Al-Qaeda expert claims 10 terror-linked groups are in NZ.

A world-renowned al-Qaeda expert is backing New Zealand First leader Winston Peters's claim that Islamic extremist groups are operating in New Zealand. In a speech to Far North Grey Power on Thursday, Peters raised the spectre of Islamic terrorism among immigrants and revealed that he had written to Muslim leaders, asking them to report "radicals, troublemakers and potential dangers" to the police. Singapore-based Dr Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, said there were about 10 groups linked to international Islamic terror networks operating out of New Zealand cities. "There are a number of groups raising funds, doing propaganda and recruiting for jihad groups," he said. "They never operate under their own names, but are in both Muslim and non-Muslim groups."
Source: The Press

Maori Smoking Keeps NZ Figure High.

New Zealand's high rate of smoking amongst Maori is keeping the country back in terms of smoking comparisons with Australia. The latest figures show the proportion of Australians who smoke daily is now 17.4 percent of the population, down from 19.5 percent in 2001. Action on Smoking and Health director Becky Freeman says new research is due out anytime and it is likely to show a drop, but she says the fact half of Maori smoke means it will not be down to the Australian level. Australia has the lowest smoking rate of any OECD
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Helen 'more powerful' than the Queen, Laura Bush.

Prime Minister Helen Clark has risen to number 24 on a list of the world's most powerful women, above Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and the Queen, but behind imprisoned Myanmar politician Aung San Suu Kyi. Miss Clark moved up from number 43 on last year's list, published yesterday by Forbes business magazine. She is the only New Zealander on the list, which is headed for the second year by United States Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. Ms Clark said the rating was a great compliment to New Zealand. "New Zealand is a small country so it's often hard to be recognised in the wider world," she said. "It's not just about me, it's about New Zealand being noticed."
Source: NZPA

Local Maori occupy public reserve near Mahia.

A group occupying a public reserve in front of a new subdivision at Mahia, south of Gisborne, say they do not want the peninsula to become a playground for the rich. About 40 tangata whenua from Mahia and supporters began an occupation of the public reserve in front of the Blue Bay subdivision at Opoutama yesterday. The group say they are occupying the public reserve to highlight their feelings over the subdivision's impact on the local area and people.
Source: NZPA

Climate pact leaves NZ out in cold.

New Zealand should have been party to the US-led Asia-Pacific climate change pact just announced, according to the Northern Employers and Manufacturers Association. Unlike the 152-nation Kyoto pact, the accord between the United States, Australia, China, India, Japan and South Korea sets no binding goals for cutting emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels blamed for rising temperatures. The six nations signing up to the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate' Agreement account for 40% of the world's carbon emissions. "The pact focuses on accelerating the development of new technology to capture carbon emissions, not on the carbon tax which will artificially hike the price of energy in New Zealand."
source;TVNZ

Sultan of Brunei sells all 11 NZ houses.

The multibillionaire Sultan of Brunei has sold all 11 of his houses in Herne Bay, Auckland, for almost $35 million. In the biggest single residential real estate transaction in New Zealand, one of the world's richest men has quit the country in one hit.
Source: NZPA

Bush picks entrepreneur for ambassador to NZ.

United States President George Bush has decided who he wants to nominate as ambassador to New Zealand. The United States Embassy in Wellington said President Bush announced he would nominate William McCormick of Oregon to the role. He would also serve as ambassador to Samoa. Mr McCormick was co-founder and chairman of McCormick and Schmick Management Group. He opened the company's first McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Restaurant thirty years ago. Previously Mr McCormick co-owned Refectory International. Earlier in his career, he served in the United States Army Reserve.
NZPA

Anti-spam bill starts journey in House.

The Government aims to free email inboxes from unwanted spam messages with the tabling in Parliament of a bill that would make it illegal to send them. The legislation, which has long been in the works, will allow fines of up to $500,000 for organisations sending out unsolicited email messages in bulk and up to $200,000 for individuals. As only 10 per cent of spam is generated locally, the bill will look to build a framework for co-operation with overseas authorities to shut down spammers operating abroad.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Labour surges ahead in poll.

Labour's fortunes have dramatically reversed in the latest Herald-DigiPoll survey and it now leads National by 6.4 percentage points. In the same poll last month, Labour trailed National by 3.9 points. National overtook Labour after the May Budget, but with just over seven weeks to go until the election Labour is back to where it has been for most of the three-year term, in front. Labour has risen 7.7 points to 43.9 per cent of decided voters and National has fallen 2.6 points to 37.5.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Former Act leader farewells Parliament.

It was a speech almost free of ideology, one that stressed Parliament's role in checking the power of the Executive, and one that produced a tear or two. Act MP and former party leader Richard Prebble farewelled Parliament and politics with his valedictory speech yesterday. He was a Labour MP from 1975 to 1993 and was a key minister in the reforming fourth Labour Government of David Lange. Mr Prebble, 57, stepped down last year as leader of the right-wing Act Party after being elected under its banner in 1996, following three years outside politics.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Judging The Judges.

For the first time, an independent investigator has been appointed to look into complaints against judges. Lawyer Ian Haynes has been named New Zealand's Judicial Conduct Commissioner, a role he will take up next month. Up until now, investigations by the judiciary into complaints against their own have been voluntary. He says his experience with the New Zealand judiciary has convinced him it has unquestionable integrity and can hold its own with any other in the world.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Wintry Blast Makes Roads Hazardous.

Motorists are being warned to take care on South Island roads as wintry conditions return. Transit New Zealand is warning of ice on roads in the central and lower South Island. Motorists should also carry chains if they are travelling through alpine passes.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Dangerous Radicals Unlikely To Be In NZ.

A terrorism expert believes it is unlikely New Zealand is harbouring any dangerous radicals. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters believes there are troublemakers among some of New Zealand's Islamic population and he has written to Muslim leaders asking them to identify radicals. Dr Jim Veitch of Victoria University says the local Muslim community is mostly new and has come together through refugee and migrant movements to embrace a new society although that does not exclude the possibility some may be radicals. He says there may be around 20 Muslims with radical views but that does not mean they are active.

© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Apprenticeship changes win seal of approval.

Labour's pledge to allow older people to apply to join the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme has won approval from one Wellington business with a longstanding reputation as a training ground. The change was announced by Prime Minister Helen Clark as part of a $30 million boost to the scheme, which included funding for 5000 extra apprentices by 2008, taking the total number to 14,000. Up to 20 per cent of places will be available to those older than the present age limit of 21.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Free glasses for children.

More than 500 children will have the chance to get free spectacles as part of the Association of Optometrists' Save our Sight campaign. Vouchers for free eye examinations had been distributed by technicians screening for eye problems among primary school pupils, the organisation said yesterday. Next week, those children would be able to have a free eye examination. If spectacles were needed they would be supplied by sponsors.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

NZ flag referendum petition folds.

A group campaigning to change the New Zealand flag has dumped its petition for a referendum - and has blamed apathy for the failure. NZFlag.com Trust chairman Lloyd Morrison said yesterday that assembling a network of volunteers to collect 270,000 signatures by October to force a referendum had proved too big a challenge. "We simply failed to get petition forms in front of New Zealanders - apathy was the winner again," the Wellington businessman said. Only 100,000 signatures had been collected and it had become clear the required number would not be reached by October.
Source: NZPA

NZ reports trade deficit blow-out.

New Zealand's trade deficit was a worse-than-expected $US355 million in June, due to soaring oil prices and weakening exports. The deficit for the year to June of $US5.18 billion dollars is the worst on record. Imports have risen slightly and exports are down 5.1 per cent on the previous June. The high value of the New Zealand dollar has been constraining exports.
ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia

NZ Screen Awards tonight.

The red carpet will be rolling out for our film and television stars tonight. The inaugural Screen Awards is being held in Auckland. Tonight's ceremony is being touted as the premiere film and television awards event in the country. There are about 50 finalist across 40 categories. 'In My Father's Den' has the most nominations with 12. The films 'Fracture' and 'Perfect Strangers' both have 11. In the television categories 'The Insiders Guide to Happiness' has eleven nominations.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Move to New Zealand seminars.

If you are looking to migrate to New Zealand this is the seminar for you!
For full story CLICK HERE

Bill Cementing Marriage Delayed.

A bill seeking to cement marriage as a union between a man and a woman has been pushed back until after the election. The Private Members' Bill from United Future's Larry Baldock was drafted in response to the civil union law. He says it is designed to prevent a legal challenge from a gay couple wanting to transfer their union to a marriage. However, the Smokefree Environments Amendment Bill has been put back on the Order Paper and will be first up this afternoon, so Mr Baldock's bill is not likely to be heard until after the election.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

GE maize found in sample grown in NZ.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) officials are tracing a complex mix of seed lines and growers in a bid to work out how a big maize consignment has tested positive for genetically engineered (GE) seed. The maize - all grown for food in one region of New Zealand and stored in a variety of locations in the upper North Island - was tested by a food manufacturer as part of quality assurance checks. No GE maize has been approved for commercial crops in New Zealand, and tests before or at the border are supposed to pick up GE seed in maize sent from overseas for planting.
Source: NZPA

Nuke Ship Issue Before Parliament.

The nuclear ships' issue comes before Parliament again today. Ken Shirley's private member's bill which aims to repeal New Zealand's long-standing ban on nuclear-propelled vessels is up for its first reading this afternoon. The ACT MP concedes it will not win enough support to progress to another stage and he says that is very disappointing. He believes the ban has been a huge obstacle to the New Zealand-US trade relationship and must be scrapped. Mr Shirley says it is cold war rhetoric and there is no public safety or environmental reason to continue the ban. Labour and National have indicated they will not support the bill.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Nats promise end to local body Maori seats.

National has promised to reduce local government red tape, axe Maori seats on councils and have all local body elections conducted under the first past the post voting system. National Leader Don Brash said in a speech today that rates had risen by 38 per cent or double the rate of inflation since Labour came to power in 1999. "Labour's new local government, dog control, treaty, climate change, STV voting system, and resource management laws have added hundreds of millions of dollars to New Zealand's rates bill," Dr Brash said. National would make "major changes" to local body related legislation including making it plain that iwi required no more consultation or representation than any other group.
NZPA

Golf star Campbell arrives home.

New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell has arrived home to a hero's welcome following his US Open victory. Between two and three hundred people were at Auckland International Airport to greet the new golfing lege The New Zealander held off the challenge of golf's leading player, Tiger Woods, to win the tournament at Pinehurst in June. Cabinet delayed a meeting to watch him win the title and he has been congratulated by Prime minister Helen Clark.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Vegetarian pieman minces competition.

A vegetarian baker has won a top pie award for a flavour he does not eat: mince and cheese. Danny Dalton, pastry manager at Brookfield New World in Tauranga, was named winner of the 2005 Bakels Supreme Pie Award in Auckland last night. The Herald spoke to Mr Dalton yesterday, before he knew his mince and cheese pie had won not only its category but the supreme award. Mr Dalton, who has been a baker for 11 years and a vegetarian for eight, was convinced it was his vegetarian pie that had netted him a prize. The awards are in their ninth year and this year is the third in a row the supreme award has gone to a baker in the Bay of Plenty.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Clouds Bring Heavy Rain Warning.

Storm-clouds bearing down on the country have prompted MetService to issue a severe weather warning. It says a front currently bringing heavy rain to Westland and Buller will cross Taranaki overnight, then weaken. However, it will be followed by another, more active front, which will move onto the lower South Island tomorrow morning, moving north to hit the North Island on Thursday. Forecasters expect the second front to bring between 100 and 140 millimetres of rain to Taranaki.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Landmark aviation deal signed with Britain.

The Government today signed a landmark aviation deal allowing New Zealand airlines to operate unlimited flights into and out of Britain. Transport Minister Pete Hodgson said it meant Air New Zealand had the opportunity to introduce a second daily service into London as soon as it was ready to do so. The deal removes almost all restrictions on air services between and beyond the two countries.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Centrebet puts early odds on Brash.

Betting agency Centrebet has National as slight favourite to provide the next Prime Minister. The Australian bookmakers were offering $1.77 on Don Brash becoming Prime Minister and $1.90 on Labour leader Helen Clark keeping the job. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters was paying $151.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Golf-NZ Open On The Move.

A radical revamp for the New Zealand Golf Open. The Open is being shifted to a November date at Gulf Harbour, moving in line with the global golf season. The new time zone is three months earlier than the previous February date used in the past couple of years. The November date now means the New Zealand Open no longer clashes with the US PGA Tour, and fits in with several high profile Australian tournaments.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

NZ In Grip Of 'Man Drought'.

It's official girls, there just aren't enough good Kiwi blokes at home, resulting in an official Kiwi 'man drought', according to findings in a newly released population growth report. The report, carried out by KPMG's Risk Advisory Services practice, has highlighted the imbalance between the sexes in New Zealand, and we're short on men. Author of the report, Bernard Salt, says the problem is pretty simple. In 1991 there were 7,600 more women than men in the age group 30 plus but by 2004 this differential has blown out to 23,800. A 32-year-old Kiwi woman has about as much chance of finding a partner her own age as a woman aged 82. With 32,000 New Zealand females in this age group and only 29,000 males there's a shortfall of 3,000 men.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Maori Battalion Book Wins Montana Prize.

A prolific author who clinched a major prize last night never imagined her work would make such an impact. Patricia Grace won the Deutz medal for fiction or poetry at the Montana New Zealand Book Awards in Wellington for her book Tu based on the Maori Battalion. Judges said the book makes an important and lasting contribution to New Zealand literature. Another winner was Douglas Lloyd Jenkins for his book At Home: A Century of New Zealand Design which is a history of domestic design and architecture.

Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Reports of radical Islam at Auckland Uni.

Questions over whether London-style bombings could happen in New Zealand have led to claims that radical Islam is being preached at Auckland University. A Muslim student says propaganda for groups supporting suicide bombings is being well received on campus, but the university's Muslim Association says that's not true. Shahin Soltanian, speaking on TVNZ's agenda programme on Saturday, says such groups have spoken to Muslim students in Auckland and the ideology of violence was well accepted by many. Around 1,000 Muslims currently attend Auckland University.
Source:One News

NZ defence personnel help in Egypt.

Four New Zealand Defence personnel have been working with Egyptians getting casualties from Saturday's bomb blasts to hospitals in Cairo. A series of bombs went off at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh, killing 88 people and injuring many more. New Zealand has 26 personnel based in the Sinai with the multinational force. They are acting as peacekeepers, observing the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Four of the New Zealanders were in camp just a kilometre away when the first bomb went off.
Source:RNZ

Eight arrested at Caravan park sit-in.

Eight people have been arrested after police moved in to evict a group occupying Lake Hakanoa Caravan Park in Huntly. The six men and two women face a variety of charges including obstruction, trespass and threatening behaviour. The protestors claim the site is Maori customary land and say the Waikato District Council plans to sell it out from under them. The Council is bringing in security guards to make sure the protestors do not camp there again.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Hello and best wishes from New Zealand to all the folk in Joetown, WV.

Woman Saves Louisiana Man's Life.

Quick work by a Christchurch woman has saved a life, half a world away. She was involved in Internet chat with a man in Louisiana and became concerned when he said he was depressed and considering suicide. The woman rang 111 and relayed the situation to police. They in turn, contacted the Sheriff's Department in Louisiana who asked local police to attend. It turned out the man had made a suicide attempt but authorities reached him in time.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Winery Offers Dream Job.

Wanted - one foreign wine-maker's assistant. The winner of "Win a Dream Job", will become the wine-maker's right hand-man or woman at Church Road winery. The competition organisers will fly the winner and their immediate family to this country, as well as provide free accommodation and a car for 6 months while the winner discovers the fascinating world of winemaking. No previous industry knowledge is required. He says the job description is very similar to that of current employees - to assist the wine-maker during the busy harvest season. The "Win a Life" campaign two years ago, attracted around 50 families to Napier. Full competition details and an entry form will be posted at http://www.napierlife.com/dream_job.htm on September 1.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Election Confirmed For 17th Sept.

The Prime Minister has announced the country will go to the ballot box on 17th September.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Waikato Hospital short of 28 junior doctors.

Waikato Hospital is short of doctors as the usual supply of practitioners has been slowed by the British Medical Council. British doctors coming to New Zealand on short working holidays have been a traditional source of junior medical staff but council changes to its training requirements have restricted their availability. There are vacancies for 28 doctors - 23 registrars and five house officers - at Waikato Hospital and many of the positions are usually filled by the British visitors.
source:Waikato Times

Work-for-dole backed by National and NZ First.

Unemployed people in three regions will be forced into work schemes within six months if the National Party and New Zealand First get into power in the coming elections. National's welfare spokeswoman, Judith Collins, says the party's new "work for the dole" schemes will start next April in the three pilot areas, which the party is close to choosing. People aged under 25 and those who have been out of work for more than six months will be offered the options of training or work, such as planting trees, removing graffiti and patrolling the streets to catch shoplifters and kids dodging school.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Lange exhausted after visits.

Former prime minister David Lange has spent a day resting, exhausted after a string of wellwishers at his hospital bedside. Mr Lange, 62, who was prime minister from 1984 till 1989, remained in a stable but serious condition yesterday at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland, where he was admitted 10 days ago. He suffers the rare blood disorder amyloidosis, which is incurable and can be terminal.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Inaugural Blake Medalist to be announced.

Sir Peter Blake's legacy will continue tonight when the inaugural recipient of the Blake Medal is announced. Pippa Lady Blake, who is travelling to New Zealand specifically for the award, will name the winner at Government House in Wellington while the Governor General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, presents the medal. The Blake Medal, launched by the Sir Peter Blake Trust in April, will be awarded to one outstanding New Zealand leader every year, and several nominations for the award have since been received from all sectors of society.
Source:Sunday Star Times

Playcentres under threat.

The future of playcentres is looking grim because of government plans to change funding for pre-school childcare. The plans come with an emphasis on getting parents back to work, but it is bad news for playcentres which rely on parents' help. "Without the people, there's no playcentre", says New Zealand Playcentre Federation president, Robynn Kopua. About 15,800 children from more than 11,000 families attend playcentres. Kopua said the organisation was healthy but she had concerns for its future. Recently announced government changes to childcare funding will give parents 20 hours' free childcare at "community-based" centres from 2007.
Source:Sunday Star Times

Show Of Unity After Mosque Attacks.

Muslims and Christians will stand united in Auckland's Aotea Square today. A rally is being held to show solidarity against some of the backlash faced by kiwi Muslims in the aftermath of the London bombings. Six mosques in Auckland were desecrated following the July 7 underground attacks. Council of Christians and Muslims president Reverend Bruce Keeley says there is a lot of private prejudice around, which can be extremely damaging. He says the rally is an opportunity for all peace-loving people to say this sort of thing will not happen in New Zealand.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Manfeild Motorcycle Accident Investigated.

Investigations will continue today into a tragic accident at Feilding's Manfeild raceway yesterday. A 50-year-old Palmerston North man was killed and seven other riders needed hospital treatment after a double crash, one lap into the fourth Superbike Championship race. The first accident was a minor pile up of about four bikes on the back straight of the course. It was enough to stop the race, and most of the riders were sitting stationary on the grid waiting for it to start again when other riders crashed into them.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Kiwis in Iraq cut adrift.

Kiwis working in Iraq have been stripped of vital security protection in a move some fear is retribution for New Zealand's refusal to support the American-led war. But the Government disputes it has been snubbed by the United States and will not intervene. It has repeated warnings that Kiwis should not be in Iraq and that those who go should expect little help if in trouble. An estimated 1000 New Zealand civilians are helping to rebuild the war-torn nation, working in an extremely dangerous environment with suicide bombings, gunfights and kidnappings. Until this month all non-military Westerners have been protected by the American-led forces, with guaranteed medical evacuations and entry rights to military bases in emergencies. Identity cards issued by the US Defence Department also allow civilians direct passage at military checkpoints.
Source: The Dominion Post.
For full story CLICK HERE

Forgotten suitcase causes Wellington bomb alert.

A busy suburban Wellington road was closed for two hours today when a forgotten suitcase sparked a bomb alert. The unattended suitcase was found at the bus stop outside St Michael's Church on Upland Road, Kelburn, about 11.10am. The road was closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic and an army explosives team called from Trentham Army Camp in Upper Hutt to deal with the device. Senior Sergeant Matt Emery of Wellington Police told NZPA it turned out the suitcase had been forgotten by a woman who caught a bus from the stop last night.
Source: NZPA

Labour cuts Maori Party advantage.

A poll out today is expected to show the Maori Party comfortably leading Labour in the hotly contested battle for the north, but down on its earlier huge lead. Both parties are neck and neck in the party vote stakes with the election no more than two months away. The Marae-DigiPoll survey of Te Tai Tokerau electorate is the first substantial poll of Maori seats in the run-up to the election. Labour minister Dover Samuels holds the seat with a 5336 majority but is under serious threat from Maori Party candidate Hone Harawira.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Doco charts New Zealand history from the year dot.

Millions of years in the preparation, five years in the making and now weeks away, the story of New Zealand is almost ready to beam into our living rooms. A TVNZ history programme Frontier of Dreams, the biggest documentary series produced in this country for two decades, is undergoing final touches before it screens on TV One in September. It tells the story of New Zealand, from the country's birth millions of years ago to the present day, through key events, major figures and experiences. Along the way it covers natural history, geographical and social development.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Yuan revaluation looks good for NZ.

While representing a small step, economists say China's upward revaluation of its currency and adoption of a more flexible forex regime on Thursday night should ultimately benefit New Zealand's economy. Last night China announced it would no longer peg its currency to the US dollar but let it float in a tight band against a basket of foreign currencies. Massey University finance professor Lawrence Rose said Thursday night's move was "likely to increase the wealth of other nations in the Asia-Pacific region, including New Zealand and Australia".
Source: NZPA

Kiwi travellers to London cautioned.

Kiwis travelling to London are being advised further terrorist attacks "could well occur" and people should be extra vigilant on public transport. The Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry has refrained from advising New Zealanders to stay away from the city but have issued heightened precautions since the July 7 bombings. Prime Minister Helen Clark expressed sadness at the latest explosions and said her thoughts were with British prime minister Tony Blair and the London people.
Source: The Dominion Post.

TV really an idiot box, claim NZ researchers.

That television set in the corner really is an idiot box, New Zealand researchers say. A 30-year study of more than 1,000 children has found that those who watch the most TV are least likely to go to university and get a degree. Those seven percent of children who watched the box for under an hour daily were the most qualified by the time they were aged 26. "Those who watched little television had the best chance of going on to university and earning a degree," said researcher Bob Hancox, deputy director of the Dunedin Research Unit. The study, which monitored the TV habits of 1,037 children born in Dunedin in 1972 and 1973 when they were aged between five and fifteen showed they watched for an average of two hours a day.

Benefits of married parents hailed.

Damning child death rates are being blamed on an over-liberalised society. The 2005 Social Report shows the rate of child deaths by maltreatment almost doubled in the 1980s and has remained high ever since. Parenting Council spokeswoman Lesley Max says the figures are shameful and she puts them down to the demise of the nuclear family. She says there is a disturbingly high rate of child deaths in single or blended families and international studies show children have a much better chance of survival if they live with their biological parents who are married to each other. She says for too many years, the brave, new, marriage-free world has been celebrated, but it is time that view was revisited.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Poetry Winner Announced.

Vincent O'Sullivan has claimed first prize in the poetry category of this year's Montana Book Awards. His collection 'Nice Morning for it, Adam' won the judges over. In 1999 he won the poetry prize for his collection 'Seeing You Asked' and in 1994 he won an award with his novel 'Let the River Stand'. The judges describe him as an extraordinary voice in New Zealand poetry.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

David Lange in hospital and seriously ill.

David Lange is seriously ill in hospital. Mr Lange, who was prime minister from 1984 till 1989, was admitted to Middlemore Hospital in Auckland last Friday. His wife, Margaret Pope, indicated last night that he was being treated in connection with the chronic illness he has had for several years. "He's not very well. He hadn't been well for some time, and finally he got so unwell that he had to be admitted," she said. She declined to comment further. It is understood Mr Lange's condition has caused concern among his friends and former colleagues, with one source describing him as "pretty frail".
Source: The Dominion Post.

Dairy owner throws pineapple lumps at armed robber.

A dairy owner threw a packet of pineapple lumps at a masked gunman who demanded money last night during the Western Bay of Plenty's sixth aggravated robbery in as many weeks. A robber brandishing a pistol and wearing black clothing and a mask burst into the Viking Dairy on Otumoetai Rd about 6pm. "He had a gun pointed at me and asked for money. I told him no. He asked a second time and I said no again," said the owner, who did not want to be named for fear of being attacked again. "I threw a bag of $2 pineapple lumps at him as he was running out the door." "I was really surprised. Usually people come in and buy cigarettes. You don't expect them to point a gun at you," the dairy owner said.
The raider left empty-handed.
Source: NZPA

NZ to lodge diplomatic protest against China's support for Zimbabwe.

New Zealand will lodge a diplomatic protest with China over its support for Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe. Our correspondent in Auckland, Gillian Bradford, says Mr Mugabe is heading to the Chinese capital, Beijing, at the weekend. New Zealand's foreign minister, Phil Goff, says Mr Mugabe should not be welcomed in other countries. Mr Goff has asked his country's embassy in Beijing to formally object to Mr Mugabe's visit. Zimbabwe is believed to be seeking funds to buy oil.China has been previously given Zimbabwe interest free loans and military equipment.
ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia

Apple growers cutting their losses.

Thousands of apple trees are being felled by frustrated growers, who say it is just not worth growing the fruit. Prices have been plummeting for two years, and many are now desperate to cut their losses. "Some of it is about the exchange rate at the moment, but there are other things too we don't have any control of. These things being increased compliance costs, a worldwide over supply and the effects of deregulation. Looming on the horizon is the worry that China will further flood the world market as it's apple production soars.
Source: One News

Police cars found to be without WOF.

Police are investigating more than 150 cars of their fleet which have had expired Warrant of Fitnesses in the past six months. Following a One News investigation, Police National Headquarters has confirmed at least one patrol car was being used unwarranted on the roads for more than two months, and they're now checking others. In one example a squad car assigned to Takapuna staff and used for inquiries, has for two months and two weeks been actively used on the roads illegally with no warrant.
Source:OneNews

Report says "brain drain" a myth.

A new report from the Ministry of Social Development suggests that there is no such thing as New Zealand's supposed "brain drain". The report says graduates who leave are being replaced by educated immigrants, and more New Zealanders are getting a tertiary education. "If the brain drain was significantly bigger than the flow in, you'd see the educational attainment of the adult population erode over time, and in fact that's not what you'd see if you look at the figures," says Conal Smith of the Ministry of Social Development. In 1999, two thirds of 25 to 64 year-olds had a high school qualification - now almost 80% have one. There are also more people with university degrees - up from eight to 16%.
SOURCE:OneNews

New Zealanders getting fatter, report shows.

A snapshot of New Zealand shows people are getting fatter and there is greater income equality and voter apathy. The Government's 2005 Social Report reveals New Zealanders are wealthier and healthier with longer life expectancy, fewer suicides and more education. But 21 per cent of adults are now classed as obese, which project manager Conal Smith puts down to cheaper access to high-calorie foods. The report, an annual publication, is a score card which shows how New Zealand is faring compared with the other developed countries.
NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB

The creeping cost of indirect taxes.

In 1999, indirect taxes netted the Government $11.7 billion. In the year to June 2006, $15 billion in indirect taxes is forecast to be collected. That doesn't include ACC and other levies, which are forecast to add another $3.2 billion. Over the last five years under Labour many indirect taxes - with the important exception of GST - have increased. New levies and charges have also been introduced, with one significant tax - the carbon charge - due to take effect on April 1, 2007 and cost households an estimated $200 a year.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

'Haunted' cave opens again to sightseers.

A large cave network at Waitomo, which has been closed to the public for 18 years, is about to reopen next week with a new 15m deep, manmade entranceway. Visitors to Ruakuri, near the existing Waitomo Caves, will be able to walk down a spiral staircase and through a tunnel to views of glowworms and stalactite formations. The original entrance remains closed to protect Maori burial grounds. Prime Minister Helen Clark will officially open Ruakuri next Thursday. The cave was closed after land disputes between the Holden family, who own the land, and Government.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

PM accidentally hit by snowball.

The Prime Minister was hit by a snowball while opening a new chairlift at Treble Cone ski area yesterday. Inspector Bruce Blayney of the Diplomatic Protection Squad says a young man threw the relatively small snowball, hitting Helen Clark on the back. She appeared not to notice. Mr Blayney says the man was not being malicious, but simply a case of misguided high spirits, and he has been spoken to by police.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Jobless benefit numbers at lowest point in 19 years.

The number of unemployment beneficiaries has dropped to a 19-year low, according to the latest Work and Income figures. There were 50,037 people on the unemployment benefit in June 2005, a 26 per cent decrease since the same time last year. Numbers on the domestic purposes benefit also dropped 3 per cent. However, more people are claiming sickness and invalids benefits, with a 3 per cent increase since last year.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Chris Lewis quits NZ tennis.

It is official, after much speculation - Chris Lewis is quitting the New Zealand tennis scene. Lewis has decided not to renew his contract with Auckland tennis at the end of the year, and will head off to live in Southern California. However, his brother Mark Lewis will remain, and will continue to head up the Auckland coaching programme.
source:Newstalkzb

Massive Fire In Central Dunedin.

A massive fire in Dunedin's inner city has injured several people and caused traffic chaos. The blaze began at Bracken Court and Investment House in Moray Place at around three this afternoon, with roaring flames and billowing smoke pouring from the building. The Blaze has now spread to a third building. Three firefighters are in hospital with burns, but their injuries are not life threatening. A number of other people are reported to have been injured.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Cricket-The draw is made for the 2007 World Cup.

New Zealand should be guaranteed at least a quarter-final or group 8 spot at the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies. The Black Caps will play their pool three matches in St Lucia against England, Kenya and Canada. New Zealand plays its first match against England on March 16 while defending champion Australia meets Scotland on March 14 in St Kitts.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

NZ set to join the space race.

New Zealand's first space vehicle, KiwiSat, is closer to lift-off after significant design improvements by Massey University's amateur scientists building the satellite. KiwiSat is only slightly larger than a basketball and on completion will be launched into space attached to a Russian satellite. Once launched it is hoped the satellite will connect with global amateur radio stations and collect data. The development of the satellite was going well and he expected it to be ready to launch in about two years. The satellite will hitch a lift on the back of a much bigger Russian satellite worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and orbit about 800km above the Earth.
Source: NZPA

University staff start two weeks of industrial action.

Nearly 7000 university staff walked off the job today, marking the start of industrial action set to continue for two weeks. Most staff from the six universities that are involved in the strike are members of the Association of University Staff (AUS) and Public Service Association (PSA). AUS general secretary Helen Kelly told NZPA that there will be a full day of striking today and August 4, as well as a series of "rolling stoppages" of which students will get very little notice
Source: NZPA
For full story CLICK HERE

Union wage rises at 14-year high.

Union pay agreements are at a 14-year high but wage growth is barely keeping pace with inflation, a Victoria University of Wellington study has revealed. Pay for New Zealand workers on collective contracts rose an average 2.8 per cent in the year to June, the study by the university's industrial relations centre found. It was higher than the average 2.2 per cent and was the biggest annual increase since the early 1990s. But the increases were modest given low unemployment, high growth and the demand for skilled labour, human resource and industrial relations professor George Lafferty said.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Parents want male teachers for boys.

Parents are asking primary and intermediate schools to put their children in male-taught classrooms amid fears they are missing out on positive male role models. Education Ministry figures show there are just 355 male primary and intermediate school teachers in the Bay of Plenty compared with 1464 female -- meaning males are outnumbered four to one. Parents Inc -- an organisation encouraging good parenting skills -- includes advice in its seminars urging solo mothers to request male teachers for their young boys.
source:Bay of Plenty Times
For full story CLICK HERE

National parks worth millions.

New Zealand's national parks pump millions of dollars into the economy each year, according to a new study. The study, commissioned by the Department of Conservation, shows the Abel Tasman National Park and Marlborough's Queen Charlotte track generate $54 million a year. National parks on the South Island's West Coast generated $220 million
Source:RNZ

We really are proud to be Kiwis.

A new study suggests most New Zealanders are happy to be Kiwis. The 2005 New Zealand Values Survey conducted by the Shore Centre , shows almost 70% of those questioned are very proud to be New Zealanders. Seventy eight percent are committed to staying in New Zealand for the rest of their lives. The centre's director Professor Sally Casswell said most people see New Zealand's health and education systems as reasons to stay, rating them as more important than possible earnings. Casswell said the survey investigates people's views on political, social and moral issues and is carried out in about 60 countries around the world.
Source:RNZ

Service for Kiwi bomb victim.

A memorial service will be held for New Zealand bomb victim Shelley Mather in London on Wednesday. Ms Mather, 26, will be remembered at a service on Wednesday morning (Tuesday 4pm London time) at St Pancras Church in Euston Road, just hours before a coroner's inquest is due to start. London's metropolitan police confirmed yesterday that Ms Mather was one of the 55 known victims. Details of a New Zealand memorial service are still to be confirmed. Messages of support can be sent to the New Zealand high commission in London using the email address: messages@newzealandhc.org.uk and will be passed on to the family. A condolence book for Ms Mather will also be available for signing in the commission's main foyer till July 22. Ms Mather had been living and working in London for the past three years and was on the train that exploded between King's Cross and Russell Square stations
Source: The Dominion Post.

New free trade agreement spans Pacific and Asia.

A free trade agreement between New Zealand, Singapore, Chile and Brunei was signed in Parliament today. Prime Minister Helen Clark, who hosted the signing ceremony, said it was the first multi-country agreement spanning the Pacific and Asia and would liberalise trade between the four countries from January 1 next year. New Zealand already has a free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore, and the two other countries are joining it. The four countries have a combined Gross Domestic Product of about $400 billion, and the trade flow between them is worth more than $2.5 billion a year.
Source: NZPA

Union Baffled By Surplus Teacher Claims.

The primary teachers union is refuting the National Party's claim there are too many trained primary teachers who cannot get jobs. National's education spokesman Bill English says 50 per cent of the 2002 primary graduates have yet to find a teaching post. He says only 56 per cent of 2000 graduates had found work by the end of last year.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Harry Potter OK'ed For Catholics.

The Catholic Church is moving to set the record straight over its view of the Harry Potter books. When he was still a Cardinal, Pope Benedict wrote that the books subtly seduce young readers and distort Christianity. But New Zealand Catholic Church spokeswoman Lyndsay Freer says there is some question over the validity of the letter. She says more importantly, Vatican cultural advisors feel the book is not a theological work and is just plain children's literature. Ms Freer says it's wonderful children are being encouraged to read, and the Potter books are no different from the likes of Grimms' Fairy Tales and Star Wars.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Govt announces tertiary overhaul.

The government has announced an overhaul of tertiary education in the wake of funding blowouts on courses considered to be of low educational value. Education Minister Trevor Mallard says funding will be shifted from low quality programmes, such as twilight golfing, into areas like apprenticeship training and adult education. The crackdown comes after embarrassment over low quality courses. In some case polytechs simply signed up students and received public funding regardless of the quality of their training.
Source:One News

NZ Vegetable boycott call.

Australia's Agriculture Minister is calling on his countrymen to boycott New Zealand vegetables. Peter McGuaran's call come as farmers drive their tractors into Melbourne as part of a month long protest over supermarkets and fast food chains switching to cheaper foreign produce. The protest was sparked by McDonalds' decision to dump its Tasmanian suppliers in favour of cheaper New Zealand potatoes. He says what is needed is for Australians to buy Australian products first - though he adds the rider "if they can afford it".
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Finger painting record set.

More than 2,000 children in the lower North Island have set a world record for finger painting. Youngsters from as far away as Napier stormed the Porirua Recreation Centre yesterday to splash paint on a giant piece of canvass. They produced an 850 square-metre finger painting, taking the title from a group of Vietnamese children, who set the record just six weeks ago. The event was part of television's What Now show and was filmed live over two-hours.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Parties pitch to Chinese.

New Zealand's Chinese community has sent a strong message to politicians: they will not be ignored this election. The community held its first large- scale political debate in Mt Albert yesterday. Organised by 22 Chinese media outlets, it was broadcast live on radio and highlights will also screen on Chinese TV. About 600 people heard representatives from seven political parties pitch for the Chinese vote.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

US sends top-level official on rare visit.

The Government is preparing to host a fleeting visit by a high-ranking member of the Bush Cabinet. Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton revealed last night that his United States counterpart - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns - will visit New Zealand late next month. "It will be the first full Cabinet-ranked visit since the 1999 election - of course I will be very, very pleased to have him." Confirmation of the visit comes just 10 days after outgoing US Ambassador Charles Swindells warned the bilateral relationship was "starved of trust" and drifting backwards. Mr Swindells' speech was designed to create a platform for post-election talks irrespective of whether it is Prime Minister Helen Clark or National's Don Brash that leads the next government.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

More jobs soon for teaching graduates - Mallard.

Primary school teachers will be in greater demand when non-contact time provisions start later this year, Education Minister Trevor Mallard says. National Party education spokesman Bill English has criticised the Government for spending money training primary school teachers who were not getting jobs. He said Education Ministry figures showed that only 56 per cent of primary teaching graduates from 2000 had found work by 2004. Of those graduating in 2002, half had yet to find work.
Source: NZPA

Pauanui isolated; SH25 closed.

Flood damage is mounting in the Coromandel and it is still raining. The township of Pauanui is completely isolated this afternoon (Sunday). A culvert on one of the main streets has been washed away and State Highway 25 near Hikuai is closed.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

It's our turn now !!

werenotafraid
Go to this website to register your support against terrorism.
CLICK HERE

Britten bike's history in doubt.

Questions have been raised about the history of Te Papa's Britten V-1000 motorcycle following suggestions it is not the record-breaking machine the museum believes it has. Te Papa has spoken to representatives from the Britten Motorcycle Company, seeking assurance the bike has the history that was claimed at the time of sale. Former Britten team members have said that the bike's inventor, John Britten, delivered to the museum a modified motorcycle and not the one agreed on. Only 10 Britten bikes were made before Britten's death. Te Papa spokesman Paul Brewer said the museum owns the bike which broke four world speed records and won the New Zealand Grand Prix. It is understood the museum paid about $US100,000 (about $150,000 at today's rates) for it.
Source:The Sunday Star Times

Kiwis' cars growing with petrol prices.

Motorists are being warned to consider the fuel efficiency of the next vehicle they buy, but there is little sign high petrol prices will stop our love affair with cars. International demand for oil has never been higher and continues to grow. In New Zealand, 2400 extra cars every week fill up their tanks. Last week petrol went up 3c a litre, taking it to a 10-year high, but there is no indication motorists are moving away from gas-guzzling cars. Motor Trade Association dealer services manager Tony Everett said sales figures for new cars showed SUVs were the biggest-selling class last month, and over the past year accounted for 22% of the market, up from 17% the year before.
Source: The Sunday Star Times

Flooding in Coromandel area closes roads.

Flooding is wreaking havoc in the Coromandel this morning. Several motorists have been rescued from their cars after being stranded by water, and a number of roads on the peninsula are closed. MetService forecaster Erick Brenstrum says a strong easterly flow has brought a burst of intense rain to the area. Karangahake Gorge is closed because of the flooding. State Highway 25 at Hikuai is also closed at the junction with Morrison Road.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Little Progress To Free Up Trade.

Trade liberalisation talks in China have failed to make substantial progress. Trade Minister Jim Sutton is returning from the World Trade Organisation meeting in Dalian, disappointed about the outcome. Mr Sutton says the industrial nations have avoided all the tough decisions and will only put forward deals which offer very little for trade liberalisation and development. He says New Zealand is anxious to free up trade particularly in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Clark Says Nuclear Policy Stays.

The Government has no plans to amend anti-nuclear legislation any time soon, according to Prime Minister Helen Clark. Departing US ambassador Charles Swindells has lamented the fact that New Zealand and America continue to drift apart over the policy. Miss Clark believes it is time the US started judging New Zealand on its efforts against terrorism, not just its anti-nuclear policy. She says New Zealand has bent over backwards to be a very good friend, including making one of the highest per capita contributions to the US-lead campaign against terrorism. Dr Brash says he would only change New Zealand's anti-nuclear legislation if he had a mandate through a referendum.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Govt Boosts Island Trust Funds.

The Government is putting $15 million into the trust funds of Niue and Tokelau. Aid Minister Marian Hobbs says the two will get half each. She says the funds are designed to provide long-term reliable income streams for the islands and gradually lessen their dependence on outside assistance. Ms Hobbs says it is important for the Government to make hefty contributions early on so the trust funds can start delivering returns as soon as possible. The money will take Niue's pot to around $17 million and Tokelau's will increase to $15 million.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Angry Catholic bishops call for Canwest boycott.

Incensed by television channel C4's continued broadcasting of the cartoon Popetown, New Zealand's Catholic bishops are calling on the nearly 500,000 New Zealand Catholics to boycott not just C4 but its Canwest stablemates TV3 and several radio stations . C4 launched Popetown on June 8 despite the programme's developers, Britain's BBC, deciding it was too risky even for its more offbeat BBC3 station. The Catholic Church in New Zealand has repeatedly condemned the programme. New Zealand bishops were calling on the almost half a million Catholic New Zealanders to boycott all Canwest stations and its advertisers.
Source: NZPA

Thousands expected at march.

Organisers are expecting thousands of people to take part in a protest march in Auckland today against the Zimbabwe cricket tour. Global Peace and Justice spokesman John Minto says the march down Queen Street at midday is an opportunity for average New Zealanders to pressure the government into action. He says people are travelling from Hamilton and Whangarei to take part.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Reality crime show host caught in shop theft.

The host of TV2 programme To Catch A Thief was caught stealing at the time the show was being filmed. Veronica Jacomb pleaded guilty in the Auckland District Court to stealing a camera valued at $900. The reality programme promotes Jacomb, 28, as a reformed thief who has turned her back on crime for solid work. Yet Jacomb appeared in court on April 29 in the final days of filming and just a few weeks before the show went to air. The producer of the Screentime programme said yesterday that she was "devastated" to learn of the conviction, which had been kept from the production company by Jacomb.
Source: NZPA

Just dessert as NZ claims pavlova.

New Zealand has stolen a march over Australia in the bunfight over who invented the pavlova. Research by Professor Helen Leach, of the University of Otago's anthropology department, has uncovered a 1929 pavlova recipe, published under a pseudonym, in a New Zealand rural magazine. A 1933 recipe has also turned up in the Rangiora Mothers' Union cookery book submitted by Laurina Stevens as Mrs W H Stevens, of Rangiora. The Australians have long claimed the light and fluffy meringue dessert as their own - based on a cake Bert Sachse baked at Perth's Esplanade Hotel in 1935. New Zealanders say no - their grandparents were scoffing pavlovas much earlier. Leach said her copy of the Rangiora book had the correct name, with the correct ingredients and correct method for cooking the pavlova cake, which was named after famed Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who toured Australia and New Zealand in 1926.
Source: The Press

National surges to 5pt lead.

National has surged to a 5-point lead over Labour in a Fairfax New Zealand/ACNielsen poll as the mood for change hardens. A dramatic 7-point swing in National's favour has come at Labour's expense, with today's poll for The Dominion Post recording a drop in its support of 5 percentage points from last month's Fairfax/ACNielsen poll. National drew 42 per cent support, compared with 38 per cent this time last month. Labour is on 37 per cent, down from 40. National's surge in the poll has come on the back of a rise in the popularity of leader Don Brash, who has made big inroads into Helen Clark's hold as preferred prime minister.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Trawlers have to use bird-scaring lines.

Trawlers fishing in New Zealand's central and southern waters will have to use bird-scaring lines to reduce the number of seabird deaths, Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope said yesterday. "This is an immediate measure designed to reduce seabird deaths as quickly as possible," he said. The Government announced in May it was going to regulate and enforce the introduction of bird-scaring devices.
Source: NZPA

Kiwi London bombing victim named.

The Kiwi who died in the London bombings was named last night as Shelley Marie Mather, 26, who had been living and working in the city for three years. The Kiwi who died in the London bombings was named last night as Shelley Marie Mather, 26, who had been living and working in the city for three years. Details of arrangements for a memorial service in New Zealand would be given at a later date.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Schools ringed by unhealthy ads.

Secondary school students are surrounded by advertising for unhealthy foods, a University of Otago study has found. The pilot study by medical student Anthony Maher discovered advertising for high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt foods make up 70 per cent of all outdoor food advertising within walking distance of 10 secondary schools. The finding, to be published in the latest edition of the New Zealand Medical Journal, has one anti-obesity lobby group calling for regulations on outdoor advertising.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Condoms used to woo young voters.

Enterprising young Labour Party supporters at Auckland University have come up with an unusual advertising device - the condom. Young Labour is giving out condoms with the slogan "Be safe with Labour" and on the other side "Don't get screwed by National". The group will give away 1000 of the advertisements to students during the university's mid-year orientation events next week. Young Labour president Conor Roberts described the condoms as "mini-billboards"
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Lions fans spent $34m on credit cards.

Lions fans racked up over $34 million on their credit cards during the six-week tour of New Zealand. Eftpos firm Paymark, whose network accounts for about 80 per cent of all electronic transactions in New Zealand, recorded over 250,000 transactions from United Kingdom credit cards during the tour period. The tourists clocked up 40,000 transactions worth an average of $800,000 per day in June and the first two weeks of July. Source: NZPA

Orion leaves Whenuapai to search for overdue Trimaran.

An air force Orion left Whenuapai at 6am today to start searching for a trimaran that has not been heard from for five weeks. The trimaran Manoah is more than two weeks overdue on a voyage from Nelson to Rarotonga. The Rescue Co-ordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) fears it may have been damaged in storms and be adrift in the South Pacific. The 12.6m Manoah has not been seen since Australian skipper Gary Cull and his Nelson partner Verona Hunt sailed from Nelson on June 8. It was last heard from on June 9 when they sent a text message from the trimaran somewhere off the coast of Wellington.
Source: NZPA

Aid backlog concerns but does not surprise Govt.

The Government is concerned by almost five hundred containers of aid aimed at tsunami victims still sitting on an Indonesian dock, but says it is not surprised. About 470 containers of aid are still sitting at the Sumatran port of Medan – some of them resting there for several months, The Dominion Post reported today. About 300 of them have been cleared by Indonesian customs, but have not yet been picked up by their aid agency owners. Until recently the backlog ran as high as 1500 containers, the newspaper reported. The New Zealand Government contributed $19 million in tsunami relief directly to major aid agencies among those with containers still sitting on the dock. The money was a dollar-for-dollar match of private donations to agencies like Red Cross, Unicef and Oxfam
Source: NZPA

Caithness artist dies in balcony fall in New Zealand.

A SCOTS artist whose work was collected by the late Queen Mother has died in a freak accident in New Zealand. Seonaidh Mann-Pittams, 43, fell over a mezzanine balcony at a private aircraft hangar while socialising with friends early last Saturday. Police say she suffered extensive head injuries and never regained consciousness. She died at Tauranga Hospital later the same day.

Govt Aims To Pluck Illegal Workers.

The Labour Department is rejecting a call by vineyard contractors to grant amnesty to illegal workers pruning vines in Marlborough. The department estimates there are more than 20,000 people working illegally. The Department of Labour says it will continue to remove illegal people.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Hydro electric storage levels fall.

Storage levels are continuing to fall in the country's hydro electric generating lakes, with lake inflows also at low levels. Storage is currently at 82 percent of capacity. Meanwhile inflows into the lakes have tailed off after a mid-June spike. They remain at below average levels and are similar to those recorded during the electricity crisis of 1992.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

NZ swim team in Tennessee.

The New Zealand swimming team has arrived in Tennessee to start final preparations for the World Championships in Montreal in two weeks' time. Coaching Director Clive Rushton is extremely happy with the facilities available. He believes they will provide a useful training venue as the squad builds up. Rushton says they have been at the University pool for 24 hours, with the team settling in well. He says all the swimmers are fit and fully prepared for the Tennessee camp, as well as the world championships.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Petrol price up again.

Motorists face another kick in the hip pocket with all the major petrol companies lifting their prices 3c. BP was the first to move yesterday, raising the cost of a litre of 91-octane petrol to 134.9c and 96-octane to 139.9c. Mobil, Shell and Caltex have all followed suit. It is believed the price rise, following other rises and the imposition of a higher ACC levy recently, mean that petrol in New Zealand is at a 10-year high.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Nearly 50,000 immigrants granted residency in past year.

The Government met its immigration target for the 2004/05 year and will keep it at 45,000 for 2005/06, Immigration Minister Paul Swain said today. Mr Swain said 48,815 people were granted residency in 2004/05, with 29,826 coming in under the skilled/business category. "While the Government is investing heavily to give New Zealanders skills training, low unemployment and skill shortages mean that immigration is one of the ways employers find the skilled people they need," he said. "We are attracting quality migrants including teachers, nurses, tradespeople and IT professionals." He said 87 per cent had a skilled job or job offer at the time they were granted residence.
Source: NZPA

Thousands of Lions fans seek info on living in NZ.

Thousands of smitten British and Irish Lions supporters are looking into making their New Zealand holiday permanent. The Department of Labour has recorded more than 3000 hits from tourists on a website offering the rugby fans information on living and working in New Zealand "The number of visits to the website to date is an outstanding response, given these people are here on holiday. We hope that some of them will take us up on our offer and migrate here, but at the moment it's too early to tell," he said. Department figures show 29,000 tourists from Britain and Ireland arrived in New Zealand last month, more than twice the number recorded in June last year.
Source: The Press

Call to boost NZ's 'stretched' armed forces.

New Zealand's armed forces are unable to sustain their present level of activity within existing resources, the chief of defence says. "We do not have the resources to sustain what we are doing today. Speaking at the Returned and Services Association national conference in Wellington, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson said New Zealand's armed services were stretched by deployments to trouble spots, including Afghanistan, Bosnia, the Sinai, Bougainville and East Timor. Three personnel were about to join a United Nations mission in Sudan.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Bay orchardists in crisis, ready to sell and get out.

The average Hawke's Bay pipfruit grower came up short to the tune of almost $150,000 last year and with 2005 shaping up to be another year of shocking returns, a new industry report says many orchardists could throw in the towe Initially due for release in May, the annual Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Pipfruit Monitoring Report was held back until last week because of concerns the dim findings could further dent the rock-bottom prices New Zealand apples are fetching overseas. Hawke's Bay apples make up more than 50 percent of this country's export business and the report predicts the downturn in the $300 million industry could have a more wide-reaching impact on the local economy.
source:Hawkes Bay Today

Flying Kiwis better sidecar speed record.

Two Christchurch racers bettered the sidecar world land-speed record yesterday. Glenn Hayward broke the record by 50.5kmh and Flying Kiwi team leader Phil Garrett, who started the project, broke it by 42.3kmh on a second run Hayward reached an average speed of 272.537kmh, measured between laser timers on the Chertsey Kyle Road, near Ashburton. The old 1000cc record of 222kmh was set in 1986 by an English rider.
Source: The Press

Stewart Island gets its millions.

It has been three years coming but the Government yesterday delivered on a promise it made to Stewart Islanders when the Rakiura National Park was created. The Government will be contributing $2.5 million towards infrastructure costs associated with the establishment of the park. Conservation Minister Chris Carter came to Invercargill to announce the package, which so pleased Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno she gave him a kiss. Former Conservation Minister Sandra Lee had promised the Government would help with infrastructure costs when she opened the park in 2002. Mrs Cardno said yesterday it was great to see that promise finally fulfilled.
source: The Southland Times

Restaurant gets abusive calls after serving horse.

A restaurant which served horse has drawn loud objections from some quarters. Canvas restaurateur David Kerr received abusive phone calls in the wake of a story on Monday publicising his "Mr Ed is Dead" horse dish entry in this year's Monteith's Wild Food Challenge. "It was pretty lively and disgusting and not comforting for the staff," Mr Kerr said. "There was swearing, cursing, horrible language and it prompted a call to the police."
Source: NZPA

Polytech in strife after Government crackdown on offbeat courses.

The polytechnic that offered controversial tutoring in twilight golf and personal grooming is in financial strife as a result of the Government's crackdown on dubious courses. Gisborne's Tairawhiti Polytechnic yesterday released its 2004 annual report which showed it finished the year $3.37 million in deficit. In 2003 the polytechnic had a profit of $9.9 million and it had been forecasting a profit of $4.2 million for last year. The polytechnic was one the tertiary institutions caught in the Government's crackdown last year on community education courses after spending on the courses ballooned from $16 million in 2000 to about $115 million in 2004.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Remand Prison Reverts To Govt Control.

Management of the Auckland Central Remand Prison reverts to the government today, in a move away from privately run prisons. Department of Corrections CEO Barry Matthews says the government has decided only it should have the power to incarcerate people. He says the department has worked with GEO NZ Limited, which has managed the prison since it was opened five years ago, to ensure a smooth transition of management. But National's law and order spokesman Tony Ryall claims the government will waste $8 million a year, as it has budgeted $20 million to run the prison when the private managers were able to do it for about $12 million annually.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Brass Band Marches Into Third.

New Zealand has come third at the inaugural World Brass Band Championship in the Netherlands. Music director David Gallaher is delighted with the achievement. He says the band gave a stunning world class performance and received standing ovations. The championship was won by Switzerland and second place went to Belgium.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Mosque to install security cameras.

One of the Auckland mosques attacked on Sunday night will be fitted with security cameras. Faruk Khan, president of the South Auckland Muslim Association, said the mosque had been planning to install the cameras for several months but the recent events meant they would be installed in the next couple of days. Vandals smashed windows and doors of mosques in Ponsonby, Mt Roskill, Blockhouse Bay, Ranui and two in Otahuhu on Sunday. They defaced walls facing the street in large black letters with variations of "RIP London", in apparent retaliation for the London bombings.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Families to get soldiers' awards.

War medals and awards will be presented to the families of five soldiers who were executed for mutiny and desertion during World War 1 but pardoned by Parliament in 2000. Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday that research had shown the five soldiers would have been eligible for medals, certificates and medallions. She said the Government planned to present the awards to next of kin at ceremonies in Wellington and Canberra this year.
Source: NZPA

Zimbabwe's first black cricketer calls for tour to be cancelled.

Zimbabwe's first black test cricketer, Henry Olonga, said today the situation in his country should be seen in the same light as apartheid was in South Africa. Olonga arrived in New Zealand today to support the Green Party's campaign to stop the Black Caps tour of Zimbabwe, due to start early next month. "I personally believe it shouldn't go ahead simply because what is happening to people in Zimbabwe is just terrible," he said. "This is a government that has consistently abused its own people." Olonga left Zimbabwe in 2003 after wearing a black armband during a World Cup match to mourn the end of democracy in his country.
Source: NZPA

Turia criticised over vaccination stance.

Health Minister Annette King and Labour MP Mita Ririnui have accused Maori Party leader Tariana Turia of using the meningococcal vaccination programme to score political points. Mrs Turia told an Auckland newspaper she was not going to have her grandchildren vaccinated against the deadly virus because the vaccine had not been properly tested and the epidemic had peaked. She said the disease was associated with overcrowding, and the Government should do something about providing better housing. Ms King said she was "incredibly disappointed" because Mrs Turia had been her associate minister of health and was present when the decision was made to fund the vaccination programme.
Source: NZPA

NZ Job Ad Numbers Fall Again.

New Zealand job advertising fell 0.2 percent in June for the second month in a row adding to signs of an economic slowdown, an ANZ Bank report showed on Tuesday. Job advertisements placed in newspapers fell 0.3 percent compared with May, outweighing a 0.1 percent increase in Internet-based advertising, ANZ economist Steve Edwards said. "It's further evidence of the slowing economy," Edwards said. Combined advertisments fell 0.8 percent in May after marking a rise of 2.5 percent in April to a record high 50,333.
©2005 Xtra Limited

Greenhouse gas output skyrockets.

Greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation have skyrocketed since 1990, the latest New Zealand figures show. Based on current calculations, New Zealand is facing a bill of between $500 million and $1.2 billion if it fails to reduce greenhouse gases in line with its Kyoto Protocol commitments. Overall emissions have risen more than 22 per cent since 1990 - the year used as a benchmark - with the greatest gains coming from the energy sector, the government figures show. Emissions from public electricity generation increased 84 per cent between 1990 and 2003, while emissions from transport (petrol and diesel) increased 61 per cent.
Source: The Press

Race Commissioner condemns mosque attacks.

Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres has joined the chorus deploring the "unwarranted" attack of mosques in the weekend and has urged New Zealanders to send messages of support to the stunned Muslim community. The anti-Muslim backlash feared worldwide following the London bombings surfaced in Auckland on Sunday morning as six mosques were desecrated. Mr de Bres said the attacks were unwarranted and asked New Zealanders to support the New Zealand Islamic community. "Leaders of the Muslim community in New Zealand have utterly condemned the London bombings and made it clear that such actions cannot be justified in terms of their religion," he said.
Source: NZPA

Housing Market Continues To Rise.

The housing market continues to go from strength to strength, against expectations. Latest figures from Quotable Value New Zealand show a 14.2 percent increase in values on the same time last year. First home buyers have been waiting for the predicted plateau with slowing net migration and higher interest rates, however declining residential property values have still failed to eventuate. Values are increasing right across New Zealand with only Nelson experiencing a slight decline. The regions are leading the way with 23.6 percent growth in Hamilton and 22.1 percent in Dunedin, which is catching up with the boom of 18 months ago.
©2005 Xtra Limited

Holmes big failure at 6pm.

TV network Prime has paid the ultimate price for moving Paul Holmes to 6pm, with fewer viewers than its predecessor The Price is Right, as its ratings free-fall continues. Since moving to 6pm, Holmes has pulled in an average of 28,700 viewers aged five and over a night, compared with 51,000 when it screened at 7pm. The gameshow The Price is Right, which screened till June 3, rated an average of 41,000 for its last four weeks. Media commentators say Holmes' show will be unable to recoup its losses and only a big revamp, such as a late-night Larry King-style show, would save it.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Customary fishing rules tightened.

Maori sovereignty groups and others that issue customary fishing permits without authority will face $10,000 fines under new penalties aimed at poachers. Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope said yesterday that the Government would bring in new offences under regulation 27, which controls customary fishing, after a 15-month investigation into alleged abuses. The $10,000 fines would apply to people who issued regulation 27 permits – which waive size and catch limits – without authority or for fisheries outside their area. New offences would also be created for authorised agents who issued permits retrospectively or made "consistent and material" errors and kept bad records.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Kiwi boy killed by falling statue in Bali.

A Clyde family is in mourning after their five-year-old son was killed when an ornamental statue fell on him in a freak accident at a Bali hotel on Friday. Jack Hogg was on holiday with his parents, Karen and Don Hogg, in Sanur, 20 minutes from the holiday island's capital of Kuta, when he was crushed by the stone statue in the garden of the Segara Village hotel. Moments before the tragedy, the Clyde Primary School pupil was playing hide and seek with his dad. Mrs Hogg said he had just begun to climb the statue, which was about the same size as the boy, when it fell on him. "It was just an absolutely tragic accident, like the death of the little girl in Vanuatu who was attacked by the shark," Mrs Hogg said.
Source: NZPA

Prince William wins old soldiers' hearts.

About 500 people came to watch Prince William lay a wreath at Auckland's Cenotaph in a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, his last official duty on the final day of his 11-day visit to New Zealand. The tour, used to ease the prince into the duties of public life, is considered to have been a success. The prince certainly looked 100 per cent the royal representative as he inspected the naval guard yesterday and then stood with his head bowed at the foot of the Cenotaph.
Source: The Dominion Post.

NZ woman feared dead in London blast.

A young Kiwi woman is among more than 25 people still missing and presumed dead in the aftermath of the London bombings. The woman's parents last night flew to Britain in search of their daughter, as the death toll continued to climb above 50. There were tearful scenes at Auckland Airport as they left the country on a direct Air New Zealand flight to London, as a small group of distraught supporters hugged each other and cried. The woman is believed to be in her 20s and working in London. It is understood she has an Irish passport but has dual citizenship.
HERALD ON SUNDAY

Mitterand authorised Rainbow Warrior bombing.

Documents published in France suggest the country's late president Francois Mitterand personally authorised the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. The respected newspaper Le Monde has published extracts of French security service reports written in 1986. They show that Mitterand knew of and approved the plan to destroy the vessel in Auckland Harbour. France's Defence Minister of the time wrote of his president's determination to press ahead with nuclear tests, which the Greenpeace ship was protesting against.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Extra precautions taken by DPS.

The Diplomatic Protection Squad in New Zealand is on heightened alert in the wake of the London bombings. Diplomatic Protection squad chief Bruce Blayney won't reveal details of what additional measures are in place. He says extra precautions are being taken and the squad is re-evaluating its resources to ensure greater protection for diplomats in New Zealand. He says they do not want New Zealand to be seen as a soft target.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Blacks Ferns claim Canada Cup.

The New Zealand women's rugby team convincingly won the Canada Cup in Ottawa today (NZ time) hammering the hosts 32-5.
Source: NZPA

Most NZers proud to be Kiwi - survey.

The majority of New Zealanders are proud to be Kiwi and want to live in New Zealand for the rest of their lives, a new survey has found. Of almost 2500 people over the age of 18 asked in a random telephone survey, nearly 70 per cent said they were very proud and one-quarter said they were quite proud to be a New Zealander. A good public health system topped a list of eight factors in their decision with 96 per cent considering it was important. A high quality natural environment was second, considered by 94 per cent, and a good work/life balance and good education for children were factors for 93 per cent. A low crime rate was a factor for 92 per cent of those committed to staying in New Zealand, 82 per cent deemed high employment important, while low poverty and possible earnings were a factor for 79 and 77 per cent of respondents respectively.
Source: NZPA

Rugby-All Blacks sweep Lions.

All Blacks 38 - Lions 19
The Lions completed their disappointing rugby tour of New Zealand in all-too familiar style, going down 38-19 to the All Blacks in the third test at Eden Park tonight. In a game that bore similarities to last weekend's second test, the All Blacks had too much pace and finishing power, scoring five tries to one to secure a one-sided series 3-0. It was the All Blacks' third series clean sweep of the Lions, following the feats of their 1966 and 1983 predecessors, although their performance tonight was slightly less convincing than the first two tests, possibly because the series was already clinched.
Source: NZPA

Muslims: London bombings don't represent Islam.

New Zealand's Muslim community has condemned the London bombings. Sameer Youssef, of the Auckland University Islamic Society, said the act did not represent Islam. "I don't think the acts would be supported by any Muslims. They're not representing Muslims at all." Fellow Muslim Hady Osman said: "The religion has been hijacked by a group of people using it for their own purposes." Federation of Islamic Associations president Javed Khan said the federation was sending its condolences to the British High Commission in Wellington.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Use of police to escort overstayers questioned.

The use of police officers to escort overstayers back to their home countries is being questioned after it was revealed 12,000 hours of police time was used on the task last year. Police officers were last year sent on about 200 immigration removals - where an officer accompanies an overstayer considered to be a safety risk.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Kokako chick thrives thanks to Rainbow Warrior bombers.

In the dense native bush of Hokianga's Waima ranges, a baby kokako owes its life, in part, to the Rainbow Warrior bombers. The kokako is one of hundreds of recipients that still share more than $500,000 a year from the fallout of the bombing in Auckland 20 years ago tomorrow. New Zealand received $13 million in compensation from France . One of the biggest grants last year - $37,000 - went to the Te Mahurehure Roopu Whenua Taonga Trust for its predator control programme on the northern slopes of the Waima Ranges in Northland. The ranges are home to kiwi and kokako and several rare plants, and also to possums, rats, pigs and goats, which threaten the native species and their habitats. Programme project manager Claire Morgan said the money paid the salaries of three kaitiaki, or caretakers, who went into the forest for days at a time to kill predators.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
For full story CLICK HERE

'Police shot bombers' reports New Zealander.

A New Zealander working for Reuters in London says two colleagues witnessed the unconfirmed shooting by police of two apparent suicide bombers outside the HSBC tower at Canary Wharf in London. The New Zealander, who did not want to be named, said the killing of the two men wearing bombs happened at 10.30am on Thursday (London time). Following the shooting, the 8000 workers in the 44-storey tower were told to stay away from windows and remain in the building for at least six hours, the New Zealand man said. He was not prepared to give the names of his two English colleagues, who he said witnessed the shooting from a building across the road from the tower.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Students quit courses, waste resources.

Two-thirds of tertiary students do not gain qualifications after enrolling in taxpayer-subsidised courses, a Ministry of Education study has found. Most students who fail to finish their courses leave during the first year of study. Study authors pointed to the growing number of people enrolling in part-time, sub-degree courses and highlighted concerns about funding "wastage" when these students pulled out part-way through. The study showed 57 per cent across all levels did not complete their studies.
Source: The Press

Govt will protect 10 per cent of ocean.

Recreational fishers have been told the Government is determined to protect 10 per cent of New Zealand's ocean area by 2010. Conservation Minister Chris Carter told the Recreational Fishing Council's conference in Wellington yesterday he knew there was opposition to the policy. He said there was a consultation process in place, and complaints were listened to. Mr Carter said there were 14 national parks, and the protected ocean area was only a fraction of that although it was 15 times larger than the country's land area.
Source: NZPA

Currency: Kiwi overwhelmed by surging greenback.

The New Zealand dollar was forced lower in today's local session , at one stage dipping below the US67c mark to a nine month low as the greenback continued to firm. By 5pm today the kiwi was buying US67.03c against US67.47c at 8.30am today and US67.65c at yesterday's local close. Its range today was US66.86c -- its lowest since early last October -- to US67.51c.
Source: NZPA

Minute's silence to be observed at third test.

A minute's silence for the London bombings will be held before the third test between the All Blacks and the Lions in Auckland on Saturday. The New Zealand Rugby Union and the Lions jointly expressed their sympathy for the victims. The minute's silence will take place prior to the national anthems at Eden Park.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Red Cross opens emergency call centre.

About 20 volunteers are manning the New Zealand Red Cross emergency call centre this morning taking calls from New Zealanders concerned for relatives and friends in London. The call centre opened at 7am to assist the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade which took several hundred inquiries overnight. New Zealand Red Cross Director General Andrew Weeks says volunteers have been quick to offer assistance in the call centre.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

NZ muslims condemn 'barbaric' attacks.

An organisation representing Muslims in New Zealand today condemned the bombings in London. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) said the Muslim community was deeply shocked and saddened by events in the British capital. FIANZ President Javed Khan said Islam denounced terrorism at all levels and described the bombings as a "barbaric act" against humanity. "This despicable act caused by whosoever on innocent people is senseless, shameful and totally against the teachings of Islam," he said.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Prince William extends 'heartfelt sympathies'.

Prince William, visiting New Zealand for the Lions rugby tour, today extended his "heartfelt sympathies" to the families of the London bomb victims. The Prince, who cancelled his planned whale-watching trip in Kaikoura today, released a statement about the tragic attacks on the London transport system last night. "I was shocked and very saddened to learn of the terrible events that have occurred in London," he said. "At this time I am sure that I am joined by New Zealanders and Lions supporters alike in extending to the families and loved ones of those directly involved my heartfelt sympathies. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

No known NZ casualties in London/ Info line

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has requested that flags in New Zealand fly at half mast on Friday, following Thursday's attacks in London. New Zealand house in London set up an emergency room very quickly following the attacks and have been fielding calls regarding New Zealanders in the city. The phone number to dial from New Zealand to check on New Zealand friends or relatives regarding the bomb blasts is 0800 733 276. The phone number to be used by New Zealanders outside New Zealand is 64 4 495 8111. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken about 250 phone calls through the night which Goff says is less than expected considering the number of New Zealanders in London. People can also call the High Commission in London on 0044 207 316 8960. However people trying to call London are warned they may experience difficulties getting through as lines are overloaded.
source:one news RNZ
For full story CLICK HERE

Over 1000 overstayers deported but 20,000 still here.

Over 1000 illegal overstayers have been deported from New Zealand in the past year, but 20,000 are still thought to be hiding here. The Department of Labour has confirmed that for the 11 months to May 31, 1172 people have been sent home, while a similar number have left at the department's request. The latest estimate of illegal overstayers was 20,868 in November last year, up 540 on an estimate six months earlier. The department's Workforce deputy secretary, Mary Anne Thompson, said the department was working with the horticulture and viticulture industries, where many overstayers found work readily available.
Source: The Press

Kyoto botch-up could cost $1.2b.

The cost of a Government Kyoto Protocol botch-up could soar as high as $1.2 billion - more than double that estimated by the Treasury last month - a new report claims. The Government last month admitted that it had miscalculated New Zealand's greenhouse gas growth, for which it is liable under the Kyoto Protocol, resulting in an embarrassing $500 million bill rather than a $500m credit. But the situation could be even worse, accounting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) says. The PWC analysis shows the company believes the $500m bill estimate is also wrong. It believes the liability will be more like $1.2b to $1.7b above the original estimate.
Source: The Press

NZ London High Commission setting up call centre.

The New Zealand High Commission in London was tonight setting up a call centre for New Zealanders concerned about friends and relatives after at least six explosions rocked the city's bus and underground transport services earlier tonight. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) public affairs director James Kember said callers should go through the main switchboard in London, on 0044-20-7930-8422. Speaking in Wellington, Mr Kember said Mfat itself had had difficulty getting through to the High Commission, because of overloaded phones in London. However, Deputy High Commissioner Suzanne Blumhardt had been able to brief Prime Minister Helen Clark. Mr Kember said the High Commission had put a message on its website asking New Zealanders in London to stay put, reflecting the advice by the London Metropolitan Police.
Source: NZPA

NZ stocks: Shares 'defy gravity' to reach record close.

Thumbing its nose at signs of a slowing economy, the sharemarket's key index made it to yet another fresh closing high today in feverish trading - again spurred by corporate activity. Total turnover was fairly hefty at $148.45 million. This is the NZSX-50's third record finish on the trot after Friday's softer close interrupted what had been a straight week of gains. The NZSX-50 has now risen about 13 per cent over the last two months amid signs of waning growth in the wider economy.
Source: NZPA

Old warship will not become a museum.

The group planning to sink the old navy warship Wellington says it is too late and too expensive to keep it as a ship museum. The decommissioned Leander class frigate is tied up at a wharf next to Te Papa in Wellington and is being prepared to be sunk at Island Bay as a reef and dive attraction in November. Marco Zeeman from the Sink F69 Charitable Trust group said there had been several suggestions that the 3100-tonne ship should be turned into a museum. "It is far too late now for that to be considered as the time for that to be a viable option was about 10 years ago," he said.
Source: NZPA

Four jailed for using false passports to enter NZ.

A woman and three men entered New Zealand using forged passports which cost them thousands of dollars as part of a scam in Indonesia. One paid more than $8000, another about $6700 and another about $5225, Judge Geoff Rea said in Napier District Court yesterday. They were sentenced to 13 months' jail. Crown prosecutor Russell Collins said all four had been issued with removal warrants, and should be deported at the expiry of their sentences.
source; Hawkes Bay Today

Go-ahead for additional 31 wind turbines.

Energy company TrustPower will be allowed to build 31 of its proposed 40 wind turbines in its stage three development. Consent for nine turbines was refused because of safety concerns regarding Palmerston North Airport. The decision on TrustPower's resource consent application to add another 40 much larger turbines to its Tararua wind farm was released yesterday.
source:Manawatu Standard

Apple growers plan to gatecrash PM.

Apple growers angry over slow progress in pressing for access to the Australian market have threatened to disrupt a meeting Prime Minister Helen Clark plans to attend in Hastings tomorrow. The orchardists want to gatecrash Grey Power's meeting with the Prime Minister to tell her they want a firm resolution over the issue of exporting apples to Australia. The orchardists belong to the Apple Access Action Group, which is largely based in Hawkes Bay.
Source: NZPA

Big wet leaves north awash.

Some Northland schools will close today because of the prospects of further flooding. Last night Northland residents were advised to keep off the roads and stay at home. Seven schools have said they will close today because of the rain and flooding. Kamo, Tikipunga, Whangarei Boys' and Whangarei Girls' high schools will close, as will Mangakahia Area and Whangaruru schools and Pompallier College. The Met Service has issued a heavy rain warning for Northland between the Bay of Islands and Whangarei, with up to 150mm possible in some areas.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Employee Outlook Less Confident.

Working New Zealanders are becoming a little less confident as worries about future job prospects creep into an otherwise resilient labour market, a survey has suggested. New Zealand's unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent in the first quarter compared with the previous quarter's 20-year low of 3.6 percent. At the same time, annual economic growth slowed to its lowest level in four years at 2.5 percent.

School boards 'lack expertise'.

Many schools are struggling to manage their staff and finances because parent boards lack the necessary expertise, says a Crown-appointed schools manager. Peter Macdonald, the statutory manager of Aranui High, is calling for a review of Tomorrow's Schools, the policy implemented in 1989 that saw governance of schools handed to elected boards of trustees. Macdonald has been an appointed statutory manager at three Canterbury schools in the past three years after being called in to help boards negotiate their way through financial and employment difficulties. He said it was increasingly obvious that board members, particularly those at schools in lower socio-economic areas, lacked the business management and employment law skills necessary to run a modern school.
Source: The Press

Detained NZer coming home this week - MFAT.

A Motueka man who has been detained in the United States for allegedly working illegally on navy planes will be coming home this week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said today. James Kirkwood, a 26-year-old aircraft engineer, was arrested by the US Immigration Enforcement Agency on May 17. He was detained under the country's security laws, which came into affect after attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 Mr Kirkwood was detained along with eight British colleagues after the company they were working for, Merchant Aviation from Britain, failed to secure the correct working visas for the team.
Source: NZPA

Rugby-Lions scrape to 17-13 win over Auckland.

The British and Irish Lions squeezed to a 17-13 victory over Auckland in their final midweek game on Tuesday to clear a little of the gloom hovering over the touring side ahead of Saturday's final test. After Saturday's record 48-18 series-losing defeat the Lions were desperate to avoid a third successive reverse to Auckland, winners in 1983 and 1993, but had to hang on to achieve it and secure the tour's unbeaten midweek record.

Nelson raid nets 10 illegal employees.

Nelson's biggest immigration crackdown has unearthed 16 illegal vineyard workers, but contractors say they are just the "tip of the iceberg". Ten illegal workers were arrested in a raid on a Hope vineyard by Department of Labour inspectors and police on Friday, and six were still on the run last night. Marlborough has seen the worst of the illegal-worker problem in the past few years, but Friday's raid shows the issue has spread to Nelson. Dozens of illegal workers have been detected working in Marlborough vineyards over the past two seasons.
Source: The Press

Hong Kong B flu hits Christchurch schools.

The flu virus which killed three North Island children last month has reached the South. The Hong Kong B strain of influenza had hit Christchurch hard in the past week, particularly striking school-aged children, medical experts said. One Christchurch primary school had 123 of its 400 pupils absent because of the flu on the same day. Canterbury District Health Board virologist Lance Jennings said the virus had such a potent effect because it was virtually non-existent before this year which meant people's immune systems were not used to it.
Source: The Press

Some stoning okay says Choudhary.

Muslim MP Ashraf Choudhary will not condemn the traditional Koran punishment of stoning to death some homosexuals and people who have extra-marital affairs. But the Labour MP - who has struggled with his "role" as the sole parliamentary representative of the local Muslim community - is not advocating the practice here. Mr Choudhary once again found himself between a rock and a hard place on questions of Islam when he appeared on TV3's 60 Minutes programme last night. It was examining warnings about extreme fundamentalism within New Zealand's Islamic community.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

NZ on track for OECD top half.

The economy has won a strong report card from the OECD, which says New Zealand is on track to meet the Government's goal of a return to the top half of the rich nations club. The Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development says the economy has "continued to expand at a vigorous clip". After an expected slowdown this year, medium-term prospects were "bright". Last year's 4.5 per cent growth rate took the average since the recession of the early 1990s to 3.75 per cent. "More importantly, increases in real gross domestic product per person have outpaced the OECD 10-year moving average since 2000, putting the country on track toward achieving the Government's longer-term objective of lifting gdp per person back into the top half of the OECD, a position it has not held since the early 1980s," the report says.
Source: The Dominion Post.
For full story CLICK HERE

Aussie promoter sues Dame Kiri.

An Australian promoter is suing New Zealand opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa for failing to perform at three Australian concerts with John Farnham earlier this year. Leading Edge Events, run by Frank Williams and Eileen Newbury, have initiated civil proceedings in the New South Wales Supreme Court to recover $A300,000 ($NZ331,785) from Dame Kiri, which they say they lost because of the failed concerts.
The matter will be called before a registrar in court today.
Source: NZPA

Thailand signs agreements with NZ universities.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard today hosted the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between five New Zealand universities (Canterbury, Lincoln, Massey, Otago, Waikato) and the Thai Office of the Civil Service Commission. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-Ngam, who is visiting New Zealand, also witnessed the signing. "The signing of the Memoranda of Understanding represents an important step in developing the overall education relationship with Thailand and will also contribute to developing and growing the post graduate programmes at the different institutions with Thailand," Trevor Mallard said.
source:Scoop News