Time running out to write to Santa

There are only two weeks left to post your Christmas wish lists to Santa Claus. Santa needs time to reply to each letter individually so wishlists have to be posted by December 15. Letters can be posted in any mailing box or in special mailboxes set up at post offices throughout the country.
Santa's address is: Mr Santa Claus, Santa's workshop, North Pole 0001.
Adults helping children write their letters should make sure there is a return address on the letter, including the correct postcode. Kids - and adults - can also register their wishes online at nzpost.co.nz/christmas.
NZPA

More flights to West Coast for Pike River mine ceremony

Air New Zealand has put on more flights to the West Coast for people wanting to attend a remembrance ceremony for the men who lost their lives in the Pike River Coal mine. Twenty-nine men died following explosions which began at the mine on 19 November. The ceremony is to be held at the Omoto racecourse, near Greymouth, on Thursday. Air New Zealand says return services are available from Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland via Christchurch until Friday. There will be a special direct flight from Auckland to Hokitika on Thursday. The airline says it normally runs 14 return flights a week between Christchurch and Hokitika but has flown an extra 16 since the first explosion.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Kiwisaver, Working for Families 'too expensive'

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research has suggested Working for Families be scrapped and Kiwisaver incentives be curbed, saying the country cannot afford them. The institute's principal economist, Shamubeel Eaqub, told a briefing on Tuesday that many policies implemented in better times are no longer affordable. He singled out Kiwisaver, a voluntary, work-based savings initiative and Working for Families, which provides financial support for families, as inefficient and expensive. Instead of Working for Families, tax changes aimed at helping low-income workers should be considered, Mr Eaqub says.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Digi-TV switch over how to

A $13 million campaign has been launched to make sure people know about the switch over to digital television. About 30 percent of New Zealand households will need to go out and buy a new television or a digital box and may have to upgrade aerials before the November 2013 change. Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman said the Going Digital campaign included a website and helpline with information about when viewers need have to switch and what digital services and channels they can receive. The switch would be made regionally starting with the Hawke's Bay and the West Coast in September 2012. Seventy-one 71 percent of New Zealand households are already watching digital television through either Freeview, Sky or TelstraClear.
NZPA

Airline to give away flights

GLENN CONWAY - The Press
Free return flights to Malaysia will be given away as part of an airline promotion in Cathedral Square tomorrow. The launch of Air Asia X's services into Christchurch will be staged from 12.30pm. Publicity for the event said the company would be launching "the lowest international flights New Zealand has ever seen.'' Christchurch beat out Auckland and Sydney to win the right to host Air AsiaX services -- a venture predicted to ultimately bring 70,000 visitors annually and create hundreds of new jobs.

Participants sought for alternative medicine study

Massey University researchers are calling for people who use alternative medicines or dietary supplements to participate in the final phase of a three-year study. Researchers from the university's School of Psychology in Albany are aiming to find out why people used alternative treatments and if they were "life-saving or life-styling". The study arose from lead researcher Professor Kerry Chamberlain's observations that the role of medication in people's lives had become increasingly complex. "The study is primarily interested in discovering the meaning that all varieties of medications hold for people today.
NZPA

Stroke numbers rising - professor

Strokes are the leading cause of disability and death in New Zealand and urgent measures are needed to reduce the number of victims, a professor says. Stroke occurrences in New Zealand are the second-highest amongst developed countries and numbers are increasing, National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Professor Valery Feigin said. The institute was launched today by the Associate Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman at the Auckland University of Technology's North Shore campus. Stroke incidence had declined by 42 per cent during the past three decades in other developed countries but in New Zealand it fell only 11 per cent between 1981 and 2003 - and by only 11 per cent. It had increased 66 per cent in the Pacific population and 19 per cent in Maori, Prof Feigin said. Stroke mainly affected elderly people and because of New Zealand's ageing population, the number of stroke victims are expected to rise substantially, he said.
NZPA

More RWC tickets on sale tomorrow

By Lesley Deverall - NewstalkZB
In you're looking for a Christmas present for a rugby fan, some Rugby World Cup tickets go on sale on a first come, first served basis from 9am tomorrow. The tickets on sale are what's left from the recent phase two release. They're not available for all matches - as some are already oversubscribed.. Those include All Blacks vs France at Eden Park, All Blacks vs Japan in Hamilton, France vs Canada in Napier and both quarter-finals in Christchurch.

New Police Commissioner named

The New Zealander who heads the Solomons Islands' police force, Peter Marshall, has been named as the new Police Commissioner. He will replace retiring Commissioner Howard Broad for a three-year term, beginning on 3 April 2011. Mr Marshall has been seconded to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force since February 2007 and has held the position of Commissioner there since mid May 2008. He has also held a number of command and operational positions with the New Zealand Police.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Eye-care aid in Fiji

New Zealand and Australia have paid for a $2.7 million eye-care training centre in Fiji. The new centre in Suva will be used to train opthalmologists, doctors and nurses and it has operating theatres, a laser treatment room and an optical laboratory.
Copyright 2010, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Navy ships head south

Two of the Navy's newest ships will make their first foray south of New Zealand shortly when they head to Campbell Island to drop off research parties. The Navy's two 85m offshore patrol vessels, HMNZS Otago and HMNZS Wellington, will take botanists, archaeologists and limnologists (fresh-water experts) to the predator-free island and pick up another team which has been there for a week, said the Department of Conservation.
Copyright 2010, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Baby sleep patterns revealed

By Jenny Woods - NewstalkZB
Canterbury University researchers have some welcome news for new parents. They've found that around half of all babies sleep for between five and eight hours at night by the time they're two or three months old. Lead researcher, Jacki Henderson, says her study surveyed 75 babies with parents logging sleep patterns which were confirmed by a time-lapse video recorder. She says the research also shows that parents need to work on encouraging their babies to sleep in the first three months. But Dr Henderson warns controlled crying or leaving a young infant alone or distressed is not the way to develop healthy sleep habits.

Egg producer signs Asia contract

The largest cage-free egg producer in New Zealand has signed contracts to sell eggs in Singapore and Hong Kong early next year. Masterton-based Henergy Eggs is already exporting to the Cook Islands. Chief executive Darren Perry says there's a huge consumer interest in Asia in buying cage-free produced eggs, and the company is ideally placed to help meet the demand. Mr Perry says the company will initially air freight 2000 dozen eggs a week to two retail chains, but is confident sales will grow in time.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

US firm in Fiji closes after tax hike

US company Fiji Water is shutting its doors after Fiji's interim regime announced a massive hike in the tax on exported bottled water. Last week, the government announced in its 2011 budget that the levy would increase to 15 Fiji cents per litre, from the current rate of a third of a cent per litre. In a statement, Fiji Water's President, John Cochran, said the new tax is untenable and the company had no choice but to close. He said the company will also put on hold several large construction projects in Fiji. Mr Cochran says Fiji Water contributes more than $US70 million in export revenue and has employed 400 people. He also says the country is increasingly unstable and is becoming a risky place to invest.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Australia's Labor loses state poll in blow to PM

Australia's ruling Labor Party conceded defeat on Monday after elections in the nation's second-most populous state of Victoria, making promised national reforms more difficult for Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Conservative parties now rule in two of Australia's six states, with Labor expected to lose power in the most populous state, New South Wales, at polls in March. Labor is also at risk of losing power in the mining state of Queensland at elections due in 2012. Gillard will need the support of state governments in order to push through her legislative agenda in 2011, which includes putting a price on carbon and reforming taxation and hospital funding. The defeated Labor leader of Victoria, John Brumby, said counting from Saturday's closely fought election showed the conservatives had won enough seats to govern. Gillard, whose home state is Victoria, herself narrowly returned to power in national elections in August which resulted in a hung parliament. She now rules with the support of independents and Green MPs.
(Reporting by Rob Taylor; editing by Mark Bendeich and Balazs Koranyi)

Key meets first boot camp graduates

The first 10 graduates have emerged from the Government's military-style "activity camps" for serious young offenders and Prime Minister John Key met them in Christchurch today. Establishing the camps became known as "boot camp" policy when it was announced by National before the 2008 election. It is now known as the Fresh Start policy and Mr Key said the 10 graduates had been given the tools to turn their lives around. Under the policy, serious young offenders can be ordered by the Youth Court to attend the activity camps, which reinforce self-discipline and personal responsibility using Defence Force facilities. The youths who attend receive continued mentoring, treatment and support for up to a year.
NZPA

WikiLeaks reveals NZ pipe band cables

MICHAEL FIELD, KIRSTY JOHNSTON, MARTIN KAY AND JOHN HARTEVELT - Stuff
A cobbled-together Christchurch pipe band made it into the WikiLeaks "cablegate" documents after playing a concert for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. WikiLeaks this morning published 250,000 State Department cables. Among them are 1490 cables from American staff at the US Embassy in Wellington and 14 cables from the US Consul in Auckland. Members of the "Pipes and Drums of Christchurch City" travelled to the north African country last year at the ruler's request, to became part of the three-day spectacle held to mark his 40th anniversary in power. A check of news archives showed the band was a group of 60 pipers and drummers "cobbled together" from around the South Island, who were flown, all-expenses paid, to perform a military tattoo. Band member Alan Carlyle, who plays the side drum, said he couldn't believe their trip had been reported on. "It was a musical event, not a political one. Although there was a lot of political capital made out of it."

Police seek man named Customline Ford

Police are trying to find a 21-year-old man with gang connections who may be in Wellington. Customline Ford has a warrant for his arrest for breaching court-imposed bail conditions. Detective Tracey Calder, of Wairarapa, said Ford faced several charges including burglary, theft from a motor vehicle and receiving. "We believe Ford is in the Wairarapa or Wellington areas and would like to speak to anyone who may know his whereabouts."
The Dominion Post

Art gallery at Te Papa possible, says PM

The New Zealand Government has been approached by two philanthropists interested in helping build an art gallery for the national museum Te Papa. The museum's new chairman, Sir Wira Gardiner, is supporting a stand-alone gallery to show some of the 15,000 artworks in Te Papa's collection. Prime Minister John Key says the idea has been canvassed for some time and it is possible, but the Government is unlikely to fully fund it. Te Papa board member Chris Parkin has reportedly estimated the cost of a new building at $100 million.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Calls for paracetamol guidelines

There's a call for clearer guidelines to be set around the administration of paracetamol to children. A new study has found early use of the drug can increase the risk of children developing allergies and asthma later in life. Professor Julian Crane says the most significant impact can be when children under the age of 15 months are given paracetamol. He says we need to develop clearer guidelines for paracetamol use. Professor Crane says the findings aren't enough to warn parents off using paracetamol, but highlight the need for caution.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Heavy flooding in Victoria

Houses have been flooded and motorists have had to be rescued in heavy storms hitting north-central Victoria. Floodwaters are yet to peak with five houses in Rochester already flooded. The State Emergency Service has responded to more than 1300 requests for assistance since Friday night. The weather has also affected Melbourne with flood warnings on rivers including the Yarra and Werribee Rivers.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

US spies likely to know Helen Clark's credit card details

It appears likely that American intelligence officials know credit card details of former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, documents released by Wikileaks indicate. The whistle-blowing website on Monday released 250,000 confidential messages sent by US embassies. The latest diplomatic cables reveal American diplomats were asked to collect detailed personal information on senior United Nations officials. The cables date from July last year, not long after Helen Clark took up her job as head of the United Nations Development Programme. American diplomats were asked to provide the US intelligence community with personal details about senior UN officials, including their credit card account numbers, frequent flyer numbers and email details.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Exhibition reveals early Maori writing

By Yvonne Tahana
Researchers have unearthed some of the earliest examples of Maori writing and drawing ranging from simple alphabet practice to a flirtatious letter. Education professors Alison Jones, from Auckland University and Kuni Jenkins from Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi have been researching early engagement between Maori and Pakeha between 1793 and 1835. Their samples focused on northern Maori because of the area's first contact history and has turned up gems including an archival record of Ngapuhi chief Hongi Hika, famous for introducing musket warfare, practicing letters aboard a ship headed to Sydney in 1814. In the top right hand corner someone has inked the words "written by Shunghee on board the Active". The work is being exhibited at Auckland Central City Library from December 6 to 10.

Three rescued Tokelauan boys out of hospital

The three rescued Tokelau teenagers found drifting for 50 days at sea have been discharged from Fiji’s Colonial War Memorial hospital. The trio, Samuel Pelesa and Filo Filo who are both 15 and Edward Nasau, who is 14 were discovered floating in their 3.5 metre long aluminum boat by crew members of the fishing vessel, San Nikuna. Fiji Live says the tuna boat was taking a short cut on their return route to New Zealand when they saw the three boys on Wednesday. The three survived by drinking rainwater, eating raw fish and a sea gull before being rescued by the fishing vessel.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

World's first Corgi champs in Upper Hutt

They may not appear well suited to the sport of agility, but a small band of Corgis from around New Zealand has gathered to prove they can jump through hoops like any other. Just four took part in yesterday's Welsh Corgi National Agility Championships in Upper Hutt, but despite the small numbers, the event was a world first. Wellington Welsh Corgi walking club president, Michael Romanos, says up until now, no country has ever held a national agility championship for Corgis. He says in the past people haven't used Corgis for agility, but new rules in New Zealand mean smaller dogs now have a better chance at competing and winning. He hopes to make the championships an annual event.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

New Zealand involved in climate summit

New Zealand is among 194 countries gathering for a United Nations climate summit in Mexico. But some participants, including Australia, are downplaying the prospect of a global agreement being reached at Cancun. The world's biggest polluter, the US, is likely to dump plans for a cap-and-trade system on emissions. The latest summit comes a year after after the world's major polluters failed to reach a global agreement in Copenhagen.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

New imigration alterations start today

Major changes to our immigration system begin as of today, as the new 2009 Immigration Act takes effect. Under the new set up, the appeals and deportation bodies have undergone big alterations. The Removal Review Authority, Residents' Review Board, Refugee Status Appeals Authority and Deportation Review Tribunal, are now merged into one entity, the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. Changes have also been made to rules for employers around foreign workers and work permits. They'll now have to show they've done due diligence in making sure the person is eligible to work in New Zealand.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

First bootcamp recruits graduate today

The Government's controversial boot camps are to release their first graduates today. Established under the Fresh Start laws, the camps were set up to provide military style training and discipline for young offenders. Members of the first 10 week course are due to graduate from Burnham Military Camp this afternoon. The Government targeted Fresh Start at the 40 worst young offenders, giving the Youth Court the power to sentence them to military style rehabilitation.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Auckland hosts world population debate

World experts are this week gathering in New Zealand in a bid to work out how the planet will cope with a radically increasing population. Before 2050, the population's set to reach nine billion, and scientists say global civilisation faces one of its greatest challenges in matching demands to the limited resources of the planet. The Prime Minister's chief science adviser, Sir Peter Gluckman, says New Zealand is right up there globally, in valuing sustainability in society and in the economy. But he says it's equally important we project those values in the future in decision-making, and it's important to play our part around the world as well. The sustainability, engineering and science conference begins in Auckland on Wednesday.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Military ties with US to be discussed

More work's to be done on our military ties with the United States as the Defence Minister heads to America. Wayne Mapp is to meet US Defence Secretary, Robert Gates, in Washington and will discuss international defence and security issues that are of mutual interest. En route, he'll stop in Hawaii and hold talks with the head of the US Pacific Command Admiral Robert Willard. Dr Mapp says the Admiral has military responsibility for the Pacific region and his command manages most of the defence exercises and operations we could be a part of in the future.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Reserve Bank warns of summer drought

Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard is warning of potential drought conditions this summer. Business correspondent, Roger Kerr, blames climatic conditions for the underlying causes of most economic recessions in New Zealand negatively impacting on our agricultural production. Farmers are on watch to get extra feed and to reduce stock levels, while Federated Farmers are advising on contingency plans. Roger Kerr hopes for for the sake of the export-led recovery, we get some decent rain.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

MP's performance rated

By Lesley Deverall - NewstalkZB
Justice Minister Simon Power's top dog in an annual survey on the performance of our MPs. The survey, conducted by the Trans Tasman publication, gives Mr Power a nine out of 10 - rating him politician of the year and commending him for his huge legislative work rate. Prime Minister John Key's also scores a nine, Labour Leader Phil Goff gets a six, and Speaker Lockwood Smith's drops from 9.25 to eight. He's down because of his handling of the travel perk situation. The lowest ranked MPs are National's Paul Quinn who gets a one for being a media-loathing misfit, and ex-Labour MP Chris Carter for his outstandingly bad sense of self entitlement, which brought his downfall.

Massive turnout at Auckland Santa Parade

Auckland turned on the good weather for the 76th annual Santa Parade and an estimated 300,000 people crammed the central city's streets to watch it go by. Temperatures soared to 26degC with 73% humidity, according to the MetService, drawing what was thought to be a record crowd. Organisers estimated over 300,000 people turned up to watch the parade, which closed Mayoral Drive, Queen Street, Customs Street and Albert Street for more than two hours. And over 4000 volunteers took part, which meant over 4000 afternoon teas had to be prepared. Glaser said the day's biggest crowd pleasers were the Mr Potato Head and Thomas the Tank Engine inflatables, which received rapturous cheers from the crowd.
Source: ONE News

Marlborough hydro scheme approved

The Environment Court has given its approval to TrustPower's plans to build a hydro scheme on Marlborough's Wairau River. The $280 million project, which will generate up to 70 megawatts of electricity, will see up to 60 percent of the river's water flow diverted and channelled through a 49km canal and six small power stations before returning to the river. It could see Marlborough generate 85 percent of its own electricity and provide irrigation for a number of farmers in the Wairau Valley.
NZPA

McCully warned about latest Wikileaks

Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, has been briefed by US officials, ahead of the release of up to three million potentially embarrassing diplomatic messages. American diplomats have been warning leaders all over the world about another huge dump of documents expected on the Wikileaks website. They fear relations between Washington and its allies could be harmed. A spokesman for Mr McCully says they're aware the leaks are expected over the next few days, but no one really knows what's in them yet.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Pike River website set up for donations, messages

The charitable trust controlling the distribution of donated funds following the Pike River disaster has set up a website where people can make donations and leave messages of support. Initiated by the Grey District Council, the Pike River Miners' Relief Trust is administered by community representatives from across the West Coast. The website, pikeriverdonations.org.nz, also links to a video from the U2 concert in Auckland on Thursday night, where the band paid tribute to the 29 miners who lost their lives.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Landfill gas converted into vehicle fuel

An Auckland waste management company has converted methane gas from a landfill site into vehicle fuel. Transpacific Industries says it is converting gas from the dump into nine megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power 11,000 homes a year. The company says the biogas gives the same performance as conventional fuel and is also cheap to produce, relative to other biofuels, because natural anaerobic activity underground does much of the work. Managing director Tom Nickels says Redvale Energy Park has the potential to produce the equivalent of 54 million litres of diesel each year.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

New Zealand 14-year-olds rate well on civics

A study has found that New Zealand 14-year-olds have an above-average understanding of civics, even though the topic is not taught in schools in this country. The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study tested 140,000 children in 38 countries on subjects including the role of unions and public debate. Only 10 countries had a significantly higher score than New Zealand. Foremost among them were Finland, Denmark and South Korea with average scores of 576 against an international average of 500. New Zealand scored 517 points, similar to England, Slovenia and Norway.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Rugby-All Blacks beat Wales 37-25 to wrap up Grand Slam

The All Blacks beat Wales 35-23 at Cardiff on Sunday morning (NZ time) to complete their fourth Grand Slam, following wins against England, Scotland and Ireland. After a testing first half in the Millennium Stadium, the All Blacks went to the break 13-9 ahead. Tries for New Zealand were scored by Hosea Gear (two), Mils Muliaina, Isaia Toeava, and John Afoa. Lee Byrne scored a consolation try for Wales just before full-time. All the kicking points for Wales were scored by Steve Jones, while Dan Carter's 10 points for the All Blacks made him the highest-scoring international rugby player ever. Jerome Kaino was named man of the match in his 38th Test.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Kiwi may have solved mystery of the pyramids

A Wellington scientist has come up with an explanation that may help solve the question of how the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids. It has been widely thought massive blocks of stone cut from quarries were dragged to the building sites. But Professor Ken MacKenzie from Victoria University had his doubts, so he tested a small sample of a block from the famous Bent Pyramid, built more than 4500 years ago, at his Lower Hutt lab. He ground it to powder, put in a spectrometer containing a powerful magnet and spun it at a staggering 12,000 revolutions per second. From that, he was able to get a sub-atomic analysis of the pyramid block. It showed that rather being solid stone, it was a mixture of several materials, a sort of ancient concrete. "The concrete that would have been used in this instance, if we call it that, this re-constituted stone, would be the earliest form of concrete we know," said MacKenzie. The mixture, limestone and silica mixed with water and poured into wooden moulds, would have formed symmetrical blocks after setting.
Source: ONE News

Brash launches fresh attack on Maori seats

Don Brash has returned to Orewa to deliver another speech, questioning again why Maori seats were required in parliament. In his 'Nationhood' speech in 2004, Brash said there was a dangerous drift towards racial separatism in New Zealand and a National government under his leadership would abolish Maori seats. He said the concept of a racially-based political party would be seen as "grossly inappropriate if wanted by any other race than Maori". An outcry would follow an attempt to set up a "European New Zealanders Party", he said. There was "no logic" in having Maori electorates, Brash said, and argued the same principle applied to local government. "Maori are absolutely capable of being elected to Parliament on their own merits," he said. "There is absolutely no case that I can see for treating Maori people differently in general legislation.
Source: ONE News

Pike River-Visit to mine will help families move forward says mayor

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says Saturday's visit to the Pike River coal mine by the families of the 29 men who died there, will help them begin to slowly move forward. Ten busloads of family members were taken to the Pike River mine on Saturday to pay their respects to the 29 men who died. The buses arrived in a convoy just after midday with many of those attending children clutching bouquets of flowers. A Radio New Zealand reporter says the families were allowed to take photographs of the site and of a wall with the mine workers name tags still attached. Buffy Glengarry, a friend of one of the miners, Daniel Herk, said she found the experience "quite beautiful but very sad". One man who lost a son in the tragedy said the last time he visited the mine was when there was still a sense of hope but it now it was a farewell. The first explosion occurred at the mine on Friday, 19 November. Two further explosions have since occurred, on 24 and 26 November.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Narrow win for opposition Coalition tipped in Victoria

People in the Australian state of Victoria have cast their votes in what is shaping up as the tightest election since the Labor Party's victory in 1999. Two polls out on Saturday morning point to a narrow Coalition victory or a hung parliament, though those predictions are within the polls' margins for error. Premier John Brumby appears resigned to a swing against his government. "I don't claim that everything we have done in government has been perfect," he said. "It will be a tight election, but I think the difference at the end of the day is going to be about leadership for the future." The ABC reports the narrow contest predicted means a result may not be known until Sunday.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

More boats of asylum seekers stopped

The Royal Australian Navy has stopped two more boats carrying asylum seekers in waters off north-west Australia. The first was intercepted on Thursday night carrying 29 passengers and four crew members. Another boat was stopped on Friday afternoon with 41 people on board. Both groups will be taken to Christmas Island for health and security checks. The ABC reports there have been a record number of asylum seeker boat arrivals this year.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Solo coastal kayak voyage around NZ begins

A Tauranga man sets off on Saturday in an attempt to make a solo, continuous kayak voyage around New Zealand. Agricultural contractor Tim Taylor has taken a year off work to prepare for the voyage, which he expects will take anything from three to six months to complete. He will be escorted from Waimarino adventure park in Tauranga by fellow kayakers and the harbourmaster. The full loop of 5,500km was navigated across three summers by Paul Caffyn in the late 1970s. Mr Taylor hopes to do it all in one go, with his first stop en route to East Cape being Pukehina.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Further move into Latin America by Fonterra

Fonterra is set to expand further into the Latin American market with a joint venture with Nestle, in Chile. The 50:50 venture, which was formed in 2002, already operates in five other countries there, including Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador. A Fonterra subsidary, Soprole, which already operates on a smaller scale in Chile, and Nestle have filed an application with Chilean authorities seeking approval for the venture. If successful, Fonterra says the move will boost sales by approximately $770 million per year. The joint venture in Chile will focus on accelerating the liquid and chilled dairy market.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Owners of foreign vessels fined for fishing in NZ waters

The Taiwanese owners of two foreign fishing vessels have been fined $220,000 each for illegally fishing in New Zealand waters. Vanuatu-flagged and Taiwanese-flagged tuna long-liners were sighted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force PK Orion on patrol in September last year. The crew of the Fu Chun 126 were photographed preparing fishing gear for use, to the north of the Kermadec Islands. Fish than had already been caught were still visible on the deck. The Ta Chun 101 was sighted the same day by the RNZAF about 20km away from the Fu Chun 126. Illegal fishing in New Zealand waters undermines the quota management system and threatens the sustainability of the industry.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Santa steps out on town with cartoon entourage

The jolly bearded man in red will make his annual trip through Auckland's CBD tomorrow for the 77th time. More than a quarter of a million spectators are expected to watch him make his journey in this year's Farmers Santa Parade. Santa will travel alongside characters such as SpongeBob Square Pants and Mr Potato Head. Some of these will be giant helium-filled balloons floating high above the parade route. Underneath the balloon characters will be dozens of floats including Alice in Wonderland and the all-important Santa's Float, with some featuring special effects. There will also be brass bands, clowns, stilt walkers and marching bands. Every year the parade supports a charity and this year it is the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation. Collectors will be seeking donations from the crowd before the parade.
Copyright 2010, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Faster DNA analysis to deter criminals

New Zealand is set to be a world leader in processing DNA evidence. New technology is being brought in to reduce the time it takes to process a test from 28 days to five. Minister of Research and Technology, Wayne Mapp, says forensics are increasingly playing a fundamental role in getting people to court, and getting convictions. "This is a huge improvement," he told Newstalk ZB, "We'll be world leading. Five days is way ahead of the United States, way ahead of Australia."
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Professor and team take top prize

When Sir Paul Callaghan dreamed of being able to work as a world-class scientist in New Zealand, he never imagined his discoveries would earn millions of dollars. Those discoveries, and the company that sells them, have just won New Zealand's most valuable science prize. Professor Callaghan, who started the firm Magritek with four other scientists to sell the products of their research, won the $500,000 Prime Minister's Science prize yesterday, a day after he received The Dominion Post's 2010 Science and Technology Welly award. Magritek, established in 2004, develops and sells MRI training systems to universities. It earned several million dollars this year. Sir Paul, 63, began researching magnetic resonance more than 35 years ago. Radio waves and magnetic fields can detect how molecules organise and move, and are used in MRI systems.
The Dominion Post

Teacher demoted for failing students

An Auckland teacher has won $7499 compensation after she was demoted for failing foreign accounting students she said didn't learn anything. Of the 24 Chinese students in her class at the New Zealand Institute of Commerce in 2004, South African-born Judy Kraidy failed 20, the Weekend Herald reported today. Another teacher was put in charge of the class and the replacement exam made easier, Kraidy said. She took her claim to the Disputes Tribunal, which awarded her $7499 and said the school had made a commercial decision to retain the students. Kraidy said the school had promised the students a good qualification if they paid their fees of about $15,000 to $20,000. She said some students treated the ``guaranteed-pass'' course as a shortcut to permanent residency, though a few students did genuinely want to learn. Former school director Nina Hsu said Kraidy did not have ``a loving heart for the students''. The school closed the following year following a slower market and an illness to Ms Hsu's partner.
NZPA

Lake Taupo Challenge today

The Lake Taupo Challenge, the biggest cycling event in the country, begins on Saturday morning. Almost 10,000 cyclists will take part in 12 different events, based around Lake Taupo from 6am - 5pm. Motorists are urged to slow down during the events, following a recent spate of cycling deaths on the roads.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Relatives never gave up on Tokelau teens lost at sea

Three teenage boys who were rescued yesterday, after 50 days stranded at sea, arrived in Suva, Fiji today to receive medical treatment. Samuel Perez and Filo Filo, both 15, and Edward Nasau, 14, went missing from Atafu, one of the three atolls that make up the New Zealand territory of Tokelau, on October 5, in a brand new boat loaded with a few coconuts. The people of Tokelau had given up hope the boys were alive after an extensive air search by the New Zealand Air Force failed to find them. But yesterday a passing New Zealand tuna fishing boat spotted them 1300km north-east of Fiji. The badly sunburned boys told their rescuers that they had survived by eating the coconuts at the start of the ordeal, and a solitary raw seagull which they managed to catch after it landed on their boat.
Source: ONE News/Reuters

Cyclone alert in Fiji

MICHAEL FIELD - Stuff
Fiji has declared a national cyclone alert, the first of the season. The Fiji Meteorological Centre in Nadi said the unnamed depression was 1150 kilometres north west of Nadi. It said it was expected to intensify further and become a tropical cyclone in the next 36 to 48 hours. "One this track, and if the depression continues to intensify, it may bring damaging gale force winds over the western parts of Fiji by later Sunday." The area is the main tourist destination in Fiji.

Dengue warning as wet season begins

The New Zealand government is reminding travellers to the Pacific and North Queensland to protect against mosquito bites as the rainy season starts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s spokesman, Chris Wilson, says there is no vaccine or medication to protect against dengue fever which is a virus transmitted by mosquitos. He says travellers should use insect repellant, wear protective clothing and stay in accommodation with mosquito screens on windows. “The rainy season’s approaching and we’re just advising people to be vigilant. In the past there’s been dengue fever outbreaks in many parts of the Pacific such as the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.” Chris Wilson says if people feel unwell during a trip or within a couple of weeks of travel, they should seek immediate medical advice. The symptoms of dengue fever are a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache and sometimes skin rash, joint pain and vomiting. The rainy season extends from November until April.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Third explosion at Pike River mine

A third explosion has occured at the Pike River Coal mine near Greymouth. The explosion happened at 3.39pm on Friday, just five minutes before a scheduled one-minute silence held at the mine. That was to be held at precisely the time one week ago the first explosion struck. Pike River Coal's chairman John Dow confirmed the incident after the news had been leaked to other media. He told a hastily-convened news conference in Greymouth the explosion lasted 20 seconds and was smaller than both the initial explosion and the one on Wednesday that extinguihsed all hope of finding 29 mine workers trapped underground alive.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Cook Islands host outrigger canoe festival

The organiser of the Cook Islands’ annual Vaka Eiva outrigger canoeing festival is hoping the event will have a great impact on the economy this year. The event is in its seventh year and has attracted more than 700 paddlers from across the Pacific region as well as visitors from New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Tahiti, and Guam. The organiser, Victoria Dearlove, says last year’s festival attracted more than 800 paddlers and visitors, which generated much income for the country.
© Radio New Zealand International

Broader working holiday rules

More Kiwis will be able to work and study in the Czech Republic, and vice versa, after changes were made to our working holiday schemes. Foreign minister Murray McCully and his Czech counterpart have signed the deal in Prague. The changes will raise the maximum age from 30 to 35 and changes employment and study restrictions for working holiday-makers in both countries. Study entitlements will be increased from three to six months and the current three month restriction a person can spend with an employer has been removed.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Big waves on the East Coast

The Hawke's Bay and Gisborne coastlines will experience big waves this weekend. Weatherwatch.co.nz says a large low heading to the East Coast is generating swells of more than eight metres out at sea and will bring swells of up to three metres closer to the shore on Sunday. Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says dangerous rips and large waves could come in. He says the weather in the region has been fairly miserable over the last week but that will change this weekend. "It's going to become sunnier and hotter and with the sunny, hot, dry weather over them, those on the beach might not quite realise what's happening off shore."
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Veteran pro-democracy campaigner has major success in historic Tonga elections

The first results from Tonga’s historic elections show there has been huge support for the party led by the veteran pro-democracy campaigner, Akilisi Pohiva. Mr Pohiva’s Friendly Islands Democratic Party has taken eight of the ten seats on the main island Tongatapu and at least one of the outer island seats. Many of the victories were by substantial margins.
© Radio New Zealand International

Tokelau teenage trio found after 50 days lost at sea

Three teenage boys from Tokelau have been rescued by a tuna ship near Fiji after being missing for 50 days at sea. The boys - two aged 15 and one aged 14 - went missing from Atafu Atoll in a small aluminium boat after a sporting event in early October. They were presumed to have died after unsuccessful searches by New Zealand's air force. Tai Fredricsen, first mate of the tuna vessel San Nikunau, says the trio were spotted northeast of Fiji on Wednesday afternoon. He says the teenagers, though dehydrated and sun-burnt, were now relaxing, listening to music and watching cartoons. They will be taken to hospital in Suva.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Cricket-Australia vs English chaps. 1st Ashes Test

Australia's recalled pace bowler Peter Siddle claimed a hat-trick on his 26th birthday to reduce England to 197 for seven in the afternoon session of the first Ashes test in Brisbane. After dismissing Kevin Pietersen then Paul Collingwood, Siddle had Alistair Cook caught at slip for 60, wicketkeeper Matt Prior bowled for a duck and Stuart Broad lbw in successive deliveries in the 66th over. It's the 11th hat-trick by an Australian in Test cricket. England's captain Andrew Strauss won the toss but was out without scoring from the third ball of the first over.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Rugby-Brad Thorn's 50th All Black test a week late in Cardiff

The All Black forward pack for the final test of the season will be boosted by the return of hooker Keven Mealamu and veteran lock Brad Thorn who'll play his 50th test in Cardiff on Sunday morning. Thorn missed the Ireland test with a hamstring strain. In other changes from the team the beat Ireland Isaia Toeava is on the rightwing in place of Cory Jane, Sonny Bill Williams starts at second-five for Ma'a Nonu and Mealamu returns from suspension at hooker for his 83rd test.
The starting 15 is: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read; Jimmy Cowan, Daniel Carter, Hosea Gear, Sonny Bill Williams , Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Mils Muliaina. Reserves: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Anthony Boric,Daniel Braid, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Ma'a Nonu.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

How to donate to the Pike River Miners' Fund

A fund has been set up for the families of the Pike River miners by Grey District Council. Mayor Tony Kokshoorn said the (clickable link follows) Pike River Miners Relief Fund Trust would offer financial support now and in the future. He said: "The trust will have representation from multiple support agencies involved in the response."
TO DONATE:
Donations to the trust can be made at any Westpac, BNZ, ANZ, ASB or National Bank branch, or sent care of the Grey District Council.
The ANZ and National Bank account number is 01 1841 0052483 00
The BNZ account number is 020844 0074501-00
The Westpac account number is 03-0846-0167234-00
The ASB account number is 12-3205-0146728-00
Telecom, Vodafone and 2degrees customers can text 306 to make an automatic $3 donation.
Customers at Countdown, Woolworths and Foodtown supermarkets can donate in collection boxes or add to their bill until Sunday 19 December.
Pike River Coal and its part-owner New Zealand Oil and Gas have each made a donation of $500,000.
The ANZ and BNZ have each made a $100,000 donation to the fund. ASB said it would make a "substantial donation".
Source: ONE News

Tonga noble MPs say prime minister should come from people’s representatives

Tonga’s nobles say they want the country’s new prime minister to come from the people’s representatives. Results in the country’s historic election are due this evening but the nine nobles chosen by the nobility have been revealed. They are the Honourables Fielakepa, Fusitu’a, Fakafonua, Ma’afu, Tu’i Vakano, Tu’i Ha’ateiho, Lasike, Vaea and Tu’i Lakepa. Our correspondent in Nuku’alofa, Richard Pamatatau, says the nobles revealed it is the King’s wish that a commoner become the next prime minister and they have to make that happen.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Eight Pacific nations in top ten of fattest countries list

Nauru has been ranked number one in a list of the fattest countries of 2010. 95 per cent of Nauru’s population is recorded as having a Body Mass Index, or BMI, of over 25 while a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight. According to GlobalPost, which used World Health Organisation statistics to compile its list, South Pacific countries make up most of the top ten. Tonga, the Cook Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia are equal second on the list with 92 percent of their populations considered overweight. Niue’s 5th with 84 percent, Samoa is 6th, Palau 7th and Kiribati 9th with 77 percent. As well as the tradition of fattening ceremonies in Nauru, its high BMI average is attributed to the transition from a diet of fruit and fish to Western-style meals.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Queen 'deeply saddened' by Pike River news

The Queen says her "heart goes out to the families and friends" of the 29 miners who died in the Pike River tragedy. "I am deeply saddened by today's news that there is now no hope for the men trapped in the Pike River mine," she said in a message to Prime Minister John Key overnight. "My heart goes out to the families and friends of these 29 brave miners and to all who have been touched by this national disaster. "I send my thanks and deep appreciation to everyone who has worked so hard to attempt a rescue and also to those who will have a part to play in the task of healing the pain that is being felt throughout New Zealand and around the world. "At this sad and difficult time my thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Reuters

