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Sunday, February 28

Public about to be consulted on food labelling

People are being asked to give their views on how to improve food labelling. A committee overseeing a review of food labels in Australia and New Zealand is about to start public consultations. Meetings are scheduled for Christchurch and Wellington in March. Green Party food spokesperson, Sue Kedgley, says the Green Party in both New Zealand and Australia supports a traffic light labelling system. She says independent nutritionists would determine which foods get a green label for being healthy, orange if they are marginal and red if they are unhealthy.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Government gets tough on spam

By LOIS CAIRNS - Sunday Star Times
The government is stepping up its war on spammers, as it loses patience with New Zealand businesses flooding email and cellphone inboxes with unwanted messages. Businesses who flout the new anti-spamming laws are now being issued with formal warnings from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Since September 2007, it has been illegal to send commercial emails or text messages within New Zealand without the consent of the recipient, yet many companies still persist with the practice. In the past 12 months, nearly 2000 complaints have been lodged with the DIA's anti-spam unit about unsolicited material. Unsolicited emails from friends or family are not covered by the anti-spamming legislation as they are not considered commercial.



Former ACT MP condemns damage to race relations

A former ACT MP says the National and Maori parties have done more than almost anyone else to damage race relations in the past 15 months. Muriel Newman, a list MP from 1996 to 2005, told delegates at ACT's annual conference in Wellington on Saturday that there was enormous support for ending the racial division that exists within New Zealand. She said the silent majority of New Zealanders were deeply disturbed by the growing racial division. Yet the National Government, Ms Newman said, was increasingly promoting Maori privilege instead of one law for all, which was not what they campaigned on - and they wouldn't have been elected if they had.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Industrial action could delay radiology services

Patients needing x-rays or other radiology services may face delays from Monday as radiologists take industrial action at hospitals in more than six health districts. The union representing the radiologists says industrial action is a last resort after failed wage negotiations with their employer, District Health Boards New Zealand (DHBNZ). DHBNZ, which represents almost all of New Zealand's DHBs, says contingency plans will be in place at effected hospitals but patients may have to wait longer. Forty radiologists at Hawke's Bay Hospital have been working to rule since Friday.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Earthquakes hit Fiordland and Hawke's Bay

Fiordland and Hawke's Bay were struck by two earthquakes simultaneously on Sunday. The South Island quake, registering 5.1 on the Richter scale, hit just before 6.15pm and was centred about 70km south-west of Te Anau at a depth of about 90km. According to Geonet, the shockwaves would have been felt in Fiordland, Southland and Otago but no damage was expected. At the same time, central Hawke's Bay experienced a magnitude three quake, centred about 20km east of Napier at a depth of five kilometres.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



NZ's tsunami warning downgraded

Civil Defence has downgraded the tsunami warning for New Zealand, after the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii cancelled the advisory. The centre has lifted the warning for several countries including New Zealand although Japan is warning its residents to evacuate coastal areas as a wave of up to three metres could hit the Pacific coast side of the country. Prime Minister John Key is shocked about the devastation in Chile and says the New Zealand Government is prepared to provide assistance should it be requested. There are no reports so far of any New Zealand casualties in Chile and all embassy staff have been confirmed as safe. Mr Key is advising anyone concerned about loved ones in the affected area to try to make contact with them in the first instance. He says if people cannot make contact with relatives and have concerns they should call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 0800 432 111.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



NZ authorities considering tsunami warning lift

By KAYE ALBYT - NewstalkZB
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii has cancelled the tsunami warning for several countries including New Zealand, but Civil Defence authorities have not yet lifted the warning this end. Following the magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Chile the warning centre says that based on all available data, there is no longer a destructive tsunami threat. The warning only remains in effect for Russia and Japan although some coastal areas in Hawaii may still experience sea level changes or strong currents lasting for several more hours. Civil Defence Minister John Carter says New Zealand officials are currently reviewing the situation and the warning will remain in place for another half an hour. He is still urging caution along the country's coastline as wave surges are likely to continue for several hours.



Leisure activities around New Zealand disrupted

Today's dragon boat racing event on Wellington Harbour has been cancelled as a safety precaution. In Canterbury freedom campers were being evacuated from beaches and on Banks Peninsula people were moved out of the Okains Bay camping ground. Rakaia fishing competition organisers were told of the possible tsunami about 5.30am. There were approximately 700 competitors over the length of river and Ellesmere search and rescue were advising people to move from the river mouth. In the Bay of Plenty officials at the Ocean Athlete under-14 national surf lifesaving championships put the event on hold and advised competitors to stay away from Mount Maunganui's Main Beach after this morning's tsunami warning. Surf Life Saving New Zealand spokesman Nathan Hight said they were taking every precaution. The Hawke's Bay Multisport Club's Ironkids Duathlon, due to take place at Ocean Spa on Napier's Marine Parade at 9am today, was cancelled due to the tsunami risk to Napier. HB Multisport Club coordinator, Jeanette Cooper has advised people to check the club's website www.hbmsc.org.nz for more information. Further north, in Franklin, the Kaiaua Wine and Food Festival was cancelled, and in Rodney the Mayoral Bike Challenge was also canned. In Auckland, the Cathay Pacific half marathon and 11km race, starting at Orakei Reserve from 7am and running along Tamaki Drive was cancelled, as were the Onetangi Beach Races on Waiheke.
NZPA



Tsunami headlines

Coastal areas being cleared at Gisborne
Unusual tidal movement is reported around Gisborne and people are being told to leave coastal areas. Water surges up to 1.5 metres high, earlier reached one of the Chatham Islands.
Shipping sent away from ports of Auckland and Napier
Ports of Auckland Ltd has moved all commercial vessels in the Waitemata seaport out to deep water, due to the tsunami alert. The port of Napier is already closed.
Banks Peninsula residents warned to prepare to evacuate
People in low lying parts of Banks Peninsula are advised to prepare to evacuate their homes by 8am on Sunday because of the tsunami warning. There are already many reports of people sightseeing.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Waves pass French Polynesia

The tsunami caused by the earthquake in Chile has hit the Marquesas islands in the north of French Polynesia with waves up to four metres high. There are no reports of casualties or major damage. A scientist has told RFO radio in Papeete that the difference between the lowest and high watermark in Hiva Oa had been measured at four metres. Residents reported at least four big waves pushing in and the sea again retreating. In Tonga, public radio warned people to seek higher ground, with crowds gathering in elevated areas. The Tuvalu Met Office says a tsunami warning has been issued. People have moved in to higher buildings as Tuvalu is quite flat and has no mountains. In the Cook Islands, the state of emergency has been lifted. Evacuations of coastal areas have begun in Hawaii.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



NZ tsunami alert

7.45am NZ Time
People are warned to:
Stay off beaches
Stay out of the water, including rivers and estuaries.
Do not go sightseeing
Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Tsunami warning on east coast of Australia

A tsunami warning has been issued for parts of the New South Wales and Queensland coast following an earthquake the Chile. The weather bureau says the coastline could be affected just north of Sydney up to Brisbane, but it is unlikely there will be any land inundation. The tsunami is expected to reach Australia around 8:45am AEDT. People in affected areas are being advised not to go down to the shore to see the waves come in.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



NZ tsunami alert for entire east coast

Updated at 7:06am NZ Time on 28 February 2010
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is warning coastal communities in New Zealand of a tsunami following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Chile. It is warning of waves of up to three metres high in some areas. The ministry says the first wave is due to hit the Chatham Islands at 7.22am on Sunday. However the first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours. The tsunami warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued. At this stage, Civil Defence expects the greatest wave heights will occur between six and 12 hours after the initial arrivals. People in coastal areas are warned to stay away from beaches and out of all waterways. Civil Defence believes a threat exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Islands from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also exists for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula.
The waves are expected at St Clair in Dunedin at 8.29, New Brighton at Christchurch at 9.05, Wellington at Pencarrow Head at 8.25, and North Head at Auckland at 10.22.
Tsunami alerts have been issued for 53 countries. They cover virtually all nations on the entire Pacific rim as well the islands of the Pacific Ocean, including Fiji, Nauru, the Solomons, Vanuatu, Kermadec Island, the two Samoas,Tonga, Kiribati, and the Cook Islands.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Saturday, February 27

Movie snacks making patrons' waistlines stretch, says dietitian

By BECK ELEVEN - The Press
A movie-goer who devours a drink, popcorn and an ice-cream at the cinema would have to walk for six hours to burn the excess energy. High-kilojoule movie snacks with virtually no nutritional value are contributing to Kiwis' dangerous obesity problem, a public nutritionist says. Cinema takings in New Zealand are at an all-time high, boosted by runaway hit Avatar and sequels to Transformers, Harry Potter and Twilight. But as the industry bank balance grows, so do the waistlines of sedentary punters who consume food packed with kilojoules. "Some international research shows that foods rich in sugar, salt and fats cause a reaction in the brain similar to that created by drugs. So once you have something like that at the movies – just twice will do it – you form addictive behaviours. We get hard-wired for treats."



