Cook Islands people being warned against manganese nodule scam

The Cook Islands government has warned the public about a campaigner promising people billions of dollars if the offshore manganese nodules are used as collateral on the futures market in New York. The Sydney-based New Zealander, Bruce Ruatapu Mita, has told a committee in Rarotonga that the government could expect to almost instantly start collecting more than three billion US dollars a week. The deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate has issued a warning to all Cook Islands people living in Australia, New Zealand and locally that the proposal is a scam.
© RNZI 2008

Gambling helpline to close

New Zealand's only gambling helpline will close at the end of October after failing to negotiate a contract with the Ministry of Health. Gambling Helpline chief executive Krista Ferguson says the proposed contract restricted the organisation's ability to respond quickly to client's needs. She says she is confident the helpline's 21 staff will be able to find jobs with other gambling services. The Salvation Army and the Problem Gambling Foundation provide face-to-face gambling counselling.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Designer apologises over war medal collection

Kate Sylvester has apologised to anyone offended by her show at Australian Fashion Week. The New Zealand designer's range "Royally Screwed" featured models in stylised military uniforms and replica medals. Models wore the medals on the left side, which is traditionally reserved for those who have served in the armed forces. This outraged the Australian Returned Services League, which has described the show as "sickeningly appalling". New South Wales RSL president Don Rowe said it did not matter that the medals were not genuine, because they were presented in such a realistic way. Kate Sylvester says she never intended to show any form of disrespect. She says the collection comes from her passion and obsession with royal regalia.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Free check ups for former chemical workers

Workers and neighbours of the former Ivon Watkins-Dow plant in New Plymouth are being offered free health check ups. The Government is setting up a health support service for those who worked and lived near the agri-chemical plant in the suburb of Paritutu. The announcement follows an independent report into the issue which has left many in the community worried they may have been left with health problems as a result of the dioxins emitted. The Ivon Watkins-Dow plant produced the herbicide 245-T from 1962 to 1987. A study conducted by Otago University and funded by Dow found there was no evidence of an increase in cancer rates or related diseases due to exposure to dioxin. The findings have been disputed.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Hotel for carbon conscious

Visitors to Auckland who care about their carbon footprint can now stay somewhere that is environmentally-conscious. The Auckland City Hotel in Hobson Street opened on Monday and uses compact energy fluorescent lights in all its corridors and rooms. Fifty percent of the corridor lights are activated by motion sensors and staff have been briefed on an internal recycling scheme. Biodegradable corn starch bags and bins are used in the hotel's kitchen. The building is not air conditioned, but guests can request heating or cooling units.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

The Phantom of the Opera coming to Auckland

The Phantom of the Opera is returning to New Zealand. The tale of the disfigured genius who haunts the Paris Opera House will play from October 14 at Auckland's Civic Theatre. The Australian cast features New Zealand-born performer Ana Marina in the lead role of Christine. She grew up in Auckland and moved to Australia with her family when she was 13, as she wanted to be a singer and her parents thought she would find more opportunities across the Tasman. Marina believes The Phantom is enduringly popular because it has all the right ingredients; music, story and drama. She says it is also a spectacle to watch, with an amazing set.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

PM says Waihopai vandalism "senseless"

Three protestors have been arrested after allegedly breaching security fences surrounding the Waihopai "spy base" near Blenheim and slashing a plastic dome leaving it deflated and hanging over a satellite dish. Lawyer moana Cole says the group is currently in custody at the Blenheim police station and will appear in court this afternoon. They are likely to be charged with criminal damage. The three were protesting against the US war on terror and claim intelligence information is being sent through the Waihopai facility to the United States. They say they got through three security fences armed with razor wire, infrared sensors and high voltage electricity to get onto the base.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Fonterra to buy all of Chilean dairy company

NZ Dairy co-operative Fonterra will own almost all of the Chilean dairy company Soprole after agreeing to buy another 42.6% of its shares. Fonterra, which already owns more than 56% of Soprole, will buy the shares held by Fundacion Isabel Aninat, a charitable foundation controlled by the Vatican. The $US202 million deal has received final approval from the Vatican. Soprole's profit last year rose 160% to a record 24 billion Chilean pesos, or more than $NZ66 million. On average it has returned $NZ25 million a year to Fonterra shareholders in the past few years.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

NZ satellite image to get sharper

The Defence Force will use a satellite to capture high definition images of the whole of New Zealand and its offshore islands. The KiwImage project will run in conjunction with Sinclair Knight Mertz over the next five years. Colonel Kevin Arlidge says the quality is a 100% - 200% better than what is already being used - with images being so clear you'll be able to read street signs. The footage will be used to update topographical maps and Government database.
Source: Newstalk ZB

Australian money laundering scheme has NZ links

A number of New Zealand businesses and banks have been linked to a $100 million money laundering scheme uncovered in Australia. A two year investigation into Australia's biggest fraud case has seen hundreds of people facing criminal charges over their involvement. According to police, money - disguised as consultancy and insurance fees - left Australia through businesses in New Zealand and Vanuatu and came back in the form of a loan. Fifty-eight-year-old Sydney businessman Robert Agius has been accused of masterminding the multi-million dollar scam. He was arrested yesterday after police searched properties in Vanuatu, Perth, Sydney and New Zealand.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited

Better food safety information demanded

The Food Safety Authority is being told to do a better job in alerting the public to the risks of contaminated food. An independent review recommends a host of changes be made around the way the authority operates. Among the ideas is for improvements in the way the public is informed about risks associated with certain products. Food Safety Minister Lianne Dalziel says information needs to be more readily available to consumers. She says it is a really hard ask to inform the public about the risks, at the same time as giving clear and unambiguous messages.
© 2008 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Batten down hatches as gales sweep in

Thunderstorms, lightning, torrential rain and gale-force winds will strike much of the country today and tomorrow as two huge fronts collide. Thunderstorms are predicted from Northland to Westland. Taranaki and the Kapiti Coast expected to be worst-hit, bearing the brunt of the weather tomorrow morning. MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt told the Herald people in the worst hit areas should avoid driving if possible, as the wind, wet and poor visibility would make driving conditions perilous today and tomorrow. MetService predicted thunderstorms would hit 11 of the country's 24 rural regions today. Only two regions, Canterbury Plains and North Otago, would escape.
By Craig Borley - With NZHERALD STAFF

Australia to spend billions on water projects

Australia plans to spend just under $A13 billion on water projects over the next 10 years. The ABC reports that part of the plan is the $A10 billion Murray-Darling Basin deal recently agreed to by the states. Federal Water Minister Penny Wong says the plan, contained in next month's budget, also includes $A1.5 billion to secure urban water supplies. "This is a substantial investment, an investment that recognises that we need to deal with climate change," she told the ABC.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

Governor-General Satyanand Canada bound

Governor-General Anand Satyanand and his wife, Susan, leave for Canada today in what will be the first state visit by a New Zealand head of state. He will also go to the United Nations in New York, where he will accept an award recognising New Zealand's efforts to improve the rights and lives of people with disabilities.
Staff reporter, NZPA

Singapore President due in Auckland

Members of Auckland's Singaporean community are eagerly awaiting the chance to meet their President today at a tea reception in the Langham Hotel. President S. R. Nathan is here on a state visit. "To meet our President is almost impossible back in Singapore, unlike in New Zealand, so it would be a great opportunity to be able to meet him here," said Jimmy Lim, a Singaporean businessman living in Auckland.
Staff reporter, NZPA

Marae campaigns to cut smoking

By REBECCA TODD - The Press
Four marae in Canterbury are now smokefree as health campaigners battle to cut the number of Maori who smoke. Hauora Matauraka health promoter Ted Te Hae said that in June 2006, he was given three years to persuade four marae to become smokefree. After achieving his goal in less than half that time, he set his sights on other marae and Maori institutions such as Te Wananga Aotearoa in Manchester Street. It became smokefree last August. The Te Rangimarie centre in Gloucester Street was his flagship marae because of its proximity to the city centre, Te Hae said. It became auahi kore (smokefree) in August 2006, followed by Rehua Marae in Springfield Road, Te Wai Pounamu cultural centre in Ferry Road and Ngati Moki marae in Taumutu last year.