Census collector recruitment begins

Statistics New Zealand is gearing up for next year's Census, by counting collectors Census 2011 will give an official count of how many people and dwellings there are in the country. More than 7,000 collectors will be recruited by Statistics New Zealand from tomorrow. Those collectors will begin delivering census forms from February, ahead of the census in March.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Clinton sends condolence message

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has sent a message of condolence about the Pike River miners. Mrs Clinton says she offers her heartfelt condolences to the families of the miners and all those affected by the tragedy. She says New Zealand has lost 29 brave and hard-working men who will be mourned around the world.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

New research in NZ to focus on Pacific migration

A new research institute to focus on New Zealand’s population and economy will also look closely at Pacific migration and temporary migrant employment schemes. The institute’s director, Professor Natalie Jackson, says one of the main themes is pacific migration. “At a time when New Zealand will be facing skill shortages we will be looking to the pacific islands for young people to come in but we should be playing a role, new zealand has to be playing a role and perhaps a bigger role in helping education of those young people so that they’ve got the skills that’s required and so on.”
© Radio New Zealand International

Three Tokelau boys rescued after drifting 50 days at sea

Three teenage boys from Tokelau have been rescued by a tuna ship near Fiji after they had been missing for 50 days. The boys - two aged 15 and one aged 14 - went missing from Atafu Atoll in a small aluminium boat after an annual sport event in early October. They were presumed to have perished after an unsuccessful searches by the New Zealand air force. The first mate of the tuna vessel San Nikunau, Tai Fredricsen, says the boys were spotted north-east of Fiji yesterday afternoon. They will be taken to hospital in Suva.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Australia to honour Kiwi miners

New South Wales Premier Kristina Keneally has called on all government agencies to fly their Australian flags at half mast on Thursday as a mark of respect for the 29 miners killed in New Zealand. She has also asked that the Australian and New Zealand flags on Sydney's Anzac Bridge be flown at half mast and the same be observed on the Harbour Bridge. ''I send my heartfelt condolences to the men who were killed, their families and their friends,'' Ms Keneally said in a statement on Wednesday. ''This was a tragedy that has touched the lives of people from New Zealand, Australia and around the world.'' The miners, including two Australians, are dead after a second explosion on Wednesday ripped through the Pike River Coal mine five days after an initial blast trapped them underground. Ms Keneally asked that flags on all government buildings in NSW be flown at half mast as well.
AAP

NZ doctors treat Solomons children

Surgery has been performed on more than a dozen children with complex medical cases in Solomon Islands by a team from New Zealand. Volunteer doctors and nurses from Starship hospital in Auckland completed 19 operations at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara last week. Radio New Zealand International reports it was the second visit by the team. Dr Rooney Jagilly said they saw more than 50 patients and did 19 operations. "The cases were complex'" he said. "Most of them are related to congenital urinary tract and also to anal rectal abnormalities." Dr Jagilly said the scheme was coordinated by the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and funded by AUSAid.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

More Maori nurses wanted

AUT University in Auckland is trying to encourage more Maori to take up nursing. Nursing faculty joint head Anita Bamford-Wade says Maori have disproportionate health needs and Maori healthcare across the board would improve if there were more Maori health professionals. Dr Bamford-Wade told Waatea News that many Maori women are discouraged from training as nurses because they start their families younger. She said AUT is concerned not only to boost the number of Maori who enter training, but the number who graduate.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Pike River-Greymouth church mourners hear message from the Pope

By Sam Thompson - NewstalkZB
Hundreds of people have gathered at Holy Trinity Church in Greymouth, following this afternoon's confirmation the 29 Pike River miners are dead. Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn presented a message sent earlier from the Pope. The Pontiff says he shares the anxiety of the miners' families, and has them in his prayers. The Prime Minister is now looking at the possibility of having two memorials to mark the deaths of the miners. Mr Key says planning has not yet started, but his intention is to have one memorial in Greymouth and another national memorial, probably in Christchurch. He says we are a nation in mourning and that needs to be addressed. Parliament will rise early tomorrow and flags will be flown at half mast.

Country in mourning, says Key

Prime Minister John Key says the country is in mourning after the Pike River Coal mine disaster. Mr Key, speaking at a media conference at the Beehive on Wednesday evening, extended his sympathies to the families of the miners on behalf of all New Zealanders. He said he will travel to Greymouth on Thursday to meet the miners' families as well as those involved in the operation to find the men. Mr Key directed most of his remarks to the families of those who died, but also acknowledged those from Australia, Britain and South Africa who lost loved ones. Flags will fly at half mast and Parliament, after payings its respects, will rise early on Thursday.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Kokako discovered in Waitakeres

Threatened North Island Kokako have been discovered nesting in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges for the first time in 80 years. Forest and Bird staff found the nest on Tuesday. The nesting birds, named Maurice and Kowhai, are among 22 Kokako transferred to the Waitakeres from the King Country in September last year. The female, Kowhai, is incubating eggs which are expected to hatch in the second week of December. Forest & Bird staff and volunteers are now searching for other kokako
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Pike River-Second explosion ends hope for miners

A second massive explosion has rocked the Pike River Coal mine. Police said the explosion, at 2.37pm on Wednesday, was so powerful that no one could have survived it. A short time ago, family members emerged sobbing and distressed from a briefing in Greymouth. Police say there is now no chance of the miners being alive and they are going into recovery mode. The 29 men have been missing since the first explosion at 3.45pm on Friday. A media conference scheduled for 5pm has been postponed.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Cricket-Black Caps crumble on day four

India has sent the Black Caps crashing to a humiliating third test defeat in Nagpur. They've thrashed New Zealand by an innings and 198 runs after the tourists' top order once again failed to fire. Starting day four at 24-1, the Black Caps were under immediate pressure with the early dismissal of Brendon McCullum. Martin Guptill and Gareth Hopkins followed in quick succession and the Black Caps were never able to recover to eventually be all out for just 175. Tail-ender Tim Southee top-scored with 31. The result sees India claim the series 1-0.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Overhaul for welfare system presented

Options for a dramatic overhaul of the welfare system have been presented in the second report of the Government's Welfare Working Group. The key focus of the group is to reduce long term dependence on welfare. Options range from keeping the system as is, to completely overhauling how we think about and run it. Suggestions include moving to an insurance model, forcing solo parents into part time work when their youngest child is one, extending ACC to cover sickness benefits and tighter sanctions for those who don't want to work. The report is open for submissions ahead of a third and final report to be released in February, which will contain recommendations for the government.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

NZ nuke test vets lose British case

MICHAEL FIELD - Stuff
New Zealand veterans who took part in British nuclear tests in the Pacific in the 1950s are among more than a thousand veterans to lose their case for compensation for radiation damage when the case was overnight dismissed by the High Court in London. A Massey University study was to have played a key role in legal action for compensation. The ex-servicemen claimed they suffered cancer, skin defects and fertility problems because of involvement in the tests in Australia, Christmas Island and Monte Bello Islands between 1952 and 1958. Five hundred and fifty-one Kiwi sailors on board the frigates HMNZS Pukaki and HMNZS Rotoiti were at the series of nine aerial bomb explosions at Christmas Island, now part of Kiribati, beginning on May 15 1957. In London yesterday the High Court ruled that only one veteran out of 1100 was entitled to seek compensation. The three judges ruled that the cases referred for trial were lodged outside the legal time limit and also said the veterans had no evidence to prove their illnesses were caused by radiation exposure.

Bob Charles to start NZ Golf centenary celebrations

Sir Bob Charles will return to where his career started when New Zealand Golf celebrates its centenary this weekend. He will be a special guest at the celebrations that begin with a centenary golf day at the Royal Wellington Club on Friday. Sir Bob will hit the commemorative first tee shot at at the Heretaunga course where he won the New Zealand Open 56 years ago. The left-hander, then aged 18, went on to win the British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes in 1963. New Zealand Golf chairman Philip Hassall says Sir Bob has made invaluable financial contributions to junior golf over many years and it's entirely appropriate he's starting the centenary celebrations.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Pike river disaster: Mine bore drill breaks through

Last updated 10:13 24 Nov
LATEST: A lot of hot air and gas has rushed up a small bore shaft which broke through into the underground Pike River Coal mine on the West Coast earlier today. Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn confirmed the drill had broken through to the mine, where 29 miners have been trapped underground since a gas explosion on Friday. Energy minister Gerry Brownlee said that about 9.30am engineers had broken through with a 150mm bore hole. "It had hot gas rushing up it and a lot of hot air as well," Brownlee said. "It will give a very good picture of what the gas state is in the mine and also the heat state. They are looking for a heat source. "It is very significant information to the rescue planning," he told NewstalkZB. A camera or listening device may also be lowered in to check for signs of life.
with NZPA

U2 star gets out the camera to look at NZ

By Katherine Irvine
U2 has landed - and wasted no time in tweeting about the New Zealand experience. Guitarist The Edge has posted a photo of One Tree Hill on his Twitter account two days before the Irish rockers play the first of two shows at Mt Smart Stadium. The band has a connection to the Auckland landmark - One Tree Hill is the title of their 1987 single written after the death of Bono's New Zealand-born assistant Greg Carroll. Concert promoters and record label representatives are keeping the band's movements a closely guarded secret. However it is understood the rockers arrived on Monday morning on an Air New Zealand flight.

Mansfield journal to fetch high price

Auctioneers expect a Katherine Mansfield journal to sell for $100,000 in Wellington today. The journal is one of several items on sale at the Dunbar Sloane auction. Other items include letters signed by Napoleon, and memorabilia from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Senior valuer and auctioneer Anthony Gallagher says they've had a huge amount of verbal interest in the journal, but no actual bids yet. He says normally something of this importance will go to an institution, rather than a private buyer. Mr Gallagher says a book signed with only Katherine Mansfield's initials recently sold for $35,000 US dollars.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Welfare reform group to offer findings

By Jenny Woods - NewstalkZB
Wide-ranging and potentially radical proposals are likely to be on offer from the government's Welfare Working Group today. The group, set up by the Government earlier this year, to look at reform options for the welfare system, is due to release a report today. Newstalk ZB understands the main focus of today's report will be on options around invalid and sickness beneficiaries, as well as those on the Domestic Purposes Benefit. Recommendations are likely to centre on providing more support and training to help such beneficiaries back into the workforce. The Working Group's looked at mechanisms that are used to help the unemployed and believes similar approaches should be used with the other benefits.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

NZ condemns attack on South Korea

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully is condemning North Korea for the shelling of civilians in an area of South Korea. At least two South Korean soldiers were killed by the shells and about 50 people were wounded in the incident of the island of Yeongpyeong, close to the maritime border on Tuesday. Mr Mc Cully said New Zealand joins other countries in expressing outrage over the attack. He said now is a time for cool heads in order to avoid the clash escalating into a more serious threat to the stability of the region.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Pike River mine-Likelihood of successful rescue 'diminishing'

The police officer in charge of the operation at the Pike River Coal mine where 29 miners have been trapped for five days says the likelihood of a successful rescue of the men is diminishing. Superintendent Gary Knowles, speaking at a media conference in the West Coast town of Greymouth on Tuesday evening, says the situation is bleak. Police say a rescue crew cannot go into the mine at present because the risk of secondary explosion is real. At the media conference, CCTV footage was shown of the mine entrance when the explosion occurred on Friday afternoon. The footage showed a 52-second blast of gases and dust as the force of the explosion was released out the mine entrance and also up a separate vertical shaft.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Pinot takes out top wine award for second year

Pinot noir wines have claimed the champion title for two years in a row at the Air New Zealand wine awards. The top award this year went to the Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009, which the chair of judges Steve Smith described as "the finest example of the finest red wine variety in this country". A pinot noir from Martinborough won top honours last year. Another Central Otago pinot noir, the Gibbston Valley China Pinot Noir 2009, gained the Champion Sustainable Wine trophy. This year's awards attracted 1579 entries from 10 wine-growing regions. Hawke's Bay wines won six of the 19 trophies awarded, and Marlborough and Central Otago five each.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Auckland takes top economic spot - again

Auckland has once again taken the top spot in the ASB Regional Economic Scorecard. The quarterly scorecard ranks the performance of 16 regions by comparing economic data. Auckland held on to its top ranking for the fifth quarter in a row, thanks to improving car and retail sales, a growing population and more residential construction. But the city still earned only a fair to middling rating. The Bay of Plenty moved up a spot, to second, fuelled by improving employment and guest nights, and a healthier construction outlook. Waikato took third spot, Wellington was in fourth place, and Otago claimed fifth.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Search robot breaks down in mine tunnel

A robot sent into a West Coast mine to look for 29 trapped workers has broken down after it came into contact with water, family members have been told. There has been no communication with the miners and contractors at the horizontal mine at Atarau, near Greymouth, since a methane gas explosion cut power and blew out ventilation fans at 3.45pm on Friday. The remote-controlled robot supplied by the Defence Force can travel only as far as there is clear air. It is equipped with four cameras which rescuers hoped would give an indication of the conditions underground. The officer in charge of the rescue efforts, Superintendent Gary Knowles, says all options to save the workers are being considered, including bringing in another robot from the United States. Rescue teams are still waiting to begin their search but officials say high levels of volatile toxic gases make it too dangerous still to enter the mine.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

New technology looks under Antarctica

New technology is allowing New Zealand scientists to probe beneath the ice shelves of Antarctica. NIWA is using a piece of equipment called an Ice Tethered Profiler in Antarctica. The first set of data from under the ice has been transmitted by satellite. NIWA's Mike Williams says the data should help us understand what contribution the ice is making to rising sea levels. He says it'll give NIWA the first-ever year-round data of what's happening below the ice in McMurdo Sound.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Bamyan withdrawal could start next year

New Zealand could start to withdraw troops from its provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan's Bamyan province from as early as next year. Countries with troops in Afghanistan met in Lisbon at the weekend and agreed to start handing over control of security to Afghan troops from 2011, not 2014 as originally planned. Prime Minister John Key says he has not yet been briefed by Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully, who was at the meeting. But he says information he had seen previously puts Bamyan at the top of the list of areas that should be handed over to Afghan control. Mr Key says New Zealand is keen to start withdrawing troops, but it does not want to undermine the progress in Bamyan.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Bric-a-brac painting fetches $51,000

A Canadian painting bought in Northland earlier this year at a jumble sale for $5 has sold at auction in Hamilton for $51,000. The watercolour of a river scene is by a leading Canadian artist, Lawren Harris, who died in 1970. It is thought to have been painted between 1920 and 1941. It was purchased by four women who each put in $1.25. After spirited bidding, the painting was sold on Monday evening to a phone bidder, thought to have been from overseas.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Miners' fate should be known tomorrow

By Blair Cunningham - NewstalkZB
Rescuers should know tomorrow (tues NZTime) whether or not the trapped Pike River miners are still alive. An army robot with a camera attached can be sent down tonight after a 160 metre deep bore hole is completed. Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says by tomorrow, it seems they'll have vision of the mine. And he says that way, they know what's happening underground. It's hoped the drilling of an inspection bore hole will be completed this evening.

Group warns against sun for vitamin D

New Zealanders get enough vitamin D without deliberately exposing themselves to the midday sun, skin cancer prevention groups say. The Cancer Society, Health Sponsorship Council and the Melanoma Foundation today warned sunseekers to avoid deliberately exposing themselves to midday sun after a speaker at a recent health symposium suggested it was a good way to increase vitamin D levels. Cancer Society health promotion manager Jan Pearson said vitamin D was essential for general health but most New Zealanders got enough "just being out and about" during summer. "It's important not to underestimate the power of the sun at this time of the year, and to remember that it's not the sun's heat that burns, but UV radiation, which is at its highest between September and April, especially from 11am to 4pm."
NZPA

Pike River-Drilling getting closer, Americans asked for help

Drilling to provide a second place to take gas readings at Pike River mine is said to be progressing well. The drill has to go through 162m of rock but is already about three-quarters of the way. A special diamond drill bit will be used for the last 10m to minimise the chance of any sparking when it breaks through into the mine. If the drill hole breaks through in the right place, laser and other imaging gear will be lowered down the hole. Authorities working on the Pike River Coal mine rescue have sought advice from America - where a similar incident happened earlier this year. In April, 29 miners lost their lives after an explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia, in the countrys worst mine disaster in four decades. Superintendent Gary Knowles says police, mine staff and OSH experts here have been speaking with mine experts in West Virginia who globally have the most recent experience of dealing with this type of situation. And, Superintendent Knowles says at this point, they have concurred with the action taken at Pike River.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Robot to be sent into mine

An army robot is being prepared to go into the Pike River Coal mine to assist in the desperate search for 29 trapped miners. But emergency services say they will not put anything into the mine until they are sure sparks will not set off another explosion. The 29 miners are trapped in the mine 50km north east of Greymouth on the West Coast following an explosion on Friday afternoon. The missing men include 24 New Zealanders, two Australians, two Britons and one South African. Tasman District police area commander Superintendent Gary Knowles said this morning that after consultation with overseas experts, they will use a Defence Force robot to help with the operation.
Source: NZPA/ONE News

Pike River Miners names revealed

The names and ages of the 29 men missing in the Pike River mine have been released by Police. Emergency services were initially reluctant to release the names as family members were contacted and came to terms with the news. The youngest miner is 17, and the oldest is 62. Their names are as follows:
Conrad Adams 43,
Malcolm Campbell 25,
Glen Cruise 35,
Alan Dixon 59,
Zen Drew 21,
Christopher Duggan 31,
Joseph Dunbar 17,
Daniel Herg 36,
John Howell 45,
David Hoggard 33,
Richard Holling 41,
Jacob Jonker 47,
William Johannson 49,
Ricky Keane 28,
Terry Kitchin 41,
Samuel Mckay 41,
Michael Monk 23,
Stuart Mudge 31,
Kane Nieper 33,
Peter O'Neil 55,
Milton Osborne 54,
Brendan Palmer 27,
Benjamin Rockhouse 21,
Peter Roger 40,
Blair Sims 28,
Joshua Ufer 25,
Keith Valley 62.
source: NewstalkZB

Parties prepare for more by-elections

One by-election is over but there are predictions more may be to come. Labour's Kris Faafoi held the Mana electorate for his party over the weekend, but National is also claiming a win, because Labour's majority was cut by around 5000 votes. Prime Minister, John Key, thinks there could be more by-elections, before next year's general election. He says there are murmurs about Chris Carter's seat in Te Atatu and about Manurewa, which is held by George Hawkins. There's also a chance Botany could see a by-election, depending on investigations into National MP Pansy Wong. However Mr Key says it's something he doesn't see on the horizon at the moment.
© 2010 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Lance Armstrong confirmed to race Rotorua event

