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Friday, November 30

Thousands of children watch Beckham in action

Thousands of school children watched football superstar David Beckham in action at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Friday. Beckham and his team LA Galaxy were training for a soccer exhibition match against the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night. An estimated 15,000 children and adults turned up to watch the English footballer. A capacity crowd of 34,500 is expected for the match on Saturday, which begins at 7.15pm. Beckham played 90 minutes before 80,000 fans in another exhibition match on Tuesday night at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney. Sydney FC won 5-3.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



NZ teen netted in global crime ring

Police are questioning an 18-year-old Hamilton man accused of heading an international ring of cyber criminals. The man, known by his cyber ID Akill, is being interviewed as part of an international investigation involving the FBI and Dutch authorities. The man is accused of being part of a group that has been bot-netting, using viruses, spam and corrupt software to ruin large computer systems. It is believed bot-netting caused the Philadelphia University server to crash last year. The man has reportedly infected 1.3 million computers, costing victims around $20 million. New Zealand police were alerted to his involvement by the FBI in Philadelphia.
Source:One News



Rugby: Thorne off to Japan

Reuben Thorne is about to join the All Black exodus - announcing he is heading off to Japan next year. The former All Black captain will join the Yamaha club at the end of the 2008 Super 14 campaign. 32-year-old Thorne racked up 50 tests for the All Blacks and captured six Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders
Copyright © TVWorks Limited



Average New Zealand household income up

The average New Zealand household income has risen by nearly 10% in the three years to 2006. The Household Economic Survey is issued every three years and documents how New Zealand homes are spending their money. It says the average household income rose to $68,000 in the three years to 2006. Nearly 25% of a household's weekly income goes towards payments such as mortgages, power bills and rates. That's much more than the next biggest expense, food, which makes up 16%.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Farmers could be facing another bad drought - NIWA

Farmers could be facing a drought as devastating as in 1988/89, according to the outlook for summer from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. The National Climate Centre at NIWA predicts below normal rainfall in the south, west and inland areas of the South Island from December to February. It rates the chances of above normal rainfall in the South Island as low as 10% to 20%. NIWA agricultural climatologist Alan Porteous says the problem farmers currently face is that soil moisture levels in the east of the country and parts of Otago have already reached summer deficits. Water rationing is already in place in the Tasman and Nelson districts and North Canterbury, Hawke's Bay and South Taranaki. Drought in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne, described as the worst in a century, only ended in June.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



Whitebait season over

Whitebait (a very small fish) season wraps up today and it has been a mixed bag in Canterbury. Cold weather at the start of the season made for slim pickings and high prices, but by all accounts things picked up slightly at the end. The season on the West Coast finished mid-way through this month with some saying it was the worst in 17 years. The shortages contributed to prices of more than $130 a kilogram at times.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



PM opens new embassy

The Prime Minister has opened a New Zealand embassy in Cairo. Helen Clark told officials that New Zealand sees Egypt as the heart of the Arab world and of the Middle East, and as a door to Africa. She says now that New Zealand has an embassy in the region she warmly welcomes an Egyptian embassy in Wellington. Miss Clark says travelling between the two countries has never been easier, with easy links via Dubai.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



More aid for flooded PNG

More emergency aid is being sent to flood-stricken Papua New Guinea. Last week the Government set aside $100,000 for the Red Cross for its efforts in the Oro Province. Now Foreign Minister Winston Peters says an Air Force Hercules will be sent to the country today, carrying further emergency supplies, following a request from Papua New Guinea authorities. Generators, blankets, tarpaulins and water containers are all being sent to help locals who are in desperate need of shelter and clean drinking water.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



TV switchoff still years off

By Claire Trevett
Television watchers will find out in another four years when they have to sign up for digital television or be unable to get a signal at all. The Government has announced it will set a final date for switching off the old analogue system in either 2012 or after 75 per cent of homes have switched to digital. The switching off of the old analogue network will mean households must have Sky or Freeview - the new platform shared by all free-to-air broadcasters - to continue to watch television.



Deportee forced to pay maternity debt before exit

By Simon O'Rourke
A judge refused to allow a Chinese illegal immigrant to be deported until she had paid $9000 for maternity care she fraudulently obtained from Waikato Hospital. Jing Wu, 26, racked up the health care bill when she had a baby at Waikato Hospital. She then falsified her passport to avoid having to pay. She had given birth to a son in September. When she was asked to submit her passport to confirm her entitlement to free health care she falsified her travel document to make it appear that she had residency.
©2007, APN Holdings NZ Limited



New Zealand reading skill takes a drop

By Alanah May Eriksen
The reading performance of New Zealand primary school children has dropped from 13th to 24th in the world in an international study. The Progress in International Reading Study, issued yesterday, involved children aged about 10 in 40 countries. Russia, Hong Kong and Singapore were the top three countries. English children's reading performance also fell, from third to 19th.
©2007, APN Holdings NZ Limited



TV3 sued for showing ads on Sundays

By GARETH VAUGHN - The Press
TV3 faces a potential six-figure fine after broadcasting advertisements on Sunday mornings during its Rugby World Cup coverage. A Ministry for Culture and Heritage spokeswoman confirmed yesterday the government department had filed proceedings against TV3 in the Auckland District Court under the Broadcasting Act. A conviction for breaching section 81 could lead to a fine of up to $100,000. TV3 broadcast World Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final live on successive Sunday mornings. MediaWorks, which is owned by Australian private-equity fund Ironbridge Capital, tried to sidestep the Sunday 6am to noon advertising ban by broadcasting from temporary studios in France and to 18 Pacific countries and territories, as well as New Zealand. The Broadcasting Act states the ban can be waived if a programme's signal originates outside New Zealand



Fire crews still battling South Island fire

By LAURA BASHAM - The Press
A forest fire continues to burn across a 100-hectare area at Rarangi near Blenheim today. Six helicopters with monsoon buckets and ground crews are fighting the fire on steep hillsides in Pukaka Valley. The fire began yesterday on a logging site and spread quickly in dry, windy conditions.



NZ urged to work test DPB solo parents

An international report looking at issues around child-rearing and work has recommended New Zealand "work test" solo parent beneficiaries. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report, titled Babies and Bosses, looks at cross-national differences in fertility trends, policies and work outcomes. The report says the lack of a work test in New Zealand, Australia, Britain and Ireland could be responsible for low solo parent employment levels. Under such a work test, solo parents would have to actively seek work once their youngest child reached a certain age – usually school age in countries where it operates.



Thursday, November 29

Fears Tauranga will become "Florida of NZ"

Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby says he does not want to see the city to become the Florida of New Zealand. The comment came in a State of the City speech which was attended by local officials, including council heads and MPs. Mr Crosby says Tauranga is only catering to people with a degree of wealth who want to create an exclusive lifestyle. He says although it is a risk with such a stunning natural environment and a good climate, a city for all ages needs to be created.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Samoan head of state to visit NZ

Samoa's new Head of State will make his first state visit to New Zealand next month, Prime Minister Helen Clark announced today. His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi would visit from December 2 to 8 and meet with Miss Clark and Governor-General Anand Satyanand while he is here. Tui Atua was appointed on June 19 for a term of five years. He replaced the late Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II, who died in May.
Source:NZPA



Capital and Merchant Finance calls in receivers

Another finance company has collapsed. Capital and Merchant Finance the latest to call in the receivers. Receiver Grant Thornton says they were appointed by Fortress Credit Corporation after Capital and Merchant breached security agreements. It says the current debenture market has meant Capital and Merchant Finance has found it difficult to attract new funds and retain existing investments. Capital and Merchant mostly lends to the property and property development sector.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Reserve Bank to webcast

The Reserve Bank has decided to move with the times and connect with the nation through the internet. Governor Allan Bollard's Monetary Policy Statement will now be broadcast live on the bank's website. Members of the public can access the announcement at www.rbnz.govt.nz. Dr Bollard's first live webcast will be next Thursday from 9am.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Still a lack of skilled workers

American companies based in New Zealand are crying out for more skilled workers, for the third consecutive year. The annual survey of US companies doing business in New Zealand reveals the chronic skills and labour shortage is the key constraint for nearly 70 percent of firms. The figure is up from 52 percent in last year's survey and 50 percent in 2005. American Chamber of Commerce president Mark Fitz-Gerald says the companies are urging the government to make it easier for skilled immigrants to settle in New Zealand, improve educational standards and provide tax incentives for initiatives such as training.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Beckham lands in NZ

David Beckham has received a huge welcome upon his arrival at Wellington airport. The normally sedate Wellington airport was a hive of activity as hundreds of fans packed both floors to give Beckham and the team a rousing welcome to the capital. Screaming fans ranging from infants to grandmothers were keen to get a photo and autograph - and Beckham was more than happy to oblige. Beckham has arrived in new Zealand for an exhibition match with the LA Galaxy against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.
Source: ONE News/Newstalk ZB



Brain expert calls for driving age to be raised to 18

By Simon Collins
A leading brain expert has called for raising the driving age to 18 to better match the age at which young people's brains mature. Dr Simon Rowley, a paediatrician at National Women's Hospital and trustee of the Brainwave Trust, told a youth offending conference in Wellington yesterday that young women's brains did not fully mature until about 18, and young men's brains often not until their early 20s. He also supported a plea by Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft for the age at which young offenders transfer from the Youth Court to adult courts to be lifted from 17 to 18. "We should not be treating the adolescent in the same way we treat an adult," Dr Rowley said.
©2007, APN Holdings NZ Limited



Sky promises most Olympics coverage ever

By Joanna Hunkin
Sky television has promised to deliver the most comprehensive Olympics coverage New Zealand has ever seen, with 22-hour coverage during the 16-day event and extensive coverage of the build up to the 2012 London Olympics. The network was awarded the New Zealand broadcast rights to provide coverage of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2012 Summer Games in London by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) this morning. Sky Television director of communications Tony O'Brien said it was early days yet but the broadcaster would be investing huge amounts of time and energy into the events. "Coverage on Prime will be 22 hours a day for the duration of the 16-day competition," he said this morning.
©2007, APN Holdings NZ Limited



Kids warned off cold cheerios after bug scare

Going to the butcher as a kid and getting a free saveloy is now a thing of the past. New Zealand children's favourite party food, cheerios or saveloy's, have been causing some upset – some upset stomachs. Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Ramon Pink said cheerios that had not been cooked thoroughly were to blame. Dr Pink said the cocktail sausages (cheerios or saveloys) should no longer be offered cold to children. An investigation by Canterbury District Health Board's Community and Public Health division has found six children under five in the South Christchurch area had been affected by an infection called yersiniosis, which is caused by the uncooked cocktail sausages. It is a 48-hour bug, with symptoms of diarrhoea and some stomach pains.
Source:NZPA



Foetal alcohol kids 'require court rethink'

By TOM FITZSIMONS - The Dominion Post
A quarter of young people who end up in court may have been damaged by their mother's drinking during pregnancy - and should be treated differently, visiting experts say. Retired American judge Anthony Wartnik and University of Washington's Kathryn Kelly outlined research into foetal alcohol spectrum disorder at a youth offenders conference in Wellington yesterday. New Zealand's Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft said the statistics were startling - and he had never heard the condition mentioned in a Youth Court report. Judge Wartnik said a study in the Canadian justice system had shown 22.3 per cent of young people had foetal alcohol exposure and about 1 per cent had the more serious foetal alcohol syndrome.



Wednesday, November 28

Govt considers banning tobacco displays

The Government is considering banning tobacco advertising in dairies, supermarkets and pubs. It has released a discussion document calling for public submissions on three options. One is to keep the same rules but increase education about the dangers of smoking. A second option is to have tougher restrictions on the display of tobacco advertising, and the third is to ban displays at the point of sale.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



PM reportedly texting during Queen's address

Prime Minister Helen Clark has earned the ire of the UK media for her etiquette at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Daily Express newspaper has run a critical article of the way Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles were treated at the weekend conference. Miss Clark has also been given a less than salutary mention. One of the paper's eagle-eyed journalists spotted her texting on her mobile phone during the opening address by the Queen. The Daily Express has labelled it as diminishing respect for the Crown.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



NZ gains voice on world maritime body

New Zealand now has a voice on the council of the International Maritime Organisation. Maritime New Zealand has just been elected as one of the 20 members on the United Nations' agency. Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven says it will result in New Zealand and other Pacific Nations having a stronger voice on global maritime issues. He says it will allow unique problems facing Pacific states in terms of ship safety standards and security to be addressed.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Tokelau gets $3 million from New Zealand

The three tiny atolls that make up the New Zealand territory of Tokelau are getting upgraded schools and a new hospital. New Zealand's assistance package to the territory of AU$3.5 million [US$3 million] will pay for the new infrastructure.



Police join Bebo

Blenheim police have set up a profile on popular internet site Bebo to reach out to the community. Constable Dan Mattison says it is an avenue for people to pass on information anonymously. If the site is successful, Mr Mattison says, he might look at creating profiles on other networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.



Clark says New Zealand aiming to be first sustainable nation

BERLIN - New Zealand is to move towards carbon neutrality in electricity production and transport by 2040, Prime Minister Helen Clark told a sustainable development conference in Berlin Tuesday. Clark sketched out a programme for her country to become ‘the world’s first truly sustainable nation,’ adding she believed sustainability would become a defining New Zealand characteristic the way ‘nuclear-free’ had been for two decades. New Zealand had set itself the objectives of having 90 per cent of its baseload electricity generated from renewable resources by 2025, up from 60 per cent at present.



Govt to set limit on number of seabirds killed by fishing industry

The fishing industry may have to halve the number of seabirds it kills while at sea under new limits proposed by the Government. A draft new proposal suggests the number of seabirds killed nationally during fishing be set at between 500 and 2000. There is uncertainty about how many birds are killed each year, but information from 2004 indicates that around 5500 birds are killed by the trawl and longline fisheries each year.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Govt to put more prisoners to work

The Government says more prisoners are to be put to work outside prison. As of last month, nearly half of all inmates in New Zealand were involved in employment based schemes. Corrections Minister Phil Goff opened a new walkway near Porirua on Wednesday. The Colonial Knob walking track was upgraded over the last five months by a group of inmates from Rimutaka Prison. Mr Goff says it's the sort of scheme is keen to see more of and a prison employment strategy aims for 60% of all inmates to be in work or training by 2010. Examples of work opportunities will include farming, construction, catering and horticulture.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Clark talks with German chancellor

Helen Clark has discussed New Zealand's military involvement in Afghanistan with German chancellor Angela Merkel in talks. Germany also has troops stationed in Afghanistan. Ms Clark says the situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated over the northern summer. She says in talks this morning, the leaders discussed their respective reconstructive teams and agreed the job was a long term one. Last month a new contingent of 107 New Zealand defence force personnel was deployed to Afghanistan to replace those serving in Bamyan Province for the past six months.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Air Force to get new aircraft

The go ahead has been given for the Air Force to get new training aircraft. Defence Minister Phil Goff has green-lighted plans to acquire new planes and training packages, including a simulator. They plan also includes maintenance and support. Mr Goff says the project aims to find a suitable replacement for the Air Force's leased 1980s B200 Kingair aircraft. He says at this stage no decision has been made as to the number and type of aircraft required and the project cost will depend on the option chosen.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Water restrictions in place for summer

Water restrictions are in place for many areas due to summer drought conditions coming weeks earlier than usual. The dry, windy spring has already depleted water level gains made over winter from North Canterbury through to Hawke's Bay, as well as Nelson and south Taranaki. Tasman District mayor, Richard Kempthorne, says rainfall is at 75% of average levels and a full-blown drought will be underway if there's no more rain by Christmas. On Nelson's Waimea Plains, water rationing begins next week, lowering the amount of water orchards and vineyards can take by a fifth. Farmers in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne have been unable to grow any summer feed and say they're now desperate for rain. The worst drought in more than a century broke in June and Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule, says it's extremely dry - which is hurting the confidence of farmers.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Quick turnaround for second-time mums

There are concerns a new policy at Wellington Hospital's maternity ward could have an impact on the health of mothers and their babies. Staff shortages at Wellington Hospital mean second-time mothers who are well will be encouraged to go home six hours after giving birth. Jo Fitzpatrick of the National Council of Women says while other hospitals have considered such action, the policy is the first time it has been implemented in New Zealand.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



No to West Coast port

Plans for a multimillion dollar port on the West Coast have fallen over which means more coal will make its way to Christchurch by rail. After two years of planning, Pike River Coal has abandoned its $18 million plans to revamp the Port of Greymouth, opting instead for Solid Energy's proposal to send more coal by rail to Lyttelton. The amount of coal Solid Energy exports at Lyttelton is set to double with the deal.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Rare NZ stichbirds breed chicks

By MICHAEL FIELD - Fairfax Media
One of New Zealand's rarest birds is now producing chicks in west Auckland. News that the hihi or stichbirds (Notiomystis cincta) are breeding at the Ark in the Park in the Waitakere Ranges has created excitement among birdwatchers here in NZ and overseas. It is also tribute to Tiritiri Matangi Island where many Auckland children over the last 30 years have planted trees. British based Birdlife International today hailed the hihi breeding and New Zealand's Royal Forest and Bird Society say the new birds are the first to hatch on the Auckland mainland for more than a century. "We are absolutely thrilled with the arrival of our first 'Westie chicks'," said manager of Ark in the Park Project, Sandra Jack.



Tuesday, November 27

110 jobs go at Palmerston North call centre

The work of 110 employees at a call centre in Palmerston North who have lost their jobs will soon be done overseas. Workers at the Sitel call centre were told on Tuesday that their Yellow Pages work has been contracted out to Teletech, which will outsource it to the Philippines. Telecom sold the Yellow Pages group to a private equity consortium for $2 billion in March this year.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



Vehicle exhaust emission standards tightened

The Government is introducing tougher new exhaust emissions standards for used imported vehicles from 3 January next year. There will also be standards for imports of new cars, but no additional requirements on existing vehicles. The Associate Minister for Transport, Judith Tizard, says imported vehicles will be tested before being allowed into the country. She says any argument the new standards will make car ownership less affordable is weak. Ms Tizard says the changes will bring the emission rules for new and used imports into line with international standards.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



Quality of life in NZ cities getting better - report

By Stuart Dye
Life in New Zealand's big cities is getting better with strong economies, decent job prospects, good housing and ready access to health and education services. The Quality of Life project, released today at 1pm, paints a comprehensive picture of life in the country's 12 biggest cities. Nine out of 10 city-dwellers say they have an overall positive quality of life. "This report shows that urban New Zealand is essentially a great place to live, work and play," said Jim Harland, Chief Executive of Dunedin City Council and Quality of Life Project sponsor. "City residents feel that they enjoy a good quality of life, are happy and satisfied with their lives and report that they are in good health. On the whole, they have a sense of pride in their city and consider that their cities offer them a culturally rich and diverse arts scene."



Young drivers distracted by texts and music

A new study has found three quarters of young Australians aged from 18 to 24 admit to reading or sending text messages while driving. Insurance firm AAMI commissioned the survey of nearly 3,000 licensed drivers. Public affairs manager Geoff Hughes says younger drivers are twice as likely to die on the roads than more experienced drivers. Mr Hughes says mobile phones are not the only problem. He says 20 percent of drivers under-25 have also become distracted by their mp3 player while driving, compared to seven percent of older drivers.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



New home for yellow-eyed penguins

A section of farmland on the Catlins Coast has been secured as a home for 10 percent of mainland New Zealand's yellow-eyed penguins. The Department of Conservation and the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust have jointly bought the 50 hectare section at Long Point. Together with existing DOC reserves, the purchase means 12km of the coastline is now protected. Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick says securing the habitat for yellow-eyed penguins is a major victory for conservation. The area is home to nearly 50 breeding pairs of penguins.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Parker pushes heating plan

A step towards drier and healthier homes for low and middle income families. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority is seeking partners to deliver interest free loans to homeowners for heating solutions. Energy Minister David Parker says he has already heard from lines companies and other businesses keen to offer their support. He says homeowners who take advantage of the funding can expect to improve their health with less asthma and fewer winter illnesses. Mr Parker says 39,000 low-income families have already had their homes refitted with insulation and other energy efficiency measures. He says the Government is putting $23 million towards the programme over the next four years.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



More forces to the Solomons

A new contingent of Defence Force personnel is heading to the Solomon Islands this morning. 44 soldiers from the Territorial Force have left Christchurch to support the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands for four months. The deployment will be responsible for patrolling the islands, providing assistance to police and helping with security at Rove Prison.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



NZ hacker triggers security scare

A lone New Zealand hacker has triggered a security scare that had Microsoft software engineers in the United States working through their Thanksgiving holiday weekend to fix a design flaw in Windows software. Beau Butler - who describes himself as an "ethical hacker" - revealed at the NZ computer security conference Kiwicon this month that the flaw was exposing millions of computers to hijacking by criminals. Mr Butler said that while testing the flaw, he found more than 160,000 computers in NZ were vulnerable.
©2007, APN Holdings NZ Limited



Rugby-Henry wants to stay coach

By JIM KAYES - The Dominion Post
All Blacks coach Graham Henry wants to keep his job. Henry added his name to those of Robbie Deans, Colin Cooper and Ian Foster today as a contender for the All Blacks job. It was made vacant when the New Zealand Rugby Union called for applications earlier this month in the wake of the All Blacks' World Cup quarterfinal defeat. Henry, 61, coached the All Blacks to 42 wins in 48 tests over the past four years. Deans, the Crusaders coach, is the hot favourite to replace Henry, with Hurricanes coach Cooper a potential assistant.



Early morning quake wakes Bay of Plenty

An earthquake shook the Bay of Plenty this morning. GNS Science said the 6.19am magnitude 4.1 quake was centred 10km south west of Te Kaha, 70km north east of Opotiki, and was 50km deep. The tremor was probably felt in the Te Kaha area, GNS said.
Source:NZPA



Monday, November 26

Holidaying Kiwis Affect International Visitor Arrivals To New Zealand

A shortage of seats on flights into New Zealand impacted the fall in number of overseas visitors in October, the tourism New Zealand said Monday in a report. According to the report, overall 179947 overseas visitors came to New Zealand in October, a decrease of 6,692 or 3.6% from a year ago. In September, the number was up 1.0% from last year. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton said a big influx of New Zealanders returning from overseas holidays has taken many of the seats that would otherwise be used by visitors from our overseas markets.



Record dairy, oil exports in October

Record monthly exports of milk powder, butter and cheese, and crude oil helped push New Zealand exports up by more than a quarter in October from a year earlier. Despite that, the trade deficit for the month came in at a worse than expected $690 million, partly due to an oil rig being imported, figures published today by Statistics New Zealand show.
Source:NZPA



State sector expands to more than 44,000

The size of the state sector is continuing to increase. The State Service Commission's Human Resource Survey shows there were more than 44,000 people employed in the public service as of June this year. That is five percent more than last year and almost 12,000 more than there were in 2002. In total, the sector accounts for 13 percent of the entire labour market.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Taser 'a form of torture', says UN

By Edward Gay
The United Nations Convention Against Torture has linked the taser stun-gun to torture, one month before a report on the weapon is due out from the New Zealand Police. "The use of these weapons causes acute pain, constituting a form of torture," the UN committee concluded. The committee said studies have been carried out overseas showing the taser was dangerous and can cause death. A year-long test of the tasers in New Zealand ended in August. A report on the pilot is expected next month, with a decision on their long-term to be made in January.



A warning in Australian poll result

The Council of Trade Unions is warning politicians not to tamper with the laws affecting workers' rights, in the wake of the Australian election. Kevin Rudd's Labor Party has promised to repeal the Work Choices legislation, which exempts some companies from unfair dismissal laws. CTU President Helen Kelly says Australians have made it clear they do not want it and politicians should take note - New Zealanders do not either. She says workers will not accept threats to their security of employment, and politicians should think carefully before they start promoting it here. Ms Kelly says workers do not want to be treated as a commodity.
Copyright Radio Network 2007



Govt should be more open online

There is a call for more information from Government departments to be available on the Internet. More than 180 delegates are in Wellington this week for the annual Information Commissioners' conference. Organiser Andrew Ecclestone says one of its aims is to talk about increasing openness in developing countries' public services. It also marks the 25th anniversary of New Zealand's Official Information Act. One issue delegates will be considering is the challenges today's world presents in terms of freedom of information. Mr Ecclestone says New Zealand should be following other countries such as Mexico, where there are 14 categories of information all Government agencies must publish. These include staff salaries, contracts and grants.
© 2007 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Fiji Minister allowed in for conference

Fiji's Education Minister has been given an exemption from travel bans to enable him to travel to New Zealand. Netani Sukanaivalu is attending a two-day Pacific Forum Education Ministers Meeting in Auckland. Sanctions ban members of the Fijian military, members of the interim regime, and their immediate family members from visiting the country. However in this case an exemption has been granted. A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says it is in everybody's best interests to keep Fiji included in events such as this.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Christmas crowd over 100,000

More than 100,000 people attended the annual Christmas in the Park concert in Christchurch on Saturday night. The Hagley Park event featured acts such as New Zealand band Atlas and the talents of young classical singer Will Martin, Jackie Clarke and Frankie Stevens. About 30 acts took the stage in all, with fireworks to finish the night off. The anticipated southerly winds held off, and around one quarter of the Christchurch population sat back to enjoy a mild early summer evening. Proceeds from the event go to Youthline.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Sunday, November 25

Health board to pay for surgery on 100 obese patients

The problem of obesity is proving insurmountable for more than 50,000 New Zealanders. They are so obese that even extreme diet, exercise and medication are not enough for them to lose weight. In south Auckland there are 10,000 people who are morbidly obese -they are carrying so much weight they can barely move. Surgery like gastric bypass and lap banding can beat obesity by restricting the size of the stomach to take away the feeling of hunger. But while surgery can help, it is not the answer to the obesity problem in New Zealand. There is no way the system can afford to perform thousands of these operations. In south Auckland the local DHB is funding 100 operations for specific patients.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited



Two Kiwis from doomed ship safe

Two New Zealanders who worked onboard the cruise ship Explorer which sank in the Antarctic after hitting submerged ice have been flown to safety. GAP Adventures communications adviser Paul Manser confirmed the two New Zealanders were hospitality workers, however he could not give any other details citing privacy issues. He said 75 passengers from the Explorer and two crew members had arrived safely at Punta Arenas in Chile. The remainder of the passengers were waiting at King George Island and weather permitting would be flown to Punta Arenas tomorrow.
Reuters and NZPA



Tonga's Tessi wins Miss South Pacific

TONGA'S Tessi Leila Toluta'u is the new Miss South Pacific 2007. Tessi, the Miss Heilala 2007, was crowned Miss South Pacific in Apia last night, winning the title from eight other South Pacific beauties.
Cindy Soakai, who accompanied Tessi to Samoa said that it was a clean sweep victory for Tessi, who won all the judging events. "It is for the first time in 12 years [for Tonga].
Copyright © Vava'u Press Ltd. 2007



Foo Fighters announce NZ show

Chart-topping rock band the Foo Fighters, led by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, will play a single show in New Zealand next May. The band will play Auckland’s Vector Arena on May 5. Tickets for the show go on sale on December 5 at 9am through Ticketmaster.co.nz.



Archives New Zealand launches films online

A bigger slice of New Zealand's history is now available online following the launch of Archives New Zealand new audio visual website. The site – www.audiovisual.archives.govt.nz – features over 100 film clips sourced from the National Film Unit and is a big step forward in making Archives New Zealand's audio visual collection more accessible and visible to New Zealand and international viewers. Films featuring on the site include Weekly Review and Pictorial Parade newsreels as well as one-off documentaries. Historic events covered include Queen Elizabeth's visit to New Zealand in 1953, New Zealanders leaving for Europe at the beginning of World War Two and the opening of the Rimutaka Tunnel.
click HERE for website



One-in-three New Zealand men pressured to have sex, survey says

Nearly one-in-three New Zealand men say they have felt pressured to have sex or did so unwillingly, according to a newspaper survey published on Sunday. Urban men in their late 30s and early 40s were most likely to say they had been victims of unwanted advances by women, the Sunday Star- Times reported, quoting a national survey of more than 5,600 men. The survey showed that men in their 20s were more loyal to their current partners than those in their late 30s and early 40s, an age group in which nearly one-in-four admitted having affairs.
(c) 2007 Earthtimes.org



Storm Uru wins Maori Sports Award

Junior world champion rower Storm Uru has been named the supreme winner at the National Maori Sports Awards in Rotorua. Uru picked up senior Maori sportsman for the second year in a row before accepting the supreme award - the Albie Pryor Memorial Maori Sportsperson of the Year. Uru is currently one of the sport's top lightweight scullers and is aiming to qualify for next year's Beijing Olympics. He won a bronze medal at the under-23 world championships in 2005, gold a year later, and gold again this year in Scotland.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Pacific communities celebrate families

The Pacific communities of Porirua have been celebrating the importance of a safe and caring family. Hundreds joined a parade through downtown Porirua to show off the government services available to Pacific families. "We're coming together to acknowledge the power and strength of our families and how we can strengthen that even more," says Teuila Tualaulelei, the Porirua parade organiser Events celebrating the importance of strong families will last all week in Porirua.
Source:One News



Mystery illness strikes penguins

By KERRIE WATERWORTH - Sunday Star Times
Yellow-eyed penguins are dying in droves on Stewart Island and scientists are at a loss to explain why. About 70 per cent of the penguin chicks have died over the past six years. Researchers for the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust (YEPT) along with Otago and Massey university scientists and the Department of Conservation cannot find a cause. "We don't know if the penguins are starving and then succumbing to disease or if they're diseased and then starving," said trust spokeswoman Sue Murray. Researchers have already found dead chicks from this year's generation, hatched over the past weeks.



Australia-Labor wins election

Kevin Rudd has become Australia's 26th prime minister, as voters swept Liberal leader John Howard from power after more than 11 years in office. The Labor party is riding a wave of support for generational change. Labor needed 16 seats to claim victory for the first time since 1993. It picked up 10 in Mr Rudd's home state of Queensland alone, and another seven in New South Wales. The party also won two seats in Victoria and three in South Australia. New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has said she looks forward to working with the new government in Australia. She is at a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Uganda. She congratulated Mr Rudd on his landslide win. In a statement she said she looked forward to working closely with his government.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Don McKinnon finishes term

The 53-nation Commonwealth has appointed an Indian diplomat, Kamalesh Sharma, as its next secretary-general. Mr Sharma, the Indian High Commissioner in London, will take over on April 1 next year from New Zealand's Don McKinnon, who has done the job for two terms, or eight years. The change was announced during the CHOGM summit in Uganda. The Commonwealth's members represent 1.8 billion people, or more than a quarter of the world's population. Mr Sharma beat the Maltese Foreign Minister for the job.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Charity cricket match next month

New Zealand will host a Twenty20 cricket match against Bangladesh next month to raise funds for cyclone survivors. The game will be played in Hamilton on December 23 during Bangladesh's tour. Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh last week, killing around 3,500 people and leaving thousands missing or homeless.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Top award to Hawke's Bay wine

Eight hundred people gathered in Christchurch last night for the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. Taking out the supreme award was Hawke's Bay wine Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2006. Winemaker John Hancock says the award means a huge amount to them. He says it is worth a lot of money for the business, but more important is the recognition from the industry.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Saturday, November 24

Massey University develops virtual teacher

In a world first, scientists at Massey University have created a virtual teacher that can actually see and respond to students. Called 'Eve', the computer teacher can tell if a child is frustrated, angry or confused. Using a camera to see, Eve will respond to student's expressions and is so sophisticated it can even tell when students are counting using their fingers.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited



Retailers calm about internet

Despite American retailers worrying about skyrocketing Internet sales over Christmas, New Zealand retailers do not share their concerns. Retailers' Association spokesman Barry Hellberg says New Zealanders still prefer to be able to touch and feel before they buy. He says the preference here is still for bricks and mortar retail, and while online shopping is expanding, it is not doing so at the rate being seen overseas. Mr Hellberg says New Zealand is a pretty conservative retail environment.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Southern weather warning

MetService has issued a severe weather warning for Southland and eastern Otago. A deep low is forecast to pass over the south of the South Island tomorrow morning, followed by a strong front. Gale force winds are expected to buffet the area, especially coastal areas along Fouveaux Strait.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Ex-pat voting closes

Voting has closed for ex-pat Australians living in New Zealand. Doors at the Australian Consulate in Auckland closed around 5pm after opening for polling this morning at 9. Consul-General Ian Chesterfield says numbers turning out to vote have been similar to those for the last election. He says close to 1000 votes have been cast today - roughly 400 of them were postal votes. Voting slips will be stored at the consulate over the weekend before being posted to Australia first thing Monday. Commentators in Australia say the election result could be close, and have even suggested the winner may not be known until tomorrow morning.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Sunny weather kick starts cherry season

Cherries are a sure sign the festive season is on the way. While Hawke's Bay cherries have been available for a couple of weeks to its local market, central Otago orchardists have had to wait a bit longer. But this week's spell of fine weather has now given the cherry season a kick start. Picking is underway on the "earlise" variety, one of the first to ripen but at this stage there is only enough fruit for local sales. The first cherries of the season are fetching a premium price of $18 kg.
Source:One News



Golden girl may retire from cycling

Sarah Ulmer's smile may be about to fade from New Zealand cycling, with speculation the golden girl is set to announce her retirement. The 31-year-old has been cursed by a mysterious nerve injury since last year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and shortly after her switch from track cycling to the road.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited



Bikers pay homage to Burt Munro

Bikers are revving up in tribute to Burt Munro - the Invercargill man who broke a motorcycle land-speed record in the 1960s. The Burt Munro Challenge rally - now in its second year - is continuing this weekend. The event celebrates the record set on his Indian motorcycle, at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the United States. Thousands of bikers have registered to take part, with entries from New Zealand, Australia and as far away as California. The event will climax on Sunday with a ride around Mr Munro's home town of Wyndham.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Warning for kiwis heading to Pakistan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is warning people planning to travel to Pakistan to be aware of the tough security in place. The Commonwealth has suspended Pakistan's membership, after it failed to lift emergency rule. President Pervez Musharraf's measures have sparked demonstrations and calls for fair elections. Mr Peters says it is currently a very tense place to be, and New Zealanders should be careful.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



'Maoriland' novels put online

Historic "Maoriland" novels - written in New Zealand during the late 1800s - are being launched online, granting the public access to many texts for the first time. Victoria University has launched the first 30 titles from its collection. Associate professor of English Jane Stafford says the digital collection represents an important part of New Zealand's cultural history. "Although the term 'Maoriland' can evoke a world of saccharine fantasy in which heroic Maori warriors and seductive Maori maidens inhabit outmoded Victorian literary forms, this colonial literature is lively, complex and significant, and marks the beginnings of a self-consciously New Zealand literature," she said. Click for website HERE



150 abandon cruise ship in Antarctica

More than 150 passengers and crew last night abandoned a stricken cruise ship which was sinking after hitting a lump of ice in Antarctic waters. The impact cracked the hull of the MV Explorer, and early this morning it was reported to be listing 25 degrees. "All the passengers are off on lifeboats," said British Coast Guard spokesman Neil Oliver. "The last we heard was that the captain and first officer were remaining on board. They expect her to go down shortly." The ship carried 100 passengers and 54 crew. Maritime New Zealand said the rescue operation was being handled by Argentinian authorities.



Ozzy Osbourne to play NZ concert

Veteran rocker and reality television superstar Ozzy Osbourne is to join American glam metallers Kiss in the two-day Rock2Wgtn music festival in Wellington next Easter. Kiss will open the festival at Westpac Stadium on March 22 and Osbourne will headline the second night on March 23, The Dominion Post reports.
Source:NZPA



Six of the best...laps

By ALASTAIR STEWART - The Dominion Post
A Porirua primary school is running rings around political correctness by making naughty pupils do physical education as punishment. But Rangikura School is under fire for eschewing new age time-outs, stand-downs and restorative justice sessions - in favour of old-fashioned jogging around the sports field to burn off excess energy.
Parent Andrew Scott said his son Jacob, 8, was made to run around the field as punishment for being caught playing tackle rugby. He was concerned such a penalty risked discouraging children from being active. I have no problem with them being punished, but maybe using physical exercise is not the right sort of punishment." It could have the wrong effect on kid's motivation to do sport, he said.



Rare native birds fall victim to cats

Attempts to reintroduce a breed of endangered duck to the South Island are being hampered by Christchurch's cat population. Twenty indigenous brown teal - or pateke - were released at Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park in the north east of the city in May. In the last six months 12 of the birds - which number under 1000 in the world - have been killed or have disappeared. At least five were killed by cats. "This is an urban area so cats are popular pets," said ranger John Skilton. " There are also feral cats around and people abandon them as well.
Source:The Press



Children's swimming aid recalled

An Australian-made flotation device for young children is being recalled because of a defective seat, the Consumers Institute said. The inflatable swimming aid had been found to have a suspect plastic weld in the seat, the institute said. Under weight pressure this might result in the weld tearing and the seat to fail, meaning a child could slip through and into the water. The seats are made by Zoggs Australia. Affected are trainer seats for children 3 to 12 months, and 12 to 18 months. Batch Numbers are 301J, 302D and 112L. Consumers should return the seats to FreePost Zoggs Trainer Seat Recall, JB Sports Ltd, PO Box 2224, Raumati Beach 5255 for replacement.



British return remains of 46 Maori to Te Papa (National Museum)

PAUL EASTON - The Dominion Post
Te Papa has welcomed home the remains of 46 Maori from museums across Britain, in the biggest such repatriation to date. "It's just wonderful. They have been away for over 100 years and now they are back, so they are one again," said Te Atiawa kaumatua Sam Jackson. Researchers will now try to establish exactly which iwi the remains belong to. The remains, including koiwi tangata (human bones) and toi moko (tattooed heads), were returned from nine British museums. Some had been away from New Zealand for about 170 years.



NZ Governor-General's press release makes royal gaffe

There were red faces at Government House this week after a press release went out suggesting Queen Elizabeth, the head of the Church of England, was married in a Catholic church 60 years ago, local media reported Friday. According to NZPA news agency, Governor-General Anand Satyanandon Tuesday congratulated the Queen and Prince Philip on the occasion of their diamond wedding anniversary. The press release, which appeared on the Government House website and elsewhere, said they were married in "Westminster Cathedral." After the mistake was pointed out, it was quickly corrected to Westminster Abbey. Britain's 1701 Act of Settlement bars monarchs or their heirs from becoming or marrying Catholics.
Source:Xinhua



Friday, November 23

Anzac day flag burner fined $500

Two protesters who disrupted Wellington's Anzac Day dawn service by setting fire to a New Zealand flag and blowing a horn have been convicted in Wellington District Court. Flag burner Valerie Morse, 36, was fined $500 plus $130 court costs for offensive behaviour while Mark Daniel Rawnsley, 29, was convicted and discharged for resisting and obstructing police. The court was told that the pair were protesting against war.
Source:NZPA



Rap music expletives lead to driver's arrest

A man playing rap music heavy on expletives on his car stereo was arrested after a senior policeman took offence at the bad language. Rotorua police area commander Inspector Bruce Horne was working late in his office when he heard the music from nearly a block away. "They parked up at the Visitor Information Centre, threw open their doors and were listening to their rap music," he said. "It's questionable about the musical value of something when it's just a string of expletives." Mr Horne said police officers went to investigate the noise and ended up arresting a man for offensive behaviour as a result of the music he was playing. Another man in the car was charged with breaching the liquor ban. Mr Horne said the arrest sent a clear message. "People going to our visitor centre don't want to hear music where every second word is the F word. It's not what we need in a tourist town."
DAILY POST



New tourism push into Japan

Japan was once one of this country's biggest tourist markets. The Asia crisis put a damper on travel in the late '90s and numbers from the region have never recovered. But Tourism New Zealand is now making a fresh push into the Japanese market.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited



Flag burner fined $500

Two protesters who disrupted Wellington's Anzac Day dawn service by setting fire to a New Zealand flag and blowing a horn have been convicted in Wellington District Court. Flag burner Valerie Morse, 36, was fined $500 plus $130 court costs for offensive behaviour while Mark Daniel Rawnsley, 29, was convicted and discharged for resisting and obstructing police. The court was told that the pair were protesting against war. The lawyer for both defendants, Mark Lillico, said at a hearing earlier this week his clients had the right to freedom of expression under the Bill of Rights. However, Judge Oke Blaikie said today they had both exceeded that right. He said Morse's actions were capable of evoking wounded feelings and outrage, which people who had attended the dawn service at the Cenotaph near parliament on Anzac Day had testified to at the hearing. "I have reached a clear conclusion that the protest act not only constituted offensive behaviour, but in all the circumstances and balancing exercises cannot be protected by the Bill of Rights." Anzac Day was a time for sombre reflection, which held an aura of dignity and respect, Judge Blaikie said.
Source:NZPA



John Hood is to stand down

New Zealander John Hood, the first outsider to be appointed vice-chancellor of Oxford University, is to stand down in 2009. Though he has been credited with achievements at Oxford, his tenure has also been beset by a struggle with university dons over the future of the 800-year old institution. Dr Hood, a former vice-chancellor at Auckland University, was brought in to shake up Oxford and deal with chronic financial problems. Plans to transfer powers from the colleges to a large university-wide academic council were opposed by many dons, who accused him of failing to understand ancient traditions. Dr Hood was regarded as the first outsider to head the university because he was not a member of the academic staff, although he studied there as a Rhodes scholar. He will step down at the end of his contract in 2009, rather than taking an option of a two-year extension.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Military gaps blamed on labour market

The Government is blaming a competitive labour market for staff shortages within the military. Defence Force bosses have warned the Government the army's two regular force infantry battalions are under strength and attrition rates are harming efforts to build defence force capabilities. Defence Minister Phil Goff says the Government will look at how vacancies in areas such as technicians, medical personnel and engineers can be addressed. He says it is a problem, but no greater than you would expect at a time of near full employment. Mr Goff says Australia is also experiencing similar problems.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Care workers disgusted at Ryman's profit

Aged care workers are hitting out at Ryman Healthcare's $35 million half-year profit. It is 22 percent higher than over the same period last year. Nurses Organisation industrial advisor Rob Haultain says it is a staggering increase. She says the profit is being generated at the expense of quality care for patients, and a fair deal for workers. Ms Haultain says big international companies are making money out of New Zealand taxpayers who are funding aged care.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Aussies beat NZ's economy

New research shows Australia is in a better economic position than New Zealand. A BNZ report says there are many similarities between the New Zealand and Australian economies, including low unemployment and rising inflation. It also reveals commodity price drives both economies. BNZ head of research Stephen Toplis says Australia's economy is being pushed by a rapidly growing housing market, while New Zealand's market is losing steam, from the impact of a long period of interest rate increases. Mr Toplis says New Zealand home owners should expect interest rates to continue to rise.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



NZ welcomes Pakistan suspension

New Zealand has welcomed Pakistan's suspension from the Commonwealth. Leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Uganda have made the decision following President Pervez Musharraf's imposition of emergency rule earlier this month. Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Cullen says a clear message has been sent to the Pakistan to restore a constitutional and democratic government. He says while Pakistan has made some progress, the state of emergency has not been lifted, and the fundamental rights and the rule of law remain curtailed.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Samoa mourns loss of Mata'afa

Samoa is mourning the death of its first woman MP and former High Commissioner to New Zealand. La'ulu Fetauimalemau Mata'afa was aged 79. She was one of the first Samoan women to receive a university education and was greatly respected for contributions in the area of education, politics and community affairs. New Zealand's Pacific Island Affairs Minister Winnie Laban will be travelling to Samoa to represent New Zealand at her funeral. She says Mata'afa was a great woman leader, intelligent, courageous and full of grace.
Source: Newstalk ZB



Rain forecast for drought areas, but sunshine for Santa Parade

By Edward Gay
There's a sprinkling of rain on the way for the garden in some areas of the country this weekend but the sun will shine for Auckland's Santa Parade, Metservice said this afternoon. Forecaster Bob McDavitt said that for the East Coast between the Bay of Plenty and Central Otago there will be some welcome rain. "Some places haven't seen any rain for eight to nine days and it's been a bit below normal for November. There's only been three wet days," Mr McDavitt said. He said as long as the wet easterlies get between the highs, the eastern areas should be able to cope and it will be better than last year's dry period brought on by El Nino.



MPs get backdated pay rises

Politicians are to get pay rises, backdated to July, from the Remuneration Authority. TV3 News reported last night that the authority, which sets MPs pay rates, had made decisions about the rises and would announce them in the next few weeks. Prime Minister Helen Clark's pay will go up from $360,000 to $375,000, TV3 said. That equates to a 4.2 per cent rise. National Leader John Key, ministers and Speaker Margaret Wilson's pay will go from $225,000 to $233,000 (up 3.6 per cent) and backbench MPs $122,500 to $126,000 (up 2.9 per cent). All of the rises are backdated to July 7. Wages across New Zealand rose at about 3 per cent in the past year.
NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF



Rugby-Carter to quit All Blacks?

All Blacks first five-eighth Daniel Carter will give consideration to playing in rugby's English Premiership after next year. Carter, 25, has one year left on his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union and told Britain's Sky Sports News that when it expires he will "make a decision on where I want my career to head".
In the immediate aftermath of the All Blacks' quarterfinal elmination from the World Cup last month, Carter indicated he was leaning strongly towards staying in New Zealand until the next tournament. However, his latest comments suggest an overseas contract is a realistic possibility. "I really enjoy playing over here (in England) - there are great crowds and great people," Carter said.
Source:NZPA



Mortar bomb unearthed in Wellington

Police have blocked off part of the Wellington suburb of Newtown after a mortar bomb was unearthed during excavations. The immediate area surrounding Brixham Way has been evacuated. A Wellington police spokeswoman said the army was being called in to dispose of the device.
NZPA



Thursday, November 22

Talks attempt to prevent Statistics New Zealand strike

Last minute talks will be held this morning to try and stop a strike going ahead at Statistics New Zealand. Up to 550 staff are due to walk out of offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this afternoon. The dispute is over pay. Limited industrial action has been ongoing for some time. Talks to try and avert a strike will take place this morning between the Public Service Association and Statistics New Zealand.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited



NZ to help pay for dismantling of nuke subs

New Zealand will put $680,000 toward a project to dismantle decommissioned Russian nuclear submarines. Disarmament and Arms Control Minister Phil Goff says the Japanese-led project is to ensure the deteriorating submarines do not pose a security and environment risk. He says the money from New Zealand will go toward the handling and processing of radioactive wastes from the dismantling of the submarines.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Answers wanted from Pakistan - NZ PM

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the Commonwealth will welcome the scheduling of elections in Pakistan, but will still want answers over the sacking of senior judges and restrictions on liberty. Miss Clark is on her way to Uganda for a meeting of Commonwealth heads of government. She says the Commonwealth ministeral action group has called on Pakistan to make rapid improvements, and to come to Kampala ready to show how it is going to move back to a proper constitutional, democratic path. Miss Clark says the situation in Fiji, which is suspended from the Commonwealth, will also be discussed at the meeting.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Manufacturing sector no longer biggest employer

Manufacturers say the latest figures showing they are no longer the largest employment sector is part of an ongoing trend which will impact on the entire New Zealand economy. The latest Linked Employer-Employee Data from Statistics New Zealand shows there were 238,200 jobs in business and property services in the year to September 2006. That is 1200 more than in manufacturing. Statistics New Zealand says a wide range of workers are counted among property and business services - including real estate agents, scientific researchers and those in legal and accounting roles.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



Clark shocked at Saudi sentence

Prime Minister Helen Clark is asking New Zealand diplomats to express dismay at the case of a young Saudi woman who was sentenced to be lashed and jailed for being raped. The woman was abducted from a shopping mall with an unrelated male companion, and she was raped by seven men. Under Saudi Arabia's Islamic Sharia law, women are not allowed out in public with men they are not related to. The woman was sentenced to 200 lashes and six months in jail. Clark says she understands the case is still working its way through the court system, but wants our diplomats in the region to seek compassion for the young woman.
Source: Newstalk ZB



Petrol pump pain here for Xmas

The price of filling up has jumped again and could jump higher yet, with petrol companies blaming the low Kiwi dollar and rising prices overseas. As the international price of crude oil gets ever closer to $US100 a barrel, the major petrol stations in New Zealand have pushed prices up by five cents a litre. A litre of 91 unleaded now costs nearly $1.74 in most parts of the country, and prices are now just a few cents below the high-point they reached last year $1.76 a litre. Diesel has hit a record high of almost $1.28.
Source:One News



Stewart Island hopes to dump diesel

Stewart Island looks set to go greener with a project that will replace the current diesel electricity system with renewable energy from wind, sun and biofuels. Southland District Council's Stewart Island Electrical Supply Authority network manager Peter Thompson said renewable energy was the best possible solution for the island and was in keeping with its natural heritage and native environment. "This `green' Stewart Island project will help lower carbon emissions while providing Islanders with a cheaper, sustainable replacement to meet their energy needs," Mr Thompson said.
Source:NZPA



Mill workers set to lose jobs on xmas eve

Dozens of staff at Gisborne's Prime Sawmills are set to lose their jobs the day before Christmas. The Gisborne Herald today reported staff had been told the company was considering dropping an entire shift and that final decisions would be made by the end of next week. Those affected would be offered redundancy and four weeks' notice -- meaning their last day of work was likely to be December 24. Prime Sawmills lost $7 million for the year ending June 30 this year, and another $1.1 million since then.
Source:NZPA



TranzAlpine train service turns 20

There will be birthday cake for TranzAlpine passengers this morning. The Christchurch to Greymouth train service is celebrating its 20th anniversary and there are hopes the popular tourist service will continue for at least another 20 years. National Passenger Manager Ross Hayward says current and former staff are being credited for growing the service into what it is today and are looking forward to serving the route for years to come.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Hunt on for Timberlake

The paparazzi are finding it difficult to spot Justin Timberlake in New Zealand. The American superstar is in Auckland to perform three shows to almost 40,000 fans. Ticket sales now total $4 million. Sunday News entertainment editor Cath Bennett says photographers are at various locations around the city hoping to spot Timberlake. She says they are staking out places where he is likely to be spending time, like golf courses.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



East coast drought hits region hard

The East Coast drought will cost the nation more than half a billion dollars over three years through a slump in the contribution of the East Coast sheep and beef sector to New Zealand's GDP. Reports by agricultural economists released today show the drought will cut the sheep and beef sector's economic contribution by $161 million over the three years to the end of 2008/09 -- a fall of 20 per cent from the 2005/06 year.
Source:NZPA



Wednesday, November 21

Irish eyes on New Zealand dairy farms

New Zealand's dairy boom – with the average Fonterra farmer earning more than $700,000 this year – is attracting the interest of Irish farmers. "We've been pleasantly surprised by the level of interest," said Canterbury real estate agent Shane O'Brien who has just returned from Ireland. A recent seminar in Antrim attracted 50 farmers. "These are all people who are interested in potentially buying rural land here and immigrating." Mr O'Brien said New Zealand had a very similar style of farming to Ireland and its land was relatively affordable. Northern Ireland real estate agent Stephen Allen said he was surprised by the interest young farmers in particular were showing in emigrating to New Zealand.
Source:NZPA



South Island hit by heat wave

Parts of the South Island have been affected by an early heat wave. Queenstown, Alexandra and Clyde are among the centres to nudge up into the lower thirties and there are signs of more fine weather to come. Most locals seemed happy to stay outside and soak up the sun. But with harmful UV rays now at their highest for the year, it is time to cover up and slap on some sunscreen.
Copyright © - TVWorks Limited



PM meets Myanmar's UN envoy

The Prime Minister, Helen Clark, says the United Nations envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, is optimistic about the progress that can be made towards a transition to elected government. Professor Gambari is in Singapore where 16 East Asia Summit nations are meeting. Miss Clark this afternoon met with Dr Gambari for half an hour and says he gave her an upbeat and positive account of what he thinks can be achieved in Myanmar. But Helen Clark says achieving change may be a rocky process, as essentially the military is being asked to look at a future that does not involve them ruling as they do at present. Miss Clark says Dr Gambari's main plea was for New Zealand to stick with the UN process in relation to Myanmar.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Aid begins to reach flood victims in Papua New Guinea

Aid is beginning to reach victims of the flooding in Papua New Guinea's Oro Province. The government expects the death toll, currently standing at 163, to exceed 200. The police say the floods in the east of the country have washed away roads and tracks in the remote mountainous region, hindering relief efforts. Thousands of people have been displaced and 1,000 homes destroyed. Aid only started reaching some remote villages on Wednesday when helicopters arrived from the capital, Port Moresby.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Committee hears artificial sweetener's potential health risk

A woman who believes eating sugar-free gum made her ill has asked the Health Select Committee to warn the public about potential health effects of the gum's artificial sweetener, aspartame. Abby Cormack suffered from a range of health complaints, including severe cramps, incontinence and depression, until she stopped consuming aspartame. Miss Cormack told the committee that since publicising her situation, several other people have contacted her with similar problems. She says there needs to be better labelling, so people can make an informed choice.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Sounds/Blockbuster in voluntary admin

The company which operates Sounds Music and Blockbuster has gone into voluntary administration. Icon Digital Entertainment is believed to be the first company to do so since new legislation was introduced last month. Voluntary administration is an alternative to liquidation for companies in financial trouble. It gives the company breathing space from creditors while the administrator comes up with a proposal to put before the creditors to move the company forward.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Diplomat to take Hunt's London post

Jonathan Hunt will be replaced as High Commissioner to London by a career diplomat when his term ends next March. Foreign Affairs deputy secretary Derek Leask will replace the former Speaker. Mr Leask has previously served as European Union ambassador in Brussels and has had postings in Ottawa, London and Suva.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Peters finds himself among friends

New Zealand's relationship with the United States has reached a new level, says Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who met Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington yesterday. Mr Peters flew to Washington to brief Ms Rice on his trip to North Korea, which ended at the weekend. It was a rare visit by any foreign minister, and the first by a New Zealand foreign minister since North Korea was established as a country in 1945. New Zealand established diplomatic relations with North Korea in 2001. Mr Peters met Ms Rice, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley. "Today's meetings were friendly and productive," Mr Peters said.
Source:NZPA



Philippines and New Zealand ink air agreement

The Philippines and New Zealand signed an air agreement establishing regular flights between the two countries. This is the first time the two countries inked an air agreement since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966. Under the ASA, Philippine and New Zealand air carriers are entitled to three services per week of passengers, cargo and mail from one country to the other from and to pre-agreed points.



Fijian, Hindi languages to be taught in Fiji schools

Fiji's two major languages, Hindi and Fijian are expected to be taught from certain classes in all primary and secondary schools around the country starting next year. The new language policy is expected to be implemented when Term 2 starts next year. The Fiji Cabinet today approved the implementation plan for the language policy based on the use of Fijian, Hindi and English "as a long-term and sustainable strategy for a peaceful and stable, multi-ethnic cultural living in Fiji."
Copyright © 2007 FijiTV



RNZI wins international radio station award

Radio New Zealand International has won the International Radio Station of the Year award, presented in London. Judges in the Association for International Broadcasting Media Excellence Awards noted that RNZI has proved it has the ability, clarity of vision and resources to deliver something that is valued throughout the Pacific region. Highly commended runners up were the BBC World Service and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Radio Sawa.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Hybrid taxi company launched

A taxi service that uses hybrid-powered vehicles has been launched in Wellington. The Green Cabs taxi company uses Toyota Prius cars, which run on a combination of gasoline and battery power and are more fuel-efficient than regular cars. So far only a dozen taxis are in service. A director, David Jordan, says the company will have 20 cars in Wellington by the end of the week, and hopes to launch in Auckland by the end of December.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Blood bank saves NZ's sick animals

By GILES BROWN - The Press
Dogs and cats are being thrown a lifeline by the country's first animal blood bank. The New Zealand Companion Animal Blood Bank sends emergency supplies of dog and cat blood to animals throughout the country. Veterinary clinics contact the blood bank, which flies the parcels to where they are needed. We have sent blood to clinics all over the country from Kaitaia to Invercargill," said vet Neil Marshall , who runs the service with wife Sandy from their home near Palmerston North. "We might have an animal who is on the South Island and we need to fly some blood to Christchurch to get it there in a couple of hours."



New home opens for Wellington Zoo residents

Wellington Zoo is opening its new African Savannah exhibit today and the giraffes will be the first to try it out. The new enclosure has been three years in the making. It has an area five to six times larger than the animals' current home. The zebras and ostriches will join the giraffes in the new exhibit over the next week.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Tuesday, November 20

Rugby World Cup draws New Zealanders abroad

Interest in the Rugby World Cup saw more New Zealanders than usual travelling to Europe in September and October. Statistics New Zealand says New Zealanders made 6700 more trips to France in September and October this year than they did in the same two months last year. These months coincided with the Rugby World Cup, which was held in France, Scotland and Wales. In the year to October, New Zealanders made almost 1.96 million overseas trips, up 5% on the previous year.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Skipper accused of dumping tonnes of fish

The Ministry of Fisheries says the skipper of a fishing boat ordered the dumping of hundreds of tonnes of fish and falsified catch records. The skipper, whose name and company are suppressed, has denied he dumped southern blue whiting during a fishing trip in the Southern Ocean. But two men from the same vessel were last month fined $20,000 each after admitting to dumping 311 tonnes of fish during a voyage in 2004. The ministry told Nelson District Court on Tuesday that the skipper ordered the dumping because the ship's factory was unable to process catches.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Peters briefs Rice on North Korea visit

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is in Washington to brief the United States Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, about his trip to North Korea. His report will be of interest to American officials as they consider removing North Korea from its list of terrorism sponsors to encourage talks on de-nuclearisation. Mr Peters says North Korean leaders told him they will stick to the disarmament agreement reached at the latest six party talks. But he says they insist that other nations must provide the promised aid and political concessions in exchange.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



Clark in Singapore for East Asia summit

New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark arrives in Singapore on Tuesday morning for top-level talks with Asian leaders, with Myanmar, trade and climate change set to dominate. The third East Asia summit brings together 16 nations, including major economies such as China, South Korea and Japan. Miss Clark says the summit has been a big step forward for New Zealand in strengthening its relationships in the region.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



Police eye $2.8m patrol boat

By ALASTAIR STEWART - The Dominion Post
Police are testing a sleek $2.8 million patrol boat on Wellington Harbour as a possible replacement for the aging Lady Elizabeth III. Deodar III, normally seen in waters around Auckland, was being put through its paces on the harbour yesterday to test its design's suitability for the capital's conditions. Senior Sergeant John Bryant, of Wellington maritime police, said staff remained very affectionate toward the Lady Liz but a boat such as the Deodar would slash response times to emergencies. At present it took up to 45 minutes to reach people on search and rescue calls, a time that could be reduced to 20 minutes with the new Deodar.



John Key ice bound

National Party leader John Key is heading off to Antarctica this morning, and he admits he is somewhat excited. Mr Key will spend three days on the ice, observing what New Zealand's role is on the continent. He says it is a great opportunity which he is thoroughly looking forward to. He will visit Scott Base and McMurdo Station, and says the trip will be an opportunity to see the effects of climate change on Antarctica. Mr Key also sees his visit as a chance to experience the history of the South Pole.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Monday, November 19

Troops to stay in Afghanistan extra two years

New Zealand has extended the duration of its troop deployment in Afghanistan for two years until September 2009. The tour of duty for the 120-member provincial reconstruction team in Bamiyan province, west of the capital Kabul, was to have ended in September this year. Prime Minister Helen Clark said on Monday that a peaceful Afghanistan, able to provide for its people and prevent itself from being used as a terrorist base, was in the interests of the international community.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



New geothermal plant planned for Taupo

Contact Energy has announced plans to build a 20 megawatt geothermal electricity plant in Taupo. The plant will capture steam from the Tauhara steam field, producing enough electricity to power nearly 20,000 homes. Contact chief executive David Baldwin says the company has the resource consents to push ahead with the project. It will cost about $75 million, and is expected to be operational by 2009.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Fiji netball boss under corruption cloud, stays in NZ

Fiji's netballers have returned home from the world netball championships in Auckland without their president, who faces corruption charges in Fiji. Fiji Netball president Alice Tabete, believed to be under investigation for alleged abuse of office, was not with the team when it arrived at Nadi Airport early this morning. Netball Fiji coaches last night confirmed that Tabete was at Auckland airport without any luggage to farewell the team, the Fiji Times reported. The former Fiji Sports Council chief executive officer was allowed into New Zealand after she obtained a multiple visa which expires in 2010. New Zealand immigration officials had given her clearance despite her son and husband being in Fiji's military forces, the newspaper reported.
Source:NZPA



Christchurch wins flower show from Auckland

The Ellerslie International Flower Show has been bought by the Christchurch City Council, the Herald understands. The Christchurch City Council is expected to make the announcement this afternoon. It believed that the present owners of the show, NZ Flower and Garden, will continue to manage it for at least five years. It is not known how much was paid, but the council's decision was unanimous. The show will be held in Christchurch from next year. It comes after Auckland City Council's decision to bow out of a rescue package. The show has been held in Auckland since its inception in 1994 and is worth more than $12 million to the regional economy.
HERALD STAFF



Life expectancy gender gap closes

The gap in life expectancy between men and women in New Zealand has narrowed, new findings from Statistics New Zealand show. The findings come from New Zealand Births and Deaths: September 2007 quarter. Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) has found the life expectancy of male and females narrowed from 6.4 years in 1975-1977 to 4.1 years in 2004-2006. A newborn girl can now be expected to live until 81.9 years and a newborn boy to 77.9, it said. Births also exceeded deaths by 34,220 in the September 2007 year, the highest natural increase since 1991.
Source:NZPA



Call for more paternity testing powers

United Future is calling for the Family Court to have the power to order paternity testing. It comes in response to data from an Australian DNA testing firm that a quarter of men who had doubts they were a baby's father, were not. United Future's Judy Turner says the Government has ignored a Law Commission recommendation to give the Family Court the power to order DNA paternity testing. She says there are hundreds, if not thousands of men, are paying for the upkeep of children that are not theirs.
Copyright Radio Network 2007



Pohutukawa trees flower right on time

By Alanah May Eriksen
New Zealand's iconic pohutukawa trees have started to flower, the annual sign that summer is here and Christmas is just around the corner. Mt Maunganui beach is lined with pohutukawa that are in full bloom looking down on crowds of sunbathers. During summer the "New Zealand Christmas tree" is covered with clusters of dark crimson flowers as hardworking bees collect nectar. Professor Paula Jameson, head of the University of Canterbury's School of Biological Sciences, says the flowers are right on time. "They start about mid-November and have stopped flowering by Christmas and New Year." Legend has it that if the pohutukawa flowers early it will be a long hot summer.
©2007, APN Holdings NZ Limited



Search continues for missing plane

An air, land and sea search in Australia for a Kiwi pilot and three others on board a missing plane has so far been unsuccessful. The search will continue today. Geoff Milne and his family set off from a Melbourne airport at noon on Saturday in a twin-engined Cessna plane. It failed to arrive at Merimbula on the New South Wales coast where they were due at 4pm. Search efforts are focused on the dense forest area of Orbost.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited



NZ company intends to expand operations in Uruguay

A New Zealand company that's investing in dairy farming in Uruguay is looking to expand its operations there by another 20,000 hectares. NZ Farming Systems Uruguay is a subsidiary of PGG Wrightson, which investing in Uruguay six years ago. The company leased a small beef finishing unit to demonstrate that modified New Zealand pasture management could substantially increase production.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Greymouth Petroleum wins bid for Chilean exploration

A New Zealand-owned company has won the right to explore 9000 square km of Chile's oil rich Magallanes Basin. The Chilean government has awarded four permits to Greymouth Petroleum, including a joint operation with the state-owned company ENAP. Greymouth Petroleum says it now has the second biggest foothold in the basin, which is Chile's only local source of oil and gas. A company spokesperson, Lara Walker, says it has already identified possible gas reserves. Chile currently imports a third of its gas, coal and oil needs.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Narrow victory seen for Labor - polls

Australian opinion polls point to a narrow victory for the Labor Party over the Coalition Government in Saturday's election. The latest Galaxy poll predicts Labor will pick up 18 seats, giving it a two-seat majority. Key marginal seats in Queensland could decide the outcome. ALP leader Kevin Rudd is not taking the polls for granted and says the election will be tight:
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Greenpeace on the trail of Japanese whalers

A Japanese whaling fleet has set sail aiming to harpoon humpback whales for the first time in decades. The fleet is to carry out its largest hunt in the South Pacific with instructions to kill up to 1,000 whales, including 50 humpbacks. The humpback hunt is the first since a mid-1960s global ban. Commercial whaling was stopped in 1986 but Japan is permitted whaling in the name of scientific research. Four whaling ships, including the Nisshin Maru, set off from the southern port of Shimonoseki on Sunday. The mission plans to kill more than 900 minke whales as well as fin whales and humpbacks, in a South Pacific whale hunt that will run until mid-April. A Greenpeace campaign ship, the Esperanza will follow the fleet. A spokesman says they will take direct, non-violent action to try to stop whale hunting. He says that usually involves Greenpeace members putting themselves in front of the whalers' harpoons to distract them.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



Tight labour market impacting on McDonalds

McDonalds says it needs 2000 employees in its New Zealand operation because of the tight labour market. The fast-food company is one of a number that will scrap youth rates next year and not impose a new qualifying period for 16 and 17 year olds. This means young workers will be eligible for an adult wage immediately instead of having to complete three months or 200 hours of work first. Around 30% of its labour force is under 18. McDonalds New Zealand manager Mark Hawthorn says they're struggling for staff in restaurants around the country and that provided the motivation to move to adult wages across the board.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



Aged care workers stop work

Aged care workers will stop work for two hours this morning to highlight their need for better pay and treatment in the workplace. They also want better training opportunities. Around 600 nurses, caregivers and support staff will hold stopwork meetings from 9.30 in the first action of its kind. Service and Food Workers Union spokesman Alastair Duncan says working with the elderly gets harder every day. He says staffing levels and low pay need to be addressed to make sure senior citizens continue to be cared for. Mr Duncan says about a third of the country's aged care workers earn just above the minimum wage of $12.55.
Copyright 2002 - 2007, TelstraClear Ltd



Sunday, November 18

Duff’s financial woes force him to sell home

Alan Duff, author of acclaimed Once Were Warriors and founder of Books In Homes scheme, is battling financial problems which is forcing him to sell his luxury Hawke's Bay home. Duff's property development company Pan Austral Limited has been put into liquidation over undisclosed GST debts and he is due to meet his financial advisers this week, the Sunday Star Times reported today. His 1990 novel Once Were Warriors, which was made into a highly successful film, turned Duff into a household name. He also founded Books In Homes, which he said would not be affected by his current problems.
NZPA



Santa Parade Wellington

Thousands of people are expected to share in the Christmas spirit at todays Wellington Santa Parade. Organiser Liz McRae says she has spent the past year organising event, which has over two thousand volunteers. She says there is a great line-up of fantasy floats, entertainment and of course Santa. The Parade starts at 2 o'clock on the corner of Ballance Street and Lambton Quay.
© 2007 NZCity, NewsTalkZB



Hopes crime show will boost search for NZ fugitive

Police hope a prime-time American television show will breathe new life into their search for Nai Yin Xue, who is believed to be on the run in the United States. Mr Xue, who lived in Auckland, abandoned his three-year-old daughter at an Australian train station in September. He is wanted in connection with the death of her mother, An An Liu. The case is due to feature on crime show America's Most Wanted in the United States on Saturday night. New Zealand police hope the story will run as planned and will prompt Americans, especially the Chinese community, to come forward with any information.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



NZ glaciers shrinking as climate changes

A new report says climate change may have already irrevocably damaged New Zealand largest glaciers. The report, by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, says the 12 glaciers have collectively shrunk by about 10% since the late 1980s. NIWA's principal scientist Jim Salinger says the Southern Alps glaciers have lost more than 5 cubic kilometres of ice and have now passed a crucial tipping point. Dr Sallinger says they have lost the rock covering that used to insulate their ends and stop them from melting. Instead, melt-water has formed lakes at their bases - making them shrink even faster.
© 2007 Radio New Zealand



Man in custody accused of threatening to kill Helen Clark

A 39-year-old beneficiary is behind bars accused of threatening to kill Prime Minister Helen Clark. Karl Andrew Fenn allegedly wrote to Miss Clark demanding $100,000 be paid into his bank account or she would be a "dead woman". Fenn appeared in Auckland District Court yesterday when he was remanded in custody until tomorrow for a bail application. It was reported today that Miss Clark's correspondence secretary opened the letter on November 1 and alerted police.
Source:NZPA



Kiwi is world's fastest texter

A Dunedin teen is New Zealand's latest Guinness world record holder - for texting blindfolded. Elliot Nicholls, 17, broke the world record in Dunedin yesterday,not once but twice, texting a 160-character message blindfolded and finishing in 51 seconds on his second attempt and then 45 seconds on his fourth try. The previous record was set by an Italian at one minute 23 seconds.
source:Sunday Star Times



Netball-Australia exact world champs revenge

By JANE MARSHALL - Fairfax Media
Netball’s world spoils are headed back across the Tasman with Australia beating the Silver Ferns 42-38 in the world championship final. It will be the ninth time Australia has its name etched onto the trophy after going through the week-long tournament in Auckland unbeaten. Australian captain Liz Ellis said at ''no point'' did her team feel safe until the final whistles blew. 'We just kept fighting,'' she said. ''At times it wasn’t pretty. The heart and soul and fight in this team is unbelievable.'' "New Zealand have great ability to score quickly through Irene, they bring the ball down court really well. There was so much pressure on every attacking play we had, there was no point I thought we had it until the final whistle went," she said. Australia entered the final as favourites having beaten the Ferns four times in the last five outings. Meanwhile, Jamaica held off a late charge from England to win the bronze medal, with a 53-52 victory in the third and fourth play-off.



Saturday, November 17

Kiwi sanctuary helping against extinction

They have been nothing more than a distant memory in the Auckland region for more than half a century, but now, kiwis are set to make a return. Forty of the birds have been transported to the Tawharanui sanctuary from an outlying island. Some birds were shipped from Motuora Island, to the Tawharanui open sanctuary, where they were greeted by residents and schoolchildren, who all helped establish the pest-free area. Forty kiwis now reside in the sanctuary, enough to re-establish them on the Auckland mainland, where they haven't been seen for 60 years
Copyright © TVWorks Limited



Ship begins hunt for oil

This weekend marks the start of a big new push in New Zealand's search for oil and gas. A seismic exploration ship, the Discoverer 2, will begin work in the Great Southern Basin, taking acoustic soundings to gauge whether drilling should go ahead in the area. The ship is working for OMV Austria, one of several big international companies involved in the new oil exploration.
Source:One News



Winery rips out vines to make way for concerts

One of New Zealand's leading winemakers has started pulling grape vines from its grounds to make way for a series of concerts next year. Villa Maria Estate in South Auckland, will host Joe Cocker, the Auckland Philharmonia, Hayley Westenra and Bic Runga from January to March. In the past, there has been a lake between the audience and performers, but the winery says artists such as Joe Cocker require a more intimate connection.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



NZ, China edge closer to free trade deal

New Zealand officials expect to hold another round of trade talks with China within the next three weeks, as the countries edge closer to a free trade deal. There appears to be renewed urgency in the negotiations after both countries had expected the next round of talks would not happen until early next year. Radio New Zealand's political editor says the talks are likely to be given further impetus when Prime Minister Helen Clark is expected to meet Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Singapore next week. If the talks do reach a successful conclusion, it will be be first trade deal China signs with a developed country.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand



14th century Maori village found

A team of archaeologists have unearthed the remnants of a centuries-old village near Gisborne. They believe the small Cooks Cove village may have been established by Maori as early as the 14th century. Earth ovens, prehistoric food remains, tools and post holes from a whare were found by the archaeologists, from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the University of Otago.
Copyright ©2007, APN Holdings NZ Limited


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