Orcas in Manukau Harbour

A sizable pod of orcas can be seen cruising Auckland's Manukau Harbour. Coastguard says reports of the group's number vary between 15 to 20. The killer whales are not an uncommon sight in the area at this time of year.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

NZ to attend world food summit

Cabinet Minister Jim Anderton will lead a New Zealand delegation to an international conference on food security in Rome next week. "The pressure of growing populations, and the increasing affluence of consumers in emerging economies, will place ever greater strain on the sustainability of global food production," Mr Anderton said today. "The challenges for humanity are enormous and the global community is going to have to work together very closely to ensure the world's food needs can be met without the biological systems upon which we depend breaking down." The three-day conference has been organised by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation. There will be about 60 heads of state or government, 127 ministers and 600 media.
Source:NZPA

NZ's first natural burial cemetery opens

New Zealand's first natural burial cemetery will be officially opened on Wellington's south coast next week. The site -- part of Wellington's Makara Cemetery -- will be opened by the capital's Mayor Kerry Prendergast on Tuesday. Natural Burials founder Mark Blackham said the cemetery was a first for New Zealand. Those who chose a natural burial would rest around one metre down, unembalmed, in a biodegradable casket, he said. Compost would also be added to the soil to assist decomposition. Mr Blackham said a native tree would be planted at the head or base of each plot.
Source:NZPA

Woman packed in dry ice died of overdose

The police in Newport Beach, California, have confirmed a woman found packed in dry ice in the hotel room of a New Zealand man died of a drug and alcohol overdose. Officers found the frozen body of Monique Trepp in a large chilly bin at the Fairmont Newport Beach hotel in March when they were arresting Stephen Royds for selling cocaine and violating his probation. The local coroner says toxicology tests confirm Ms Trepp succumbed to a lethal quantity of cocaine and alcohol but the tests do not determine the manner of death. But the Orange County District Attorney's office says the case against Mr Royds remains the same and he will appear in court in July on drugs charges.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Farmers markets set to expand

Farmers market producers have been meeting in Blenheim, with predictions the current boom is set to continue. New Zealand has 42 farmers markets from Invercargill to Kerikeri. The organisation's chairman, Chris Fortune, believes that could increase to 60 or 70. Mr Fortune says the markets are succeeding in New Zealand and internationally because people want fresher food, produced locally. He says the decline of local shops selling fresh meat and fish is helping to fuel the popularity of farmers markets.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Painted sheep upset animal activist

By KAY BLUNDELL - The Dominion Post
Spray-painting sheep with large black numbers to reinforce the message "if you are counting sheep falling asleep you need to take a break" has animal lovers bleating. Land Transport NZ had large black numbers spray-painted on to a flock of sheep in a Paekakariki paddock, near Wellington, next to State Highway 1 under a large billboard stating "Tired? Pull Over And Take A Break." More than 20 sheep have been painted in the run-up to Queen's Birthday weekend and are being rotated between a small front paddock near the highway and a larger back paddock every few days, sparking concern from some drivers and local animal activist Jenny Cronin. Ms Cronin said the promotion was appalling.

Aussies offer $1m salary for Kiwi X-ray specialist

By RUTH HILL - The Dominion Post
Australian clinics are luring Kiwi specialists with $1 million pay offers. Doctor groups say the move is likely to fuel New Zealand's chronic recruitment and retention problems. The private clinic North Queensland X-Ray Services - which already has two Kiwi specialists on its clinical staff of four - is advertising in New Zealand for a radiologist, offering between $800,000 and $1 million (NZ$970,000 to $1.2 million). Clinic director John Gibb told The Townsville Bulletin that the company had had problems filling the vacancy because of worldwide shortages.

Goodbye meat pie

National guidelines come into effect over the weekend, which mean school canteens can only sell healthy food. The Education Ministry says the eating, drinking and recreation habits children pick up can stay with them through to adulthood. It says it is important good habits are developed. The ministry says there will be still be freedom of choice, as parents can still put what they want into their kids' lunch boxes.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Process developed for reprocessing plastic bags

A company in Christchurch says it has developed a patented process to deal with old plastic bags into usable items. The company has patented a process called Thermofusion, which turns bags into molten plastic which can then be molded into usable items, such as plastic shipping pallets. Matthew Darby from Range Industries says the process involves a machine that can take virtually all plastic waste and reprocess it. At the moment the bulk of plastic waste is not recycled. Mr Darby says about 12,000 tonnes of light-gauge plastic is dumped in landfills in New Zealand each year.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Christchurch awaits Super 14 rugby final

Christchurch is decked out in red and black in the build-up to Saturday night's Super 14 rugby final. Whatever the outcome, it is the end of an era for Canterbury rugby and the swansong for local hero Robbie Deans who is to become the next coach of the Wallabies. Deans is also considered one of the greatest players to have played at Lancaster Park. If they beat the New South Wales Waratahs, the Crusaders will win their 7th Super rugby title. Cathedral Square is decked out in red and black and the New Brighton Pier will feature red and black lighting overnight. The home side has won six of its nine finals whereas the Waratahs are yet to win one. And they've beaten the Crusaders only once in Christchurch.The Crusaders have also scored a lot more tries this season. Kick-off will be at 7.35pm.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

Greens gathering in Auckland

Green Party faithful are congregating in Auckland this afternoon for their annual conference. The event kicks off tonight with a valedictory talk from outgoing MP Nandor Tanczos. Tomorrow features a speech from co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons, but much of the day will be held in closed sessions. The meeting will be devoted to political positioning and what approach the Greens should adopt at the election.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Smoking rates at lowest level in 30 years

A new survey shows the smoking rate in New Zealand has fallen to its lowest level since monitoring began 30 years ago. Results from the New Zealand Health Survey have been released by Prime Minister Helen Clark and Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor at Auckland's Edgewater College. The survey puts New Zealand smoking prevalence at 19.9 percent for current smokers aged over 15. It is the first time the rates have gone below 20 percent since 1978. The figures show daily smoking rates for adults also decreased, down almost five percent since the last survey for the years 2002 and 2003.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Cause of NZer's death in Kenya unknown

It is expected to be several days before it is known how an award-winning New Zealand photographer died in Kenya. The body of Trent Keegan, aged in his early 30s, was found in a ditch on the side of a road in Nairobi. He had suffered head injuries. Mr Keegan had lived in Ireland for several years before travelling to Africa in March. Police have released few details about the case and it is not known whether Mr Keegan was struck by a vehicle or was attacked. Kenyan police expect the results of a post mortem examination in the next few days.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Tough laws on tenancy drawn up

By Claire Trevett
Landlords will face tougher sanctions - including $3000 in damages for failing to maintain rental properties properly - under a raft of changes to tenancy laws. Building Minister Shane Jones yesterday introduced a bill to change the Residential Tenancies Act, saying the revamp of the law was needed because of the growth of the rental market. The changes make it an "unlawful" act for which the Tenancy Tribunal can order landlords to pay up to $3000 in damages if they do not meet their obligations to keep a rental property safely maintained and compliant with health and safety requirements. Charging "letting fees" - the one-off fee charged by some rental managers to new tenants - will also be prohibited. Tenants also face a raft of new sanctions, including $2000 for harassing other tenants or neighbours and $1000 for acts such as sub-letting the property without permission or allowing too many people to live in it.
©2008, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Pacific Kiwis losing mother tongues

By Simon Collins
More New Zealand-born Samoans are losing the language of their parents because of a growing shortage of places in Samoan-language preschools. Details of the 2006 Census for Pacific peoples, published yesterday, show only 44 per cent of NZ-born Samoans can now speak Samoan, down from 48 per cent five years before. Only 24 per cent of Tokelauans, 11 per cent of Niueans, 6 per cent of ethnic Fijians and 5 per cent of Cook Islands Maori born in New Zealand can now speak their parents' native languages. Only New Zealand-born Tongans registered an increase in the proportion who can speak Tongan - up 1 per cent to 44 per cent. More than 90 per cent of all Pacific groups in New Zealand can speak English.
©2008, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Tents go back to China for survivors

By Vaimoana Tapaleao
Thousands of tents made in China are heading back to where they came from as millions of earthquake victims continue to seek shelter. The Warehouse has taken its entire stock of tents from stores nationwide and is sending them to the victims of the May 12 earthquake, which killed more than 67,000 people and left up to five million on the streets. Tent cities have been erected in places such as Sichuan and Mianyang cities, where millions of people are homeless. The Warehouse chief executive Ian Morrice said: As soon as we received the request, we arranged for every tent on our stock list to be recalled to Auckland at our cost and offered the Chinese Embassy a substantial discount on the purchase," he said.
©2008, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Scientists use modified cat litter on lake bed

Scientists who have tipped modified cat litter into one of the nation's polluted lakes say it has reduced phosphorus levels in the water by up to 60 per cent. The volcanic mineral zeolite is traditionally used for absorbency in chemical spills, sports turf and cat litter. In New Zealand - where too much phosphate from fertiliser, farm run-off, and septic tanks triggers summer-time algal blooms in waterways - it is being used to clean up Lake Okaro, 25km south of Rotorua. This stopped nutrient levels in the water rising to the point where blue-green algal bloom turn the lake into a thick algal soup.
Source:NZPA

Vanilla has them licked at ice cream awards

The mainstay of ice cream flavours - vanilla - has won the top prize at the 2008 New Zealand Ice Cream Awards. Entered by Invercargill business Deep South, the standard vanilla flavour impressed judges more than a raft of other more exotic choices. At an event in Christchurch tonight, Deep South was also named as winner of the Best in Category prize for their standard chocolate and hokey pokey ice creams. The champion Deep South standard vanilla also won the Best Standard Vanilla ice cream category this year for the sixth time running.
Source:NZPA

Transgender conference opens in Chch

By KATIE WYLIE - The Press
The South Island's first transgender conference will open in Christchurch today with an update on the impact of a ground-breaking report into the rights of transgender people. About 56 transgender people will attend the three-day Agender Conference 2008, alongside staff from the Human Rights Commission and politicians, to discuss the Transgender Inquiry report. The report, released in January, called for "gender" to be added to the grounds of discrimination under the Human Rights Act, giving transgender people protection by law. It also recommended simpler procedures for changing sex on passports, birth certificates and other legal documents to match a transgender's identity.

Assault with a hedgehog leads to fine

A 27-year-old Whakatane man has been fined for assaulting a teenage boy with a hedgehog. Whakatane District Court was told that William Singalargh threw a hedgehog at a 15-year-old boy hitting him on the hip and leaving a large red welt and several puncture marks. Police prosecutor Lisa Cowie said the victim and two friends were riding home from the Whakatane skate park in February when they were confronted by Singalargh. He threatened the boys with the hedgehog, saying "Do you want to wear a hedgehog helmet?" Singalargh was convicted of common assault and offensive behaviour following a defended hearing. A charge of assault with a weapon, namely a hedgehog, was dropped. He was fined a total of $700 with $500 going to his victim.
Source:NZPA

$250,000 plan to preserve cottage approved

By CHARLIE GATES - The Press
A $250,000 plan to conserve one of Canterbury's most important historic buildings was approved by Christchurch City councillors yesterday. Grubb Cottage in Lyttelton was built in 1851 and is possibly the oldest remaining custom-built cottage in Canterbury. John Grubb, the first owner of the cottage, was responsible for the construction of the original Lyttelton jetty. The symbol of Lyttelton's early-settler history is in a poor state of repair because it has been empty for over 40 years. Despite the run-down state of the building, many of the original 1850s features are still in place, including wallpaper hung by the original owner. The city council plans to spend $250,000 over two years to make the building watertight, rebuild a stairway to the first floor, repair the chimney, repile the foundations and rebuild the front veranda.

Violent' bug may hit hundreds

By RUTH HILL - The Dominion Post
Hundreds of children and adults may have been hit by a "violent" tummy bug, which forced closure of a popular adventure playground. Public health officials shut the Junglerama Adventure Playland and Cafe at Wellington Sports Centre in Newtown on Wednesday after a widespread outbreak of suspected viral gastroenteritis at the weekend, and ordered it thoroughly cleaned. Regional Public Health spokesman Dr Stephen Palmer said officials had so far traced more than 100 people who attended six birthday parties on Sunday, "a high percentage" of whom later experienced vomiting and diarrhoea.

NZ boy eliminated at US spelling bee

Hamilton 13-year-old Thomas North was eliminated from the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC early this morning. Thomas is reported to have stumbled over the word meniscus, a crescent moon or the curved upper surface of a column of water, in the preliminary round of the event. An upset Thomas was consoled by his mother after the preliminary round. Thomas is the fourth speller to represent New Zealand at the US Spelling Bee.
Source:NZPA

National maintains lead in new poll

Major party support was fairly static in the latest Herald-DigiPoll out today with National still in a position where it could govern alone. Labour dropped a point to 36.2 per cent and National lost 0.6 of a point to 51.5 per cent. There was a 15.3 point gap between the parties up from 14.9 last month.
Source:NZPA

Fish being processed in China then shipped back - Greens

The Green Party finds it bizarre that fish caught in New Zealand was being shipped to China for processing before the finished product was brought back to New Zealand for sale. "News that Talleys Group Ltd ships gutted fish to China for thawing, processing and re-chilling, only to ship it back to New Zealand for sale undermines both the prime minister's goal of carbon neutrality and kiwi workers' jobs," Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said. She believed the free trade deal New Zealand had signed with China, where wages were lower and workers did not have the same rights to organise as in New Zealand, would only lead to more "such bizarre situations".
NZPA

Book helps parents to deal with teens weird behaviour

Most parents probably accept that their exuberant, pleasant, youngsters will grow into increasingly unpredictable and confrontational adolescents. But the extent of the vitriol and the sheer irrationality displayed at times by teenagers can lead to concerns about their sanity. Which could be a good time to turn to the new book from clinical psychologist Nigel Latta, called Before Your Teenagers Drive You Crazy, Read This! Part of the aim of the book was to help people understand "the weird stuff is kind of normal", Dunedin-based Latta said. "Which I think is kind of liberating for a lot of parents, because you worry endlessly about that stuff." The book does provide reassurance for parents by showing that confounding teenage behaviour is widespread, and sets out in a simple, straightforward way strategies for trying to deal with that behaviour.
NZPA

Hundreds of jobs at stake under dolphin rescue plan

Nearly 300 jobs will be lost from the fishing industry under significant new measures aimed at protecting New Zealand's threatened Hector's and Maui's dolphins. Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton today announced tough new restrictions on in-shore fishing to protect one of the world's rarest dolphin species though warned they would cost the industry nearly $80 million. The new measures include a variety of regional bans and other restrictions on set netting, trawling and drift netting in the coastal waters where the dolphins are most often found, as well as a significant increase in monitoring, including observers on commercial vessels.
Source:The Press

Work finishes on Pohukura gas field

Work has finished on developing the country's largest gas field. The Ensco 56 rig has left Taranaki after spending the past two years drilling eight wells in the Pohukura field. Shell Chairman Rob Jager says the field will ensure the country's future gas supplies. He says it will be the backbone for the majority of gas for thermal generation for at least the next 20 years.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Wellington Hospital on code red

Wellington Hospital has elevated its operating status to code red, with its emergency department bursting at the seams. Clinical director Dr Robyn Toomath says the hospital often goes into code red during the high-demand winter months, but the situation today is worse than she has seen for some time. Dr Toomath says when she arrived at work this morning there were 17 people who had been accepted for admission, but could not get a bed. She says the situation is due to a combination of illnesses both in the community and among hospital staff.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Chilly start for most today

Even the warmest parts of the country are shivering today. At 7.30am, it was just four degrees in the so-called winter-less north. In parts of west Auckland there was a one degree frost and it was minus two in Hamilton. It was even colder in the South Island, where temperatures in Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin and Queenstown were below freezing. Highs in some Central Otago valleys will be around three or four degrees today with fog setting in.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Sir Ed coins to be issued today

Gold and silver coins commemorating the 55th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary's conquest of Mt Everest are to be issued today. Sir Ed, who died in January aged 88, and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were the first climbers to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain on May 29, 1953. The 24 carat gold and pure silver coins, bearing the legend "A Lifetime of Achievement", depict Sir Edmund against a backdrop of Mt Everest. Only 1953 gold coins will be minted, with a legal tender of $10 and priced at $520. The coin is 0.999 percent pure gold proof and weighs a quarter of an ounce. A maximum of 10,000 silver coins will be produced, with a legal tender of $1 and priced at $89. It is 0.999 percent pure silver proof and weighs an ounce.
Source:NZPA

Rural recycling programme

More than 80,000 plastic agrichemical containers have been collected from farms and orchards in the first year of a national rural recycling programme. Organisers plan to treble that in the next year. The Agrecovery programme operates under a charitable trust . A purpose built truck picks up and shreds plastic chemical containers that farmers and growers take to 50 collection sites around the country. The plastic is turned into underground cable covers
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Another baby vaccination announced

A new vaccination is to be added to the Immunisation Schedule from next week to help protect babies and young children from pneumococcal disease. The Prevenar vaccine, which will cost $68 million over four years, is intended to reduce the incidence of pneumococcal meningitis and serious pneumonia. All children born in New Zealand from this year may be vaccinated free through family doctors.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Australia-Big fall in sheep numbers, crops also down

New figures reveal sheep and lamb numbers in Australia have dropped to their lowest level since 1924. A report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows sheep and lamb numbers were at 85.7 million head in the 2006-07 financial year. Wheat production fell by 57% to 10.8 million tonnes, following near record levels the previous year. Barley yields were down by 55 per cent to 4.3 million tonnes. Cotton production also dropped by half, to 282,000 tonnes, Rice production fell 84% to just 163,000 tonnes. Lack of water, caused by the long-running drought, was a major reason for the decline.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Environment website links world's pupils

A new website is helping pupils around the world discuss their plans for going green, as New Zealand's hosting of World Environment Day approaches. Education Minister Chris Carter opened the site yesterday, taking part in a live link between students from Wellington Girls College, Mangakahia School, in Northland, and Parndana School on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Wellington is the host city for the World Environment Day on June 5, which has the theme "Kick the Carbon Habit".
Source:Dominion Post

Refunds ordered over fake slimming pill

Distributors of a bogus pill which claimed to help people slim down have been ordered to refund almost $176,000 to people who bought the product. Dennis O'Neil and Martini Limited, formerly trading as Marketing Direct Limited, sold Celluslim pills between 2002 and 2003. The Commerce Commission has successfully prosecuted them for breaching the Fair Trading Act. Spokesman Adrian Sparrow says it is a major victory for consumers who were enticed to buy Celluslim, which the company falsely claimed could melt away fat and cellulite.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

No action over lion cub bite

The Department of Labour will not take any further action against a wildlife park in Whangarei after a tour guide was bitten by a lion. An investigation was launched into Zion Wildlife Gardens after the female volunteer was bitten on the hand by a cub last month. She required treatment at Whangarei Hospital. A Department of Labour investigation has found the volunteer stepped inside the safety barrier to talk to a group she was guiding. A lion cub then came over and poked its nose through a small hole in the fence and when she tried to pat it, it bit her and injured her thumb.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

New Zealand to test Indian biofuel

Air New Zealand says moves to fly planes on biofuels are going faster than expected, and it will test a new generation of biofuels - from Indian feedstock - before the end of this year. It aims to convert some of its domestic fleet to using the greener fuel source within five years, Air NZ deputy chief executive Norm Thompson said at a major tourism conference in Rotorua. Mr Thompson, chairman of the Tourism Industry Association, said Air New Zealand will create a world first later this year when it tests a second generation biofuel made from jatropha, a bush grown in India that produces seeds with a high oil content.
Source:NZPA

National the favourite to win election

The Government's budget has not helped its election odds with National firming as the favourite to win the election, according to Australian bookmaker Centrebet. National was paying $1.47 when betting opened in February this year, but that had since firmed to $1.42 with one Auckland punter putting $5000 on the party in recent days. By contrast Labour's odds had lengthened from $2.60 to $2.75. The election is expected in late October or early November.

Wacky bylaws revamped

Wacky bylaws are being culled by the Mackenzie District Council. Among the likely discards are 1933 rules for public billiards rooms that forbid an unmarried woman from keeping such premises. The stairs to such buildings have to be kept clear, and liquor is banned. Another rule likely to come under scrutiny is a ban on the picking of flowers, cones or pods or the collection of seeds or cuttings from any shrub or plant in public parks or reserves. Other outdated bylaws include a ban on leaving wheelbarrows on roads or riding a bicycle at more than 16kmh. The council's six councillors and Mayor John O'Neill have been asked to read through a full list of bylaws, marking those it believes are obsolete or need amending.

Funding boost for Maori legal dictionary

A senior lecturer in law at Victoria University has attracted more than $600,00 worth of funding aimed at producing New Zealand's first legal Maori dictionary. Mamari Stephens said much of New Zealand's bilingual legal past is hidden in the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington. She said her research would involve accessing and gathering texts in Maori about any legal topic from the past 200 years, analysing the frequency of terms and words. The second stage involved seeing where gaps existed and what new terms might need to be made. A third stage was the compilation of the dictionary and putting it together in a useable form.
Source:NZPA

Night-time public transport accord signed in Christchurch

An agreement focused on providing safe and reliable night-time public transport has been signed in Christchurch. The Christchurch Central Business District Transport Accord was signed by all taxi operators in the city, a bus company and other agencies including the city council and the police. It is part of a wider scheme to improve safety within the central city and follows the introduction of a "one-way door" system, which prevents people re-entering city bars after 3am. Mayor Bob Parker says changes to central city transport will include moving bus and taxi stands to more appropriate areas and increasing the number of taxis.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Salvage decision lies with insurers, says skipper

The decision on whether to salvage an abandoned yacht found drifting off the Northland coast yesterday lies with its insurers, the vessel's owner said today. The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) said the Air Apparent was found yesterday, upright and drifting with its mast intact and its sail dragging in the water, about 210 nautical miles (389km) off North Cape. The 7.9m sloop was abandoned in poor weather off the Kaipara coast on March 25, after its crew set off their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) against the wishes of the skipper. RCCNZ launched a rescue after picking up the emergency signal and the crew and skipper of the vessel were all safely recovered.
Source:NZPA

NZ urged to cut reliance on foreign doctors

By RUTH HILL - The Dominion Post
Over-dependence on foreign doctors and nurses has made the health system vulnerable and the Government needs to invest urgently in training more doctors, the World Health Organisation says. The report, Can New Zealand Compete?, concludes that the health system faces "serious challenges" with demand for health professions set to outstrip supply by 2011. New Zealand has the highest proportion of migrant doctors among all OECD countries (52 per cent). Just 33 per cent of international medical graduates remain after registration. New Zealand-trained health workers are also leaving in droves. Currently about 7500 Kiwi nurses are working in other OECD countries - about the same number as that of foreign nurses working in New Zealand.

Southern lakes too low to generate power

The South Island's hydro lakes are so low they are not being used to generate power, leaving the North Island's thermal sites to supply the national grid. Though the situation is extremely unusual, national electricity grid operator Transpower says it is too early to panic about power blackouts. Significant rainfall is needed in southern hydro lakes to ease Transpower's concerns about potential power shortages. Rain is predicted to fall within three weeks. The hydro lakes, which are used to produce most of New Zealand's power, are at 58% of average capacity. Meanwhile, the country's main power companies have launched a website allowing the public to monitor the levels of the southern hydro lakes. Transpower says the industry believes it will be helpful for the public to get up-to-date information about how much water is available for power generation.
The industry website is winterpower. co. nz
Click HERE to check out your favourite lake
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

30 years later, an apology to Vietnam vets

Vietnam veterans, due to receive an apology from the Crown tomorrow, have been waiting more than 30 years. The apology, to be made by Prime Minister Helen Clark in Parliament, will acknowledge veterans were not treated fairly when they returned to New Zealand from the war. Veterans have for years fought for recognition of the suffering experienced by soldiers exposed to toxic chemicals used during the war, such as agent orange. Many veterans found the people of New Zealand had little time for them after they returned from serving in the largely unpopular and controversial war. Tomorrow's apology will precede three days of commemorations for the Vietnam veterans, beginning with a civic welcome in Wellington's Civic Square at 4pm on Friday. Footage of events will be screened on TVNZ 7 (on freeview) over the weekend, live streamed on www.tribute08.com and highlights will be screened on TV One at 12.30pm on June 2.
Source:NZPA

Forget whales, Greenpeace fights to save tuna

Environmental activists in the South Pacific have protested against what they claim is the world's largest tuna catching vessel by trying to prevent it from hauling in its net. Greenpeace said they took the action today after following the giant Spanish ship Albatun Tres since Thursday. The Albatun Tres can net more than 3,000 tonnes of tuna in a single fishing trip using its seine nets, which are strung between two poles and weighed down at the bottom, the environmental group said. "This is almost double the entire annual catch of some Pacific countries. "The Pacific tuna stocks are in decline and there simply isn't enough fish in the sea to fill the holds of these huge vessels. Adding more vessels to those already allowed to fish guarantees that there will be no fish left for the future. Greenpeace has been conducting protests in the South Pacific during recent weeks amid concern some tuna stocks are being overfished, hurting the ocean's ecosystems and making scarce a key food source needed by some Pacific islanders.

Rugby-Collins will be hard to replace

The All Black coach Graham Henry admits Jerry Collins will be hard to replace. 27-year-old Collins, who has been in the All Blacks since 2001, has decided to retire from the professional game in New Zealand, although he could still turn out for his Norths club in Wellington and will get a number of offers from European clubs. Henry, who'll name his side to meet Ireland this Sunday, says there are some prospects for the number 6 jersey, but it will take a while for any replacement to get to test-match standard. Collins flew out to London last night and he'll play for the Barbarians this weekend before returning home to consider his future.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

West Coast townships running out of water

The water supply for two West Coast townships is running out. A creek supplying the reservoir which feeds the Ngakawau and Hector communities is down to a trickle, and the 300 residents fear they will soon have no piped water at all. There's been no significant rainfall in northern Buller for several months and the reservoir for Ngakawau and Hector is drying up. Buller District Council has advised residents to conserve water. It is the area's worst drought in years.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

More land bought by Uruguay farmer

New Zealand Farming Systems Uruguay has purchased more farmland in Uruguay. It's bought another 4400 hectares of land adjoining some of its existing farms, giving it more than 36,000 hectares. The company paid $US3,700 per hectare. While land prices are increasing, it says the cost is still low enough to make it worthwhile.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Cricket-England win second Test

England have won the second cricket Test against New Zealand at Old Trafford by six wickets. The homeside reached their victory target of 294 in the final over before tea on the fourth day. England resumed on 76 for one after dismissing the Black Caps for only 114 in their second innings. New Zealand previously had a first innings lead of 179 runs. The third and final Test starts at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on 5 June. The first Test was a draw.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Kiwi to join Pope for meal

One young New Zealander will have the chance to share a meal with Pope Benedict XVI for the World Youth Day Sydney 2008 festival, which runs from July 15 to July 20. A festival spokeswoman said the Pontiff would share a private meal with 12 young people from around the world. One New Zealander would be attending. World Youth Day representatives would choose who the New Zealander would be.
©2008, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Lotto branches out with cyber-ticket sales

By Craig Borley
Lotto has introduced an online version, expected to generate more than $7 million in revenue in its first year. New Zealand Lotteries' MyLotto website went online yesterday morning, and had had 1100 registered users by 6 o'clock last night. The site's income is expected to increase steadily as the new service took hold in New Zealand, NZ Lotteries chief executive Todd McLeay said yesterday. The site, developed over the past year at a cost of several million dollars, would keep up with changing consumer patterns and make it easier for infrequent Lotto buyers to purchase tickets, he said.

Fruity hope for asthmatics

By PAUL EASTON - The Dominion Post
The purple skin of the humble passionfruit could be used to treat asthma after a breakthrough by a New Zealand scientist. Trials showed that powdered passionfruit skin extract developed in New Zealand could help calm wheezing and coughing in asthma patients. Industrial Research Ltd natural products chemist Lai Yeap Foo, of Wellington, first identified the potential for passionfruit extract to aid human health in 2000. The recent breakthrough came after a collaboration between Dr Foo and Ronald Watson, a professor from the University of Arizona in Tucson. In a four-week trial in the United States involving 42 asthma patients, less than 20 per cent of the participants taking a powdered passionfruit skin extract continued wheezing. The symptom stayed with 80 per cent of people who received a placebo. The extract, made from powdered, ripe, purple passionfruit skins, was also found to lower blood pressure, meaning it could be used to treat hypertension.

Snack diet doesn't help weight loss

Eating smaller meals more often does not help overweight people shed their kilos any faster. Dieticians have tested the commonly-held theory that splitting daily food intake into five or six snack-type meals speeds up fat-burning. In a study of 179 obese Australians, they found no weight-loss advantage from following such a diet. "There seems to be little benefit to changing how often or how regularly you eat if you're trying to lose weight," said lead researcher Michelle Palmer, a dietician at the University of Newcastle. "We found it's not when you eat that matters, but what and how much you eat." The study involved 179 obese men and women who were all on the same healthy, weight-loss diet and with the same kilojoule intake, but with differing eating patterns. One group ate three times a day, while the other added in three extra snacks to try to keep metabolism boosted throughout the day and speed up fat-burning. But results showed no difference in changes in weight, waist measurement, body fatness or blood sugar levels between the groups.

$69m plan to extend National Library

By TRACY WATKINS - The Dominion Post
The Government has announced a $69 million plan to redevelop the National Library, just days after a $47 million facelift for Government House was revealed. Prime Minister Helen Clark today unveiled plans to extend and upgrade the six-storey building, just 20 years after it was opened to the public. Miss Clark said the project would be completed in late 2011, expanding the building opposite Parliament and making heritage collections more accessible to the public. An additional 4000 square metres of storage and exhibition space would be created. Miss Clark said the National Library held collections estimated to be worth a billion dollars.

Official crackdown on illegal paua (abalone) rings

By NATHAN BEAUMONT - The Dominion Post
The Fisheries Ministry has launched a major campaign to clamp down on black market paua rings in the North Island. The ministry is concerned organised gangs appear to be stepping up poaching activities, supplying the domestic and international black markets. The campaign will target coastlines in Wellington, Hastings and Auckland. The ministry estimates the illegal paua market is worth $30 million a year. Poached paua sells for up to $1000 a kilogram in Hong Kong. By law only 10 paua - a large edible shellfish with a colourful shell - can be gathered a day, with a minimum length of 125mm.

NZ's changing climate: west gets wetter, east gets drier

By PAUL EASTON - The Dominion Post
New Zealand could get warmer by two degrees celsius over the next 80 years according to new data on the effects of climate change. The Niwa study released today in Wellington says New Zealand is already experiencing climate change, with fewer frosts and retreating glaciers in the South Island. By 2090 the west of the country is expected to get wetter, the east drier, and everywhere will get warmer. Farmers in areas such as the North Island's east coast can expect more droughts, but other areas, for example Southland, could benefit from increased growing seasons.
Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2007.

Antique tractors being sold

An auction is to be held in North Canterbury to sell a large privately-owned collection of antique tractors. The 20 tractors have attracted interest from as far away as Germany and the Netherlands. Cars and motorcycles also form part of the collection which will be sold near Kaiapoi on Monday. The collection's owner, John Shivas, says each tractor is special in its own way with some models never being made again, and growing the collection has been a lot of fun.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Survey respondents favour nuclear power

A survey suggests that one in three people consider nuclear energy a viable electricity option. The Research New Zealand poll asked 500 people about their views on nuclear power, amid concerns about the environment and a possible power crisis. While 58% of respondents opposed the idea, director Emanuel Kalafatelis, says 36% considered it an alternative energy source. Mr Kalafatelis says men and older people seemed to favour nuclear power the most. Meanwhile, a geologist says experience in Japan shows nuclear power would be a safe option for New Zealand. Nuclear energy now provides up to 30% of Japan's power.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Food eco-labels hailed

Federated Farmers says European Union backing for the eco-labelling of food is good news for New Zealand, as long as it takes in more than just food miles. The EU has given its support to a report calling for food labels to include a product's environmental impact and carbon footprint. Federated Farmers says such labels would need to cover a comprehensive range of factors such farming practices, energy efficiency and animal welfare. It says that would allow consumers to see that, even though New Zealand food travels a long way, it is very green overall.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

India - NZ trade talks

A free trade agreement with India may be on the cards by the end of next year. New Zealand and Indian officials are making in-roads on drafting a similar deal to that done with China. Two way trade between both countries is worth about $630 million, compared to the $7.5 billion of trade between China and New Zealand. Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath has been in New Zealand, and met Trade Minister Phil Goff.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Severe weather warning for Coromandel

MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the Coromandel Peninsula, saying there is potential for surface flooding, slips and dangerous driving conditions. A slow moving trough is already bringing heavy rain and further heavy falls on Monday could see another 60mm with thunderstorms. Rainfalls could reach 20mm an hour. People in the Coromandel are advised to watch for rapidly rising streams and rivers.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Scott Dixon wins Indy 500

New Zealander Scott Dixon's motor racing career scaled new heights today when he won the Indy 500 motor race, the marquee event on the IndyCar circuit in the United States. Dixon, who started the 805km race at Indianapolis on pole, gave a dominant display and was in or near the lead for the entire 200 laps. The 27-year-old is the first New Zealander to win what is considered to be the most prestigious race in north America. He also became the 19th driver to win the race from pole position in 92 editions of the event.
Source:NZPA

Weather causes road problems in central North Island

Adverse weather has been causing problems for some roads in the central North Island. A major slip has closed State Highway 38 inland from Wairoa, at Lake Karemoana. It was expected to take until at least 6pm on Sunday to clear. And fog is still creating a hazard for motorists travelling on State Highway One, the Desert Road. Police say motorists should have their lights on low.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Lost divers spark investigation

The police in the Australian state of Queensland are investigating how two foreign divers were lost in the ocean for 20 hours off the Whitsunday Islands. The British man and American woman were separated from four other divers on Bait Reef near Hayman Island on Friday afternoon. They drifted eight nautical miles before a search helicopter crew found them on Saturday morning. The deputy commissioner Ian Stewart says the crew on the dive boat did not alert authorities until three hours after the divers went missing. He says there are rules and regulations about keeping an eye on people in the water.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

NZ leads on day two of cricket

The England cricket side is 152-4 and trail New Zealand by 229 runs after two days of the second test in Manchester. New Zealand made 381 for nine in its first innings, with an unwell Daniel Flynn not returning to the crease, and Ross Taylor scoring an unbeaten 154.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

150,000 households face mortgage stress

By RUTH LAUGESEN - Sunday Star Times
Nearly 150,000 New Zealand households are at "extreme risk" of missing mortgage repayments and potentially losing their homes. They're part of a much larger group of almost a quarter of a million Kiwis or 22 per cent of people with a home loan who are in "mortgage stress", according to new research by Roy Morgan. Roy Morgan New Zealand finance industry director Mark Dansey said that would have severe consequences for the New Zealand economy because of the impact on retail sales and a general slowdown in all spending. Dansey said mortgage stress meant more than 30-45% of household income was being spent on mortgage repayments.

Rugby-Crusaders clean out Canes to host final

The Crusaders have put up a clinical performance to comprehensively beat the Hurricanes in their Super 14 semifinal in Christchurch. They ran in three tries and with Dan Carter adding 18 points with his boot, they ran out 33-22 winners. Two late tries helped the Hurricanes gain some consolation on the scoreboard but in reality they were well and truly outplayed for long periods of the match. The Crusaders will now host next weekend's final at AMI Stadium against the Waratahs who beat the Sharks 28-13 in Sydney last night.
Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2007.

Contaminated Heparin affects NZ

The Health Minister has confirmed the contaminated blood thinner Heparin is now affecting our health system. Problems with the anti-clotting agent were first raised earlier this year when it was implicated in the deaths of around 80 people in the US. The Chinese-manufactured medication was found to be contaminated with chondroitin sulfate. Health Minister David Cunliffe says an oxygenator used in heart lung surgery has been rendered unusable, as it contains contaminated Heparin in its coating. He says a replacement for the device is not expected for at least two months, and DHBs are looking at alternatives.
Source: Newstalk ZB

Commissioner to investigate 'Islanders drain on economy' report

An academic report describing Pacific Islanders as a drain on the economy is to be investigated by the Race Relations Commissioner. Commissioner Joris de Bres said today that the commission hosted a meeting yesterday attended by academics, community members and analysts from government departments. Significant concerns were raised over the academic rigour of the Massey University report, he told Radio New Zealand. Mr de Bres, who will issue terms of reference for the investigation, said the report had resulted in a significant amount of prejudice vented over the internet and on talk-back radio. The report said Pacific Island immigrants were less productive and less likely to contribute to economic growth. They had the highest unemployment in every age group, were less likely to start businesses, had lower rates of self-employment and were over-represented in crime statistics.
NZPA

NZ-India FTA deal on the cards

A Free Trade Deal with India remains on the Government's agenda, with confidence an agreement is possible. Trade Minister Phil Goff has met the Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath to discuss the issue, and says progress has been made. He says discussions around the shape of negotiations towards a deal have been very constructive.
Source: Newstalk ZB

NZ poised to ride forestry boom

New Zealand is on the tip of a forestry boom, with a predicted doubling of export earnings to $6 billion dollars a year over the next eight years. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry says it is the result of expanded planting programmes during the 1980s and 1990s. MAF forecasts a 70% increase in the capacity of commercial forestry in the central North Island over the next 12 years, a rise reflected in other forests across the country.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

Niue Premier and Cabinet returned un-opposed as nominations close

Niue’s premier, Young Vivian, and his three member Cabinet have been re-elected unopposed when nominations for the June 7th general election closed. Nine village seats have been unopposed and six are being contested. In the main village of Alofi South four long-time residents are seeking election to the Legislative Assembly. Nineteen nominations have been lodged for the six common roll seats with previous Assembly members seeking re-election. One candidate is the island’s veteran Secretary of Justice Togia Sioneholo.
© RNZI 2008

NZ police force still lags behind Australia

The Police Association says there is still a long way to go before New Zealand's ratio of police staff is on par with Australia. As expected, $9.5 million was set aside in the Budget for a third wave of extra staff. Police Association vice-president Stuart Mills says he would like to see the additional 330 officers put on the frontline, in blue uniforms and placed in the incident patrol cars responding to assistance requests from the public. Mr Mills says while the funding is progress, the shortage is not over. He says the force is around 1,700 sworn officers short of the police-to-population ratio Australia has.
© 2008 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Motorsport: Kiwis back Dixon for Indy win

By Peter MartinezNew Zealanders are showing their support for Auckland race car driver Scott Dixon, backing him to win the Indy 500 on Monday morning (NZT). A TAB spokesman said today that Dixon, who has pole position for the race, is a $3.25 favourite to win the famous race for the first time. Second favourite is Dixon's Target Chip Ganassi teammate, Dan Wheldon, who will start alongside Dixon on the front row.
Source:NZPA

Pacific beauty wins Miss Samoa NZ crown

Beauty queen Amily Helena Faleafaga has just been crowned Miss Samoa New Zealand and will compete with others from around the globe for the main title in Apia in September. The 19-year-old will compete against winners from Australia, the United States, Hawaii and American Samoa for the coveted Miss Teuila title. Amily will represent the 131,000 Samoans living in New Zealand.
Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2006.

More funds to help people stop smoking

In another budget initiative, $32 million in new funding over four years will be allocated to programmes to help people stop smoking. Of that, $8 million will be spent in the coming year. The Cancer Control Council, an independent advisory body appointed by the Minister of Health, says the funding will help to reduce the 4,700 deaths attributed every year to smoking.
© 2008 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Good times ahead for kiwifruit growers

Kiwifruit exporter Zespri has forecast a big rise in grower returns for the coming season. The company has unveiled its forecasts, tipping fruit and service payments to rise up to 95 cents a tray the biggest returns for the Gold variety. Zespri says it will also pay what it calls a loyalty premium to growers on three year contracts, of 15 cents a tray for class one fruit. Chief Executive Tony Nowell said the forecasts will be welcomed, especially by growers of Green kiwifruit, the hardest hit by the impacts of foreign exchange movements. He cites improved in-market pricing, size, profile and the foreign exchange situation for the higher payments.
© 2008 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Plan to export forest mushroom crop

A sought-after northern hemisphere mushroom variety is being cultivated commercially in New Zealand for the first time. The saffron milk cap, a type of ectomycorrhizal mushroom, is the first of a number of varieties Gisborne-based First Light Mushroom company plans to export. The company, along with Crop and Food Research, have been looking at what soil types and climatic conditions are needed for the mushrooms, which are grown under pine forests. First Light Mushroom general manager Sheldon Drummond, says the saffron milk cap can fetch high prices in Europe and Northern Asia.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

MP apologises for insulting judge

Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira has publicly apologised for insulting a District Court judge in Parliament. Judge Tony Adeane has recently given jail sentences to two taggers, describing their vandalism as culturally offensive. Mr Harawira described Judge Moore as a "dickhead" during a parliamentary debate on a Bill that proposes stronger penalties for tagging. Hone Harawira now says he was wrong to make the remarks and apologises unconditionally. Under parliamentary rules, personal attacks on a judge are not allowed. The Maori Party MP says he also finds tagging offensive, but does not believe harsher penalties will have any impact.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

New-entrant class size cut to 15

By Martha McKenzie-Minifie
The promise to reduce new-entrant classes to 15 students to one teacher is set to be delivered, with a $212.5 million funding boost over four years. Many in the sector expected the ratio to come in last year's Budget - when funding for 18 students to one teacher was announced instead. Auckland Primary Principals Association president Owen Alexander said a critical shortage of staff in Auckland could cause problems, despite a national staffing survey showing schools had 99 per cent of teaching positions filled at the start of the year. Education Minister Chris Carter said the money would pay for 762 more teachers, and lower class sizes would help to ensure new entrants the best possible start to school.
©2008, APN Holdings NZ Limited

UK blue-bloods buy Invercargill property

A syndicate of British blue-bloods has snaffled more property belonging to Invercargill City Council - this time closing a multi-million deal on an inner-city carpark. Yesterday the council announced it had sold several of its city properties, including the Tay St carpark. The properties were bought by the same syndicate that bought two Invercargill commercial buildings, the Cambridge Place Arcade and the RadioWorks building, in October. The investors include the Dowager Duchess of Bedford, Henrietta Tiarks, her son the 15th Duke of Bedford, Andrew Russell, Lord David Wolfson of Sunningdale, and English property tycoon Nigel Ross.
Source:NZPA

New Zealand pilots run out of fuel; prayers answered as plane lands next to 'Jesus' sign

When two New Zealand pilots ran out of fuel in a microlight airplane they offered prayers and were able to make an emergency landing in a field, coming to rest right next to a sign reading, "Jesus is Lord." Grant Stubbs and Owen Wilson, both from the town of Blenheim on the country's South Island, were flying up the sloping valley of Pelorus Sound when the engine spluttered, coughed and died. "My friend and I are both Christians so our immediate reaction in a life-threatening situation was to ask for God's help," Stubbs told The Associated Press on Wednesday. He said he prayed during the ill-fated flight Sunday that the tiny craft would get over the top of a ridge and that they would find a landing site that was not too steep, or in the nearby sea. After Wilson glided the powerless craft to a landing on the grassy strip, the pair noticed they were beside a 20-foot-tall (6-meter-tall) sign that read, "Jesus is Lord, The Bible." Nearby residents provided them with gas to fly the home-built plane back to base.

Synopsis of the main points in Budget 2008 announcement

Key points from today's budget:
* The Government commits $4.8 billion in 2008/09, rising to $7b in 2011/12 in operating spending and revenue initiatives and $1.9b in new capital spending between 2008/09 and 2011/12;
* Operating balance expected to decline over the forecast period from 4.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2007 to 1.3 percent of GDP in 2011/12, reflecting the impact of policy initiatives and the weakening economy;
* Growth to March 2009 expected to bottom out at 1.5 percent before going to 2.3 percent in 2010 and 3.2 percent in 2011;
* A three-year programme of personal tax cuts, starting from October 1 this year, costing $10.6b. Once fully implemented, individuals working full time will get tax cuts of between $22 to $55 a week.
* New Zealand Superannuation maintained at 66 percent of the net average wage and the tax cuts to add $45.88 for a married couple and $23.84 for a single superannuitant living alone to the pension.
* Inflation adjustments to Working for Families entitlements to be brought forward from April 1 next year to October 1 this year;
* Some $3b over four years, $750 million per year, for health services. This includes an inflationary adjustment of $2b to district health boards to cover the increased costs for goods and services and population increases;
* $325m in the budget, as part of more than $500m, to improve high speed broadband in urban areas and extend its reach into regions;
* $1.8b over five years - $619m in budget 2008 - for teachers' wage settlements. Plus money ($182m in operational funding and $33.5m in capital funding) over four years to fund an extra 762 teachers to reduce class sizes for new entrants to one teacher per 15 students;
* $690m for the buy-back of Toll - the previously announced $665m purchase price plus $25m to cover the costs of lease arrangements and staff secondments;
* $180m in operating funding and $9.5m in capital funding for the third and final tranche (332 sworn staff and 90 non-sworn staff) of the 1000 extra cops and 250 non-sworn police promised at the last election.
* The budget also put a figure on the New Zealand First-gained free off-peak travel for Supergold Card holders - $72m over four years.
NZPA

Woman strips to use ATM after whistles

Some overly appreciative workmen got more than they bargained for in the Far North town of Kerikeri when the woman they wolf-whistled stripped bare to use a nearby ATM. Police Sergeant Peter Masters said the woman, an Israeli tourist, told police she didn't take kindly to wolf-whistles from workmen involved in work on the town's main street. Making the most of the balmy late-autumn day, she stripped bare to use the ATM, then put her clothes on again and calmly walked away. "We treated it as a one-off. She was taken back to the police station and spoken to and told that was inappropriate in New Zealand," Mr Masters said. He said the woman was due to leave New Zealand today.
Source:NZPA

NZ spelling whiz off to US

By Sophie Hazelhurst
A 13-year-old Hamilton boy heading to the world "Olympics of spelling" is ready for university level linguistics papers, his tutor says. Thomas North, from Hamilton Boys' High School, is the country's fourth representative at the Scripps National Spelling Bee - which in its 81st year is the longest run academic competition in the world - to be held in Washington DC next week. Thomas was named New Zealand's spelling bee champion in March, correctly spelling flotilla after a 22-round competition.

Research project to improve adult literacy

A four-year Wanganui-based research project is providing invaluable information to help improve New Zealand adult literacy standards. Massey University Associate Professor Frank Sligo, who is leading the $2 million project, said it focuses on adult literacy and employment in Wanganui and aims to create new employment opportunities through higher literacy standards. Researchers work with adult students to learn more about the success of literacy training and the effects of improved literacy on employment and personal relationships.
Source:NZPA

Harawira says sorry for calling judge a 'dickhead'

By NATHAN BEAUMONT - The Dominion Post
Maori Party MP Hone Harawira intends to visit Hawke's Bay to apologise in person to the judge he dubbed a "dickhead" for jailing a tagger and deeming his graffiti vandalism culturally offensive. Judge Tony Adeane has jailed two taggers in the past two months and has been widely acclaimed for doing so, but Mr Harawira, a Maori Party MP, said in Parliament this week that stating graffiti was culturally offensive was a "bloody joke". The Maori Party was opposing a bill in Parliament that strengthens graffiti penalties. Mr Harawira was not a fan of tagging, but thought a jail sentence was too harsh. "Look at that dickhead of a judge who sent that kid to jail for tagging because the judge thought it was culturally offensive. There was only a handful of MPs in the debating chamber when he made his remark on Tuesday, and no one called a point of order to ask for it to be withdrawn.

New breastfeeding guidelines introduced

There has been a change of advice about breastfeeding by the Ministry of Heath. It now says mothers should breastfeed for longer and hold back a little on introducing solids to the baby's diet. The Ministry of Health now recommends babies should be exclusively breast-fed to around six months of age and continue to be breast-fed until at least 12 months or beyond. The ministry also changed it recommendation about solids, instead of introducing them between four and six months. The advice now is no earlier than six months.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited

Hydro lakes 61pc of average

Hydro lake levels were below average for this time of year but the Government was not yet proposing to call for the start of a public electricity conservation campaign, Energy Minister David Parker said. National's energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee today said hydro lake levels were at 61 per cent of average, thermal generation was running at full capacity and the system had "little or no room for even minor malfunction". Mr Parker said that last week, even after the prolonged drought, more than half of New Zealand's electricity had come from renewable sources.
Source:NZPA

Heavy snow predicted in the south

A heavy snow warning has been issued for the hills of northern Southland, inland Otago and south Canterbury. MetService is expecting a cold front to move over southern districts tomorrow and reach Canterbury in the afternoon. Weather Ambassador Bob McDavitt says the heaviest snow falls will be above 700 metres with lighter falls possible down to 300 metres. It is good news for skiers, with Mr McDavitt predicting inland Otago ski fields will get a dumping of around 20cm.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Cricket-British press give NZ first test honours

New Zealand can take more heart from the first cricket test draw than their hosts, say sections of the English media. The Guardian newspaper's chief cricket correspondent, former England seamer Mike Selvey, said New Zealand claimed the first test honours at Lord's as they eye the second test starting in Manchester on Friday. "Of the two sides it is probably the visitors who can make the journey north in the better heart," he wrote. "Before the match they were certainly, and justifiably even in their own minds, regarded as underdogs. "But they scrapped superbly, have a unique batsman in McCullum, whose first-innings 97 kept them in the game, a resourceful intelligent captain and superb bowler in the man of the match, Daniel Vettori, backed by industrious, focused seamers led by the underrated Chris Martin, and a fine allrounder in Oram.
Source:NZPA

Buy Kiwi Made campaign awareness rises

Green MP Sue Bradford says public awareness of the Buy Kiwi Made campaign is now more than double what it was in July 2007. She says Ministry of Social Development research shows 43% of women always or often consider whether a product has been made in New Zealand. However, she accepts a lot of people are having a tough time financially, so are having to opt for the cheapest option, regardless of where it comes from.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Overseas voters sign up in droves

Nearly 48,000 New Zealanders living overseas are enrolled to vote in the this year's election, a 35 percent increase on 2005. Electoral Enrolment Centre national manager Murray Wicks says it is partly due to more New Zealanders moving overseas and travelling. But he says it is also because people can now easily access enrolment information online and download their voting papers.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Vietnam War VC sold at auction for $A488,000

A Victoria Cross medal from the Vietnam War has sold for $A488,000 at auction in Sydney as part of a collection of 12 medals and memorabilia. The medal was awarded to Major Peter Badcoe during the Vietnam War in 1967. He was killed in action on April 7, 1967. The ABC reports the medals were sold to an anonymous bidder described as a prominent Australian. The auctioneer said they will remain in Sydney. The same buyer also spent $A219,600 on a brass breastplate presented to an Aboriginal tribe by explorers Burke and Wills in South Australian in 1861. The breastplate, given to the Yandruwandha people of Coopers Creek, was discovered in desert sands in April 2001.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Cold snap on its way

The first real cold snap is on the way for the much of the country. The Radio Network's weather analyst Philip Duncan says a cold front will hit the South Island tomorrow and Southland, Otago and Canterbury could be in for a light dusting of snow. The snow will be followed by heavy rain, which will help to boost hydro lake levels and deliver much-needed rain for farmers. "By Sunday the whole country will be feeling the cold a south easterly flow. Day time highs might only reach 13 or 14 in Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula".
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Tui oil field operators expected to admit oil spill

An early guilty plea is expected from the operators of Taranaki's Tui oil field after 23,000 litres of oil spilled last October, coating more than 10km of coastline southwest of New Plymouth. Maritime New Zealand has charged Tui's shareholding operator Australian Worldwide Exploration, and Prosafe, which runs offshore production. Each company could be fined up to $200,000. AWE New Zealand manager Dennis Washer said an early guilty plea was likely. The operators had since focused on preventing further spills, with stricter processes for the production ship and extra training for workers on board, he told Radio New Zealand. The Tui field is producing about $7 million worth of oil a day.
NZPA

4000 NZers booked to take part in World Youth Day

Thousands of young New Zealanders will travel to Australia in July to take part in World Youth Day, presided over by Pope Benedict XVI. The first World Youth Day was held in Rome, in 1986, instigated by Pope John Paul. Since then, it has been held every two to three years, in different host cities. This year, Sydney will host an estimated 225,000 pilgrims as part of the six-day Catholic festival. More than half a million people are expected to join the closing Mass, led by Pope Benedict at Randwick Racecourse on July 20. Among those will be 4000 New Zealanders who have already booked their tickets across the Tasman.
Source:NZPA

Give furry visitors a wide berth - DOC

The Nelson Mail
The Department of Conservation is reminding people not to get too close to fur seals, following sightings of them on the Haulashore Island breakwater. DOC marine specialist Andrew Baxter said fur seals were often seen around Tasman Bay in winter as they moved from breeding colonies. While they commonly used Pepin Island as a place to ``haul out'' of the water, in recent years they had started using the mole on the harbour entrance side of Haulashore Island. Mr Baxter said people should keep away from the seals, in order to prevent the mammals harming themselves or onlookers.

NZ ranks fourth in worldwide peace index

New Zealand is the fourth most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index released by Britain's Economist Intelligence Unit. The index ranks 140 countries on factors such as military expenditure and respect for human rights. New Zealand ranked behind Iceland, Denmark and Norway. The United States was 97th, one place lower than last year when the survey began. "It is clear that small, stable and democratic countries are the most peaceful," the report said, noting that island nations also "generally fare well". The report said New Zealand lacked internal conflict and had generally good relations with neighbouring countries.
Source:NZPA

NZ natives in survey of top 10 garden birds

Only two native species – silvereyes and fantails – feature among the top 10 birds counted during New Zealand's first nationwide garden bird survey. The survey took place between July 14 and 22 last year, with housholders and other participants spending one hour watching birds in their home gardens, local parks, or school grounds. They recorded the highest number of individuals of each species seen at once in New Zealand, said organiser, ornithologist Eric Spurr. A total of 2064 valid survey forms were returned, recording 90 species. The silvereye was the species recorded in greatest numbers during the survey with an average of 10.2 per garden while the native fantail was the ninth most abundant species (0.86 per garden). The tui trailed at 11th, with the bellbird 15th and the kereru 18th.
Source:NZPA

Samoa agencies called on to do more to combat typhoid source

The World Health Organisation says Samoa authorities must do a lot more to seriously address the severity of typhoid in the country. Typhoid is caused by bacteria and is picked up through contaminated food or water, killing 600 000 people worldwide each year. The main hospital in Apia sees up to 12 suspected typhoid patients each day. A WHO representative, Kevin Palmer, says although the Ministry of Health has started to take the illness seriously, it’s not doing enough.
© RNZI 2008

Save $5,000 on nappies

A group of cloth nappy advocates say they are up to $5,000 cheaper per child than disposable nappies. The figure is based on the cost of using disposables for 3.5 years, which is the time taken for 80 percent of children to become toilet trained. The Nappy Alliance says the total cost for 20 deluxe cloth nappies and accessories is a little over a thousand dollars over that period. Spokeswoman Kate Meads says modern nappies are softer against baby's skin and last the same length of time as their predecessors per wear.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Coastal shipping plan to be announced

A Government plan to revitalise coastal shipping will be issued on Tuesday. The Government believes the amount of coastal shipping can be doubled, to account for 30% of all inter-regional freight by 2040. Transport Minister Annette King says the move is needed to take pressure off the roads, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create an environment for business to prosper.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Kangaroo cull begins

A controversial cull of 400 kangaroos at a defence site on the outskirts of the Australian capital, Canberra, has begun. Animal welfare activisits want the cull to be called off. There is no official confirmation that it has begun, but witnesses at the site say the animals were herded into pens, before disappearing behind screens. The Australian Department of Defence says the action is necessary to protect native grasslands and threatened species, as well as avoid starvation among the kangaroos.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Book of condolences for earthquake victims

A book of condolences will be opened for signing today at the Chinese Embassy in Wellington following the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province which claimed the lives of more than 35,000 people. The Chinese Government has declared three days of mourning for the victims of the magnitude 7.9 quake. Chinese Mission counselor Zhao Yanbo says the book will be open from 10 o'clock this morning. The Chinese flag is flying at half mast in China and at Chinese missions abroad.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Nine-year-old wins $30,000 boat

A nine-year-old Auckland boy was one of four New Zealand Boat Show visitors to win a $30,000 sports boat package at the annual show last weekend. The boy, from Devonport, will join the three other winners - all adults - to collect their boats in a presentation ceremony today.
Source:NZPA

Australia brews beer for man's best friend

With no age limit on drinking, a no-alcohol beer brewed especially for dogs has proved a hit for an Australian pet shop. Dog Beer, or DB, was designed by Sydney pet supplies store owner Elise Schumacher after she noticed her own dogs, named Louis and Vuitton, leaping for drops of beer. "The slogan is, 'Shout your best friend a beer'," Schumacher told Reuters. "I have drunk it. It tastes like beef and smells like beer." Schumacher, whose shop also sells liver-flavored fortune cookies for canines, said ordinary beer is bad for dogs.

Pacific migrants 'drain on economy'

By JENNY LING - The Dominion Post
Pacific Islanders' crime rates, poor education and low employment are creating an underclass and a drain on the economy, a study says. Economist Greg Clydesdale, of Massey University's management and international business department, warns that Polynesians display "significant and enduring under-achievement" - a problem immigration is making worse. However, community leaders and Pacific Island Affairs Minister Winnie Laban strongly reject the underclass claims and condemn the study as "lazy and unprofessional". Issued last week, the document says Polynesians are less productive and less likely to contribute to economic growth. They have the highest unemployment in every age group, are less likely to start businesses and have lower rates of self-employment. In 2006, 265,974 people, or 6.9 per cent of the population, identified themselves as Pacific people. The Government grants about 2300 residency permits for Samoa, Fiji, Tuvalu, Tonga and Kiribati each year.

Rabbi to open NZ's first kosher restaurant

The New York-based Chabad-Lubavitch sect of Hasidic Judaism – one of the largest Jewish movements worldwide – plans to set up a kosher restaurant in Christchurch. The Chabad's rabbi in New Zealand, Mendel Goldstein, of Wellington, told the Jewish Telegraph Agency that the restaurant will be open by the end of the year at the group's premises in Christchurch. He viewed the restaurant as a first step in building a future for New Zealand where "Jewish living is convenient and enjoyable" for travellers and the local Jewish population. The agency reported that about 20,000 Jews visit Christchurch each year, and that there is a population of about 10,000 Jews spread through New Zealand.
Source:NZPA

Firms axe another 450 jobs

By MARTA STEEMAN and HELEN MURDOCH - The Press
Hundreds of South Island jobs in the meat and seafood industries are hanging in the balance as big exporters announce lay-offs. PPCS, the country's biggest meat company, yesterday axed 136 jobs at the Burnside venison-processing and skins plant near Dunedin. In Nelson, Sealord told shocked staff it planned to shut down half-shell mussel production, cutting 320 jobs at its greenshell mussel factory. The firm said 60 permanent and 90 temporary jobs at its Nelson fish-processing plant would be available to mussel workers. Sealord chief executive Graham Stuart said a regular seven-figure loss meant the mussel factory was not sustainable. The proposed restructuring will see the factory workforce cut from 380 to 57.

$6.5m plan for faster Overlander

By HANK SCHOUTEN - The Dominion Post
The Government's rail buyback has sparked renewed interest from a consortium with plans for new trains to operate the troubled Overlander service between Wellington and Auckland. The consortium, led by the Manning Group, is asking the Government for a 50-year main trunk passenger rail concession to run new Chinese-built luxury trains to replace the Overlander service from 2011. The Overlander was nearly scrapped in 2006 but a public backlash - and renewed interest in the service - saved it. Refurbished carriages and advertising helped lift patronage 20 per cent, according to rail operator Toll.

Second thoughts on nuclear protest voyage

Servicemen from two New Zealand frigates involved in protests in 1973 against French nuclear tests in the Pacific say they might not have gone if they had known about the risk of radiation. About 80 crew members from HMNZS Otago and Canterbury took part in a reunion in Napier over the weekend. A flight sergeant on the Canterbury at the time, Ray Harrison, says he feels some satisfaction that they played a part in France stopping its testing at Mururoa atoll. But he says, at the time, few of the crew thought about the possible effect of the tests on their health. On 22 July, 1973, France detonated a nuclear device 2000 feet above Mururoa. HMNZS Otago was 21 nautical miles west of the explosion.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Mark Todd qualifies for Beijing

Equestrian Mark Todd has capped his comeback by qualifying for the Beijing Olympics. The double Olympic gold medallist finished sixth aboard his new horse Gandalph at a three-day event in Saumur in France. After eight years in retirement, Todd, 52, has now achieved the two qualifying performances for Beijing and looks set to be named next month in a five-strong New Zealand team. He now hopes Olympic selectors will give him the nod to attend a record sixth Olympics.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Sugar not responsible for weight gain

A new Otago University study has found that sugar is not responsible for obesity or weight gain. The research, headed by Dr Winsome Parnell, finds that adults and children who consumed high quantities of sugar are less likely to be overweight than those who consume small quantities of sugar. Dr Parnell says high fat diets rather than sugar makes people obese as fat is more energy-dense than sugar. She says it is an important study because it is the only one of its kind using all New Zealand data.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Nursery-rhyme tiles restored

By REBECCA PALMER - The Dominion Post
They survived earthquakes, demolition and theft attempts and were consigned to a boiler room for nearly 20 years. Now 10 historic nursery rhyme murals are back, gracing the walls of Wellington Hospital. The tiles have been used to comfort Wellington's sick children since 1912, when the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for Children opened. The hospital bought 18 murals for £800 from Royal Doulton in London. The murals, which are nearly a century old and made of Royal Doulton ceramic tiles, have been installed in a corridor that will connect the old hospital building in Newtown to the new one, due to be finished at the end of this year.

Vast new marine metropolis found near NZ

By MICHAEL FIELD - Fairfax Media
A vast new underwater colony labelled "Brittlestar City" has been found south of New Zealand by government scientists. Details of the major find have been announced by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research at a biodiversity conference in Oslo over the weekend. Millions of starfish-like creatures have been found on a peak 90 metres below the sea surface on the subsea Macquarie Range stretching 1,400km south of New Zealand. They dubbed the peak, filmed with a robot submarine in April, Brittlestar City after the five-armed creatures related to starfish, sea cucumbers, sea lilies, and sea urchins. Tens of millions live arm tip to arm tip in a swirling circumpolar current flowing over and around it at roughly four kilometers per hour.

Massive increase in women drink-drivers

New drink-driving figures have confirmed that women are fast emerging as a problem group when it comes to alcohol. Figures released last month which showed a blowout in the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions for women have now been matched by female drink-driving statistics. Otago University researcher Geoff Hall, a specialist in transport law and sentencing, said the number of women caught drink-driving had increased by a massive 1700 per cent over the past 20 years. He described the figure as "alarming" and said the Government was failing to target this rising problem group.
Source:NZPA

Worry over foreign medics

By KIM THOMAS - The Press
Some of New Zealand's top doctors have raised concerns about the quality of supervision of foreign-trained doctors. The New Zealand Council of Medical Colleges contacted Health and Disability Commissioner Ron Paterson, who has called an urgent meeting with a range of medical councils. Foreign-trained doctors wanting to get registration in New Zealand must be monitored for at least a year by senior doctors. Many senior doctors had been concerned about the issue for some time as foreign-trained doctors often failed to receive the oversight required to ensure patient safety.

Cannabis-based drugs trial wanted in NSW

The New South Wales state government wants to begin a trial to prescribe cannabis-based drugs to cancer, multiple sclerosis and AIDS patients. The state's health minister has written to the federal government to ask for support to help import the drug Sativex. It's an oral spray that delivers cannabis compounds and would be used to treat serious, or terminally ill, patients. Acting state health minister John Hatzistergos says the trial hinges on federal support. The ABC reports the Australian Medical Association has welcomed the trial.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Redundancy law changes wanted by unions

Unions want the Government to change the law on redundancy and provide minimum payments and protection to workers. A ministerial taskforce is due to report to the Government on 30 June on the issue of minimum redundancy, and restructuring issues. Council of Trade Unions economist Peter Conway says that while redundancy payments are common amongst the unionised workforce and higher paid workers, many workers have no protection. Only 22% of the workforce belong to unions.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

AIDS candlelight memorials

Special candlelight memorial services will be held across the country this evening to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. OCEANIA International Candlelight Coordinator Eamonn Smythe says HIV-AIDS continues to be a growing concern for many New Zealanders. He says tonight's services will be an opportunity for people to pay tribute to those who campaigned for HIV-AIDS awareness.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Long-haul routes may be cut

Air New Zealand is looking at the prospect of making cuts to its long-haul routes. The company says it may need to reduce the frequency of flights on some long burns by the end of the year. Air New Zealand says the global airline industry is heading for a downturn that could be worse than the slump that followed the September 11 attacks. Chief executive Rob Fyfe says high fuel prices and overcapacity amongst US airlines show the industry is heading for very difficult times. But he believes Air New Zealand is prepared, with a billion dollar cash surplus and a conservative balance sheet.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Earthrace boat arrives in San Diego in record attempt

A New Zealand bio-fuelled powerboat is now a third of the way through its second attempt to beat the round-the-world speed record. Earthrace has reached San Diego and was due to set off for its next stop, Hawaii. Skipper Pete Bethune says Earthrace was 1,115 nautical miles ahead of the world record pace, despite being delayed in the Panama Canal for three days because of industrial action. Earthrace left Spain just over two weeks ago with five people on board, aiming to beat the 10-year-old record of 74 days.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Native parakeets released on predator-free island

More than 30 red-crowned kakariki, or parakeets, have been released on Motuihe Island in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf. They are the first of their species seen there in 200 years. About 230 people travelled to the island on Saturday to witness the release of the 31 birds, in a joint programme between the Motuihe Island Trust and Department of Conservation. Hopefully the birds will stay on the predator-free island and not fly to others nearby, or to the mainland.
© 2008 Radio New Zealand

Cricket-Rain ruins third day of Test

Rain has ruined the third day of the first cricket Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's with only 8.5 overs possible. England is 89 without loss in reply to New Zealand's first innings of 277. Alastair Cook added 10 runs for his 10th test half-century compiled from 79 balls with six fours. Andrew Strauss is on 31.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Rugby-All-NZ semifinal in Super 14

The Crusaders will host the Hurricanes in an all-New Zealand semifinal in rugby's Super 14 on May 23. The top four has been found after matches overnight, with the Sharks to face the Waratahs in Sydney in the other semifinal. The Waratahs' 18-11 win over the Reds propelled them to second and the hosting rights, while the Sharks jumped ahead of the Hurricanes with a 47-25 win over the Chiefs in Durban. Last night, the table-topping Crusaders slumped to just their second defeat of the season, 26-14 to the Highlanders.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Vitamin link

Women may have a higher risk of having breast cancers spread through their bodies if they are deficient in vitamin D, a Canadian study has shown. Women who had a vitamin D deficiency when diagnosed with breast cancer were 94 per cent more likely to have their cancer metastasise and 73 per cent more likely to die within 10 years. Separately, an Auckland University researcher, Robert Scragg, has said many Kiwis get too little vitamin D, with Maori, Pacific and South Asian peoples the worst off

Humpback whales visit Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Express
A pair of humpback whales detoured into the Marlborough Sounds on Saturday on their journey toward warmer climes. The giant creatures thought to be a mother and calf frolicked a bit and chilled out for a while as a handful of boats gathered to watch. The whales would be making their way from Antartica where they feed during the summer to warmer waters off the coast of Australia and other parts of the Pacific. They were joined by several dolphins for the day.

Thousand exposed to Hep A

Thousands of people may have been exposed to the potentially fatal hepatitis A virus in Queenstown. Blood tests for a Korean waitress working at the Copthorne Hotel returned positive for the virus. She started working at the hotel on April 11. Hundreds of guests eat breakfast each morning at the hotel. Medical Officer of Health Doctor Marion Poore is urging anyone who has eaten there to be wary of possible systems including nausea and vomiting. The hotel is reassuring staff and guests the chances of their having picked up Hepatitis A are slim. The most infectious period was between April 20 and May 12. Symptoms of Hepatitis A include nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine and general
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Too much cotton-wooling

Sport and Recreation New Zealand agrees the 'cotton wooling' of children by worried parents has gone too far. SPARC says we are worrying too much about the safety of our children, and not letting them enjoy their childhood. SPARC spokeswoman Deb Hurdle says with increasing rates of diabetes and obesity, it is not doing the children any favours. She says more parents now prefer their children to sit and watch TV than get outside and play. She is concerned parents now stop their children doing things like playing sport and riding their bikes. Ms Hurdle says gone are the days when people would see falling off the jungle-gym at school as a learning experience.
Copyright 2002 - 2008. TelstraClear Ltd

Doctors urge release of 'missing data' on Herceptin

Senior New Zealand doctors are urging the parent company of drug distributor Roche to publish findings of clinical trials into the breast cancer drug Herceptin. Concerns have been raised that Herceptin may be up to a third less effective than has been claimed, because of data missing from published clinical trials. The doctors, from an advisory group to New Zealand's drug buying agency Pharmac, say it is possible the researchers are withholding unfavourable information on the drug. The group, which has published an article in the British medical journal The Lancet, says the published information is from the part of the trial where the drug was taken at the same time as chemotherapy. One of the doctors, Professor Carl Burgess says Herceptin may be one third less effective if taken sequentially. The article says the doctors noticed last year that the information was missing from peer reviewed articles and have requested it many times, without success.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

National has big lead in latest political poll

National has a 27 point lead over Labour in a Fairfax Media poll published on Saturday. The poll has National on 56% support and Labour 29%. Of the minor parties, the Greens are on 6%, New Zealand First has 5% support. The Maori Party is on 2% while Act and United Future are on 1%.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

Fears Dunedin meat processing plant faces closure

Meat processing company PPCS has called a special meeting of Dunedin staff on Monday, raising concerns it could be planning to close the Burnside plant. The plant processes venison and employs about 120 staff in peak season. PPCS announced on Tuesday it was closing its Oringi plant near Dannevirke and signalled more closures will follow, probably in the South Island. The Oringi plant employs 466 people.
Copyright © 2008 Radio New Zealand

TV shoot heads for NZ

The American producer of Hercules and Xena: Warrior Princess is back in New Zealand to produce a new swords and sorcery TV series. Rob Tapert will shoot 22 episodes of Wizard's First Rule for Disney-ABC Domestic Television and ABC Studios from next month.
©2008, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Believe your ears, the ads are louder

By Eloise Gibson
Consumer advocates are calling for tougher limits on the noise of television advertisements after tests showed they are up to 50 per cent louder than the programmes they follow. Testing commissioned by the Weekend Herald of 23 commercials showed primetime ads on TV3 were 50 per cent louder than programmes and TV One ads 20 per cent louder. Unlike Australia and Britain, New Zealand does not have a regulatory body responsible for overseeing ad sound levels or a code that limits ads to the same noise levels as programmes.

Mac's Brewery to close

Mac's Brewery in Stoke, the small beer maker which sparked a craft brewing revolution is to close at the end of May. Production will be transferred to parent company Lion Nathan's plants in Christchurch and Wellington. Lion Nathan corporate affairs director Liz Read told the Nelson Mail the Main Rd Stoke brewery was closing because it was too small to keep up with the demand for Mac's beers.
Source:NZPA

Flu vaccinations up 20 percent compared to 2007

The arrival of colder weather has seen a rush to the doctors to get flu jabs. The number of people getting vaccinated is up nearly 20 percent on last year, but the flu is also starting to bite. More than 650,000 influenza doses have already been sent to doctors - nearly 113,000 more than at the same time last year. Doctors say there has been a spike in patients reporting flu-like symptoms in Otago and Manawatu. The jab is free to elderly and those with long-term health conditions, but anyone else has to pay around $25. Up to a million people could be vaccinated if this year's current strong demand for the jab continues.
Copyright © TVWorks Limited

NZ football gear hits centre stage in FA cup final

No matter who wins the English FA Cup football final at Wembley Stadium this weekend, sports clothing manufacturer Canterbury of New Zealand will emerge a winner. Canterbury make the gear Portsmouth will wear when they do battle with Cardiff City on Sunday morning (NZT) for the prized FA Cup. Even if Portsmouth lose, the game will expose Canterbury's gear to a huge worldwide television audience, sealing a successful first foray into football by the New Zealand firm. Five international rugby sides – including world champions South Africa – wear Canterbury gear.
Source:NZPA

NZ donates $500,000 for quake victims

New Zealand will donate half a million dollars to assist victims of China's earthquake. New Zealand is giving $500,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) to assist victims of the quake. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the full scale of the disaster is rapidly emerging and it is important New Zealand does what it can to assist China to make the most effective response possible to the crisis.
Source:One News