Cycling legend Lance Armstrong has confirmed his entry in the Eves Blue Lake Multisport Festival in Rotorua next year. Rumours started flying on Friday when Juan Pelota, Armstrongs alias tweeted that his first race would be at co-ordinates 38°12'S 176°20'E which points to Lake Tikitapu, 'the Blue Lake'. His next tweet read: "Late January..." when the event will be held. The rumours were not confirmed until this morning when organisers from the Rotorua Association of Triathletes (RATS) received an email from Armstrongs media advisor. Armstrong will be coming over to New Zealand at the conclusion of the Tour Down Under in Australia. The event will take place on the 29th and 30th of January and will include an Open Water Swim, Aquathon and Sprint Triathlon. Armstrong will be competing in the full series.
Source: ONE Sport

Fire delaying rescuers from entering mine

Latest 11.15am sunday NZTime
An underground fire is preventing rescuers entering a West Coast mine where 29 workers remain trapped since an explosion two days ago. There has been no communication with the miners and contractors at the mine at Atarau near Greymouth since a methane gas explosion cut power and blew out ventilation fans just before 4pm on Friday. Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall told news conference on Sunday morning tests show there is some combustion of material in the mine. Mr Whittall says while the fire may only be smouldering coal, rather than large flames it is generating heat and gases, including the poisonous carbon monoxide. Gas levels in the mine are reducing, rather than increasing, but the tests suggest the situation is still too unsafe to send in a rescue team, he says. Contractors on Sunday will drill a small bore hole up to 150 metres deep to reach one of the open areas inside the horizontal mine set in rugged mountains and bush in the South Island. The best case scenario is that this will take 16 hours, but if they strike any problems it could be longer.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

10,000 expected at Martinborough party

By Jenny Woods - NewstalkZB
Toast Martinborough organisers say they are ready for a day of fun, filled with food, wine and fabulous weather. 10,000 people are expected to descend on the small Wairarapa town, for one of the region's biggest events of the year. Warm weather with only a touch of cloud is forecast, almost the complete opposite to the gusty southerlies that struck last year. General Manager Kaylene Moore says marquees have been erected, and the bubbly is ready for opening.

NZ winner yet to claim Gold Coast mansion prize

A New Zealander has won a Gold Coast waterfront mansion in an Australian fundraiser, but the prize remains unclaimed. The woman from Reporora took out the $A1.9 million grand prize in a raffle run by the Returned and Services League Art Union, a charitable organisation to raise funds for returned service personnel and their families. RSL Art Union general manager Luke Traini says despite numerous attempts, the organisation has been unable to contact the woman. The second prize of $A10,000 was won by someone in Christchurch and has been claimed.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Rugby-All Blacks beat Ireland

The All Blacks have beaten Ireland 38-18 in Dublin, scoring four tries to two. The Irish scored the first try through flanker Stephen Ferris before New Zealand lock Anthony Borich crashed over for a 19-13 half-time lead. The win is coach Graham Henry's 100th victory as a Test match coach while Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina now hold the joint record for the most All Blacks Test appearances with 93 each. Elsewhere Scotland shocked South Africa 21-17 at Murrayfield, England beat Samoa 26-13 at Twickenham and Australia beat Italy 32-14 in Florence.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Pike Mine Update : Young miner on first shift, some named

By Bruce Russell - NewstalkZB 10.20pm sat NZTime
Twenty-nine men are trapped in the Pike River mine on the West Coast, 16 of them workers for Pike River Coal, 13 of them contractors, most of those West Coast locals. The youngest of the trapped men is 17 and believed to be on his first shift, the oldest 62. Among them are two Australians, two Britons, and a South African. One of the British men is being named by UK media as 40-year-old Pete Rodger from Perthshire. One of the two Australian miners trapped is believed to be 27-year-old Queensland man Josh Ufer who works for Valley Longwall Drilling and it is understood he was on secondment to the New Zealand operation. The second man has not been identified and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Australia has declined to confirm the names of either man, citing privacy legislation. Among the New Zealanders in the mine are Ben Rockhouse, brother of Daniel Rockhouse, one of the two men who emerged from the mine yesterday after the explosion; and Blair Sims, named West Coast rugby league player of the year for the last two years in a row, as well as Grey District councillor Milton Osborne, a contractor at the mine.

Yacht returns to NZ after losing crewman

A yacht which lost a crew member overboard on its journey from Rarotonga has arrived in the Bay of Islands. Wellington man Rex Fearon fell from the Wild Goose and police have spoken to the two remaining crew members. The missing man was not wearing a life jacket, and extensive searches by the Air Force and the French Navy failed to find him. A sailor on another boat, who made contact with the Wild Goose more than a week after Mr Fearon disappeared, says the two men gave him no indication anything had happened. The man’s death will be referred to the coroner.
3 News

Faafoi wins Mana by-election

Labour's Kris Faafoi has won the Mana by-election but with a significantly reduced majority. The former television journalist and Labour press secretary was favourite to win the seat over National's Hekia Parata. Faafoi got 10,397 votes, ahead of Parata who received 9,317 votes. Independent Matt McCarten came in fourth with 816 votes, behind the Green Party's Jan Logie on 1,493. In 2008 Labour held the seat with a majority of some 6000.
Source: ONE News

Rising gas levels force suspension of testing at mine

8.10pm sat NZTime
Rising gas levels at the Pike River coal mine, have forced the suspension of testing at the site until Sunday morning. Police say they've been told that gas levels in the mine have risen and that it was no longer safe to continue testing. The decision means there will be no attempt to rescue the 29 miners who have been trapped since the explosion there on Friday afternoon. Earlier, Pike River executives said they were waiting for a downward trend in carbon monoxide levels before they would consider a rescue attempt. A 16 man rescue team is waiting at the mine's entrance to attempt a search when gas levels drop.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

LATEST: Australian mine safety experts join rescue effort

7.15pm sat NZTime
An Australian team of mine safety experts and equipment has arrived in New Zealand to help save 29 trapped miners. Rescuers were waiting for clearance on Saturday to enter the Pike River Coal mine at Atarau, between Greymouth and Reefton, where the men are missing after a gas explosion on Friday. Premier Anna Bligh told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday her government has deployed four expert mine safety personnel and 300kg equipment, which arrived in New Zealand on Saturday. The Queensland team includes two experienced gas chemists, an expert on whole-of-mine gas monitoring systems, and a mine ventilation expert. The equipment includes sophisticated gas monitoring systems developed by the Queensland government's safety-in-mines testing and research station.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Australia to help with mine rescue

LATEST: Australia is sending a team of rescue experts to New Zealand to assist frantic efforts to save 29 trapped miners, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says. A technical expert from Emergency Management Australia and a team of six mine rescue experts from New South Wales Emergency Management would leave Australia on Saturday to lend their assistance to the rescue operation at the Pike River Coal mine near Greymouth, Mr Rudd told reporters in Sydney on Saturday. Twenty-nine miners, including at least two Australians, have been trapped in the mine since an explosion on Friday afternoon. The decision to send the team was made following a conversation with the New Zealand minister for mines on Saturday morning, Mr Rudd said. A team of 12 mine rescue experts from Queensland remain on standby should the New Zealand government need them, he added.
NZPA

Pacific Youth Awards announced

Young South Aucklanders excelling in the law, engineering, film- making and linguistics have taken out the inaugural Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards. Each of the winners is a University of Auckland graduate who grew up in Manukau. J'aime Laurenson has won the University of Auckland Award for Leadership. Mr Laurenson holds first class honours degrees in law and engineering and is active in the Samoan community. Samuelu Siilata's skills in poetry, songwriting, Polynesian music and film saw him awarded the Weta Workshop Award for Creativity. Tammy Kingi's practical application of language skills and community work gave her the Cogita Award for Inspiration.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Police confident mine explosion a 'search and rescue' operation

LATEST: Police boss promises "we're going to bring these guys home" as gas continues to thwart efforts to rescue 29 men trapped in a mine on the West Coast. Specialist gas testing equipment arrives from Australia. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Christchurch has flown from Greymouth back up to the mine site at 9am, while a church service is being held at St Patrick’s in Greymouth. Pike River chief executive Peter Whittal confirmed at a 8am press conference that 29 men are still underground, 16 are Pike River coal employees and 13 are contractors, not including the two who escaped yesterday evening. The youngest, a mine assistant, was 17 and the oldest 62. Sixteen were staff and 13 contractors. The majority were New Zealanders, from the West Coast, but there were also Australians and Britons in the group. The rescuers have been calling the phone that one of the escaped men rang to tell the surface that he was leaving the mine after the explosion, but there has been no answer. There is still no way of knowing what caused the explosion.
The Press

Sharia decision lets baby boy into NZ

MICHAEL FIELD - The Dominion Post
In a landmark ruling the High Court has formally recognised Pakistan's Islamic law, and allowed an 18-month-old boy to come to New Zealand. The judgment by Justice Christopher Allan in the case of "MH" – as the child is now known – is the first by a New Zealand court to formally recognise the legal status of Pakistani guardianship. Two days after he was born in Karachi, MH's birth parents gave him to their close friends, Pakistan-born New Zealand citizens Iqbal Sharif and Sara Sami. The Pakistan Family Court has issued a certificate of guardianship, formally recognising the donation. Immigration New Zealand refused MH a visa, saying that what had occurred in Pakistan was not adoption as it was understood in New Zealand law. But Pakistan does not recognise adoption. In a closely argued ruling, Justice Allan considered Islamic law (Sharia) and ruled in favour of the adopted parents. In Islam, it was "an act of considerable grace and of resulting beneficial religious significance for those who give up a child as a gift to childless relatives or friends".

Mine still too dangerous to attempt rescue mission

Updated 10.20am saturday NZ time
Rescuers are still unable to enter a remote West Coast mine where 29 workers remain trapped underground following an explosion. There has been no communication with the miners and contractors at the Pike River Coal mine at Atarau between Greymouth and Reefton on the South Island since the incident on Friday afternoon. Officials say the threat of poisonous gas and the instability of the horizontal mine means it remains too dangerous for any rescue attempt. Pike River Coal is testing air quality at the mine and will decide later on Saturday whether it is safe to enter. The workers are believed to be trapped about 2km along the tunnel burrowed into the side of a mountain and about 120 metres below the surface. Their conditions are not known.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Poison gas holding rescuers back at Pike River mine

Updated 6 minutes ago
Rescuers cannot enter the West Coast mine, where at least 27 miners are trapped, because of poisonous gases in the mine shaft. Dozens of emergency service workers rushed to the Pike River Coal Mine, at Atarau between Greymouth and Reefton, about 4.30pm on Friday after an explosion. Two miners are being treated for moderate injuries after the blast. The other 27 miners have been trapped below ground with no communication to the outside world since then. But Pike River Coal Mine chair, John Dow, says the specialist mine rescue team cannot go inside to get them until they are certain it is safe. Tasman Police communications manager Barbara Dunn says there are great concerns with no power to run the ventilation system in the mine shaft.
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Air supply worries for trapped Pike River miners

Emergency services trying to find at least 27 miners unaccounted for after an explosion in a West Coast coal mine are worried their air supply may be compromised. There is no power in the Pike River Coal Mine to run the ventilation system. Two other miners are being treated for moderate injuries after the blast. Emergency services, including a specialist mine rescue team, are at the mine. Tasman Police communications manager Barbara Dunn says the major concern at the moment is gases and air quality within the mine shaft. She says the specialist mine rescue team cannot go inside until they know it is safe. Pike River Coal Mine says communication was lost with the 27 following the explosion. Police say there are no reports of fatalities at this point.
UPDATES AS NEWS COMES TO HAND
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

Detainees sew lips shut in protest

Ten detainees have sown their lips shut at Christmas Island detention centre, Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has confirmed. "This is distressing for me and most of the Australian people," he said. Bowen confirmed that 160 people were engaged in a peaceful protest and 10 of whom have sown shut their lips. He said they had declined medical and psychological assistance. Bowen warned the protesters their actions would be futile. "Applications to come and stay in Australia are dealt on their merit. They cannot and will not be changed by any protests," he said. "A protest such as this will not achieve the desired outcome." Bowen said he had no plans to visit the centre outside of regular scheduled visits.
Source: AAP

Live updates: Pike River mine explosion

7.56pm:
- A mine explosion was reported just befire 4pm.
- Fire crews, police and six ambulances are at the scene. Rescue helicopters are on their way.
- Pike River Coal says 27 people are trapped underground. There has been no communication with them.
- Two miners have made it out of the mine and another three are believed to be on their way out.
- One of the men who made it out of the mine was a loader driver found blown off his vehicle about 1500m in from an entrance to the mine.
Source: ONE News

NZ diplomats for Mexico, Brazil named

New Zealand's next ambassador to Mexico will be career diplomat Christine Bogle, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says. Ms Bogle has been the High Commissioner to Tonga for the past three years. She was previously the ambassador to Spain and has held postings in Lima and Rome. She will take up the new assignment in January. Mr McCully also announced Jeff McAlister as the next counsel-general in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He will take up the position in March. New Zealand's next ambassador and permanent representative to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva will be career diplomat John Adank.
NZPA

27 miners missing in Pike River mine explosion

A major emergency operation is underway at the Pike River coal mine on the West Coast after an explosion, with 27 miners unaccounted for. Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee, who is urgently heading to the scene, says at this stage he has few details of the explosion. Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn, who is on his way to the mine, told Checkpoint police have told him the situation is very serious. Mr Brownlee says some miners were able to make contact briefly at the surface, but that was lost a short time later. He says no-one knows what caused the explosion. "There's quite a bit of speculation out there but I think we just need to let the emergency services get in there" he told Radio New Zealand News. Six ambulances and three rescue helicopters have been sent to the mine, with three fire trucks there. The underground mine is 46km northeast of Greymouth.
UPDATES AS NEWS COMES TO HAND
Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand

St James Cycle Trail to open tomorrow

The St James Cycle Trail near Hanmer Springs - the first of the Government-backed "great rides" to be fully completed - opens tomorrow. Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said the 64km-long trail had iconic scenery including river valleys, high-country lakes, beech forest and grassland valleys. Of the 18 nationally promoted cycle trails, it requires the highest level of experience to complete. "Experienced mountain bikers are expected to complete the full trail in roughly 10 hours. There are four huts along the way, providing a chance to make a weekend of it," she said.
NZPA

Change of govt in Cook Islands

The Democratic Party which has dominated Cook Islands politics for the last decade has lost its grip on power. Preliminary results from Thursday's general election show the Cook Islands Party has taken 15 of the 24 seats. The Democrats have eight seats and one is tied. Postal votes are still to be counted, but Radio New Zealand International's correspondent says it is unlikely these can reverse the preliminary counts. Cook Islands Party leader Henry Puna says discontent with the ruling Democratic Party was the foremost reason for its loss. He says his government's priorities will include introducing high standards of governance, particularly regarding the use of public money.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Key may send Navy to whaling grounds

By Isaac Davison
The Government is considering sending a naval vessel to the Southern Ocean to watch over whalers and anti-whaling protesters. Prime Minister John Key said he was concerned someone could lose their life in hard-to-reach Antarctic waters. "The trouble is that if you get an incident ... in such a hostile environment that we don't have a lot of time to come and rescue someone." He said the Government was considering sending a naval vessel to accompany the ships during the whaling season, which begins this month. Mr Key's comments followed a report by Maritime New Zealand on the collision between protest boat Ady Gil and a Japanese whaler. Both crews were at fault for the collision and put lives at risk, Maritime New Zealand said.

Population growing

Births outnumbered deaths by nearly 35,000 in the year to the end of September. Statistics New Zealand has just released figures showing the Auckland region had the highest natural increase, followed by Wellington and Waikato. Although Auckland is home to about one-third of the population, it only accounted for about one-quarter of the deaths. Population Statistics manager Bridget Hamilton-Seymour says that's because of the city's relatively young age structure.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Jailed! check "mate"

An Australian man's been sent to the slammer for addressing a Queensland magistrate as "mate". Thomas Collins was sent to the cells after twice calling Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin "mate" during a hearing in Ipswich. When the Magistrate ordered Collins to address him as "sir or your honour", the defendant replied "okay, mate". He later returned to the courtroom to apologise.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Another asylum seeker boat intercepted

The Royal Australian Navy has intercepted another asylum seeker boat carrying 53 passengers and four crew near Ashmore Island. The group will be taken to Christmas Island for processing. The ABC reports a boat carrying more than 100 people was intercepted near Christmas Island earlier this week. There has been a record number of asylum seeker boat arrivals this year.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand

Pacific cricketers optimistic ahead of Australian country tournament

The East Asia Pacific team says it will go into January’s Australian Country Cricket Championships with the added belief they’re capable of causing a few upsets. Teams from every Australian state will also play in the tournament, which was this year won by Northern Territory. Last time around the East Asia Pacific team surprised many by beating South Australia and the ACT, as well as giving the eventual winners a run for their money. The Fiji Blues captain, Joe Rika, who’s now in his fifth year in the team, says that’s given the team the confident that they can perform even better.
© Radio New Zealand International

Arts Festival line up revealed

The line up for the 2011 Auckland Arts Festival has been revealed. The event, which is in its fifth year, runs for 19 days from the beginning of March. Artistic Director David Malacari says the festival has a line-up of both New Zealand and international theatre, dance, music, film and visual arts acts. He says the international acts include music stars Paul Kelly and Martha Wainright, as well as jazz legend Jack DeJohnette. Mr Malacari says the festival is key to making cultural connections between artists from New Zealand and around the world.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Stoat search ongoing

The search is on for a stoat spotted on Kapiti Island. It was first seen two weeks ago, and despite traps and tunnel tracking, the Department of Conservation has not been able to find it. Kapiti/Wellington area manager Rob Stone says finding it is a priority because it could harm native birds on the island. He says they are going to expand the search area, and eventually cover the whole island. Mr Stone says they will also bring in a dog to see if it can smell the pest out.
Copyright 2002 - 2010, TelstraClear Ltd

Goldie sold at auction for $573,000

A painting by Charles Goldie, that was owned by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, has fetched a record auction price of $573,000. The 1939 oil painting, called Forty Winks, depicts a Taupo warrior in the Kingi Movement, Rutene Te Uamairangi. It was auctioned on Thursday night at the International Art Centre of Auckland, which says Dame Kiri is delighted with the sale to a New Zealand buyer. Centre director Richard Thomson says the previous top auction price for a Goldie was $454,000 in 2008.
Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand