Number of humpback whales drop.

A survey taken in the Cook Strait has found the number of humpback whale have fallen. Two scientists, five former whalers and other volunteers saw 18 humpbacks passing through the strait in just over two weeks during a second year of mid-winter whale spotting. Last year, 47 humpbacks were spotted. Department of Conservation marine mammal specialist Simon Childerhouse puts the migration at one-fifth of the humpbacks recorded by whalers in 1960, before two years of illegal Soviet whaling killed 25,000 in the region. Childerhouse says DNA from rifle-dart skin samples indicate the Cook Strait whales go mostly to New Caledonia and to Tonga.
Source:RNZ

NZ ranks high in helping poor nations.

New Zealand has ranked in sixth place on a list of 21 wealthy nations, topped by Denmark, for their efforts to help development in poor countries, the Centre for Global Development, a US think tank, said. Japan came in last. The number-two nation on the list was the Netherlands, followed by Sweden and Australia, Norway and New Zealand. Finland, Austria and Germany tied for seventh. Britain was ranked 10th, tied with Canada. The report says for its size New Zealand contributes significant finance and personnel to international security operations and admits a large number of immigrants from developing countries.
full story CLICK HERE

Millionaire charged over kidnapping.

An Auckland millionaire has been charged with kidnapping a property developer in what police allege was a business deal that turned sour. Kim Spencer was beaten and forced to sign documents in November last year. After nine months of investigation, police arrested a millionaire, who has name suppression, and charged him over the attack on Tuesday. The accused was released on bail. He's not allowed to contact any member of a certain motorcycle gang and must stay away from a second man facing the same charges. Police say information flowed in when they featured Spencer's kidnapping on the television show Police Ten-7.
Source:One News

55 rare Campbell Island teal leaving Bluff on 2 day voyage back to island home in Southern Ocean.

The batch of 55 rare Campbell Island teal are leaving Bluff on a two day voyage back to their home island in the Southern Ocean. The birds have come from Codfish Island, Wildlife Trusts Peacock Springs in Christchurch and Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre and are being released after a Department of Conservation eradication programme cleared Campbell Island of rats. A team including DOC workers and Auckland Zoo staff will spend the next three weeks watching the new settlers on the island 700 kilometres south of Bluff, where average temperature is just six degrees Celsius. Fifty teals were released on the island last year, and there will be a further release later this year. Dr John Potter, from Auckland Zoo, will monitor the birds on the island while they are in pens for up to two weeks before their staggered release. He will also carry out health checks on the birds that were released last year. Another of Dr Potter's duties will be to take blood samples from yellow-eyed penguin for an Otago University genetics study into the species. Disease screening samples will obtained from a range of other sea birds, including the Southern Royal Albatross.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

NZ and Australia lobby UN to indict Mugabe.

CANBERRA: Australia and New Zealand are to lobby the United Nations Security Council to indict Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his government in the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Mr Downer said yesterday because Zimbabwe was not a party to the court Mr Mugabe could only be indicted with a reference from the security council. "I very much hold the view that as a country which is party to the International Criminal Court and bearing in mind the simply horrific things that have happened in Zimbabwe ... that it's worth a try to get an indictment," Mr Downer told Australian Broadcasting Corp television. Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said in July after a meeting with Mr Downer that the two countries would seek support to use the court. "The continued failure of the Zimbabwean government to respect democracy and human rights needs to be addressed firmly by the international community," the pair said in a joint statement at the time.
Source: NZPA

Maori TV ordered to pay presenter $16,000.

Maori Television has been ordered to pay one of its top newsreaders $16,000 after her boss made homophobic remarks and tried to ban her from attending a protest. Ngarimu Daniels, a presenter for news programme Te Kaea, complained to the Employment Relations Authority after her boss, news and current affairs manager Tawini Rangihau, called her partner a "dyke". Ms Daniels' partner, Leonie Pihama, was a Maori Television Services board member but has since left. During a conversation at a bar, Ms Rangihau described Dr Pihama to another employee as "that dyke Leonie" and said the couple "couldn't control their pillow talk". The authority found that though Ms Rangihau regretted her comments and was not homophobic herself, the remarks were "deeply offensive" and "discriminatory". The incident came after the broadcaster tried to ban Ms Daniels from protesting against the Foreshore and Seabed Bill.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Upgrade for every Telecom phone.

Every home with a Telecom phone will need a new phone or adaptor in the next seven years because of an upgrade, but Telecom says it does not know the cost or who will pay. Between 2007 and 2012, Telecom will shift 1.7 million phones from the 1980s switched-circuit system to an Internet protocol-based network. With IP, voice is broken down and transmitted as data, and reassembled at the other end. Added software makes "smart" phone services available.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Rugby-Two changes to ABs.

There are two changes to the All Blacks team to face Australia in Saturday's Tri-Nations decider at Eden Park. As expected, Sione Lauaki is on the blindside for the suspended Jerry Collins. However in one surprise move, winger Rico Gear has been dropped completely, with Doug Howlett the new right wing and Conrad Smith on the bench. Marty Holah is on the bench despite having an upset stomach for six days. The full squad is Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Sione Lauaki, Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo, Piri Weepu, Leon MacDonald, Joe Rokocoko, Aaron Mauger, Tana Umaga, Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina. In the reserves are Derren Witcombe, Greg Somerville, James Ryan, Marty Holah, Kevin Senio, Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Self-sufficient energy deemed possible.

An energy expert says New Zealand could be self-sufficient in sustainable, renewable energy within 30 years - if it has the will. Massey University Professor of Sustainable Energy, Dr Ralph Sims says rising oil prices will raise prices for goods and services right across the board. He says rising oil costs and global climate change are set to change society - but renewable energy sources are already available. He says wind, solar, hydro and geothermal production will also become more important and New Zealand could be self-sustainable in energy by 2030.
Source:RNZ

Telecom launches web phone system.

Telecom has announced a $220 million project to switch New Zealand's telephone lines to an internet protocol voice platform, allowing phone conversations to be carried over the internet. The IP Network will replace the ageing public switched telephone network, or PSTN, and do away with most of Telecom's 600 exchanges. The company says domestic phone-users will start moving to the new network by early 2007, with all 1.7 million phone lines transferred to it by 2012. The project is the result of more than five years of planning and development. Telecom says the project is a "critical milestone" in a $1.4 billion transition to a new network platform that will eventually deliver voice, data and video bundle services.
source:TVNZ

$300m wind farm deal signed.

Mighty River Power, a state-owned energy company, is to partner with Palmerston North City Council in its plans to develop a $300 million wind farm on reserve land in Turitea, near Palmerston North. Mighty River will develop the wind farm and make an annual payment to the city. Ratepayers will get to have a say on the project at the resource consent hearing late next year. Mighty River Power chief executive Doug Heffernan said the company needed to collect data on wind speeds at the Turitea site before it could determine how many and what size turbines would be at the wind farm.
Source: NZPA

Citizenship for singer Yulia.

Russian-born teenage singing sensation Yulia Townsend and her mother, Galina, will become New Zealanders tomorrow at a citizenship ceremony in Christchurch. The 19-year-old's debut album Into the West, released last year, sold platinum four times over.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Women scarce in the front line.

Kiwi women can take on any job in the armed forces – including in the Special Air Service (SAS) – but still make up less than 1 per cent of combat soldiers. Latest New Zealand Defence Force figures show, five years after restrictions on females were lifted, just 16 women are in the army front line and none in the SAS. Army spokeswoman Captain Rachel Riley confirmed females in combat roles represented "well under 1 per cent" compared with 14% of the army as a whole, despite plans in 2002 to have women "fully integrated" by this year.
Source: The Press

New British Consul a New Zealander.

The new British Consul should adjust to life in Auckland quicker than most diplomats - because he is a New Zealander. In a world first, Britain has appointed New Zealander John Waugh to the job of overseeing Britain's business links with this country. It is the first time that a foreign national has been appointed to a role of this seniority by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The British Government plans to use the Auckland example as "best practice" for its overseas missions. Mr Waugh was raised in Hamilton, went to University in Dunedin and has worked in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch so says he has the country pretty well covered.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Missing kiwi found hiding in park.

Staff at Queenstown's Kiwi and Birdlife Park have found a female kiwi who went missing on Sunday night. They believe Atar, a five-year-old North Island brown kiwi, managed to break free from her would-be kidnappers and has been hiding in the park grounds all day. Park director Paul Wilson said on Monday morning a staff member discovered the kiwi house had been broken into and Atar was missing. Park staff were worried if Atar wasn't returned, she could die of stress. She is part of the breeding programme and it's thought she's carrying her first egg. The penalty for possessing a kiwi can be a fine of up to $100,000 and six months' jail.
Source:One News

Kiwi snatched from bird sanctuary.

A kiwi has been stolen from Queenstown's Kiwi and Birdlife Park after a break-in at the popular tourist venture last night. The female bird was taken from her burrow and staff say she must have put up quite a fight, as feathers have been found scattered throughout the park. Locals are being asked to look out for anything suspicious, particularly at backpackers' or motel accommodation.
NEWSTALK ZB

NZ singers escape storm's fury.

A group of Christchurch singers has had to take a 850 km taxi ride to escape Hurricane Katrina in the United States. The group of nine were in New Orleans for a music festival but had to evacuate in the early hours of this morning as the category five hurricane bears down on the city. Wendy Kington says they are with other performers and together hired a convoy of taxis to make their escape from New Orleans to Memphis. She says the experience has been terrifying. "It's scary to think that we were going to be there," she told Newstalk ZB, "had it not been for those brave taxi drivers who came and rescued us this morning." Ms Kington says there are many people, the poor and those without cars, who have been unable to get out of New Orleans and are stuck there to face the hurricane.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Diver missing in Cook Strait.

A diver is missing and another seriously ill with the bends after they were dragged deep under the waters of Cook Strait about 2.30pm yesterday. The divers had been caught in severe underwater turbulence and dragged down to 64m below the surface near The Brothers Islands, just north of Tory Channel, Life Flight Trust Wellington operations manager Dave Greenberg said. One had returned to the surface and been taken aboard the dive boat, a 16.5m launch, suffering from the bends.
Source: NZPA

Online counselling for AUT students.

Auckland University of Technology students seeking help with problems such as depression and relationship break-ups will be able to get counselling online - a first for a New Zealand university. Counselling sessions will take place by email, live chat or a mixture of both, and it is hoped the service will appeal to those reluctant to seek face-to-face help. AUT counsellor and lecturer Leon Tan said online counselling had many advantages. It not only removed geographic and mobility barriers, but provided flexible appointment times and was easy for the hearing-impaired to use. Many of AUT's Asian students were not happy to use the university's counselling services, partly because of the perceived stigma attached to doing so. The online service offered greater privacy, said Mr Tam.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

2000 cars grabbed after street races.

More than 2000 cars were impounded last year for illegal street racing. Police national headquarters figures show 2270 people were charged under the Land Transport (Street and Drag Racing) Amendment Bill in the year to June. Bay of Plenty, with 319, had the highest number of people charged.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Brash's knife hovers over Maori offices.

National will today unveil plans to review and possibly abolish several key Maori agencies as leader Don Brash moves to revive the race relations debate. Speaking in Whangarei today, Dr Brash will include signals about which institutions National may move to abolish over time. Set to be reviewed are Te Puni Kokiri (the Ministry of Maori Development), the Office of the Maori Trustee, Te Mangai Paho (the Maori broadcasting agency), the Waitangi Tribunal and the Office of Treaty Settlements. Although Dr Brash may not be specific about eventually getting rid of Te Puni Kokiri, it understood that is the expected result of the review National will undertake.

Christchurch yachstman abandons around the world trip.

A Christchurch yachtsman, who was attempting to sail solo around the world for charity, has had to abandon his attempt after icebergs blocked his way. Graeme Kendall, 58, is currently in Baffin Bay close to Lancaster Sound, the entrance to the Arctic Northwest Passage. He was told by the Canadian coastguard yesterday that it would be too dangerous to continue as the Passage is currently blocked. Even if it were to open up, there is a high probability the sea will freeze over again, blocking any escape route, the coastguard said. "The conditions are now too dangerous and I can't go against Mother Nature and commonsense, it would be foolish to proceed at this stage," Mr Kendall said, from on board his boat Astral Express.
Source: NZPA

Nelson woman latest meningococcal victim.

A 20-year-old Nelson woman became the 168th victim of meningococcal disease this year after she was admitted to Nelson Hospital's intensive care unit in a serious condition early on Friday morning. Nelson medical officer of health Ed Kiddle said it was highly likely the woman was exposed to the disease in Christchurch, where she is a university student, as she had recently returned to Nelson from there. Dr Kiddle said most cases of meningococcal disease occurred in those under 20 and a meningococcal B vaccination programme was currently being undertaken around the country for those in that age group. Ministry of Health figures show 168 cases of meningococcal disease had been reported nationally this year, including 10 deaths.
source: The Nelson Mail

Community paper staff picket Dom Post building.

The Dominion Post building in downtown Wellington has been picketed by newspaper workers angry at their employer's refusal to give them a five per cent pay rise. More than 40 workers employed at five Fairfax New Zealand community newspapers walked off the job again today as their pay dispute spread. Workers at the Hutt News, the Upper Hutt Leader, the Kapi-Mana News and the Kapiti Observer have already staged several days of strike action, and have today been joined by workers from the Wellingtonian (formerly Contact). All five newspapers are owned by the Australian-based John Fairfax Holdings, which also owns The Dominion Post.
Source: NZPA

Alinghi, New Zealand Stay Unbeaten.

Defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland and Emirates Team New Zealand remained the only unbeaten boats in the Louis Vuitton Act 6 regatta after posting two match-race wins Saturday. Alinghi, which swept New Zealand in the 2003 America's Cup final, improved to 6-0 in the round-robin portion after the team beat BMW Oracle of the United States and Desafio of Spain. The Swiss have won 16 straight races this year. New Zealand, skippered by Dean Barker, defeated Luna Rossa of Italy and Team Shosholoza of South Africa to join Alinghi atop the standings.

Tax cuts put Nats back in the lead.

National has surged in the polls after the release of its major election promise - tax relief for all workers. Voters questioned in a BRC-Sunday Star-Times poll after Monday's tax cut pledge put National up eight percentage points to open a six-point lead over the government, showing that the promise to put more money in pockets has paid off. The poll shows support for some minor parties fell after National's tax announcement. The Greens fell from 8 per cent to 5 per cent and Act from 2 per cent to 1 per cent . Act is expected to be gone from parliament as it appears unlikely to cross the 5 per cent threshold or win an electorate.
Source:Sunday Star Times

Petrol thefts increase with pump prices.

Some petrol stations in Auckland are losing up to a $1,000 a week in stolen petrol, as petrol prices increase. Gull Petroleum says it has experienced an increase in thefts over the past six months in line with soaring petrol prices. Gull operations manager Ulrik Olsen says those responsible are using stolen number plates to avoid detection. Olsen expects thefts to increase as long as petrol keeps going up in price. 91-octane is now $1.48 a litre and 96-octane on $1.53. Diesel prices were held.
Source:RNZ

Kiwi air guitarist world's second best.

New Zealand's Giesela "Gizzy Guitar" Visser has come second in the 10th World Air Guitar Championships in the northern Finnish city of Oulu, organisers say. She was beaten to first place by Michael "Destroyer" Heffels of the Netherlands, while Gyuri "Pelvis Fenderbender" Vergouw of the Netherlands came third. Heffels was awarded a real electric guitar, called "Flying Finn", worth 2,500 euros. The winner's prize also included an amplifier designed and donated by guitarist Brian May of the legendary group Queen.

NZ delegation fails to end Tonga strife.

A New Zealand delegation led by a retired judge has failed to negotiate an end to a five-week strike by civil servants which is destabilising the Pacific Island state of Tonga, one of the world's last feudal kingdoms. Foreign Minister Phil Goff said yesterday the mediation team, led by former judge Tom Goddard and New Zealand labour union leader Ross Wilson, was returning home after talks in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa were unable to reach any agreement. Goff said the talks foundered on demands by the strikers for change in the 40-year autocratic rule of Tonga's 87-year-old King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
HERALD ON SUNDAY

Boks beaten in Dunedin.

The New Zealand All Blacks kept their Tri-Nations hopes alive on Saturday when a late try by Keven Mealamu saw them snatch a dramatic 31-27 victory over South Africa. The Springboks, who came within minutes of securing their first back-to-back Tri-Nations titles, still lead the table but will be overtaken if the All Blacks beat injury-ravaged Australia in Auckland next weekend. The All Blacks outscored the Springboks four tries to three, two of them to Joe Rokocoko and with the decisive score coming three minutes from time when Mealamu peeled off a maul to dive across the line. Substitute Luke McAlister converted. The Springboks tries all came from All Blacks mistakes.
source :IAfrica.com
All Blacks win clash of titans..full story CLICK HERE

New water standards released.

The Health Ministry has released details of new standards for drinking water to take effect in December. They cover public and private supplies, but not bottled water. The ministry says the quality has improved steadily since 1993 but some communities, especially small rural ones, do not have access to good drinking water. It says others receive water that is either inadequately monitored, or not monitored at all. The standards will require all suppliers to populations of more than 500 people to tell them twice yearly about potential health risks posed by minute traces of heavy metals. The ministry says most water can dissolve lead out of metal plumbing fittings and a mug full of water from drinking taps should be discarded each morning before use.
Source:RNZ

Forest fire under control.

A forest fire south of Oamaru is now under control. Around 80 firefighters and four helicopters with water buckets battled to control the blaze which started last night at Moeraki . The Fire Service says operations have been handed over to the Department of Conservation, who will keep an eye out for any hot spots. Waitaki rural fire officer Erick Spittal says early signs suggest the fire may have been deliberately lit.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Dunedin first stop for Cocker.

Joe Cocker is coming to Dunedin in November for the start of his New Zealand tour. The other tour dates are: Queenstown Events Centre, November 5; Christchurch Town Hall, November 6; Wellington Events Centre, November 9; Auckland Civic Theatre, November 11.
source:Otago Daily Times

Ellis ambush sparks TVNZ stoush.

Reality TV queen Julie Christie confronted news boss Bill Ralston in an angry outburst at TVNZ on Friday night and is threatening legal action over One News coverage of the Marc Ellis drug case. "I told him the place would be better off without him," she said. Christie said she swore at Ralston "and I regret it greatly". The Sunday Star-Times has been told Christie's security card which allows her into the building has since been disabled. Christie owns Touchdown Productions which has produced many of the shows which made Ellis' name in television, including Game of Two Halves.
Source:Sunday Star Times

Maharey repentant after speeding ticket.

The government has sent a strong message that speed kills and it should lead by example, a repentant Social Development Minister Steve Maharey says after being ticketed for speeding. Internal Affairs department figures, released under the Official Information Act, show Maharey was the only government minister to be busted for speeding in the last year. Maharey received a speed camera ticket last September for exceeding the speed limit by 18km/h in a 100km/h zone. He was driving on Vinegar Hill, a rural Manawatu backroad well-known as an enjoyable driving route less frequently patrolled by police than the state highways in the area.
Source:Sunday Star Times

Rugby-NZ vs South Africa

All Blacks 31 Springboks 27. Played in Dunedin.

Carisbrook abuzz.

Rugby supporters are rolling into Dunedin ahead of tonight's rugby test between the All Blacks and the Springboks. The Springboks remain unbeaten in the tri-nations series so it is being seen as a must win for the men in black. Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin says the city is the place to be, and there's a steady steam of traffic heading into town. Mr Chin says he's sure it will be a buzzy night as Dunedin is a real rugby city and he is sure there will be plenty of support.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Labour - speak Maori properly.

All student teachers will have to prove they can pronounce Maori in order to graduate, under Labour's Maori policy launched yesterday. The proposal to "ensure all teachers demonstrate competency in reo-a-waha enunciation and pronunciation" is among the policy proposals put forward by Prime Minster Helen Clark and Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia in Hamilton. National's Maori affairs spokesman, Gerry Brownlee, said he was staggered by Labour's plan. "It is almost pathetic. This is politically correct tokenism. I hope the Prime Minister is taking some lessons. I have heard her butcher and mangle pronunciation herself."
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

19 parties seeking support at election.

A total of 739 people are standing for Parliament and 19 parties are seeking the important party vote, the Chief Electoral Office says, releasing all electorate and party list nominations.
Registered parties seeking the party vote, with number of list candidates, and electorate candidates:
Act New Zealand - 59, 56
Alliance - 30, 16
Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party - 13, 6
Christian Heritage NZ - 6, 5
Democrats for Social Credit - 29, 5
Destiny New Zealand - 42, 39
Direct Democracy Party - 32, 32
Green Party - 57, 52
Jim Anderton's Progressive - 51, 52
Labour Party - 75, 69
Libertarianz - 28, 11
Maori Party - 51, 42
National Party - 65, 62
New Zealand Family Rights Protection Party - 18, 7
New Zealand First Party - 40, 40
99 MP Party - 2, 0
OneNZ Party - 6, 1
The Republic of New Zealand Party - 6, 3
United Future New Zealand - 57, 62
Source: NZPA

Instant fines for littering in Queenstown.

Instant $100 fines for littering come to force in Queenstown Lakes District today. The penalties, believed to be a first in New Zealand, rank the district alongside Singapore in its bid to present a clean public face to residents and visitors. Nothing is exempt from the instant fine; not a single cigarette butt, an apple core, a lolly paper or an empty drink bottle. The fines apply to people of all ages and where litterbugs are children, the council intends to collect off parents. Queenstown Lakes District Council yesterday decided unanimously to invoke the provisions of the Litter Act 1979, allowing it to enforce the instant penalties. The fines apply to littering in any public place, or on any private land without consent of its occupier. Failing to pick up litter once deposited also attracts a $100 instant fine.
Source: NZPA

Encouraging start for Team New Zealand-Yachting

Team New Zealand has scored two wins from two on the first day of the latest pre-America's Cup regatta off Malmo, Sweden. On day one of the regatta the team has won two races from two. NZL 82 beat Germany by just over one and a half minutes in the their first race, and then backed up in the second flight with a 32 second win over China. Team New Zealand would have scored a much more comprehensive win over the Chinese, if it was not for a spinnaker pole problem, with the pole snapping in two at the end of the first run.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Another smear botch up in Gisborne.

Women in Gisborne are being recalled for cervical smears after a botch-up by two laboratories which process them. Thirty seven women have been notified their test results could be unreliable. Tairawhiti District Health says human error was the most likely cause of the problem. Chief executive Jim Green says the DHB has moved swiftly to contact the women and have them rechecked. He says as a result, the risks to them is extremely low. One of the labs at fault is covering the costs of the repeat smears. The Government spent around $1.4 million in 2003 settling with dozens of women in Gisborne who suffered as a result of the misreading of their cervical smear tests by pathologist Michael Bottrill. The effects on the women ranged from unnecessary surgery through to radical treatment for invasive cancer, and death.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Marc Ellis convicted on drugs charges.

Former sports star and TV personality Marc Ellis has appeared in the Auckland District Court in connection with the celebrity drugs ring. The 33-year-old has pleaded guilty and been convicted on one charge of possession of the class B drug Ecstasy. Ellis has been fined $300 and has to pay $130 court costs.
© 2005 NZCity, IRN

Former All Blacks captain gets top job.

A former All Blacks' captain has been appointed to a top job at an Australian media company. David Kirk is the new CEO of the Fairfax group. He will earn $1.2 million a year plus bonuses.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Breast-screen services in crisis.

Breast cancer cases will increase dramatically in the next decade yet those needed to diagnose cancer face a crisis of their own, a report in today's New Zealand Medical Journal finds. Auckland breast physician Jackie Blue – also National's Mount Roskill candidate – said breast screening services faced major workforce challenges. "The breast cancer workforce is under immense pressure," said Blue. Many regions could not cope with the extension to the free mammogram programme announced in July last year. BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA) was expected to offer free two-yearly mammograms to all women aged 45 to 69, but in many regions this was still not happening. A shortage of resources meant Canterbury women in their 40s were not yet able to get a free mammogram.
Source: The Press

Greens demand inquiry into Waihopai spy base.

The Green Party is calling for an inquiry into the role the Waihopai spy base played in the United States-led invasion of Iraq. The Greens have brought former Australian intelligence analyst and Australian Greens candidate Andrew Wilkie across the Tasman to warn of the risks of aligning New Zealand's foreign policy too closely with that of the United States. Mr Wilkie said today New Zealand had given tacit assistance to the Iraq invasion by participating in a communications surveillance network linking the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Waihopai base, near Blenheim, was part of the "signals intelligence system".
Source: NZPA

NZ team gets cold shoulder in Tonga.

NUKU'ALOFA - A New Zealand team of negotiators who hoped to help resolve a public service strike in Tonga have been told their services are not wanted. More than 1000 Tongan civil servants have been on strike for five weeks. Retired Employment Court Judge Tom Goddard, Victoria University law expert Andrew Ladley and Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson were sent to Nuku'alofa by the New Zealand Government at the request of the Tongan Government. They arrived in the kingdom's capital on an early-morning flight yesterday expecting to meet representatives of the Government and the strikers to establish terms of reference for mediation in about 10 days. However, the chairman of the strike interim committee, Finau Tutone, told the Herald his people were no longer prepared to go along with the arbitration process.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Bird flu jitters spur growing interest in drug.

People concerned about bird flu are already seeking prescriptions from doctors for an anti-viral drug. Bird flu hasn't been reported in New Zealand yet, but it is expected to come eventually. What's driving fear of it are the estimates of the toll it might take should the virus mutate to become highly infectious between humans. The Health Ministry estimates that 1.4 million New Zealanders could be infected in a worldwide bird flu pandemic and 280,000 could die. A New Zealand-born international expert on animal influenza viruses, Robert Webster, says a pandemic from the H5N1 avian influenza virus found in Asia is inevitable.
source:Manawatu Standard

Speaking the same language.

Police are reaching out to migrant communities, with information in seven languages now available on the force's national website. Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Somali and Vietnamese speakers can now access police information online. The site explains how to contact local police and liaison officers as well as giving tips on crime prevention and safety tips. Driving issues, domestic violence, kidnapping and fraud are also discussed. And for anyone interested, there are details on how to become a police officer.
click HERE for the site.
source: Eastern Courier

Over 1m internet subscribers in NZ.

New Zealand had about 1.24 million internet service provider subscribers by March this year, according to Statistics New Zealand. A survey by the Internet Service Provider released today, showed residential (household) subscribers accounted for 80 per cent of the total and provided 63 per cent of the revenue. Business and government subscribers were 20 per cent of the total and provided 37 per cent of the revenue. There were 30 subscribers per 100 inhabitants in New Zealand compared to 29 subscribers per 100 inhabitants in Australia for the same period.
Source: NZPA

Loan sharks targeting Maori - Maori Party candidate.

Te Tai Tokerau Maori Party candidate Hone Harawira wants to get rid of "loan sharks" he says are forcing Maori into poverty. Mr Harawira said finance companies were going to homes of Whangarei Maori and signing them up to high-interest loans. "I want to put them all out of business. They serve no purpose but to act as parasites on poor people," Mr Harawira. Maori at the meeting said finance companies were a major cause of their poverty. One woman said she had been visited at home by finance officers who offered her cash and to pay off her bad credit rating, so she could then borrow money from that company. She took up the offer.
Source: NZPA

Scott relics to go on show.

"A stroke of wonderful luck" has uncovered priceless artefacts from Captain Robert Scott's tragic journey to the South Pole nearly a century ago. A home-made pony hood and a much-repaired backpack will go on display for the first time tomorrow at the Canterbury Museum after being uncovered last summer. An archaeologist found the items while digging out the foundation of the Scott Hut in Antarctica.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Somali woman faces deportation after refugee lie.

A Somali woman is behind bars, facing deportation, after she lied to gain refugee status in New Zealand and then tried to bring in a family member. Hani Osman, 24, was found guilty by a Christchurch District Court jury yesterday of 13 charges of fraud and false statements for claiming asylum in New Zealand when she had already been given refuge in Holland. Osman arrived in Christchurch on her Dutch passport in 1999 on a holiday visa but then adopted the identity of Nasra Mohamed Munye and claimed to have been brought to New Zealand from Kenya by people smugglers. She was granted refugee status which allowed her to get medical help, claim a benefit, and attend Papanui High School, then tertiary courses in radiology, business, and tourism.
Source: NZPA

Crime stats show drop.

Reported crime is down, and police are still managing to solve almost half of it. The latest annual crime statistics show recorded crime dropped 7.1 percent in the year to June, while the resolution rate remained constant at around 44 percent. Police say it continues a long term downward trend.Since 1995 recorded crime has dropped by 24 percent per head of population.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Ministers plan whip-round to pay motorcade fines.

Cabinet ministers are to have a whip-round to pay the fines incurred by two policemen and a civilian driver for charges laid against them following Prime Minister Helen Clark's speeding motorcade incident. However, the gesture has been dismissed as outrageous by National's deputy leader Gerry Brownlee. He said that was how the mafia operated. The Timaru Herald asked Miss Clark this morning whether, in recognition of the "heroic journey" made by the drivers, she would consider paying their fines. Tonight Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said ministers had talked about the issue, as they all used cars and appreciated the professional services provided by VIP drivers and police. "We are in the process of organising a whip-round and expect it will be completed soon. We were planning to do this in a low-key fashion to show our support for those involved," Dr Cullen said.
Source: NZPA

Majority oppose nuclear referendum, poll shows.

Most voters do not think there should be a referendum on whether nuclear-powered ships should be allowed to visit New Zealand ports, a poll released last night shows. The National Party has said it would not change the legislation without a public mandate through a referendum, and the issue is featuring in the election campaign. The TV3 TNS poll asked 905 voters whether they thought it was time to hold a referendum, and 53 per cent said no. Those in favour of a referendum came to 43 per cent and the rest did not know. When they were asked how they would vote if there was a referendum, 60 per cent said they would oppose nuclear-powered ships visiting New Zealand ports, 34 per cent were in favour of visits and the rest did not know.
Source: NZPA

Aussie minister lets slip NZ example.

SYDNEY: Australian unions think a cabinet minister's remark that Australia should cut its labour costs to meet those of New Zealand's reveals the true extent of the federal government's planned industrial relations changes. Industry minister Ian Macfarlane made the comment at the tail-end of a radio interview on Tuesday. "We've got to ensure that industrial relations reform continues so we have the labour prices of New Zealand," he told 2GB's Alan Jones. "They reformed their industrial relations system a decade ago. We're already a decade behind the New Zealanders. There is no resting." He later denied his remarks meant Australian wages should be cut.
Source: NZPA

Helicopter crashes - one injured.

One person is believed injured after a helicopter crashed in Hawke's Bay this morning. Senior Sergeant Ross Smith of the Hastings police said emergency services were called about 8.45am after a helicopter crashed on Maraekako Rd, near State Highway 50, 23km west of Hastings. "We haven't got to the scene ourselves yet, but initial reports are that only one person has suffered minor injuries," he said.
Source: NZPA

Two NZ golf courses make world's top-100.

Hawke's Bay's Cape Kidnappers and Northland's Kauri Cliffs have been ranked among the top-100 golf courses in the world by a respected golfing publication. Golf Magazine ranked Cape Kidnappers 27th and Kauri Cliffs 58th in its September issue, the only two New Zealand courses to make the top-100. Both courses were developed by American Julian Robertson. Cape Kidnappers has the added distinction of being the highest debuting course in the top-100 and one of only two courses to debut in the top-50 in this year's ranking. "Cape Kidnappers might be on the top of our list if a spectacular setting was our only criteria," the magazine said.
Source: NZPA

Watson walks-Rugby League.

Warriors CEO Mick Watson has fallen on his sword. Watson has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive, after five years in the job. He has decided the club needs a new man at the top, after this year's dismal performance by the team in the NRL.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Government funds firm selling missile components to US.

The Government is funding an Auckland company which supplies the United States military with technology to help navigate smart bombs used in the "war on terror". Rakon manufactures quartz crystals for the US company Rockwell to use at the heart of global positioning systems (GPS) in smart bombs. Although Rakon - winner of this year's New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) export awards - will not confirm it, its technology is likely to have been used in the US invasion of Iraq, a war strongly opposed by the New Zealand Government. Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Otago To Deal With Unruly Students.

Police are supporting Otago University as it considers making changes to its disciplinary process. The move comes after a student party in Castle Street on Sunday which attracted more than 100 people and required the attendance of all emergency services. One of the options floated by the institution is to impose sanctions on those students who bring the university into disrepute, on or off campus.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

International Judges Praise NZ Wines.

International judges are praising New Zealand winemakers for the quality of their product. The Liquorland Top 100 International Wine competition is being judged in Wellington this week. The judges are divided into panels and each judge samples more than a 150 wines in a day. Chris Shannahan, a senior judge from Canberra, says New Zealand is now a world leader in Sauvignon Blanc and is also amongst the best in the world with its Chardonnay variety.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

PM And Brash Campaign In North Island.

With their campaigns officially up and running, Prime Minister Helen Clark and National Party leader Don Brash are on the road. Both are in the North Island today attending a series of meet and greets. Miss Clark is spending the day in the central North Island with local candidate Mark Burton, visiting Tokoroa and Taupo. In Tokoroa, she will stop in at a Samoan health initiative and local primary school before going on to Taupo where she is expected to make an announcement concerning tourism. Meanwhile, Dr Brash is on the Kapiti Coast addressing a Greypower meeting in Paraparaumu, followed by a series of visits to local business. He is also discussing tax issues with staff at a Plimmerton-based company.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Free hearing and health checks for children announced.

Babies will get free hearing tests and children will get free health checks before they start school under new programmes announced yesterday. The number of Well Child checks for pre-school children will be increased from six to eight. Prime Minister Helen Clark and Health Minister Annette King announced the new child health measures while they were on the campaign trail, visiting a West Auckland medical centre.
Source: NZPA

Donna Awatere Huata behind bars.

Disgraced former MP Donna Awatere Huata faces at least two years in prison after being found guilty of defrauding the taxpayer-funded Pipi Foundation and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The guilty verdicts come more than 2½ years after The Dominion Post published the first of a series of articles revealing the then high-flying ACT MP had stolen Pipi money to have her stomach stapled and to pay her credit card debts and children's school fees. The value of the cheques involved in the guilty verdicts was $80,309. The money went on the stomach surgery, school fees and Donna Huata's credit card debt. The not guilty verdict involved a cheque for $2100 paid to the credit card account of a daughter.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Secret donor gives ballerina $30,000.

A mystery 94-year-old benefactor from the North Shore has donated $30,000 to a ballerina to let her to pursue a dance career overseas. Holly Sheffield, 17, from Pt Chevalier is raising money to attend Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham, England. Her mother Carol Sheffield says the first year of study alone will cost $75,000, but with the help of their benefactor's donation they have raised the full amount. They are now focusing on raising the $66,000 needed for the second year.

School sends home how-to-smack pamphlets.

A Panmure school has sent out a pamphlet with its latest school newsletter telling parents how to correctly spank their children. Carey College, a private Christian school, has made the controversial move in response to Green MP Sue Bradford's anti-smacking bill. The pamphlet, called A working definition of spanking - our home our castle, discusses the motivation, the aim, the objectives, the methods and the outcomes of smacking, including a how to smack a child guide. It was written by Family Integrity national director Craig Smith. The school newsletter says the first steps have been taken to make the biblical practice of smacking illegal in New Zealand. Ms Bradford's private members bill seeks to change section 59 in the Crimes Act - the reasonable force defence for caregivers facing charges for hitting a child.
Source:East & Bays Courier

US and New Zealand 'still good friends'

'United States Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns met Prime Minister Helen Clark for lunchtime talks in Auckland yesterday, stressing that the US and New Zealand were "good friends". When he was asked how close the relationship was, Miss Clark intervened to say it was a "trick question" and reminded him of US Secretary of State Colin Powell's description of New Zealand as a "very, very, very good friend". "New Zealand is a good friend," Mr Johanns said. He was visiting to learn about agriculture and enjoy the country. "Our relationship with New Zealand has always been good, it really has. We're good trading partners. We're the second largest customer for New Zealand products, our governments work together very well."
Source: The Dominion Post.

Teething problems for new ferry.

Passengers onboard the new interislander ferry say teething problems should have been sorted out before it was put into service. The Kaitaki, which sailed for the first time on Monday was delayed in Picton and then in Wellington for more than an hour, after problems with berthing. Paul Garaty from ferry operator Toll New Zealand says a temporary berth is being used because Wellington doesn't have the infrastructure to cope with a big vessel like the Kaitaki. He says a spring tide meant it took some time to get the ferry to the right height to lower the ramp on to the wharf.
Source:RNZ

American jailed for passport fraud.

An American, on the run for three years with his young daughter, has been jailed for passport fraud. Arlen Hill was given a 16 month prison term, after using false US passports, to bring his toddler into New Zealand. And as soon as he gets out, he will be sent back to America, where he faces kidnapping charges.
Source:One News

3000 mental health nurses on strike.

A mental health nurse strike has forced the cancellation of some community and outpatient services around New Zealand, but hospital and emergency care continues. About 3000 mental health nurses covered by the Public Service Association walked off the job for 24 hours from 7am yesterday, after rejecting a 20 per cent pay offer. The union plans a second strike next Monday, and overtime bans will begin from September till the dispute is resolved. The main sticking point is conditions rather than pay.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Asians, women targeted in police recruitment drive.

Police are running a series of seminars in Auckland to try to attract more Asians and women into the force. A new batch of overseas police will also be recruited to join the New Zealand force over the next year as the department takes advantage of the high interest from abroad. In a separate recruitment initiative about 3000 officers employed overseas have expressed interest in coming to New Zealand to work. They include police from Britain, Australia and Canada, along with a handful from Scandinavia.
Source: NZPA

Police block Tongan protest.

Tempers flared last night outside the King of Tonga's Epsom home as a police barricade prevented protesters from entering. In the latest action supporting pay rises for 3000 civil servants in Tonga, more than 50 protesters gathered about 5pm hoping for face-to-face talks with King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. When it became apparent the King was not going to meet them, a group tried to force their way past about 30 police officers barricading the entrance to the King's driveway. Inspector Jim Wilson said there were no injuries, describing it as a "token gesture for the media". But in a repeat of ugly fighting on Sunday, a scuffle broke out among some protesters and royal staff. Police arrested five people - three men for disorderly behaviour and two women for fighting. Mr Wilson said all were released last night.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

NZ gives $1 million for Afghanistan elections.

A day after New Zealand stages its own election, it will also be helping with another -- in Afghanistan. Aid Minister Marian Hobbs has announced New Zealand will contribute $1 million to the United Nations to help with running democratic elections in Afghanistan on September 18. She has met Afghani Foreign Minister Dr Abdullah Abdullah who noted during his visit here that New Zealand had offered significant support to Afghanistan during a difficult time.
Source: NZPA

Telecom offers free airtime.

More than half-a-million Telecom mobile phone users will get free air time in the latest move in an increasingly competitive mobile market. Starting today 560,000 Telecom prepaid 027 customers can call any Telecom mobile phone or landline in New Zealand and talk for up to an hour, paying for only the first three minutes as per their calling plan.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

New Zealand soldier to undergo sex change.

A 73-year-old former New Zealand soldier is to undergo a sex change and the government has agreed to pick up the $20,900 cost of the operation, a report said Saturday. After the operation, transsexual Vicki Harvey will be able to legally change the gender on her birth certificate to “female”. Harvey, who served 20 years in the New Zealand Army during which she drove Centurion tanks, was part of a lobbying campaign that resulted in the government agreeing last year to fund a small number of “gender reassignment” operations “Having the surgery will allow me to at least fulfil myself as a woman before I die she said”. Harvey went to a battalion reunion this year in a skirt and blouse. She said that after a troubled life she finally declared herself a woman in 1998.

Alcohol content of wine increasing.

There is concern the alcohol content of many New Zealand wines is too high. New Zealand Winegrowers said some local wines have alcohol levels exceeding 14%. Chief executive Philip Gregan said higher alcohol content is a feature of new world wines and New Zealand is no exception. Gregan said higher alcohol is generally found in more expensive wines. Cooler climate regions such as Otago often produce the most alcoholic wines because the ripening process takes longer.
Source:RNZ

Artists welcome code.

A local artist is welcoming the move to introduce a code of practice for the art sector. An organisation representing New Zealand artists is to release a document next month, outlining copyright issues and contractual information as a guideline for artists and dealers. The Artists Alliance says this year there has been a major rise in unethical and illegal practices by artists, galleries and businesses. They are hoping the code will combat this.
Source:RNZ

Implant payouts for Kiwis.

A 14-year battle to win compensation for failed silicon breast implants is finally over for dozens of New Zealand women. Internationally, about 170,000 women with failed implants have sought compensation from United States manufacturer Dow Corning. In 1999, a $NZ6.4 billion settlement deal was approved by a US judge to settle worldwide claims. Finally, 96 of more than 1000 New Zealand women involved in a class action against Dow Corning have received letters promising payouts of up to $50,000.
Source: The Press

Ultimatum for Tongan king.

Tongan protestors in Auckland have issued their monarch with an ultimatum. King Taufa'ahau Tupou is in New Zealand to attend the engagement party of his granddaughter while civil unrest increases in Tonga. Three thousand civil servants in the kingdom are entering the fifth week of a strike calling for better pay. A hundred protestors have been rallying outside the king's residence in Epsom over the weekend. Police were called in after they threatened to burn his house down Protestors say unless the king agrees to meet with them by 5pm today, they will up the ante.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

New register for donors and donor offspring launched.

People conceived from donated embryos, sperm or eggs will have the chance to find out about their genetic origins with a new register introduced today. The Human Assisted Reproductive Technology (HART) Register will record all future donations at fertility clinics which result in a birth, and information about earlier donors and births. It will allow future donors and their offspring to find out about each other, and will also give people involved in earlier donor treatments the chance to do the same if they all give consent. The registrar-general of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Brian Clarke, said the more people who provided information for the register - whether donors, offspring or guardians - the greater the chances that donors and donor offspring could be linked together. "The HART Register aims to give people who were donor-conceived the opportunity to find out about their donors, and also allow donors to find out about the people who were conceived with the assistance of their donation."
Source: NZPA

Afghan minister applauds NZ.

Afghanistan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah wants New Zealand to extend its commitment to his country for the longer-term. Dr Abdullah – who is visiting New Zealand to thank this country for its $110 million contribution so far – said it would be a long-haul effort before stability and security were assured in Afghanistan. New Zealand has 40 SAS personnel in Afghanistan and a 123-strong Provincial Reconstruction team deployed in Bamiyan Province.
Source: NZPA

NZer wins UK Ironman.

Taupo triathlete Bryan Rhodes has won the UK Ironman. Rhodes is the first New Zealand male to win three overseas Ironman races, having previously twice won Ironman Malaysia in Langkawi. He finished third in this year's New Zealand Ironman in Taupo.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Waikato women aim to blitz world building record.

Girls can do anything, including building a house and breaking a world record. Some of the region's top female leaders are about to go all-out to beat the record for an all-women's "blitz build". They hope to lead a team of 500 Waikato women in building a four-bedroom 105sq m house in four days. If they achieve it they will break the world record, held by several US teams, by a day. On November 1 at Waikato Stadium, Habitat for Humanity Waikato will start the clock ticking The women will work in five-hour shifts and there will be three shifts a day. The home will eventually be moved to a Habitat for Humanity property in Huntly West.
source:Waikato Times

Auckland city considers $10 surcharge on motorists.

Auckland motorists could face a $10 charge on top of their daily parking costs as officials try to force commuters on to public transport. The idea comes as the Auckland Regional Council revamps its parking policy with the aim of cutting traffic on Auckland's motorways and main roads. It aims to limit parking in the central city to encourage motorists to carpool or use public transport. Council transport committee chairman Joel Cayford is floating the idea of an extra tariff, similar to the system in Sydney where local authorities collect a parking levy to help fund public transport.
HERALD ON SUNDAY

Kiwis stockpile bird flu drugs.

Anxious Kiwis are stockpiling the anti-viral drug Tamiflu to protect themselves against a lethal world bird flu epidemic which experts say is inevitable. Doctors say many patients are collecting supplies of the drug for themselves and their families. The government has ordered 800,000 doses, enough to cover 20 per cent of the population. These will probably be used to treat health workers first.
Source:Sunday Star Times

Goff offers help to Tonga.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff says New Zealand would be willing to help the Tongan Government to resolve the strike by civil servants, if it was asked. The Tongan workers have been on strike for more than a month and want a pay rise of at least 70%. Goff says the violence and vandalism against government property shows tensions have reached a worrying level. He says the Tongan authorities have not asked for assistance yet but the government is ready to help and would provide mediation services if required.
Source:RNZ
full story CLICK HERE

Police swoop on Wellington truants.

Police in Wellington say they are cracking down on truants in an attempt to reduce youth crime. The move follows a two day sweep of Lower Hutt secondary schools which picked up 108 truants. Sergeant Steve O'Conner says while most were just casually skipping school, almost all repeat offenders start off that way. He says truancy numbers are dropping, thanks in part to laws enabling the police to prosecute parents who are not sending their children to school.
Source:RNZ

Avalanche warning for back country.

An urgent avalanche warning has been issued for several South Island mountains. Several incidents have already been reported this week including one where a snow boarder was partially buried in Anderson's Basin, behind the Cardrona skifield. The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council says the dry winter is producing unpredictable avalanches and the problem has been worsened by heavy storms that have weakened snow layers. The safety council is urging people to avoid steep terrain at Arthur's pass, upper Rakaia, the Craigieburns, Fiordland and in the Central Otago region.
Source:RNZ
see snow report in sidebar

Canterbury retain Ranfurly Shield.

Canterbury shrugged off an error-ridden 70 minutes to storm home with three late tries to beat Bay of Plenty 40-13 in their NPC first division rugby match in Christchurch today. It ensured Canterbury would top the NPC table after two rounds after their first round bonus point victory over Southland.

University staff strike but classes go ahead.

Auckland University says about 90 per cent of its classes went ahead as normal yesterday, despite an unprecedented national strike by university staff. Staff went on strike at Auckland, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury and Lincoln universities. Otago University suspended industrial action after a stopwork meeting yesterday. Otago union members agreed to endorse a proposal to "park" Otago on the basis of an offer from vice-chancellor Professor David Skegg.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

$2500 fine for seal shooters.

In a New Zealand first, three Otago farmers, including former All Black Andrew Hore, were yesterday convicted and fined for killing a protected fur seal on the Otago coast, a crime described by Judge Peter Rollo as a "grossly irresponsible, spontaneous act of hooliganism". The three accused were part of a group of eight men fishing from a boat round the Otago Peninsula. They saw seals on the beach and cliff and started shooting at them, sending the mammals fleeing for the water.
Source: NZPA

A funeral for former NZ Prime Minister David Lange.

Thousands of New Zealanders are expected to attend a memorial service today for the former Prime Minister David Lange. As New Zealand Correspondent Gillian Bradford reports, Mr Lange didn't want the formality of a state funeral. The service will be held at the home ground of the New Zealand Warriors, Mr Lange's beloved Rugby League team. Prime Minister Helen Clark, Sir Edmund Hillary and David Lange's sister Margaret are among those who'll pay tribute to the former leader. David Lange died last week after a long battle with illness.
ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia

NZ guaranteed medal in LA.

New Zealand is guaranteed its first ever medal at the badminton world championships. Sara Runesten-Petersen and Dan Shirley have secured at least a bronze, after winning through to the semifinals in Los Angeles. The 15th seeded kiwis have upset the world number six pairing from Korea, 15-11 15-13 in the quarters.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

First flight to Antarctica.

The annual winter flight programme is underway as the sun rises for the first time this winter over Antarctica. The first flight of the season to Antarctica is leaving this morning, after four months of darkness on the ice. The annual winter flight programme, known as Winfly coincides with the first sunrise over Scott Base. Four C17 trips are planned over the next six days to supply both New Zealand and US bases with science equipment, fresh fruit and vegetables, mail and key personnel for the summer.
© 2005 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Council stubs out smoking in parks.

No smoking signs are being put up in parks and playgrounds in the South Taranaki District area in what's thought to be a New Zealand first. The new signs read: "This park contains fresh Taranaki air. Please do not smoke in our parks", and carry the official smokefree logo. Council spokesman Gerard Langford said it is not banning people smoking in parks but is encouraging them not to light up. The policy includes non-smoking in all council workplaces, vehicles and swimming pools.
Source:RNZ

Hospital builds own power station.

Auckland City Hospital has come up with it's solution to New Zealand's persistently high electricity prices. The hospital has built it's own mini-power station, which is now helping it save money and the environment. Mike Suggate of Energy for Industry says the hospital can produce electricity cheaper than can be supplied from the grid. The installation cost $7 million, but the savings are immediate. The gas-fired generators become economic when spot electricity prices hit $50 a megawatt per hour.
Source:One News

'One News' chief out after ratings slide.

A drop in One News' ratings has seen its executive producer leave TVNZ, as the broadcaster tries to arrest the programme's slide in popularity. In a surprise move, One News executive producer Melanie Jones stopped work at 10am yesterday and left the TVNZ building immediately. TVNZ head of news Bill Ralston then told staff he was reviewing the news operation, because its ratings in metropolitan areas and among females were "unsustainable". TV One has been steadily losing audience to TV3 in Auckland since last year and the trend has accelerated in the past four months.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Health board takes biscuit for saving crumbs.

Free late-night biscuits and toast for doctors and nurses at New Zealand's leading hospital face the chop as the health board attempts to cut back its mounting deficit. Employees at Auckland City Hospital say the move is petty and does nothing for staff morale, which is at an all-time low. They also claim double standards by management who regularly have "wine and waiters" at their functions. Chief executive Garry Smith said the board had to learn to live within its means, "we must get control of our finances". Toast and biscuits have been provided by some departments at the hospital for years, particularly for staff working night shift or performing late-night surgery.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Chinese defector to make NZ spy claim.

A chinese defector who backed claims of espionage in Australia is planning to reveal secrets of spying in New Zealand. Hao Fengjun has been granted a protection visa by Australia after supporting diplomat Chen Yonglin's claims that Beijing spies infiltrated Australia and other Western countries. Hao, who claims to be a defector from the Chinese National Security Bureau and former member of a spy agency known as 610 Office, will be in New Zealand next weekend. It is understood he will claim agents are working here in illegal activities, including abducting Chinese nationals and smuggling them back to China.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

New Zealanders travelling overseas hits record high.

New Zealanders are taking short-term trips in record numbers, with Australia the preferred destination, but visitor arrivals are down, latest figures from Statistics New Zealand show. For the first time, monthly New Zealand resident departures passed the 200,000 mark, with 205,200 short-term resident departures in July 2005, an increase of 12 per cent on July 2004, figures released today show. In July 2005 there were more trips to Australia (up 6100 or 7 per cent), Fiji (up 2500 or 19 per cent), the Cook Islands (up 2300 or 55 per cent) and the United Kingdom (up 1900 or 20 per cent).
Source: NZPA

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne to holiday in NZ.

Sharon Osbourne says she will bring her husband, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, to New Zealand for an extra long holiday. She told the London Sun newspaper that she and the ageing heavy metal star Ozzy planned to take a two-year holiday after her current UK television show X Factor ends, and that New Zealand is their main destination.
Source: NZPA

Kiwi men head for greener pastures.

A drastic shortage of kiwi males is alarming for women searching for Mr Right. 20/20 reports that the imbalance is as bad as it has ever been and is back to where it was during the world wars. New Zealand is fast running out of men and demographer Paul Callister says we've got the same ratio now in the 30-34 age group as in 1926 following World War I. Apart from Hong Kong and Singapore, New Zealand is the highest in the OECD by quite a long way in the sex ratio imbalance. In the 20 to 49 age group there are around 35,000 more women than men.
source;20/20

Undies thief chooses slow getaway vehicle.

Whangarei police have arrested a man fleeing a crime on a mobility scooter in the early hours. Travelling at a top speed of about 7km/h, he was spotted by a patrol car. The suspect abandoned his getaway vehicle and fled on foot but was caught when he fell over. Police found more than 20 items of clothing on the scooter, including socks and undies. A 38-year-old Whangarei man has been charged with stealing the scooter and clothing, and possessing burglary instruments.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

NZ study finds good news for clean air.

New Zealand scientists have injected some good news into the gloom and doom of global warming by proving the atmosphere's natural cleaning agent is still doing its good work. A paper published today in one of the world's top science journals, Nature, shows hydroxyl, a reactive molecule of water which acts as a bleaching agent of nasty gases and hydrocarbons in the air, has remained the same over the past 13 years.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd
full story CLICK HERE

NZ and US ties will get stronger - retiring ambassador.

New Zealand could see itself as an ally of the United States although it was not necessary to define the relationship in such Cold War terms, departing US ambassador Charles Swindells said yesterday. Mr Swindells yesterday paid a final call on Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff before returning home to Oregon. He told reporters after the meeting that he felt there needed to be a dialogue between the two countries but was convinced relations between them would get stronger, better "and move forward". In a July speech, Mr Swindells said the New Zealand/US relationship was still suffering from the fallout of the two countries' nuclear dispute in 1985 and would continue to get worse unless something is done about it. He said differences remained from the dispute 20 years ago when New Zealand moved to ban nuclear weapons and ships.
Source: NZPA

Radio NZ staff walk off the job again.

adio New Zealand programming has again been crippled by strike action this morning as a staff pay dispute deepens. Members of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) and the Public Service Association walked out at 7am, taking the flagship Morning Report programme off the air for the third time. Workers are now picketing the state broadcaster's head office on The Terrace in Wellington.
Source: NZPA

Three convicted in PM's motorcade case.

Three drivers in Prime Minister Helen Clark's speeding motorcade were today convicted on driving charges in the Timaru District Court. Four police officers, the Prime Minister's driver and a diplomatic protection squad officer were charged with a range of driving offences. The charges arose out of a high speed motorcade in July last year which whisked Miss Clark from Waimate to Christchurch in time to catch a flight to a Bledisloe Cup rugby test. Judge John Strettell handed down his reserved decision following an eight-day trial which ended last week.
Source: NZPA

Whale Tail Tale Comes To An End.

Attempts are being made to remove a plastic whale tail discovered off Petone Beach. The giant black tail has been anchored to the sea bed as a protest against Japanese whaling. It is causing problems for a gravel barge which sweeps the area twice weekly. The owner of the fin has contacted the Wellington Regional Council and is discussing its removal. Harbourmaster Mike Pryce says it will need to be uplifted today regardless of whether the protester gives consent. He says locals initially thought the tail was a windsurfer in distress.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Drop-in Centre Is Worldwide Success.

The Hastings-based Baby Caf has been so successful that Tauranga is looking at adopting the idea. The caf's English founder, Julie Williams is visiting Hastings today, to have a look at the caf which opened a year ago. National Convenor Katie Askew says the caf is a drop in centre which provides new mums with a support network. Ms Askew says the Hastings joint venture with the DHB is the first such caf in the world outside Great Britain, and now Tauranga is looking at becoming the second. She says there are now 65 Baby Cafs in Britain, one in Scotland and one in Hastings.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Urbanites Gather In Wellington.

Some of the world's biggest names in urban design will attend the Urbanism Down Under conference opening today in Wellington. More than 300 delegates are attending the conference to hear almost 70 guest speakers from the US, UK, Canada and Australia. Mayor Kerry Prendergast maintains Wellington is leading the way in urban design in New Zealand.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Government surplus bigger than thought.

New Zealand's economy is continuing to do better than the Government expected, filling its coffers and creating larger surpluses than predicted. Treasury opened up the books in the Pre-Election Fiscal and Economic Update today predicting the Government would get $29.1 billion in total operating surpluses between now and 2008/2009. Finance Minister Michael Cullen said New Zealand was probably in a better position than any other developed country to cope with the pressures of an ageing population. The surplus for the current year would be $600 million higher than predicted in the May budget, reaching $7.29 billion.
Source: NZPA
full story CLICK HERE

2.8 million on the roll.

As at Tuesday night, 2,796,659 or 93.5 per cent of eligible voters were enrolled to vote on election day. At the same time in 2002, 2,611,658 or 92.1 per cent were on the roll. The electoral rolls for the September 17 elections have closed, with just under 200,000 eligible voters not enrolled to vote. People can still enrol right up to the day before election day, although those registering after today will need to cast special declaration votes.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Computer worm hits NZ.

A fast-moving computer worm that has shut down computers across the United States, Germany, Australia and Asia has infiltrated New Zealand. Officials fear the worm could spread and are warning Kiwi computer users to install protection. The worm – which derives from the Zotob worm first reported during the weekend – is thought to infect computers using Windows 2000 software, mainly a business operating system. But some reports say Windows XP is also at risk. Symptoms include repeated shutdown and rebooting of computers.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Car-less days may be revived.

If an assured supply of oil is cut off to the West, New Zealand could again face the prospect of car-less days. The option is raised in a consultant's report for the Economic Development Ministry that looks at an oil crunch and how the country could cope. The report is designed to help the ministry write an oil emergency response manual. It suggests the ministry design a rationing scheme that could rapidly come into force, assess legislation relating to speed limits and car-pooling and work with other parties on implementing measures.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Social work graduates sue polytechnic for $40,000.

Several former social work students from the Waiariki Institute of Technology, in Rotorua, are seeking more than $40,000 each in compensation as they have been unable to register as social workers. The students are among 60 graduates of the bachelor of applied social sciences who majored in kura kaupapa Maori or adventure therapy, both of which are not recognised by the Social Workers' Registration Board which was formed two years ago. The polytech no longer offers kura kaupapa Maori or adventure therapy.
Source: NZPA

Memorial plans for Lange.

Organisers of the public memorial for David Lange will meet with his family today to decide who will speak at the service. The memorial, to be held at 11am on Saturday at Auckland's Ericsson Stadium, would feature his family, his legal and parliamentary colleagues and community representatives, Prime Minister Helen Clark said. The former prime minister's family will also hold a private funeral after an offer of a state funeral was declined.
Source: The Dominion Post.

School girl rowing boat cut in half by Brisbane ferry.

Two young Marlborough rowers were shocked to witness a schoolgirl rowing crew's boat being sliced in half by a Brisbane River ferry yesterday. Jose Maher and Courtney Paterson, both 14, have been participating in a rowing exchange with St Margaret's Anglican Girls School in Brisbane. They were in a four, training with the school's squad, when an eight-women crew nearby was struck by the high-speed ferry. The crew were fortunate to escape serious injury and were able to scramble aboard a following coach boat. Two 16-year-old Australian girls were taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital with cuts and an injured elbow. They were discharged last night. The girls are both from Marlborough, but currently study at St Margaret's School in Christchurch.
Source: NZPA

Govt launches campaign to draw expats home.

The Government has launched a campaign to encourage expatriates back to New Zealand. Prime Minister Helen Clark and Immigration Minister Paul Swain jointly announced the campaign today. "The Government wants to make it easier for expats to come home and find the right job by giving them the best information about the country, economy and job opportunities," Miss Clark said. Miss Clark said there was a shortage of workers with unemployment at 3.7 per cent. At least 460,000 New Zealanders were living overseas.
Source: NZPA

US lets NZ join military exercise.

The United States has allowed New Zealand to join a combined military exercise off Singapore, signalling an apparent thaw in the Anzus defence standoff. New Zealand and American forces are participating in a multi-national exercise this week, which is practising interception of ships carrying weapons of mass destruction. Since the mid-1980s the US has barred New Zealand participation in joint exercises in retaliation for New Zealand's anti-nuclear law. The only exceptions have been when the two countries are required to work together in preparation for operational military deployments, such as when frigates, Orions and army units have been deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom missions to Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf area.
Source: The Dominion Post.
full story CLICK HERE

New log burners may not solve problem.

Councils could find it tougher to meet new National Environmental Standards relating to air quality by the 2013 deadline, following new research into low-emission log burners. A study has found that in everyday use, low-emission burners produce emissions that are up to five times higher than calculations based on laboratory testing. The Canterbury Regional Council says the study brings into doubt the ability of low-emission burners to assist in reducing smog in Christchurch. It says alternatives such as heat pumps, gas fires and pellet burners must now be the focus. The Ministry for the Environment says more research into low-emission wood burners is needed, along with greater public education on their proper use.
Source:RNZ

Shortage sees parent drive ambulance.

Ambulance drivers are increasingly having to attend call-outs alone, the union says. Neil Chapman of the Federation of Ambulance Officers Union says in one case in Waikato, a single officer was dispatched to a job involving a sick baby. One of the parents had to drive the ambulance half way to the hospital while the medic attended to the child. The exact scale of the problem isn't known, but single crew ambulances are becoming the norm in rural areas and provincial towns.
Source:RNZ

New Zealanders arrested in South America after cocaine found.

SYDNEY - An elderly New Zealand couple were arrested in South America yesterday after authorities uncovered 4.1kg of cocaine in their luggage and inside a wheelchair they were carrying. An Australian police prosecutor said the couple were arrested while boarding a Melbourne-bound plane in Buenos Aires and are allegedly part of an international smuggling ring. Three men have appeared in a Sydney court over the matter, including the son of the woman arrested in South America.
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

Quake jolts Fiordland.

An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale was recorded in Fiordland yesterday.
The quake, at 1.06pm, was centred 50km west of Te Anau and was at a depth of 12km, Geological and Nuclear Sciences said.
NZPA

Public firm against troops to Iraq.

Public opinion remains firmly behind the Government's decision to keep combat troops out of Iraq as the debate is thrust into fresh prominence in the lead-up to the election. A Fairfax-ACNielsen poll for The Dominion Post shows 67 per cent of those questioned would oppose New Zealand's sending troops if the United States asked for its help. Just 25 per cent of those questioned thought New Zealand should respond positively to the US and 9 per cent said they did not know.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Terror cell sympathisers warned.

A number of terrorist organisation sympathisers living in New Zealand have been warned by the police their presence has been noted, the police commissioner says. At a conference on counter-terrorism in Wellington Rob Robinson said there is no evidence of terrorist cells within New Zealand. However, there are some individuals with sympathies with terrorist groups offshore "who are of interest". Robinson would not give a figure as to how many people are involved or whether they are New Zealand citizens. These people have been quietly reminded that police are aware they are in the country and know about their previous history. Their movements in New Zealand and overseas will be monitored, Robinson says.
Source:RNZ

Site to help fill labour shortage.

The Labour Department will set up a website to pull in workers from overseas to ease New Zealand's skilled labour shortage. The NetworkZ Online website will let employers register job vacancies and search for overseas candidates with appropriate skills. Employers will be able to view a shortlist of potential candidates, updated every 24 hours. Prospective immigrants will be able to record their skills, experience, qualifications and places in the country they'd like to work, then search for any openings that match. The service will be free of charge as it's funded by the department.
Source: The Dominion Post.
Link to website HERE

More tourism workers needed.

One of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand's tourism industry is finding the 120,000 workers who will be needed to run it by 2010. New York University's tourism expert Dr Hannah Messerli is lecturing at the new Queenstown Resort College this week. She says a higher level of professionalism is now expected in the industry, and the college, backed by local business people, is the way forward, combining classroom qualifications with hands-on experience.
NEWSTALK ZB

VJ Day Commemorated.

Bells will toll in Wellington this morning as war veterans march through the city to mark VJ Day. Sixty years ago today, Japan surrendered to the Allies, bringing World War II to an end. The news reached New Zealand's shores at 11 o'clock in the morning on August 15, 1945. Sirens sounded, bands played, people danced in the streets, waved flags and celebrated right throughout the night. Today, 200 veterans will march through Wellington at midday to a service at St Paul's Cathedral. A wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the National War Memorial.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Deadline Approaching For Voters To Enrol.

Wednesday is the cut off date to make it onto the printed electoral roll. Currently just over 93 percent of eligible voters are enrolled. There are more than 200,000 potential voters who have not signed up, nearly half aged 18 to 24. Electoral Enrolment Centre national manager Murray Wicks says if people do not enrol now, they will have to cast a special declaration vote on September 17, which takes much longer.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Staff at four newspapers on strike.

Staff at four daily newspapers have walked off the job this morning in a campaign for a 5 per cent pay rise. More than 100 workers at the Wanganui Chronicle, Hawke's Bay Today, the Wairarapa Times-Age and the Levin Chronicle are on strike for 24 hours. All four papers are owned by Australian Provincial Newspapers (APN), which has offered staff a 2.8 per cent pay increase.Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little today described the APN offer as paltry. Staff are picketing the four newspapers.
Source: NZPA

Kiwi buggy maker hoping to cash in.

When a building collapses in New York and your baby buggy is credited with helping to save a child's life, it just can't be bad for business. Sounds a tall story, but that is what happened to Hutt Valley-based Tritec engineering when Abigail Lurensky's Urban Mountain Buggy was hit by falling debris in Manhattan in July. Though no one will ever know quite how much of a difference the buggy made, news of Abigail's lucky escape shot round the United States media, the internet and back to New Zealand. The Mountain Buggies - described by one US newspaper as the "Hummer of the sidewalk SUV set" - now make up about 80 per cent of Tritec's turnover. About 90 per cent are exported to the US and Europe. Its most popular model, the Urban, sells for about $550.
Source: The Dominion Post.

'Lost or stolen' website an instant hit.

A Whakatane couple have created a website that will hinder people selling stolen goods. Bill Danby and Joanne Cunningham's website www.stolen-lost.co.nz went live a week ago and five days later had received 65,720 hits. The website can be used to list stolen or lost items for a $3 to $7 fee. The items stay listed for five years and anyone looking to purchase a second-hand item can search the website free of charge to check that the item is not stolen. Lost items, such as pets, can be listed as well and rewards can be offered.
Source: NZPA
click HERE for site.

Waikato Uni reveals $30m campus plan

Waikato University's $30 million plan for a "superb campus" has been unveiled. Days after announcing up to 30 jobs will be lost at the university, it has revealed plans - expected to cost about $30 million - which it hopes will make attending the university "an experience", University of Waikato Foundation director Gerald Bailey said. The plans include the development of an indoor events centre, a student centre and main entrance, along with an upgrade of the Performing Arts Academy and development of an information commons.
source:Waikato Times

Passing of a man of the people.

Former Prime Minister David Lange died peacefully at 10pm last night in Middlemore Hospital. He was 63. His brother Peter and son Roy were at his bedside, his wife Margaret told the Sunday Star-Times early today.
Lange had lapsed into unconsciousness on Friday and his family knew then he had only hours or days left, she said. He had been in Middlemore for a month with the complications of diabetes and was on dialysis.
More.. CLICK HERE
AND HERE for an excellent article on his life.

David Lange.

Former Prime Minister David Lange passed away 10pm saturday 13th.

Rugby-ABs retain Bledisloe Cup.

New Zealand 30 - Australia 13
The All Blacks secured the Bledisloe Cup for another year following a superb comeback performance which lead to a 30-13 win over arch rivals Australia. New Zealand recovered from trailing by 13 points after 13 minutes to score 30 unanswered points to secure their first win of the 2005 Tri-Nations after losing to South Africa last week.
New Zealand
Tries: Piri Weepu, Richie McCaw, Joe Rokocoko. Pens: Dan Carter 3. Cons: Carter 2, Luke McAlister.
Australia
Try: Drew Mitchell. Pens: Matt Giteau 2. Con: Giteau

Protesters lock themselves to rail line - stop coal trains.

Solid Energy coal trains bound for Lyttelton Port have been halted by environmental protesters who locked themselves onto railway tracks near Christchurch today. Protest organisers say they have stopped three Solid Energy coal trains from reaching the port. The protesters from the Save Happy Valley Campaign oppose Solid Energy's plans for an open-cast coal mine in Happy Valley on the West Coast. More than 25 people have gathered to support the three locked on. Two of those locked on are attached to the track itself and a third is hanging 30m above the ground from a nearby tree and whose support rope is tied to the tracks.
Source: NZPA

Half of Holmes' crew lose jobs.

Prime Television says half of the 28 people who worked on its axed Holmes current affairs show have lost their jobs. The daily show, hosted by Paul Holmes, aired for the last time on August 8 after a six-month run. Chief executive Chris Taylor said the 14 redundancies were effective immediately and it is a shame to lose such good people.
Source:RNZ

Open mosques expect crowds.

A steady stream of people is expected through the doors of mosques and Islamic centres throughout the country on Saturday, as the Muslim community tries to promote better understanding of their faith. As part of Islamic Awareness week, the public has been invited into the places of worship in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Dunedin. The Federation of Islamic Associations says there has been a lot of misinformation about Muslims and Saturday is an opportunity to discuss that.
Source:One News

Mobile rates among highest in the world.

The bulk of New Zealand's more than three million mobile-phone users are paying close to the highest mobile-phone prices in the developed world so Vodafone and Telecom can subsidise fancy handsets for some customers, Australian specialist Paul Budde says. New Zealand's high prices are in the spotlight, as the Government considers regulation of the wholesale rates Vodafone and Telecom charge to force prices down. New Zealand mobile prices are more expensive than Australian prices and Mr Budde said the cheaper Australian prices were the result of greater competition between several big players. New Zealand's mobile prices are 70 per cent higher than the OECD average and the second highest in the developed world.
Source: The Dominion Post.

Building under way on Team NZ's yacht.

The first America's Cup 2007 generation black boat is being built by Team New Zealand technicians at Cookson's boatyard in Auckland. Team New Zealand will build two boats for the 2007 regatta, the first of which will be launched early next year. While their yacht is under construction, Team New Zealand will head to Europe for pre-Cup regattas in Sweden (Malmo) and Sicily (Trapani).
Source: NZPA

Bolger adds fuel to nukes debate.

Jim Bolger has given fresh impetus to the nuclear debate the National Party would prefer to hose down by calling for New Zealand and the United States to tackle the disagreement. He said the 20-year nuclear row had affected the relationship and the likelihood of New Zealand's getting a free-trade agreement with the US. "Official US policy from the beginning has been to separate trade and security matters. He said later: "Everybody knows it sits there, everybody wonders why New Zealand is not getting on to the list to negotiate a free-trade agreement when countries like Morocco do." It was unwise for two "friends" to have allowed an issue to become too sensitive to talk about or resolve. "In today's world, which is quite dangerous, friends need to work together. Somebody has to talk about it."
Source: APN Holdings NZ Ltd

NZ rated 2nd highest for internet security attacks.

New Zealand is the second biggest source of internet security attacks in the world, according to a report by global computer giant IBM. The United States topped the list of cyber-criminals, with 12 million attacks over a six-month period, followed by New Zealand with 1.2 million and China with one million. An IBM spokeswoman said it was possible that overseas fraudsters were hacking into the system and masquerading as New Zealanders.
Source: NZPA

Unitec denied university status.

The Minister of Education has dashed the hopes of Unitec becoming a university. The decision not to allow it university status comes six years after Unitec lodged its initial application. It also follows a High Court decision that the government behaved illegally in suspending the application. The government is appealing that judgement. Education Minister Trevor Mallard says a panel of experts has found that Unitec doesn't meet criteria for advanced learning or the international standards of research and learning. Mallard also says he's not convinced that having Unitec as a university would be in the national interest.
Source:RNZ

Further Calls For Wage Rises.

Unions claim favourable unemployment figures are still not resulting in wage growth. Unemployment fell in the three months to June to 3.7 percent, New Zealand's second lowest rate ever and the lowest unemployment rate in the OECD. CTU economist Peter Conway says we should be proud of that, but incomes need to be lifted through higher productivity and investment in skills. He says employers must recognise they have been doing well and should give workers a fair shake.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Exporter Of The Year Named.

A family business that started in a basement and today earns more than $60 million in overseas sales has been named Exporter of the Year. Auckland-based Rakon Limited makes high performance crystals and oscillators needed for mobile phones and global positioning systems. It has customers in 45 countries and sales have rocketed 762 percent since January 2002. Warren Robinson founded the company in 1967, making quartz crystals by hand in his basement and now employs around 500 people.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Cold Snap En Route.

It is the news South Island ski fields have been waiting for. Forecasters are predicting much needed snow this weekend. The blast of cold air that has brought Melbourne its heaviest snowfall in 20 years is heading towards New Zealand. It is expected to make its presence felt today, with the coldest blast coming on Sunday. Snow is expected to settle on the hills around Dunedin, down to 400 metres above sea level, and on Banks Peninsula. Forecaster Bob McDavitt says the cold snap may come as a bit of a surprise to many as it has been a mild winter so far.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Many thousands of chlamydia cases undiagnosed.

Revelations that thousands of New Zealanders are infected with chlamydia has prompted calls for screening guidelines and control measures for the sexually transmitted disease. Research published today in the New Zealand Medical Journal showed that almost three per cent of female students aged 18 to 25 who attended a university student health service in 2003 were infected with the bacteria without knowing it. The results suggested approximately 5400 undiagnosed infections among the 200,000 female New Zealanders aged 18 to 25 years -- although this was likely to be an underestimate, researchers said.
Source: NZPA

Parliament officially dissolved.

New Zealand's 47th parliament has formally wound up ahead of the general election in five weeks. A proclamation dissolving parliament was read on the steps of the old parliament building in Wellington by Phillip O'Shea, the New Zealand Herald of Arms Extraordinary to the Queen, on behalf of the Governor-General Silvia Cartwright. The dissolution makes way for Dame Silvia to issue a writ to the chief electoral officer on August 17, directing him to hold a general election.
Source:RNZ

Women join workforce in record numbers.

A fall in the unemployment rate, bringing it close to a 20-year low, has seen more women join the labour force than ever before, latest Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) figures released today show. The figures show 60.9 per cent of women of working age are employed in some way, the highest proportion ever recorded. This compares with 74.8 per cent of men. The latest figures have placed New Zealand at number one in the OECD.
NZPA

NZ calls for action against Iran.

New Zealand has joined other western nations in calling for Iran to be taken to the United Nations over its nuclear programme. Britain, Germany and France want to take Iran to the UN to face possible sanctions. The move is being supported by New Zealand, Canada and Australia, however, it is opposed by the so-called non-aligned nations such as Brazil, which do not want a confrontation. The West fears Iran is trying to develop atomic weapons, but Tehran says its activities are for peaceful purposes.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

NZ Cricket call off tour by Zimbabwe.

New Zealand Cricket has officially called off a tour here later in the year by Zimbabwe. The Black Caps side is currently in Zimbabwe on a tour which the New Zealand government urged to be cancelled because of Robert Mugabe's political regime. During the debate the government said it would not issue visas when Zimbabwe toured here in December - which left New Zealand Cricket no option but to officially call off the tour. The West Indies are to play a third extra test when they arrive in February.
Source:RNZ

New Zealand Jobless Rate Unexpectedly Falls to 3.7%.

Aug. 11 (Bloomberg) -- New Zealand's jobless rate unexpectedly declined in the second quarter as employers hired almost twice as many workers as economists expected, damping expectations the central bank may cut interest rates soon. Companies added 11,000 jobs in the three months to June 30 and the unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent from 3.9 percent in the first quarter, Statistics New Zealand said in Wellington today. The median forecast of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News was for 6,000 extra positions and the jobless rate to be unchanged.

Brent Todd named in drug inquiry case.

Sporting celebrity and former Kiwi league star Brent Todd has been named as one of the people linked to an inquiry into white-collar drug ring which police said they broke last month. Todd is still in Australia and is yet to be charged with any offences but a suppression order preventing publication of his name was lifted in Auckland District court today. Todd and another high profile sports celebrity were named when the first of six people facing drugs charges first appeared in court after police raids in addresses across inner city Auckland. A total of eight people are facing charges over what police call a white-collar drug ring.
Source: NZPA

New Zealander pleads guilty to fraud in US court.

A New Zealand man accused of scamming 30 investors out of more than US$16 million ($24 million) pleaded guilty yesterday in a United State federal court to three counts of fraud. In the US federal court at Central Islip, New York, he admitted the charges in a plea bargain in which he forfeited five properties in the Bahamas valued between US$12 million ($17.5 million) and US$13 million ($19 million). Including this money, he will have to pay more than US$16 million ($23 million) in restitution. But Derek Turner, who had "investors" in New Zealand and Australia, has cut a deal with American authorities to serve only six or seven years in jail and then to be deported home, Newsday newspaper reports.
Source: NZPA

N.Z. Dollar May Decline on Outlook for Slowing Jobs Growth.

Aug. 11 (Bloomberg) -- The New Zealand dollar may decline from a five-week high amid expectations a report today will show employment growth is slowing, reducing the need for the central bank to raise interest rates. Employment growth in the year ended June 30 probably slowed to 2.9 percent from 3.4 percent through March, according to the median estimate of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Less job creation may crimp consumer spending and inflation, and make Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard less inclined to raise rates.

Snow Of The Season On Mt Hutt.

Twenty centimetres of fresh snow fell on Mt Hutt overnight, blanketing the mountain and creating one of the best days of the season so far. Mt Hutt ski area manager David Wilson says last night's snowfall has created excitement and this is tipped to be the first of the good snowfalls for August.
(National snow report link in sidebar)
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Dance NZ Wins ASB Funding.

Plans are afoot for a dance house to be built in Auckland. Dance Aotearoa New Zealand has received a $139,000 ASB Trusts grant to start the project. DANZ Executive Director Dr Tania Kapytko says the idea is to develop dance and make more people aware that an industry exists, offering economic and employment opportunities. She says the 'house' will have a rehearsal space, but also offices which will promote education, health and business opportunities associated with dance. Dr Kapytko says all types of dance, from kapa haka and Samoan Sa Sa to hip-hop and line-dancing will be promoted at the venue.
Copyright 2005 Newstalk ZB News.

Kiwi Yacht Maximus Wins Fastnet Race.

New Zealand yacht Maximus has won the prestigious Fastnet Ocean Classic off the English coast. Maximus has crossed for line honours at Plymouth, winning in a time of two days 20 hours and two minutes.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Rugby-Bookies Still Love All Blacks.

The All Blacks are still warm favourites to beat the Wallabies this Saturday and to [ush on to win the 2005 Tri Nations title. New Zealand may have made a disappointing start to the Tri Nations with the 22-16 loss to the Springboks in Cape Town last weekend but that hasn't swayed the bookies from believing they are still the top team in the southern hemisphere.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Thunderstorm Disrupts Faumuina's Final.

New Zealand's Beatrice Faumuina will have to wait another couple of days for her chance to win a medal at the world track and field championships in Helsinki. A heavy thunderstorm has forced organisers to delay the women's discus final until Friday morning. Faumuina was one of only four athletes to get a throw away before the heavens opened, with her effort of 60.12 metres putting her in second place.
©2005 Xtra Limited.

Light plane crashes on takeoff, airport closed.

A light plane crashed on takeoff at Queenstown Airport today resulting in minor injuries to some of its five passengers. The Cessna crashed about 8.30am just after becoming airborne. The plane came down to the right of the runway nose first, causing the nose wheel to break, Inspector Stuart Leighton of police southern communications said. All those on board were reported to be safe with no serious injuries. The Fire Service was dealing with a large quantity of fuel which was leaking from the aircraft.
Source: NZPA