RNZAF Orion on Tonga rescue mission

A rescue operation is underway for four fishermen, believed to be in trouble off the coast of Tonga. Maritime New Zealand spokesman Ross Henderson says the men triggered an emergency beacon early this evening. He says the cause of the emergency is unclear, as Maritime New Zealand is having trouble making radio contact with them. Mr Henderson says an RNZAF Orion took off from Auckland's Whenuapai air base just before 8pm, and is expected to reach the men by midnight.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Illegal workers tipped in orchards - Pipfruit NZ

The organisation representing the pipfruit industry warns many orchardists may turn to hiring workers illegally, if their concerns about a Government employment scheme are not addressed. The Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme, which will come into force on 1 September, is designed to overcome the seasonal labour shortages in the horticulture industry, by allowing growers to hire workers from Pacific Islands to help with harvesting. But Pipfruit New Zealand's chairman Ian Palmer says, the scheme will not meet next season's labour requirements, and there need to be alternatives on offer to help with the transition. Mr Palmer says growers will rely on illegal labour if that's not given.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand

New Zealand sending aid to Pakistan flood victims

New Zealand is to give Pakistan 500,000 New Zealand dollars (US$385,000; €281,000) in humanitarian aid in the wake of serious flooding that has affected millions of people, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Tuesday. The combined effects of the monsoon season beginning on June 23 and Cyclone Yemyin on June 26 have claimed hundreds of lives across Pakistan. Pakistan earlier called on the international community to rush aid to the victims while its military continued to airlift relief supplies to isolated communities. New Zealand's contribution, through the government's international aid and development agency NZAID, would go to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to help fund emergency shelter and supplies.

Inmates can earn time out under new system

Prisoners will be able to earn more time out of their cells and greater work and study opportunities under a new privilege-based system being rolled out across the country. However, if they misbehave, they will be penalised with increased restrictions. Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor today said the new prisoner placement system would operate at Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility. The system was already being used at Otago Corrections Facility and would be used at Spring Hill Corrections Facility when it opens in November. Benefits prisoners could get would be more hours out of their cells, greater freedom of movement and flexible visits and they would get access to training, work opportunities and other programmes. "But if they misbehave then they will be penalised by being subject to more restrictions. At its harshest, the most difficult prisoners will spend 23 hours a day locked in a cell."
Source:NZPA

Placido Domingo to be patron of NZ opera company

One of the world's greatest opera singers, tenor Placido Domingo, has accepted an invitation to become patron of New Zealand's newest opera company, Southern Opera. The new Christchurch-based company, founded earlier this year by former New Zealand opera star Christopher Doig, says he was "ecstatic" that Domingo had agreed to take the position. "He is one of the best known, loved and listened to international opera singers of our age, and we are absolutely delighted that he has agreed to become our patron," Doig said today. Southern Opera is preparing for its first major production, Bizet's Carmen, in Christchurch starting on October 4.
Source:NZPA

Smokers get help online

One thousand smokers have joined an online "quit community", says an anti-smoking group. Helen Glasgow, executive director of the Quit organisation, said quit.org.nz offered a forum where people who were trying to quit smoking could give one another support and advice. Many smokers had written very personal stories about how the smoking-related deaths of other family members had affected them.
©2006, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Historic find may delay North Shore road upgrade

An upgrade to a major road on Auckland's North Shore could be delayed for months as the Historic Places Trust checks out a newly discovered midden. The midden - a site where food remains such as shells, bones and charcoal from fires were thrown or buried - was discovered when a pohutukawa tree was removed from the Esmonde Rd-Lake Rd construction site in Takapuna. North Shore City corridor project team manager Graham Nell said the midden had been inspected by local iwi and an archaeologist and was now waiting for clearance from the Historic Places Trust.
Source:NZPA

Mr Pip the Reader's Choice

The novel "Mister Pip" has earned Lloyd Jones the Montana Medal for fiction or poetry. It has also picked up the Reader's Choice prize at the Montana Book Awards. "Mister Pip" tells the tale of the only Caucasian man on the small island of Bougainville who re-opens a school for the local children. The win completes a stunning run for Jones, who was awarded the Commonwealth Writers Prize earlier this year. Eagle's Complete Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand, a book that took author and painter, Audrey Eagle more than 50 years to complete, is the winner of the Montana Medal for non-fiction. The two-volume work contains more than 800 hand painted plates; images of every single New Zealand tree and shrub, some of which are now extinct.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

NZ helping US Pacific mission

New Zealand is taking part in a US-led Navy operation in the Pacific. Six medical personnel will be involved in the humanitarian mission which involves building hospitals, schools and providing medical assistance. Prime Minister Helen Clark says there are degrees of instability in countries including the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga. The New Zealanders will be helping the Americans, who have recently become directly engaged in South Pacific affairs. The New Zealand personnel will spend three and a half weeks on the deployment.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Fizzy drinks out, milk in at rugby games

Anchor is taking milk back to its grass roots, announcing a sponsorship deal that will see milk replace fizzy drink at provincial rugby grounds. The deal, which incorporates the G-nine, or non-Super 14 rugby unions, aims to promote healthy lifestyle changes by completely removing carbonated drinks from sale. G-nine spokesman Warren Goddard says like the education sector, the rugby unions felt it was time to set a good example to kids by offering positive options. He says participating rugby stadiums will offer water and juice, along with regular, low fat and flavoured milk.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Birdwatchers take duties seriously

The responsibilities of bird watching are being taken very seriously in Christchurch. Crown research institute Landcare Research is delighted with the response by Christchurch people to its garden bird survey. It put out a request for people to spend one hour in their garden or public space and write down the number and species of birds they saw in that time. Survey organiser and scientist Eric Spurr says 1,800 surveys and have been received so far. Some have been returned with notes and photos attached. Mr Spurr says the most common birds are sparrows and silver-eyes.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Nats set on work for dole scheme

National promises businesses would not be undercut by its planned work for the dole scheme. The party is holding a forum today with MPs and NGO representatives as they continue to work on the framework of the policy. Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins indicates National would use the approach used in Australia as a model. She says what is proposed is that work done under the scheme be totally non-commercial and is to benefit charities and voluntary groups. Ms Collins says the policy is still being worked on and she cannot give any indication of when it will be finalised.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Apples on trade talk agenda

Top level trans-Tasman talks are underway in Auckland today. Trade, economic, and agricultural ministers from New Zealand and Australia are meeting for annual Closer Economic Relations discussions. Trade Minister Phil Goff says it is a chance to endorse further collaboration and discuss trade policy issues. He says this year's meeting will include food regulation and market access to free trade agreement agendas. The ongoing dispute over the access of New Zealand apples to the Australian market will also be on the agenda.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

A joint causes the damage of five ciggies

New research has found smoking a marijuana joint has the same effect on the lungs as smoking five cigarettes. The study from the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand divided 339 volunteers into four categories: those who smoked only cannabis, those who smoked only tobacco, those who smoked both and those who smoked neither. Professor Beasley says the damage appears to be caused because marijuana joints are usually smoked without a filter, and are smoked down as far as possible, which means the smoke is hotter when it arrives in the lungs.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Clear message for farmers says judge

The Food Safety Authority is satisfied with the fine handed out to an Auckland farmer who pleaded guilty to using a plant pesticide on his cattle. Carl Houghton of Waimauku has been ordered to pay $15,000 plus court costs for spraying endosulfan on his animals at his farm at Waimauku and failing to notify the processing plant when the animals went for slaughter. His actions led to the suspension of New Zealand beef exports to Korea in September 2005. Beef exports to seven other markets were also potentially affected.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Flexi working hours bill to be debated

A Green MP's bill which would giving workers more flexibility in their working hours is to be debated in Parliament. Sue Kedgley's Flexible Working Arrangements Bill seeks to make it easier for employees to choose what time they start and finish each day. It would also allow more people to work from home. Ms Kedgley says there is strong support for a right to request flexible hours, at least for employees with young or disabled children. She says similar legislation has worked well in the United Kingdom.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Wine, dairy boost science faculties

By REBECCA TODD - The Press
The dairy and wine industries are driving a growth in science enrolments at Lincoln University, says a Lincoln professor. Enrolments in science programmes at the university have increased by 33 per cent over the past five years. Nationally, enrolments in science subjects have been falling, leading some science leaders to warn of an impending crisis for the "knowledge economy". Lincoln University divisional director of agriculture and life sciences Professor Brian Jordan said a major area of growth was in the agricultural sciences, viticulture and oenology (wine science). "Dairy production and the wine-making industry are thriving on a great growth curve and looking for well-qualified students," he said.

Poor rate of hand-washing in hospitals

By TARA ROSS - The Press
New Zealand shares the same concerns about poor hand-washing in hospitals as England, where the top medical officer says it is the country's most pressing public health issue. In his annual report released this month, England's chief medical officer Liam Donaldson revealed fewer than two-thirds of medical staff routinely washed their hands. In one study, the figure was as low as 10 per cent. "Our biggest threat is not from dirty hospitals but from unclean hands," Donaldson said. New Zealand health officials say the hand-washing situation is no different here. The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is currently looking at placing alcohol hand gel beside every bed on its general wards in a bid to improve staff hand hygiene.

Separated couples asked to work together for study

Victoria University is asking for separated parents to share their experiences in a survey about living arrangements for their children. Associate Professor Jan Pryor, director of the university's Roy McKenzie Centre for the Study of Families, said researchers would also look at how the parents reached decisions and how they worked. The results would be available for groups and individuals who worked with families and government organisations which made policies related to family separations , she said. Dr Pryor said there was very little New Zealand-based information about how parents made decisions about their children after separation.
Source:NZPA

Computer recycling day returns to Wellington

Households will be able to drop off old computers and mobile phones for free recycling at Westpac Trust Stadium car park on September 29. The event, organised by Wellington's 2020 Trust and recycler Remarkit, is being supported by the city council and several industry sponsors. It follows a similar recycling day sponsored by Dell last September when 54 tonnes of computer equipment was dropped off for recycling from 1250 cars.
Source:Dominion Post

Kay Gregory leaving Breakfast

Kay Gregory is leaving TV One's Breakfast programme. The presenter says she wants to focus on her family and expand her role as a marriage and funeral celebrant. She finishes up at the end of this week. Her departure comes as TV3 prepares to launch its own morning show later in the year.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Wife killer to be deported to China

A Chinese man serving a life sentence for killing his wife has had his application to remain in New Zealand tossed out. Jia Chun Hu is serving a minimum non-parole period of 13 years for stabbing his wife Jian Huang to death in 2000. The couple had separated, and she had a protection order against him. The prosecution said Hu became jealous when his wife formed a new relationship and he decided to kill her.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Mandarin on the menu for preschoolers

By Stuart Dye
An Auckland preschool is aiming to become the country's first bilingual Mandarin-English early childhood education centre. The Shuang Xing Learning Centre in Mission Bay is on the verge of applying for full accreditation as a childhood centre just three months after it was set up. It has secured funding and has two fully qualified early childhood and language teachers. Thirteen children are registered for the centre, which was formed by Chinese parents keen to keep their children in touch with their language and culture.
©2006, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Five-year housing bubble may be about to burst

By Christopher Niesche
There are signs New Zealand's five-year housing boom is coming to an end, with a survey out today showing Kiwis are less confident that house prices will keep rising as higher interest rates start to bite. The quarterly New Zealand housing confidence survey by ASB bank found that fewer people believe now is a good time to buy a house and fewer than half believe house prices will keep going up.
©2006, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Targeting vulnerable for loans may breach laws

By BEN FAWKES - The Dominion Post
Money lenders who target beneficiaries and other low-income earners could be in breach of consumer law. Lawyer Bill Bevan says companies that aggressively sell themselves to beneficiaries, promising on-the-spot loan approvals and no credit checks, are breaking the Consumer Guarantees Act. Mr Bevan, who works at Whitireia Community Law Centre, says 15 per cent of the centre's clients are struggling to meet repayments on loans to "bottom-end" finance firms. Many lenders failed to adequately ensure borrowers were able to pay back loans before lending them money, he said. The Government recently moved to crack down on loan sharks, banning criminals from lending and requiring money lenders to register with an approved professional body.

Anti-hotel groups head to court

The appeal against a decision granting resource consent to build an hotel on Queen's Wharf in Wellington gets underway in the Environment Court today. Waterfront Watch and the Wellington Civic Trust have joined forces to fight a plan to build a five storey Hilton Hotel on Queen's Wharf. Civic Trust spokesman Neville Beach says such a special site should be home to an iconic structure such as a statue and an hotel does not fit that category.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Yachting-Support for another shot at America's Cup

A survey shows there is strong support across the country for the government to help fund another Team New Zealand challenge of the America's Cup. Research New Zealand has carried out a poll of more than 500 people, asking respondents whether the government should provide some funding for another shot at the trophy. It shows 74 percent support taxpayer funding being used, with support greater from people living in cities and larger towns.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Mayor Wants Boys Only Secondary School

Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws says the city's lack of a single sex secondary school for boys is hindering its ability to recruit families to the area. Mr Laws says in 1990, Wanganui had two boys' schools but now it has none. He says some families consider single sex schooling essential for their children and Wanganui must do something to offer that. He says council will work towards persuading one of the current schools to change. Mr Laws says international evidence shows many boys learn best in a boys-only environment and that option must be available in Wanganui.
© NewsRoom 2007

Roh Advocates Free Trade With New Zealand

SEOUL, July 27 Asia Pulse - President Roh Moo-hyun met with New Zealand's foreign minister on Friday and called for efforts to reach a free trade agreement between the two countries, his office said. Roh welcomed the launch of a private-sector project to examine a possible free trade deal between the two sides following his summit with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark in December, the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.

Politicians should listen

A parents' group says there might not be so many kids bashing their teachers if politicians listened to ordinary mums and dads. Parent-dot-org is calling for more representation after the primary teachers' union, the NZEI, revealed one third of primary and intermediate schools has reported students hitting teachers. Chairman Steven Gore says the community only ever hears about bad parents, but for the past 20 years governments have disregarded parents and devalued their role. He says there are 70-odd ministerial portfolios, and not a single one supports parents. Steven Gore says New Zealand parents need heroes and leaders to inspire them, and they need to know what successful parenting looks like.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Homes flooded in heavy rain

Heavy rain is causing trouble for some Auckland residents. The rain has been pelting down all morning and the Fire Service says it is had up to 10 calls for help in dealing with flooding in homes. A Fire Service spokesman says the major reason for the flooding is blocked drains. He predicts more people will have similar trouble of the rain persists.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

NZ salmon on US menu

New Zealand salmon is making a splash in one of the world's toughest fish markets. Canada produces 17 times more salmon than NZ but North American consumers are developing an appetite for the kiwi variety. Consumers have dozens of species to choose from such as chum and sockeye but now there's a new fish on the block - all the way from New Zealand. The kiwi salmon is the chinook species which originally came from British Colombia but is now in short supply. "It's interesting that an indigenous fish to British Colombia is being grown in New Zealand and shipped out here and we're not doing it ourselves," says Canadian salmon importer Joe Collins.
Source:One News

Breakfast In Schools Volunteers Needed

The New Zealand Red Cross says it is expanding its Breakfast in Schools programme and more volunteers are needed. It says the programme, which was launched in May, already ensures 200 students are fed each morning with food supplied by Countdown supermarkets. The Red Cross's national programme manager, Patrick Cummings, says eight schools are currently involved. He says while the biggest challenge is finding volunteers outside of schools to help run the programme, another 13 schools are set to join. Mr Cummings says feedback from schools about the project has been extremely positive.
© NewsRoom 2007

Paul Callaghan receives Blake medal

The third recipient of the Blake medal is scientist Paul Callaghan. He was awarded the medal by the Governor-General yesterday in a ceremony attended by Sir Peter Blake's widow Pippa. Professor Callaghan is recognised for outstanding leadership over 30 years within the scientific community, and outside it, both nationally and internationally. Six young people received Emerging Leader awards.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Eternity Two released

New Zealanders will be first to get their hands on what is being dubbed the world's richest puzzle. Eternity Two has been released globally today, and has a $US2 million prize for the first person who correctly solves it. The game is the follow up to Eternity One which launched eight years ago in Britain with a £STG1 million prize, but was not sold in New Zealand. Creator Lord Christopher Monckton thought it would take up to three years to solve the original puzzle, but two students did is successfully in 18 months. The new puzzle consists of 256 square pieces bordered by coloured patterns that must be correctly aligned in a 16x16 grid to find a solution.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Napier libraries to get a boost

Napier City Council is to spend $1.7 million to upgrade the city's libraries. Most of the money will go to the Taradale library, to increase its size and make it more attractive, and to update its computer technology. The rest will be used to enhance the main library in the city centre. Mayor Barbara Arnott signalled that the council would eventually look at spending another $5 million to expand and improve this library.
Source:Dominion Post

Hunger strike continues

Supporters of five Iranian men being held in an Auckland prison are protesting again today. The government wants to deport the Iranians, but the Iranians claim it would be unsafe for them to go back to Iran. One of the detainees, who has been in Mt Eden Prison for 18 months, has been on a hunger strike for 16 days. His supporters are demonstrating outside the prison today.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Online shoppers warned of email scam

Internet shoppers beware - someone is trying to scam more money out of you. The New Zealand Customs Service is warning people who have bought goods over the net about a new email scam which asks them to pay customs fees or duties before their goods are released. The hoax emails are sent to Hotmail accounts after people have made their purchase.
© 2007 Newstalk ZB News

Singer lands $3m deal

You may not have heard of him yet, but Will Martin is a superstar in the making. The North Shore 22-year-old has landed the most lucrative contract offered to a New Zealand musician - worth almost $3 million. Martin has signed a five-album deal with Universal Music Group with his first "popera" - or classical crossover - album due out in October. UMG expects the album to sell 2 million copies and Martin to rival the popularity of his new labelmate, Hayley Westenra. Martin was "discovered" singing on a cruise liner last September by rival record label EMI, which 24 hours later offered him a $1.9 million contract. However, UMG topped the offer and Martin signed, earning New Zealand's richest recording contract.
©2006, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Fined for littering in a bin

By EMILY WATT - The Dominion Post
A Wellington man who decided to clean out his car while waiting for a kebab was fined $100 for littering - in a rubbish bin. The man said he took some rubbish from the back of his car and put it in a green council bin outside a kebab shop in Hataitai. "I assumed, incorrectly as it turns out, that as it was a litter bin I was able to put litter in it," he said. Wellington City Council duly sent him a litter infringement notice, which carried a $100 fine. The man said he had no idea that putting a bit of rubbish in a bin was a sin. "I was unaware that domestic and non-domestic rubbish were categorised differently.

NZ Governor General to make first Tokelau visit

The Governor-General of New Zealand, Anand Satyanand, is making his first official visit to Tokelau next week, reports Radio New Zealand International. The three-day visit aims to reaffirm the Governor-General’s relationship with Tokelau, which is a dependent territory of New Zealand. Mr Satyanand and his wife arrive on Tuesday and will visit each of Tokelau’s three atolls, Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo, visiting major projects funded by N-Z Aid, including schools and hospitals.
Copyright © 2007 Islands Business International

Fiji-hospitals taking emergency cases only as nurses goes on strike

SUVA, FIJI ---- Hospitals and health clinics in Fiji are operating with skeleton staff after nurses in this South Pacific island walked off their jobs at mid night last night. Showing signs of a well-oiled machine, nurses on the 6pm to 12 midnight shift walked out of their jobs and straight into private buses which shuttled them to their designated picketing sites around the island. Some 1400 nurses, members of the Fiji Nursing Association, are protesting about the military regime’s refusal to restore the 5 percent pay cut imposed on all government employees at the beginning of the year.
Copyright © 2007 Islands Business International

New Zealand lifts visa restrictions for Romanians

As of July 30, Romanians who want to travel to New Zealand for a three-month stay will no longer need visas, under a decision of the New Zealand government, the Foreign Ministry announced. Romanian citizens will only have to present, at entry, their travel tickets, to declare their purposes and to prove they can support themselves during the stay.

Wet weekend forecast for North Island

Heavy rain will spread at speed into Northland tomorrow night and then on to Auckland and other parts of the North Island, MetService said today. Northeast gales and heavy rain are expected to reach the far north of Northland on Saturday evening and quickly move further south on Sunday morning. MetService said: "Heavy rainfall warnings initally cover Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne.
NZHERALD STAFF

$2 million for pesticide free apples

The Government will give $2 million towards a project aimed at encouraging pipfruit growers to produce export fruit free of pesticide residues. Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard said consumers around the world were increasingly demanding fruit free of chemical residues. The funding, along with $667,000 from the industry, would pay for technical staff to help roll out "refined orchard management techniques", that employed more biological pest controls and education about how to reduce pesticide use. "Consumers around the world are increasingly demanding that fruit have no detectable chemical residues and New Zealand's pipfruit industry can be a leader on this important issue of sustainability," Mr Mallard said.
Source:NZPA

Shortage of midwives strands mums-to-be

By RUTH HILL - The Dominion Post
The maternity workforce in Wellington is strained, with a continuing shortage of midwives and more obstetricians opting out of primary care. One Wellington woman who is 14 weeks pregnant has been unsuccessfully trying to find a midwife since she conceived. Maternity Services Consumer Council spokeswoman Lynda Williams said she frequently received calls from women desperately trying to find midwives in Wellington and Auckland, where shortages were also critical.

Online homework is just ultra for pupils

By REBECCA PAPPRILL - Eastern Courier
'The dog ate my homework' is no longer a valid excuse for not handing in work for some schools. Pupils at Baverstock Oaks School now have a virtual classroom and can source work tasks online. Each classroom has their own web page where students can post their homework task to the teacher and receive feedback, take part in class discussion forums and get the latest school news. "If a child says they don't have any homework then parents can sign in and find out," "Teachers can also monitor their workload and we have found they don't have to chase up students as much." Ultranet two is a concept developed by Business Unit Ultranet manager Mark Grimes. Since released in March this year, 40 schools in the North Island have taken it on board (Ultranet) and eight schools in the eastern area.

Glacier melt will be biggest factor in sea-level changes

By JOHN HENZELL - The Press
Glaciers in places like New Zealand will have a bigger impact on sea-level change in the next century than the ice-sheets of Antarctica and Greenland, new research into global warming shows. The fate of the polar ice sheets, home of 90 per cent of the world's fresh water and with the potential to increase sea levels by up to 60m, has dominated attention on the impact of climate change. However, Associate Professor Wendy Lawson, head of geography at Canterbury University, said glaciers in the Southern Alps and similar places would have a much bigger effect in the short term. Research by New Zealand academics suggests many of the more than 3000 glaciers in the Southern Alps will disappear over the next century, including some within a decade, and the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers will retreat dramatically.

TVNZ considers afternoon news programme

In an effort to attract more viewers TVNZ is considering starting a late afternoon news programme. TVNZ head of television, Jeff Latch, said the broadcaster was looking at new programming options for the afternoon, which could include news, game-show and lifestyle programmes, the New Zealand Herald reported. He said a formal decision was likely to be made in six to eight weeks. TVNZ cut up to 160 jobs in its latest round of restructuring. Despite signs of recovery, One News has been losing viewers to 3News.
Source:NZPA

Meningococcal cases despite vaccine

Five children in Wellington and the Hutt Valley regions under the age of eight have been diagnosed with meningococcal disease despite two of them being vaccinated against it. Three of the cases are confirmed and the other two are probable. Two of the cases are in one family but the others appear not to be linked. Medical Officer of Health, Dr Margot McLean says two of the patients were fully immunised with the MeNZB vaccine and some of the others were partially immunised.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Healthcare cheats being flushed out

Patients seeking surgery at Waikato Hospital are being asked to verify their eligibility for healthcare, after a woman received care for a taxpayer funded birth after supplying false details. Police are investigating an incident where a woman presented a fake passport to Waikato Hospital last year and then managed receive free birth care costing $5,000. District Health Board spokeswoman Mary Anne Gill says 4,000 patients have been asked to provide formal identification, in a bid to flush out ineligible patients from waiting lists. The DHB is working closely with the Immigration Service on several suspicious cases.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Frame wins posthumous poetry prize

Three-and-a-half years after her death from leukaemia, Janet Frame has won an award for her first love - poetry. Her posthumous collection The Goose Bath has taken out the poetry category of the 2007 Montana New Zealand Book Awards, which was announced this morning to mark Poetry Day. Frame's niece and co-editor of the collection Pamela Gordon says it is an emotional day for her, as her aunt asked for her help to publish her poems before she died. She says the poems in the book are very personal, which is probably why Janet Frame did not want to publish them while she was alive, but was happy for them to be released after her death.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

NZ shares drop amid global jitters

New Zealand shares are down in early trade, as investors react to the worldwide slump in equities. The NZX50 was down 79 points to 4246. Earlier on Wall Street the Dow ended the day down more than 300 points. Investors have reacted to figures showing the US economy is weakening. The jitters on the world markets have done what the Reserve Bank's intervention in the currency market could not do. The dollar is below the 78 US cents mark, losing three cents overnight.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Easter Bunny disaster

What seemed like a cute idea at Easter is now causing a headache for the Auckland SPCA.
Cute, fluffy bunnies are snapped up at pet stores around April as families get into the Easter spirit. However the Animal Village in Mangere is now hopping with abandoned rabbits as people realise the pet still needs care and attention after the chocolate has been devoured. The SPCA says it is determined to find good homes for the rabbits that have been abandoned and is urging people who are prepared to make a bunny part of their family to go to the Animal Village.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Benson-Pope resigns from Cabinet

David Benson-Pope is out of Cabinet. Prime Minister Helen Clark has made an announcement in Papakura, south of Auckland, that she has accepted the Environment Minister's resignation. Mr Benson-Pope refused to comment publicly before the announcement, but said he would make a statement after the Prime Minister had spoken.Miss Clark has reviewed transcripts of Mr Benson-Pope's comments over the past few days following an apparent about-face over the controversy surrounding the departure of Environment Ministry communications manager Madeleine Setchell after just three days in the job. Her partner is National leader John Key's press secretary.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Linkin Park announce NZ show

Prepare yourselves, rock fans. Linkin Park have announced they will perform one New Zealand show in Auckland in October - a gig that will also feature Chris Cornell. Linkin Park will play Auckland's Vector Arena on Friday, October 12. Chris Cornell will open the show. Linkin Park hit No. 1 in New Zealand with their most recent album Minutes to Midnight. Tickets for the show will be available through Ticketmaster.co.nz from August 6.
Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2006.

Pitbull bites chunk out of little girl's lip

By CHRISTIAN BONNEVIE - Manawatu Standard
A preschooler will need plastic surgery to her face after she was attacked by a pitbull at her Palmerston North kindergarten yesterday. Four-year-old Kenya Tripp had a chunk taken out of her bottom lip when the dog jumped on her as she attempted to pat it outside Campbell Street Kindergarten at lunchtime. Sergeant Doug Seal said the dog, which he believed was a pitbull cross, had been tied to a fence near the preschool's gates while its owner collected a child from inside. The owner told police she would have the dog put down immediately, though the action was yet to be confirmed.

Demand For Clean-Up Crews At Storm-Wrecked Orchards

Work and Income says there has been high demand for Taskforce Green crews to clean up storm-damaged orchards near Whangarei. The Government has allocated $500,000 to help Northland farmers and growers remove trees and debris, clear culverts and mend fences broken in the storm two weeks ago. Northern growers estimate they will lose $40 million from the storm damage. They say it will take up to 10 years to replace blown-over trees and bring them into full production.
© NewsRoom 2006

Pies put to the test

Judges are putting more than 3,000 pies to the test at the Supreme Pie Awards in Auckland. Bakels Managing Director Graham Sims says the competition has become the country's premier baking event with 11 categories including mince and gravy, chicken and vegetables, gourmet meat, bacon and egg, gourmet fruit, vegetarian and seafood. Mr Sims says this year's line-up of judges is very diverse and includes a someone from France, Holland, Switzerland and Denmark. Their decisions are based on baking presentation, pie filling and most importantly how the pie tastes. The competition's ultimate winner will get $7,500 prize money but Mr Sims says the actual prize in terms of retail sales is huge, with past winners enjoying increases in sales of up to 500 percent.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Baby orca mutilated by humans

Autopsy results show a newborn orca found on a Northland beach was mutilated at the hands of humans. The baby killer whale was found on 90 Mile Beach earlier this month missing its head, tail, dorsal and pectoral fins. It also had cuts to its side. Veterinary pathologist Wendi Roe says the orca was already dead when it was butchered by someone who is clearly skilled with a knife. She says the body parts may have been taken by souvenir hunters, but it is possible they were removed to hide evidence that the orca was caught in a fishing net.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Second Maori channel to be launched

Maori Television is planning to launch a second channel using the Maori language exclusively. Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia is expected to announce the plan in a speech today at the Maori Television Service's office in Newmarket, the New Zealand Herald newspaper reported. The announcement coincides with Maori Language Week. It is understood the second channel will be digital and will be transmitted on Freeview. Maori language content on the existing channel will not change.
Source:NZPA

Windfarm Court Battle Lost

A Palmerston North community group has lost a court battle to stop the city council building a windfarm on a local reserve. Last year Palmerston North City Council passed a resolution changing the purpose of the Turitea Reserve near the city to include renewable energy generation, which would allow a windfarm to proceed. That decision was challenged in the High Court by the Friends of the Turitea Reserve Society. In a ruling just released, Justice Baragwanath dismissed the society's case saying the change of purpose was within the council's power and that it acted responsibly in making it.
© NewsRoom 2007

Climbers not expecting winter conditions

French authorities say the New Zealander killed in a climbing tragedy in the French Alps was not properly equipped for bad weather. Jane Jerram of Christchurch and three companions from France, Britain and Chile froze to death on Mont Blanc when poor weather engulfed the highest peak in western Europe. Their bodies were found at the Bionnassay crest on Mont Blanc at an altitude of 4000 metres. One of Ms Jerram's companions was her British boyfriend who was about to take up a position at Canterbury University and she was about to return home with him after four years of being overseas.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Bad news for homeowners

Interest rates are going up. The Reserve Bank has just announced an increase in the official cash rate of quarter of a percent. The OCR now stands at 8.25 percent, as Governor Alan Bollard struggles to keep inflation in check.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Yachting-Ellison-Coutts force to be reckoned with

The newly formed Ellison-Coutts relationship for the America's Cup has elevated Oracle to the favourite challenger for the next regatta, but yachting commentator Dean Salthouse says but do not count out Team New Zealand. Oracle billionaire owner Larry Ellison has signed former Team New Zealand skipper Russell Coutts to become skipper and CEO of the Oracle challenge. Salthouse says the new combination will be the favourite, but there are no guarantees. He says Oracle will have to get past Team New Zealand, which clearly did a pretty good job against the challengers in the last regatta.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Baby giraffe for Auckland Zoo

Keepers at Auckland zoo arrived at work on Wednesday morning to find a new addition - a baby giraffe. The calf is the first female giraffe born at the zoo in 15 years and is the third off-spring of 21-year-old mum Kay and nine-year-old dad Zabulu. Auckland Zoo Pridelands team leader, Michael Batty, says it was a wonderful surprise to get to work and find the healthy baby. The zoo is calling on members of the public to help name the new giraffe, who weighed in at approximately 55 kilos and stands 1.8 metres tall. For details on how enter the naming competition go to the Auckland Zoo
Website click here
Source:One News

Maori language teaching to go online

By PAUL EASTON - The Dominion Post
Internet-based teaching software is being developed to try to address a shortage of Maori language teachers in schools nationwide. Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia said he had asked the Education Ministry to investigate ways of dealing with the shortage, with a focus on early childhood and primary education. He wanted more children to learn te reo at a young age and online teaching software was one way to make sure this happened, given the shortage of Maori language teachers. Maori language commissioner Erima Henare said the online project would be rolled out within the next year.

More funding going into saving the kiwi

A trust aimed at saving the kiwi has had its funding increased by 15 percent to $766,000 for the coming year. The extra money would enable the Bank of New Zealand's Save The Kiwi Trust to help 41 conservation projects, trust executive director Michelle Impey said. These would include renewed efforts to stem the population slide of Haast tokoeka and rowi kiwi, with estimated populations of 250 and 300 respectively. Funding would also go into developing technology to monitor wild kiwi egg incubation to determine the best time to lift an egg or chick, Ms Impey said.
Source:NZPA

Sids rates fall as infants' sleep positions change

A continuing decline in the number of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases is likely due to parents placing infants on their backs before bed, according to New Zealand research. Researchers from Auckland University reported there had been an initial drop in the number of cases after parents were urged to avoid placing their infants face down to sleep. The researchers conclude that the continuing decline in SIDS "is likely to be due to the substantial increase in the proportion of infants placed to sleep on their back rather than on their side."

Hospital workers to get big pay rise

Hospital workers employed by Spotless Services will get pay increases of up to 27 per cent after the company and union reached agreement on a wage deal already agreed by other hospital contractors. About 800 Spotless orderlies, cooks and cleaners were locked out of 12 hospitals for nine days until yesterday when the Employment Court ruled the lockouts were illegal. The Australian-owned company yesterday lifted the lockout of its workers belonging to the Service and Food Workers Union and agreed to pay the $14.25 starting rate to them and another 700 non-union members.
Source:NZPA

Kiwi wins medal in Iraq

A Kiwi soldier who returned to Iraq on a second tour of duty has been awarded one of Britain's highest military awards for bravery under fire. Corporal Terry Knights - a former territorial solder in New Zealand - has been honoured with the Military Cross for bravery and leadership. Corporal Knights serves with the British Royal Marines. The Military Cross, the third highest British defence force honour, was awarded to Corporal Knights for "gallantry during active operations against the enemy".
The Nelson Mail

NZ climber dies in French Alps

A New Zealand woman is one of four climbers who have died in a mountaineering accident in the French Alps, the AFP news agency reports. The group got into trouble at 4052m on Monday night while trying to scale Mont Blanc, the agency said. The other climbers were a Frenchman and women from Britain and Chile. Violent winds and snowstorms hampered a rescue effort.
NZHERALD STAFF

Breakthrough in obesity battle

By Martin Johnston
A breakthrough involving New Zealand scientists points to new ways of handling the developed world's obesity crisis. People who became obese were thought to be victims of bad genes which caused them to pack on the kilos. But the scientists' discovery suggests destiny may be reversed through good nutrition in early childhood. The scientists from Auckland University's Liggins Institute and their colleagues in Britain are examining how a mother's diet in pregnancy can determine if a baby will become obese in adulthood and suffer heart disease and diabetes. The Government is deeply concerned about New Zealand's rapidly rising rate of obesity and the predicted increase in diabetes that this will fuel.
©2006, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Cook Strait consent sought for tidal trial

The drivers of a Cook Strait marine energy project plan to apply for resource consent to trial the scheme. Neptune Power last year revealed a multibillion-dollar scheme to install up to 7000 turbines about 40m deep in Cook Strait to produce power from tidal flows. Director Chris Bathurst, a Christchurch engineer, said yesterday the company would apply in a month to the Greater Wellington Regional Council for resource consent for a trial on the Wellington side of Cook Strait. They hoped to have it operating at the end of next year. Bathurst said Neptune was working with a British firm that was developing design technology that used less material. They were to start a trial in Britain with a small unit, while the trial in Cook Strait would use a larger one, possibly full size.
Source:The Press

Top Fiji role for Christchurch lawyer

By MARTIN VAN BEYNEN - The Press
A little-known Christchurch lawyer has been appointed Fiji's new solicitor-general. Chris Pryde, a barrister who took both criminal and civil cases, was yesterday appointed Fiji's solicitor-general for a term of five years. Pryde has been with the Attorney-General's office since January. He succeeds Nainendra Nand, who was dismissed following the military takeover after 10 years in the job.

Netball-Australia beats Silver Ferns 54-47

The Silver Ferns head back to New Zealand today with plenty to work on ahead of the November World Championships. They have lost to Australia by another seven goal margin, losing 54-47 in Adelaide to go down 2-1 in the series. Australia dominated from the start, although the Ferns did come back from 15 goals down in the third quarter to narrow the gap to five. Coach Ruth Aitken says they are feeling crushed and there is real disappointment, especially at the poor way in which they started as playing catch-up netball is not the way to go. Aitken concedes Australia will now head into the November World Championships as favourites but her players have to believe they have the goods, although they have a lot of work to do.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Fresh talent for squabbling boys

Staff at Wellington's Karori Wildlife Sanctuary hope the addition of fresh female talent will calm down some over-enthusiastic males. Ten new female bellbirds, or korimako were introduced from Kapiti Island this month. Spokeswoman Raewyn Empson says it follows a torrid time during the last breeding season, when single males ran the females ragged as they tried to steal them from their partners. A number of female bellbirds died from stress.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Cars checked out before petrol flows

BP is making no apologies for introducing its "check-out-the driver first" policy at the company's petrol pumps. Under the new system the cashier is alerted by a beep when a motorists lifts the pump nozzle. The petrol will not start flowing until the staff member has checked the vehicle is displaying registration plates. BP began introducing the system worldwide at the end of April. Spokeswoman Diana Stretch says it is a response to the growing number of people driving off without paying. She says a large number of those remove their car's registration plates so that they are not caught on security cameras.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Afrikaans-language church to open in Auckland

A South African minister is to set up an Afrikaans-language church in Auckland, saying he wants to cater for the many South Africans who have migrated to New Zealand. Reverend Marthinus Riekert is quitting the United States to move to Auckland, saying he could not ignore the appeals from a community of South African nationals who had relocated there. Mr Riekert joined the Congregational Church of Middlebury, in Vermont, as pastor in 2005. According to Statistics New Zealand over 21,000 people here speak Afrikaans.
Source:NZPA

Rooks Nigh On Gone From Canterbury

A serious agricultural pest has almost been eradicated in Canterbury. Environment Canterbury now estimates there are only 16 rooks left in the region after more than ten years of poisoning operations. The birds cause serious damage to newly sown crops, by pulling the sprouting seeds out of the ground. Environment Canterbury's southern area biosecurity team leader, Brent Glentworth, says staff have gone to great lengths and cost to get rid of them. Mr Glentworth says farmers are being asked to keep an eye out for the last remaining rooks, because it is important numbers do not take off again.
© NewsRoom 2007

Grimshaw listed for major award

Auckland writer Charlotte Grimshaw has been shortlisted for the world's richest short fiction prize. She is among six writers in the running for the Ireland-based Frank O'Connor International Short Story Prize, which is worth around $60,000. Charlotte Grimshaw won the Katherine Mansfield Award last year. Her father is writer C.K. Stead.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Australia issues travel warning for Fiji

AUSTRALIA has issued a warning to travellers of the risk of street demonstrations and public disorder in Fiji where nurses are preparing to walk off the job tonight. Australian Government travel advice was last night updated to warn of the action, which could see about 1500 nurses go on strike in Fiji to protest against a five per cent pay cut. Other civil servants have threatened strike action next week. "You should avoid demonstrations, street rallies and public gatherings as such events could result in civil disorder," the advice reads.

New Zealand dollar crashes through 80 cents

The high flying kiwi dollar zoomed through the crucial .80 cents level Monday night, setting a new 22-year record. The New Zealand dollar hit .8065 in overseas markets and was close to that level when traders arrived at their desks in Auckland on Tuesday. The kiwi, which traded at .60 cents just a year ago, is now the strongest currency in the world, its growth having outperformed all the majors, including the euro, the British pound, and particularly, the Japanese yen. The local currency is also outperforming the Australian dollar which also breached a crucual level at .88 cents overnight.

School's out for World Cup final

The 2011 school year is to be tweaked to accommodate the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. It has been announced in conjunction with the release of the date of the final, which will be held on Labour Weekend and coincide with school holidays. Rugby World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard says slight changes are to be made to school terms in 2011 to ensure maximum enjoyment of the match, but also to allow the tournament to run smoothly.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

This is your pilot: We'll be taking off after I've had my takeaways

By Alanah May Eriksen
Passengers waiting to take off on an Air New Zealand flight were stunned after the pilots announced over the intercom they would be delayed - because they had to take a meal break. Passengers on flight NZ553 from Auckland to Christchurch late last week were told their flight would be held up because the pilot and co-pilot had not had their dinner and they would try to order takeaways to speed things up. The crew said they were legally entitled to a meal and their in-flight dinner had gone missing. The flight was due to leave at 7.30pm but did not take off until around 8pm and arrived at 9.05pm instead of the scheduled time of 8.40pm, passengers said.
©2006, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Former Cook Islands PM Sir Thomas Davis dies

Former Cook Islands prime minister Sir Thomas Davis died in Rarotonga yesterday, aged 90. Sir Thomas was taken to hospital two days ago, Cook Islands news services reported, but the cause of his death is not yet known. He was prime minister between 1978 and 1987. He was knighted by the Queen for his services in 1981. Sir Thomas, a graduate of Otago University in 1945, was the first Cook Islander to qualify as a doctor in New Zealand. He returned to the Cook Islands as Medical Officer and set about improving his country's health problems. In 1952 he went to Harvard University in the United States and became a successful research physiologist, working at one stage for Nasa on the biological aspects of the space programme.
Source:NZPA

Tourist boats destroying dolphin community - DOC

By KENT ATKINSON - NZPA
Conservation workers will seek increased protection for marine mammals in the pristine Doubtful Sound in Fiordland after the discovery tourist boats are destroying its unique community of bottlenose dolphins. Fiordland is one of the most popular areas for eco-tourists coming to New Zealand, but a report released late yesterday revealed vessels in Doubtful Sound are hurting the viability of the dolphin population there. "It is highly likely that the existing range and intensity of impacts will lead to the Doubtful Sound complex dolphin population becoming extinct within 45 years," said a report released by the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Update for flying kangaroo

Qantas (Aust national airline) is updating its logo. The "flying kangaroo" will be retained but the 1986 design has been given a facelift. The kangaroo has a bigger tail and feet and a more pointy nose. Qantas says the previous design was tired and dated and it was time for a sleek and contemporary logo.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Aust may worry about Dubai's airport bid

An academic believes Australia is likely to be concerned if Dubai Aerospace Enterprise's bid for Auckland International Airport succeeds. The Arab company plans to launch a $2.6 billion takeover bid, which requires approval of 75 percent of shareholders. It is offering $3.80 a share. Paul Buchanan an expert in international relations at Auckland University says Australia could worry that if the Dubai company succeeds in gaining a controlling interest in the Auckland company, it could provide a way for Middle East investors to get into the Australian market via the back door. He says while there is no greater risk of terrorist threats from the involvement of an Arab firm in the airport, there could be security adjustments.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Irreplaceable artworks destroyed in blaze

Art dealer Milford House is reviewing the way it transports works after a number of important pieces were engulfed in flames en route to Dunedin. Thirty five works by artists including Colin McCahon, Dick Frizzell and Ralph Hotere were destroyed when the truck they were in caught fire near Clinton. The blaze was caused by an electric wheelchair which was being transported at the same time. Milford House director Steven Higginson says he expects the freight companies will change their processes to make sure this never happens again. He says the artists who have been notified are naturally upset.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

MRSA outbreak in Palmerston North

Palmerston North Hospital has an outbreak of the antibiotic resistant infection, MRSA. The orthopaedic ward, ward 24, was closed to new admissions yesterday after MRSA was detected in two patients. It is not expected to open until next week and some elective surgery has been cancelled. MidCentral District Health Board spokesman Brett Sheehan says the closure and cancellation of surgery is the best way to make sure the infection does not spread.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Drought and flood relief occupy Hawke's Bay

Several agencies are continuing to meet on a daily basis following last week's flooding in Hawke's Bay. The worst hit area was Maraekakaho, where more than 200 millimetres of rain was recorded in about 48 hours, forcing people from their homes and cutting water supplies. Hastings District Council Operations Manager, Kevin Deacon says 22 homes have been visited so far and officials have found some bore water is still not suitable for drinking.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Chilly start for Tongan vineyard workers

The Marlborough Express
A group of Tongan workers have broken the ice on their new jobs in Marlborough's vineyards. Twenty Tongans arrived in the province on Friday, the first workers recruited under the new Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) labour scheme. The workers had some training in Tonga and were shown the job on Saturday before heading out into the vineyards proper today. Not surprisingly, they said they this morning they found Marlborough cold, but were keen to start work and begin earning money. RSE is expected to bring in up to 5000 workers to New Zealand this year to cover the wine, kiwifruit and apple industries. It will eventually replace several existing seasonal labour programmes. Workers will come from Pacific Forum countries, with Tonga the first country to start supplying labour under the scheme.

Dixon wins in Ohio

Three in a row for Scott Dixon. The New Zealand driver has won the latest Indy Car race in Ohio. He has beaten home Scotland's Dario Franchitti by around three seconds to trim Franchitti's championship lead to just 24 points with five races remaining. Three races ago Franchitti had a lead of 65 points. Dixon also won at Watkins Glen and Nashville and is just the third driver to complete three consecutive wins, joining Dan Wheldon and Kenny Brack.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Ministry looking at compulsory reporting, inquest told

Ministry of Health officials were investigating a system that would require owners of water cooling towers to make test results available to medical officers of health, a coroner heard today. Southland-Central Otago Coroner Trevor Savage is holding an inquest into the deaths of three Christchurch people from legionella in the 2005 winter. The deaths were part of an outbreak of 19 cases clustered in southwest Christchurch. Attention has focused on a cooling tower at the Ravensdown fertiliser plant in Hornby as a possible source of the disease. Species of legionella bacteria were widely found in lakes, rivers, groundwater and soil. The inquest was told it was "generally benign" until it became aerosolised, was turned into a mist and spread. This could be through hot water systems, air cooling systems, cooling towers, water spraying devices, water sprinklers, demisters, and spa pools.
Source:NZPA

Raise driving age call

United Future has renewed its call for the driving age to be raised, saying it will help reduce the road toll. Following a weekend of carnage on the roads, United Future leader Peter Dunne says the driving age should be raised from 15 in order to reflect busier roads, more powerful cars, and to catch up to international norms. Mr Dunne says if the country is serious about changing driving behaviour and cutting the road toll, we should not be allowing our 15-year-old children loose and unaccompanied on the road. He says the 15 to 19 year age group make up nearly one in five deaths on the roads.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Maori version of Google to boost te reo

A husband and wife team is developing a Maori language version of the search engine Google in an effort to encourage more Maori to use the net. Potaua Biasiny-Tule, 32, and his Puerto Rican wife Nikolasa, 35, of Rotorua, are directing a team of volunteers from around the country translating the search pages into a Google Maori language option. And their idea has been welcomed by Google's American owners. Out of 117 language options, Tongan is the only Pacific tongue recognised. But the couple hope the Maori option will be a hit.
Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2006.

Hospital Downgrades From Code Red Status

Two hospitals in Wellington have now been stood down from a code red status. Capital and Coast District Health Board says Wellington and Kenepuru hospitals saw a 15 percent drop on expected patients arriving over the weekend. Clinical director Robyn Toomath says this created extra bed space allowing the hospitals to assume a code orange status.
© NewsRoom 2007

Ferry Captain Fined Over Near Grounding

A former Bluebridge ferry captain who was found guilty of failing to notify the maritime authorities about an incident while he was in control of the ship has been sentenced. David Birchall had originally faced three charges including two of operating a vessel in a manner which caused unnecessary danger to people or property. In a decision released in May, Judge John Walker found him not guilty of those charges but said he should have notified Maritime New Zealand of the near grounding of the Santa Regina in June 2005. Birchall was today convicted in Wellington District Court on that charge and fined $750 and court costs of $130.
© NewsRoom 2007

Kids songs celebrate Maori Language Week

Maori Television has launched a collection of original children's songs to celebrate Maori Language Week. The song collection is from the popular Maori TV children's show Tau Ke and co-author Te Hamua Nikora says each one has a central theme about things that appeal to children. He says it is a thrill to be able to offer the CD to kids and give everyone a taste of original Maori music. Several thousand of the CDs are being distributed from tomorrow. Maori Language Week runs from July 23-29.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Labour claws back support

The recent launch of major policies could be behind Labour's claw-back in the polls. The latest Herald-DigiPoll shows Labour is regaining lost ground with 42 percent support, but National could govern alone with its 48.5 percent. Helen Clark has pushed well clear of John Key in the preferred Prime Minister stakes with 48.7 percent support as opposed to Mr Key's 37.9 percent. If the numbers were translated to votes, minor parties New Zealand First and the Greens would fail to get over the five percent threshold.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Dubai company wants stake of Auck Airport

Auckland International Airport has received a proposal from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise to take a controlling stake in the company. Under the proposal the Dubai company would pay around $2.6 billion for a 51 to 60 percent share of the airport. Airport shareholders will receive up to $3.80 per share, representing a premium of 55.9 percent to the average trading price over a one month period.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

'Get used to it' - PM on dollar

The Prime Minister says kiwi exporters will have to get used to living with a high dollar. Helen Clark would not directly say whether the Reserve Bank Act should be changed to give the Governor new tools to tackle inflation. But she says we have only one dollar - and it cannot be adjusted to suit dairy farmers, exporters and homeowners. Miss Clark says the challenge for our economy is to move upmarket as quickly as we can. She says an enormous number of exporters have already done that, and can now set the price for their goods rather than just take the price. Over the weekend the dollar flirted with the 80c mark, hitting 79.93 US cents on Saturday, before falling back. Helen Clark says you cannot blame overseas investors for liking the New Zealand dollar with our economy booming, and the US dollar weakening.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Jarrod Cunningham dies 38

Former All Blacks trialist Jarrod Cunningham has died at his family home in Havelock North. He had been battling ALS, a form of Motor Neurone Disease, since being diagnosed in 2001. At the time he was playing rugby in the UK, and was told he had only two years to live. In his playing career he represented New Zealand Maori, Auckland Blues, Wellington Hurricanes, Hawke's Bay, and London Irish. He was also an All Blacks trialist. Mr Cunningham died early this morning at the age of 38, after a weekend in which he opened his former club's new clubrooms in Havelock North, and attended a charity event.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Fire cuts off council

The Palmerston North City Council building may be without power for several days, following a fire this morning. A switchboard in the basement caught fire, and the fire soon spread to a transformer. Electrical cables were destroyed, meaning the Council cannot use generators as a back up. They have asked that residents do not call the Council, because the phone lines are out of action.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

The chips are down

The government is funding a move to make the humble hot chip healthier. Horticulture New Zealand which forms part of the Chip Group has been given a Ministry of Health grant for a study of hot chips. Chairperson of the Chip Group Glenda Gourley says with a few changes in the way chips are cooked, the fat content can be reduced considerably. She says if the chips are longer and wider they hold less fat, and one of their aims is to educate the public and takeaway restaurants on the difference.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News (and the "Food Police")

Rugby: Weepu not included in World Cup squad

Graham Henry and his co selectors have just announced the All Black squad for the World Cup. The big talking point is the omission of Piri Weepu and Troy Flavell. Andrew Ellis joins Byron Kelleher and Brendon Leonard in the halfback ranks while Sione Lauaki comes into the side without playing a test this year. Coach Graham Henry believes the decision to leave out Weepu was pretty simple in the end. Also unlucky to miss out are Ma'a Nonu and Rico Gear - while a spot has been left for Greg Sommerville who is being given more time to recover from his Achilles injury. Eleven of the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup squad announced today will play in the early rounds of the Air New Zealand Cup.
The selectors will name one additional player before August 14.
The full squad:
Dan Carter - Canterbury
Jerry Collins - Wellington
Andrew Ellis - Canterbury
Nick Evans - Otago
Carl Hayman - Otago
Andrew Hore - Taranaki
Doug Howlett - Auckland
Chris Jack - Tasman
Byron Kelleher - Waikato
Sione Lauaki - Waikato
Brendon Leonard - Waikato
Luke McAlister - North Harbour
Richie McCaw - Canterbury (Captain)
Leon MacDonald - Canterbury
Chris Masoe - Wellington
Aaron Mauger - Canterbury
Keven Mealamu - Auckland
Malili Muliaina - Waikato
Anton Oliver - Otago
Keith Robinson - Waikato
Josevata Rokocoko - Auckland
Sitiveni Sivivatu - Waikato
Conrad Smith - Wellington
Rodney So’oialo - Wellington
Reuben Thorne - Canterbury
Neemia Tialata - Wellington
Isaia Toeava - Auckland
Ali Williams - Auckland
Tony Woodcock - North Harbour

Troops Off On Pacific Duties

Nearly 80 troops are leaving for East Timor and Solomon Islands today to join the ongoing peacekeeping missions. The soldiers have been drawn from territorial units in Gisborne, Taranaki, Wanganui and Hawke's Bay. Captain Rachel Riley says the group will be carrying out general security duties as well as transporting supplies to outlying areas. She says they will fly out from Ohakea air base this morning on deployments lasting up to four months.
© NewsRoom 2007

Design for disabled wins award

A New Zealand-designed computer keyboard for the disabled has won a gold award at the International Design Excellence Awards in the US. The LOMAK, which stands for Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard, uses a head-mounted or hand-operated laser. Designer Peter Haythornthwaite says people with disabilities will be able to discover a whole new world online, and type at up to 20 words per minute.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

High ranking Labour member says race remarks taken out of context

Labour's Kate Sutton says she feels duped after remarks described by the Maori Party as ‘outright racism’, were reported out of context. Ms Sutton, Labour's women's vice president, reportedly said "Pakeha prefer to vote for white people with names they can pronounce”. She is also reported as saying Labour took that preference into account when it selected candidates for local body elections. Ms Sutton says the story did not accurately reflect her view that all candidates should be selected on merit.
© CanWest TVWorks Limited

Netball-Silver Ferns take extra time thriller

By John Whiting The Silver Ferns have regained some serious pride against Australia in an unbelievable 67-65 sudden-death thriller in Melbourne on Saturday night. Both sides were locked up at 54-54 after the end of the fourth quarter, taking the game into extra time. But the scores were again tied after the allotted 14 minutes of extra time, meaning the first side to lead by two points would take the victory. Jodie Te Huna stepped up and hit a long goal to open-up the two-point margin, handing New Zealand the match. The first few quarters were typically physical but extra time was incredibly hard fought, maybe one of the best wins the Ferns have ever had against the Aussies.
Source:One Sport

Rugby-Win for ABs 26-12 over Australia

The All Blacks will go to the World Cup as the holders of the Tri-Nations and the Bledisloe Cup after a 26-12 win over Australia in Auckland. On a rain-soaked Eden Park the All Blacks played the smarter rugby, the win coming courtesy of seven penalties from first five Dan Carter and a try to prop Tony Woodcock. The All Blacks held a 12-9 lead at halftime as the two sides traded three-pointers. All Black captain Richie McCaw says they played to the conditions and tried to play the game in the Wallabies half. Coach Graham Henry now has seven weeks to prepare the All Blacks for their first game of the World Cup against Italy on September 8 in Marseille, France. The All Blacks World Cup squad will be announced at one o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Workers turn up at executives' homes

Locked out hospital workers are turning up at the homes of District Health Board executives, as they fight for a pay rise. CEOs from Palmerston North and Whangarei DHBs have already had members of the Service and Food Workers Union, who work as hospital orderlies, kitchen staff and cleaners, turn up at their doorstep after hours. Union spokesman Alastair Duncan says it is about time the boards got involved and helped to resolve the ongoing conflict with the workers' employer, contractor Spotless Services. He accuses elected board members of refusing to be accountable. The CEO of Hastings DHB will be the latest to get a visit from union members this weekend.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Study: more pupils gain maths skills

By ARWEN HANN - The Press
The Government is hailing new figures that show more children are gaining maths skills. Figures released by the Education Ministry yesterday show that two-thirds of Year 6 pupils in schools that have followed the Numeracy Development Programmes (NDP) are achieving at or above the expected level in maths. The proportion of children at risk of under-achieving in fractions and decimals has also dropped from 42 per cent in 2002 to 14% in 2006. The programmes were set up in 2000 to change teaching methods in response to poor national results in maths.

Open invitation to marae for Maori Language Week

By ANGELA CROMPTON - The Marlborough Express
Te kai o te rangatira is a proverb promoting Maori Language Week, starting this year on Sunday. The translated words mean "language is the food of chiefs", a suggestion that understanding te reo (Maori language) enriches everyone. To help that happen the South Island's oldest iwi, Te Runanga o Ngati Kuia, invites people of all cultures to visit Te Hora Marae next week to personally experience New Zealand's second official language. It was the country's first language but its use dwindled as settler numbers swelled and tangata whenua left their communities to follow Pakeha work habits and lifestyles in towns and cities.

Herbal Medicine Gets Recognition

The Ministry of Health has approved western herbal medicine as a recognised profession. It will now join the likes of chiropractors, optometrists and psychologists under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act. The head of the Association of Medical Herbalists, Kate McConnell, says the organisation is delighted by the decision. Ms McConnell says being part of the Act will give registered practitioners access to medicinal herbs which may otherwise be prohibited.
© NewsRoom 2007

Campaign to revive cabbage trees in rural landscape

One of New Zealand's most iconic trees could be lost to future generations unless farmers start planting more in their paddocks. A Hawke's Bay conservationist wants New Zealanders to embrace - if not hug - cabbage trees. Ewan McGregor, a Hawke's Bay regional councillor who has a farming background and a passion for planting trees, says New Zealanders take the cabbage tree for granted but the long-term future of these iconic specimens is uncertain. Many were survivors from native bush-clearing more than 150 years ago and were simply dying of old age. Inspired by the success of Project Crimson 15 years ago, a campaign to preserve and revive pohutukawa and rata in New Zealand, Mr McGregor now wants the cabbage tree – ti kouka –- saved from the ravages of grazing livestock, disease and natural attrition. He has established the fledgling Project Ti Kouka, in a bid to save and regenerate the cabbage tree so that it once again becomes a flourishing feature of the land.
Source:NZPA

Billion dollar bonus for NZ dairy farmers

By JOHN HENZELL - The Press
A billion-dollar bonus is being predicted for New Zealand's dairy farmers but industry experts are scoffing at suggestions they have won the milk equivalent of Lotto. Dairy giant Fonterra was already predicting a huge increase in payouts to its 11,600 farmers compared with the past two years. Economists have predicted the true figure, due to be released next week, is likely to be even higher, and put an extra billion dollars into farmers' pockets. A Fonterra spokesman said the company was sticking by its forecast of $5.53 per kilogram of milk solids for 2007-08 – already up 25 per cent on the previous year – and it was not due to be reviewed again until next month. However, Westpac economists were predicting a price of $6.60, increasing farmers' dividends by an average of $250,000.

NASA scientist touches down

A NASA scientist is back on home turf, but only for a few days. Professor Karen Willcox, who grew up west Auckland and studied at Auckland University nearly 17 years ago, is giving a seminar at Auckland University's School of Engineering on the subject of space shuttle design. She is now an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology leading a team of students designing aircraft and computer models for NASA. Professor Willcox is also leading a team of researchers studying how astronauts move in space. She has been in zero-gravity, but has not yet gone into space. She says she would love to one day, but the only way at the moment is with a rather large cheque book.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Child cancer unit under pressure

Wellington children suffering cancer will now have to travel to other regions to get treatment, after the resignation of an oncology specialist. Wellington Hospital has announced it is reducing some paediatric oncology services because it is now understaffed as a key doctor moves to Australia to take up a position which offers better pay and conditions. Dr Graeme Lear of the Capital and Coast District Health Board says even one resignation has a big effect on the unit, which has been struggling for some time. He says it is becoming increasingly common for highly qualified doctors to leave for more lucrative jobs overseas.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Northland in for another dousing

There is more bad weather in store for Northland, where many communities are still recovering from the major floods earlier this month. TRN's weather analyst Philip Duncan says two weather systems colliding will bring heavy rain will put the Northland region at risk of localised flash flooding and slips. MetService is also warning of heavy snow for the Central Plateau and higher regions of Hawkes Bay and Gisborne ranges. Further south, drivers in Southland and Central Otago are being warned to take care, with black ice, sleet and snow likely.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Bleach a key weapon in fighting bacterial infections

Bleach is a key weapon used by white blood cells to control bacterial infections in the body, New Zealand scientists have discovered. Exactly how the hard-working white blood cells of the immune system control and kill invading bacteria has long been an area of controversy in medical research. The Christchurch based medical scientists have been locked in debate with other international research teams, trying to explain how and why white blood cells, or neutrophils, are so effective in declaring war on bacteria. The New Zealand researchers demonstrated for the first time that bleach is the key element, by studying all the chemical reactions in the cell pathways, including the use of oxygen and the manufacture and use of large amounts of bacteria-killing chlorine bleach.
©2006, APN Holdings NZ Limited

NZ Fijians to meet Kiwi officials

AUCKLAND's Fijian community is expected to meet with New Zealand immigration officials to raise their concerns about the sanctions placed on Fiji. Organiser, Sireli Kini, told Pacific Radio News people are confused about the latest penalties and want to know how it affects Fijians in New Zealand wanting work permits.
Mr Kini said he expects people to also raise their concerns on whether the sanctions are really needed given the mixed feelings on the matter.

Thunderstorms forecast for Northland

A front is set to cross parts of Northland tomorrow bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms. MetService says rain may be recorded up to 20 millimetres in some areas. It is warning there may be some localised surface flooding. The front is expected to pass by 5pm tomorrow, heading towards the Coromandel.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Seal In Whangarei Park OK: DoC

The Department of Conservation says it has no plans to relocate a seal that has taken up residence in a Whangarei park, because the seal is doing just fine where it is. Members of the public have been calling DoC, worried that the seal is lost or that it could be hurt by vandals. DOC's area manager, John Gardiner, says the seal has been in Cafler Park for some time and clearly likes the place. He says it moved away during the floods, and came back afterwards because it is finding plenty of food from the stream in the park. Mr Gardiner says if the seal is likely to bite if harassed - and warns that seal bites are extremely toxic.
© NewsRoom 2007

Record Overseas Trips In June

New Zealanders made a record number of overseas trips last month. Statistics New Zealand says 208,300 left New Zealand on short term trips in June, an increase of 11 percent or 20,500 people. That is a record number of departures for any month. Half of the increase was in trips to Australia, but there was also an increase in the number of people heading to the United Kingdom, the Cook Islands, Samoa and Canada.
© NewsRoom 2006

Wreckage threatens tuatara (lizard)

By MAIKE VAN DER HEIDE - The Marlborough Express
The wreckage of the ill-fated Wellington fishing boat Michelangelo has washed up on the tuatara haven of Stephens Island, spelling potential disaster for the island's fragile, pest-free eco-system. Department of Conservation (DOC) staff have been working frantically to ensure no mice, rats or other pests which may have been on the vessel scurry on to the island, which is home to 90 percent of the world's tuatara population.

Countdown to next Potter instalment

Harry Potter fans are counting down to the release of the much anticipated final book in the series about the boy wizard. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows goes on sale in stores in New Zealand and around the world, at 1 minute past 11 tomorrow morning New Zealand time or midnight in the UK. In the seventh and last book in the series, it is thought author J K Rowling will kill off one or possibly two of the main characters.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

DHB sends out SOS to nurses

A District Health Board is being warned to be very careful when recruiting nurses from the community. Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals are officially in a "code red" situation with no spare beds available and 20 nursing staff on sick leave. Operations have been cancelled and emergency department patients are facing long waiting times. Capital and Coast DHB says the hospitals are stretched to their limits and only the most urgent cases can be attended to. The DHB is asking qualified nurses including those who are semi-retired to come forward to help out. However, Annette Huntington, a nursing expert from Massey University questions whether bringing nurses in from the community is the best idea. She says the DHB will have to carefully monitor the relief staff, to make sure they are appropriately prepared for the areas they are working in and are able to cope.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Workers march on employers' HQ

Around 300 people working for a hospital contractor have delivered dozens of old shoes to their employer's headquarters to highlight their demands for a pay rise. The Spotless Services' employees are part of the contingent of hospital cleaners, kitchen staff and orderlies who were locked out on Monday night. The Service and Food Workers' Union says around a thousand emails have been sent to Spotless urging the company to get back to negotiations. As the company's workers arrived at their office in Great South Road this morning, they had to make their way past a mountain of old shoes, which the protesters say symbolise the sentiment "give Spotless the boot." Spotless staff are fighting for the same pay rates as District Health Boards are offering their workers doing the same job. The rates range from $14.25 to $16.45.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

NZ music sales hit the note

There is further evidence New Zealand Music Month remains more than worthwhile. Music Commission figures show the sale of albums by New Zealand artists almost doubled in May. Every fifth album sold in New Zealand was one produced by a local artist. Hayley Westenra's Treasure was the biggest seller in May.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Fish waste to help fight wrinkles

The fountain of youth may lie in a common household meal and smelly creature. NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) research into the effects of fish waste on human skin cells has revealed the yuckiest bits of fish are able to penetrate skin cells and prevent us from getting wrinkles. It seems fish waste could be the ingredient to a wrinkle-free future. For the past five years, researchers at NIWA have tested bits of fish against human skin, trialling more than 150 different species using skin cells grown in test tubes. The results are eye-opening. "They don't act like ordinary UV protectants for example, which primarily put a layer over the top of your skin, but seem to actually get into the cells and actually do a protection from within the cell," says Dr Vicki Webb from NIWA.
Source:One News

Survey Reveals Australian Girls’ Dieting Extremes

A major study in Australia suggests there has been a dramatic rise in the number of girls who starve themselves or vomit up their food to control their weight. The University of Sydney's survey of nearly 9,000 Australian children and adolescents found almost one in five girls use extreme measures to try to lose weight. The number of girls starving themselves for a two-day stretch had doubled since a similar study in the year 2000. And eight percent of the girls said they had used cigarettes to deliberately suppress their appetite, up from two-and-a-half percent in 2000.
© NewsRoom 2007

Rain hampering Hawke's Bay clean-up

Heavy rain continues to drench Hawke's Bay, hindering clean-up crews and keeping Civil Defence on alert for more flood damage. Overnight another 27 millimetres of rain fell on the saturated region, and rain is expected to continue until the end of the week. Farmers and other industries totalling up the costs of damage from flash-floods on Tuesday have been warned to brace for up to 80 millimetres expected to fall in the ranges north of Napier. Heavy rain is also forecast north, towards Gisborne.
© CanWest TVWorks Limited

Central Otago getting no let-up from frosty conditions

Central Otago people are expecting another frost tonight with temperatures down to almost -20°. As the ice gets thicker, the enthusiasm for the long cold spell is wearing thinner. One of the coldest places is Oturehua, where it is a battle to stop even diesel fuel from freezing.
© CanWest TVWorks Limited

Equality of the sexes remains elusive - report

By Edward Gay
Despite women holding the roles of Prime Minister, Chief Justice and Speaker of the House, equality between the sexes is still elusive in New Zealand. A report to be delivered to the United Nations later this month says women might be able to get to the top, but they still struggle to balance the demands of their work and their home lives. "It's really great to have women in those positions and there was a strong push, but now they're all struggling to balance work and life," said Beryl Anderson, past-president of the National Council of Women of New Zealand. "Men who get to the top don't seem to have those stresses. It's a major issue." The council, which will present the report to the UN, has bought together submissions from over 90 organisations around the country to report on what life is like for women in New Zealand.

Palmerston North hospital to charge foreign mums for care

Manawatu Standard
Foreign mums who give birth at Palmerston North Hospital will be billed for the care of "ineligible" babies from later this year. The tightening of eligibility rules for free health care has been ordered by the Health Ministry. It is in line with policies that stopped granting automatic citizenship rights to all babies born in New Zealand regardless of their parents' status. The MidCentral District Health Board plans to allow a period of grace for women who are already here, more than six months pregnant and unable to travel home before their babies arrive. There have been seven babies born there in the past six months whose non-resident mothers had permits to stay in New Zealand that would expire in less than two years. Those babies received free care. In future, they will be charged.

Funding for new cancer projects

A University of Auckland research programme for two new cancer drugs has been given a $4.1 million cash injection. Scientists have been carrying out research which focuses on targeting cells in malignant solid tumours that are starved of oxygen and how this can be exploited to treat the tumour without harming healthy cells. The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology will fund the development of prodrugs, which reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Random tests of Chinese food unlikely

The Green Party is not getting very far with its call for random tests on food imported from China. Chinese authorities have admitted nearly a fifth of food and consumer products checked in China are substandard or tainted. Cases which have come to light recently include toothpaste containing diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent that is a component in antifreeze, pet food laced with melamine, toys coated with lead-based paints, batteries prone to exploding, substandard car tyres and fish containing high quantities of antibiotics. Food Safety Authority deputy chief executive Sandra Daly says random testing would be like looking for a needle in a hay stack and add huge cost to consumers. She says a system is already in place where high risk foods are stopped and checked and there has not been anything to indicate Chinese food imports are unsafe. The Greens say it is imperative the Government introduces country of origin labeling so people concerned about the safety of Chinese food can choose to avoid it.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

GM fish found in Christchurch

MAF Biosecurity has seized what it says are genetically modified aquarium fish from four Christchurch premises. Spokesman David Yard says the Zebra danio fish were brought to MAF's attention by concerned members of the public, who had seen them for sale online. He says test results have confirmed about 300 of the fish had been genetically modified with a red fluorescent protein, to make them a bright red/pink colour. However the fish posed an extremely low risk in biosecurity terms as they are not likely to enter the food chain or have an environmental impact. Mr Yard says the presence of these fish in New Zealand was not authorised, making them illegal and in breach of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Plastic lords it over king cash

EFTPOS and credit card spending continues to grow, with transactions worth $4.4 billion conducted using electronic cards last month. Statistics New Zealand says New Zealanders swiped their cards 77 million times during June.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Poppy Pack marks Belgium battle

A Poppy Pack has been launched to remember the New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. A ceremony was held last week at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the battle which claimed the lives of more than 800 men and wounded more than 2,000 in just two hours. Another will be held on October 12. RSA President John Campbell says Gallipoli tends to overshadow the events of Passchendaele, which is a shame, as the events in Belgium were the worst disaster in New Zealand's military history. The Poppy Packs, which are being sold for $30 each, have been launched at the Ponsonby Rugby club in Auckland the home club of 1905 All Black Captain Dave Gallaher who died in the battle.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Netball-Ferns on the back foot

Alarm bells will be ringing in the Silver Ferns' camp after Australia eased to a comfortable 53-46 victory in Auckland. Just four months out from the World Championships, coach Ruth Aitken will have to go back to the drawing board as Australia proved they have the measure of the New Zealanders - it was their fifth win in six games against the Ferns. The match was played in front of a capacity 9,000-strong crowd in the first sporting event at the new Vector Arena - it was also the biggest crowd ever to watch a netball game in New Zealand. The Ferns now travel to Australia for two tests. ONE Sport will be showing Saturday's test from Melbourne and the Adelaide game on Monday LIVE (Both games at 9.30pmNZT).
Source:One Sport

Activists banned from Huntly power station

Nine Greenpeace activists have been slapped with trespass notices by Genesis Energy. The nine have been ordered to stay away from the Huntly power station and its coal supply systems. Genesis Energy chief executive Murray Jackson says they have real concerns over the safety of the company's employees, the activists and members of the public. It follows a security review after a February incident when nine people climbed to the top of a 150 metre chimney at the power station.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

More troops heading overseas

More troops are to head to the Solomon Islands and East Timor. Two contingents of New Zealand Defence Force personnel leave from Ohakea this Sunday. The 44 personnel will be largely drawn from the Territorial Force and will take over duties in the Solomon Islands, while a further 32 air crew and support staff will replace the personnel currently operating the Defence Helicopters deployed to East Timor.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

$1 Million Lotto Jackpot Remains Unclaimed In Tauranga

An amazing Lotto jackpot prize of $1 million has yet to be claimed in Tauranga and Lotto players should check and double-check their tickets for the chance to claim this life-changing amount of money, says NZ Lotteries' Chief Executive, Todd McLeay. The search is now on to find the owner of the winning ticket, bought in Brookfield New World, Tauranga, who matched all six numbers in the Lotto draw on Saturday 14 July. "We're really keen to find this mystery ticket-holder and unite them with their winnings – this first division prize could really make a difference to somebody's life," says Mr McLeay.
© NewsRoom 2006

Sentence Of 300 Hrs Community Service For Pirating NZ Film

A man convicted of distributing a pirated copy of the New Zealand hit film Sione's Wedding has been ordered to carry out community service. Frederick Junior Higgins, 39, was found guilty of two charges of theft and one of breaching copyright. Higgins was sentenced to complete 300 hours of community service when he appeared in the Auckland District Court this morning. The Federation Against Copyright Theft claims 25 percent of movies seen in New Zealand are pirated copies. Executive director Tony Eaton says the case has raised awareness of the massive cost of piracy to the community, which in 2005 resulted in losses of $70 million to the New Zealand Film Industry.
© NewsRoom 2007

Samuels latest to retire

Another long-serving Labour MP is calling it quits at the next election. Former Maori Affairs Minister Dover Samuels will formally stand down from Parliament after a cabinet reshuffle later this year. Veteran Rimutaka MP Paul Swain has also announced he is stepping down at the next election and list MP Dianne Yates, Speaker Margaret Wilson and North Shore-based MP and Deputy Speaker Ann Hartley are expected to retire.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News