Dutch New Zealanders celebrated in Wellington

The contribution of Dutch people to New Zealand over the past 60 years is being celebrated with an exhibition in Wellington. 'The Dutch Touch' features ten artists with works ranging from painting, photography, fashion and wood turning. New Zealand Netherlands Foundation founder Boyd Klap says the exhibition celebrates those who worked hard to build new lives in their new country. He says it celebrates Kiwi art but with a Dutch flavour and the free exhibition is at Bowen House Gallery.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Councillor awaits surgery after chasing trolley

Dunedin City Councillor Paul Hudson is in hospital awaiting surgery for shoulder and arm reconstruction. He suffered 11 fractures and dislocated his shoulder attempting to capture a runaway supermarket shopping trolley at Port Chalmers New World last week. Councillor Hudson fell over trying to prevent the renegade shopping trolley from hitting another vehicle. Hudson is reported to be in a bad way but in good spirits despite his injury. Dunedin City Mayor Dave Cull says Councillor Hudson is "an energetic councillor".
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Tsunami warning tested this weekend

Residents of east coast Northland, and visitors to the region this Queen's Birthday weekend, will hear newly-installed tsunami warning sirens being tested on Saturday. The warning sirens will play out on two occasions on Saturday morning, from sirens installed at Bland Bay right down to Mangawhai Heads. Northland Civil Defence wants residents to know what the sirens sound like, and that they need to seek information when they hear them. Advertisements will play on the radio in Northland this Saturday confirming the sirens are being tested.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Waiting list for miniature sheep

A Marlborough vineyard has sparked a sheep-breed shortage in Australia. New South Wales farmer Linda Power says miniature sheep are in such high demand in the viticulture industry there's a two-year waiting list, the ABC reports. Babydoll sheep, also known as Olde English Southdowns, grow to on 60cm and are popular in vineyards because they can't reach the grapes growing on the vines. Ms Power says she started breeding them just to sell as pets and grass-eaters and didn't expect the breed to attract so much interest. But after she was contacted by a vineyard in New Zealand to sell some of the babydoll sheep to eat the undergrowth around the vines, other vineyards caught onto the idea and it's just exploded from there.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Vine tendril study could end up saving growers millions

The wine industry says it could trim up to $5 million a year from its costs by not having to remove tendrils from grapevines during pruning. New Zealand Winegrowers research manager Dr Simon Hooker says tendrils are removed because growers believe they may carry the disease botrytis bunch rot, which affects wine quality in grapes. Dr Hooker says the project is to establish whether the tendrils do in fact harbour botrytis spores over winter. He says grape growers could save $2.5 - $5 million dollars a year if they didn't have to remove them. Dr Hooker says a one-year project will trial leaving tendrils on grapevines in Hawke's Bay and Marlborough.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Carrot offered to prisoners to help quit smoking

The Department of Corrections is encouraging prisoners to sing and eat carrots to quit smoking. Prisons become smokefree and inmates lose the right to smoke from 1 July. Of the approximately 8700 people in jails, about two-thirds are thought to be smokers. General manager for prison services Brendan Anstiss says almost 70% of prisoners who smoke are taking part in nicotine replacement therapy. The department is also offering prisoners a variety of activities and healthy food to help cope with withdrawal symptoms. The activities included singing and sports events such as touch rugby and healthy eating options such as muesli bars, banana chips, dried apricots and carrots. Mr Anstiss says prisoners are being offered nicotine patches or lozenges and have the option of reading a well-known quit smoking book.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

NZ Dollar surges to another record high

The New Zealand dollar has hit another post-float high. Shortly after 1.15pm on Tuesday, the currency hit US82.5 cents - its highest level since it was floated in March 1985. The day before, it had passed US82.15 cents - which at that point was its highest post-float level. While the dollar had on Tuesday slipped half a cent since the previous day's post-float high, Westpac currency strategist Imre Speizer say it could reach US85 cents in the next few weeks.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Canterbury trades academy opened

By Katie Bradford-Crozier
A Canterbury Trades Academy, offering vocational trades and technology training for up to 144 students has been officially opened. Fourteen secondary schools are working in partnership with CPIT and employers to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to earn NCEA credits, tertiary qualifications and practical skills. Education Minister Anne Tolley says since the February earthquake programmes in masonry trades, plasterboarding, painting and decorating have been added to the academy to meet demand in the region. She says students who are at risk of dropping out of education will now be better prepared to take up apprenticeships, enter the workplace, or go on to further study.
© 2011 Newstalk ZB

Two Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Two Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in two separate incidents on Monday. A 25-year-old lance corporal from the Mentoring Task Force was shot by an Afghan National Army soldier with whom he was serving on guard duty at a patrol base in the Chora Valley. Air Chief Marshal Houston said another Afghan National Army fired on the perpetrator but he was not apprehended. In the second incident, a 27-year-old Australian pilot died when a Chinook helicopter on a resupply mission crashed 90 kilometres east of Tarin Kowt.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Last day for Auckland Plan feedback

By Natasha Burling - NewstalkZB
Today's the last day for Aucklanders to have their say on the Auckland Plan. The plan outlines the vision and strategy for the city for the next 30 years or so. It covers the social, economic, environmental, and cultural objectives for Auckland. The Auckland Plan was released for comment by business and the community at the Mayoral Summit in March and the formal engagement period ends today. The council will then consider a draft Auckland Plan for statutory consultation between August and November.

Quitline launches online tool

By Natasha Burling
Kiwi smokers will soon have the benefit of a new tool from across the ditch to help them kick the habit. Quitline is launching QuitCoach to coincide with World Smokefree Day today. It's an online tool people can use anytime of the day or night. Quitline chief executive Paula Snowden says it was developed by the Cancer Foundation in Victoria. Paula Snowden says if a family smokes a pack a day, it costs the same as a tank of gas a week or a week's rent every month.

MAF investigates baby formula brand

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is investigating whether a brand of baby formula being marketed under a New Zealand name is up to standard and being sold legally. The Heitiki formula is marketed by Kiaora New Zealand International, which says it is made using the purest cows from a farm monitored by an unspecified New Zealand organisation. The tin has a Maori woman for its logo, and a picture of a marae in a field surrounded by cows. The ministry's compliance director, Geoff Allen, says an investigator has visited the company and its only listed director, Tianxi Shao. The Food and Grocery Council, which has laid a complaint, says the product is designed to look like it's on New Zealand shelves but data shows not a single tin has been sold in supermarkets in this country or Australia. The council's chief executive, Katherine Rich, says New Zealand is seen as a high-quality source of food, and that reputation needs to be protected. Formula exporters have to be registered with MAF and need to meet other requirements to be make their product in New Zealand.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Three newcomers in Australia netball squad for world champs

Three uncapped players have been included in Australia's netball line-up for their world championship defence in Singapore in July. Queensland Firebirds goal attack Chelsea Pitman and Adelaide Thunderbirds Erin Bell and Sharni Layton are the uncapped players in the 12-player squad. Coach Norma Plummer says the trio were impressive in the recent trans-Tasman netball competition which was won by Queensland and also stood out a recent four day training camp. Sydney Swifts shooter Catherine Cox, has been named vice-captain under Natalie von Bertouch, who took over the captaincy after injured Sharelle McMahon was ruled out. Notable absentees are Vixens players Renae Hallinan, Bianca Chatfield and Madison Brown with Julie Corletto the only Melbourne player in the squad.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

National signals welfare reform as election issue

Prime Minister John Key says the National Party will campaign on welfare reform at the election, but it does not yet have a specific policy. The Welfare Working Group released its report in February and National will base its policy on those recommendations. Recommendations of the working group included establishing a new government agency and creating a single Jobseeker benefit. Mr Key agrees that changes need to be made to reduce long-term dependency on benefits and there are still too many New Zealanders receiving welfare who are capable of working. The election will be held on 26 November.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Dalai Lama to visit Christchurch

The Dalai Lama will visit Christchurch next week to offer his sympathies to the quake-torn city. He will offer prayers and speak publicly in a free event at the CBS Canterbury Arena next Wednesday, June 8. The Dalai Lama has visited the city before, in 1992 and 1996, and wanted to return after expressing his sadness at the destruction of the February earthquake. The 75-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, who is revered as an incarnation of the Buddhist deity of compassion, is scheduled to arrive in Christchurch next Tuesday ahead of a 10-day tour of Australia. The Christchurch event will take place at midday, with the arena open from 10.30am.
Source: ONE News

Cuban doctors considered for Papua New Guinea

A chronic shortage of medical staff in Papua New Guinea has prompted the government to reconsider recruiting doctors from Cuba. The plan, first raised two years ago after other Pacific states had taken up an offer for help from Cuba, will be aired again at next month’s Pacific Islands Health Conference. The PNG secretary for health, Dr Clement Malau says despite PNG having its own medical school there’s still a doctor shortage. He says funding has been approved in principle for the recruitment of Cuban doctors, but questions about the scheme remain.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Cooling tower suspected in Legionnaires outbreak

Steam from a cooling tower is suspected to be behind an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in the Marlborough region. Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service has tested 19 cooling towers and found one contained the same strain of bacteria which infected three people last month. That's two more cases than are normally reported in the region for the entire year.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Filming of Bougainville war drama begins