Foodstuffs distribution workers strike

Foodstuffs distribution workers are beginning a series of indefinite lunchtime strikes in Auckland today. The majority of the workers currently receive $14.59 an hour and are fighting for $17 an hour. The company is offering to bump them up to $15.50. Distribution sector secretary Karl Andersen says the offer is just not good enough. He says Foodstuffs made its biggest ever profit last year.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Australian commando killed in Taliban attack

An Australian Special Forces soldier has been killed and four other soldiers wounded in a Taliban attack in Afghanistan. The head of Australia's defence force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the patrol in Oruzgan province was targetted with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, and there was a heavy exchange of fire. He said Lance Corporal Jason Marks, 27, from the 4RAR, was part of a Special Operations Task Group platoon which was leading a company-level "deliberate assault" at the time of the firefight.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Chinese company to buy Wellington power network

Lines company Vector is planning to sell its Wellington electricity network to a Chinese investor, Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. The $785m deal must be approved by the Overseas Investment Office and a majority of Vector shareholders before the sale can go ahead on 1 July. Vector is confident the deal will be approved, because it does not consider Wellington's network a strategic asset under new foreign investment regulations. The company says the capital's network has been in foreign hands twice before. Cheung Kong Infrastructure, Hong Kong's largest listed infrastructure investor, owns assets in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

'Happy' little kiwi is an all-American boy

A kiwi chick born in the United States has been identified as a male and given a name to match his rough-and-tumble personality. "When he's awake he's everywhere and into everything," keeper Kathy Brader said. "At any moment, he springs up and starts running and jumping. We have to keep a close eye on him as we never know what he will do. "Then, all of a sudden, he'll go to sleep. He is a very funny little chap." He is now called Koa - Maori for happy or jubilant. More than 45 per cent of voters in a three-week-long online vote chose the name for the chick In 1975 the zoo hosted the first kiwi born outside New Zealand. The latest chick was the third hatched there. There are now about 30 in overseas zoos.
Source:Dominion Post

Recycling logos 'misleading'

By Angela Gregory
Recycling logos on paper products can be misleading, says New Zealand's biggest supplier of tissue products. SCA Hygiene's national sales manager, Mark Stevens, said the recycle mark was one of the most misunderstood consumer icons. Mr Stevens said some products were designated as being recycled when that applied to only a small percentage of the material. In one case a city council in New Zealand had ordered what it thought was recycled paper, but only 20 per cent was recycled and tests revealed the rest was made from Indonesian hardwood.

NZ Zimbabweans raise money for homeland

Zimbabweans living in New Zealand are raising money to assist people who have been displaced since the election in their homeland. The Movement for Democratic Change's New Zealand representative, Driden Kunaka, says the Mugabe regime is brutalising people in Zimbabwe's rural areas, with at least 16 confirmed dead since the 29 March elections. He says an appeal has been sent out to New Zealand's Zimbabwean community for people who have been left permanently disabled or homeless because they voted for the MDC. A recount in several seats has confirmed the opposition MDC has won a majority in the Zimbabwe parliament. The crucial presidential vote could be known within two days.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Gran defies barriers to win degree

By Martha McKenzie-Minifie
In her class, Maile Loloa was almost 30 years older than her fellow students. But the grandmother of 11 didn't let the age gap - or her lack of confidence in speaking publicly and writing in English - put her off. She will graduate next month at age 67 from Manukau Institute of Technology with a bachelor of education, specialising in early childhood. At a stage in life when many would be retired, Mrs Loloa said she wanted to stay working and use her qualification for the next five or six years. "I believe I still can do it," she said. "Say, when I'll be 72 or 73, it's the time I will look to retire."

Dixon on pole for IRL race in Kansas

The New Zealand motor racing driver, Scott Dixon, has secured pole position for tomorrow's Indy Racing League race in Kansas. He'll be joined on the front row by Ganassi team mate Dan Wheldon while Danica Patrick, who made her breakthrough win last weekend in Japan, has quualifed third fastest. Dixon, who won from the pole in the season opening race last month in Miami, finished third in Japan.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Southern Ocean earthquake

There was a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in the Southern Ocean south of the South Island about 11.30 this morning. The quake was located about 430 kilometres southwest of Invercargill, and centred at a depth of 12 kilometres. It was felt in southern parts of New Zealand, and there has been a report from Queenstown.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Extra marital affairs may lead to property claims from jilted lovers

A Family Court ruling has invoked warnings to married men and women having extra-marital affairs that they could be liable for claims of up to half their property by their lovers if the relationship finishes. The 2006 decision, released last week to the Sunday Star Times, threw out a claim by the long-term mistress of a married New Zealander for a share of his matrimonial property. However, family law experts say it was a "knife-edge" decision, and highlights the potential for future claims by jilted lovers. The case was one of the first to test new "contemporaneous relationship'' provisions of relationship property laws, which set out guidelines for the division of property where there is more than one relationship. The lover has to prove the relationship is more than an affair, and amounts to a de facto relationship.
Source:NZPA

Radio New Zealand International has won the International Radio Station of the Year Award.

At a function of the Association For International Broadcasting in London, RNZI was declared the category winner. The station was praised for its ability and clarity of vision to deliver something that’s valued by audiences throughout the region. Radio New Zealand International has also won the award for Most Innovative Partnership. The New Zealand High Commissioner to Britain, Jonathan Hunt, received the awards on RNZI’s behalf.
© RNZI 2008

Price slump, rising costs threaten pork industry

Pork is bucking the trend of rising food prices - at a cost to farmers who are losing $50 for every pig sold. The Pork Industry Board estimates about 1 in 10 New Zealand producers are considering leaving the industry because of rising costs and stagnant prices. It says farmers are losing $50 for every pig sold, mainly due to higher grain prices caused by land being used for biofuel instead of crops. The board's chairman, Canterbury pig farmer Chris Trengrove, says until supply and demand balance there will not be much respite for producers, although prices should rise in the coming months.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Squid operation on the Net

A giant squid will be opened up at the national museum today, with the operation being streamed live on the Internet. The creature weighs 490 kilograms, and was caught by a New Zealand fishing boat in the Antarctic waters of the Ross Sea. It has been in storage on ice since February 2007. Te Papa spokeswoman Jane Key says scientists are keen to look inside the giant squid for research purposes. She says scientists will cut open its stomach to see what it had been eating. Ms Key says she expects the museum's website to receive a lot of traffic as users log in to have a look. The squid will be opened up on the Te Papa website from midday today.
click HERE for the website
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Rain warnings for Coromandel, Bay of Plenty

The MetService has issued a severe weather watch for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Westland Ranges. It said heavy rain falls were likely in the northeast of the North Island today, with heaviest falls in the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Ranges.
Source:NZPA

PM in Sydney to unveil Anzac statue

The Prime Minister is in Australia today to help unveil a statue of a New Zealand soldier from the First World War. The statue has been erected on Sydney's Anzac Bridge, and funded jointly by the New Zealand and New South Wales governments. Helen Clark says the statue will stand opposite one of an Australian digger. She describes the relationship between the two countries as being like cousins, and says the statue represents a strong friendship. The statue was sculpted by joint Australian-New Zealand citizen Alan Somerville.
NEWSTALK ZB

Extra police, military in Honiara after NZ soccer game

Extra police and military have been called out in Honiara as fans celebrate the local side Kossi's 3-1 victory over the New Zealand team Waitakere in the first leg of the Oceania Cup final. More than 100 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers, a 30-strong rapid response unit and private security officials as well as Australian and New Zealand army officers serving with the regional peace mission are on duty. The game was played before a crowd of 18,000, with another 5,000 apparently unable to get in to the ground. The winner qualifies for the lucrative FIFA World Club Championship in Japan in December.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Huge mortgage swindle

By Cliff Taylor
The Serious Fraud Office is investigating what could be one of New Zealand's biggest mortgage scams, involving bank employees and lawyers in deals worth up to $22 million. The suspected fraud involves up to 50 transactions based on apparently false home valuations that added $300,000 to $600,000 per property. The case is the latest in a series of alleged property frauds the SFO is prosecuting or has under investigation. SFO director Grant Liddell says the alleged frauds are worth "tens of millions of dollars". Experts warned late last year that scams uncovered at that stage could be "just the tip of the iceberg". Liddell says fraudsters have taken advantage of a booming property market to cover their tracks but the present slump was starting to make people "squeal".

Pro-Chinese rally in Wellington

Several hundred Chinese people took to the streets of Wellington on Saturday to support their country hosting this year's Olympic Games. The protesters, mostly Victoria University students, said they were upset at perceived media bias in the reporting of human rights issues in China and the China-Tibet situation. "New Zealand you are being poisoned, you don't know the truth," one protester told TV3. Protesters denied the Chinese government was behind the march.
Source:NZPA

Homegrown' concert a sellout in Wellington

A crowd of up to 15,000 people converged on Wellington's waterfront for the inaugural Vodafone Homegrown Music Festival on Saturday. The event features solely New Zealand bands in five event marquees, and sold out several weeks ago. The 35 bands taking the stage over 11 hours include the Feelers, Shihad, and The Phoenix Foundation. All the $75 tickets sold out three weeks ago, with some reselling on the internet auction site TradeMe for twice that price.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Polls open in Nauru - again

Voters in the tiny Pacific nation of Nauru have gone to the polls today for the second time in eight months. The president had called a snap election to break a political deadlock. Marcus Stephen declared a state of emergency eight days ago to dissolve the cash-strapped nation's parliament. He claimed the opposition was threatening investment projects and delaying budget bills. With only about 5,300 registered voters, indications of the election result are expected early tomorrow.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Fatal plane crash

Two people are confirmed dead after their light plane crashed into the ground at Whenuapai airport. Ambulance services say the two died on impact. There were no other people in the plane, and the crash has not resulted in any others being injured.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Australia and New Zealand honour war dead

Hundreds of thousands of Australians and New Zealanders honoured their war dead Friday at dawn services across the two nations and at battlefields around the globe where their soldiers have fallen. The Anzac Day services began with a bugler sounding the Last Post at sunrise and included wreath-laying ceremonies and the recitation of the "Ode for the Fallen", culminating in the line "we will remember them". Prime Minister Kevin Rudd joined 30,000 people at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to pay tribute to the 100,000 personnel who have died for their country since it became independent in 1901. "They were the best of us," he said. There were similar scenes across Australia and New Zealand, both of which set aside Anzac Day as a public holiday so people can attend memorial events. It marks the date the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps -- the Anzacs -- landed at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915 and engaged in a gruelling battle that was their first real test of World War One. During World War I, 18,500 New Zealand soldiers were killed and around 50,000 injured at a time when the population was just over one million.
Copyright © 2008 Yahoo! Singapore Pte. Ltd.

NZ film industry gears up for Hobbit bonanza

The New Zealand film industry is gearing up for another bonanza with a second J R R Tolkien novel set to go into production. The Hobbit will be made into two films and will take four years to film. It will require thousands of New Zealand extras, actors and film crew. Production will start next year, with Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who made Pan's Labyrinth, working as director. Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will be the executive producers of the films, designed to build on the blockbuster success of their The Lord of the Rings series. New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios are backing the project. Del Toro, whose credits also include Blade II, will move to New Zealand to work on the films.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

$1 billion art collection to be shown at Te Papa (National Museum)

An art collection worth an estimated $1 billion is going on display in Wellington next year. The collection, Monet and the Impressionists, believed to be the most valuable to be brought to New Zealand, will be exhibited from February 14 until May 14. The Dominion Post reported today about 30 Monets will be displayed in Te Papa's Tower Gallery alongside masterpieces by Renoir, Pissarro, Degas, Sisley and Cezanne.
Source:NZPA

Thousands attend London Anazc service

Around 3000 New Zealanders and Australians attended the first joint Anzac Day dawn service at the New Zealand War Memorial in London overnight. The Duke of Kent represented the Queen at the wreath laying ceremony. Earlier in the day a large New Zealand contingent was present at the Galipolli service, where Foreign Minister Winston Peters spoke of the terrible loss of life on treacherous ground.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Tsunami alarm testing

A tsunami alarm system for coastal properties in Waitakere City will be tested tomorrow. The sirens are near properties that are 10m below sea level. They will be tested at midday where all tones will be sounded for one minute with a 15-second pause between each.
staff reporter, NZPA

Festival group sees NZ films in China as bright new dawn

By Lincoln Tan
A group which has been taking New Zealand films to China since 2002 is holding a standalone festival for the first time, and believes it is the start of bigger things to come for the New Zealand and China film industries. On Monday, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey leaves for Ningbo, in China's Zhejiang province, where he will talk to Chinese movie-makers about a joint venture with New Zealand to co-produce two feature films. The Pacific Culture and Arts Exchange Centre is preparing for New Zealand's first solo film festival in China in June.

Sales of gas-guzzlers take dramatic dive, say car dealers

By Mathew Dearnaley
Hefty rises in fuel and other living costs have forced car dealers to slash prices on some large models after a 20 per cent slump in used-vehicle sales. Dealers report dramatic price reductions on fuel-hungry cars, but say sales of smaller vehicles and "performance" models popular with young drivers are holding up. Six-cylinder and V8 sales have slowed dramatically. Some V8 prices have dropped at least 20 per cent in the past six months it's a buyers' market. Car-buyers were considering fuel economy far more seriously than they once did. "People have an understanding now that fuel prices are only going to go one way".

Diesel to drive up price of fish

The fishing industry is warning the price of seafood will increase as it faces rising fuel costs. Sealord Group company secretary Terry Horne said fuel was the company's second biggest cost after labour and the price increases were having a significant impact. Sealord had rationalised its fleet over the past few years and introduced fuel-efficiency measures. "But it will ultimately impact on pricing in the future as companies look to increase cost recovery," Horne said. Fuel was consuming fishing profit margins and the industry was going to have to force international price increases.
Source:The Press

Biofuelled boat ready to resume challenge

By PAUL EASTON - The Dominion Post
Earthrace skipper Pete Bethune is defending mounting criticism of biofuels as he prepares for a second attempt to go around the world in a biodiesel-powered trimaran. He leaves from Spain tomorrow, seeking to break a 75-day record for circumnavigating the world set by the British boat Cable & Wireless in 1998. Earthrace is a sleek, grey 24-metre-long mean machine, designed to punch through and under waves. Mr Bethune said he was well aware of criticism that some biofuels are not sustainable or environmentally sound. The Government's proposed Biofuel Bill would require oil companies to sell a minimum percentage of biofuels from July 1. This would start at 0.53 per cent of energy, rising to 3.4 per cent in 2012.

Society wants cigarettes hidden from view

The Cancer Society says it is incomprehensible that tobacco can be sold in the same way as bread and milk. The New South Wales State Government is proposing to remove tobacco products from open display and keep them behind counters and the society's tobacco control adviser Belinda Hughes says the idea should be adopted in New Zealand. Ms Hughes says positive anti-smoking initiatives include images on cigarette packages showing the consequences of smoking but shops have been used as a selling vehicle since other forms of advertising were banned in 1990.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

16-year-old pizza repeats on consumer

Richard Forbes ordered a pizza 16 years ago. Yesterday he found it repeating on him - rather badly. The cheque a somewhat younger Forbes used to pay for the pizza in 1992 bounced and an arrest warrant was issued. Forbes, however, had moved to Australia and was unaware he was a wanted man - despite regular trips home. The Dominion Post reported he was back from Melbourne to donate part of his liver to his mother but found himself behind bars after stepping in to calm a mate's run-in with police. A check of his identification revealed the outstanding arrest warrant and Forbes was taken first to the police cells, then to Wellington District Court, all the while not knowing what he was supposed to have done. Once in court, the long-forgotten $10 bounced cheque was revealed. Forbes pleaded guilty to using a cheque dishonestly and was convicted and discharged. "Pizzas haven't gone up much in price, have they?" the newspaper reported Judge Bruce Davidson as saying.
NZPA

Pro-democracy MPs mostly returned in Tonga

Most of the pro-democracy MPs have been returned to the Tongan Parliament by ordinary voters in Thursday's election. Many of the MPs, including Akilisi Pohiva who has the highest vote count, face charges over a riot in 2006 that saw eight people killed and caused millions of dollars of damage to the capital, Nuku'alofa. Others facing charges who were re-elected include Clive Edwards, Uliti Uata and Iseleli Pulu. The Radio New Zealand News reporter in Tonga says the result sends a clear signal that voters want representatives with a track record of campaigning for political change.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

Big crowds at dawn service

A wreath-laying ceremony has been held at the National War Memorial in Wellington to honour the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli and in subsequent wars. The ceremony is mainly for invited guests, but hundreds of members of the public took the opportunity to pay their respects as it went on. Service Associations from all branches of the Defence Force, along with those formed from men who've fought in conflicts since Gallipoli, also paid tribute to the fallen. Defence Force personnel are providing a dawn to dusk vigil over the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Thousands of people attended Anzac Day dawn services around the country this morning and crowds of New Zealanders and Australians are now gathering at Gallipoli ahead of the dawn service there. Foreign Minister Winston Peters is laying a wreath on behalf of the Government.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Australia seasonal work not for Fiji

FIJI remains an outcast on the list of countries that can provide seasonal workers to Australia and New Zealand. Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said Fiji would not be considered for seasonal work in either country despite efforts to reverse the decision. He said this was because the respective countries had made and stood by the decision to exclude Fiji from the seasonal work scheme since the military took over the Government in 2006. The news comes after Australia invited the Papua New Guinea government to submit a detailed proposal on a scheme that could allow its workers to take up temporary jobs in Australia, The Age said. Pacific nations have been pressing Australia to allow their citizens to do seasonal work in Australia. Canberra has said it would evaluate the outcome of a Pacific workers program operating in New Zealand, and hopes to make a decision by August.
Copyright © 2004 - 2007, Fiji Times Limited.

New Zealand zoos get green light to snap up crocs

New Zealand zoos have been given the go-ahead to import Australian saltwater crocodiles, American alligators, and their eggs. A set of rules has been drawn up by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, to be enforced under the Biosecurity Act. The import health standard applies only to crocodilians raised in captivity, which must be microchipped for identification purposes. The general manager of Auckland's Butterfly Creek, John Dowsett, says crocodiles coming from Australia are a low environmental risk.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

French frigate in capital to pay tribute to NZ troops

By Alanah May Eriksen
A French frigate has stopped in Wellington Harbour to pay respects to the New Zealand troops who trained in New Caledonia during World War II. Vendemiaire, which is based in Noumea in the French territory and employed for maritime surveillance in the Pacific, arrived in the capital on Wednesday after the French Embassy in New Zealand requested a visit during the commemorations. The frigate is headed by Commander Thierry Arnoult, a recipient of the prestigious Legion of Honour - the highest award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France. He will attend the Anzac dawn service in Wellington today and lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Buckle Street at 11am.

17,000 extra homes for Wellington

By REBECCA PALMER - The Dominion Post
Wellington City Council has unveiled its blueprint to squeeze up to 17,000 extra apartments and townhouses into the city. City planners have identified 12 areas where they plan to encourage higher-density housing. They include the central city, suburban centres, part of the main street of Newtown, a small street in Berhampore and Lyall Bay Parade. Developers could face minimum-density requirements in those areas, "in other words, saying you can't put a single house there", said councillor Andy Foster, urban development and transport portfolio leader.

Be quick or be fined if you park in school zones

The school run is about to get quicker for parents at three Christchurch schools with the trial of new parking restrictions. The Christchurch City Council is introducing a one-minute time limit on parking in six spaces outside Avonhead Primary School from next term. Fendalton School also will trial the one-minute restriction, while Westburn School will trial a drop-off and pick-up zone, effectively banning parking from outside the school. The restrictions will apply on school days from 8.30am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. The trial comes after a traffic survey at each of the schools. The results from Avonhead showed parents stayed an average of three minutes in the morning and about 12 minutes in the afternoon during peak periods.
Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2006.

Govt closes slice of ocean to fishing vessels

Commercial fishing opportunities are expected to be severely restricted in New Zealand waters. The Ministry of Fisheries is implementing interim measures to better manage the environmental impact of bottom trawling, by closing 112,000 square kilometres of previously fished sea. All fishing vessels will also be required to carry at least one Ministry of Fisheries observer. Seafood Industry Council chief executive Owen Symmans says it will have a huge impact on where people can go fishing. He says some vulnerable areas need to be protected, but it is harsh limiting all fishing when the target is bottom trawling.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Tribe's journeys detailed in book

The "grand narrative" of Ngai Tahu's South Island migration is told in a book launched at the Canterbury Museum. Ngai Tahu: A Migration History tells the story of the tribe moving from the Wellington area down the South Island as far as Stewart Island. The book is based on the writings of English journalist Hugh Carrington, who wrote the history in the 1930s. The Carrington text was stored in the Alexander Turnbull Library for many years before being resurrected by Ngai Tahu historians.
Source:The Press

China to draw on NZ horse racing expertise

New Zealand's horse racing industry looks set to get a boost when China sets up its own racing industry next year. The Orient Lucky Horse Racing Club in Wuhan, which is pioneering horse racing in China, has been working closely with the Canterbury Jockey Club in setting up the industry. It says the club will not only buy racehorses from New Zealand, but will also take advantage of the country's expertise in horse racing. The club's chief executive, Tim Mills, says that will have huge benefits for the New Zealand racing industry. Wuhan is the only Chinese city to be granted a permit for horse racing and gambling for a two-year trial beginning next year.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Polls open for people's vote in Tonga

The polls open in Tonga on Thursday for ordinary voters to elect nine people to represent them in the country's 30-seat parliament. This is the last election before significant political change is expected in Tonga, where government and decision-making is dominated by the King and nobility. In 2006, a riot over slow progress in changing the political structure saw much of the capital, Nuku'alofa, burned, and people killed. Yesterday, 29 nobles elected nine representatives, with the King appointing the remainder of parliament and government ministers. Last-minute campaigning ended on Wednesday night.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Notebook of Phar Lap tonics sells for $44,000

A hand-written notebook of tonics used by the trainer of the legendary racehorse Phar Lap has sold at auction for $44,000 in Melbourne. The 82-page recipe book provides the first written proof of the ointments trainer Harry Telford used on racehorses. It appears to back up the theory that Phar Lap was accidentally poisoned by an arsenic-laced tonic given to him by his handler, Tommy Woodcock. Ingredients include arsenic, cocaine and caffeine, which were often used to give horses an extra edge. The New Zealand-bred gelding won 37 of his 51 starts, including 14 wins in a row and the 1930 Melbourne Cup. He went to the United States in 1932, and won his first race on US soil but died in California. Conspiracy theories have since flourished.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Study finds Stewart Is penguins in serious decline

A study of yellow-eyed penguin numbers on Stewart Island has found starvation and disease are causing a massive and potentially perilous decline in the population. The five-year study, initiated by the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust and the Department of Conservation, monitored the northern coast of Stewart Island. The trust's Sue Murray says since 1999, the number of breeding pairs in the area has halved to 16. She says two diseases are involved, one found in young chicks and another affecting older chicks and adults. The trust says it needs to attract further funding to determine whether all of Stewart Island's yellow-eyed penguin population is affected.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Tasman Glacier could go in 20 years

By JOHN KEAST - The Press
The Tasman Glacier in Mount Cook-Aoraki National Park is retreating at an alarming rate and will ultimately disappear, experts at Massey University warn. Dr Martin Brook, lecturer in physical geography, said that in 1973 there was no lake in front of the glacier, but new measurements last week indicated the lake was now 7km long, 2km wide and 245m deep. The lake is formed as ice in the glacier melts. "In the last 10 years the glacier has retreated a lot. It's just too warm for a glacier to be sustained as such low altitude, 730 metres above sea level, so it melts rapidly and it is going to disappear altogether.

Light rail mooted as transport option

Wellington City Council is being urged to take a serious look at new transport options for the city as petrol prices continue to rise. Public transport advocate Brent Efford says the council needs to use the high prices to its advantage, by introducing a state of the art light rail system. Mr Efford says while Wellington's public transport system has its good points, it is not up to scratch.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Medals will go back on public display

The war medals stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum will eventually go back on public display at the facility. The 96 medals including nine Victoria Crosses medals are currently with police for forensic testing. They were stolen from the museum on December 2. Brigadier Phil Gibbons, deputy chief of Army, says the Army is working with experts to ensure the original medals can go back on display with improved security.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Doctors' two-day strike ends amid tensions

Junior doctors ended a two-day strike today amidst growing tension between them and senior doctors who are upset at the timing of the next proposed strike. More than 2000 junior doctors returned to work at 7am today after walking off the job at 7am on Tuesday, putting pressure on remaining hospital staff and facilities. Just hours into their industrial action their union, Resident Doctors Association (RDA), announced a second strike would take place on May 7 and 8.
Source:NZPA

Latest poll puts Nats 14.5 pc ahead

Both major parties' support has risen slightly in the latest political poll, at the expense of the smaller parties. The latest New Zealand Morgan poll, published today, puts National on 50 per cent support, up three points from a fortnight ago, while Labour trails on 35.5 per cent, up one point. Both major parties' support has hovered in a similar region for several months now. The Greens' support drops in the poll to 6.5 per cent, down 2.5 percentage points, while New Zealand First and the Maori Party both drop half a point to 3.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively. ACT's support remained unchanged on 1.5 per cent as did United Future's on 0.5 per cent. The Progressive Party failed to register a rating.
Source:NZPA

Tourists "foolhardy" in unprepared tramping trip

Police describe a group of five tourists rescued from Kaikoura's Mt Fyffe yesterday as foolhardy and say they would not have survived another night. Sergeant Ramon Smith says the area is littered with bluffs and scree slides and should only be attempted by experienced trampers with correct equipment. The three women and two men were caught in the dark, then turned back, took a wrong turn and dropped down a shingle slide and became trapped above a bluff. They used a cellphone to call for help.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

New Zealand dealer says Russia is good market for Samoa’s cars

A New Zealand second-hand car importer, Henry Schmidt, says there is a ready market for Samoa’s left-hand drive cars in Russia. Mr Schmidt, of Autolink Cars, recently returned from Samoa where he lobbied the government on the need to change tariff regulations to facilitate second-hand imports from New Zealand and Japan. He says rental companies and other owners of late model left-hand drive cars are concerned about the re-sale value of their stock following next year’s switch to driving on the left but he says Russian buyers will snap them up.
© RNZI 2008

Sea snake washes up on Northland beach

The Department of Conservation says it is rare for sea snakes to wash up in our waters. DOC is dealing with a poisonous yellow bellied sea snake found on Baylys Beach, near Dargaville. Its discovery prompted local police to cordon off the area. Although potentially lethal, the snakes are not considered aggressive. DOC biosecurity manager Joanne Perry says the snake has most likely come to New Zealand with currents from somewhere in the Pacific. She says it is not a very common occurrence as DOC might only get one or two reports a year.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Call to ban car lapbelts

Canterbury surgeons dealing with a series of horrific car-crash injuries inflicted by lapbelts are calling for the restraints to be banned. Most of the countries that supply New Zealand's new cars are outlawing the belts, but the Governnment said yesterday that it would not review their use in New Zealand. Christchurch surgeons Grant Coulter and Spencer Beasley have written to the health and transport ministers warning that many people, including children, would die if lapbelts were not outlawed. Their letter follows a series of accidents in Canterbury in recent years in which people wearing lapbelts suffered injuries while other passengers wearing diagonal belts escaped relatively unscathed.

Olympic torch arrives in Australia

The Olympic torch arrived in Australia's capital of Canberra, landing at an air force base under the type of tight security usually afforded visiting world leaders. Hundreds of extra police have been called in to protect the torch, which will be carried through barricaded Canberra streets on Thursday, with authorities determined to avoid the chaos that disrupted the relay in Europe and the United States. The plane carrying the torch arrived at the Fairbairn military base, where Aborigines will perform an indigenous welcome involving didgeridoo playing, as a small group of pro-Chinese supporters waved Chinese flags at the base's gate. There was no sign of protesters.
Source: Reuters

Helen Clark named 'Champion of the Earth'

By Melanie Lee and Neil Chatterjee
Prime Minister Helen Clark has been honoured by the United Nations for driving policies to tackle climate change. Helen Clark was one of seven winners in the annual UN Champions of the Earth awards. The UN is leading talks to find a climate pact to succeed the Kyoto Protocol and wants to highlight lifetimes dedicated to the environment with the awards, in their third year. Previous winners include former US Vice President Al Gore. Helen Clark received the award for her goal to make New Zealand use 90 per cent renewable energy by 2025.

Missing Saudi students rescued

Searchers have found three Saudi Arabian students missing in bush in Otago's Catlins region. The students, aged in their early 20s, were part of a 32-strong group from Otago University's Saudi club. They set off wearing light jackets and had no food or water. Concerns for their safety grew when bad weather set in. A police dog from Dunedin and 40 searchers located the group at 11 o'clock last night.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Poppies sprout on digital phones

After more than 85 years, the Anzac poppy is growing in new fields of technology. For the first time this year, New Zealanders around the world can download onto their mobile phone a digital poppy from the RSA's website. RSA (Returned Servicemens Assoc) spokesman Steve Clarke says it allows those away from home to have the New Zealand icon for remembrance on Anzac Day, while at the same time helping veterans. The digital poppies will be advertised overseas and each one will cost $2 to download.
click HERE for RSA website
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Fiji jewellery box find stuns archeologists

Archeologists have discovered a 3000-year-old pot in Fiji containing jewellery believed to have been made by the South Pacific’s original settlers – the Lapita people. The discovery was made by an excavation party from the Fiji-based University of the South Pacific and the Fiji Museum at Bourewa in Natadola on the Coral Coast. The dig at Bourewa, which is the earliest human settlement in Fiji, unearthed the pot and a thick piece of “exquisitely decorated pottery”. The Lapita people were the first colonists of Pacific Island groups, including the eastern Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Fijilive

Christchurch Rugby ground stand to be named after Deans

AMI Stadium's new east stand will be named after Canterbury rugby's first family, the Deans. Bob Deans was an All Black from 1905 to 1908. His great-nephews Robbie Deans and Bruce Deans each played for the All Blacks and more than 100 matches for Canterbury. Robbie Deans is the current coach of the Crusaders and is the new coach of the Wallabies. The Christchurch stadium is owned by VBase and chief executive Bryan Pearson says the Deans family have contributed more to Canterbury than just sports success. He says they were also the first successful settler family in the province. Bryan Pearson also announced a new museum will be built inside the new stand, it will be called the Lancaster Park Museum, paying homage to the stadium's former name.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Greens want coal industry closed down

"Keep coal in the hole" is the new catchphrase from the Green Party, which says it want the coal industry closed down in New Zealand. Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says if the Government can legislate to ban new thermal power generation it can do the same for coal mines, while leaving exemptions to allow the country's steel industry to operate. Ms Fitzsimons says the Huntly Power Station must eventually close and not be replaced by another coal-fired facility. She says Huntly is old and inefficient, emits a lot of CO2 for the electricity it generates, and has no pollution control. She says there are many renewable alternatives for electricity generation which have no carbon emissions.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Police call off search for Israeli tourist

Police have called off the search in Central Otago for missing Israeli tourist Liat Okin. A search team spent much of Tuesday with dogs looking in the Emily Pass region of the Routeburn Track where Ms Okin, 35, went missing almost a month ago. Senior sergeant John Fookes says everything has been done to find the woman in what he describes as inhospitable terrain and thick bush. Ms Okin's brother, Itamar Tas, who is in New Zealand, says a private search will begin at first light on Wednesday.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

NZ troops due back from Afghanistan - on Anzac day

New Zealand troops flying home from assignment in Afghanistan are due early on Anzac Day, NZ Defence Force said today. One hundred and ten men and women, the 11th rotation of the provincial reconstruction team, are due at Ohakea at 4.40am on Friday. They will be welcomed home by Commander Joint Forces, Major General Rhys Jones. The troops began their trip home after a change-of-command ceremony in Afghanistan on Sunday when Colonel Brendon Fraher handed over to replacement personnel and their leader Colonel Darryl Tracy.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

NZ kids win calligraphy competition

Two Nelson schoolchildren have received top honours in one of Japan's most prestigious calligraphy competitions. The pair beat Japan's finest and thousands from around the world to take out first and second place in the contest. Yousif Chausac de Caux has written his way into the record books. The eight-year-old is the first person outside Japan to win Japanese calligraphy's highest honour "Tokusen", the supreme award. Six-year-old Ella Minhinnick has also painted her way to success. It's the second year she has made an impression with the judges, winning the gold award. The winning duo are amongst 25 from Nelson's Yu Ju Japanese calligraphy school who entered Japan's 85-year-old Kazikome calligraphy competition, battling 8,500 other contestants.
Source:One News

Survey: tomatoes and bananas remain favourites

Households may be feeling the pinch as food prices continue to soar, but it seems there are one or two ‘luxuries’ we can not live without. The latest Household Economic Survey from Statistics New Zealand shows bananas and tomatoes have retained their respective top places in the favourite vegetable and fruit rankings. According to the survey New Zealanders spent a cool $111 million on bananas and $96 million on tomatoes in 2007. Second in the top ten vegetables was the humble potato.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited

American Samoa concern over measles among teens

The Chief of Pediatrics at the LBJ Hospital in American Samoa is concerned about the number of older children who have come down with measles. Fuata Dr Iatala says measles is usually confined to children under ten but they’ve seen a significant number of children in their early teens, who are contracting measles. These include those who have already had measles, mumps and rubella shots. Dr Iatala says what they are afraid of is a new strain of measles developing.
© RNZI 2008

Australian union favours labour access scheme for Pacific islanders

An Australian trade union has thrown its support behind calls for a new visa scheme allowing Pacific islanders to do seasonal work in Australia. Unions have traditionally been opposed to the idea, but the Australian Workers Union’s national secretary, Paul Howes, says his union had had a change of heart. Mr Howes says there is a crippling labour shortage in some areas of the economy and the AWU did not want to stand in the way of a solution.
© RNZI 2008

Government to auction 47 FM licences

The Government will auction off 47 new FM radio licences next month. Of them, 31 will be for local commercial use and 16 will be for non-commercial use. Broadcasting Minister David Cunliffe says the focus of the new allocation will be on making licences available for locally-owned and operated radio stations. He says it is an attempt to strengthen regional and community broadcasting.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Missing Vietnam vet sought

The New Zealand Red Cross wants to present a Vietnam War veteran with two medals, but cannot find her. Isobel Beaumont worked for two years in hospitals in Vietnam and Singapore and has earned a General Service Medal and a New Zealand Operational Service Medal. Red Cross spokesman Andrew McKie says she was the first ever New Zealand Red Cross aid worker accredited to the Army while in the field and one of only two women deployed as welfare service personnel. Ms Beaumont made sure letters got home, gifts were given to soldiers and that they were looked after in the Australian Army Hospital. The welfare support personnel also ran a library, a radio show and used cassette tapes to record messages from soldiers in hospital to send to their families. Mr McKie says the Red Cross would like to track down Ms Beaumont in time to recognise her efforts at the Tribute 08 event in Wellington over Queen's Birthday weekend, which honours Vietnam veterans and their families.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Aucklanders win NZ short film award

Two Auckland film-makers have won the ID360 Short Film Competition for young New Zealanders. Thomas King and Carl Naus won the Grand Prize and the 16 to 18 category for their film, No Kiwi Restaurants. The theme of the competition was Identity and Diversity The two described their film as "an introspective look at five very different immigrants and the idea of being a Kiwi in modern society". Judge David Rea said the film "challenges stereotypes and displays a high level of film-making".
©2008, APN Holdings NZ Limited

NZ woman arrested in Malaysia Olympic torch protest

A New Zealand woman has been arrested for protesting against the Olympic torch as it passed through Kuala Lumpur, according to the Malaysian National News Agency. Police, warning protesters they faced arrest if they tried to disrupt the run, deployed 1,000 officers along the 16.5 km route through the Malaysian capital. The New Zealand woman is reported to be a teacher living in Malaysia. She was wearing a t-shirt and carrying a poster which read "Free Tibet", the Malaysian National News Agency said.
©2008, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Clinton jokes about 'former' PM Clark

The Labour Party will be hoping United States presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is not getting a little ahead of herself. In an interview with Newsweek magazine, Mrs Clinton has described Helen Clark as a "former" prime minister of New Zealand. The comment came during an interview with magazine when Mrs Clinton was asked to tell a joke. "Here's a good one," she said. "Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand: her opponents have observed that in the event of a nuclear war, the two things that will emerge from the rubble are the cockroaches and Helen Clark." The Dominion Post reported today that Helen Clark found the anecdote amusing
Source:NZPA

Low-scoring students face interviews

By Martha McKenzie-Minifie
Students wanting to get into the University of Auckland from next year will be ranked according to their academic achievements but those who do not score highly may still be accepted. A report by the Undergraduate Admissions and Equity Taskforce - a group of staff and students formed after the university decided in December to restrict entry to all courses from next year - has called for the development of elaborate admission policies to better diversify the student body. More Maori and Pacific Island students are sought.

World's biggest island gets bigger

Australia has extended its continental shelf under an agreement with the United Nations. "I am pleased to announce that Australia, the largest island in the world, has just been dramatically increased in size," Resources Minister Martin Ferguson said. The UN had found that Australia's territory should be extended by 2.5 million square kilometres, he said. "That is an area five times the size of France," Mr Ferguson said. Similarly, in April 2006, New Zealand applied to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to take over control of 1.7 million sq km of seabed - outside the existing 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone - on the continental shelf around the mainland and its main islands.

Circus accuses rival of dirty tactics

Two circuses are at war accusing each other of threats and dirty tactics. Owner of the Magic Circus of Samoa, Bruno Loyale, alleges the Weber Brothers are trying to put him out of business by edging ahead in four different cities and forcing them to change venue at the last minute "They wanted to be in front of the Magic Circus of Samoa a week or so before we arrived in town," says Loyale. He says chaning venues at the last minute is very expensive. The Weber Brothers, who have two circuses touring New Zealand, have dismissed the allegations as a cheap publicity stunt. The Samoan circus also claims to have received threatening calls, something Weber denies. He says he welcomes other circuses. "I suggest next time they visit New Zealand come and communicate with us and he won't have these greivances," Weber says.
Source:One News

Aust navy sent sub to NZ knowing it was faulty - report

The Australian navy sent one of its Collins-class submarines to New Zealand for exercises earlier this year knowing that its eight-year-old battery was at risk of failure, the Herald Sun newspaper reports. The newspaper said an un-named "whistleblower" had disclosed that a warning was issued in April last year saying the battery had "significant safety and performance implications". Quoting from the warning letter, the whistle blower said the navy was told to replace the battery as early as possible "to avoid any potential catastrophic incident". The acting commander of the Australian navy fleet, Commodore Simon Cullen, denied HMAS Rankin had battery problems.
Copyright © 2008 Yahoo!

Clark to visit Tokyo, Seoul

Prime Minister Helen Clark heads off to take her free trade agreement drive to Japan and South Korea next month. Clark's spokesman said she is due to visit Tokyo on May 13 for two days before travelling to Seoul, returning to New Zealand on Saturday May 17. On her trip she would meet Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak as well as trade and foreign ministers and officials. Earlier this month New Zealand signed a free trade agreement with China.
NZPA

Free off-peak public transport for superannuitants

New Zealand First has secured funding in this year's budget to allow superannuitants to travel on public transport for free during off-peak hours, and to reduce the cost of hearing aids. The party's leader Winston Peters made the announcement in a speech to the Grey Power annual general meeting in Christchurch on Monday morning. He said the Budget on 22 May will contain funding to ensure Super Gold cardholders travel on public transport for free during off-peak times. Mr Peters said there will also be a significant funding boost to ensure greater access to hearing aids.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Opinion divided on NZ becoming republic

Opinion on whether New Zealand should become a republic is fairly evenly split in a poll released today - timed to coincide with Queen Elizabeth's 82nd birthday. The Republican Movement commissioned poll found 41 percent of those surveyed wanted New Zealand to become a republic, and did not want Prince Charles to become New Zealand's head of state when the Queen's reign ended. However 43 percent continued to support the status quo, with 15 percent stating they do not know either way.
Source:NZPA

Warning of gales in lower South Island

People in Southland and Otago are being told to prepare for strong south-westerly winds on Monday. MetService forecaster Allister Gorman says westerly winds around Foveaux Strait and east Otago are expected to strengthen and reach severe gale force at times. He says the wind speed is forecast to reach 110km an hour in gusts, and motorists might experience cross-winds on roads that are to negotiate.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Motorists in Samoa will drive on left from next year

Samoa's controversial Road Transport Bill has gone through Parliament, meaning drivers will switch to driving on the left. The change from driving on the right-hand of the road to the left is to take place mid-2009. There had been concerns that low-income families would not be able to afford to buy new right-hand-drive cars to deal with the change. But the Samoan government says it plans to counter that with a law change allowing older vehicles to be imported.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Tomorrow's junior doctor's strike going ahead

Junior doctors are gearing up to begin strike action starting tomorrow. About 2,000 resident doctors will walk off the job for 48 hours from 7am tomorrow. An estimated 8,000 elective surgeries and outpatient appointments will have to be cancelled. The District Health Boards say they have been told by the junior doctors that if their claim for a 30 percent pay rise in three years is not accepted, it will be withdrawn at midday and increased to 40 percent. Health Minister David Cunliffe has told the doctors their demand is unrealistic.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Campaign will lure more Chinese holidaymakers

Tourism New Zealand is targeting the growing number of middle class Chinese who like the finer things in life and who are travelling overseas independently. CEO George Hickton says China has become New Zealand's fourth largest tourism market surpassing Japan. More than 122,000 visited New Zealand last year. Disposable incomes in China are increasing in tandem with Chinese awareness of the world. New Zealand needs to be up there now, while the market is still in its growth stages, to ensure we grab the attention of these kinds of travellers.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Government plan to boost police search powers

The Government intends to introduce a Bill this year to strengthen police search and surveillance powers. Justice Minister Annette King announced the move at a conference on victims' rights organised by the Sensible Sentencing Trust in Wellington on Saturday. She said the law will be updated so computers may be searched and electronic data seized when a search is authorised. Ms King said new powers will be introduced, including the ability to search people, places or vehicles on arrest, and the extent to which police can search without a warrant will be clarified. She said many of the laws governing police investigative powers are outdated and complex, and the bill will give the police and other agencies greater tools.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

Magic defeated in trans-Tasman netball match

The leading New Zealand contenders in the trans-Tasman netball competition have suffered their first loss in the new contest. The New South Wales Swifts beat the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic 50-47 in Sydney on Saturday. The Swifts led 37-36 at the final break, and then by two goals with little more than two minutes remaining, before holding on with a strong defensive effort. In Auckland, the Perth based West Coast Fever beat the Northern Mystics 49-45.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Media intimidation common in some Pacific nations, summit told

A human rights summit in Samoa has heard that violence and intimidation of the media is common in some Pacific nations. The summit is urging Pacific states to adopt freedom of information legislation. New Zealand's Human Rights Commission says there have been numerous threats to media based in Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. The summit has expressed serious concern about political interference in editorial decision making in a number of Pacific countries.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Tougher compensation regime wanted

The ACT Party is promoting a much tougher compensation regime for victims of crime, saying the current law gives them a raw deal. MP Heather Roy has told a Sensible Sentencing Trust conference the system needs overhauling to swing the pendulum back towards victims. She says the existing Proceeds of Crime legislation does not go far enough. Heather Roy suggests a financial value could be put on sentences, with a proportion of it being paid as compensation to a victim. She also likes the idea of seizing the assets of convicted criminals to fund reparation to victims. She says systems like this already exist in the UK.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Downturn puts 38,000 jobs at risk

By ESTHER HARWARD - Sunday Star Times
Another 38,000 people could lose their jobs in the next couple of years as the economy slows, and people working in real estate, housing construction, retailing, manufacturing and business services are most at risk. ANZ National Bank chief economist Cameron Bagrie said these sectors had grown off the property-market boom and accounted for 60% of new jobs over the past five years. "The economic slowdown is broadening quite quickly from the housing market into retail. As retailers are selling less, they need less stock, and that's now following into the manufacturing sector." The downturn has already begun - last week about 1000 New Zealand jobs were lost when Fisher & Paykel, ANZ National Bank and Tamahine Knitwear said they were moving jobs offshore. Bagrie predicted unemployment would climb from 3.4% to 5% - increasing the jobless from 77,000 to 115,000.

National leader John Key buys Hawaii holiday home

National Party leader John Key has bought a holiday home in Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii. The deal for the apartment was settled a week ago, Mr Key told the Sunday Star-Times. He did not disclose what he paid for the apartment or its location. "You can see the beach," he said. Key said he had not declared the property in the Register of Pecuniary Interests of Members of Parliament because it was owned by his family trust, the JP and BI Key Family Trust. While MPs have to declare family trusts, they do not have to declare what the trusts own. Mr Key confirmed the Key family trust owned six properties.
Source:NZPA

Container floating off Christchurch thought to have sunk

A container seen floating off Christchurch yesterday is thought to have sunk. Boaties and jetski users were warned yesterday to beware after a red shipping container was spotted floating off the seaside suburbs of Sumner and South Shore. Police southern communications centre spokesman Trevor Cross said today a sea and air search authorised by Environment Canterbury was unable to locate the container and it was believed to have sunk.

Rutherford ancestor repeats history

He doesn't have the moustache or the same last name but the great great grandson of New Zealand's most celebrated scientist is literally following in the footsteps of his ancestor. Sir Ernest Rutherford's descendant, Felix Loten, on Friday accepted an engineering honours degree from Canterbury University. Rutherford graduated from the same university 114 years ago, before splitting the atom and winning a Nobel Prize. Loten is now moving to Australia to work for an energy company.
Source:One News

South Island snow spells end of summer

MetService says snow in Otago and Southland which fell overnight marks a move into much cooler weather. Mossburn in Central Otago received 1cm of snow and falls have also been reported in Southland at Winton and Te Anau. MetService says towns that have received snow will lose it during Saturday morning, as the snow level rises to 600m. Motorists are being urged to take care on higher roads where snow may settle, and on the lower roads where hail may make conditions slippery. Farmers are warned low temperatures and strong winds in exposed places could place stress on stock.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Parents urged to ditch diposables

A week-long campaign to encourage parents to switch to re-useable nappies is getting started this morning. Cloth nappies are on show at an event in West Auckland. Parents and parents-to-be are invited for a close-up look. How-to demonstrations and nappy cleaning kits are also on show.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Rare Gallipoli film to screen on museum wall

By Juliet Rowan
Anzac troops will come to life when the only film of them at Gallipoli is projected on to the outside of Auckland Museum next week. Anzac Day is on Friday and on the three nights before, Heroes of Gallipoli - which was restored by Peter Jackson - will screen on the large wall to the right of the museum's main entrance. The 20-minute film will play continuously between 7.30pm and 10pm, showing the historic footage of New Zealand and Australian soldiers with their British counterparts during the deadly World War I campaign. British journalist Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett is believed to have shot the footage, which was discovered in a compilation of World War I film sold to the Australian War Memorial in 1938. The museum is also running a special programme of lectures, performances and films on Anzac Day, as well as remembrance services at dawn and 11am. The museum website, www.aucklandmuseum.com, lists the full programme of events.

Looking for a bed? Lots available in prisons

By Simon Collins
New Zealand's formerly overflowing prisons have suddenly found themselves with vacant beds, as judges seem to be heeding a Government effort to keep minor offenders out of jail. Prison rolls have plummeted from 8500 last September to 7600 this month. The liberal lobby group Rethinking.org.nz says this means the country's jails now have 1600 spare beds. Corrections Minister Phil Goff cautioned last night that the prison muster usually peaked in September each year so the decline had been partly seasonal. But he said numbers were now running 300 below the same time last year. "That means that at the moment we have plenty of room in the prisons.

Palmer joins elite group

Law Commission president Sir Geoffrey Palmer has been elected a member of the American Law Institute. Membership of the institute is restricted to 3000 people and includes judges, practising lawyers and legal scholars. Members are selected on the basis of professional achievement and demonstrated interest in the improvement of the law.
©2008, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Smuggled gherkin seed lands firm in a pickle

A big seed company and a director have been fined for breaching biosecurity rules by smuggling cucumber seeds into New Zealand for sale. King Seeds (New Zealand) Ltd and director Gerard Martin, of Katikati, were convicted in Tauranga District Court yesterday of the illegal importation of sowing seeds. They were fined a total of $26,000 and ordered to pay $600 for solicitors' fees and $520 court costs. The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry said Martin obtained gourmet cucumber seeds (Melothia scabra) from overseas and had suggested the supplier list them as another species that had been approved for import.
Source:NZPA

Greenhouse gases 26% higher

New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions are continuing to rise. An Environment Ministry report reveals emissions for 2006 totalled 77.9 million tonnes, an increase of half a million tonnes from 2005. In terms of the Kyoto Protocol, it means New Zealand's emissions are now 26 percent higher than they were in 1990. The agricultural sector remains the largest contributor accounting for 48 percent of all emissions. It is followed by the energy sector on 44 percent, and industrial processes on five percent.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Rugby-Carter offered big bucks from France

All Black first-five Daniel Carter is reportedly being offered the biggest contract in world rugby. The UK's Daily Mail claims Carter has been offered $1.9 million dollars for one year to join French side Toulouse. The bid would double the highest salaries in the European game, paid last year to Carter's former national team-mates Carl Hayman and Luke McAlister.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Another Finance company goes into receivership

Kiwi Finance has gone into receivership. PriceWaterhouse Coopers was called to go through the New Plymouth company's books on Tuesday. It is still not known how much money it owes and how many investors will be affected.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

NZ and US cooperate on Antarctic windfarm

As many as 20 wind turbines could be erected in Antarctica to serve the New Zealand and United States research stations. New Zealand operates a joint logistics pool with the United States' Antarctic programme because both research sites are nearby on Ross Island. Funding of a project to build three wind turbines at New Zealand's Scott Base was announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters' office at an International Polar Year Function in Wellington last night.
Source:NZPA

Bumper season for Taranaki fishermen

Recreational fishermen in Taranaki are reporting a bumper season, including the arrival of a tropical fish never before seen in the region. Marlin, snapper and the tropical mahi-mahi have all been on the hooks - and plates - of locals. The long, hot summer brought persistently warm water carried by currents from the tropics. The Taranaki Recreational Fishers Association says about 160 marlin have been caught, compared with fewer than 10 last summer. It says game fishers have also enjoyed catching and eating the sweet-tasting mahi-mahi for the first time.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Internet crashes in Christchurch

An estimated 15,000 Christchurch Telstra customers are without cable TV and internet services. In the early hours of this morning a car crashed into a pole on the corner of Barrington and Wychbury streets in Spreydon. The pole carried Telstra cables. Telstra expects it will be another 12 hours before the services returns.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

NZ man to supervise Fiji election

A New Zealand man has been named to supervise the first general election in Fiji since the 2006 coup. Maurice Coughlan, who has had no previous experience of running elections, will take up his three-year appointment early next month. The appointment was announced by the chairman of Fiji's Constitutional Offices Commission, Rishi Ram. He told Fiji Broadcasting Corporation the island's coup administration would pay Dr Coughlan's salary, with extra funding being provided by Australia.

Knitwear firm's demise a warning to others

A New Zealand knitwear company has buckled under the pressure of free trade and rising costs. Family-owned Tamahine Knitwear is closing its New Zealand manufacturing plant in July, after 40 years in business. It means the loss of 50 jobs. The news follows the announcement that 430 jobs are to be cut when Fisher and Paykel's Dunedin plant shuts down in 12 months. Textiles New Zealand Chairman Ian Barbour says tariffs have been reducing in New Zealand for a long period of time. He says the industry is now split into those companies which have been able to adjust and those which have not.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Beverley Wakem appointed Chief Ombudsman

Parliament has appointed Beverley Wakem as the chief Ombudsman. The former broadcaster has been the Acting Chief Ombudsman since John Belgrave died late last year. Ms Wakem was the chief executive of Radio New Zealand from 1984 to 1991, and was awarded a CBE in 1990 for services to broadcasting and the community.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Winter blast due in the south

An early winter blast is on its way to Fiordland, Southland and Otago - including snow showers. The MetService has issued a special weather advisory for the regions. It says a cold southerly blast is coming in straight from the Southern Ocean, bringing strong southwest winds, squally showers and hail. By Friday evening, snow showers are likely to lower to 600m in southern Fiordland, Southland, Otago as far north as Lake Wakatipu, and the Dunedin hills. In the Catlins, there is the potential for 10cm of snow to build up above 600m.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

Heavy rain fills hydro lake

Recent heavy rain has pushed up the level of hydro power storage in the North Island. An electricity market analyst says the increase means there is now less risk to the security of the power supply to the north island. The Marketplace Company, or M-Co, which monitors the electricity market, says last week storage in the Taupo hydro lake had fallen to about 14 percent of its maximum capacity. A senior analyst for the company, Ashley Milkop, says recent rain has pushed the lake's water level up to about 27 percent of its maximum capacity, with the level of hydro lake storage for the whole country at about 47 percent.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Rugby-All Black conditioning blamed for World Cup defeat

The All Blacks' controversial conditioning programme was a major contributing factor to their quarterfinal defeat at the 2007 World Cup, an independent review has found. The review, conducted by lawyer Mike Heron and sports administrator Don Tricker on behalf of the New Zealand Rugby Union, was released on Thursday. The NZRU, at the request of All Blacks coach Graham Henry, removed 22 players from the first half of the 2007 Super 14 to participate in a reconditioning programme in order to prepare for the World Cup. Though the programme increased the players' athleticism, it was not well managed. "The All Blacks were effectively in pre-season mode playing in a world-class competition with and against match-hardened players. Their match fitness and skill levels were not at the required level and they struggled throughout the Super 14."
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Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

ANZ National Bank to move up to 500 jobs to India

The ANZ National Bank is planning on moving hundreds of jobs offshore. The union representing the bank's employees, Finsec, says the move could cost up to 500 positions. It says the jobs will go to the Bangalore office in India. The bank says all New Zealand employees affected will be retrained into alternative roles within the company. Finsec says ANZ National is leading a race to the bottom for cheap labour in India.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Ban on importing Australian horses lifted

The ban on importing horses from Australia has been lifted. MAF imposed the ban last August when equine flu was discovered in New South Wales and Queensland. While the ban is now lifted, stricter rules apply, including an insistence all horses must be vaccinated against flu and be held in quarantine for a time before and after arriving in the country.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

NZ MPs get issue of Zimbabwe on conference agenda

New Zealand MPs have succeeded in getting Zimbabwe's stalled election process put on the agenda of a major international parliamentary conference. The Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is being held this week in Cape Town, South Africa, with National MP John Carter, Labour's Dover Samuels and the Greens Nandor Tanczos comprising New Zealand's delegation. Mr Carter, who is heading the delegation, today said the MPs had succeeded in getting the issue of Zimbabwe put on the conference agenda. They had promoted the issue as an emergency item, but after discussions with the Assembly's president, South Africa's Speaker Baleka Mbete, it had been adopted by the conference.
Source:NZPA

Giant eel disables cruise vessel on Waikato River

The Waipa Delta river vessel that takes tourists and others on a cruise of the Waikato River came to an unexpected halt last when what is described as a giant eel was jammed in its motor. Seventeen passengers and crew were stranded in the middle of the river as the engine seized. Crew had to cut the eel into pieces with a rake so the boat could limp to its river-side dock. Passengers were treated to a limo ride to make up for the inconvenience.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited

Jobs go as Fisher & Paykel shuts plants

By GARETH VAUGHAN
Fisher & Paykel Appliances is shutting factories in Dunedin, Brisbane and California at the cost of about 1070 jobs and moving production to low cost countries. F&P said today shutting the Mosgiel, Dunedin plant would cost 430 jobs. F&P's shares surged 30 cents, or 14 per cent, to $2.50 in sharemarket trading. Production of the dishwashers currently made in Dunedin would be moved to Thailand, Italy and a newly bought site in Mexico. F&P blamed "ongoing manufacturing cost escalations" for the move, which it says will save it $50 million a year before tax.
Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2006.

Wine linked to higher breast-cancer risk

by KIM THOMAS - The Press
Drinking two glasses of wine a day can increase a woman's risk of breast cancer by more than half, research shows. A US study of more than 185,000 post-menopausal women found a daily tipple greatly increased their risk of developing breast cancer. Those who drank two glasses of alcohol a day were over 50 per cent more likely to develop breast cancer than those who drank little or nothing daily. The risk grew by a third for those who had one daily tipple and doubled for those who had three glasses or more a day. New Zealand's Breast Cancer Foundation said the US research matched its experiences that many post-menopausal cancer sufferers were regular drinkers.

Charities to benefit from new payroll giving system

A system to allow people to donate to charities straight from their pay will start next year. Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne today confirmed the Government would proceed with the voluntary payroll giving system. Other changes would be made to clarify and simplify the law on how reimbursements and honoraria paid to volunteers in the non-profit sector are to be treated for tax purposes. The ministers said the changes would remove problems and associated compliance costs for volunteers. The changes would be in the next taxation bill to be introduced in June. About a million New Zealanders participated in volunteer work and about $350 million a year was donated to charities and other non-profit organisations.
Source:NZPA

Plane part crashes through house roof

A small mechanical part likely to have been from a light plane smashed through the roof of a house near Hastings yesterday, landing on the lounge floor. Senior Sergeant Ross Smith said a resident was at home at the time but in another room when the incident happened. "It looks like it's probably a brake lining or brake shoe from a small plane that had left Napier Airport and was flying towards Wellington," he said. The resident of the small Whakatu settlement phoned police, who passed details of the incident on to airport authorities.
Source:NZPA

Scientists flee Antartica as winter descends

Two New Zealand scientists will return tomorrow from minus-40 degree temperatures in Antarctica, where they have defied the frozen darkness of approaching winter to study ancient life forms during the big freeze. Ian Hawes and Karl Safi have spent the past eight weeks camping 3500km south of New Zealand, on the McMurdo Ice Shelf, to study Antarctic organisms which have evolved to tolerate the winter freeze. The ponds began to freeze in early February and the ice thickened as air temperatures plunged to minus-40 degrees by early March. By the time the researchers broke camp this week they had only a few hours of daylight each day. The two scientists are flying out with 20 American researchers running a similar study in larger lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys.
Source:NZPA

Online check for registered architects

If you are planning on building a new house you will soon be able to check the quality of your architect online. The New Zealand Registered Architect's Board (NZRAB) has launched a service where the public can check if firms offering architectural services employ registered architects. Board chairman Ron Pynenburg said half of the complaints received by the board were about people who were not registered. The Find a Practice service will be available on the NZRAB website.
NZPA

Victims' names read out during assembly

The names of the six Auckland students and teacher who died in yesterday's tragedy have been read out during an assembly at their school. The Year 12 students from Elim Christian College in Howick got caught in a flash flood while they were canyoning through the Mangataepopo Gorge in National Park. Their bodies are being taken back to Auckland. Dozens of students gathered at the school's hall last night to hold a prayer vigil and around 400 students, parents and staff have attended a special assembly. MetService says the weather warnings it gave for the storm which tore through the upper North Island were clear. Forecaster Bob McDavitt says plenty of notices were issued, including severe thunderstorm and heavy rain warnings extending from Northland down to Lake Taupo.
© 2008 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Temepara George wins last dance

Netballer Temepara George and partner Stefano Olivieri are this year's Dancing With the Stars champions. They beat former rugby league player and boxer Monty Betham and his partner Nerida Jantti. The on form celebrity dancer going into the two-hour-long grand final was George and the rising star was Betham, who judge Craig Revel-Horwood dubbed an underdog. The finalists had to perform three dances, one they had performed previously, a new dance, and a freestyle piece before an audience which included Prime Minister Helen Clark and George's partner, former Kiwis and New Zealand Warriors player, Sione Faumuina. Olivieri won last year with partner Suzanne Paul.
Source:NZPA

Walking access bill passes first stage

A government plan to launch a commission to decide where people can freely walk across land has passed its first step through Parliament. The Walking Access Bill seeks to see the formation of the commission, which would clarify areas of the country that people can freely access, and what land they cannot. It follows several years of delay, because of opposition by farmers to an earlier plan to allow people to access waterways on private land.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Growers under cost pressures

Horticulture New Zealand says the summer drought is partly to blame for the rising price of vegetables. The family food bill rose by around six percent in the last year. Tomatoes and potatoes in particular, jumped dramatically in price. Peter Silcock from Horticulture NZ says growers are also under pressure. He says their overall income has fallen because they have less to sell and face rising costs such as fuel, energy and labour.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Six students, teacher die in canyoning tragedy

Six students and a teacher are dead after they were swept away by a flash flood in a stream near Tongariro National Park in the central North Island on Tuesday. The victims were part of a group of 15- and 16-year-olds from Auckland's Elim Christian College that got into difficulty while canyoning the Mangatepopo Gorge. They had been on a course at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre and were taking part in the Upstream Gorge trip. Five of the group, including an adult instructor, were rescued on Tuesday night. Five others - four students and a teacher - were found dead at the same time. Search teams later found the bodies of two other teenagers about 4am on Wednesday.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

Teen tagger locked up for 28 days

By MARTY SHARPE - The Dominion Post
A judge has jailed a graffiti vandal for 28 days and warned others in Hawke's Bay they can expect the same from now on. Ford Randell, 18, appeared before Judge Tony Adeane in Hastings District Court for sentencing on four charges of intentional damage yesterday. He said Randell was remorseful and had described his own tagging of three buildings and a concrete pillar in Hastings as "stupid and pathetic". Judge Adeane said the sentence was "a signal to you and your friends that the penalty for graffiti in Hawke's Bay will be imprisonment until such time as there is some sign this self-indulgent egocentric behaviour is abating".

Man killed by lightning strike in Dargaville

A man and his horse have been struck and killed by lightning in Northland. The strike at Mahuta near Dargaville came just before 1pm as a series of thunderstorms were moving over region. Police are still at the scene. The thunderstorms passing over the upper North Island are fairly intense.
Copyright 2002 - 2008, TelstraClear Ltd

Approval for Cook Strait tidal stream turbine trial

Approval has been given for a trial of a tidal stream turbine in Cook Strait. Christchurch-based Neptune Power was granted resource consent for an experimental turbine capable of producing 1 megawatt of power in 80m of water 4.5km off the south coast of Wellington, The New Zealand Herald reported today. Company director Chris Bathurst said installation of the turbine could begin next summer. His calculations suggest tidal movement in Cook Strait is enough to generate 12 gigawatts of power, more than 1-1/2 times this country's present generation capacity.
Source:NZPA

Screening has cut cervical cancer deaths, says minister

The Government says national cervical screening has cut dramatically the number of women who get cervical cancer, and the number who die from the disease. The message came from Associate Minister of Health Steve Chadwick at the start of a two day screening symposium in Wellington on Monday. Ms Chadwick told delegates that the screening programme, which has been operating for 15 years, has cut the incidence of cervical cancer by 50%, and deaths from the disease by 65%.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Family and community before citizenship

New research shows that family and community are more important than citizenship. Auckland University sociologist Louise Humpage held seven exploratory focus groups about the rights, privileges and duties of a New Zealand citizen. She says most of the 38 participants did not consider being a citizen of New Zealand particularly important to their sense of belonging and identity. Dr Humpage says one reason appears to be that citizenship is associated with Government, which is not always perceived very favourably.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Family and caregivers urged to have flu jab

Family members and caregivers of people at high risk of catching influenza are being encouraged to also have the flu vaccine. People with medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory diseases and those aged over 65 are entitled to a free flu inoculation. Auckland District Health Board director of nursing Taima Campbell says they should be vaccinated before the end of June and it is a good idea if people around others who are vulnerable make sure they do not pass on the flu.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

US students master the art of Kiwi adventures

By ANDREW McMARTIN - The Southland Times
They came, they saw, they adventured — and now the 34 American students who have completed the Certificate in Adventure New Zealand course at the Southern Institute of Technology are preparing to say goodbye to Invercargill. The students, from Brigham Young University in Utah, have been studying at the SIT since February. Yesterday, they celebrated completing their programme with a good, old-fashioned Kiwi barbecue. Student Megan Bird said she had thoroughly enjoyed her stay and had picked up a lot of useful skills. "Surfing and rock climbing were definitely my favourites she said. Jessica Hartvigsen said the adventure programme allowed her to try many new things and she had loved the opportunity to go surfing as Utah was 14 hours' drive from the nearest ocean.