NZ Relief plane delivers supplies

By Natasha Burling - NewstalkZB
An Air Force Hercules has arrived safely with supplies in the northern Cook Islands. The plane from New Zealand landed last night in Rarotonga and took off from there at midday on its way to Penrhyn atoll. Senior national officer squadron leader Kavae Tamariki says the plane is just about to return to Rarotonga. He says the Air Force aims to do two flights while the Hercules is there. "The first flight was mainly foodstuffs, medical supplies and other general items that are required for the island. Tomorrow we hope to put on building materials."



Sea lions monitored for decline

By MATTHEW THEUNISSEN - The Southland Times
A department of Conservation team returned from the sub-Antarctic this week after monitoring New Zealand sea lions, a species struggling to survive. The sea lions' population has dropped by about 40 per cent during the past 10 years and there are now less than 10,000 of the endemic New Zealand mammals. A team of six researchers lived on the Auckland Islands for three months and a team of three were on Campbell Island for 10 weeks where they monitored, tagged and performed necropsies on the sea lions to try to find the reasons for the dramatic population decline. DOC head office marine mammal scientist Louise Chilvers said the reasons were still not clear, but human impact and naturally occurring bacterial outbreaks were among the causes. The sea lion population was completely wiped out on the New Zealand mainland by sealers about 200 years ago, but the beach-dwelling mammals have since returned to Otago and Southland, including a few breeding females.



Stone fruit season nearly over

The stone fruit season is coming to an end. Ingrid Hofma from Le Fresh says cherry exports are worth more than $20 million to New Zealand and apricots around $10 million. Cherries are exported to 12 markets including Asia, China, Taiwan, Britain, Europe and the United States. Ms Hofman told Country Life that the final figures were about 1300 tonnes. Demand was described as strong. Exports of apricots were approaching similar levels but the season was not over yet. Most apricots go to Australia. Peaches nectarines and plums are sent to the Pacific islands
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Tonga-Further ferry arrest reported

Another arrest has reportedly been made in Tonga has reportedly been made in connection with the sinking of the Princess Ashika ferry, with the loss of 74 lives last August. The Matangi Tonga Online news agency reports police arrested the secretary of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd, Lord Ramsay Dalgety, after he gave evidence to a Royal Commission of Inquiry, on Friday. Deputy Police Commander Taniela Faletau said a full statement would be made on Monday. Lord Dalgety is the third person arrested this week, connected with the vessel. Earlier, the master of the ferry, Captain Mark Tuputupu, and the chief executive of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia, John Jonesse, were also arrested.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Tropical cyclone warning issued in Cooks

A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for Aitutaki, in the Cook Islands. Wind gusts up to 50km per hour are predicted. Cylone Sarah follows Cyclone Pat which battered the island two weeks ago. A gale warning has also been issued for Palmerston and a strong wind warning is in place for the rest of the southern Cook Islands. The cyclone may prevent a relief mission by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, which is trying to deliver supplies to the remote atoll of Penryn which has been hit by a number of storms.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Friday, February 26

Scientists warn of iceberg threat to ocean currents

Scientists say a vast iceberg weighing billions of tonnes which broke off the Antarctic continent poses a threat the world's ocean currents and weather patterns. Australian researchers say the iceberg - the size of Luxembourg - could block an area that produces a quarter of the world's dense and very cold seawater, known as bottom water, the BBC reports. Bottom water drives ocean currents, and any changes could alter weather patterns. The iceberg broke off earlier in February and is now floating south of Australia. Dr Neal Young, a glaciologist at the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Research Centre in Tasmania, says any disruption to the production of bottom water in the region would affect ocean currents, and consequently weather patterns, for years to come.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Wineries join forces to market in Australia

Hawke's Bay wineries have joined forces for the first time to raise the awareness of their region in Australia. Australia is New Zealand's biggest export market for wine. The New Zealand Winegrowers organisation has organised promotional events in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Hawke's Bay wineries have united to highlight their region by featuring a dozen award winning wines.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Gold riches sought off West Coast

A mining company is hoping hundreds of millions of dollars worth of gold is waiting to be uncovered beneath the seabed off the West Coast in the South Island. New Zealand company Seafield Resources has a permit and consent to explore offshore from Karamea to Jackson's Head. Seafield, backed by South Africa's Oppenheimer family, will begin two months of sampling off Westland next week. Up to 400 holes will be drilled over a 2,000-square-kilometre area, looking for gold in tiny concentrations in sediment. Seafield director Grant Stubbs says finding one gram of gold per tonne of sediment may be enough to make mining economic.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



NZ trade surplus boosted by exports to Australia

Exports to Australia have contributed to the highest January trade surplus in 21 years. Statistics New Zealand reported sales across the Tasman jumped 15% during the month. The $269 million surplus was mainly due to the continuing the slump in imports. But exports, which slipped slightly, were still stronger than economists' expectations. Australia led the way, while exports to China, Indonesia, India and Singapore also continued to rise strongly. Exports to North America, Europe and Japan all fell, as their economies continue to languish. TD Securities Singapore-based economist Annette Beacher says New Zealand's economy is well-placed.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Pacific nations to seek higher tuna revenues

Leaders of Pacific nations whose waters provide a quarter of the world's tuna fish, are forming a cartel to increase their share of the revenues. The BBC reports the industry generates $US2 billion per year, but their portion of the revenue from tuna is tiny. The eight governments say they will restrict fishing in Pacific waters in order to preserve stocks. Competitive bidding is to be introduced for fishing rights.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Tropical depression threatens Cook Islands

Posted at 01:38 on 26 February, 2010 UTC
Aitutaki and Palmerston in the Cook Islands have been told to prepare for a possible tropical cyclone bringing winds of up to 50 knots. A tropical depression, which has been passing through the northern Cooks over the past four days, is now strengthening and expected to become a tropical cyclone later today. Forecasters are predicting winds gusting up to 50 knots on Palmerston this afternoon and evening, with heavy rain and rough to very rough seas. They say Aitutaki, which was battered by Cyclone Pat two weeks ago, can expect similar weather from tomorrow morning. The rest of the southern Cooks have been warned to expect very strong winds, possible heavy rain and rough seas.
© Radio New Zealand International



World's oldest takahe dies

The world's oldest known takahe has died. The bird known as "Alpine" was one of the first to be reared in the Takahe Recovery Programme. Alpine was put down this week as her age meant she would not have survived an operation for a leg injury. Department of Conservation Te Anau area manager Reg Kemper says Alpine was known as the grand dame of the takahe population. The rare bird began her life in a garage in Te Anau at the Wildlife park in Te Anau, after being removed from the Murchison Mountains in the Fiordland National Park as an egg in 1982.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Wellingtonians spoilt for choice at Arts Festival

The New Zealand International Arts Festival gets underway in Wellington today. Over the next three weeks 930 artists from 30 countries will bring the latest in international theatre, music, dance and visual arts to the capital. A special 500-seat cabaret theatre and bar have been built on the waterfront to help house the acts. Artistic director Lisa Twomey says a mammoth amount of work goes into pulling the schedule together, with one of the shows taking some four years to get here.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Big crowd expected at Auckland Lantern Festival

More than 150,000 people are expected to visit the Auckland Lantern Festival which starts in Albert Park tonight. It is the 11th anniversary of the three day event. The Asia New Zealand Foundation says the festival reflects the significance of the Chinese community in Auckland and the reality there are over 160-thousand people of Chinese descent in the city.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Berlin response to red kiwifruit seen as good

Turners & Growers says it's had good feedback from people who sampled its new red kiwifruit at the recent Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin. The produce company says that about 1000 people tasted the fruit, which is gold with a red centre. The company has been growing the fruit in China because it's prevented from producing it in New Zealand for export, under legislation that allows Zespri, a rival company, to control marketing. Managing director Jeff Wesley says the fruit has been bred to have a better shelf-life than gold kiwifruit. Although it was six months old was still in good condition at the trade fair. He says about 20,000 tonnes of the red kiwifruit variety are currently being produced in China and being exported to Europe and the United States.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Swine flu vaccine available soon

The Ministry of Health is making a pandemic vaccine available for early immunisation against swine flu. The vaccine will be available to pregnant women, some children, and people aged under 65 who have certain health conditions or are morbidly obese. It will also be offered to front-line healthcare workers. The ministry says the usual seasonal influenza vaccination programme is on track to start early in March.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Thursday, February 25

NZ girl's body found in Haiti

By GARY FOX - NewstalkZB
Searchers have found the body of the third member of a New Zealand family, killed in the Haiti earthquake last month. The bodies of three-year-old Zenzie Sanson-Rejouis and her father Emmanuel were found in the rubble soon after the family's apartment collapsed in the earthquake. Two-year-old Alyahna was pulled alive from the rubble, and five-year-old Kofie-Jade has been missing presumed dead. A statement from the family tonight says Kofie-Jade's body has now been recovered from the apartment in Port-au-Prince. It may take some time to bring her body home, but the family says it is immensely relieved that Kofie-Jade will be returned to them, to be buried with her father and sister. A funeral will be held for Emmanuel, Kofie-Jade and Zenzie in the Nelson Cathedral on Monday.



Changes to student loan scheme pass

Parliament has passed legislation which amends the student loan scheme. It extends interest free loans to students who are studying overseas under a New Zealand Government approved formal exchange programme in Niue, the Cook Islands, Tokelau and the Ross Dependency. Another change does away with the old rule that borrowers are required to be present in New Zealand for 183 or more consecutive days to qualify for an interest-free loan.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Tongan cyclone damage even worse than thought

The number of houses known to have been destroyed or damaged by Cyclone Rene in Tonga last week continues to grow. Tonga's disaster management office says that after assessments on the outer islands of Vava'u, 95 homes have been found to be destroyed and 370 damaged by the cyclone. That's in addition to more than 250 houses destroyed or damaged on the islands of Tongatapu and Eua and in the Ha'apai group.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Trans-Tasman rower back on track

Trans-Tasman rower Shaun Quincey is getting help to repair his fresh water maker as his water supplies run dangerously low, halfway through his trip across the Tasman. Quincey left Australia on January 20, intending to become the first man to row from Australia to New Zealand. In 1977 his father Colin Quincey was the first man to row from New Zealand to Australia. Shaun Quincey had a smooth trip until a few days ago when his desalination machine broke down and he was twice turned upside down in heavy seas. Her also lost another oar, leaving him with only one complete set. On Tuesday night he activated his emergency signal and he considered asking to be rescued but yesterday decided he had not lost as much gear as he originally feared, and would continue towards his intended landing off the Taranaki coast.
NZPA



Cabinet minister resigns

National MP Phil Heatley has resigned his ministerial portfolios of Housing and Fisheries. Mr Heatley made the announcement at Parliament on Thursday morning, after misuse of his ministerial credit card was revealed on Tuesday. He has asked the Auditor-General to conduct an independent inquiry into his accounts. Mr Heatley says that he's gone back through the records of his credit card expenses over the last 18 months and has discovered another error. Mr Heatley has already repaid $175 for what he said at the time was for food and beverages at a National Party conference. On closer inspection, he now says there was no food included, contrary to what he had declared.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Changes to youth justice system pass into law

Parliament has just passed legislation bringing the most significant changes to our Youth Justice System since its inception in 1989. It means serious child offenders, aged 12 and 13, will now come under the jurisdiction of the Youth Court. It also means that the court now has the ability to double the length of sentences and significantly extend the duration of care and protection orders. Also included in the legislation is military style training camps and extending Youth Court powers to be able to put in place parenting, education and drug and alcohol programmes.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Some things are just not meant for show and tell

Parents and caregivers may want to double check their kids bags before sending them off to school. Taupo Intermediate was evacuated yesterday after a pupil brought a grenade to school. The Army Bomb Squad was called in but found the grenade lacked any explosive or detonator. Acting senior sergeant Stuart Duncan says the best people to monitor what kids bring to school are parents. He says they need to show some wisdom about what their children put in their school bags.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Kiwi child migrant hears British apology

A man shipped to New Zealand when he was a boy as part of Britain's child migrant scheme says a public apology made today by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was genuine and sympathetic. The scheme in which poor children were sent to colonies for an apparent better life ran from the 1920s to the 1960s. In New Zealand's case more than 540 children arrived in the years after 1948, where they were monitored by the Social Welfare agencies. The New Zealand Government has maintained that child migrants to this country were largely treated well. Mr Brown apologised overnight for Britain "turning its back" on their young citizens.
NZPA



Smaller grape harvest expected

New Zealand Winegrowers is forecasting a slightly smaller grape harvest this year. The 2010 harvest has just started in northern regions. Based on a pre-vintage survey, the national wine industry body expects between 265,000 - 285,000 tonnes of grapes to be picked this year - marginally less than the vintages for the past two years, despite a further 2000 hectares of vines coming into production. Chief executive Philip Gregan says the smaller harvest was expected, as a result of industry efforts to focus on quality rather than quantity and not over-produce in the current market conditions.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



More reo Maori being used in English

An expert in New Zealand English says the language is picking up more reo Maori. Canterbury University head of linguistics Jeanette King says Pakeha are using Maori words more often because of what they learnt from school and the wider society. She told Waatea News that means specific words are crossing over. Professor King said most of the print media no longer put English meanings in brackets next to common Maori words, which shows most New Zealanders know what those words mean.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Wednesday, February 24

Key crucial to Tekapo success, says lobby group

A group lobbying for the night sky above Tekapo to be declared a world heritage reserve says Prime Minister John Key's backing is crucial. The Mount John Observatory at Tekapo is considered one of the most accessible in the world, and one of the best star-gazing sites because of the region's clear night skies. A spokesperson for the project, former Cabinet minister Margaret Austin, says the Government has put $10,000 towards the project, and Mr Key has written to support it. Ms Austin says it is important to have Mr Key's support for the project before a meeting in July when the World Heritage Committee will decide whether to include the sky in the list of world heritage sites.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Plan to give every school child ID number

The Australian government plans to assign every school child an individual identity number. The numbers would allow children's academic progress to be tracked and attached to the My School website. The Australian Education Union says it has not been consulted about the plan. It says it is not opposed to the idea, but wants more details. The government says it will release the draft of a new national school curriculum next week. The curriculums for maths, science, English and history will be made available online for public consultation.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Fiji threatens to quit Commonwealth

Fiji says it will consider withdrawing from the Commonwealth if it continues to meddle in the country's affairs. Fiji's interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, told FBC News that the Commonwealth had not tried to understand or listen to Fiji's aspirations, but had been posing the same questions over and over again about the return to democracy. The Commonwealth suspended Fiji last year after it refused to bow to demands to call elections by this year. Commodore Bainimarama says he will pursue his agenda with or without the support of Australia, New Zealand or the Commonwealth.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Tongan ferry captain arrested - report

The captain of the Tongan ferry Princess Ashika has been arrested and charged with five counts of knowingly sailing an unseaworthy vessel, according to a TV report. The 37-year-old ferry sank in August with the loss of 74 lives. The TV3 report says Maka Tuputupu has appeared in court and his wife has been trying to arrange bail.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Population of Auckland set to swell

Auckland's population is predicted to swell to close to two million over the next 21 years. Figures released today indicate some 60 percent of the country's population will be living in the region by 2031. That is an increase of almost 600,000 people, from 1.3 million to around 1.9 million. According to Statistics New Zealand, of the country's 73 territorial areas only 44 are expected to have more people living in the area by 2031.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Transtasman rower sends distress signal

Trans-Tasman rower Shaun Quincey was knocked about violently last night as his boat flipped over at least twice, sparking fears some vital equipment could be lost or damaged. The 25-year-old New Zealander is more than halfway through the first solo attempt to cross the Tasman west to east, after setting off from New South Wales on January 20. Quincey sent out a distress signal last night after the Tasman Trespasser II flipped nearly 1000km from land, shore crewman Michael Buck said. The incident comes within a week of his desalination machine breaking down, leaving him with only 2.5 litres of fresh water a day for the remainder of his journey. Quincey had set out to beat his father's 1977 east-west record of 63 days and seven hours, and planned to finish his 2450km journey in Taranaki.
NZPA



Artist named for 2011 Venice Biennale

Contemporary artist Michael Parekowhai has been invited to represent New Zealand at the 2011 Venice Biennale. The Porirua-born artist is a sculptor whose work intersects a range of media, including photography. He is an Arts Foundation Laureate and is currently Associate Professor at Auckland University's Elam School of Fine Arts. Creative New Zealand's investment in the 2011 Venice Biennale is $650,000. It says New Zealand's ongoing representation at the major international exhibition is one of the most effective ways of promoting the nation's art to an overseas audience.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Rotorua set to keep trans-Tasman flights

Destination Rotorua says the city's trans-Tasman flights are likely to stay. Two Sydney flights a week started in December last year, with their success being the determining factor in whether they will continue into the future. General manager Don Gunn says while exact figures are sensitive to Air New Zealand, flight bookings so far have been good. He says coming into winter will be challenging, but widespread marketing in Australia is a key strategy to get people over in the quiet season.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



McCully expands on Fiji rapprochment

Foreign Affairs Minister, Murray McCully, has revealed more about efforts to improve diplomatic relations with Fiji's government.He has told Parliament that favourable consideration is being given to Fiji establishing an honorary consul in Auckland. Mr McCully says at the same time, New Zealand expects that a new name put forward to replace its Trade Commissioner - forced out of Suva by Fiji's government - will be looked on favourably. Both governments have already accepted the appointment of first secretaries at their high commissions in Wellington and Suva. Mr McCully will also try to meet Fiji's Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, during next month's Hong Kong rugby sevens tournament.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Otago blaze burns through 400h of forest

A huge fire in a forest block north-west of Dunedin is burning out of control, and has scorched more than 400 hectares of land. The fire began on Tuesday afternoon in a logged area of Mt Allan Forest owned by Wenita Forest Products, then spread to a tree plantation. Dunedin City Council rural fires manager Neil Brown says firefighters might have to wait until it the blaze reaches to terrain where fire-breaks can be created, in order to bring it under control. Mr Brown says 10 helicopters with monsoon buckets are fighting the fire on three flanks. The blaze fire covers more than 400 hectares of land, he says.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Tuesday, February 23

Civil Defence tsunami warning plans revised

Changes have been made to New Zealand's tsunami warning plan after mistakes were made during last year's devastating Samoan tsunami. Reviews were held by Civil Defence and other outside parties after it was clear lessons needed to be learnt. Messages will now be sent out to the media at the same time as other organisations so that the public gets warnings as quickly as possible. Civil Defence director John Hamilton says significant changes needed to be made. He believes all required changes have been picked up and it's a significant improvement on the way the Samoan event was handled.
Source: Newstalk ZB



Parliament in urgency

Parliament has gone into urgency as the Government moves to push through several major pieces of legislation. MPs are to sit under extended hours from tomorrow, as the Government moves legislation on ACC, youth justice, the judiciary and student loans through to their final readings. Also to be debated are the Animal Welfare Bill, the Inquiries Bill and legislation on finance and securities.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Auckland honours NZ All Black great

One of New Zealand’s most respected rugby stars - former All Black captain and coach, Fred "The Needle" Allen - celebrated his 90th birthday at a civic reception in Auckland. Described as "the patriarch of New Zealand rugby" and "one of the greatest living" New Zealanders, Allen was honoured by former All Blacks and sporting heroes at a reception hosted by Auckland mayor John Banks. Allen remains New Zealand’s only unbeaten coach in All Black history without a single defeat in 37 international games, and is also considered one of the country’s most outstanding All Black players. Although he has a long association with Auckland, Allen was born in Oamaru in the South Island and first played provincial rugby for Canterbury, whom he captained. He also played for Marlborough and Waikato.
Copyright 1999-2010 Tourism New Zealand



NZ films win triple Berlin festival honours

New Zealand films have won triple honours at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival. Boy, a home-grown feature film written and directed by award-winning Kiwi film-maker Taika Waititi, took out the top award and a €7,500 cash prize for best feature film in the Generation Kplus International Jury category. Following close on its heels was this year’s dark horse - the low-budget Kiwi film This Way of Life, by independent film-makers Barbara Sumner Burstyn and Tom Burstyn, which won runner-up jury prize in the Generation Kplus Crystal Bear category. The much-lauded New Zealand short film, Six Dollar Fifty Man, received a special mention. The jury called it a "film that positively bubbles with emotion, anger and ultimately a small boy’s triumph". All three films are quintessentially Kiwi stories about life in different parts of rural New Zealand.
Copyright 1999-2010 Tourism New Zealand



Minimum youth wage to be debated

Young people could again face lower pay rates than other workers if a bill to reintroduce a youth minimum wage is passed. The bill, in the name of ACT MP Sir Roger Douglas, was drawn from a ballot of members' bills, and will now be debated by Parliament. The last Government ditched youth rates and said the minimum wage should apply to all workers from 16 years-old. The Government recently raised the minimum hourly wage by 25 cents to $12.75, despite a campaign by unions and Labour to lift it to $15. Opponents of a minimum youth rate say it discourages employers hiring young people and lifts youth unemployment, supporters argue it is unfair to differentiate pay rates based on age and say there is little evidence of a link between youth rates and unemployment.
NZPA



Queenstown Lakes to take 'Right Way'

Queenstown Lakes District residents are being encouraged to change their travel behaviour for at least one day in March, designating it 'Right Way' month. Car pools, public transport, bikes, and walking are being encouraged for the month which aims to raise awareness and change attitudes. Mayor Clive Geddes says if things do not change, the area will eventually have problems with traffic congestion and pollution. He says that would remove the area's point of difference where visitors can forget about the problems they have back home.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Anger over continued sales of Otago high country

An organisation against foreign ownership of New Zealand land is questioning continued sales of Otago high country. Canadian singer Shania Twain bought the 25-thousand hectare Motatapu and Mt Soho stations in 2005. Now a company linked to Twain, has been given approval to buy neighbouring Glencoe Station. The Campaign against foreign control of Aotearoa says both of the already-owned stations have been operating at a loss. It says the Soho property has racked up 8.4-million dollars in tax losses.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Power shortages unlikely this winter - company

New Zealand's third largest state power company believes the country will avoid a winter power shortage this year.Dry weather has led to electricity supply shortages four times in a decade, and cost industrial and other users millions of dollars. But Mighty River Power says it is cautiously optimistic this year will be the second in a row without trouble. The company says a 132-megawatt Nga Awa Purua geothermal plant, near Taupo, will on its own exceed the North Island's entire annual growth in power usage. It also says storage levels and inflows to the South Island hydro lakes are favourable.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Solomons’ Government says it is close to starting a second tuna cannery

The Solomon Islands Government says talks to establish a new fish cannery with a Korean multi national are well advanced.The Minister of Fisheries, Nollen Leni announced the new project last Friday. The Government, in a release, says the cannery is expected to employ as many as 3000 Solomon Islanders and attract other credible investors into the Solomons. Mr Leni says his ministry has been working on incentives to attract fisheries investors and last week Cabinet endorsed this effort.
© Radio New Zealand International



Monday, February 22

Weta Digital picks up more awards

New Zealand visual effects company Weta Digital has won a BAFTA for its work on the sci-fi film Avatar. A team from the Wellington-based company accepted the British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for special effects in London on Sunday. Weta Digital is also celebrating another win at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science in Los Angeles for visual effects on films including King Kong, Spiderman 2 and Avatar.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Hockey-Black Sticks to take part in World Cup in India

Hockey New Zealand has decided to send the men's hockey team to the World Cup in India. New Zealand's participation in the tournament was thrown into doubt last week after a group linked to the al-Qaeda terrorist network warned countries not to travel to the Delhi event, beginning on 28 February. Hockey New Zealand chief executive Hillary Poole on Monday said she had assessed advice from the New Zealand Government and an independent security adviser reassuring her the required level of security is in place to keep the Black Sticks in the tournament. All players from the Black Sticks will travel to Delhi except Simon Child, who has made a personal decision to return to New Zealand, she says. The New Zealand team are in Perth preparing for the event.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Increase in life expectancy in NZ

Latest figures show life expectancy in New Zealand has increased by 0.2 percent from 2006 to 2008. A baby girl born today, can now expected to reach 82.4 years, and a baby boy 78.4 years. Statistics New Zealand says, while life expectancy for women is still higher than for men, the gap is narrowing.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Weta Digital recognised at BAFTAs

By laura heathcote - NewstalkZB
Wellington's Weta Digital is cracking open the champagne after this morning's BAFTA win for their work on the film Avatar. The 3D blockbuster has picked up the award for best special effects. Weta Digital visual effects supervisor Eric Saindon says 900 people worked on Avatar for three years, so it is a big day. He says it is great for everyone at Weta to be recognised, especially on the world stage.



Depression near northern Cook Islands likely to become cyclone

Posted at 17:08 on 21 February, 2010 UTC
A tropical depression near the Northern Cook Islands is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 12 hours. The Fiji Meteorological Service says the depression is currently sitting 20 nautical miles west/northwest of Penrhyn moving southeast at about 12 knots. It’s expected to turn to the south. Gale force winds are being forecast for Penrhyn.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International



Sunday, February 21

National still at least 20% clear of Labour in two latest polls

The National Party remains the overwhelming choice of voters according to two just-released political opinion polls. Both the 3 News and the One News - Colmar Brunton polls published on Sunday put National comfortably over 50%. The TV3 poll recorded 56.3% support for National, with Labour a distant second on 29.6%. The TV3 poll put the Greens on 7.3%, the Maori Party on 2.4%, ACT on 1.6% and New Zealand First on 1.5%. In the preferred Prime Minister stakes the two polls were identical, with John Key on 49% support to the Labour leader Phil Goff's 8%.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Govt not ruling out legal action on whaling - McCully

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully is hitting back at claims that New Zealand is taking a softer stance against Japanese whaling for fear of harming trade relations. Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd has criticised New Zealand for not following Australia's lead in giving Japan an ultimatum to stop whaling by November or face legal action in the International Court of Justice. The protest group says the New Zealand Government is putting trade interests ahead of its duty to uphold international law. However, Mr McCully dismisses that as a ridiculous assertion. He says the Government is concentrating on diplomatic efforts, but has not ruled out future legal action.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



King tides could cause flooding

Auckland is in for some unusually high tides soon. The king tides start on February 28 and peak on March 2 or 3. High tide on those days will be 3.6 metres at around 10 in the morning and again at night. That is only about 10 to 20 centimetres higher than average, but weather experts say if they coincide with rough weather there could be some flooding. At particular risk could be the low-lying stretch of the northwestern motorway that crosses the Waitemata Harbour. The New Zealand Transport Agency has warned bike riders not to use the cycleway alongside the motorway 90 minutes either side of high tide in the week affected.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Avandia should be withdrawn

Confidential US government reports recommend that GlaxoSmithKline's diabetes drug Avandia be pulled from the market because it can hurt the heart. The findings say that if all diabetics now taking Avandia were given a rival company's Actos drug instead, about 500 heart attacks and 300 cases of heart failure would be averted each month. Avandia is available on prescription in New Zealand, but is not government funded. It is used here by a few hundred people.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



NZers drinking and smoking less

New figures suggest New Zealanders could be drinking and smoking less. According to Statistics New Zealand data, the amount of alcohol for sale last year dropped by just over 3% to 470 million litres. The number of cigarettes for sale dropped by 4.5% to 2.4 billion. Statistics manager Kathy Connolly says it's the first decrease in alcohol availability in the past decade. The biggest drop was in beer, with the amount for sale falling by more than 5%.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Saturday, February 20

Service marks Bishop of Auckland's retirement

The retirement of Auckland's tenth Bishop, the Right Reverend John Paterson, has been marked by a special service at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. The Bishop has led the Anglican Diocese of Auckland for the past 15 years, and internationally has chaired the Anglican Consultative Council for the past seven years. Bishop Paterson says Auckland is a big and complex diocese, and he's worked with many different ethnic and language groups. He says the main challenge that remains for the church is to try to convince secular New Zealanders who enjoy the good life, in a good country, that on its own it's not quite enough. The Bishop says some of the highlights of his 15 years in the role was being able to work with international church leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Tasman rower in trouble, advice wanted

Tran-Tasman rower Shaun Quincey is asking for help after his desalination unit suddenly failed. The adventurer, 26, has now passed the halfway mark on his epic solo rowing expedition from Australia to New Zealand. He is more than 1,000 kilometres from assistance or rescue without the ability to create fresh drinking water, potentially putting the crossing in significant risk. On a podcast on his website, the Aucklander is asking for help on how to fix the unit. He's seeking suggestions and guidance on his blog for his support crew to review and communicate back as soon as possible. Shaun Quincey set sail 32 days ago from Coffs Harbour in New South Wales for New Zealand.

Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



NZ, Fiji to reopen missions

New Zealand and Fiji are to reopen their respective diplomatic missions in Suva and Wellington next month. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully confirmed the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji is to reopen in March, after meeting with Fiji Foreign Affairs Minister Inoke Kubuabola in Suva on Saturday in what he described as a fruitful and respectful discussion. The Fiji High Commission in Wellington is also to reopen, with Mere Tora already here to take up the position of first secretary acting head of mission. Phillip Taula will arrive in Suva in early March to take up the position of acting head of mission at the New Zealand High Commission. Relations between the two countries have been strained since the 2006 coup and further deteriorated last year with the tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Wartime child migrants return to Britain for apology

Three New Zealanders who came here when they were sent away from Britain as part of a child migrant scheme after World War ll are returning to the country of their birth to hear a public apology.More than 540 children were brought to New Zealand after the war. Trish Pawsey from Ashburton, Patricia Brown from Nelson and John McGory from Dunedin will attend a ceremony in London on Wednesday. Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown will apologise to thousands of children who were sent to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Zimbabwe and South Africa. One of the those sent here, Patricia Brown says it is never too late to say sorry. She says when she arrived in this country in 1951, she was separated from some of her siblings and placed with an extremely religious couple. "We were fed well and clothed well but it was just not a happy home I thought it was going to be. I thought we were going to sort of more of a family situation. The New Zealand government says children who were sent to this country were largely treated well.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



NZ girl among those rescued in Atlantic

A New Zealand girl is among the 64 passengers and crew who were rescued from life rafts after the sailing ship they were on sank hundreds of kilometres off the coast of Brazil. Mei Barry, 17, from Auckland's North Shore, was doing her year 13 studies as an overseas student aboard the Canadian ship the SV Concordia. Her father Desmond Barry says his daughter had only been aboard the ship for 11 days before the incident happened. Mr Barry says his daughter is now aboard another vessel and he will travel from Auckland to Rio de Janiero meet when the ship lands. A distress signal was picked up from the three-masted Concordia about 5pm (1900 GMT) on Thursday. A Brazilian Air Force plane spotted the rafts from the Concordia about 300 miles off the coast of Rio de Janeiro three hours later. The 48 students and 16 crew were picked up early on Friday, after about 16 hours adrift, by two passing merchant vessels.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Maori Land Court judge promoted

By Bruce Russell - NewstalkZB
Judge Caren Fox has been appointed the new deputy chief judge of the Maori Land Court. Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples says Judge Fox has the skills and experience needed for the job. Caren Fox, formerly Caren Wickliffe, studied law at Victoria University and has been a Maori Land Court judge for more than nine years. She is a specialist in international human rights.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



A strengthening of New Zealand-Fiji relations

The Fiji and New Zealand Foreign Affairs ministers have met in Fiji today. They say the meeting continues their efforts to strengthen staffing of missions in Wellington and Suva. New Zealand's Murray McCully says the meeting was fruitful and respectful. The two countries have been at loggerheads over what New Zealand has described as the removal of the democratic process in the governance of Fiji. Mr McCully says Ms Mere Tora has arrived to work as First Secretary at the Fiji High Commission in Wellington, and Mr Phillip Taula will go to Suva next month to be First Secretary at the New Zealand mission there. Both ministers at today's meeting say they remain committed to maintaining their dialogue.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Hockey NZ yet to decide on India travel

By Bruce Russell - NewstalkZB
Former Blackcaps coach David Trist says it is going to be up to each athlete and each sporting body to decide whether to go to India or not. A deadly al Qaeda threat has been made to anyone attending or participating in next week's Hockey World Cup, the Indian Premier League cricket, and the Commonwealth Games. Trist says It is a personal issue whether to go or not and he thinks each player and each sporting body will have to show due diligence, risk assess and then make sure that when they are there, they show the disciplines inherent as keeping as safe as they possibly can. Hockey New Zealand is still assessing the security situation and is yet to make a decision.



England beat Australia in first netball test

Australia's youthful netball squad have lost a one-goal thriller to England in the opening match of their three-Test series. The Diamonds, who are without five senior players, lost 41-40 in Liverpool the first time England have beaten Australia in a Test since 1981. The teams meet again in Nottingham on Monday.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Heavy rain expected in far north Queensland

Heavy rain is expected in far north Queensland this weekend. Emergency Management Queensland says there could be flash flooding around Cairns including Mossman Gorge, Josephine Falls, Babinda Boulders and Granite Creek. The ABC reports five people have died in floodwaters in Queensland since the start of the year, including two children who drowned on private properties in the past week. More than 30 people have been rescued in other incidents.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Trucks take art to hundreds of schools

By TINA LAW - The Press
A Wanaka philanthropist has gathered up her extensive collection of New Zealand art and is taking it on the road to every secondary school in the country. Fiona Campbell has spent millions of dollars of her own money creating the Real Art Roadshow. She has kitted out two custom-made trucks worth $460,000 each with pieces of art created by a variety of well-known Kiwi artists including Toss Woollaston, Shane Cotton and Ralph Hotere. Campbell, a graphic designer who has worked in various Wellington art galleries, was an early investor in Trade Me and became "extremely wealthy" overnight after selling her shares in the online auction site. The roadshow would visit all the country's 694 secondary schools in the next four years and has already visited about 245. The trucks would be spending the next seven weeks in Christchurch before touring the rest of the South Island throughout the year.



Canterbury experts test flu drugs

By KEITH LYNCH - The Press
The effectiveness of anti-flu drugs such as Tamiflu will be tested by Canterbury researchers. The swine-flu pandemic saw Tamiflu hit the headlines last year when the drug was used in New Zealand and throughout the world to combat the virus. A new technique called surface plasmon resonance (SPR) will allow University of Canterbury scientists to determine how efficient Tamiflu, and other anti-viral drugs, are in combating influenza. Biomolecular Interaction Centre (BIC) laboratory co-director Professor Conan Fee said SPR, which allows researchers to track how molecules react to each other, will be used to determine how effective anti-viral drugs really are. The technology will also be used to determine why some sufferers of Type 2 diabetes see the disappearance of their symptoms after gastric bypass surgery.



Ngai Tahu exhibition opens

An exhibition of Ngai Tahu artefacts will go on display at Canterbury Museum in Christchurch on Saturday. Some of the artefacts in the exhibition, called Mo Tatou: Te Hokinga Mai, are more than 600 years old and have never been seen by the public before. Others, including pieces that were on display for about three years at Te Papa, are on show at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery in Christchurch. The exhibitions, which showcase southern Maori tradition and lifestyle, is open until 20 June.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Eye kept on Harley rally traffic

Police are monitoring traffic flow in Christchurch where 700 Harley Davidson motorcycle riders are taking part in a 20th anniversary rally. It's the 20th anniversary of the event which follows a route starting and finishing at Riccarton racecourse. The rally travels south through the Lyttlelton tunnel via the southern motorway and will also pass through central city streets around midday on Saturday. City Council traffic control operations are in place. There are reports of long waits at traffic lights, but no serious traffic problems.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Deadline over whaling issued to Japan

Australia has set a deadline for Japan to stop whaling in the Southern Ocean by November this year, or face legal action. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Friday he was still hopeful that talks with Japan would lead to a voluntary halt. Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada of Japan is to visit Australia this weekend. Despite a 1986 international moratorium on commercial whaling, Japan kills hundreds of whales each year, ostensibly for scientific research. Mr Rudd told Channel 7 that Australia would "work with the Japanese to reduce, through negotiation, their current catch to zero". He then added: "If that fails - and I'm saying this very bluntly... - if that fails, then we will initiate that court action before the commencement of the whaling season in November 2010."
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Saint founded NZ schools

Mother Mary MacKillop, a nun with close links to New Zealand, is to become Australia's first Catholic saint on October 17, the Pope announced late last night. Mother Mary MacKillop visited New Zealand four times and helped to establish more than 100 schools and education facilities here. Sister Colleen Keeble, of the New Zealand branch of her order, said in December: "She came here, she walked this land, she loved the people. She felt very much at home here in New Zealand."
Copyright 2010, APN Holdings NZ Limited



Friday, February 19

Initiative to reunite Pacific families launched

A new Child, Youth and Family initiative aimed at getting better outcomes for Pacific children, separated from their families, has been launched today. The Pacific Action Plan 'O Au O Matua Fanau', our children are our treasures, focuses on getting children out of the CYF system and back to their families. Pacific People's Development national manager Tofa Suafole-Gush says there is currently about 370 Pacific children in CYF care. Ms Suafole-Gush says it is important to a child's development to have a sense of belonging and family. "If the child cannot be returned to his/her primary family, then we will make sure that we work with the extended family and the community where that child belongs, so the child can eventually go home." She says the benefit of the new programme is that it is run by people from the Pacific community, so there will be cultural understanding.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Pacific trade advisor signed to begin work at the end of March

The man who is to serve as chief trade advisor for Pacific Island countries in their negotiations with New Zealand and Australia over the PACER Plus agreement will start work at the end of next month. Dr Christopher Noonan has now signed his contract with the Pacific Islands Forum secretariat. PACER Plus is a planned comprehensive free trade and economic development agreement for the region, and is seen as aa blueprint for future trade deals. The island countries had sought the expertise of Dr Noonan to help them negotiate the terms with the Forum’s metropolitan countries.
© Radio New Zealand International



Taxi company ordered off the road

An Auckland taxi company has had its operating licence revoked by the New Zealand Transport Agency, after significant breaches of commercial transport law. The licence of AA Yellow Cabs was revoked as of 5pm yesterday, after it was prosecuted twice last year. It was operating a fleet of around 200 taxis. NZTA spokesman Andy Thackwray says the company failed to address unlicensed drivers, did not maintain a proper register and did not pass on serious complaints. "We saw little in the way of effort in order to address the issues that we highlighted. So at the end of the day we have a responsibility to the travelling public to maintain a high standard and ensure a level playing field." Mr Thackwray says if members of the public see any AA Yellow Cabs operating they should contact the NZTA. He says the licence cannot be reinstated.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Beer still king but production down

Beer remains easily the most popular alcoholic beverage in New Zealand but latest figures show it drove an overall decline in alcohol available for consumption. Statistics New Zealand said the total volume of alcohol available for consumption dropped 3.1 percent to 471 million litres during 2009, the first fall after eight years of annual increases. Beer, which makes up about 65 percent of the market, declined 5.1 percent. Spirits and spirit-based drinks now make up 15 percent of the total volume of alcohol available for consumption, down 0.1 percent, while wine represents 20 percent, up from 19 percent in 2008, said business statistics manager Kathy Connolly.
NZPA



Double corn volume being processed by Heinz Wattie

Heinz Wattie expects to double the amount sweet corn put through its Hastings plant this year. It will process 10,000 tonnes of corn in the next few weeks, at the rate of 1000 tonnes per week. Agriculture manager Ivan Angland says the company is doubling production to meet domestic and export demand for canned corn. He says the crop is looking very promising, with great yields, as a result of ample rainfall in Hawke's Bay this season. The crop includes organic corn which is processed and canned separately.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



$90,000 agriculture scholarship offered

Waikato University is offering a new scholarship for study of an aspect of New Zealand agriculture, thanks to the generosity of a former farmer and property developer. Bill Flower, 90, is offering a postgraduate student $30,000 per year for three years. He says ideally it should go to a candidate who wants to study the country's agricultural future and the role New Zealand can play in feeding a growing world population.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Landmark for McDonald's

McDonald's is opening the doors to its 150th restaurant in New Zealand today, in the Nelson suburb of Richmond.The fast food outlet opened its first New Zealand store in 1976 in Porirua.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Sixteenth military-style acadamy opens

A military-style service academy will open at Waitakere College in west Auckland next month, bringing the total number of such school-based services around the country to 16. Service academies are military-style programmes for Year 12 and 13 students and are part of the government's Youth Opportunities package announced by the Prime Minister last August. They are provided at secondary schools with the help of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



ood news for aspiring models

TV3 has confirmed the highly popular New Zealand's Next Top Model will be returning this year. The hit show is based on the American version launched by Tyra Banks. This year's cycle will again be headed by model and celebrity manager Sara Tetro, with support from judges Colin Mathura-Jeffree and Chris Sisarich. Dates and venues for auditions are still to be finalised, but aspiring models aged between 16 and 25 and who are at least 170cm in height can pre-register on TV3's website.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Pike River Coal exports begin

Pike River Coal is exporting its first shipment of premium hard coking coal on Friday. The 20,000 tonne shipment is bound for India, where two customers have together agreed to take 55% of Pike River's output. Pike River also has three-year supply contracts with Japanese steel mills, which will account of about 22% of the company's coal.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



More asylum seekers arrive in Australian waters

Another boat carrying asylum seekers has been intercepted off the north coast of Australia. The vessel carrying 41 passengers and four crew was found north-west of Ashmore Islands. Those on board are being taken to Christmas island for health, security and identity checks. Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison says the number of asylum seekers arriving in Australia is out of control. He says 13 boats have arrived in seven weeks this year with more than 700 people aboard.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Thursday, February 18

NZ aid delivered to cyclone-hit Cook Islands

The New Zealand Defence Force has delivered aid to the cyclone-hit island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. Supplies of fresh water, food and temporary shelters have been ferried from Rarotonga to Aitutaki on Thursday after Cyclone Pat swept over the island last weekend. A New Zealand Army Engineering team of 12 are also helping out at the emergency centre, focusing on providing shelter, restoring electricity and the main water supply.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Samoans again called on not to overcommit on weddings, funerals

Samoa’s Associate Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour says people must stop spending so much on traditional responsibilities such as family weddings and funerals. The comment was made in the context of a regional conference looking at ways to protect the Pacific’s poorest people from the worst effects of the global economic crisis. Hans Joachim Keil says everyone acknowledges it’s a good idea not to overcommit when it comes to traditional ceremonies, but people still have to stop doing it. Hans Joachim Keil says a group of leaders visited New Zealand’s Samoan communities last year and encouraged them to be responsible with traditional ceremonies.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International



Navy handed new patrol vessel

Source: Newstalk ZB
The first of two new offshore patrol vessels being built for the New Zealand Navy has been handed over at a ceremony in Melbourne. Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says the Otago is capable of performing a variety of duties, from security missions and peacekeeping to border patrol and humanitarian and disaster relief. The HMNZS Otago was handed over by shipbuilder BAE systems and is due to arrive at the Devonport Naval Base at the end of March. The Navy will take possession of the second vessel, the Wellington, in mid-April.



Buffalo yoghurt recognised by food award

A Clevedon couple who farm water buffaloes for their milk, have been recognised as producers of New Zealand's best artisan food product. The Clevedon Valley Buffalo Company owned by Helen and Richard Dorresteyn is the supreme winner in this year's Cuisine artisan awards, for their buffalo yoghurt. Judges said it was an outstanding example of European-style yoghurt and Mrs Dorresteyn says that's due to the distinctive properties of buffalo milk. She says their yoghurt is "very very thick" and almost like ice cream. It's a natural product with a distinctive taste, but does not taste fatty.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Council to vote for city-wide booze ban

By DAVE BURGESS - The Dominion Post
Wellington city councillors will vote today in favour of a city-wide liquor ban, making the capital the first main centre to have a total ban. It would mean anyone caught carrying opened liquor in a public place would be breaking the bylaw and could be arrested. It could be in place by June. The public will get the chance to have their say on the plan as part of a rigorous consultation process. The ban will be debated today by Wellington city councillors and mayor Kerry Prendergast who support the proposal recommended by council officers.



Pull-out from Games tipped if safety of athletes not assured

The head of the New Zealand Olympic Committee says New Zealand may pull out of the Commonwealth Games in India if the safety of the athletes cannot be assured. Al Qaeda has warned sport teams not to attend next week's Hockey World Cup, cricket's Indian Premier League and this year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. NZOC president Mike Stanley told Nine to Noon the organisation is waiting for a full assessment of the safety risk. He said any decision to withdraw from the games in October will be made in consultation with the Commonwealth Games Federation and other member nations. The Olympic Committee also runs the Commonwealth Games team. Mr Stanley said it is taking terrorist threats in India very seriously.



Wednesday, February 17

Samoa sending mongoose to New Zealand to try and find out its origins

Samoa’s Ministry of Environment is sending a mongoose caught at the weekend to New Zealand for further tests to try and find out where it came from. Mongooses had not been in Samoa until late last year when there were several reported sightings. The Ministry’s assistant CEO, Faleafa Tony Tipama’a, says traps from New Zealand were used to catch the mammal that got into Samoa by unknown means. He says it is thought to have come from either from Fiji or Hawaii.
© Radio New Zealand International



Kangaroo meat workers to be re-trained

Workers in Australia's kangaroo meat industry are to be trained to meet the health demands of importing countries after Russia banned imports of the product last year due to food safety concerns. Some 4000 people will be trained under a new $A500,000 Government package. Kangaroo meat exports to Russia earn Australia more than $A340 million per year and account for 70% of the total exports.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Japan and Australia to discuss whaling

Whaling is expected to be high on the agenda when Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada visits Australia at the weekend. An anti-whaling campaigner is being held aboard a Japanese whaling vessel in the Southern Ocean. Mr Okada says Peter Bethune of New Zealand, will be taken to Tokyo and handed over to the Coastguard there. The ABC reports he will possibly face criminal charges. The skipper of a high speed boat, the Ady Gil, which sank after colliding with a Japanese whaling ship in January, Mr Bethune jumped aboard the Shona Maru Two three days ago and attempted to present the skipper with bill for $3 million.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Samples of medieval books put online

The University of Otago has published online samples of 38 books it owns that were printed prior to 1501, in a bid to promote greater interest in them. The medieval books are mostly religious texts in European languages, handbound and handprinted on handmade paper, and illustrated with woodcuts. Special Collections Librarian Donald Kerr hopes the samples on the university's website will encourage more scholarly use of the books. Dr Kerr says the oldest book in the collection was printed in 1472, less than 20 years after the first printing press was invented.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Former PM Helen Clark honoured

Source: ONE News/NZPA
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been awarded New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand. The award is held by only 20 living New Zealanders. Along with receiving the Order of New Zealand she will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Auckland University on Wednesday evening. Clark retired from politics after the last election and moved to New York to take charge of the United Nations Development Programme. Clark will also be having an early 60th birthday celebration before she heads back to the United States. Her actual birthday is February 26.



Southland suffers mouse invasion

Parts of Southland have seen mouse numbers grow to near-plague levels, attracted by strong food supplies. Environment Southland biosecurity officer Tim Riding told the Southland Times the worst hit areas were Fiordland, Te Anau, Stoney Creek and Five Rivers. A local woman says the population explosion began around August and at its peak she was trapping up to nine mice each night around her home. Riding says more mice would attract more of those species which preyed on mice such as rats, stoats and weasels. He says there were concerns when mouse numbers dropped off in winter the predators would be forced to supplement their diet with birds.
NZPA



Business as usual on Cooks

By Katie Bradford - NewstalkZB
Tourism operators on the Cook Islands are reassuring visitors the region is open for business following a lashing from Cyclone Pat. The resort island of Aituaki was hit by the storm last week, which damaged all eight of its villages. Chris Ingram from the Tourism Council of Aitutaki says power has been restored to most properties and most of the hotels and restaurants are now open. Telecom Cook Islands has restored the majority of phone lines but some internet and mobile phones have limited service. Air services are working The beaches of One Foot, Honeymoon Island and Akaiami are in perfect condition. Mr Ingram says the people of Aitutaki are resilient and have already made great progress to return their lives to normal. He says the area will need the support of its visitors from New Zealand and around the world.



Unexpected find made on buried canoe

An ancient waka dug out of Muriwai Beach last year has revealed some surprises. The Auckland Regional Council's heritage specialist, Robert Brassey says restorers have spotted a socket for a mast, making it a rare example of a sailing canoe. The seven metre kauri canoe was moved on Tuesday from a temporary tank at the Muriwai parks depot into a more permanent container. Mr Brassey told Waatea News that preservation could take two years.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Gandhi's great grandson in NZ

Mahatma Gandhi's great grandson has arrived in New Zealand as the inaugural Sir Edmund Hillary fellow. The fellowship was set up in 2008 to bring emerging leaders from India and Nepal to this country. The government says Prime Minister John Key and Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of parliament in India, will discuss aspects of the relationship between two countries, including the prospects of a free trade agreement.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Scientific name given to Campbell Island snipe

A new bird species discovered in New Zealand in 1997 has been given a scientific name. The Campbell Island snipe has been named Coenocorypha aucklandica perserverance. The third part of the name is derived from Captain Frederick Hasselburgh's brig, Perserverance, when Campbell island was discovered 200 years ago. The bird was named by the Department of Conservation which says the naming is as significant as the discovery. Dr Colin Miskelly says it's the first new bird discovery since the Westland petrel more than 50 years ago. He says the Campbell Island snipe is similar to and from the same family as the godwit.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Doubtful future for back-country rail line

The fate of an 80 year old rail link through the heart of the North Island hangs in the balance as KiwiRail considers closing the Stratford - Okahukura line. A serious derailment closed the poorly-maintained line last November. KiwiRail says $500,000 is needed to repair the damage and another $40 million over the next decade to restore it properly. The route carried one daily return freight journey from Taranaki to the main trunk line north of Taumarunui and KiwiRail says any investment must be commercially viable.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Man defends desire to cycle naked

A nude cyclist has taken his desire to ride unencumbered to the High Court. Nick Lowe, 40, appeared in the High Court at Wellington on Tuesday after refusing to pay a $200 fine for offensive behaviour, The Dominion Post reported. He had been reported to police by a motorist who spotted him during a nude ride on Akatarawa Rd, north of Upper Hutt last year. "I couldn't believe it, it just wasn't right," Lowe said outside court. Lowe told the newspaper he wasn't an exhibitionist, "I'm just uncomfortable in clothes". He completed last year's Coast to Coast race with his lower half exposed and said he often trained naked. The court reserved its decision.
NZPA



Govt, sports bodies discuss terror threats

Government officials are liaising with sports bodies in light of terror threats targeting sports events in India as the New Zealand hockey team prepares to travel there. The warning was published on Tuesday by Asia Times Online, which said it had received a message from top guerrilla commander Ilyas Kashmiri, whose 313 Brigade is an operational arm of al Qaeda, the organisation blamed for the September 2001 attacks on New York City. It warned the international community not to send their people to the 2010 hockey World Cup, the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket competition involving international players and the Commonwealth Games, to be held in Delhi in October. Hockey New Zealand says it still planned to send the Black Sticks to hockey World Cup, which starts next week.
NZPA



Tuesday, February 16

Sterilizations of stray cats and dogs about to start in Samoa

A Ministry of Environment officer in Samoa says the entire community needs to help address the growing problem of stray cats and dogs. The Ministry has teamed up with the Tourism Authority, the Animal Society and an American veterinary group called Animal Balance, to begin sterilizing stray cats and dogs from next week, in a bid to reduce their numbers. The Ministry’s assistant CEO, Faleafaga Tony Tipama’a, says that there are too many strays because so many owners don’t look after their pets properly.
© Radio New Zealand International



Govt in talks over held protester

Source: Newstalk ZB/ONE News
Foreign Affairs says they are in talks with their Japanese counterpart over a New Zealander being held on a Japanese whaling ship in the Southern Ocean. Anti-whaling protestor Peter Bethune is being detained on the Shonan Maru Number 2 after boarding it to try to make a citizen's arrest. He claims the Japanese ship deliberately destroyed his protest boat, the Ady Gil , in a confrontation last month and wants the whalers to face attempted murder charges. Prime Minister John Key says the government is concerned about any citizen who finds themselves in trouble and consular assistance is being offered to Bethune.



Asia rising apple market

by LAURA BASHAM - The Nelson Mail
Asian markets are looking a whole lot more attractive to pipfruit growers this year. After a tough export season in the traditional markets of Europe (including Britain) and North America last year, which left most growers barely breaking even, the fixed price market in Asia at least means more certainty. Couple that with cheaper shipping costs to a closer market, quicker payment, and potential for growth, and growers see it makes sense to focus on Asia. Last season Nelson growers produced good-quality fruit, but their returns from sales in the northern hemisphere were low because of large volumes of competing cheap summer fruit and the exchange rate worked against them.



Grain extracts tested for use in cosmetics

New Zealand scientists are targeting grains as a source of natural cosmetic products. The first of these, using biopolymers derived from oats and amaranth, is now being assessed for its commercial use. The researchers are part of the Biopolymer Network, a collaboration between AgResearch, Plant and Food and Scion. The extracts have been formulated into hand creams which have been tested on volunteers. Ms Macdonald says they have performed better than creams without the extracts. Ms Macdonald says the next extract likely to be commercially tested is a foaming agent suitable for hair shampoo. After this may come a microparticle that can be used in dry cosmetics, such as face powder.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



NZ qualifies for world debating knockout rounds

Defending champion New Zealand has qualified for the knock-out rounds of the 2010 World schools debating championships in Doha, Qatar. New Zealand won the title in Athens last year. New Zealand won six of its eight preliminary round debates, beating Slovakia, Estonia, the United States, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates and Romania, but losing narrowly to Israel and Australia. It is in seventh position going into tomorrow's octofinals, in which it will debate the Netherlands. If it wins, the team will face either Ireland or Canada in the quarterfinals. New Zealand has won the tournament four times since 1988 (in 1991, 1992, 1995 and 2009), were runners-up in 2008, and hosted the competition in 1994.
NZPA



Whitney Houston concert cancelled

Whitney Houston's New Zealand concert has been cancelled. She was to perform at New Plymouth's TSB Bowl of Brooklands on March 6. Promoter Andrew McManus blames a dispute with the venue's owner/operator for the cancellation. McManus says both he and Houston are extremely sorry to have to disappoint her many New Zealand fans. Ticket holders are being told to contact Ticketmaster for a refund.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Parties to declare all donations under new law

The Government says its new electoral finance law will require all political parties to disclose the total amount of the donations they receive.The legislation will retain a limit on what parties can spend, but the limit will rise each election in line with inflation. The changes are part of a revamp of election finance rules which Justice Minister Simon Power expects will be in place by the time of next year's general election. Mr Pow er says the law will also define more clearly what counts as election advertising.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Damage from Tonga cyclone being assessed

Updated at 9:23am on 16 February 2010 (NZ Time)
Cyclone Rene has toppled trees and power lines and torn roofs off houses on the main island of Tonga, but no fatalities have been reported. Police Commander Chris Kelley says there was widespread damage to buildings, to banana plantations and coconut and kassava crops on the main island of Tongatapu. He says 25 families were evacuated. The Category 3 cyclone had earlier damaged houses, knocked out power and flattened banana plantations in the Vava'u group, before hitting Tongatapu about 7pm on Monday night. Tonga's National Disaster Committee was to meet on Tuesday morning to assess the damage on the main island and outlying areas. Deputy director Male'u Takai says it has had reports of damage such as trees and power lines down, and houses that have lost roofs. Radio New Zealand's Pacific Issues Correspondent reports the hospital has had no injured people brought to it.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Double honours make 60th birthday special for Clark

By Audrey Young
It's a big week for former Prime Minister Helen Clark, who arrives back in New Zealand today to receive two honours and to celebrate her 60th birthday. Tomorrow morning she will receive New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand, at a special ceremony at Government House in Auckland, an award held by only 20 living New Zealanders. Tomorrow evening the University of Auckland will confer on her an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of her contribution to New Zealand. Around 240 guests will attend. On Sunday, before leaving for New York, friends are throwing her a 60th birthday party in Auckland - five days before her actual birthday on February 26. Helen Clark, who was Prime Minister for nine years before heading the United National Development Programme, will also return to Parliament for the first time since leaving in April last year to appear before a select committee.



Festival offers "I do" service

By ANGELA KENEALY - NewstalkZB
People heading to a three day arts festival south-east of Auckland may want to pack something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. The Splore festival at Orere will have a wedding celebrant on hand for couples who want to get hitched. Festival director Amanda Wright says it makes sense given how many couples have met at the event over the years. Three couples are already booked to say "I do."



New Zealand hit by premature ageing

New Zealand's workforce is being hit by "premature ageing" and needs to boost its numbers, says a Waikato University researcher. An expert in regional demography, Professor Natalie Jackson, said New Zealand was losing people aged 20 to 40 - mainly due to emigration - which was driving up the median age of the population. "Crunch time is approaching with the number of retirees set to boom and fewer and fewer young people coming into the labour market," she said. "The issues are huge because New Zealand is parked right next to Australia, which has an older population than New Zealand, and is like a vacuum sucking in Kiwi migrants." Europe's population had stopped growing, and that region was interested in skilled young people from New Zealand. "We can't necessarily count on filling the gap with skilled migrants given the fierce international competition to attract these people," Prof Jackson said.
NZPA



Tougher animal cruelty bill introduced

The Government has introduced legislation increasing the penalties for animal cruelty. It would increase the maximum penalty for wilful ill-treatment of an animal from three to five years imprisonment and the maximum fine would double to $100,000. The bill adds the new offence of reckless ill-treatment of an animal, which would carry a maximum of three years in prison, a fine of $75,000, or both. That would apply where it can be proved a person knew that serious harm to an animal could occur and unreasonably ran the risk.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Monday, February 15

Cyclone reaches Tonga

Monday, 15, Feb, 2010 7:15PM (NZ Time)
New Zealanders in Tonga are being urged by the Prime Minister to register their details on the Safe Travel Website. John Key also says those with immediate plans to travel to the pacific nation should contact their travel agency as flights may be disrupted. Mr Key says indications are the damage from the storm - currently a category three cyclone - could be significant.
Safe Travel website CLICK HERE
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Five jailed for part in Australian terror plot

Five men convicted of plotting to commit violent jihad on Australian soil have been jailed for minimum terms ranging from 17 to 21 years. The men from Sydney were sentenced on Monday afternoon in the New South Wales Supreme Court, AAP reports. In October last year after four-and-a-half weeks of deliberations, a jury found them guilty of the conspiracy which involved stockpiling explosive chemicals and firearms. The men, aged from 25 to 44, were each found guilty of conspiring to commit an act, or acts, in preparation for a terrorist act between July 2004 and November 2005. During the trial, Crown prosecutor Richard Maidment, SC, said the men were devout Muslims driven by extremist beliefs to plot violent jihad.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Call for action over Maori, Pacific unemployment

Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres is calling for action to address a rise in unemployment among young Maori and Pacific people. Figures from Statistics New Zealand show unemployment for Maori has increased from 9.8% to 15.4% in the past 12 months, while unemployment for Pacific people rose from 7.8% to 14%. Mr Bres says that means almost one in every three Maori and Pacific workers aged between 15 and 24 is out of work.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Cyclone damages northern Tonga islands

Updated at 3:08pm on 15 February 2010
Tongans are being warned to brace for the strongest cyclone to hit the country in 50 years. Cyclone Rene has left houses without roofs, thousands of banana trees toppled and yachts stranded on rocks on Tonga's Vava'u group, a resident says. The cyclone, which has been upgraded to a Category 4 storm, was estimated to be carrying winds of nearly 170km/h at the time it hit Vava'u and Ha'apai islands, in the north of Tonga. The Fiji Meteorological Service said the winds were expected to get stronger as the cyclone continued towards central and southern Tonga. Businessman Hank Gros, who runs a tourism operation on Neiafu in the Vava'u Group, said strong winds are decreasing on Monday afternoon, but there will be no power for days as all the lines are down. Meanwhile, a tropical cyclone gale warning for Niue has been cancelled.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand



Sea Shepherd skipper boards whaling ship

By ANDREW DARBY - SMH
The skipper of the Sea Shepherd vessel that was sunk in a Southern Ocean collision last month has today boarded the Japanese whaling security vessel that hit his boat. New Zealander Pete Bethune used a power-ski, under the cover of darkness, to clamber aboard the Shonan Maru No 2, said the anti-whaling group's leader, Paul Watson. "His mission is to attempt a citizen's arrest of the skipper of Shonan Maru No 2 for the destruction of the Ady Gil and attempted murder of six Ady Gil crew," Captain Watson said. He said Mr Bethune had a bill for Au$3 million to present to the Japanese boat's skipper and a demand for surrender. But Captain Watson said he anticipated Mr Bethune would be taken prisoner on the vessel when the Japanese crew discovered he was there.



MMP referendum being signed off

Cabinet is due to sign off the legislation allowing the 2011 referendum on MMP. The move is part of National's pre-election promise to hold a referendum by no later than next year. Cabinet is in the final stages of deciding the wording of two questions. The first asks voters if they want to change the voting system from MMP. The second question asks what alternative voting system people would prefer from a list of options. If the majority of voters opt for a change from MMP, there will be a second referendum at the 2014 general election.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Whales die after stranding on Stewart Island beach

By SAM McKNIGHT - The Southland Times
Twenty-eight pilot whales are dead after a stranding at a remote Stewart Island beach yesterday. Department of Conservation acting southern islands area manager Mark Townsend said the whales were discovered by a passing tramper about 9am. The tramper reported the stranding to DOC staff using a satellite phone. The stranding happened on the remote West Ruggedy Beach, north of Mason Bay. By the time staff arrived about an hour later by helicopter, they found the whales scattered across a 600m to 700m stretch of the beach. It was not known how long the whales had been there or why they stranded.



Throw out homework, let kids read comics - principal

By NATHAN BEAUMONT - The Dominion Post
Wellington schools are scrapping traditional homework methods, instead telling pupils to read comics and the backs of cereal packets to improve reading skills. They also suggest pupils improve their spelling by doing crosswords and playing board games but warn that parents should not rely solely on school lessons to improve the children's achievement in maths. The move has been backed by education expert Professor John Hattie, who says he has found "zero evidence" that homework helps to improve time management or study skills. In a letter to parents, Karori Normal School principal Diane Leggett pointed to research that suggested homework had no positive impact. "In fact, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest the opposite." From this year the school had stopped providing homework sheets for pupils. Instead the school encouraged parents to be more involved with their child's learning.



Sunday, February 14

Government targets benefit abuse

The Government has had enough of the big benefit bill and wants to weed out people who abuse the system. The number of people receiving a sickness benefit is expected to rise by 50 percent in the next 15 years. Prime Minister John Key has confirmed that the Government will be going ahead with promises to make people reapply for their benefits after 12 months. He told TVNZ's Q&A programme that it is time to get tough on beneficiaries and cutting their entitlements is one option. Mr Key says he is prepared to cut benefits if people are abusing the system and not genuinely fulfilling their obligations to other tax payers to actually go out there and look for a job and do things properly. According to Mr Key, if 5 percent of people on the DPB moved into work that would save the government $200 million over 10 years.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd



Thousands enjoy Big Gay Out

By Ryan Boswell - NewstalkZB
Thousands of people converged on an Auckland park today to celebrate being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The 11th annual Big Gay Out has been held at Coyle Park in Point Chevalier. Organisers say blending a celebration of diversity with safe sex messages is central to the event. Many couples were also out in force to celebrate Valentines Day at the event. A market area hosted a range of locally produced and specialty products, and provided information from community organisations and political groups. Politicians from across the political spectrum also showed their support for, and sought support from, the gay community. Prime Minister John Key and Labour leader Phil Goff showed up, as did Auckland City Mayor (and Super City mayoral aspirant) John Banks.


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