Filming begins in Bougainville on Monday of Mr Pip, a drama based on a novel by Lloyd Jones of New Zealand, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Mister Pip tells the story of the last white man on the war-torn island, who teaches the children there by reading Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. The story is set in 1991, during a 10-year civil war in the province. British actor Hugh Laurie has the title role. Former Bougainville MP Francesca Semosa says the story is close to many people's hearts. She says it will portray the hardships of women, children and men during the war.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Overseas graduates facing up to loan debts

Facebook has helped the Government claw back $2 million in overdue student debt from graduates living overseas. Latest figures on a campaign to call in overdue debt show that, up to April 30 this year, $818,392 had been paid back by 243 borrowers tracked down by phone calls and letters in the mail. A further $1.09m was returned by 400 borrowers on the back of an "indirect campaign" based mostly around targeted Facebook and Google advertising. The pilot scheme, which started in October, has been so successful that Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne have decided to expand it quicker than planned. Graduates in Australia with the largest amounts of overdue debt will be chased through courts within weeks. There are plans to match data between government agencies to find borrowers with overdue repayments.
Source: Fairfax

Kermadec researchers return

The Auckland Museum expedition to the Kermadecs, that looks like having discovered three species new to science, is back. The team's also documented 12 species of fish that have never been recorded anywhere in New Zealand before, and collected a further five species that are new records for the Kermadec Islands. The team included scientists from Auckland Museum, Te Papa, Department of Conservation, Australian Museum and NIWA. One of the three new species include a bright orange Lotella cod
By Alexia Russell

Voter update packs in the mail

About three million enrolment update packs are in the mail this week in the lead-up to the general election.The Electoral Enrolment Centre says every registered voter will get a pack with information about the election and a referendum on the voting system. National manager Murray Wicks says everybody should have their envelope by Wednesday. People are advised to check to ensure their details are correct. Mr Wicks says people who do not receive an update pack are not enrolled, and should therefore get in touch with the centre.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rugby - Canterbury Crusaders lose in dying seconds

The Crusaders have been sunk by a successful penalty in the dying seconds of their Super Rugby clash with the Reds in Brisbane tonight. In front of a full house at Suncorp stadium the New Zealand franchise looked to have had the victory locked up when Quade Cooper put it over the post for the Reds to win 17 - 16. The Crusaders had led 10 - 7 at halftime, with a try to winger Brent Ward. The Queensland side scored two tries, those going to Ben Tapuai and Will Genia.
© 2011 Newstalk ZB

Future of healthcare goes online

The internet is helping to dramatically change the way you interact with your doctor. It is all part of a government strategy for coping with the projected doubling in demand for healthcare over the next 10 years. "You've got healthcare potentially doubling in demand over the next 10 years. We can't double our hospitals or double the number of doctors and nurses, so we've got to move to a new way of providing services," Health Minister Tony Ryall told ONE News. Hamilton's Northcare is one of the first clinics in the country to pave the way. In this digital age, phone consultations would take place even before patients get through the door. "We, maybe, might suggest that you get some blood tests done before you come in. Patients can also look at their medical records and test results online. The digital solution has halved the size of Northcare's waiting room, freeing up space for the government's next plan, which is to shift some hospital services into general practices.
Source: ONE News

National still popular despite the Budget

Popular support for the National Party still exceeds 50% despite the Government cutting KiwiSaver and Working for Families in the Budget. In two opinion polls released on Sunday night the Labour Party is still struggling to narrow National's lead in the polls. The Labour Party had been hoping the Budget, which also included an announcement of partial privatisation, would start to dent National's popularity. But in the One News-Colmar Brunton Poll National scored 52%, only marginally down from 54% the previous month. Labour scored 34% and the Green Party 6%. No other party got close to 5%.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Amnesty international celebrate 50th birthday

Amnesty International says its work is far from over as it celebrates its 50th birthday. The organisation was established in the UK in 1961 to challenge human rights abuses, with its New Zealand arm set up four years later. CEO of Amnesty New Zealand Patrick Holmes says in that time, there has been a big drop in the number of countries that still use the death penalty. But he says in many places people are still being removed from the streets and abused, and torture remains a problem. Patrick Holmes says because New Zealand is such a safe country, there is a danger of Kiwis becoming complacent of global human rights issues.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Consumer New Zealand offer freebie

As the cost of living creeps higher and higher, Consumer New Zealand is offering a freebie for anyone needing to make an important purchase. Tomorrow, access to Consumer's website and its more than 500 independent test reports will be free. While it obviously wants to drum up interest in the site, Consumer CEO Sue Chetwin says it is also about helping people make their money go further.
The website is www.consumer.org.nz.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Crummer receives lifetime achievement award

By Joe Gilfillan - NewstalkZB
A lifetime Achievement Award for Annie Crummer at the 2011 Polynesian Blue Pacific Music Awards was announced in Auckland last night. Since her career took off in the early 80s, Ms Crummer has worked with the Netherworld Dancing Toys, When The Cat's Away, Herbs, the NZSO, and Australian singers John Farnham and Jimmy Barnes. On stage, she has been a soloist in the musical Rent and played Killer Queen in We Will Rock You. Nesian Mystik took out three awards and were also voted the Peoples Choice Award winners for Best Pacific Artist.

Doctors keep mum about needle injuries

By SUSAN PEPPERELL
A third of health professionals accidentally stuck by a needle at work don't report the incident. And the worst culprits of non-reporting are doctors, according to new research just published. A study of more than 1300 doctors, nurses and midwives employed by the Waikato District Health Board found that while needlesticks happened most frequently to doctors, 40% of those incidents were not documented according to DHB protocol. Reasons given for non-reporting included a lack of time, a lack of importance and awareness of the correct procedure to follow.

Government targets preschool gap

As many as one in four Pasifika children and one in five Maori children in some parts of New Zealand are not getting any kind of formal early childhood education before they start school. Education Minister Anne Tolley released those figures yesterday at the Early Childhood Council's annual conference in Wellington. Tolley said the poor rates of Maori and Pacific participation came despite taxpayer investment in early childhood services trebling over the past five years to about $1.4 billion. The extra money had increased attendance at preschool centres by just 1%.
Sunday Star Times

Indy 500 fastest time set by Dixon

New Zealand driver Scott Dixon has set the fastest time in practice for the Indianapolis 500 Indy Car race. Dixon, the 2008 Indy champion, will start from second on the grid in the main event on Sunday. He had the top lap time on Friday clocking 225.474 mph (362.865 km/h). Ganassi team mate and last year's winner Dario Franchitti (UK) was third fastest. Alex Tagliani of Canada posted the second fastest time in the final practice.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

NIWA to study waves

The National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research plans to study the waves around New Zealand, which they say are some of the biggest and wildest on the planet. NIWA says extensive modelling will help provide a picture of how damaging waves and storm surges will be in future. It wants to establish how the size of the waves is changing, so councils know the areas where it is unwise to build.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Mice threaten Australian grain harvest

Millions of mice have invaded farms and towns from Queensland to South Australia, threatening next season's grain harvest. Extensive damage is reported to rice crops in the Riverina Murray region of south western New South Wales. The ABC reports the harvest is forecast to be around 800,000 tonnes - triple the output last year after years of drought. But it's now being threatened. South Australian MP Adrian Pederick, says some farmers will spend up to $A70,000 on bait this season. In the Riverland and Mallee region, Loxton Waikerie Mayor Leon Stasinowsky says the mice are moving into towns from farms.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Volunteers needed for Rugby World Cup

The call has gone out for the thousands of volunteers needed to help make the Ruby World Cup Opening Ceremony a success. Rugby NZ 2011 says it will take the combined effort of over 2000 volunteers in performing and support roles to make the Opening Ceremony one of this years most spectacular international events. It says it is a great opportunity for anyone wishing to be involved in the tournament to play a part, either as a performer in front of the camera or helping behind the scenes. 60,000 people will be at Eden Park for the ceremony, which will be broadcast to millions of people around the world. Auditions will take place in June and July and anyone who wants to try out should visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/ceremonies and apply now.
NewstalkZB

Kiwifruit 'better' than vitamin C tablets

Kiwifruit is a much better source of vitamin C than supplements, Christchurch researchers have found. Otago University Christchurch investigated kiwifruit as a source of vitamin C and found that in mice eating kiwifruit, vitamin C uptake was five times as effective as taking a purified supplement form. The study has been published in The American Journal for Clinical Nutrition, the highest-ranking journal for human nutrition research. Lead researcher Associate Professor Margreet Vissers said people needed vitamin C in all body tissues and organs. Because people's bodies could not make the vitamin, they had to get it from food. Vitamin C is also available in purified form and is one of the most commonly consumed vitamin supplements. Mice fed kiwifruit absorbed vitamin C much more efficiently than those given the purified supplement form, and retained it for longer. Vissers said this suggested that there was something in the fruit that improved absorption and retention.
- The Press

Herald's grand slam at Canon Media Awards

Nzherald.co.nz won the supreme award at last night's Canon Media awards for Best Website for the fourth time in five years. The win is part of an extraordinary win for the New Zealand Herald which has won an unprecedented four top honours at the national media awards - declared Newspaper of the Year, best website, best daily and, for the Weekend Herald, best weekly paper. Judges said the nzherald.co.nz site demonstrated the ability of online journalism to take on complex, emotive stories in a manner that adds greater depth than TV, radio or newspaper coverage ever could.
Copyright 2011, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Timeball Station due for demolition next week

Work on dismantling the Timeball Station at Lyttelton is expected to begin on Monday. The Category One listed building has stood on the hillside of the port since 1876, but was severely damaged in the earthquake on 22 February. The Historic Places Trust says cranes will arrive on site on Monday. Demolition is expected to take 12 weeks. The Trust says a 3D scan of the building has been completed, providing an accurate record of the building remains. It hopes to rebuild the Timeball Station on the same site.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Christchurch: 6500 quake-damaged homes to get heat pumps

More than 6500 earthquake damaged homes in Christchurch will have a heat pump installed by the end of June. Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee made the announcement today, as he visited homes where the primary heat source had been taken out of action by earthquake damage. More than 4000 heat pumps have already been installed, and 1020 solid fuel burners either repaired or installed. The work is being done by Fletcher Construction, who took up the job in March. The Government says installation of heat pumps in the homes of the most vulnerable people is top priority, with a concerted effort to restore heating to the elderly, ill, pregnant and disabled.
3 News

March Payroll Giving donations top $546,000

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal appears to have convinced Kiwis to give more generously than ever, with Payroll Giving donations topping $546,000 in March. It is the highest monthly total recorded since the scheme began 18 months ago. The March donations came from more than 5100 donors, up from the average 1400 to 1700 donors using the scheme over the previous six months. Payroll Giving gives employees the opportunity to donate to approved organisations directly from your pay and receive immediate tax credits.
3 News

Australian Navy ship decommissioned

One of the Australian Defence Force's three amphibious transport ships, HMAS Manoora, has been officially decommissioned more than a year ahead of schedule. The Navy's two other amphibious transport ships, HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Kanimbla, are out of action due to maintenance work. As cover, the Australian Government has arranged for occasional shared use of the New Zealand Navy amphibious lift ship HMNZS Canterbury.
-ARN

New census date announced

The next census will be held in March 2013. This year's census was postponed after Christchurch's February 22 earthquake. Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson announced the new date today. "The 2011 Census could not have been successfully completed given the national state of emergency and the probable impact on census results," Mr Williamson said.
© 2011 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Heinz shifting some production to NZ

Foodmaker Heinz is shifting some of its Australian production to New Zealand as part of a company restructure. The production of sauces, beetroot processing and some meals will now take place at its two plants in Hastings. Some 344 jobs will go in Australia, including 146 when it closes its sauce factory at Girgarre in Victoria's northwest, the ABC reports. Another 160 jobs will go at the Golden Circle plant in Northgate in Brisbane and 38 at Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. Beverage facilities in Brisbane and a baby food plant at Echuca in Victoria will be upgraded.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

'Loose' New Zealand makes for laidback Kiwis

New Zealanders are known for their easy-going nature but now an American study claims to know what makes Kiwis so laidback. The study has classified more than 30 countries into what it terms "tight" or "loose" societies. Dr Ronald Fischer, who contributed to the study, says that 'loose' societies, such as New Zealand, have fewer controls over behaviour and greater freedom for people to do as they wish. Speaking to TV ONE's Breakfast Fischer said that New Zealand's loose nature can be seen in stereotypical Kiwi behaviour such as bungy jumping, outdoor pursuits and in its creativity.
Source: ONE News

Coastal wind farm approval granted

Approval has been given for a wind farm near the coast between Raglan and Port Waikato. A Board of Inquiry was set up to hear the application by Contact Energy after the project was called in by the Government because it was deemed to be of national significance. The board has given approval for 168 turbines that will generate 504 megawatts of electricity.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Lack of sleep main cause of childhood obesity - study

A study by researchers at Otago University has concluded that lack of sleep is the main cause of obesity in children. A long-term study of 250 Dunedin children found those who sleep less than 11 hours every night, are more likely to be obese by the time they are seven, even if other factors like exercise and the quality of food they eat are controlled. Dunedin School Of Medicine paediatrician Barry Taylor says the amount of sleep children get affects the hormones controlling their metabolism and their appetite, which in turn affects how much they eat. Professor Taylor says children should get about nine to 10 hours' sleep every night, though some will need more.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Several Asian countries keen to invest in NZ - English

Finance Minister Bill English says there are several Asian countries, not just China, which are keen to invest in New Zealand bonds. Fresh from a visit to Singapore, Hong Kong and China, Mr English says those countries want to invest less of their large cash reserves in the United States, and are eyeing New Zealand and Australia instead. There has been speculation that China has a $6 billion fund ready to invest in New Zealand, but Mr English says he's not aware of that specific figure.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Baby crocs to be reared in NZ

By Anna Cross
Baby crocodiles are to be reared in New Zealand for the first time. Auckland's Butterfly Creek zoo received an import of live croc eggs from Australia last month which are due to hatch in the next week. The tint hatchlings will be approximately 30 centimetres in length and will join Butterfly Creek's resident giant male saltwater crocodiles, Scar and Goldie. A online competition is taking place to name one of the babies.

Korean War citation presented to NZ veterans

New Zealand veterans of the Korean War have been presented with the Korean Presidential Citation, for meritorious service and heroism in battle, almost 60 years after it was awarded. The Citation, made in November 1951, recognised the role the 16th Field Regiment played in the Battle of Kapyong in halting the movement of Communist forces south towards Seoul. Veterans gathered at Linton Military Camp on Thursday to receive an insignia from the Korean Minister of Veteran Affairs. The Korean Veterans' Association says a refusal by successive New Zealand Governments to recognise military awards from other countries, was behind the delay in veterans being recognised.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Top young violinists to play in NZ

By Anna Cross - NewstalkZB
Eighteen of the world's top young violinists arrive in New Zealand next week to compete in the prestigious Michael Hill International Violin Competition. The violinists hail from eight different countries. The intense contest programme starts with two rounds of competition in Queenstown next Saturday. A semi-final will then take place in Auckland with the top six performers, and the final with the Auckland Philharmonica Orchestra the following week.

Vitamin C in kiwifruit good for mice

New research has confirmed the vitamin power of kiwifruit. Otago University researchers in Christchurch have found that mice absorbed vitamin C from gold kiwifruit five times more effectively than an artificial vitamin C supplement. They also retained it in their organs and tissues for longer. Trials are underway to see if the nutritional results in mice are replicated in humans. The study is part of a health science programme funded by Zespri.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Dollar makes significant gains

The New Zealand dollar has made major gains on Thursday afternoon. The Kiwi gained 1.5 cents against the US dollar and is at a two-year high against an average of trading partners' currencies. Strong Australian economic data and China's decision to financially back the bailout of Portugal lifted the New Zealand dollar against all major currencies. A local news wire claiming China's biggest sovereign wealth fund is targeting New Zealand assets also added to the momentum. About 6.25pm on Thursday, the dollar was buying US81 cents.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rare mosquito-borne illness kills tourist in Australia

A 19-year-old Canadian tourist has died after contracting one of Australia's rarest mosquito-borne diseases. The woman became unwell when she arrived home from a holiday in the Northern Territory earlier this month and was admitted to hospital in Calgary, Alberta, where she died on Tuesday. She is the third person in the Northern Territory to contract Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) this year. Earlier this month a 27-year-old man died from the disease in South Australia. Unlike other mosquito-borne illnesses, which are not typically fatal, MVE kills about 25% of those who contract it, and can cause paralysis and brain damage. There are no specific medical treatments for it.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Runaway colonel to apply for NZ shelter

By MICHAEL FIELD
Fiji's runaway colonel says he is going to make an application to move to New Zealand. But Colonel Tevita Mara warned that Fiji's Voreqe Bainimarama regime might act against New Zealand if he is allowed here. Last week Mara, who used to command Fiji's biggest regiment, fled to neighbouring Tonga rather than face charges that he was plotting to overthrow Bainimarama. As a relative of the Tongan royal family he is under the protection of King George Tupou. Prime Minister John Key suggested last weekend that Mara might be welcome into New Zealand.

Free wifi for Wellington

Wellington will be the first New Zealand city to provide a free wireless internet service across most of its central city. The initiative was announced today by Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and will be available in time for the Rugby World Cup. Coverage would extend from Waitangi Park and Courtenay Place along the 'golden mile' to Westpac Stadium and up Cuba Street. The service would eventually be extended to other busy locations such as the Zoo, Zealandia, the Cable Car and Carter Observatory, as well as main libraries, Ms Wade-Brown said. When it is up and running, users will be disconnected after half an hour and can then reconnect.
NZPA

NZ second most peaceful nation

New Zealand has been named the second most peaceful nation in the world. The 2011 Global Peace Index has been released, including a list of the world's most peaceful countries. Leading the list is Iceland, followed by New Zealand, with Japan in third place. The survey results also reveal the world is less peaceful, for the third straight year. It also says the potential for terrorist acts has increased, despite a decade-long war on terrorism. The research reveals the cost of violence in 2010 to the global economy was more than $8.12 trillion.
By Juliette Sivertsen

Voters due for orange reminder

By KATE CHAPMAN
It's six months out from the general election and the Electoral Commission is about to start its public information campaign - which means that little orange man is back. From Monday confirmation packs will begin arriving in the mail to ensure people are enrolled with the correct address and name. As well as the general political election on November 26, voters will be asked to vote on keeping the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system or changing it. They will also be asked whether they would prefer the First Past the Post, Preferential Voting, Single Transferable Vote or Supplementary Member system if MMP was to be scraped. If more than half vote to keep MMP the Electoral Commission will carry out a public review of the system to identify areas for change. If the majority vote to scrap it, Parliament will have to decide whether to hold another referendum in 2014 to give people a choice between MMP and the most popular alternative.

Family flees slip as Nelson area hit by floods

A Nelson family had to flee from their hillside house after a massive slip during torrential rain that caused widespread flooding in the Tasman district. Rivers overflowed causing flooding and road closures from Golden Bay to Marlborough. In a 24-hour downpour, MetService says up to 170mm of rain fell on the hills around Nelson, MetService says. Some 500mm of rain fell at Anatoki in Golden Bay. The Waimea River burst its banks forcing the evacuation of about a dozen houses at Hope, near Richmond, early on Thursday morning. Houses at Brightwater were also evacuated, Civil Defence officials say. Flooding was also reported at Golden Bay and Canvastown.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Combo pill halves heart disease risk - study

People who take a four-in-one combination pill daily could halve their heart disease and stroke risk, an international trial which received New Zealand funding has suggested. Previously it had been claimed the "polypill" could reduce heart disease and stroke by 80 percent. The trial, which included participants from New Zealand, tested a once-a-day polypill, which contained aspirin and agents to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Professor Anthony Rodgers of The George Institute for Global Health said the results showed a "halving in heart disease and stroke could be expected for people taking this polypill long-term". Other studies also showed the pill could decrease a person's risk of getting colon cancer by 25 to 50 percent and reduce the likelihood of other major cancers, heart failure and renal failure, Prof Rodgers said.
© 2011 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Twitter to be monitored on election day

Social media sites like Twitter will be monitored on election day to ensure electoral rules are not breached, Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden says. It is illegal to campaign on election day, a prohibition which covers the publishing or broadcasting of anything intended to influence votes. With tweeting becoming increasingly popular, Mr Peden says, the Electoral Commission will keep an eye electronic media communications including Twitter on polling day. "If people tweet on election day in a way which is trying to influence how somebody votes, then that's a breach of the act and we'll be following it up."
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Woman tops Australian rich list

Gina Rinehart has become the first woman to top Australia's BRW rich list, with the iron ore magnate's fortune doubling over the past year to $10.3 billion ($NZ13.6 b). In second place is Glencore chief executive Ivan Glasenberg, who until recently had little public profile in Australia. He's also the highest debutant on the list of the nation's 200 richest individuals, with a wealth of $8.8 billion after benefitting from the public listing of the Swiss-based commodities trading firm. The estimated total wealth of the 200 people on the business magazine's annual list jumped 23 per cent to $167.25 billion.
Source: AAP

Koala numbers drop 80pc

By Kathy Marks
Australian scientists are calling for the koala to be declared an endangered species, warning that populations have already declined alarmingly and climate change will exacerbate the mammal's plight. A Senate committee set up to investigate the health and status of the koala has been told that better conservation measures are needed to safeguard the future of one of Australia's best-known native animals, already under pressure from habitat loss and disease. The committee will report to the Federal Minister for Sustainability, Tony Burke, who has the power to list it as endangered. Where Australia once had millions of koalas, the total population was probably no more than 50,000-100,000, said Dr Clive McAlpine, a landscape ecologist at the University of Queensland.

Quick treatment for cancer patients

Cancer patients in New Zealand ready for radiation treatment are getting it faster. The Government's latest health targets results showed 99 percent of patients ready for treatment were receiving it within four weeks, which Health Minister Tony Ryall said was the "gold standard" worldwide. "From January to March, 99 per cent of patients started their cancer radiation treatment within four weeks and 100 per cent started within six weeks." "Right in the middle of the period we had the Canterbury earthquake, which makes this result even more impressive. It's a tribute to the DHBs, and the South Island regional cancer centres in particular," Ryall said.
NZPA

Australians warn of higher medicine prices

New Zealanders are being warned of potentially higher prices for medicines if drug-buying agency Pharmac becomes subject to a free trade deal with the United States. Twenty-eight US senators have written to President Barack Obama calling for a crackdown in the TransPacific Partnership trade talks on drug-buying bodies, warning of dangers to American business interests from such a deal. Australian legal and medicines policy experts on Wednesday warned that higher prices may result. A law professor at the Australian National University, Peter Drahos says some medicines have risen in price in Australia since a free trade deal with the United States in 2005 altered rules governing the buying of medicines. A medicines policy expert at Melbourne's LaTrobe University says public health should not be part of bargaining, and New Zealanders should campaign to keep Pharmac out of talks for the TransPacific Free Trade Agreement. Doctors say Pharmac has worked well for New Zealanders and should continue.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Historic Godley House to be pulled down

Godley House, a 19th century building on Banks Peninsula damaged in the recent Canterbury earthquakes, is to be demolished. Christchurch City Council says the 1880 building at Diamond Harbour has all but collapsed. Godley House is listed as a Category 2 historic place and it is hoped that careful demolition of the building will salvage some of the heritage material.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Lonely elephant Burma to get new friends

Auckland Council has agreed to lend Auckland Zoo $3.2 million to import two orphaned juvenile elephants from Sri Lanka. They will join Burma the elephant, who has been on her own since her companion Kashin died in 2009. Burma could live for another 40 years and the zoo said she needed company for quality of life.
Source: ONE News

Christchurch's The Press turns 150

The South Island's largest newspaper, The Press, is today celebrating its 150th anniversary. The newspaper was launched by James Edward FitzGerald from a small hut in central Christchurch on May 25, 1861. It was a six page tabloid and sold for sixpence. It began as a weekly but became Canterbury's first daily paper in 1863. Most recently The Press itself became the focus of media attention when its building in central Christchurch was badly damaged in the February 22 earthquake. One person was killed in the quake. The other major South Island newspaper, the Otago Daily Times, will celebrate its 150th anniversary on November 15.
NZPA

Maori warned over use of foreign fishing crews

Maori have been warned by the Government about the way they are using ageing foreign charter fishing boats to catch their Treaty of Waitangi quotas. "Maori are in a unique position to lead the debate on the use of foreign fishing vessels as they are big users," Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley told the Maori fisheries Conference in Nelson. He said the foreign charter vessels (FCVs) were "well past their use-by-date". His warning followed reports which revealed Maori deep-sea fishing, once touted as an economic saviour for Maori, now depends on Asian and Ukrainian FCVs where conditions are akin to sweatshops.
Source: Fairfax

Labour creates online game

Labour has stepped up its campaign against asset sales, releasing an online game in which users make choices for the future. If the wrong choices are made, bad things happen to the user. Popular culture characters such as Chuck Norris are used in the game to illustrate the point. It culminates in the player deciding whether or not to sell state assets. If they do, a state-owned power station is taken away by the Australians. The game is called "let's not" and can be found at lets-not.co.nz
By Katie Bradford-Crozier

Pacific Art in NZ’s South Auckland to be celebrated in an arts summit

The Auckland Council is supporting the vibrancy of Pacific Art in South Auckland, New Zealand by putting on an Arts Summit. Pacific themed exhibitions, heritage arts, workshops, theatre, language and literature activities are on offer for locals for free or at a minimal cost. The council’s Pacific Arts Coordinator for Arts and Culture South, Ema Tavola, says the aim is to encourage local support for the variety of talented art on offer. Ema Tavola says events are at venues across South Auckland until June 4.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Rugby - Richie McCaw to stay with NZRU

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union for another four years. The 30-year-old says he still has the hunger and desire to continue to play for the All Blacks and the Crusaders and there are still things he wants to achieve as a player. McCaw has played 94 tests for the All Blacks, a national record he shares with Mils Muliaina. He has captained the side a record 57 times. Last week his Crusaders and All Blacks teammate Daniel Carter committed to another four year contract with New Zealand Rugby.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Kiwi garden wins silver and royal approval

A Kiwi garden has won a silver medal at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in England - and had a visit from the Queen. Waikato-based Tamata Holdings' first ever exhibit Te maara nui o maples (the garden of great maples), was designed by renowned Auckland landscape designer Xanthe White, host of TV ONE's Ultimate Garden. White and Tamata Holdings' garden was chosen by the Queen herself from more than 600 exhibits, after she and Prince Phillip visited the garden on Monday afternoon.
Source: ONE News

Extended work visas for World Cup backed

An immigration advisor supports the government's decision to loosen the rules around visas for Rugby World Cup workers. A ONE News exclusive last night revealed that unskilled, English-speaking workers are being given no-questions asked extended visas in order to keep them in the country through the World Cup. Immigration officials have been told to make sure visas for low skilled jobs in hospitality and accommodation last until three weeks after the Rugby World Cup ends in October.
Source: ONE News

Mister Pip film cast arrive in PNG

A film production with New Zealand connections is setting up on the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville, where locals are hoping for an economic boost. Staff and cast for the filming of Mister Pip, based on the novel by New Zealand author Lloyd Jones, have begun arriving on Bougainville. PNG's Post Courier newspaper reports some Bougainvilleans have been cast in main roles, and that filming locally will help promote tourism. The production is led by New Zealander Andrew Adamson, who directed Shrek, and producer Robin Scholes. Mister Pip is set in 1991 during the decade-long Bougainville conflict. The novel won it won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in 2007 and was shortlisted for the Man Booker.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

May 25: Geek Pride Day

Here's your chance to discover your inner nerd. It's international Geek Pride Day, celebrating the right to look nerdy, say nerdy things and hang out with nerdy people. A manifesto was created to celebrate the first Geek Pride Day in 2006, which includes the following list of basic rights and responsibilities of geeks. Some of those rights include the right to not leave your house, the right to not like football or any other sport and the right to be overweight and near-sighted.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

NZ among the happiest of the OECD

New Zealand is near the top of the first multinational index of well-being and wealth. The Paris based Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has produced an interactive tool measuring 20 different indicators in 34 countries. New Zealand scores in the top four with Canada, Australia and Sweden. The index suggests it is only New Zealand's financial wealth, in comparison with other rich nations, that prevents the country being on top.
- Stuff

700 financial advisers yet to meet provisions of new law

Hundreds of financial advisers may soon have to stop giving advice on KiwiSaver and some other investment products because they haven't completed the qualifications needed. Financial adviser regulations that come into effect from 1 July make it an offence for those who are unlicensed to provide personalised investment planning services and advice on investment products. The Director of Financial Adviser Regulation, Mel Hewitson, says about 700 advisers still haven't completed the competency assessments needed, and some may not be authorised by the deadline.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Maori Party to name Solomon Tipene as candidate

The Maori Party is to name Solomon Tipene as its candidate for the Te Tai Tokerau by-election, Radio New Zealand understands. The 25 June by-election was triggered when Hone Harawira resigned as an independent MP to seek a mandate for his new Mana Party. Mr Tipene, the co-chair of the Maori Party's Whangarei branch, works for the Whangarei District Council, and sits on the regional Whanau Ora leadership board. List MP Kelvin Davis is standing for Labour while National is not contesting the seat.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

NZ scientists to drill for super-hot fluids

Scientists are planning to drill into the central North Island to look for super-hot fluids that reach temperatures of about 400°C. They say the geothermal resource could provide about 10,000 megawatts of electricity, enough to power the whole country at any given moment. Led by GNS Science, the researchers want to drill 5km underground to search for the very hot fluids - about 2km deeper than existing geothermal boreholes. They think the hotter fluids could provide a much greater energy output than conventional geothermal resources. At the moment, the sector accounts for about 740 megawatts, or 13%, of New Zealand's power generation.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Two days of ghastly weather ahead

Most of New Zealand is in for heavy rain and severe gales over the next two days. The MetService has issued a severe weather watch for Otago, Canterbury and the top of the South Island, as well as most of the North Island except the east coast. Heavy rain is forecast the Otago and Canterbury headwaters overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Rain is due to batter the central North Island, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland and Northland on Wednesday night and Thursday.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rare white kiwi born in New Zealand

A white kiwi chick was born at a New Zealand wildlife centre, the first of its kind to hatch in captivity, a news report said Tuesday. The chick - named Manukura, which means 'of chiefly status' in the Maori language - hatched at the Pukaha Mount Bruce centre, 130 kilometres north of Wellington, from an egg laid by a normal brown kiwi transferred from an island. The wildlife centre engages in a species conservation programme that takes kiwis from the wild to breed chicks that are then hand-reared before being returned to their natural habitat when they are old enough to keep themselves safe from predators. 'As far as we know, this is the first all-white chick to be hatched in captivity,' said Bob Francis, chairman of the centre's board, which is keen for as many visitors as possible to see it when it is weighed and fed daily.

Christchurch Charity Hospital to offer free dental care

The Christchurch Charity Hospital is expanding and is set to offer an acute dental service in addition to other services. The hospital in Harewood Road provides free, non-urgent day surgery and medical consultations for those considered not serious enough to be seen in the public system and unable to afford private care. It began counselling services after the earthquakes in September last year and February, and has now paid about $440,000 for an adjacent property. Christchurch Charity Hospital Trust chairman Philip Bagshaw says it will enable them to offer dental services and an endoscopy service while continuing the counselling.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

PM refuses to comment on Henare's tweet

By Katie Bradford-Crozier - NewstalkZB
No comment from the Prime Minister over a tweet sent out by one of his MPs, the never-shy Tau Henare. Mr Henare described ex-MP Hone Harawira on Twitter as "so racist, he puts chocolate milk in his cup of tea". John Key had a grimace on his face as he was asked whether he thought the tweet was a good look. He says he hasn't seen it and doesn't want to comment on it.
(Ed note: for non tea drinking readers, white milk is the norm)
By Katie Bradford-Crozier

Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan

A highly decorated Australian soldier is dead and five others have been wounded in two separate incidents in Afghanistan. Sergeant Brett Wood, 32, from Victoria, was killed by a roadside bomb late on Monday night Australian time. One of his fellow diggers suffered life-threatening wounds and another has serious injuries from the same blast. The wounded have been taken to a medical facility in Afghanistan, where they remain in a seriously ill condition. Just hours earlier, another three Australian soldiers were hurt in an unrelated gun fight with local insurgents. Sgt Wood, who was part of the Special Operations Task Group, is the 24th Australian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan. A total of 174 Australian soldiers have been wounded in action.
-AAP

Enterprising rural women award announced

A Marlborough farmer has won this year's supreme award for enterprising rural women. Lisa Harper of Sherrington Grange supplies accommodation, food and educational experiences on her farm in the Marlborough Sounds. She has built on family tradition and skills she learned as a child to produce some of the best cheeses in New Zealand, and many visitors take part in her cheese-making classes as part of their stay. The North Island award was won by baby products business run by two Rotorua sisters. Maria-Fe Rohrlach and her sister Bernadine Guilleux run Nestling Ltd which produces organic merino and cotton baby wraps and slings.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Rain on its way for North Island

By Blair Cunningham - NewstalkZB
Enjoy the clear weather while it lasts, because rain, and plenty of it, is on the way. MetService is forecasting a front over the Tasman sea tomorrow night to start moving up the South Island and into the North during Wednesday. Up to 150 millimetres of rain is likely in Fiordland and Westland, while the same amount is expected to hit the Tararua Ranges and Mount Taranaki later in the week. Up to 200 millimetres is forecast for the Nelson area. Heavy falls are also expected in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato

Pharmac still a good model for NZ: Key

By Audrey Young
Prime Minister John Key says the New Zealand Government would take "a fair bit of convincing" that Pharmac wasn't the best model to keep under the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement under negotiation. He made his comment after 28 United States senators wrote to President Barack Obama expressing concerns about intellectual property aspects of the TPP, alluding to without naming Pharmac. Pharmac is a state agency that bulk-buys medicines cheaply, often pricing competing medicines off the market. Mr Key refused to say that keeping Pharmac was non-negotiable. But he took the view that it was not helpful to conduct negotiations through the media. "We think Pharmac has been hugely successful. We think it makes money for New Zealand. It is the most cost efficient way of purchasing pharmaceuticals for New Zealanders and we'd take a fair bit of convincing that that wasn't the right model.

Corruption is now rampant within Fiji regime says Mara

The former Fiji soldier who fled to Tonga says corruption is now rampant within the regime. Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara fled to Tonga after being charged with sedition, saying he feared he would not get a fair trial. In a You Tube message, Colonel Mara says that in order to stifle and cover up the corrupt dealings of the regime, the reports of the Auditor General on government accounts since 2007 have been hidden from the public. Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara says Commodore Frank Bainimarama and the attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, are being paid nearly 400,000 US dollars a year, under the pretext of holding several ministerial portfolios.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Coca Cola criticised over water recall

By Dave Williams of NZPA
Coca-Cola Amatil has rewritten the way it recalls its products after it was pulled up by health authorities for the way it recalled its Pumped flavoured water that made 11 people sick over summer. The 750ml water bottles remain off the shelves after problems with a sterilising process at the Putaruru factory saw white mould form in bottles of the lemon, mandarin and berry flavoured water. A report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), released under the Official Information Act, showed Coca-Cola failed to inform the NZ Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) of the problem until two months after becoming aware of the problem. A total of 76 people complained about the water, including 11 who had become sick, some experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea for days.
NZPA

Nick Gibb wins Billy T Award

By Natasha Burling
Nick Gibb has won the 2011 Billy T Award at this year's New Zealand International Comedy Festival. The award was presented last night at the closing ceremony 'Last Laugh' at Sky City Theatre in Auckland. It recognises up-and-coming performers with outstanding potential at the festival. Nick Gibb made his festival debut this year with his show 'Pakehas Be All Like This'. He claimed the coveted yellow towel, an appearance on TV3's 7 Days and a $5,000 cheque to further his comedic endeavours. Jan Maree took out the Fred Award, which recognises the professional development of a comedian.

Sallies want alternatives to prisons

By Blair Cunningham
The Salvation Army says it's time for the Government to think about alternatives to building prisons. It's supporting Finance Minister Bill English's comments that there'll be no more prisons built under his watch. Social policy spokesman Major Campbell Roberts says it's time to develop alternative punishment regimes. "There is much international evidence of things which actually work better than prisons in actually dealing with offending and ensuring that offending doesn't continue," he told Newstalk ZB. Major Campbell Roberts says that includes restorative justice, faith and cultural units in prisons and dealing with offenders on the 'outside.'

$1.5m boost for walkway

The Government has allocated $1.5 million to complete a walking track the length of the country. The Aroroa Trail Long Pathway will be finished by the end of this year and extend 3000km from the tip of Cape Reinga to Bluff. Trust chief executive Geoff Chapple says he is thrilled with the Government's contribution towards the trail in the Budget, which should bring in $11.2 million in tourism spending each year. Professional trampers will have to walk for three months to complete the trail in one go, he says.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

'More tourists needed' to help Christchurch

Some tourism operators in Christchurch have lost 75% of their turnover as the full effects of the earthquake disaster on the region's tourism industry become clear. The operators are among 1000 delegates attending this year's TRENZ trade show in Queenstown in which tourism operators sell their products to international travel buyers and the media. About 95% of tourism operators in Christchurch are up and running again, and Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter says all the city needs now is more tourists. The message is to come and see the city, have a look at what is going on and enjoy the suburban cafes, bars and shopping, he says.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Monster train arrives from Africa

It's a long way from Zimbabwe to Paekakariki, and for one railway behemoth the journey has taken 15 years. A decade and a half after Russell Gibbard, Eric Tutt and some mates from Steam Incorporated put in a tender on a 1954 Beyer Garratt locomotive, their prized engine has finally arrived. Mr Gibbard said they bought the train from Zimbabwe's National Railways in 1996 after seeing it up for tender. He did not want to say how much it cost. "Let's just say the purchase price was small compared to how much it cost to get it here." It took them between 12 and 13 years to save the money. The train was kept in storage in South Africa and, when the funds came through, it was taken in three parts to Durban and loaded on to a ship bound for Australia. It arrived in Auckland this month, where it was taken on trucks to Paekakariki. Mr Gibbard said the 28-metre, 166-tonne engine was bigger than anything ever used on New Zealand railways. Now Mr Gibbard and his fellow rail enthusiasts have another long task ahead - restoring the engine so it can be used on New Zealand tracks.
The Dominion Post

Planets align for a chance to think about the future

CATHERINE HARRIS
A prestigious gathering of thinkers will take place in Gisborne next year to coincide with Captain Cook's landing in New Zealand. The "Transit of Venus" forum will take place on June 7 and 8 next year. It is named after the astrological event that brought Cpt Cook to the South Pacific and subsequently New Zealand in 1769. Convener Professor Sir Paul Callaghan, an eminent physicist, said he hoped the forum would attract the best and most original thinkers, businesspeople and policy makers to think about the country's future prosperity and where science fitted in. "This will be an opportunity for a broad cross section of New Zealand thinkers to consider risks and opportunities in respect of our economy and export industries, our natural hazards, our communications, our land, water and energy use, and the health, indeed survival, of our plants and animals."

Tourism operators gather for trade show

More than 1000 delegates are in Queenstown for this year's TRENZ trade show, in which tourism operators sell their products to international travel buyers and the media. Tourism Industry Association chief executive Tim Cossar says this year's event is seen as critical, with the local industry facing one of its toughest for years. He says while natural disasters and the global financial crisis make the future look uncertain, the New Zealand industry is robust.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

No more prisons, says English

Finance minister Bill English says there will be no more prisons built under his watch as finance minister. He's called prisons a moral and fiscal failure and there are other ways of dealing with criminals and potential criminals. Asked by Guyon Espiner on Q A this morning if the government was going to continue building prisons once the 1000-bed facility in the Auckland suburb of Wiri was completed, English said Wiri was likely to be the last. "They're very, very expensive," English said. "$250,000 a bed, $90,000 a year to run ... when we're tight for money." He said the aim instead is to reduce recidivism, and prevent young people from entering the system at all.
Source: ONE News

Queensland wins trans Tasman netball title

The Queensland Firebirds have won the trans-tasman netball championship after beating the Northern Mystics 57-44 in the grand final in Brisbane. The Mystics, who were looking for New Zealand's first title in the competition, trailed by just 2 at half time, however the homeside took control from then with star shooter Romelda Aitken finishing off some great midcourt work by the Firebirds. Queensland outscored the Mystics 18-8 in the third quarter as the Mystics ball dried up. The Firebirds went through the season unbeaten.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Reports of NZer arrested in Fiji

Fiji police are remaining tight-lipped about whether they have taken in for questioning a New Zealand surfing instructor. They suspect Tim McBride helped top military officer Colonel Tevita Mara, accused of mutiny and sedition, escape to Tonga. Fiji police are not denying they are investigating Tim McBride, saying only that they are questioning a number of people. He is married to the daughter of Tevita Mara's elder sister and has represented Fiji in international surfing competitions.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

New clinic a stroke of genius for survivors

Quality of life for stroke survivors could be drastically improved thanks to a new recovery clinic opened by Auckland University. It offers free access to the country's leading researchers, and the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge trials. Strokes are a lot more common than many people think, with one person suffering one every two seconds globally. "People in the community can gain access to new and developing treatments much more quickly than if they have to wait for them to get into widespread clinical practice," said Dr Cathy Stinear from the Brain Recovery Clinic. Referred patients start out with a three-hour assessment with speech therapists, optometrists and neurologists who specialise in strokes.
Source: ONE News

One million 'likes' for RWC Facebook page

Rugby World Cup reached a major milestone today when it reached one million "likes" on the official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/rugbyworldcup) also making it the largest Facebook fan page in New Zealand and the largest sports community in Australasia. Established in September 2009 to coincide with the "Two Years to Go" milestone, the page has grown steadily over the past 18 months, attracting fans from around the world who receive regular updates through their news feeds. The Rugby World Cup Facebook page allows fans to interact with a range of content and with other fans who have similar interests. Fans can add their own comments, participate in polls and discussions and add their own photos and videos. Fans of the page represent an international melting pot, with no one country accounting for more than 20% of the fan base. The UK has the biggest share of the audience (19%), followed by France (11%), New Zealand (11%), Argentina (8%) and Australia (7%).
Source: ONE News

Kiwi author wins Commonwealth award

New Zealander Craig Cliff has won Best First Book for his work, A Man Melting, in the 2011 Commonwealth Writers' Prize. Cliff's work weaves outlandish concepts with everyday incidents across 18 short stories. Governor-General Quentin Bryce presented the awards at the Sydney Writers' Festival on Saturday evening to mark the 25th year of the literary Prize. "It unearths the best writing from across 54 countries, promoting dialogue and understanding on an international scale.
Source: AAP

Asian births on rise in NZ

By Rachel Grunwell
One baby in eight born in Kiwi hospitals last year had an Asian mum, new Statistics New Zealand data shows. In Auckland alone, 5149 mums with an Asian heritage gave birth, which was more than double the number compared with 15 years ago. Last year was also the first time in the country's biggest city that more Asian mums had babies than Maori women, who registered 5015 births. According to the data, the majority of women nationwide who gave birth last year were still those with a European background - 43,965 of last year's 63,897 births. But mums from other ethnic backgrounds are increasingly helping to bump up the numbers, including more Middle Eastern, Latin American and African women. This also proves there has been a baby boom - from 57,280 babies born in 1996 to 63,897 last year.

Telethon for Christchurch

A massive telethon for Christchurch gets underway this morning. Rise Up Christchurch will feature live music, celebrity challenges and big names from across the world showing their support. It will run for 12 hours on Maori TV, with events being staged at Trusts Stadium Arena in Auckland, Te Papa in Wellington and CBS Arena in Christchurch. Sir Ian McKellen will make a live appearance at Te Papa bringing a copy of Tolkien's The Hobbit signed by the film's cast which will go up for auction.
Donations can be made at www.riseup.org.nz , by calling 0800 2 RISEUP, or by texting RISEUP to 933 to make a $3 donation.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Visitor crims cost NZ $20m

BY NEIL REID
Foreigners held in New Zealand jails cost taxpayers more than $20 million last year. Sunday News can reveal there were 753 inmates in 2010 who had neither New Zealand residency nor citizenship. Those inmates spent a total of 138,819 nights in our prisons, at a cost of around $150 per person, per day – a total of $20.8m. Department of Corrections chief executive Ray Smith said: "New Zealand does not have any prisoner exchange programmes internationally. "Offenders who commit crimes in New Zealand need to remain here for the duration of their sentence.

Apocalypse pastor goes quiet as deadline passes

With no sign of Judgement Day arriving as he had forecast, the 89-year-old California evangelical broadcaster and former civil engineer behind the pronouncement seems to have gone silent. Family Radio, the Christian stations network headed by Harold Camping which had spread his message of an approaching doomsday, was playing recorded church music, devotionals and life advice unrelated to the apocalypse. Camping previously made a failed prediction Jesus Christ would return to Earth in 1994. The Internet was alive with reaction in the hours past 6 pm Saturday in New Zealand. "Harold Camping's 21st May Doomsday prediction fails; No earthquake in New Zealand," read one posting on Twitter. "If this whole end-of-the-world thingy is still going on ... it's already past 6.00 in New Zealand and the world hasn't ended," said another. The apocalypse was predicted to begin in New Zealand and move west, so those in America could watch it on television. "We know the end will begin in New Zealand and will follow the sun and roll on from there," said Camping follower Michael Garcia, a 39-year-old father of six. "That's why God raised up all the technology and the satellites so everyone can see it happen at the same time."
- AP

NZ news staff interviewed by Fiji police and officials

The police in Fiji have interviewed a New Zealand journalist and cameraman for two hours in continuing fallout from the flight of a former military commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara. Colonel Mara is in exile in Tonga after fleeing Fiji and has been bitterly attacked in recent days by leaders of Fiji's interim administration. News websites in Fiji say Colonel Mara's wife, aunt and niece have all been interviewed by the police since his flight, and his aunt has had details of her bank accounts seized. TV3 sent a reporter and cameraman to Colonel Mara's wife's house to investigate this story. They ended up being interviewed for two hours by police, immigration officials and the Ministry of Information before being released.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Latest on the end of the world

There are still no confirmed reports of the world having ended. American Evangelical broadcaster Harold Camping has predicted a massive earthquake will strike the earth, unleashing the Apocalypse, first upon New Zealand, then around the world. Any breaking news on this story will be given top priority on Daily New Zealand News. Please check back.
LATEST FROM NEW ZEALAND 7.40pm NZ Time: At the time of posting and despite the predictions of a jackass American preacher the world appears to continue as before with no sign of the apocalypse.

Rockquest regionals ready to roll

The regional finals of one of the country's most popular music events is about to kick off. This is the 24th year of the Smokefreerockquest, coinciding with New Zealand Music Month. Founder Glenn Common says it's paved the way to success for a lot of well-known artists including Opshop, Evermore and Bic Runga. He says it's a truly local event with 28 gigs in town halls around the country. Glenn Common says regional finals begin today in Northland, Nelson and Whanganui.
Source: Newstalk ZB

Buy some Gaga or Perry to help Christchurch

Tune into Maori TV on Sunday for 'Rise Up' - the 12 hour Christchurch earthquake telethon. You can help now by bidding on sella.co.nz for a whole load of goodies including a pair of Lady Gaga's shoes or Katy Perry's guitar. 3 News journalist and anchorman Mike McRoberts will be presenting the telethon from Christchurch.
3 News

Trans-Tasman standards for maternity workers

New standards of care have been unveiled for maternity workers on both sides of the Tasman. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has released the first document of its kind, covering standards in both countries. It aims to guide providers towards achieving the best service for mothers and their babies. Dr Louise Farrell of RANZCOG said that the new standards will be an invaluable resource in maternity care for both countries. "Much work has gone into providing standards that are appropriate to the Australian and New Zealand setting and recognise the different facilities and care arrangements available around both our countries." The standards cover pre-pregnancy care, care during pregnancy and birth and postnatal services.
Source: Newstalk ZB / ONE News

World ending prediction today

It seems a prediction of the world ending today have not come true yet. An American preacher and broadcaster says it will start with a series of earthquakes here, which will spread around the world killing everyone. His followers are said to have written warnings and even paid for a billboard in Auckland. Critics say the prediction relies on a dubious numerological interpretation of the Bible. And looking out of the window confirms things are pretty much as normal, so far, this morning.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Fiji Met Office warns of more heavy swells

The Fiji Meteorological Office is warning there could be more coastal damage from huge waves as swells combine with high tides on the south coast of Fiji. There are reports of the sea flooding over coastal roads leaving debris. Duty weather forecaster, Rajneel Prasad, says a high pressure system over the Tasman Sea is generating the heavy swells. He says it’s also the time of the month when tides are at a maximum height. Mr Prasad says large waves reported to have caused some damage along the Coral Coast today are likely to return this evening and tomorrow morning. Mr Prasad says there is also a damaging heavy swell warning for the Coral Sea and Southern Lau Island group. He says southern parts of Tonga, Niue and the southern Cook Islands may get moderate to heavy swells that could cause coastal damage during high tides.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Theatre to be erected in Hagley Park

A marquee-style theatre will be erected in Hagley Park to help Christchurch reinvigorate the entertainment industry after venues were damaged in the February earthquake. The Canterbury Celebration Theatre will host actors, musicians and performers from across the city during July for a show called the Winter Garden Season. Organiser Ben McDonald says by providing a place for entertainers to perform, it is hoped many will stay in the city. Mr McDonald says the marquee is from the United States and seats 150 people. It may be used for other shows in future.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Kiwi short wins Cannes critics' prize

A New Zealand short film has been awarded during Critic's Week at the Cannes Film Festival. Blue, by Stephen Kang, has taken the prize for the 50th Semaine De La Critique Grand Prix Canal & Du Meilleur Court Metrage Best Short Film. The 14 minute short tells the story of a former television mascot now struggling to hold down a job as a waiter in an Asian restaurant. The NZ Film Commission said the award is "a huge honour and validation of Stephen as a directing talent." Kang, along with producers Tara Riddell and Leanne Saunders, is in Cannes to support the film and to talk about his new feature Summer Rhapsody. Both films were coproduced by Severe Features and Curious Film.
Source: ONE News

Women's soccer game ends in brawl

Hair was pulled out and punches thrown when a women's football match being refereed by a policeman turned into a brawl in Katikati. The fight erupted during a game between Katikati and Maungatapu-based Rangataua Patriots. Senior Constable John Fitzgerald of Katikati police said a member of the Katikati women's team was injured. "I think she suffered some delayed concussion and had some hair ripped out and some bruises around the face," he said. "She received some punches around the face and head. She had quite a bit of bruising around her body as well. It was a bit over the top." Mr Fitzgerald said the game was a social Sunday afternoon match.
- APN

New fish discovered near Kermadecs

New Zealand's largest scientific expedition to explore oceans near the Kermadec Islands has come up with at least two species of fish new to science. The expedition is half way through. The new species are a little left-eye flounder and a pipe fish, the latter described as a straightened out sea horse. The expedition's progress is being blogged daily by Auckland Museum staff on kermadec.aucklandmuseum.com
By Alexia Russell

Auckland architect named international leader

An Auckland firm has been named by the world's top architectural journal as one of five international practices picked to shape the future of architecture. Patterson Associates has been named along with Norwegian, Japanese, Danish and Spanish firms. The awards aim is to highlight 21 architects who could be the leading lights of architecture in the 21st century. Patterson Associates' award submission centred on a body of recent works including the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre and the Michael Hill Golf Clubhouse in Queenstown.
By Laura Heathcote

Oyster festival begins tomorrow

The weather has kept the oyster fleet in port this week, but there should be plenty of the delicacy for tomorrow's Bluff Oyster and Food festival. Spokesman Lindsay Beer says 30,000 oysters will be waiting for the crowds. He says its not entirely about the oyster, festival goers will sample scallops, blue cod, paua sausages and mussels and plenty of fine wine and beer. The festival starts with the piping in of the oyster at 11am tomorrow.
By Malcolm Gayfer

Family of missing photojournalist worried

The New Zealand family of a South African photojournalist missing in Libya is extremely worried about his safety. Anton Hammerl was initially reported as having been captured by forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, along with three others. However, those journalists, two Americans and a Spaniard were released on Wednesday along with another British man, after several weeks in a Libyan prison. They had disappeared on 4 April while covering the conflict. A cousin of Mr Hammerl, Chris Cawthorne, of Auckland, says the family have no idea where he could be and had hoped he would be released with the others.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Employers struggling to fill critical positions - survey

A survey by Manpower suggests 44% of employers are struggling to fill critical positions. The annual survey by the recruitment company suggests the New Zealand's skill shortage is much worse than the global average of 34%. It says the jobs most in demand are engineers, followed by sales representatives and technicians.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

$12m to tackle rheumatic fever

The Government is to spend $12 million to reduce high rates of rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities. The money, announced in the Budget on Thursday, is to be spent over four years. Associate Minister of Health Tariana Turia said rates of rheumatic fever are now 14 times higher in New Zealand than in any other country in the OECD. She said the large disparity between ethnic groups appears to have worsened, with mean incidence rates for Maori and Pacific children 20 to 40 times higher than for other New Zealand children.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Budget 2011 main points

Spending cuts to three major government schemes - KiwiSaver, Working for Families and interest-free student loans has been announced in the 2011 Budget. Government KiwiSaver contributions will be halved, employer contributions will no longer be tax free, and employers and employees will have to boost minimum contributions from 2% to 3%. Eligibility and payment level changes to Working For Families - about 7000 families will lose their entitlements altogether (families on higher incomes and those with children aged 16 and 17 with no younger children most likely to be affected). People over 55 will no longer be able to borrow for living costs, and those with more than $500 overdue on their loan payments will have their lending restricted. The Government will campaign on partial asset sales of four energy state owned enterprises (SOEs) Mighty River Power, Meridian, Genesis and Solid Energy, and reducing its majority shareholding in Air New Zealand. The public sector is expected to make savings of nearly $1 billion over three years by agencies and departments paying their own superannuation costs and finding efficiencies in 'back room' operations.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Former NZ student's Eastern Europe power grab

ROB KIDD
Living in Hamilton made such an impact on Igor Doubenko he intends incorporating a little of what makes the Waikato great into a presidential bid in his homeland. The former Wintec student is seeking the top political job in the Transnistrian Moldavian Republic - a landlocked breakaway territory between Moldova and Ukraine, in Eastern Europe. The 44-year-old lived here between 2002 and 2004, completing a graduate diploma and managing a United Nations Human Rights Educational Project. And the experience was so enjoyable he named "popularising the New Zealand way of life and democratic values in TMR" as one of his election platforms.

Stephen Fry to appear in Hobbit film

British actor Stephen Fry has been given a role in the The Hobbit. In an online announcement on Thursday, director Sir Peter Jackson says he is nearing the end of his first block of filming and is casting characters for later sections of the story. Sir Peter says he is thrilled to confirm that Fry will play the role of the Master of Laketown and the actor's writing and acting skills will combine for a memorable performance. Fry and Sir Peter have known each other for several years and are developing the movie Dambusters. The first of the two Hobbit films will be released late next year.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Spanish Film Fest hits Auckland

The Spanish Film Festival has finally made its way over the Tasman. The first Auckland festival kicked off at Rialto Cinemas in Newmarket last night with the Inarritu film Biutiful, about Barcelona's underworld. The festival is in its 14th year in Australia and is now in six state capitals. Organiser Natalia Ortiz says it's been a hectic time with all the festivals opening simultaneously. She says the Auckland festival will probably be held in August next year. The festival goes until May 26.
By Natasha Burling

Ways to extend shelf life of feijoas sought

Feijoa growers are exploring new techniques to extend the shelf life of their fruit for export. There are currently about 200 commercial feijoa growers in the country producing up to 1000 tonnes per year. But only about 5% is exported, mainly to Australia. The Feijoa Growers Association says the small industry needs to develop its export markets in order to stay profitable. President Tim Harper says the soft fruit has a short shelf life which limits transport and marketing times. He says feijoas are only grown in abundance in New Zealand and South America, and other countries have to be shown and taught how to eat the fruit.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

NZ scientists help discover rogue planets

New Zealand scientists have helped to discover free-floating rogue (orphan) planets drifting in space. Unlike most planets, they are not orbiting stars. The group, working with Japanese researchers, has detected 10 planets the size of Jupiter thousands of light years away in space. Scientists believe the planets formed in a solar system before being knocked off their orbit by other planets. Mt John Observatory near Lake Tekapo in Canterbury was used to detect the planets as they passed in front of bright stars. Auckland, Victoria, Massey and Canterbury universities contributed to the research.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards open

Nominations are open for the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards. The annual awards are an opportunity to recognise excellence among established and emerging artists who characterise the richness and diversity of their Pacific culture in their art form. The five categories for the awards recognising a senior artist, heritage and contemporary arts, the Iosefa Enari Memorial award for classical and opera, and an emerging artist. Makerita Urale says this year’s entries close on June the 24th.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Bluff oyster season bonanza

Bluff oyster lovers may be in for a bumper season after a parasite plaguing the delicacy for nearly 50 years dropped to "relatively low levels". The bonamia parasite has infected Bluff oysters since 1963, significantly reducing catch levels for at least 25 years. "The bonamia parasite was at a relatively low level last summer. At this low level of mortality, the oyster fishery is continuing to rebuild," National Institute Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) scientist Keith Michael said today. Oyster enthusiasts plan to celebrate the successful season at the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival next week. The oyster season runs until the end of August.
NZPA

Homegrown solution to rising cost of cereal

Farmers say they could produce all the grain needed for breakfast cereals in New Zealand at cut prices. Food producer Sanitarium has confirmed prices for cereals such as Weet-Bix may increase due to rising raw commodity prices on the global market. Sanitarium says a review of pricing is underway, but any increase will be less than 10%. International wheat prices have more than doubled in the past year as drought and fires in Russia and floods in Canada and Australia have hurt crops. Federated Farmers grain and seed chairman says the simple solution would be to buy locally. David Clark says NZ farmers could supply wheat at about $450 a tonne compared to wheat coming from Australia at up to $700 per tonne.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Mahy and Elliott win top children's literature award

Author Margaret Mahy has won New Zealand's premier children's literature prize. The Moon & Farmer McPhee has been named Book of the Year at the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards in Auckland on Wednesday night. The convenor of judges says the poetry of the language in the book and its illustrations magnificently complement each other. The title also won the picture book category.
List of winners
*New Zealand Post Book of the Year and Best Picture Book: The Moon & Farmer McPhee by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by David Elliot (Random House New Zealand)
*Best Non-Fiction Award: Zero Hour: The Anzacs on the Western Front by Leon Davidson (Text Publishing)
*Best Junior Fiction Award: Finnigan and the Pirates: A Fine Fandango by Sherryl Jordan (Scholastic New Zealand Limited)
*Young Adult Fiction Award: Fierce September by Fleur Beale (Random House New Zealand)
*Best First Book Award: Hollie Chips by Anna Gowan (Scholastic New Zealand Limited)
*Children's Choice Award: Baa Baa Smart Sheep by Mark Sommerset, illustrated by Rowan Sommerset (Dreamboat Books Ltd)
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Ratings agency downgrades Australian banks

International credit ratings agency Moody's has downgraded the ratings of the big four Australian banks and says ratings of New Zealand subsidiaries remain under review. A banking partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers says the downgrade means a similar fate for New Zealand banks is likely. Paul Skillender says Moody's rationale for the downgrade - high reliance on overseas funding - also applies to New Zealand's banks which get close to 40% of their money from offshore lenders. A downgrade would force up New Zealand banks' borrowing costs overseas which could mean higher mortgage rates, he says.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Earthquake appeal gets global boost

The global film industry's fondness for New Zealand has prompted a significant injection for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal fund. James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment, and Fox Filmed Entertainment have collectively donated $1.26 million. Warner Bros is also supporting the appeal, donating more than $633,000. The appeal's so far generated more than $70 million in funds.
By Kim Savage

Rugby - Dan Carter to stay in New Zealand

All Black Dan Carter has announced that he will remain in New Zealand after the Rugby World Cup. The player, who has been called the best first five-eighth in the world, made the announcement at a news conference in Christchurch on Wednesday. He has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union and will continue to play in New Zealand for the next four years. The 29-year-old has had a number of offers to play overseas following the Rugby World Cup, but says his main reason for staying is to continue playing for the All Blacks. All Blacks Coach Graham Henry says Carter is the best player in the world in his position and one of the best to have ever worn the All Blacks jersey. Carter has played 79 tests and scored 1,188 test points. He made his All Blacks debut at the age of 21, in June 2003.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

John Key invited for US visit

The United States has invited Prime Minister John Key to visit Washington in the next few months. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully, who is in the US capital, says US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the invitation at a news conference after their meeting. "She said that President Obama was looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Key to the White House in the American summer." A spokesperson for Mr Key says he looks forward to accepting the president's invitation. No dates have been set for a visit.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Focus on sectors with skills shortages - report

The country is being told it needs to focus on getting people into several key industries over the next 20 years. Recruitment company Hays has released its report into creating jobs in the global economy between now and 2030. Hays New Zealand managing director Jason Walker says future governments need to plan to get people trained in sectors where there will be skills shortages, such as healthcare. Jason Walker says the biggest skills shortages will be in healthcare, infrastructure, finance, and the development of green energy.
By Caleb Allison

Australian Muslim group wants sharia law

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils wants Muslims to be able to marry, divorce and conduct financial transactions under the principles of sharia law. The Federation argues in a submission to a parliamentary committee that all Australians would benefit if Islamic laws were adopted as mainstream legislation, the ABC reports. Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has ruled out any chance of sharia law being introduced. He says there is no place for it in Australian society .
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Public transport use surges

The high price of fuel is being credited with helping boosting public transport patronage in Auckland and other cities. More than 64 million trips were taken on public transport in Auckland in the year to March, which breaks a record set in the 1950s. In Wellington, there peak-time patronage on trains has increased 1.6% in the first four months of the year. The Otago Regional Council's contracted bus services are up almost 1% in Dunedin this year, and Hamilton also recorded gains in February and March. Transport Minister Steven Joyce says the cost of fuel is a likely factor in the rises, but it also shows public transport is in good shape.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Pacific Youth Awards applications open

By LAWRENCE HAKIWAI - NewstalkZB
Applications are open for the Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards. Young Pacific people can apply for the four awards, which recognise creativity, leadership, innovation and inspiration. Pacific Island Affairs minister Georgina te Heuheu is calling on young people to put aside any shyness and put themselves forward and for people to nominate their friends. Last year's winners received prizes such as $6,000 worth of university tuition, overseas trips and a paid internship at WETA workshop. This year another award is open for aeronautical engineering training provided by Air New Zealand. Entries close on 4 July with the winners announced on 10 August.

McCully to meet Hillary Clinton in Washington

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully leaves for the United States on Tuesday for a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Mr McCully says they will discuss the situation in Afghanistan, cooperation in the Pacific, and developments in the Middle East. He says he will also pass on the Government's appreciation for the prompt and generous support offered by the United States after the Christchurch earthquake. The meeting will take place early Wednesday morning New Zealand time.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand