to $1500 a night. "It is aimed at the pinnacle end of the tourism industry," says Fowell. "For what you get, it is not as expensive as a super-yacht but is pretty much a land-based super-yacht."
source: Sunday Star Times



National Geographic says Stewart Island bay 'degraded'.

National Geographic Magazine has listed Big Glory Bay, at Stewart Island, as one of the worst "degraded estuaries" in the world, much to the astonishment of the people who farm fish in the area. Sanford Ltd farms King Salmon and Greenshell mussels at Big Glory Bay and manager Tommy Foggo said he was aware of and astounded by National Geographic's reference to the bay in its article. Big Glory Bay was set in a national park and enjoyed "pristine" water, he said. The Sanford website says the company feeds and manages salmon fry for two years at Stewart Island "in the pure, cold southern ocean waters". Mr Foggo said he had written to the magazine asking for an explanation and for the facts on Big Glory Bay to be put right.
Source: NZPA



City to honour Campbell.

The toast of his old hometown, US Open golf champion Michael Campbell is set to be honoured with a civic reception in Porirua when he returns to New Zealand. Campbell, 36, stunned the world by holding off American Tiger Woods' challenge in a two-shot win last week Campbell's parents were to attend a council meeting on Wednesday to accept a presentation on his behalf, and a civic reception was likely when he returned to Porirua after next month's British Open. Wellington City Council is also considering a street parade to welcome Campbell home.
Source: The Dominion Post.



Defence minister lied to me over bombing - ex-French PM.

The French Prime Minister at the time of the Rainbow Warrior incident says the defence minister lied to him about the French Government's involvement in bombing the Greenpeace flagship. Next month marks the 20th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in the port of Auckland, which killed crew member Fernando Pereira. French agents Dominique Prieur and Alain Mafart were sentenced to 10 years' jail in New Zealand for manslaughter over the July 10 incident, which had been planned to stop the Rainbow Warrior protesting against nuclear testing at Mururoa atoll in the South Pacific.
Source: NZPA



Sunday, June 26

Influenza epidemic toll likely to soar.

Scores more New Zealanders are likely to die as a result of the influenza B epidemic spreading through the country. At least three children in the North Island have died of secondary infections after contracting influenza, and the number of people seeking medical attention for the flu is twice that at the same time last year. Outbreaks are worst in the eastern Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa. The first wave of infection arrived in Christchurch last week, while in Auckland, the virus has emptied classrooms. Christchurch virologist and influenza expert Dr Lance Jennings said the last influenza B epidemic was in 1995, when 40 people died. That number was likely to be eight or nine times higher when under-reporting of cause of death was taken into account.
source:Sunday Star Times



Petrie hot tip for Judy Bailey's seat.

Newsreader Wendy Petrie is being tipped to take over as host of TV One's 6pm news as news boss Bill Ralston auditions potential replacements for Judy Bailey. Kate Hawkesby, who co-hosts late night news show Tonight, and former netballer-turned-presenter Bernadine Oliver-Kerby, are also in the running for the coveted role. The three have been taking turns filling in for Bailey when she is on leave, and their efforts are being treated as auditions for the role by Ralston, who critiques their performance and records the ratings when each presenter is on. Bailey, who receives $800,000 a year to front the news, is on a one-year contract which comes up for renewal in November.
HERALD ON SUNDAY



Israeli government apologises to New Zealand.

Israel has apologised for the spy scandal and has promised it will take steps to ensure no similar incident happens again. Prime Minister Helen Clark today said she was pleased New Zealand and Israel would now be able to resume friendly diplomatic relations. The relationship has been frosty since Israel refused to apologise for what Miss Clark described as "utterly unacceptable" behaviour surrounding two alleged Mossad agents, Uriel Zoshe Kelman and Eli Cara, who were arrested in March 2004 and charged with trying to fraudulently obtain New Zealand passports. They were convicted in July last year, then deported last September after serving two months of their six-month prison sentences.
Source: NZPA



Goff calls for united front to halt Zimbabwe tours.

The Government has sought Britain and Australia's support to stamp out the International Cricket Council's stubborn endorsement of the Zimbabwe regime. Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff expected to be in talks late last night with his Australian counterpart Alexander Downer and New Zealand Cricket boss Martin Snedden. The question of whether the New Zealand team tours Zimbabwe is fast escalating into an international diplomatic stoush. Mr Snedden is in London for a meeting of the ICC, which insists New Zealand must fulfil its contractual obligation to tour the corrupt African nation - or pay millions in compensation. Mr Goff said he also hoped to speak to UK Foreign Minister Jack Straw, with the intention of making a tripartite representation to the ICC. The actions of Robert Mugabe's regime were "reminiscent of Pol Pot", Mr Goff said yesterday.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
For full story CLICK HERE



Lotto winner scoops $12m.

It's gone! Somewhere in Napier someone is celebrating today after beating the 1-in-30 million odds to win the second-biggest Lotto Powerball jackpot in history. The winner collected a total of $12,053,517, made up of the Powerball jackpot of $11,564,725, first division Lotto of $488,760 and fifth division Lotto of $32. The lucky ticket was bought at the Andrew Spence Pharmacy in Napier.
HERALD ON SUNDAY



Rugby-New Zealand thrash Lions 21-3 in first test at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

The All Blacks have totally overwhelmed the British and Irish Lions to win the first test in Christchurch. The All Blacks overcame awful conditions at Jade Stadium to dominate in every area and record a 21-3 victory to take a one-nil lead in the three-match series. The Lions got off to the worst possible start when they lost captain Brian O'Driscoll to a dislocated shoulder which looks to have ended his tour. The shellshocked visitors eventually got on the scoreboard with a penalty by Jonny Wilkinson but the All Blacks were able to cruise home. The Lions are left with a monumental rebuilding job for next Saturday's second test in Wellington.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Saturday, June 25

WTO ruling good news for NZ orchardists.

The World Trade Organisation has ruled that Japan's ban on imports of apples from the United States, on the basis that they can transmit fireblight disease, is illegal. The WTO panel has found that Japan's import procedures for US apples lack 'scientific evidence' and are trade restrictive. It is exactly the argument New Zealand growers are making against Australia, which bans apple imports for the same reason. Lobby group Australia Apple Action is now calling for an urgent meeting between growers' groups and officials on both sides of the Tasman to resolve the dispute. Spokesman Phil Alison says the WTO report is clearly in New Zealand's favour.



Floods trap motorists.

Firefighters have rescued at least people trapped in cars and dealt with nearly 50 calls from homes and businesses affected by varying degrees of flooding. Heavy rain has caused flooding in North Shore City and the Auckland suburbs of Greenlane and Epsom. Earlier in the afternoon the Fire Service also secured a house damaged by a mini tornado in the south-eastern suburb of Flatbush. The roof was slightly damaged and windows were broken, but nobody was injured. The MetService says the thunderstorm conditions around Auckland this afternoon are consistent with tornado formation.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Orion to resume search for missing father-and-son crew.

A RNZAF Orion will resume a search today north of New Zealand for the father-and-son crew of a yacht overdue on a trip to Tonga. David Jones, 75, and son Martin, 38, left Auckland on the 8.5m steel sloop Bluenose on June 5 and have not been heard from since then. Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand said the Orion would leave Whenuapai about 8.30am and was expected in the search area about two hours later.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Thieves do $1500 in damage for two chocolate bars.

A botched ramraid did $1500 of damage to a Rotorua service station -- but the thieves only managed to steal two chocolate bars for their trouble. It appeared the burglar alarm scared the thieves off before they could take more than two bars of chocolate.
Source: NZPA



Mini-tornado strike.

A mini-tornado has ripped through eastern parts of Auckland causing minor damage to some buildings. Witnesses report seeing a funnel-shaped storm high in the sky around the suburb of Manurewa and Flat Bush in South Auckland. There have been reports of rooves being lifted.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Former All Black battles immigration service.

Former All Black Dean Kenny is fighting the Immigration Service because it refuses to let his Welsh-born wife of nine years remain in New Zealand. Mr Kenny, an All Black in 1986 who played 110 games for Otago during the 1980s, says he is insulted his marriage is being labelled a sham by the service. The former halfback returned to New Zealand in December with his wife Amanda and two young daughters but received a letter on June 2 saying it was suspected the marriage was not genuine. As a result, his wife was not granted residency. Amid fears she would be deported immediately, the Kennys gained an extra 30 days to remedy the situation. Mr Kenny said he was "fuming" at the Immigration Service's attitude. "They've told us they want to make sure it's not a marriage of convenience. We've been married nine years," he said.
Source: NZPA



Friday, June 24

More Skifields Open.

Winter is making its presence felt, and for many that means only one thing - skiing. A number of fields have already opened and today it is the turn of Cardrona, near Wanaka. Field manager Gary Husband says 1,200 people are expected on the slopes. The Remarkables is planning to open tomorrow. Coronet Peak saw a record opening a fortnight ago, while Treble Cone was forced to cancel its opening yesterday due to a lack of snow. In the North Island, Turoa is already open, and Whakapapa is planning a limited opening tomorrow
©2005 Xtra Limited



New Zealand may ban Zimbabwe cricketers.

New Zealand may ban a planned tour by the Zimbabwe cricket team scheduled for December because of "appalling abuses of human rights" under President Robert Mugabe's government, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said Thursday. "The Zimbabwe cricket team should not anticipate that it will be granted entry into New Zealand," Goff said in a statement. "The imposition of a ban on the team would send a strong message to the Mugabe regime that New Zealanders and their government abhor the actions it is taking against its people." Given the current appalling abuses of human rights and relentless trend of the Zimbabwe government towards a dictatorship, the New Zealand government would not welcome a visit from a side representing Zimbabwe at this time.



Doctors applaud end of race-based funding.

GPs are looking forward to seeing the end of race-based funding. Primary Health Organisations are among the 20 government-funded organisations singled out by Race Relations Minister Trevor Mallard as needing a funding shakeup following a review to weed out racially-based targeting. Chairman of the Medical Council's GPs Association, Dr Peter Foley, says doctors have always had concerns about the current crude targeting based on race and street address. He believes it is much better to target disease and illness. Dr Foley says despite the funding shift, Maori and Polynesians with illnesses will still receive funding, but now others in the community will also receive extra help based on their disease status.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



PM comments upset Speaker's supporters.

The Prime Minister's swipe at Speaker Margaret Wilson over her decision to eject her from the House has upset sources close to the Speaker. Helen Clark was ordered out by Speaker Margaret Wilson for interjecting, during the asking of a question by Nick Smith. She says the incident was "frankly, a little ridiculous", but says she is not losing sleep over it. She says she still cannot understand why she was booted out, and believes she would have been let off with a warning if former Speaker Jonathan Hunt had still been in the chair.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Changes to secondary school year announced.

Changes to the secondary school year including removing the sports tournament week as a school holiday have been announced by Education Minister Trevor Mallard. Mr Mallard said that last year at the request of secondary principals concerned at the impact national sports tournaments were having on schools, he agreed to create a week long break in the third term for national tournaments. However, principals had found it difficult to implement the tournament holiday week and at their request he had agreed to remove it. Mr Mallard said the days made available would be used to increase the end of the term one holiday and where applicable to increase the school year to the usual 380 half days
Source: NZPA



Youth not signing up to vote.

Young people make up more than 40 per cent of unenrolled voters, new figures show. Statistics from the electoral enrolment centre show 100,000 - or 41.5 Per cent - of 250,000 unenrolled voters across the country are between 18 and 24.
Source: NZPA



Race based programmes face axing.

Dozens of race based programmes targeting Maori and Pacific Islanders face changes or are being cut altogether following a government review . All up 37 of 57 government programmes aimed at Maori and Pacific Islanders were found in need of an overhaul or further review. Race Relations Minister Trevor Mallard says there has not been convincing evidence that the targeting is delivering the desired results. Now planned changes will remove race based eligibility, with the health and education sectors in for the biggest shake-up
source:one news
For full story CLICK HERE



New Zealand records worst annual current account deficit in 19 years.

New Zealand's annual current account deficit slumped to its worst level in 19 years in the year ended March 31, ballooning out to 7 percent of gross domestic product, new figures showed Thursday. The annual deficit was 10.35 billion New Zealand dollars, (US$7.4 billion; euro6.1 billion) from NZ$9.34 billion (US$6.7 billion; euro5.5 billion) in the year to the fourth quarter. The widened current account deficit resulted from increased income paid to foreign investors on their New Zealand assets and lower receipts from foreign tourists.



Thursday, June 23

Kiwi record-breakers get sea legs.

A New Zealander has broken the record for crossing the 34-kilometre English Channel in an amphibious vessel, halving the time set by English billionaire Richard Branson. Sealegs founder Maurice Bryham, with two other people on board, made the crossing from Dover to Sangette, near Calais, in 43 minutes and 12 seconds. Sir Richard's record last year was 1h 40min 6s.
Source: The Dominion Post.



AB Norm Faces New Fame Game.

Norm Hewitt say he has been blown away by the public's response to his win on the TV show "Dancing With The Stars". The ex-All Black arrived in Queenstown today in his capacity as a youth worker and motivational speaker. Hewitt says an average of 970,000 people watched the show, with viewer numbers peaking at 1.2 million. He says he never got as much attention when he was an All Black, and ended up doing 114 interviews on Monday alone.
©2005 Xtra Limited.



Zara Phillips Makes NZ Charity Debut.

The Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips makes her New Zealand charity debut at a black tie dinner in Auckland tonight. The daughter of Princess Anne is in the country on a private visit with her boyfriend, English rugby star Mike Tindall. Tonight she makes her first appearance as a patron at a dinner for the CatWalk Charitable Trust. The Trust was formed last year to raise money for spinal injury research
©2005 Xtra Limited.



Classic kiwi sausage sizzle under threat.

Classic Kiwi fundraisers - the sausage sizzle and the cake stall - are under scrutiny as part of a sweeping review of food safety regulations. The Food Safety Authority is making the first major review of food controls in 25 years so it can set up regulations whose objectives would include reducing the food-poisoning rate, which is the highest in the developed world. That means the humble sausage sizzle, cake stall and school gala - where food is sold to the public - are under inspection But the review, which was first announced two years ago, has raised the ire of some community groups who fear their fundraising will be overtaken by red tape.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Nelson to be all eyes for three nights.

If anything astronomically unusual happens in the night sky over Nelson during the next few days there is no chance of it going unnoticed. Not with 85 people in town for the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand conference, starting tomorrow. The three-day annual conference is being held in Nelson for the first time and will be exploring the contribution of amateurs to astronomy. Grant Christie and Jennie McCormick of Auckland will attend the conference ; last month they used backyard telescopes and collaborated with international astronomers to co-discover a planet.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Insults fly across the House as MPs get personal.

Tempers flared in Parliament yesterday as MPs traded personal insults, and one was ejected for angrily refusing a Speaker's order to apologise for a simple interjection. The latter, National MP Bill English, was one of four MPs asked to leave the House as Speaker Margaret Wilson attempted to impose order in the increasingly raucous lead-up to the election. She had taken the almost unprecedented step of ejecting both Helen Clark and National leader Don Brash the day before. Yesterday's jousting was triggered when Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Phil Goff told National MP Nick Smith to "take his medication" after interjecting while the minister spoke.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



New Zealand girl killed by shark in Vanuatu.

A 7-year-old New Zealand girl has been killed by a shark in Vanuatu yesterday while on a family holiday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) said Alysha Margaret Webster of Whitianga was killed while swimming off a beach on Malekula Island in northern Vanuatu yesterday afternoon. She was on a yachting holiday with her parents Grant and Sheree Webster, Mfat said. The New Zealand High Commission in Port Vila is providing full consular support for the family and assisting with their return to New Zealand. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
NZPA



Message to Australia: Open the gate, mate.

The Government has turned up the heat on an obstinate Australia, threatening to use the world Trade Organisation's disputes process to force it to open its doors to New Zealand apples. Australia has barred New Zealand apples for 84 years, claiming imports would spread the tree disease fireblight. But in the past two years the WTO has accepted science proving the fruit cannot carry the blight bacteria. Moves by Biosecurity Australia to set rules for New Zealand imports caused a political storm last year and the Australian Government intervened to force the agency to rethink its risk analysis. A new analysis was due "shortly", Australian high commissioner Allan Hawke told apple growers who marched on the high commission in Wellington yesterday. Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff stepped up the pressure by promising the growers that, if the Australians delayed by more than a few months, the Government would trigger the WTO's disputes process.
Source: The Dominion Post.



Govt can not stop cricket tour of Zimbabwe - Goff.

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff is defending the Government's stance on New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) decision to go ahead with a tour of Zimbabwe. The Government had no legal means and would not try to exercise any means through the law to physically prevent New Zealanders from leaving this country, he said today. "That is a fundamental right of all New Zealanders. We're not about to abrogate that," Mr Goff told National Radio. "We're not in a position to stop the team going at all." Nevertheless, the Government would prefer the tour not take place "because of the appalling things that the (President Robert) Mugabe regime is doing to its own people". NZC yesterday said players had unanimously agreed to embark on the five-week tour to Zimbabwe in August after an independent security report gave the all clear.
Source: NZPA



Credit-card hacker hits 13,000 in NZ.

The credit card details of up to 13,000 New Zealanders have been hacked, leaving them vulnerable to fraud, in one of the world's biggest data security breaches. The breach, which happened in the United States, is thought to have affected 40 million credit cards worldwide. About 22 million are Visa cards and 14 million are MasterCard. Visa said yesterday 12,000 cards in New Zealand had been affected and more than 650 of them were at high risk of fraud. Mastercard said it had advised banks to cancel 1000 cards, among 5560 potentially affected. Several banks have promised to reissue cards to protect against fraud.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Wednesday, June 22

NZ Economy May Have Less Than Soft Landing .

New Zealand's economy is facing a harder landing than earlier projected as it slows after five years of strong growth, a private economic research group reported Wednesday. Business and Economic Research Ltd. said its forecast was based on falling business investment, declining confidence and a growing national external current account deficit. The economy's downturn may prove to be even steeper and its recovery slower than indicators had suggested, research house said. "Nervous. That's the one word that sums up our feelings on prospects over the forecast horizon," said group economist Ganesh Nana.
For full story CLICK HERE



Calls to PlunketLine going unanswered.

More than 85 per cent of calls to PlunketLine went unanswered last month but Health Minister Annette King says she is confident that figure will improve. National Party associate health spokeswoman Katherine Rich says Ms King gave a public assurance the service would be up to scratch by the end of this month. But figures for May showed that of the 35,610 calls to PlunketLine, 87.4 per cent were not answered. Only 4485 calls were handled. PlunketLine is being merged into Healthline, a process expected to be complete by the end of the month. The 24-hour, seven-day-a-week service will be staffed by registered nurses able to give advice based on symptoms and refer people to the nearest after-hours medical service.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Deadline to be set for treaty claims, Clark says.

The Government will release its Treaty of Waitangi policy before the election and it will set a deadline for lodging claims, Prime Minister Helen Clark has said. Helen Clark was speaking after New Zealand First leader Winston Peters released his party's treaty policy yesterday, which sets a 10-year deadline for settling all claims. "We are obviously keen to have claims settled in the next 10 to 15 years, but in order to get claims settled you have to have a closing off date for lodging," she said. NZ First's hardline policy would replace the Waitangi Tribunal with a Waitangi Commission which would have to resolve all historic claims by 2015.
Source: NZPA



Watershed Time Under Attack.

A group wanting to improve the quality of television believes it has some support from politicians. Viewers for Television Excellence, (VoTE), wants the adults only timeslot on TV pushed back from 8.30pm to 9.30pm to protect children from inappropriate programming. Secretary Glenyss Barker says when VoTE launched its AO campaign at the Avalon studios in Lower Hutt recently, members also put a case to politicians. She says Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey told them he was sympathetic to the idea of changing the adults only time.
©2005 Xtra Limited.



Peters vows to end 'bro'ocracy'.

NZ First leader Winston Peters is promising to weed out the "bro'ocracy" - and "token jobs for Maoris". He is also calling for a rewrite of school history books so they better reflect the reality of pre-European life in New Zealand, which he said was being viewed through rose-tinted glasses. "That's why Graham Kelly got in trouble. All he did was state a fundamental truth and the whole PC system was up in arms." Mr Kelly, New Zealand's high commissioner to Canada, caused an uproar after telling a Canadian parliamentary committee that Maori used to eat each other. Releasing his Treaty policy yesterday, Mr Peters said that token jobs for Maori, and money wasted on Treaty related courses, would be dumped under his watch.
Source: The Dominion Post.
For full story CLICK HERE



Separated twins doing well eight months on - surgeon.

Conjoined twins separated in rarely attempted surgery at Waikato Hospital in October last year are doing well, reports paediatric surgeon Askar Kukkady. When the babies were born early in 2004 they were joined at the lower spine and pelvis. They shared more than one organ but their family forbade the hospital from revealing any details about how they were shared. The family has maintained its wish that no personal or clinical details are revealed about the twins. Speaking on behalf of the family today, Mr Kukkady said he had been in "constant touch" with the twins since their separation. The pair were growing up and doing things like other children their age.
Source: NZPA



Pipfruit protestors march through capital.

Hundreds of angry apple growers arrived in central Wellington at noon today, calling for a stronger Government stance against Australian bans on their fruit. The bans cost New Zealand growers between $20 million and $40 million a year, according to an organiser of the protest, Phil Alison, of Havelock North. The Australian market was ripe for the picking, he said: "It's the most protected apple market in the world, so it's the most over-priced, with the poorest quality and most old-fashioned varieties." Around 500 Hawke's Bay orchardists travelled by train - chanting "2, 4, 6, 8: Open the gate, mate!" - to central Wellington and met up with four busloads of South Island growers to rally at Parliament and march on the Australian High Commission.
Source: NZPA



Exodus to Australia surges 60pc in May. (voting with their feet)

More New Zealanders are flocking to live in Australia, lured by lower taxes, better wages and cheap airfares, economists say. Statistics New Zealand figures issued yesterday show the brain drain kicked up gear during May, when New Zealand lost 1800 more Kiwis to Australia than Australians gained, up 60 per cent on last year. The figures cover the month when the Labour government delivered a Budget with modest personal tax rate cuts due to start April 1, 2008. At the same time, the Australian Government is promising personal tax cuts of $21.7 billion over the next four years. National's finance spokesman John Key said New Zealand was "in serious danger of its largest export becoming its people".
Source: The Dominion Post.
For full story CLICK HERE



Tuesday, June 21

PM ejected from Parliament's Chamber.

The Prime Minister has been ejected from Parliament's Chamber for a breach of standing orders. Helen Clark interjected as National's Nick Smith was asking a question. All questions must be heard by the House in silence, so Speaker Margaret Wilson was forced to ask Helen Clark to leave. Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper said it was an extremely rare occurrence.
Newstalk ZB



Massive blaze forces evacuation of township.

Half of Takaka township in Golden Bay was evacuated tonight after a massive blaze engulfed the Fonterra milk factory. Some 2000 people within half a kilometre of the factory were asked by police to leave their homes as a precautionary measure after the blaze broke out just after 5pm. Takaka is 120km north-west of Nelson and sits on the edge of the Able Tasman National Park.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Flu kills three children.

Three children have died after catching the flu. The Ministry of Health is repeating its warning to parents to be vigilant. The current strain circulating in New Zealand is not one from which the flu shot protects people. It has not been common in New Zealand since 1987, so young people are particularly at risk. Ministry of Health Chief Advisor Pat Tuohy says information that has come in since it issued its first warning last week confirms three deaths in young people involving complications from the virus.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Court Rules On Zaoui's Human Rights.

The Supreme Court has ruled that authorities must take Ahmed Zaoui's human rights into account when deciding if he is to stay in New Zealand. The country's highest court has upheld parts of an earlier Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the Algerian. The judges say the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security does not have to determine whether Mr Zaoui is subject to a threat which might prevent his removal. The court says that is up to the Government. The Supreme Court says the Immigration Minister must not take steps towards deportation if he is satisfied that there are grounds to believe Mr Zaoui would be killed or tortured as a result.
©2005 Xtra Limited.



House prices defy doomsayers.

House prices were up in nine out of 11 regions last month and the national average price also rose. Real Estate Institute president Howard Morley said the figures showed that the market was in an excellent state of health. Prices had risen over a five-year period in a "steady and unbroken" way, despite predictions of a fall, he said. Prices were up 31 per cent in the two years from May 2003, with Taranaki leading the charge. House prices there rose 44 per cent between May 2003 and last month, followed by Northland up 35 per cent and Hawkes Bay up 27 per cent. The institute's latest monthly figures showed the national median rose from $272,000 in April to $275,000 last month.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



No rubba, no hubba hubba ad wins global award.

The No Rubba, No Hubba Hubba advertisement for the Health Ministry's youth sexual health campaign has scored an international award. The advertisement beat more than 600 entries from 15 countries at the Asia Image Apollo Awards 2005 in Singapore. It won the category for Best 2D Animation For A TV Commercial Over US$15,000. The ad was made by Wellington production company Cobalt VFX and animators Karactaz Ltd. The pro-condom ad, which was slammed by new political party Destiny New Zealand for "promoting sex" to youth, was embraced by doctors, educators and teens.
NZPA



Shortest day brings wind and rain.

Winter's chilly fingers are reaching across New Zealand as the shortest day of the year begins. Winter solstice is due at 6.46 tonight, the exact time the sun appears to stop moving north and start going south. It is also seen as the traditional start of the coldest season. MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for the Southern Alps today, which is expected to raise river levels in Canterbury and Otago. Forecaster Bob McDavitt says a northerly wind may also push rain across Nelson, Taranaki and the Bay of Plenty overnight.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Chaos as Telecom network cut.

Shoppers were scrambling for cash and thousands of busineses were disrupted yesterday after two breaks in Telecom's main telephone network. Electronic payment systems (eftpos), automatic teller machines, toll calls, access to the Internet, data services and mobile phone services were shut down for five hours in parts of both islands. Trading on the New Zealand stock exchange was halted. Telecom estimated more than 100,000 of its customers were affected.
Source: The Dominion Post.



Monday, June 20

Standing ovation for Campbell.

New Zealand's Michael Campbell is on top of the golfing world. He has become only the second New Zealander to win a major championship, winning the US Open by two shots from World number one Tiger Woods. Campbell held his nerve over the closing holes to fire a one under par 69 to finish even par for the tournament, two shots clear of Woods who closed with a 69. Michael Campbell is the first New Zealander to win a Major since Bob Charles won the 1963 British Open. The stunning performance by Campbell, who began the day four shots behind third-round leader and defending champion Retief Goosen. He received a standing ovation from the crowd
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Telecom fault paralyses communications in North Island.

Two separate cable faults have paralysed Telecom's broadband internet and mobile networks in the North Island, overloading landlines for much of the country. The outage, which occurred at 10.48am, also crashed the New Zealand Stock Exchange - the sixth time that technical problems have caused the closure of the stock market in the past nine months.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Kiwi rowers haul in the medals.

A sensational day for New Zealand at the World Cup rowing regatta in Munich. Kiwi crews have won two gold medals a silver and a bronze. The men's pair of Nathan Twaddle and George Bridgewater have won gold as have the women's pair of Juliette Haigh and Nicky Coles. Mahe Drysdale in his first international regatta has won silver in the men's single scull with Georgina Evers-Swindell taking bronze in the women's single scull.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



NZ pair in copter crash near oil rig.

Two New Plymouth men survived a helicopter crash in the South China Sea at the weekend. Jim McDowall, 50, and Mark Birdsall, 34, were in a helicopter that was heading for an oil rig off west Borneo when it plunged 100m into the sea. They were able to scramble clear of the aircraft and floated in their lifejackets until they were rescued by the oil platform's standby vessel.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



TVNZ fronts up to the public.

TVNZ will front up to the public in Palmerston North on Wednesday and chief executive Ian Fraser expects a frank discussion about what viewers want on their screens. The public forum at the Palmerston North Convention Centre, starting 5.30pm, is the fourth in a series where viewers tell TV executives what they love and hate about their service. "TVNZ is an occasionally arrogant organisation, so we come away from (the meetings) knowing there are plenty of good reasons for humility," Mr Fraser said. "Our viewers are looking at us straight in the whites of our eyes. It's an education on both sides." Mr Fraser said the public forums have shown that people are particularly irritated by violence in prime-time promotions for later-evening programming.
source:Manawatu Standard



Callers giving up on police.

As many as one in seven general calls to police communications centres are abandoned before they are answered, figures show. The problem has steadily worsened in the past five years, with 180,000 callers hanging up in the 12 months to May 31. There were 59,694 abandoned calls in 2001. Last year, 1.175 million general calls were made to communications centres, and one in seven were abandoned. The figures also show general calls are taking longer to get a response. Average waiting times were 77 seconds at the Central Communications Centre in May, 61 seconds at the Northern centre and 25s at the Southern centre. Police aim to answer 80 per cent of such calls within 30 seconds. Average waiting times were below 20s at all three centres five years ago.
Source: The Dominion Post.



Cabinet delayed as ministers watch golf.

The Government delayed its Cabinet meeting today to watch Michael Campbell win the US Open golf championship. Prime Minister Helen Clark said the win, the first major golfing event win by a New Zealander since Bob Charles won the British Open in 1963, was stunning. "His win is a triumph of immense skill, determination and perseverance, along with great modesty and humility," Miss Clark said. "All New Zealand will join with me in sending our congratulations to Michael, and to his family. He has done his family, his community in Titahi Bay, Wellington, and New Zealand proud.
Source: NZPA



Hewitt takes out Dancing With The Stars.

Former All Black hooker Norm Hewitt and partner Carol-Ann Hickmore won the final dance-off in the TV show Dancing With the Stars last night.
Source: NZPA
For full story and pic click HERE



Huge support for lifting drinking age, poll finds.

The public overwhelmingly supports lifting the legal drinking age from 18 to 20, a Fairfax/ACNielsen poll for The Dominion Post shows. Seventy-two per cent of the 1100 people questioned backed returning the legal drinking age to 20, a result Progressive MP Matt Robson said amounted to a ringing endorsement of the law change he was pushing. Females were slightly more likely to back a rise (74 per cent) than males (69 per cent). Those aged between 18 and 24 were more likely to oppose raising the age (40 per cent) than other age groups. Aucklanders were more likely to disagree with raising the age (35 per cent) than Wellingtonians (24 per cent) and Christchurch residents (26 per cent). Green voters were the most strongly opposed to raising the age (35 per cent).
Source: The Dominion Post.



We want tax cuts now - Labour voters.

Alarm bells will be ringing within the Government after a new poll showing 75 per cent of New Zealanders and a staggering two out of three Labour voters want tax cuts now. Asked if they would support immediate income tax cuts, just 24 per cent of those questioned by the poll said no, compared with 75 per cent who said yes. When the latter were asked if they would still want tax cuts if it meant a reduction in public spending, 64 per cent remained in favour, while just 35 per cent said they would not. Nearly seven out of 10 Labour voters supported immediate tax cuts. A post-Budget backlash appears to have unleashed the tidal wave of support for tax cuts, which barely rated as an election issue in the months leading up to the Budget.
source:Dominion Post



Sunday, June 19

NZ wins Badminton series.

New Zealand's completed a clean sweep of the 3-test Whyte Trophy Badminton series against Australia. The New Zealand side has cruised to a 4-1 victory in the 3rd and final test after earlier winning the first 2 tests 5-nil. The men's doubles pair of Craig Cooper and John Gordon dropped New Zealand's only match. Cooper was playing his first match for New Zealand, as a replacement for Dan Shirley.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Former All Black wins 'Dancing With The Stars'

Norm and Carol-Ann win popular TV programme "Dancing With The Stars". Scoring more points than he ever did in his rugby playing career...Norm Hewitt with his dance partner Carol-Ann scored top points to win first place in the popular TV show.



Kyoto's price - $88 a year from each of us.

Government accounts will take a $360-$400 million hit next month because of the Kyoto Protocol blow-out. It is money that could have been used for health care, education and to enable tax cuts. This is the equivalent of every New Zealander paying $87.88 this year for our efforts to reduce global warming and marks the first time Treasury has included a Kyoto-related cost in the Crown's accounts. Countries earn credits or debits depending on how they perform against emission control targets. Last week the government revealed that the expected benefits of the pollution-control protocol would instead be liabilities, expected to cost about $500m instead of benefitting the country by the same amount.
source:Sunday Star Times
For full story click HERE



Pope's words will influence voters - church.

The Catholic Church says Pope Benedict XVI's criticism of New Zealand's civil unions legislation will be heeded by Christians at election time. Catholic communications director Lyndsay Freer said the Pope's message last week to New Zealand's envoy to the Vatican, Geoff Ward, conveyed his displeasure at the same-sex marriage laws. The Civil Unions Act's architect, Labour Minister David Benson-Pope, claimed the Pope's comments were open to interpretation. Freer said the Pope was not trying to tell New Zealand's government what to do, but was upholding the values he believed in. "A large number of New Zealanders call themselves Christian and believe in God-given rules for living . . . and would like to see civil law reflect what the Pope calls moral law," she said."Come election time they should take these things into account."
source:Sunday Star Times



Snow and rugby on itinerary for Prince William.

Prince William's visit to New Zealand next month will include skiing, laying wreaths at World War II commemorations and attending a State dinner - as well as catching a bit of rugby. Full details of the prince's itinerary will be revealed this week after it is confirmed by Clarence House, but he will arrive on June 30 for his first visit here since he came as a baby in 1983 with his parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and famously played with a Buzzy Bee toy. He will spend time with the Lions team in the build-up to the second and third tests against the All Blacks and will attend those matches on July 2 and 9, in Wellington and Auckland.
source: Sunday Star Times



Heat on Mallard to dump sporting school holiday.

Parents face having to use their annual leave to take their children to winter sports contests during a new holiday week unless Education Minister Trevor Mallard cans it. From next year, schools are set to reshuffle their holiday schedule to include a week for winter sports tournaments. Mallard established the sports week as a holiday to help schools cut the cost of relief teachers during tournament week - $20,000 at some - but it has proved controversial. Principals met Mallard this month to lobby him for a last-minute change to next year's terms and are hoping the holiday will be dumped.
source: Sunday Star Times



Destiny will not work with Labour.

The political wing of the Destiny Church is ruling out any possibility of working with a Labour government. The party has launched its policy platform, timed to coincide with the ordination of founder Brian Tamaki as a bishop. Forty-two candidates will contest electorate seats, including all the Maori seats. Destiny New Zealand leader Richard Lewis says the party's policies directly conflict with those of the current government. He says the family should be made the priority of the next government.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Increase in student fraud.

An increasing number of tertiary students are being caught illicitly dipping their fingers in the public purse. Student allowance fraud has doubled in value over the past two years, even as the number of people receiving an allowance has dropped. Figures released under the Official Information Act show $1.9 million worth of student allowance fraud was detected by the Ministry of Social Development last year, up from less than $1 million two years earlier. In the worst example, a student fraudulently took more than $37,000 - $31,400 more than the average yearly allowance.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Dancing stars less than charitable about TVNZ.

More shots are being fired at TVNZ over the hit television show Dancing with the Stars as Labour MP Georgina Beyer confesses she is "disappointed" about the amount of money donated to charity. Her comments come as inside sources have told the Herald on Sunday that only about one fifth - between 20 and 28 cents - per text or phone vote goes to charity, and crowd favourite Tim Shadbolt labels the voting a "pathetic farce". With the final of the live dance extravaganza airing tonight, TVNZ is still refusing to reveal details about the amount from each text or phone vote that goes to the contestant's charity, saying it is bound by its contract with service providers not to disclose the cost breakdown.
HERALD ON SUNDAY



Poll favours US ship visits.

Most New Zealanders support allowing American warships into our harbours now they no longer carry nuclear weapons, a privately-commissioned poll shows. Asked whether United States ships should be allowed to visit New Zealand ports, given the navy removed its nuclear weapons in 1992, 61.9 per cent said "yes"; 33.8 per cent disagreed. Last night, United States Embassy spokeswoman Janine Burns welcomed the public re-examination of issue. "We are not surprised that New Zealanders would respond to how the world has changed in the past 20 years, just as the United States has altered some of its policies in response to a changing world," she said.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Saturday, June 18

Tough-fought win for Lions 30-19.

Another tough fought win for the Lions tonight in the latest DHL Tour match. The tourists have beaten Otago 30-19 in Dunedin after being 13-all at the break.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Oral war stories sought.

New Zealanders are being offered a vehicle to record the memories of our war veterans: "From Memory", an oral history project set up by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the end of World War 2. Oral historian Alison Parr says the project is designed to offer support to people interested in collecting the stories of those who fought in the war. She says there are so many more stories yet to be heard and the Ministry needs public help in documenting them. There are tips for prospective collectors at www.nzhistory.net.nz
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Wet weather sticks around.

There is still a fair bit of moisture left in a front which has been crossing the country this morning. The worst of the rain in Nelson and Westland has now passed, but forecasters say there is more to come for Coromandel Peninsula and Taranaki this afternoon and tonight. There will be heavy rain in the Ranges from Whangamata northwards until about midnight.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Labour, National neck and neck.

A new opinion poll out this morning shows the election is too close to call. The Fairfax New Zealand-AC Nielson poll gives Labour a lead of just two points over National. It is the latest in a series of polls which shows Labour has well and truly lost the substantial cushion it has enjoyed during its second term in office. Labour is on 40 points and National has 38. New Zealand First polls at nine percent, while the Greens just make the five percent threshold. The Maori Party, United Future and ACT are all on two percent.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



New Pope takes swipe at Labour's civil union law.

Just months before the general election the new Pope last night urged New Zealand's leaders to "ensure the question of morality is given ample discussion in the public forum". He also appeared to hit out at Labour's civil unions legislation. "There is a great need today to recover a vision of the mutual relationship between civil law and moral law," Benedict XVI told Geoff Ward, New Zealand's new envoy to the Vatican. "I therefore encourage the people of Aotearoa, through you, Mr Ambassador, to continue to take up the challenge of forging a pattern of life, both individually and as a community, in relation to God's plan for all humanity."
Source: NZPA



Young women flock to NZ.

Women of "marriageable age" are flocking to New Zealand at rates of up to one-third higher than men. A new study has found that New Zealand has a higher ratio of women to men in the peak childbearing ages of 30 to 34 than any other industrialised country, with 9 per cent more women than men. The surplus of women is as high as 32 per cent among Asian women aged 30 to 34, and even higher among certain Asian nationalities such as Thais and Filipinos. Experts are still trying to work out the reasons for the female influx, but they believe it may be one of the factors giving New Zealand the second-highest rate of sole-parent families in the world - because there are not enough "marriageable men" to go round.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
For full story click HERE



Zimbabwe opposition urges Black Caps not to tour.

Robert Mugabe's main opposition, the Movement for Democratic Change, has urged New Zealand's cricketers to make a moral decision not to tour Zimbabwe in September. The Black Caps have yet to decide if the tour will go ahead, but can only avoid severe financial penalties, including a $2.8 million fine, if it is cancelled because of security fears. Although the Government has not intervened, Prime Minister Helen Clark has said she personally would not be seen dead in Zimbabwe.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Peters promises assault on race-based treatment.

New Zealand First is promising an assault on "race-based special treatment" with the release next Tuesday of its Treaty of Waitangi policy. Party leader Winston Peters said today the policy would contain several radical changes within the public service. "The time has arrived in New Zealand's development as a nation for the insipid practice of token gestures and separatist policies to end," he said. "Spurious Treaty principles have failed both Maori and non-Maori alike and have become an expensive experiment which this country cannot afford financially or socially any longer." Mr Peters said the policy would include a review of the role of Te Puni Kokiri (the Ministry of Maori Affairs), the removal of positions within the public service based on race, and an end to expensive Treaty-related courses. He will announce the policy in Te Awamutu.
Source: NZPA



Nats promise farmers right to decide access.

National would give farmers the right to decide who had access to their properties, party leader Don Brash said yesterday. Announcing National's agriculture policy, he said the Government's plan to create public walkways along rivers running through farmland was an erosion of private property rights. "Although Labour has tried to back away from legislating for this before the election, money set aside in this year's budget is a clear indication that it would be policy should Labour be re-elected," Dr Brash said. Another key point of the policy is reform of the Resource Management Act. The policy document says National would introduce a substantive amendment bill within three months of becoming government, and pass it into law within nine months.
Source: NZPA



Pakistan keen on NZ's agricultural expertise.

Pakistan and New Zealand have signed an understanding that officials will keep in touch, with a view to exploring cooperation in agriculture and education. Pakistan's president and military chief, General Pervez Musharraf, met Prime Minister Helen Clark yesterday afternoon in the first bilateral talks between the two countries. At a press conference after the talks, which ran well over the allotted 45 minutes, Miss Clark said Pakistan was interested in drawing on New Zealand's expertise in the dairy and food processing industries, and New Zealand might also be of assistance in education.
Source: The Dominion Post.



Friday, June 17

Terrorism Bill passed with overwhelming support.

The Terrorism Suppression Amendment Bill has been passed with overwhelming support. The amendment extending the offence of funding a terrorist organisation was backed by 97 MPs with just 10 opposed. The bill also extends by two years the time that groups are designated as terrorist organisations. The original date was October this year, which would have put New Zealand in breach of a United Nations Security Council resolution.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Don Clarke's jersey up for sale.

The blazer and muddied black jerseys worn by All Black legend Don Clarke are returning to New Zealand for an Auckland auction that coincides with the closing stages of the Lions tour. His pins and badges, photographs and ties are also up for sale. The only thing missing is a pair of the boots that helped Clarke win 31 test starts. Dunbar Sloane will auction the items at Eden Park on July 6, the day after the Lions face Auckland in the build-up to the final test. Clarke's widow culled the 65 items from stored boxes after his death in South Africa in 2002.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd.



Labour admits $1b Kyoto botch-up.

The Government is vowing to stick to its climate-change obligations despite a $1 billion botch-up over the extent of its greenhouse gas emissions. Opposition parties are calling for New Zealand to pull out of the Kyoto Protocol after a shock report yesterday found that the Government's calculations of New Zealand's net greenhouse gas emissions were out by millions of tonnes. The recalculation of New Zealand's liabilities means that the Government may have to pay more than $500 million in carbon charges in 2012. Previously, officials believed New Zealand would hold a $500m credit by 2012.
source:The Press



Top trio of women to honour Sonja Davies.

The country's most powerful women are among those who will eulogise Sonja Davies. The former Labour MP, activist, unionist and recipient of the Order of New Zealand passed away on Sunday aged 81. Ms Davies will be honoured by Prime Minister Helen Clark, Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright and the Speaker of the House, Margaret Wilson. Her dearest female friends will carry her into Wellington's Town Hall for the funeral service, while her closest male friends will carry her out.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Musharraf's agenda mainly political.

Pervez Musharraf's quest for international legitimacy is the main reason for the Pakistani leader's historic visit to New Zealand. Accompanied by a 55-strong delegation, President Musharraf, 61, arrived at Auckland Airport last night for a three-day primarily "political" visit. Prime Minister Helen Clark has signalled that the hunt for Osama bin Laden will be high on the agenda during her bilateral meeting with the President as speculation builds that the recent redeployment of New Zealand SAS troops in Afghanistan is geared to this purpose.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Dame Silvia tipped for foreign post in future.

Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright may be in line for a diplomatic posting when her term expires - and it could be to replace former MP Graham Kelly in Ottawa. Mr Kelly's term expires in a year and Dame Silvia's two months after that. Dame Silvia is known to be keen to move into an international posting either for New Zealand or in an international organisation such as the United Nations.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



MPs back right to breastfeed in public.

One woman's campaign to safeguard her right to breastfeed in public has resulted in a parliamentary committee recommending law changes to protect and promote breastfeeding. Parliament's health select committee yesterday said the Government should investigate law changes to protect the right to breastfeed in public places and to protect an infant's right to receive nutrition.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



PM says new coalition is not where she wants to go.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said today she would not like to repeat her 1996 experience of trying to form a government with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. Last night's 3 News TNS poll showed the gap between Labour and National continuing to close from 11 points two months ago to 4 points now. Labour was down five points to 40 per cent compared with two months ago, and National up two points to 36 per cent. New Zealand First has made another strong showing, up three points to 11 per cent and in a strong position to negotiate a coalition with either of the main parties.
source:NZPA



New Zealanders will get one of the best views tonight when the moon croses Jupiter.

New Zealanders are set to get one of the best views tonight when the moon crosses Jupiter. The occultation was last witnessed in this country in 1947. Jenny McCormack of Auckland's Stardome Observatory says viewing circumstances will be particularly favourable in New Zealand because of the time it is occurring. She says the occultation will be seen in Auckland from 6.16pm. Wellington viewers will see it from 6.30, while those in Christchurch can get a glimpse from 6.37.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Huge Kyoto Cost Miscalculation.

The Government has admitted it has made a massive miscalculation in the cost of the Kyoto Protocol. Original estimates were that New Zealand would have a surplus of 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide credits between 2008 and 2012, worth around $450 million. Climate Change Minister Pete Hodgson says new estimates put it at a deficit of 36.2 million tonnes. That will cost New Zealand $543 million, and it will have to be borne by the taxpayer.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.



NZ shock for Woolworths.

LESS than a month after Woolworths' $2.5 billion move into the New Zealand market it is facing a new threat there from Warehouse Group's plan to start selling groceries. Warehouse Group yesterday confirmed its plans to roll out hypermarkets, a version of its general merchandise stores that will include a full grocery offering. Speculation is also mounting that German grocer Aldi is about to make its debut in New Zealand. Warehouse chief Ian Morrice flagged the hypermarket rollout at an industry conference, and according to a delegate, said that the first two stores would be opened in about 12 months.



Thursday, June 16

Time to rein in costs, warns Cullen.

A reshuffle of priorities is needed to ensure the Government stays within its budget targets - and that may mean less for education and health, says Finance Minister Michael Cullen. During a grilling at yesterday's finance and expenditure select committee, Dr Cullen outlined his concerns that spending in those areas had outpaced economic growth. He also revealed that more taxpayers' money might have to be ploughed into the country's rail network, which he said was in an "appalling" state.
Forecast core Govt spending (excluding SOEs)*
2004 $41.6b (actual)
2005 $45.3b
2006 $48.2b
2007 $51.3b
2008 $54.8b
2009 $57.2b
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Taxpayers' $200m not enough to fix track.

The Government yesterday admitted that the rail network it sold in 1993 and bought back in 2004 is in appalling shape and will cost taxpayers more than the pledged $200 million to fix. In a deal a year ago, the Government paid $1 for the track and agreed to invest $200 million in it over several years. Toll Holdings, the Australian company that took control of Tranz Rail when it was near-collapse, pledged to invest $100 million in rolling stock. Yesterday Finance Minister Michael Cullen told a parliamentary committee that more than the $200 million would be needed and the Government would not earn an economic return on the investment.
Source: The Dominion Post.



Rights for homeless on election agenda.

Homelessness is on the election-year agenda, with a call by housing advocates for a law to enshrine a human right to housing. About 70 people from churches, social service agencies, councils and state agencies agreed at a meeting hosted by Auckland City Council yesterday to form a national homelessness forum to push for the new law. Similar laws in Britain and other countries require local councils to provide housing for homeless people.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd



Navy ships make goodwill visit to China.

The navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana and the supply ship HMNZS Endeavour will berth at Shanghai in China tomorrow on a goodwill visit. During four days in port the ship's Maori cultural group would perform at an official function, the navy said. Te Mana would be open to the public on Sunday and Monday. The last New Zealand warship to visit Shanghai was Te Mana's sister ship, HMNZS Te Kaha in 2002. Last week Te Mana and Endeavour made the first visit to the Russian port of Vladivostok by a New Zealand warship.
Source: NZPA



28pc of teachers thinking of quitting.

Almost one-third of high school teachers are thinking of quitting because the workload is too high, a new study has found. It found 57 per cent of middle managers and 48 per cent of teachers felt their workload was unmanageable. Workload was affecting the quality of teaching provided by 77 per cent of middle managers and 71 per cent of teachers. Of those surveyed, 27 per cent of middle managers and 28 per cent of teachers said they were thinking of leaving teaching because the workload was too high. Almost half felt their workload was adversely affecting their health.
Source: The Press
For full story click HERE



Get all three shots, doctor warns.

The Horowhenua schoolgirl in Palmerston North Hospital with the epidemic B strain of meningococcal disease had her first MeNZB vaccination a month before being stricken, at the beginning of the immunisation campaign roll-out in May. Her case has prompted medical officer of health Patrick O'Connor to emphasise the importance that children and young people receive all three doses of the vaccine. Dr O'Connor said the cases heightened the need to reach as many young people as possible with the full vaccination course, and for the public to remain vigilant for symptoms. The vaccine contained no live or complete bacteria, and could not cause the disease.
Source: Manawatu Standard



Investor immigrants must stump up $2m.

Immigrants wanting to enter New Zealand under the investor category will have to stump up more than $2 million, which the Government will then hold for five years, Immigration Minister Paul Swain announced today. Previously investors only had to have $1 million and could put money in any investment they chose. In return they received residency. Under the revised scheme starting July 4, the Government would use immigrants' money for investment in infrastructure. They would receive interest based on the rate of inflation. Mr Swain said applicants would also need to be younger than 54 and have at least five years business experience.
Source: NZPA



Severe droughts becoming more common.

Climate change is increasing the risk of drought in regions of New Zealand which are already drought-prone, a National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) report says. "Under a medium-high scenario, Marlborough could see what is considered a one in 20 year drought event today occurring every three to five years by the 2080s," the report said. It forecast possible increases in drought risk in inland and northern parts of Otago, eastern Canterbury and Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, the Bay of Plenty, the Coromandel Peninsula and parts Wairarapa, and Northland.
Source: NZPA



Lions win scrappy Wellington game.

A win - but a far from convincing performance from the Lions - in the tour match against Wellington in the capital. The Lions won 23-6, scoring two tries in an uninspiring match.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



New Ferry For Cook Strait.

Toll Shipping's new Cook Strait ferry has plenty of work ahead. It is chartering a huge 182-metre ship to add to its Interislander fleet, which has room for up to 1600 passengers and 600 cars. The 11-year-old vessel is currently carrying passengers between Poland and Sweden. When it arrives in New Zealand in August it will renamed Kaitaki - the Maori word for challenger.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.



Wednesday, June 15

Maori Party staying quiet on possible coalition partners.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia will not be drawn on potential coalition partners but says her party will stay out of Government if it cannot reach a suitable agreement. Mrs Turia made the comment at a stop on a lower North Island road trip for five of the party's seven Maori electorate candidates and some of its general seat and list candidates. A meeting at Rosie's Cafe, a roadside stop on State Highway 1 in Manawatu, attracted a dozen faithful. Mrs Turia would not be drawn on possible coalition partners , but revealed an obvious distaste for one option: "Labour are saying a vote for the Maori Party is a vote for National.
Source: NZPA



Trial Date Set After PM Murder Threat.

A trial date has been set for a former police officer accused of threatening to kill the Prime Minister. Frank Miessen will go on trial in the High Court in Christchurch High Court on Monday. He faces a raft of charges including verbally threatening to kill Helen Clark. Police visited Miessen's Akaroa farm last July following a tip off. When spoken to by officers Miessen is alleged to have threatened to go to Waimate where the Prime Minister was to attend 150th anniversary commemorations, and strangle her.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.



Power prices up as lake levels fall.

Hydro power lake storage levels have fallen rapidly in the past month to 90 per cent of average, as power demand has risen with the cold weather. Wholesale electricity prices rose last month and are now more than 3 cents a unit higher than they were last year, because of rising demand going into winter and below-normal rainfall into hydro lakes in recent weeks. The average price for power rose about 1 cent a unit in May to about 7c a kilowatt hour in the North Island and slightly less in the South Island. In the past week, wholesale prices have been about 7.5c a unit. Prices have been as low as 4c a unit this year. About two thirds of New Zealand's power comes from hydro stations.
Source: The Dominion Post.



NZ plays key role in anti-pollution treaty.

New Zealand has played a key role in negotiating a treaty to protect the Antarctic environment, Foreign Minister Phil Goff says. The treaty requires that parties responsible for an environmental accident pay for its clean up. It was adopted by the 45 member countries overnight in Stockholm. "If a polluter does not take clean up action, then compensation can be claimed," Mr Goff said. Negotiations began in 1993 and have been chaired by New Zealand since 1999. "This agreement brings an end to 12 years of negotiation. It's a vital step forward in protecting the pristine environment of the Antarctic," Mr Goff said.
Source: NZPA



Tuesday, June 14

Teachers Mull No-Contact Time.

Primary teachers across the country are meeting to decide how to use the extra time they have been given. They were guaranteed ten hours per week without students as part of a $420 million collective agreement negotiated last year. The NZEI says it will ease the teachers' heavy workload. The extra time begins in term four, which starts on October 10. Ninety meetings will be held around the country from today. Teachers will be given guidelines on how to use the time to address their workload and improve student learning.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.



Goff roasts commissioner for Maori comments.

Graham Kelly, New Zealand's high commissioner to Canada, has had a ticking off for comments he made about Maori. Foreign Minister Phil Goff said Mr Kelly had apologised unreservedly for the racially-offensive comments in a speech to the Canadian Senate. The former Labour MP told the senate last week, in a speech on New Zealand's fisheries quota system, that Maori "all held each other's hands to stop them from sinking on the voyage" to New Zealand from Hawaiki in 740. "Once they got to New Zealand, they started fighting and eating each other; so there have been Maori wars ever since then. Now they are learning to get along with each other." The comments angered Maori academics and politicians, who say he should be recalled from the position.
Source: NZPA



Kiwis bar short work permits.

New Zealand will not allow Fiji citizens into the country on short-term work schemes until the matter is thoroughly discussed. New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said they would have to deal with the issue within the framework of the Pacific Agreement for Closer Economic Relations (PACER). He made the comment while addressing the Fiji-New Zealand Business Council in Auckland on Friday. He said his government would shortly announce a new five-year strategy for New Zealand development assistance to Fiji, especially in the justice and human rights sector.
Copyright © 2004, Fiji Times Limited.



Teenagers heaviest drinkers - survey.

Nearly 75 per cent of 18-19 year-olds breath-tested as they left on-licence premises were too drunk to drive, a survey revealed yesterday showed. The first New Zealand survey of young drinkers leaving on-licensed premises examined the drinking habits of 18 to 25 year-olds with some sobering results. Of those aged 20-24 years, 42 per cent were also over the legal limit. The Exit Breath Survey 2005 was carried out for the Regional Alcohol project - a group of public agencies working to reduce alcohol-related harm in Auckland.
Source: NZPA



Naturists bid for island strip faces cold shoulder.

A group of naturists from the chillier half of the South Island wants part of Nelson's Rabbit Island designated as a nudist area. Although the western part of the island is sometimes used by naturists, the Tasman District Council is likely to rebuff the request. Last month the council received a letter sent on behalf of 36 people from Christchurch and Dunedin - and one couple from Auckland - questioning whether the area was officially recognised as a nudist area, and if it wasn't, whether it could be designated as such. A report by community recreation adviser Mike Tasman-Jones to this Thursday's community services committee recommends the status quo remain.
Source:The Nelson Mail



PM keen for debate on four-year term.

Setting a fixed date for the election was something that could be debated in conjunction with a four-year parliamentary term, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today. Asked by reporters whether there should be a fixed election date, Miss Clark thought the idea had some merit. Sweden had a fixed election date which she understood to be the third Sunday in September every fourth year which provided a lot of certainty. "It's something we shouldn't be shying away from debating," Miss Clark told reporters. She has not yet revealed the election date and today would not be drawn on when it would be held. Most speculation has centred on a September election, but some have reported that Miss Clark might opt for a July election as she did in 2002.
Source: NZPA



Midwives not prepared for HIV testing.

Midwives do not have the skills or the resources to conduct HIV tests and were not consulted about a new Health Ministry directive to routinely offer antenatal Aids screening, the College of Midwives said today. The ministry's announcement followed a report by the Health and Disabilities Commission which criticised the medical care a pregnant HIV-positive woman received in 1999 which led to the infection of her baby. The woman was unaware she was HIV-positive and, despite unexplained anaemia and cervical smear abnormalities during her pregnancy, was not tested until her baby was 18 months old.
Source: NZPA
For full story click HERE



Alleged seal hunters 'caught on film'.

A boatload of men allegedly shooting seals off the Dunedin peninsula on Sunday afternoon were caught on film by a tourist on a penguin-spotting tour. Department of Conservation staff found one dead seal on the rocks near Taiaroa Head yesterday but were still hunting for any other wounded animals. Senior Sergeant Bruce Ross said three shotguns were seized after police intercepted a fishing boat at Carey's Bay, Port Chalmers on Sunday at 5.40pm. Killing protected marine species is an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 and can carry a fine of up to $30,000.
Source: NZPA



Monday, June 13

Magic netball franchise holds grudge.

Netball New Zealand may not have heard the end of the National Bank Cup final hosting affair. Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic are still miffed about having to travel to Invercargill for the final, despite smashing Southern Sting 65-39 to claim the title. Magic CEO Sheryl Dawson says a number of franchises would like to discuss the rule that denied the Magic a home final. She says they are all well established now, and have some definite ideas about the way forward for the competition.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Bloggers warned about law in Capill case.

nternet bloggers are being warned about breaking the law in high profile criminal cases such as the sex charges faced by Graham Capill. The Capill case has previously been affected, with a New Zealand blogger identifying him days before his name suppression was lifted. The new sexual assault charges the former Christian Heritage party leader is facing are now provoking a storm of opinion on the internet, some of which pushes legal boundaries. Media law expert Professor John Burrows said any comment stating an accused person is guilty breaks the law. He said this would almost certainly be contempt of court.
NEWSTALK ZB, HERALD STAFF



Northlanders support stadium project.

Northlanders have given their overwhelming support to a proposed regional events centre being built at Okara Park, Whangarei. The final decision on whether Northland ratepayers will fund the $30 million centre is now in the hands of regional councillors. Of the 5000 public submissions sent to the Northland Regional Council on the proposal, 69 per cent were in favour. The NRC heard many of the submitters speaking to their submissions over three days last week as part of its annual plan process. The final day of hearings is today.
NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)



Greens want ban on overseas landowners.

The Greens have said land should not be sold to overseas people, unless they live in New Zealand for at least six months of the year. The plan comes as part of the Greens’ just-launched conservation policy. Co leader Ms Fitzsimons said people buying land should be contributing to New Zealand society.
NEWSTALK ZB



List confirms ACT-Banks dalliance dead.

Former National MP and Auckland mayor John Banks has jilted the struggling ACT party after months of flirting with it. The announcement of the party's list yesterday confirmed that attempts to woo Mr Banks, seen by some ACT supporters as having the profile and style to reignite public interest in the party and resurrect its recent poll ratings of about 2 per cent, had failed. Mr Banks, who has been in discussion with the party leadership for some months about joining ACT, finally confirmed yesterday that it would not happen. He said he would instead concentrate on having another crack at the Auckland mayoralty, which he lost to Dick Hubbard last October.
Source: The Dominion Post.



Support for new flag falling short.

A campaign for a new New Zealand flag is making slow progress and has less than a third of the signatures it needs by the end of the year to force a referendum. Organisers of the www.nzflag.com campaign had hoped to collect 300,000 signatures on a petition calling for a new flag, but spokeswoman Jo Coughlan said they had somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000. They began collecting signatures in January and need 270,000 by December to force a referendum Campaigners had hoped for a referendum at this year's general election, but have passed the deadline to achieve that, and may struggle to reach their target at all.
Source: Sunday Star Times



Sunday, June 12

Sonja Davies passes away.

Former trade unionist, peace campaigner and Labour MP, Sonja Davies has died. She was 81. Born in Upper Hutt to a solo mother, she struggled with ill-health throughout her life including a 15-year battle with TB. She helped found the Working Women's Council and the Child Care Association, and in 1974 became the first woman executive member of the Federation of Labour. She entered parliament in 1987 serving two terms as the Labour MP for Pencarrow. Her best-selling autobiography, Bread and Roses, was turned into a film of the same name.
Source:RNZ



Disease baby’s dad lashes vaccine 'hate-speech'.

The father of a little girl who lost parts of her limbs to meningococcal disease has lashed out at anti-vaccination campaigners, likening their message to "hate speech", and saying it should be a "jailable offence". As debate rages about the biggest immunisation campaign this country has seen, Perry Bisman - whose daughter Charlotte lost the lower parts of all four limbs to meningococcal B last July - accused anti-vaccination campaigners of spreading false information about the vaccine and making unsubstantiated allegations about the Ministry of Health. "They’re making very emotional, highly-charged, controversial statements without facts to back it up," said Mr Bisman. "To me, it’s the same as hate speech."
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
Full story CLICK HERE



Maori heroics fail to alter All Blacks squad for Lions Test.

The New Zealand Maori's heroic victory over the British and Irish Lions has failed to sway All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who has stayed loyal to an established squad for the three-Test series.
With only three Maori -- Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear and Carl Hayman -- making the 26-man All Blacks line-up, Henry has sent an ominous message to the Lions that they have yet to face the best of New Zealand rugby.
Full story and team selection for the 1st Test CLICK HERE



NZ wins world quiz final.

A Christchurch High School has won the America's Cup of the children's literature world. St Margaret's College has taken the winner's trophy in the world final of the Kids' Lit Quiz, held in Auckland this weekend. Dunblane High School in Scotland won the coveted award last year. But a team of 4 New Zealand students has claimed it this year, in a nail-biting final. The Kids' Lit Quiz tests the pupils on their literary knowledge with questions on a range of categories from nursery rhymes to "Lord of the Rings".
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Children made vulnerable to disinheritance.

Children can be disinherited under radical changes to property laws giving new power to estranged, de facto and surviving partners. The "last will and testament" is no longer that say legal experts who want an overhaul of laws relating to the division of relationship property after death. Otago University associate law professor Nicola Peart said the law change went too far and should be reversed. The law change is resulting in complex and acrimonious legal battles between family members. The law was changed to bring equality to the property rights of a surviving spouse or de facto partner.
Source: Sunday Star Times



Schools face cash cuts for failing official test.

Most tourism and business courses at private tertiary schools face losing government funding because they have failed a new relevance test. The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is re-examining a third of private providers' qualifications - in personal services, tourism, business and management, philosophy and religion - in the fist of three reviews to test their "strategic relevance". Those found to have low relevance will lose their taxpayer funding from the end of this year, and sources say up to 90 per cent have failed the initial assessment. Courses at most, if not all of the 100 or so private providers under review have failed, and it appears not one business and management qualification has passed the relevance test.
Source: Sunday Star Times



Chinese spies 'active in NZ'.

Two New Zealand groups championing people oppressed by the Chinese Government have claimed Chinese spies are active here and collecting intelligence on their activities. Auckland University security and intelligence expert Paul Buchanan has supported their claims, saying it was "par for the course" that an emerging superpower such as China would spy on regional rivals Australia and New Zealand. But proof of espionage is almost impossible to find. The Government has indicated it will not question the Chinese embassy about the allegations, instead relying on its own methods - which remain top-secret - to detect spy activity.
Source: The Dominion Post.



Sidelined partners cashing in.

Women who put their careers on hold to raise children or support their partner's career are getting bigger payouts when they separate. One woman has received $142,000 in a court-ordered settlement and lawyers predict awards will continue to rise. Changes to property laws in 2002 allow men and women to sue estranged partners for lost earning potential as a result of being in a relationship. So far most payments have been made to women. Payouts are lumped on top of the 50-50 split of property and child maintenance responsibilities. Since the Property (Relationships) Amendment Act 2001 came into force, at least 3578 applications have been made to the Family Courts for a division of relationship under Section 11 of the act
Source: The Sunday Star Times



Saturday, June 11

Rugby. Lions vs NZ Maori

An historic victory for the New Zealand Maori. For the first time ever they have beaten the British and Irish Lions, running out victors 19-13 at Waikato Stadium. It is also the Lions' first loss of their DHL tour, following wins over Bay of Plenty and Taranaki.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Watch out Helen, PC is so 1980s.

Today's parents of young children go to work to survive, would like to grill Prime Minister Helen Clark on her policies and are not afraid to buy their clothes from The Warehouse. A lifestyle study shows women with children aged up to 5 are sick of political correctness, would like to have coffee with Keanu Reeves and admire director Peter Jackson. It is part of an ongoing project to gauge the attitudes, values and beliefs of people at different stages of their lives. The common strand for both male and female family builders is the urge to confront the Prime Minister about "over-the-top PC" and the rationale behind "social engineering".
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
Full story click HERE



Industrial action threatens to close universities.

Industrial action by staff threatens to close universities across the country for the first time ever. More than 90 per cent of staff who participated in an Association of University Staff ballot, which closed yesterday, voted in favour of industrial action, after employers at seven universities refused to agree to new multi-employer agreements. Students face long delays in getting their examination results if differences are not resolved in the next few weeks Two days of national strike action will occur on July 20 and August 4, with rolling stoppages scheduled to take place in the intervening period - the first time that industrial action has closed universities across the entire country.
Source: NZPA



Farmers to lock out public.

Skiers, trampers and fishermen may face locked farm gates this month during a nationwide farmer protest condemned as "arrogant and anti-Kiwi". Federated Farmers launched a national campaign yesterday calling on its farmers to lock gates to the public for a week from June 16 in protest against proposed public access laws they have branded a confiscation of property rights. Recreational groups were unsure what impact the protest would have, because the number of farmers committed to action is not yet clear. Access to much of the high country, including some South Island skifields, crosses private land. The farmers called for compensation, claiming the Government proposals - announced in December last year - would expose farmers to crime and reduce their ability to manage their land.
Source: The Press



Solo sailor rescued from yacht.

A yachtsman in trouble 450 nautical miles north-east of the North Island has been rescued, Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) said today. A Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion located the lone sailor and his boat, the Gypsy Rose 3, at 11.09pm yesterday. He was transferred on to a Fiji-bound container vessel at 4.50am today. An RCCNZ spokesman said the man was originally reluctant to leave his yacht. "But the exhausted yachtie soon changed his mind and was successfully transferred on to the container vessel."
Source: NZPA


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