No Lionel Richie concert

Despite the Mission Estate Winery Concert in Napier being advertised
on its website as going ahead come rain, hail, or shine, the weather
means there will be no Dancing On The Ceiling with Lionel Richie
tonight. Event director Garry Craft says after rain All
Night Long (and all day too), the venue is too dangerous, with water
levels rising in the nearby creek and mud on the grounds and at the
exit points. The event, at Taradale, has been going since
3pm, but people have been told it is over, and the big show at 8.30
with Lionel Richie is not going ahead.

Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Unite supports dismissed workers

Workers who think they have been unfairly dismissed can now rent a protest group. Actually, the service is free and is being offered by the Unite union. It comes in response to the 90-day probation law, which enables employers to let workers go without fear of reprisals. The law comes into effect tomorrow. National director Mike Treen says the union's protest group will take a six-metre rat to picket outside disgruntled employees' workplaces. The law currently covers small businesses and the Unite union is urging the Government not to extend it. Mike Treen says ultimately Unite wants the law repealed because workers have the right to be protected from an unjust dismissal.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Two killed on road as storm lashes north

Emergency services in the north of the North Island have been kept busy by a storm that's caused widespread flooding and damage to some property. The worst looks to be passing but areas further south are now bracing for the storm. The police and fire services have been kept busy with crashes on slippery roads in the bad weather, the worst of which left two women dead on State Highway 1 near Waipu when their car spun across the centre line and hit another car at the summit of the Brynderwyn Hills. The Fire Service says it's been helping with flooding, lifted roofs and felled trees in Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. Severe gales were predicted for Kapiti, Manawatu and Buller on Saturday evening, while a heavy rain warning was in place for Marlborough.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

'Stress-causing' sheepdogs banned from meatworks yards

The country's largest meat company has banned sheepdogs from its meatworks because of concerns about animal welfare and meat quality. Silver Fern Farms' chairperson Eoin Garden says the company will phase out the use of dogs in its yards in the coming year, relying instead on shepherds alone to shift the stock. Mr Garden says there's a body of evidence that undue stress on animals can affect the quality and tenderness of meat. But Federated Farmers animal welfare spokesperson Lachlan McKenzie doubts that. He says he accepts that the company has made a commercial decision but doubts whether it will have a significant impact on the sheep.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand
(This qualifies for a "Politically Correct Idiot" Award:Ed)

New Zealand's Waitakere, Amritsar declared 'sister cities'

Waitakere in New Zealand and Amritsar have been declared 'sister cities'. In an agreement signed here Friday, Punjab and New Zealand decided to promote 'cultural and knowledge exchange between the two cities'. 'Both Punjab and New Zealand are agricultural driven economies and they are premier in the area of dairy development, agriculture, animal farming and civil aviation. New Zealand is just like second home to us as thousands of Punjabis live there,' Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said on the occasion. 'There will be an exchange of students, leaders, artists, intellectuals between the two cities,' Badal added.
Indo Asian News Service

Townies learn about life on the farm

By Vaimoana Tapaleao
Townies will have the chance to find out exactly where their milk comes from tomorrow, as farms throughout the country are opened to the public. About 30 farms are taking part in the Federated Farmers Farm Day where the public - city-dwellers in particular - are invited to see how farms work. Federated Farmers Farm Day runs from 10am to 3pm tomorrow.
Details of farms participating can be found at www.farmday.org.nz

Kiwi art finds home in restored mansion

By Bernard Orsman
The $50 million art collection of prominent businessman James Wallace, a cornucopia of more than 4000 New Zealand modern works, has found a public home at the Pah Homestead in Hillsborough. "I'm fantastically excited. We have been looking for a permanent home for the collection for years," says Mr Wallace, who began collecting New Zealand art in the late 1960s. The collection will go on public display at the Pah Homestead in Monte Cecilia Park. The collection will continue to be managed by the James Wallace Arts Trust, which owns the strongest collection of a number of senior artists, such as Toss Woollaston and Philip Trusttum, and of many emerging and mid-careers artists.

Sir Ed's haven on the market

By Estelle Sarney
Sir Edmund Hillary's home of more than 50 years is for sale, and will be opened to the public for the first time at a charity open home tomorrow. Sir Edmund's daughter Sarah, who is managing the sale with her brother Peter, said the family were sad about letting go of the house "but we're resigned to it". "There are so many beneficiaries of Ed's will that it's just something that has to happen," said Sarah. "We're very grateful we have so many wonderful memories from our time here."

NZ scientists to join Americans in volcano study

New Zealand scientists are joining an American research voyage to investigate three key submarine volcanoes along the Kermadec Arc, northeast of White Island, Bay of Plenty. They will study the Rumble II West, Brothers, and Rumble III volcanoes within 400km of Tauranga, probing the activity around the their vents, and investigating the plant and animal life there. The status of such active vents is becoming increasingly important to determine as the Government considers applications to mine massive sulphide deposits of gold, zinc and copper and other minerals along the Arc.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

UK rower resumes journey towards New Zealand

NZPA / David Rowland
British rower Oliver Hicks, 27, has broken free of the East Antarctic Current eddy which has kept him going in circles in the Tasman Sea for the past three weeks, and has resumed his journey toward New Zealand. He was stopped from using New Zealand to launch his bid to become the first person to row solo around the world after maritime authorities threatened to confiscate his boat. Instead, he launched from Tasmania on January 25, and headed toward New Zealand, but from February 4 to February 21 was just going round in circles, no matter how much he rowed. Before Hicks launched, Maritime New Zealand's general manager of strategy and communications, Lindsay Sturt, said Hicks' plan posed an extreme risk to his safety and jeopardised people involved in any rescue attempt.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Historic Wigram Aerodrome closing

The historic Wigram Aerodrome at Christchurch is being permanently closed on Saturday after operating for more than 80 years. Wigram became home to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Training School in 1923, when Sir Henry Wigram gifted land to the government. The first trans-Tasman flight was completed at the aerodrome when Charles Kingsford Smith landed the Southern Cross there in 1928. Ngai Tahu Property now owns the aerodrome and plans build a $200 million residential development on the land.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Cricket-McCullum helps snatch last-ball Twenty20 win over India

Brendon McCullum hit a single off the last ball to lead New Zealand to a thrilling five-wicket win over India in the second Twenty20 international at Wellington on Friday to take the series 2-0. McCullum held his nerve in a nailbiting final over from Irfan Pathan to guide New Zealand past India's total of 149-6, finishing with an unbeaten 69. The home team finished on 150-5.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Storm bearing down on North Island

Police are warning boaties and trampers to stay home this weekend. MetService has released severe rain and wind warnings for the upper North Island, for tonight and tomorrow. A tropical low will deepen this afternoon, colliding with a large high air pressure system south of New Zealand, creating severe gales across eastern Waikato. Waikato police are asking trampers to stay at home so the lives of police and rescue teams are not put at risk. Acting inspector Freda Grace is advising those already in the bush to complete river crossings today and move to higher ground. Mrs Grace says boaties should also secure their moorings. For further updates visit: www.weatherwatch.co.nz
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

WW2 bunker held historical govt records

NZPA/Ross Setford
After more than 100 years as an unusual host to historical government records, a Central Otago bunker has been relieved of its custodial duties. The records it has kept safe for so long have been removed and transported to Archives New Zealand in Dunedin for long-term storage. The documents, including Warden's Court records from the Otago gold mining days of the 1800s, had been stored in the Letts Gully Bunker. The Warden's Court administered the gold fields from 1861 to 1973.

Two heritage landmarks recognised by Historic Places Trust

NZPA/Ross Setford
Two heritage landmarks in Central Otago have received national recognition from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Gabriel's Gully and Butler's Farm were registered with the trust to reflect their special historical and cultural heritage significance and value. Gabriel's Gully, 5km north of Lawrence, was the site of the first major gold find in Otago that led to the gold rushes of the early 1860s. Butler's Farm on State Highway 8 just outside Alexandra, was an important grouping of buildings comprising a stone farmstead and barn plus other outbuildings. The farm was established in the early 1870s and was originally involved in dairying when the industry was in its infancy.

Warehouse fined $200,000 for misleading customers

Retail chain The Warehouse has been fined almost $210,000 after pleading guilty to multiple breaches of the Fair Trading Act. The Commerce Commission says it hopes other large retailers will take notice after The Warehouse pleaded guilty in Auckland District Court on Friday to multiple breaches of the act. The charges related to The Warehouse misleading consumers about the advertised price of goods, using bait advertising, making false claims that certain products were exclusive to The Warehouse, and false labelling on some duvets.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Gain in long term migrants to NZ

There has been a gain in the number of people returning to New Zealand or arriving to live in the country permanently. Statistics New Zealand says there was a seasonally adjusted migration gain of 660 in January, compared to 270 in the previous month. On an annual basis, there has been a net gain of 4,500 people, down 5% on the previous January year.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ to sign ASEAN, Australia free trade deal

New Zealand will sign a new free trade agreement on Friday evening at a ceremony in Thailand. The agreement will set in place an ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand free trade area. The scheme involves eliminating tariffs on 99% of New Zealand exports to Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam by 2020. The deal will supplement free trade agreements already signed with other ASEAN states such as Thailand or Singapore.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Cullen to quit

By VERNON SMALL - The Dominion Post
Former finance minister Michael Cullen is expected to quit politics in the next two months. Dr Cullen has made no secret of his plans to leave Parliament this term, after stepping down as deputy Labour leader after last year's election defeat, but has so far not set a date. The former leader of the House had said he would stay to help pass on his knowledge of Parliament's procedures to his colleagues. Labour leader Phil Goff declined to comment yesterday. But party sources said Dr Cullen's departure was imminent, and would certainly be before the May 28 Budget.

Austalia appoints top spy as its man in Wellington

The Australian Government has appointed its top spy to the job of High Commissioner in Wellington. The Rudd Government has chosen the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Paul O'Sullivan, the ABC reported today. Australia had previously appointed high commissioners to New Zealand who were close to retirement. Mr O'Sullivan, 61, has headed ASIO since 2005.
NZPA

Wind farm opponents say site unsuitable

Opponents of a $500 million wind farm in southern Hawke's Bay say the proposed site is geologically unstable and full of holes like Swiss cheese. Three commissioners in Dannevirke are considering an application from Contact Energy to build a 65 turbine farm on the Puketoi Range, south-east of the town. Contact Energy considers the 3500-hectare site as almost ideal and says the project is a key component of its $2 billion investment programme in renewable electricity generation. But many families in the rural community of Waitahora, close to the proposed wind farm, say the land is full of holes and highly unstable. More than 100 people have formed the Waitahora Puketoi Guardians Incorporated Society to fight the application.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Fire engulfs Manawatu backpackers lodge

Firefighters are battling a large blaze at a backpackers lodge in Manawatu. The Fire Service was alerted to the blaze at the two-storey Woodlands Lodge near Sanson about 3pm on Thursday. It says the fire started when a gas bottle exploded inside, setting a wall alight. By the time crews arrived, flames had engulfed the building which includes accommodation facilities and a restaurant. There are no reports of anyone inside the building.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

First Wgtn school begins anti-cancer vaccine

Tawa Intermediate School has kicked off the provincial roll out of the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil in Wellington schools. All but two of the region's 150 schools are taking part in the programme which offers girls between 12 and 18 years old the choice to be immunised against four types of human papillomavirus. Tawa Intermediate's deputy principal Marian Williams says the first dose of the three stage immunisation process this week has gone smoothly.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Liquor laws review given hurry up

The Law Commission has been asked to work faster on its review of liquor laws. The commission is currently looking at laws concerning the sale and supply of alcohol, particularly the impact of the loosening of liquor regulations in the late 1980s. Justice Minister Power has asked the commission to speed up its work. He says the aim is to have a discussion paper outlining key issues and problems ready for consultation by July.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Nearly 500 pets find new home in SPCA's adopt-a-thon

NZPA/Arie Ketel
Nearly 500 cats and dogs were rehomed over Valentine's weekend during the Royal New Zealand SPCA's inaugural 'Second Chance for Love' Adopt-a-thon. Thousands of New Zealanders made their way to the 18 SPCAs around the country, and for many, it was love at first sight. SPCA national chief executive Robyn Kippenberger said the adopt-a-thon would become an annual fixture after this year's success. A website www.secondchanceforlove.co.nz invites anyone who has adopted a homeless animal to share their story and win up to a year's supply of pet food.

Public submissions welcomed on NZ’s draft human rights report

Public comment and feedback is being invited on a draft report that examines New Zealand’s human rights record. The final report will be submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council for review as part of its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Under this process UN member countries, including New Zealand, are required to submit a 20 page report on their human rights record every four years for consideration by the UN Human Rights Council.
The closing date for public submissions on the draft report is 5pm Tuesday 17 March 2009.
How to make a submission
A submission form has been provided for feedback and comments. The form can be completed online or downloaded from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at:
* On-line submission form CLICK HERE
The deadline for submissions is 5pm, Tuesday 17 March 2009.
If you wish to email or post your completed submission form please use the following addresses:
Email: UPR@mfat.govt.nz
Post:C/o- Richard Kay
United Nations and Commonwealth Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Private Bag 18-901
Wellington 5045

Another tropical storm developing

Another tropical storm is set to develop and move in from the sub-tropics. Weather analyst Philip Duncan says gales are likely as well as heavy rain and a possible drenching for remaining parched farms. He says a low is likely to deepen and move quite quickly between Friday night and noon on Sunday down through the Coromandel and across central and eastern parts of the North Island. Duncan says gales are also likely across the eastern Waikato.
Copyright © 2009, Television New Zealand Limited

Overseas tourist spending drops

International visitor spending has dropped by more than three percent. Ministry of Tourism data shows spending fell by 3.2 percent to $5.9 billion in the year ending December 2008. Research manager Bruce Bassett says it is in line with the number of international arrivals and reflects the challenging trading environment. He says while the international economic position is difficult and has clearly hit tourism, it is reassuring the impact has not been greater.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

High damage to Aust crops from heat

Fires, floods and high temperatures are proving a costly combination for farmers and growers in eastern Australia. Prices have risen and some staples are in short supply as growers in Victoria and North Queensland write off some crops entirely. The ABC reports the heat did more damage to crops and orchards than the fires. Many crops have been destroyed by high temperatures. Shortages are expected when the crops due to go to market. Orchards are also affected: stone fruit is burned and split and farmers have lost a lot of money. Floods in northern Queensland have disrupted distribution of crops, such as bananas, for weeks.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Packaging linked to drug mixups

By REBECCA PALMER - The Dominion Post
"Look-alike" drugs with similar packaging are contributing to medication mixups in hospitals, a report says. Twenty-one hospital patients fell victim to serious errors involving drugs last year, the latest report on serious and sentinel events from a ministerial advisory body shows. Quality improvement committee member Mary Seddon said New Zealand had no national organisation monitoring "look-alike, sound-alike drugs". Medical workers were also grappling with a greater range of medications, some of them "very potent". Though medication errors were "quite common", most were "mild and fleeting". Dr Seddon said district health boards were working on moves to cut medication errors, including standardised medication charts, automatic drug dispensing machines and electronic prescribing.

Travellers cheques scam reported

An internet scam using forged travellers cheques has been targetting people in Christchurch. Four people, including one who was taken in, have reported being targetted. Police say the scam begins with an email from a South African woman seeking holiday accommodation in New Zealand, and then paying by sending a large amount in travellers cheques. Senior Constable Kirk Newman says the recipient is asked to send the excess amount back via Western Union. Once the money has been wired, the person is left with bogus cheques and no cash.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Estimated value of NZ commercial fish stocks now $4 billion

The estimated value of New Zealand's commercial fisheries resource is now almost $4 billion as a declining exchange rate combined with rising world food prices, results in higher export earnings for fish products. Statistics New Zealand says this has increased the value of commercial fish stocks. Furthermore, the Government agency says the number of fish species managed under the Quotable Management System has risen from 32 in 1996 to 96 in 2008.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ extends Afghan deployment

New Zealand has extended its military commitment in Afghanistan for another year. In 2007, the previous government decided to continue the deployment of the Provincial Reconstruction Team until September this year. Prime Minister John Key says the commitment will continue until September 2010, at an estimated cost of $41 million. The team consists of 140 Defence Force personnel.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ cricket tour to Zimbabwe postponed

A cricket tour to Zimbabwe by the Black Caps in July has been postponed because of concerns about the political situation there. The tour was due to take place in July and has been delayed by a year. The decision came after discussions between the chief executives of New Zealand and Zimbabwe Cricket during an ICC conference in Johannesburg. New Zealand will now tour in June 2010.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Oysters and crabs prevail over paua and kina

Non-indigenous species like barnacles, oysters and crabs are flourishing in marine reserves at the expense of native species like paua and kina. Waatea News reports this has been shown in a year long study around Goat Island near the Leigh marine reserve, north of Auckland; Cathedral Cove off Coromandel; and the northern Gisborne coastline. Researcher Danielle Fox received a Te Tipu Putaiao Fellowship from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology towards her work.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Births, deaths and marriages records go online

A record of historic births, deaths and marriages has been made accessible from today on a website developed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). The website would be useful to genealogists and people who wanted historical birth, death and marriage information about their relatives, said Internal Affairs Minister Richard Worth. It includes details about births that occurred at least 100 years ago, stillbirths that occurred at least 50 years ago, marriages that occurred 80 years ago, and deaths that occurred at least 50 years ago or if the deceased's date of birth was at least 80 years ago. The historic data is limited so information relating to people who might still be alive can be protected, Dr Worth said. Site users can enter a family name and dates , or a registration number, to get the information and can use a credit card to order a certificate if needed.
The website can also be accessed HERE.
NZPA

"Food miles" a danger to export market

The concept of food miles is being seen as a significant threat to New Zealand's export markets. A Institute of Economic Research report has found there is an increasing focus in the UK and Europe on the distance food travels from the producer to the consumer, and a trend towards promoting and buying locally-made products. Co-author John Ballingal says research shows the widely-held belief that lower food miles equals a smaller carbon footprint is a myth. He says many New Zealand products bought in the UK still have a much smaller carbon footprint than their British equivalent.
© 2009 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Clark in New York for UN job interview

Former prime minister Helen Clark arrived in New York last night for interviews over a top United Nations (UN) posting. Miss Clark is applying for a position to head the UN Development Programme and a spokesman from her office this morning confirmed she had been shortlisted. She was due to hold talks with UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon. Prime Minister John Key has said Miss Clark's bid for the job would come with full endorsement from the Government. It is understood the UN position is being hotly contested by international candidates.
NZPA

New cultural centre planned

Ngai Tahu is planning a new $52 million cultural centre and office block in Christchurch. Waatea News reports the centre would be on the site of the former King Edward Barracks. Plans were agreed in-principle in January. However, Te Rununga o Ngai Tahu chair Mark Solomon says there's a lot of water to go under the bridge before the project gets the final approval.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

24/7 funding for ParentLine

The Government is providing more funding for PlunketLine. Health Minister Tony Ryall says PlunketLine will now offer support and advice to New Zealand parents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The extended service is being funded through a grant of $3.75 million over 15 months to the end of March next year. By that time, a review of parent information programmes will have been completed and new contracting arrangements will be in place.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ citizenship anniversary marked

A function in Parliament tonight marked the 60th anniversary of New Zealand citizenship. It was hosted by Internal Affairs Minister Richard Worth and attended by Prime Minister John Key and Governor-General Anand Satyanand. Mr Worth said that on January 1, 1949, the British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948 came into force and most people living in New Zealand on that day became New Zealand citizens. Before that they were British subjects living in New Zealand. The Act also meant that most children born in New Zealand after January 1, 1949, were automatically New Zealand citizens.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Government boost benefits, student allowances

The Government has boosted benefits and student allowances by more than 3% in line with cost of living increases. The 3.38% increase will see a single adult on the unemployment benefit get an extra $6.22 a week, taking the payment to $190.39. The Invalids Benefit will rise almost $8 to $240 a week.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Fitzsimons to stand down in June

Jeanette Fitzsimons has confirmed she will stand down as Green Party co-leader in June. The 63-year-old has been the party's co-leader since 1995. Ms Fitzsimons had been indicating for some time that she would bow out of politics before the 2011 election, to allow a younger person to take over. The Green Party has a policy that it must have a male and a female in the co-leadership roles, leaving MPs Sue Bradford and Metiria Turei the favourites to replace Ms Fitzsimons.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Cuba Street Carnival draws 150,000 people

Wellington's Cuba Street carnival attracted about 150,000 people last night, thrilling its organisers and the city council. "This has got to be right up there as an internationally recognised mardi gras," Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast told TV3. Cuba Street, Dixon Street and Courtenay Place were closed to traffic as the city partied all day, culminating in a colourful parade replete with drummers and dancers last night.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Government to delay controversial internet law

The Government has announced it will delay the introduction of a controversial new copyright law due to come into effect this week. Last week the Government was presented with a petition signed online by more than 10,000 people against Section 92A of the Copyright Act. It requires Internet Service Providers to disconnect users accused of illegally downloading copyrighted material, and opponents say people will be disconnected without evidence or court scrutiny. Prime Minister John Key says the implementation of Section 92A will now be delayed until 27 March to give the industry time to agree on a voluntary code of practice.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Heath Ledger awarded posthumous Oscar

Australian actor Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar on Sunday for his for his scene-stealing role as The Joker in the latest Batman film The Dark Knight. His family received the award for best supporting actor on behalf of Ledger, who died of an accidental overdose in New York in January 2008. "We have been truly overwhelmed by the honour and respect being bestowed upon him with this award," his mother said at the 81st Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

100 flee Yarra homes fearing more bushfires

More than 100 people have fled their homes in the Yarra Valley near Melbourne due to extreme bushfire conditions. Temperatures into the mid-30s and hot northerly winds are expected to hit Victoria on Monday afternoon, with the Yarra and Warburton valleys and Enoch Point causing the most concern for authorities. About 110 people have left their homes in the Yarra Valley and taken shelter at a relief centre.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Schools slash after-class work

By CATHERINE WOULFE - Sunday Star Times
Schools across the country are slashing homework back to the basics - while others are telling kids that cooking dinner, joining a sports team and helping in the community is far more important than spending hours on science projects. Some parents who have traditionally put great weight on the amount of homework their kids do are now telling schools they won't be enforcing it at home.
And the research is on their side. Academics say homework:
* makes no difference to primary school students' achievement, although in high school it can boost achievement;
* helps bright kids the most; for others, it is often just a reminder that they cannot do a task;
* requires good feedback from teachers and backs up what the student learnt at school.

Bonding scheme for health and education

The Government today announced voluntary bonding schemes to encourage more health professionals, teachers and veterinarians to work in hard to staff areas. Under the scheme graduates would get student cash incentives to work in understaffed areas for a three to five year period starting from 2009, with the first bulk payment in 2011 followed by two further annual payments. In the first year 100 doctors and 250 midwives and nurses were expected to be voluntarily bonded to work in areas with critical workforce shortages. Similar numbers were expected to be added yearly.
NZPA

Queensland floodwaters reach Lake Eyre

Floodwaters from Queensland are expected to reach South Australia on Monday. The ABC reports the Warburton River is now a few kilometres from Lake Eyre in the far north of South Australia. Lake Eyre is dry. The saltpan last saw water in 2004.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Leak at Te Papa (National Museum) near Monet exhibition

Te Papa has notified the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston after water dripped from a leak near an exhibition of paintings by Monet. The exhibition, Monet and the Impressionists, is on loan from the museum. It includes 27 works by Monet and others by Cezanne, Degas, Manet, Pissaro, Renoir and Sisley. Chief executive Seddon Bennington says torrential rain caused a small leak in the roof at Te Papa, but no water actually touched the paintings. He says Boston has been informed and Te Papa expects to hear from it in the next day or two.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Poll shows National has twice the support of Labour

The National Party has twice the support of the Labour Party in a poll released on Sunday. The One News Colmar Brunton has National on 56%, with Labour on 28%. The Green Party is on 6%, the Government's support partners the ACT Party and the Maori Party are on 3% each. The New Zealand First Party failed to return to Parliament but is still on 1%. Prime Minister John Key is the most preferred prime minister on 51%, with new Labour leader Phil Goff on 6%, behind former prime minister and Labour leader Helen Clark on 10.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ amateur golfer wins Johnnie Walker Classic

New Zealand teenager Danny Lee became the youngest player to win a professional European Tour event by winning the Johnnie Walker Classic on Sunday. The 18-year-old produced a superb finish to win the Perth tournament by a single stroke to enhance his reputation as one of golf's most promising young players. Lee, who burst onto the world stage by winning last year's US amateur championship, held his nerve in a dramatic finish by making birdies on four of the last six holes. By winning the Johnnie Walker Classic, Lee would have been entitled to the first prize of 235,892 euros but he does not plan to turn professional until after his first major appearance.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Fewer feel economic impact

While the recession is hurting many New Zealanders, many are beginning to feel the worst is over according to a new poll. Research New Zealand's (RNZ) February polling shows 49 percent of New Zealanders feel their financial situation is worse than the same time a year ago. But RNZ director Emanuel Kalafatelis says 32 percent feel their financial situation has not changed. Mr Kalafatelis says while the recession is clearly having an effect on New Zealanders, a trend is emerging of fewer people reporting any impact.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Queen extends condolences

Princess Anne has passed on the Queen's heartfelt condolences to the victims of the Victorian bushfires. In representing the royal family at a memorial service in Melbourne today, The Princess read out a tribute personally written by the Queen. It said Her Majesty expressed deep sympathy for those who have lost their homes. The Royal message also heaped praise on the firefighters, saying they had made extraordinary efforts. Princess Anne then paid her own respects, and said she would visit affected areas, and speak to some of those touched by the tragedy.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Wasp warning for Tongariro and Taupo

Visitors to parks and reserves in the Tongariro and Taupo area are being warned to beware of an unusually high number of wasps. A Department of Conservation spokesperson Kim Turia says an increase in German and common wasps in recent weeks has prompted a lot of calls to staff from concerned members of the public. Ms Turia says while unprovoked wasp attacks are rare, the wasps can be aggressive and their stings can cause problems for people who are allergic.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Queen Mary 2 returns to Auckland

The largest ship ever to visit New Zealand will be back in Auckland tomorrow. Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 will spend the day docked at Jellicoe Wharf as it is too large to fit into the main cruise terminal at Princes Wharf. The Queen Mary is due to dock in Auckland around 9am tomorrow and will set sail again at 10pm tomorrow night, en route to Sydney.
NZHERALD STAFF

Govt to build centre for elective surgery in Auckland

Health Minister Tony Ryall says the Government will build a new centre to provide non-urgent, or elective, surgery in Auckland. National promised before the election to build 20 new dedicated elective surgery theatres nationally, and said this would probably include a second elective surgery centre in Auckland. Mr Ryall says it will contain four operating theatres. He says it's too early to say how much the centre will cost or where it will be located, but it's expected to be open within three years.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Kiwi shoppers in scramble for eggs

y LOIS WATSON - Sunday Star Times
Eggs flying off supermarket shelves as budget-conscious Kiwis turn to low- cost meal options. Industry statistics show New Zealanders are eating a record number of eggs, with more than 80 million dozen sold in the last year. That means on average every man, woman and child is consuming around 227 eggs a year. The belief that eggs are bad for your cholesterol levels has been largely dispelled and most health and heart advisory bodies no longer set limits on the number of eggs people should eat, provided they are consumed as part of a healthy diet. This month the British Nutrition Foundation released a medical research paper extolling the virtues of eggs as a nutrient-dense food, neither high in saturated fatty acids nor in energy.

Re-think urged on Pacific church giving

A leader in the Pacific Islands community is urging people to rethink how much they donate to churches as the recession deepens. Former Cook Islands MP Fanaura Kingston says they must put their family first, and the churches must support them. She says churches must expect smaller donations.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Boy racers targetted again

Boy racers were again targetted by police in Christchurch on Saturday night. Hundreds of car enthusiasts were in the city for an annual event, the "Four and Rotary" South Island champs. The city's four avenues were clogged as cars took to the streets in a continuous circuit. At one stage, Harper Avenue, along Hagley Park, was completely closed. Police say the overall behaviour of the drivers was good. However, 300 tickets were issued, 67 vehicles were impounded for unpaid fines and 17 people were arrested for minor offences.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Common border ahead for Trans-Tasman flights

Trans-Tasman flights are reportedly to be reclassified as domestic routes, removing immigration procedures and cutting fares. The Sydney Morning Herald website said on Sunday that quarantine, security and immigration issues are to be addressed to make the route a common border. An open skies bilateral agreement is already in place between the two countries. After two years of discussions, Australian and New Zealand Customs are planning trials to clear passengers before they board flights between the countries. The trials will look at creating a clearance system similar to those used for passengers travelling from Canada into the United States and in Europe across European Union countries.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Aust Bushfires: national day of mourning

A national day of mourning is to be held in Australia on Sunday for the victims of the bushfires in Victoria. A memorial service is to be held in Melbourne at the Rod Laver Arena. Hundreds of survivors will attend. The service will be broadcast nationally on radio and television. Princess Anne will represent the royal family. Also attending will be Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The ceremony is officially known as the national day of mourning, together for Victoria. At least 209 people are known to have died in the fires on 7 February: mostly in towns and villages northeast of Melbourne. The service begins at 11am.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Asians seen by NZers as being the most discriminated group

A national survey has found that Asian people are perceived as the country's most discriminated-against group. The Discrimination chapter of the annual Race Relations Report was released in Auckland on Saturday. The Human Rights Commission says nearly three-quarters of its survey respondents believe Asians experience a "great deal" or "some" discrimination.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

All go for Starlight Symphony

Organisers of the Skycity Starlight Symphony have confirmed the big free event is on tonight at the Auckland Domain. It is being billed as a night of unforgettable music with a great line-up of performers. The evening will also include laser light shows and a fireworks display. Organisers with an eye on the weather have confirmed it is all systems go for the massive event.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Mystery as sparrows drop dead

By LEIGHTON KEITH - Taranaki Daily News
Hundreds of sparrows littered New Plymouth's main street yesterday, shocking business owners arriving at work and baffling a bird expert. The drenched birds were dropping like flies from two trees on the Hill on Devon St West after a deluge of rain. Autopsies will be done on some of the dead birds to see if foul play was involved. Some of the birds died on the footpath as people walked past on their way to work, while others huddled together in large groups attempting to keep warm. Ornithologist David Medway was baffled

University sets up South Island dairy research farm

Lincoln University expects to have the South island's first dedicated dairy research farm operating by August. The new 56-hectare farm stocked with 170 cows will be located across the road from the central university campus. University vice-chancellor Roger Field says it is the right time to develop a dairy research farm because there is a need for more dairy research and teaching in the South Island. Lincoln runs a 186-hectare commercial demonstration dairy farm at present. Soil science professor Keith Cameron says research will be carried out on the new farm which is not possible on the demonstration farm.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Australian author pardoned by Thai royal family

An Australian author jailed in Thailand for insulting the country's monarchy in a book has been granted a royal pardon. Harry Nicolaides was arrested in August in Thailand over comments made in his book Verisimilitude. He was sentenced to three years in jail last month for insulting the Thai monarchy in the 2005 book. His brother, Forde Nicolaides, says the author walked free from prison on Friday after Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej issued a royal decree. It ended a "six-month nightmare" for the family, after the author's arrest in August and subsequent conviction and jailing last month, Mr Nicolaides says. The author was expected to arrive back in Melbourne on Saturday.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Tongan King in NZ for medical checkup

NUKUALOFA, Tonga - HM King George Tupou V departed Tonga yesterday for New Zealand for a routine medical check-up, according to the Palace Office in Nuku'alofa. The Deputy Secretary of the Palace Office Suka 'Otukolo confirmed the king's departure and said a return date had not been confirmed.
Copyright © 2006 Matangi Tonga. All Rights Reserved

Kiwis not too concerned about recession

An international study has found New Zealanders are among the least concerned about the recession, but we are still cutting spending and switching brands. The study of 20 countries was carried out by research company Synovate. It shows less than a third of New Zealanders expect their personal economic situation to worsen, compared to 34 percent of Australians and 46 percent of British people.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

NZ to look at free trade with India

New Zealand and India are to launch bilateral Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Trade Minister Tim Groser said after talks with his Indian counterpart, Kamal Nath that he expected the negotiations could get under way later this year. The decision follows a joint study recently concluded by officials of the two countries.
NZPA

More older people staying in work

New Zealand's rate of superannuitants still in the workforce is now one of the highest in the developed world. Statistics New Zealand figures show 82,000 people aged over 65 worked in 2006, an increase of more than 278% over the last twenty years. By 2006, 17%, or one in six, of older New Zealanders were in the labour force. That is the second highest workforce participation rate in the OECD, behind Japan.Among the youngest superannuitants, aged between 65 and 69, 43% of men and 25% of women were working.
Principal Statistician Mansoor Khawaja says says a buoyant economy at the time, skill shortages, changes to superannuation and improved life expectancy are likely to have contributed to the increase.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Tourists pay big bucks for art deco party

Two hundred and fifty cruise ship passengers docked in Napier are doing their bit to stave off the recession, by attending an art deco party estimated to be costing $250,000. At $1000 a ticket, party goers were treated to elaborate recreations of the 1930's and 40's inside the iconic Rothmans Building. "These are very VIP customers of Crystal Cruises, we're very proud to have them in Napier," says Rothmans Building owner Ray McKimm. The event is part of the city's art deco celebrations this weekend.
source:ONE news

New Zealand stamps attract record prices

An auction of rare New Zealand stamps in New York has broken all previous records, topping $4million, thanks to philatelic fans with deep pockets. "In the field of New Zealand stamps there's never been anything like it. This is by far the finest and most valuable collection of ever formed, " says Charles Shreve of the Spink Shreve Galleries. These philatelic footnotes from our colonial past were assembled by Joseph Hackmey, a UK -based multimillionaire collector.
ONE news

US Deep Freeze airlift captain flies last sortie

The head of the United States' Deep Freeze airlift operations in Antarctica will fly his last sortie today. Lieutenant Colonel Jim McGann, who last year made the first winter landing at Antarctica with the use of night-vision goggles, will "buzz" Christchurch at low levels in a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at 6pm to mark the occasion. Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Lou Sanson said Lt Col McGann had done a five-year stint flying between the US base at Christchurch airport and Antarctica, racking up 85 flights. Lt Col McGann was the first American to be awarded a Christchurch Civic Award -- for off-duty contributions to the local community.
NZPA

BNZ offers lowest 6-month rate since the 1960s

The Bank of New Zealand has slashed its six-month home loan rate to its lowest point in 45 years. From Saturday 21 February until 6 March the bank will be offering a rate of 4.99% for that type of mortgage. Conditions include an establishment fee for new loans and a 20% deposit. The bank is partly crediting the low official cash rate for the cut. Earlier, Kiwibank cut its floating rate to 5.99%, in anticipation of the Reserve Bank cutting the benchmark rate next month.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Travel guide dedicated to the Mainland

The world's leading travel book publisher is producing a travel guide dedicated to the South Island. The Lonely Planet guide is due to be published in April and because it covers only one island, will be less bulky than an edition which covers the whole of New Zealand. Christchurch Canterbury Tourism CEO Christine Prince says the book is aimed at travellers who go only to the South Island. She says the South Island is no longer seen as a tag on destination to the North Island but a destination in its own right. She says Lonely Planet obviously believes there is a huge demand for such a publication.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Greens urge action over rise in superbug cases

A dramatic increase in the number of superbug cases needs to be addressed urgently, the Green Party says. New figures released by the party yesterday showed there had been a 150-fold increase in cases of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in the past five years, and a 43 percent increase in cases of the superbug Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Green Health spokeswoman Sue Kedgley said the huge rise in cases could be the tip of the iceberg and a nation-wide monitoring system needed to be introduced. "Current monitoring is voluntary, ad-hoc and could be seriously underestimating the extent of the problem," she said.
NZPA

Commercial fisherman loses boats to Fisheries

A Northland commercial fisherman has lost his boats, chiller truck and other gear after conviction for what the Ministry of Fisheries calls "serious offences". A judge in Kaitaia District Court fined Pedro Diaz, 53, $16,000 for eight offences against the Fisheries Act. The Kaitaia man was also ordered to forfeit two commercial fishing vessels, chiller truck and associated fishing equipment. The offences covered unrecorded catching and sale of fish between July and October 2007. "This is a positive outcome for the ministry and the officers involved but it's disappointing...that a local fisherman was... plundering the local fishery," district compliance manager Darren Edwards said today.
NZPA

NZ war dead honoured in South Africa

A memorial to members of the New Zealand 7th Contingent who lost their lives in the Battle of Langverwacht in 1902 is being re-dedicated in South Africa this week. The ceremony will take place at the original burial site near the battlefield on Sunday, 22nd February 2009, the day before the 107th anniversary of the battle. "The South African ('Boer') War of 1899-1902 was the first overseas conflict to involve New Zealand troops. "The re-dedication is a simple commemoration to remember the New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives on South African soil 107 years ago.
Source: ONE News

Parliament opens bushfire victims condolence book

A Parliamentary Condolence Book has been set up for victims of the Australian bushfires. The book is in the main foyer of Parliament Building and members of the public can sign it between 7am and 11pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. The Australian High Commission has also set up a condolence book which can be signed between 10am and noon and 2pm to 4pm until February 27.
NZPA

Heavy rain expected for most of the country

Heavy rain is expected over much of the country tomorrow (friday), with falls likely to be welcomed along the country's parched eastern coast. Rainfall was forecast to be heavy across most northern and western districts of both islands, and in the southeast of the South Island, the MetService said. A rain warning was issued for the North Island south of Waikato, for Nelson, Marlborough and Westland. Eastern Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Wairarapa and parts of Marlborough that have been very dry will get some rain, although it would not be heavy.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Chocolate bars withdrawn from NZ after fatal outbreak

NZPA/NZ Police
A United States company is recalling more food bars from New Zealand because peanuts in them were sourced from a company at the centre of a fatal salmonella outbreak. Abbott Nutrition is voluntarily recalling its ZonePerfect Chocolate Caramel Cluster bars as a precaution because peanut granules in the bars were from the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). The bars were sold at retailers throughout New Zealand, and were being removed from store shelves.

Australian tomato growers hope to get access to NZ market

NZPA/Ross Setford
Tomato growers in Queensland say they are looking at tightening their quarantine practices in a bid to regain access to the New Zealand market. New Zealand biosecurity officials suspended imports of Australian tomatoes in December, following reports that samples of the product had apparently not been treated with a chemical to kill fruit fly. Andrew Philip, a southeast Queensland grower, told the ABC that farm audits were being finalised and a proposal being put to New Zealand authorities. About 8 percent of the tomatoes consumed in New Zealand come from Australia, generally during winter and early spring. In 2007 more than 3000 tonnes of Queensland tomatoes worth A$9 million (NZ$11.4m) were imported. New Zealand exports about 4000 tonnes of tomatoes to Australia (worth about $5m), the Pacific Islands and Japan.

NZ company farming in Uruguay posts big loss

New Zealand Farming Systems Uruguay has posted a loss of $8.9 million due to lower milk prices and the worst drought in Uruguay in 30 years. Revenue rose 147% to $US8 million. The company says its operations have not reached the size needed to break even, while cash flow has been affected by lower milk prices and by reduced production and higher feed costs due to the drought. New Zealand Farming Systems Uruguay raised $US16 million from Uruguayan banks and will need more debt to develop its existing landholding. It says no performance fee will be paid for this period.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Massive quake at Kermadecs

By KIM RUSCOE - Stuff.co.nz
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the remote Kermadec Islands, 100km north of New Zealand on Thursday, the United States Geological Survey reported. The quake, located 304km northeast of Raoul Island in the Kermadec Island chain, struck at 10.53am at a depth of 36km, the USGS said on its website. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said the quake posed no destructive tsunami threat, but cautioned that earthquakes of this size sometimes generate destructive waves within 100 km of the epicentre.

Rugby-Racial ruling could stop Maori team playing the 'Boks

A proposed match New Zealand Maori and South Africa later this year may not take place due to a racial ruling. The NZRU had made inquiries that a Maori team would play the Springboks, possibly in Soweto, ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour there. But South Africa Rugby says there are several obstacles to overcome with the main stumbling block being the President's Council resolution forbidding the appearance of SARU teams against opponents selected along racial lines. New Zealand Maori last toured South Africa in 1994, playing four matches against Vaal Triangle, Free State, Griqualand West and Eastern Province. It has been suggested that the Maori team could be called a cultural side to get around the race rule.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Scholarship results on NZQA website

Scholarship results for last year's secondary school students are now available on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority's website. Of almost 9,000 candidates who sat examinations, more than 2,000 have won scholarship and will receive amounts ranging from $500 to $30,000 for the top awards. English was the subject to attract the most scholarships, with 460, while music attracted only 33 and technology 32.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Australia begins Pacific seasonal worker scheme

The first group of Pacific Islanders working in Australia's pilot seasonal workers scheme are set to arrive next week to pick fruit in orchards in Victoria. The scheme has been set up along similar lines to New Zealand's recognised seasonal employer scheme introduced in 2007. It aims to tackle Australia's long-running shortage of horticultural workers and help ailing Pacific Island economies. The trial scheme will bring 2,500 workers from Tonga, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea to Australia on temporary work visas to do seasonal agricultural work such as fruit picking.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ wins world debating champs

The New Zealand team has won the World Schools' Debating Championship in Athens, Greece, after a convincing victory over England. The team beat England by a 6-1 margin, proposing the motion "That all illegal immigrants should receive amnesty". On the way to this morning's final, New Zealand defeated Singapore, Scotland, Canada, Wales, Peru, the Netherlands, Chile, Bangladesh, and Germany. The win over England was particularly satisfying as New Zealand suffered a heartbreaking 4-5 decision loss to their English counterparts in last year's final. The team was made up of captain Maria English, Holly Jenkins, Jennifer Savage, Tom Chen and Ben Kornfeld.
NZPA

Study focuses on Maori, Pacific, Asian population

A new long-term study is hoping to shed light on the issues facing children growing up in New Zealand, especially Maori, Pacific Islanders and Asians. The 'Growing Up in New Zealand' survey starts in Auckland and Waikato this month and hopes to follow 7,800 children from the womb to adulthood. Those involved in the University of Auckland longitudinal study will be screened every year for at least the first two decades of their life. It will document many aspects of their lives including their health and cultural and educational behaviour. Research director Dr Susan Morton says the data is expected to help Government agencies formulate policies.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

New Zealanders stuck on board grounded ship in Antarctic

Three New Zealanders are among more than 100 people aboard a Bahamas-flagged cruise ship which has run aground in Antarctica. The 73-metre long Danish-built and crewed Ocean Nova is stuck near the McClary Glacier, in sight of an Argentine research base. A Spanish oceanographic ship, a transport ship and an Argentinean plane have been sent to lend assistance if required. The New Zealanders booked through a company called Quark Expeditions. Its president, Patrick Shaw, says no-one on board the ship is injured.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Report on Maori education highlights complacency

A report on Maori education highlights complacency with learning the language, the Maori Language Commission says. The annual report on Maori Education found a decrease in Maori education enrolments and found complacency overall with te reo Maori, Maori Language Commission chief executive Huhana Rokx said. Passing the language down through the generations was critical for regeneration, and Maori language schools played a pivotal role in making this happen within Maori homes. However, only 15.8 percent of Maori were in Maori language schools, Ms Rokx said. "The situation for the Maori language is still dire. While it can be said that the decline in the language has been halted, there remains a need to grow the native and highly proficient speaking population."
NZPA

NZers living longer - Study

New Zealanders are living longer than thanks to better health care, according to a new study. The Health Ministry study found Kiwis were living six years longer than 25 years ago, with two of the extra years due to improved health services. Better health care for some diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers had helped boost New Zealanders' average life expectancy, the ministry's deputy director of public health Fran McGrath said. "This study shows that getting the health care you need when you need it is critical. "For most people, that means in the first instance care from your GP, practice nurse and the services they co-ordinate."
NZPA

Man in surgery after being savaged by "large cat"

NZPA/Andrew Labett
A man is undergoing surgery after he was savaged by a "large cat" at Whangarei's Zion Wildlife Gardens today. Whangarei Hospital emergency department clinical director Scott Cameron said a man was currently undergoing surgery after being bitten on the knee by the animal. "He has been admitted to the hospital, his condition is stable and he is presently in theatre." The man was admitted to the hospital this afternoon. It is the second attack at the park this year. A Scottish teenager was left scarred for life, while she was working at the park in April, when Timba, an African white lion, sunk his teeth into both her hands.

Stormy weather on the way

By PAUL GORMAN - The Press
Tropical Cyclone Innis is heading for New Zealand, with weather forecasters warning of heavy rain and strong winds in many places on Friday and over the weekend. The low pressure system was upgraded to a category one tropical cyclone last night and is now off the Queensland coast heading south. The tropical cyclone is expected to decay into a deep depression as it nears central New Zealand on Friday but MetService is warning it will still be intense enough to bring heavy rain and wind for most. Heavy rain is expected across the western and central North Island, as well as the Tararua range, ranges of Nelson, Buller, Westland and northern Fiordland on Friday.

Specialists will be in demand

A recruitment agency says that although there is little work in financial services, construction and property, there are skills shortages in other areas. Jason Walker from Hays Recruitment says jobs that help companies tighten their belts, such as auditors, underwriters and employment relations specialists, are in demand. Infrastructure projects starting over the next year will create a demand for engineers, renewable energy specialists, power and mining staff. "What's happening is that the demand is slightly skewed in favour of the highly skilled specialist rather than semi and unskilled."
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Budget Day May 28

The Government has announced the date for this year's Budget. Finance Minister Bill English says Budget Day will be May 28, where the Government will outline full details of its future spending plans and economic agenda.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

NZ birth rate at 18-year high

New Zealand's birth rate reached its highest level in 18 years. Statistics New Zealand figures released today showed the birth rate reached 2.2 births per woman in the December 2008 year, the highest birth rate since 1990. Women gave birth to 64,340 babies in 2008, up from 2007's number by 300. There were 33,100 boys born and 31,240 girls. Births exceeded deaths by 35,160 last year, down 370 from 2007, SNZ acting government statistician, Dallas Welch said.
NZPA

Chinese and NZ film officials plan $20m co-production

Chinese and New Zealand film officials are this week discussing five potential co-productions, including a $20 million film possibly featuring two Chinese superstars. A Kung Fu Western Love Story was the most expensive of the projects discussed by Chinese film and Government officials and Waitakere City Council in Auckland yesterday. It could star martial arts superstar Jet Li and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon star Zhang Ziyi, the New Zealand Herald reported. "We think it would be fantastic to have two of China's greatest stars, Jet Li and Zhang Ziyi, to kickstart New Zealand's co-production venture with China," Pacific Culture and Arts Exchange chairman Jim He said.
NZPA

Aust Bushfire toll reaches 200

Victoria's bushfire death toll has reached 200, with the confirmation of 11 more deaths by police in areas surrounding the township of Kinglake. The hardest-hit community from the devastating fires is Strathewen, on Melbourne's northeastern fringe, where 42 people out of about 200 residents are confirmed dead. The number of dead confirmed at Kinglake is 37, four more than on Monday. The Kinglake area, covering a vast section of Victoria's central highlands, now accounts for 139 of the 200 deaths. The toll at Marysville, which stands at 39, is expected to rise sharply as the search for the remains of missing people continues.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Corrections blasted over handling of parole

The Corrections Department has been given a blasting by the Auditor-General over its handling of offenders on parole. A report has been released today showing the department is not following its own requirements and is putting public safety at risk. The investigation into the way offenders on parole are dealt with has looked at how the department handled 100 case files, 52 of which were for high-risk offenders. It has found several cases where Corrections was not managing offenders adequately, while most cases showed they did not follow their own requirements. Corrections Minister Judith Collins says she supports all the recommendations in the report.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Travellers snap up $1 Jetstar tickets

Travellers snapped up 20,000 promotional $1 seats on Tuesday afternoon as Qantas announced it is to pull out of flying within New Zealand, leaving its low-cost offshoot Jetstar to take over domestic routes from 9 June. Jetstar will use Airbus A320s, a larger aircraft, increasing the number of domestic seats available each week from 20,000 to 29,000. Jetstar chief executive Bruce Buchanan says he is confident the company will be able to fill the extra seats. Jetstar will continue to fly Qantas routes between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, but it will drop services to Rotorua. Jetstar already flies between Christchurch and Australia and will add flights between Auckland and Australia in April.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Lovesick octopus Sid swims free

An amorous octopus has been released from Dunedin's Portobello Aquarium to sow his wild oats at sea. The octopus, known as "Sid", who was a star attraction of the aquarium, was freed after trying to escape several times. He was once caught heading for the door after hiding out in a drain, said Tessa Mills, manager at the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre yesterday. He vanished from his tank late last year, and was missing for five days. He escaped again twice last month, using a drain to seawater tanks outside the aquarium. "They can be very intelligent, and once they have worked out that there is an escape route, it is difficult to stop them," Ms Mills said. An octopus could squeeze through any tiny gap larger than its eye, and could be as intelligent as a puppy. It was likely he was driven by a strong mating instinct, she said. Aquarium spokesman Peter Bell said: "We expect him to be enjoying life immensely swimming around the harbour and meeting up for a few liaisons with some female octopus out there."
NZPA

Pilot training school looking to grow

A pilot training school in Christchurch says it's shrugged off the economic downturn so far. The Aviation Academy of New Zealand trains 120 pilots per year drawn from New Zealand and overseas. It employs 50 people, owns 37 aircraft and is one of the largest flight training businesses in the country, with a turnover of $7 million per year. It recently bought four new aircraft for almost $2 million and is planning to upgrade more of its fleet. Chief executive Chris English says the school is looking to grow and has been recruiting in India and Japan - two of its largest markets.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Bishop going on 40 day walk around diocese

The Anglican Bishop of Nelson will leave the steps of Nelson Cathedral at 7.30am on Tuesday on a 40 day walk around his diocese. Bishop Richard Ellena is making the trip as part of celebrations to mark 150 years since the arrival of the city's first bishop. He will cover 1000km from Nelson to Golden Bay, across to the West Coast and back. He will return to Nelson via the East Coast. The bishop admits to some trepidation, but wants to be back by 28 March.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Wine glut ahead in Marlborough

Wine producers in Marlborough are considering tipping out wine to make room in their tanks for the next vintage. Some producers in New Zealand's biggest grape growing region, still have millions of litres of wine from last year, with this year's harvest due to start next month. Plantings in Marlborough have trebled in the past decade to to more than 16,000 hectares. The grape crop in 2008 was a record: 40% - 50% more wine was produced last year than the year before. That left Marlborough tanks filled to the brim, mainly with sauvignon blanc. Producers are now wondering how to find room for the new harvest which will be in full swing by April.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Boot camps for young offenders don't work - Labour

The Labour Party says military style boot camps will not help to reduce offending by young people. Legislation introducing a range of youth justice reforms will be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday. It will extend the Youth Court's jurisdiction to 12 and 13 year olds accused of serious crimes. So-called 'activity camps' will be set up to, initially, target 40 of the most serious young offenders. Labour leader Phil Goff says military style camps don't work and only produce what he calls "faster, fitter" criminals. Mr Goff says Labour abolished a corrective training scheme in 2000 because the reoffending rate was 94%.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ Govt may stop cricket team going to Zimbabwe

Prime Minister John Key has signalled the Government may act to prevent the New Zealand cricket team touring Zimbabwe later this year. The Black Caps are due to play there in July. Mr Key says he would consider taking action to stop this year's tour, as New Zealand does not support the Mugabe regime. New Zealand Cricket says it would face heavy financial penalties if it cancelled the tour without Government intervention.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Rugby-Springboks keen to play NZ Maori in Soweto

By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - RugbyHeaven
The New Zealand Maori team could be about to get a lifeline from South Africa with Springboks coach Peter de Villiers keen to play them in Soweto as a warm-up match for the test series against the British & Irish Lions. The Maori side were controversially omitted from the 2009 season when the New Zealand Rugby Union decided to replace them in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup with the Junior All Blacks. That caused an outcry and left the Maori side contemplating their future. But it appears that if the funds can be found in these difficult times - and approval granted by the NZRU of course - the New Zealand Maori side could be winging their way to South Africa in June.

Private schools look to integrate with state system

Wanganui Collegiate School, one of the oldest and most exclusive private schools in New Zealand, is considering opting into the state system. Headmaster Tim Wilbur says says the school has written to the Government to look at whether state integration is now the right option. He says parents are likely to see fees of up to $25,000 per year, as a luxury item in an uncertain financial climate. Radio New Zealand's education correspondent says Wanganui Collegiate is one of a number of private schools looking at integration as tough times hit, pushing fees out of the reach of many parents.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Post paid envelopes help aid organisation

New Zealand Post is providing $20,000 of postage paid envelopes to the Red Cross. The aid organisation will use them to send receipts to the thousands of New Zealanders who are making donations to help the victims of Victoria's bush fires. Donors can then claim a tax deduction for the donation.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Beds too big for new Wellington hospital

By REBECCA PALMER - The Dominion Post
Builders have been forced to widen doorways in Wellington's new state-of-the-art hospital after officials discovered new beds were too big to squeeze into some rooms. The beds were chosen to give patients more leg-room. But workers moving them into the new regional hospital building last week found that, although a single bed sailed through the doors with no problems, it was too hard manoeuvring a second bed into rooms designed for two patients. Builders are now enlarging the door frames in 28 two-patient rooms throughout the new hospital in Newtown, which is due to open formally next month the centrepiece of Capital and Coast District Health Board's $346 million redevelopment.

Tongan women lobby for 30% representation in Parliament

Tongan women lobbying for a greater voice in Parliament want a quota of 30 percent political representation. A group of more than 50 women has begun a concerted campaign to gather support for a quota under the new system of government being developed for 2010. Only five women have entered the Tongan Parliament in the last thirty-five years.
Copyright © 2009 RNZI.

$500 million windfarm hearing begins

A hearing began in Dannevirke on Monday for a $500 million windfarm in southern Hawke's Bay. Contact Energy is applying for consent for 65 turbines at Waitahora Farm. About 400 submissions have been made for three independent commissioners to consider. Contact Energy lawyer Paul Beverley told the hearing the site on the Puketoi Range, south east of Dannevirke, has an outstanding wind resource and is an ideal location.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Credit privacy code may be changed

Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff says a review is under way to decide whether credit companies in New Zealand will get greater access to people's financial details. A reference group is considering whether the Credit Reporting Privacy Code - introduced in 2006 - should be changed. Ms Shroff says New Zealand has a "negative" reporting system, whereby credit companies know mainly negative information such as whether someone has defaulted on a loan. But credit reporting agencies are pushing for a "positive" system that would provide more information, including credit card balances and which institutions people had borrowed from.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Arson confirmed at skifield fires

Police have confirmed that arson caused the fires at Whakapapa skifield on Mount Ruapehu skifield. Two buildings at Whakapapa were destroyed and a third damaged in the fires early on Saturday. The damage bill is $5 million. Police said on Monday the fire was lit in three separate places and that traces of an accelerant have been found.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Staff cuts ordered in public service?

The opposition says some Government departments have been told to shed up to half their staff in coming months. The Government is in the process of cutting spending at ministries and departments, as it seeks to put a cap on growth within the public service. Labour state services spokesman Grant Robinson says the Tertiary Education Commission has been told to slash staff by 50 percent, while the Ministry of Social Development will have to cut its workforce by ten percent.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Call for government to ban shop cigarette advertising

The Government should ban cigarette advertising in shops to prove it is serious about reducing youth smoking, the Smokefree Coalition says. Exposure to tobacco advertising increased the likelihood a child would start to smoke, coalition director Mark Peck said today. "The Government has until the end of February to respond to a health select committee recommendation that the display on these deadly products be banned at retail outlets. "For a country that has led the world in tobacco control, it's become an embarrassment that New Zealand still allows cigarettes to be advertised in such a blatant fashion to our most vulnerable citizens."
NZPA

Boot camp for 40 worst young offenders

By TRACY WATKINS - The Dominion Post
The Government has unveiled legislation to deal with the 1000 worst youth offenders through tougher sentences and boot-camp style punishment. The legislation was a key promise by National on the campaign trail. The military-style camp programme would target the 40 most serious young offenders and consist of up to three months' residential training, using army type facilities or training methods. It would be followed by up to nine months of intensive support, Ms Bennett said. "There is a small core of young people who have exhausted all of their options under the current system, or who are guilty of extremely violent crime. The impact of these 1000 offenders on their victims can be far reaching. We need to take action now to help them avoid a bleak future."

Killer flu could hit NZ this winter

Health authorities are warning New Zealand could be hit this winter by a virulent "Brisbane strain" of flu which killed six children in Australia last year. Furthermore, New Zealanders could prove more vulnerable to the virus this year due to low immunisation rates and several mild flu seasons. Virologist Lance Jennings told the New Zealand Doctor magazine the country was due for a serious influenza season after a lull lasting several years. The last serious season - in 2005 - saw three children die from an influenza "B" strain. National Influenza Strategy Group chair Anne-Marie Frost said this year's vaccine included three strains.
NZPA

Ramos-Horta wants forces to stay in East Timor

East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta hopes New Zealand will maintain a peacekeeping presence in his country until at least the end of next year. Mr Ramos-Horta is in Wellington on a two-day visit. New Zealand has contributed soldiers and police to an international mission in East Timor since 1999. Mr Ramos-Horta says the country is peaceful at the moment, but its institutions are fragile. He says a continued presence is necessary and it would be unwise for New Zealand or Australia to pull out early.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Australia-Three more bushfire bodies found

Police have confirmed that more bodies have been found in the carnage of Victoria's bushfires in the past three days, despite the death toll not having been updated since Thursday. They say the conditions faced by victim identification teams are "very difficult" and it is important to be accurate before updating the toll. The official death toll stands at 181. Fire crews are trying to stop bushfires spreading further into Melbourne's water catchments. They have been working on back-burning and strengthening control lines in the water catchment areas. Melbourne's water supplies may be affected for decades as a result of the bushfires. A 39-year-old man has appeared in court in Melbourne charged over a bushfire at Churchill that killed 21 people burned more than 30,000 hectares. Brendan Sokaluk, 39, was remanded in custody to appear at a committal mention on May 25.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ into knockout phase at world debating champs

New Zealand sits in third place after the preliminary rounds of the World Schools' Debating Championships in Athens, Greece. After winning their first eight preliminary debates, the team now moves into the knockout phase of the competition. It is drawn to debate 14th ranked Wales tonight New Zealand time. If New Zealand wins against Wales they go on to debate either Canada or Ireland in the quarterfinals tomorrow. New Zealand Schools Debating Council spokesman Christopher Bishop said it was the second world champs in a row in which New Zealand had won all their preliminary debates.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Better pastoral support expected for Tongan workers under new Australian labour scheme

Tonga’s Prime Minister says the new Australian Government seasonal work scheme will provide improved pastoral support for the workers. The first 50 Tongan workers taking part in the scheme left today for Victoria’s Swanhill region where they will work for up to seven months. Dr Feleti Sevele says the causes of the difficulties encountered with Tongans who joined a similar New Zealand scheme have been addressed. He says Tonga has worked with the Australian authorities to design a scheme that ensures Tongan workers’ interests are taken into account. The project will see about 2-thousand people from Tonga, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu employed in Australia in its first year.
© Radio New Zealand International

Sunshine title dispute not yet resolved

A dispute over whether Whakatane or Blenheim was the sunniest town in New Zealand last year is not yet resolved. Whakatane claimed the title with 2703 hours. Incumbent champion Blenheim had 2505 hours. However, NIWA says there are questions about the accuracy of Whakatane's measuring equipment. To settle the debate, the agency has installed a measuring device the same as Blenheim's to cross-check accuracy. A result should be known next month.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Hunger-striking Iranian overstayer allowed to stay

An Iranian overstayer who went on a hunger strike to highlight his quest for refugee status has been allowed to stay in New Zealand. Ali Panah had argued that his life would be at risk if he returned to Iran because he has converted to Christianity. He was granted refugee status on Monday after his third appeal. His hunger strike while in Mount Eden prison in 2007 generated widespread publicity. The Refugee Status Appeals Authority found that publicity put him at greater risk if he were to be returned to Iran. Mr Panah says he is very happy at the decision and is looking forward to his new life in New Zealand.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Competition hots up in the skies

For the first time ever New Zealand could see four airlines competing for the domestic travel dollar. Qantas-owned Jetstar is believed to be poised to enter the market, a move that would spark an all-out price war. Business correspondent Roger Kerr says if Air New Zealand, Qantas, Pacific Blue and now Jetstar are fighting for passengers it is good news for travellers. He says Jetstar is likely to pick up off-peak main trunk services that its parent company abandoned.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Marlin bites back

A fisherman has been airlifted to hospital after a marlin punctured his leg in the Bay of Islands. Emergency services received a call yesterday afternoon from a charter vessel off Urupukapuka Island. St John Ambulance Northern Operations Manager Tony Devanney says the group had been tagging and releasing marlin when the bill of one punctured the man's calf muscle. He received first aid from those on board and was taken to Whangarei Hospital in a stable condition.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Credit agencies want access to more personal data

NZPA/Ross Setford
Credit companies could gain greater access to the financial details of people wanting to borrow money under a proposal being investigated by privacy watchdogs. The proposal would see credit companies able to find out whether previous credit applications had been approved, what they were for, who lent the money, what the credit limit was, and whether the account was still open. Currently they can only investigate how many times an individual has applied for credit and any negative details, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Free breakfast on Go by Bike Day on Wednesday

Cyclists in many centres will get a free breakfast on Wednesday as part of an initiative to get people out of their cars and moving. New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Andy Knackstedt said the day was the focal point of Bike Wise Month and, as an incentive, breakfast would be offered in more than 50 centres nationwide. "... most events include other activities ranging from music performances to face-painting and free bike checks. Anyone turning up on a bike can enjoy the free food and fun," Mr Knackstedt said. "Go by Bike Day is all about encouraging kiwis to ride a bike to work, school, the shops or wherever they are going instead of taking a car." Details of where and when Go by Bike Day breakfasts were being held could be found at www.bikewise.co.nz/Site/events
NZPA

New air service for Masterton

The first commercial flight out of Masterton in almost 10 years departed at 7.05am on Monday. An Air New Zealand subsidiary, Eagle Air, is beginning a services on six days a week to Auckland. Hood aerodrome has undergone a $1.2 million upgrade. The new route starts at a time when Air New Zealand is scaling back operations in some other centres. Eagle Air says there is demand for the service and the indications are that it will be well supported.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

US boost for Australian bushfire funds

Australians and Americans have come together in Los Angeles and New York to raise more than $100,000 for victims of the Victorian bushfires. Organisers in both cities say they are astounded by the turnout. A minute's silence was held at the New York event, and the US and Australian national anthems were played. Nine fires are still burning across Victoria. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced that each bushfire-affected family will get a $10,000 payment from public donations. That will account for some $30 million of the $90 million already donated to Red Cross.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Biodiesel company pushes ahead with expansion plans

Biodiesel New Zealand is to push ahead with plans to increase capacity fourfold at its existing Christchurch facility, to four million litres a year. But the Solid Energy owned company says in recognition of economic conditions, it's reviewing the scale of its future plans, which had been to increase to 15 million litres a year. Solid Energy says the biodiesel market is continuing to expand, but it's taking a prudent approach to its business model, in light of the falling price of fuel.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Boer War memorial to NZers to be rededicated

NZPA / Wayne Drought
A rarely acknowledged war memorial commemorating the first major loss of New Zealand lives in overseas conflict will this week be hauled into the limelight. More than a century after the bloody Boer War battle at Langverwacht in South Africa, the New Zealand war memorial there is to have a rededication ceremony. On February 22, senior officials from New Zealand and South Africa will pay tribute to the 23 New Zealanders who died at Lengverwacht in February 1902. The Langverwacht Memorial is just over an hour's drive south of Johannesburg, marking where soldiers of the Mounted Rifles 7th Contingent died in one of the bloodiest battles of a bitter war. A further 40 men of the 80-strong contingent were injured, illustrating the ferocity of the fighting, much of which was hand-to-hand combat.

Price freeze for some power users

Power consumers at the top of the South Island are getting a break on one household expense. Nelson Electricity, which supplies power to almost 9,000 customers, has announced it will not be increasing lines charges this year. Network Tasman and Marlborough Lines have also said they are keeping their rates at the same level as last year. Nelson Electricity's General Manager Phil Goodall says the company felt it was appropriate, given the current economic climate. He says consumers will benefit, provided power retailers also hold their rates.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Will Rudd call early election?

There is speculation that Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will call an early election, sending Australians to the polls as soon as September. The passage of his economic stimulus package has fuelled rumours on both sides of politics. The Australian Government must make a decision to go to the polls sooner rather than later, before the stimulus package has had time to take effect. The risk would be having an election at a time of bad news on jobs and the economy.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Houses becoming more affordable

NZPA/Ross Setford
Housing affordability has reached a five-year high, according to a survey. Housing affordability improved to its best level in five years in January because of a fall in house prices and sharp reductions in mortgage interest costs, a monthly survey by interest.co.nz found. The website's editor Bernard Hickey said it was predicting housing would be affordable again for most New Zealanders by the end of 2009. "All of the trends are converging to make housing much more affordable for both families and single income home buyers. "House prices are sliding, interest rates have fallen fast, taxes are set to be cut again and incomes are rising, even if much more slowly," Mr Hickey said.

Fonterra stockpiles milk powder

Giant NZ dairy products company Fonterra is stockpiling milk solids, as a global economic downturn keeps the pressure on dairy prices. The United States government is stockpiling milk powder in limestone caves, but Fonterra says it has different reasons for what it's doing. A spokesperson says the US is waiting for a rise in dairy commodity prices but "it's business as usual" for Fonterra. A large commercial property firm contracted to find warehouse space for Fonterra says the company has leased 43,000 square metres of warehouse space, mostly in South Auckland.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Crime and safety survey

More than 5000 people are to be interviewed in a triennial survey on crime and safety. Justice Minister Simon Power says the last Crime and Safety Survey in 2006 showed that only one third of offences were reported to police. He says the survey provides information about crimes that have not been reported and helps to identify those most at risk of becoming victims of crime. A report on the findings should be available by mid-2010.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Streets closed for annual fun run

Some streets in Wellington are closed on Sunday morning for an annual fun run. Police advise motorists to avoid the waterfront route between Jervois Quay and Evans Bay while the "Round the Bays" event takes place.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Cause of skifield fires sought

Investigations will begin on Sunday to determine how two fires started at the Whakapapa skifield on Mount Ruapehu. The remote Knoll Ridge chalet and a nearby workshop housing snowmobiles were destroyed by the blazes which were first reported at about 1am on Saturday. Police say investigators will try to determine whether they're dealing with arson, electrical faults or something else. Meanwhile, the company which operates the Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, now estimates the damage bill will be more than $5 million.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Wind powers polar base

The only polar base operating entirely on renewable energy will be officially inaugurated in Antarctica tomorrow. The Princess Elisabeth Station will be the first to rely on wind turbines rather than diesel generators for power. Proven Energy, a Scottish based manufacturer, designed the generators to work in extreme environments. Eight turbines will run in average winds of about 80 kilometres an hour, with gusts of over 300 kilometres an hour and subzero temperatures. Despite the cold, the turbines will be expected to provide 230 volt electricity for the station's heating, computers, lights and scientific instruments.
Copyright 2002 - 2009, TelstraClear Ltd

Tricky repair job amid floods and crocs

A remote town in north Queensland needs fresh water. But flooding and crocodiles prevent the repair of a broken water main for the people of Karumba. The pipeline from Normanton has burst and fresh water will run out in as little as three days. The pipeline is two metres under water and can't be fixed until the floodwaters in the Gulf of Carpentaria drop, which is not likely until next month. A portable water treatment plant is being flown in. Carpentaria Shire Council chief executive Mark Kelleher said the plant should be installed over the weekend.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ First deputy leader resigns

New Zealand First deputy leader Peter Brown has resigned, saying he no longer has the drive required to help revitalise the party. The party is discussing its future after it failed to retain any seats in Parliament at the last election. Mr Brown submitted his resignation at a meeting in Auckland on Saturday, but said he intends to remain a party member. Mr Brown said he was disappointed and disillusioned after the election defeat. He says Winston Peters should stay on as leader.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Coast to coast event underway

The 26th annual Coast to Coast race across the South Island is underway from Kumara beach to Sumner. The event began at 6am on Saturday. Competitors will cover 243km of terrain on foot, by cycle and by kayak as they traverse the South Island. The first arrivals are expected at Sumner beach shortly before 5pm on Saturday.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

Media numbers watched

The Government has a smaller number of media staff than the previous Labour Government. Information obtained by Radio New Zealand under the Official Information Act show the current Government employs 14 fewer media staff than Labour. Prime Minister John Key has five media staff, compared with Helen Clark who had 11. However, National is paying more. Three media staff working for Labour were paid more than $120,000 per year. Ten of the current Government's top media people are paid that amount.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand

NZ Red Cross Bushfire Fund Continues To Grow

Financial support from the New Zealand public for the victims of the Victorian bushfires continues to pour into New Zealand Red Cross. Since the appeal was launched on Monday, New Zealand Red Cross has received over $769,000 from public donations and when added to the $500,000 contribution from the New Zealand Government, the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund now totals over $1.2 million. 100 percent of donations go directly to the fund with no deductions for costs associated with administration, banking or transaction fees. Both Telecom and ASB have advised New Zealand Red Cross that they will remove any fees associated with the 0900 number or banking for the duration of the bushfire appeal. In addition to accepting financial donations, New Zealand Red Cross is also assisting New Zealanders to establish links with family who may have been in the affected areas throughout Victoria via the global Red Cross Restoring Family Links programme. People who cannot establish contact with immediate relatives who may be directly affected by the bushfires can email familylinks@redcross.org.nz or can contact their local New Zealand Red Cross office for assistance.
Copyright 2008 Digital Advance Limited

Hamilton zoo experiencing baby monkey boom

NZPA / David Rowland
Hamilton Zoo is experiencing a baby boom with three capuchin monkeys born in the past three weeks and another two expected in the next fortnight. Hamilton Zoo director Stephen Standley said one capuchin, five-year-old Jessie, gave birth last month, while two more, 14-year-old Clarissa and 18-year-old Drucilla, gave birth this week. Two more, 15-year-old Eva and six-year-old Diva, were both expecting in the next fortnight. Mr Standley said the breeding frenzy was the result of an exchange with New Plymouth's Brooklands Zoo.

NZ firefighters on way to Australia

A group of New Zealand firefighters are on their way to Victoria to help control raging bushfires and provide relief their their Australian counterparts. The devastating fires, which began on Saturday, have killed 181 people and about 5,000 are homeless. Prime Minister John Key farewelled the group at Auckland International Airport on Friday afternoon, saying he wished them well and is "incredibly proud" of what they are doing.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand