Rugby - All Blacks and Ireland to play first ever three test series

The All Blacks will play their first ever three test series against Ireland next year. The New Zealand rugby union's announced the All Blacks will play three tests against Ireland next year and three against France in 2013. The Irish visit will be the first ever three-Test series between the All Blacks and the Irish, while the French series will be the first three-Test series against New Zealand since 1968. Match dates and venues, will be announced later this year.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

James Cook's waistcoat expected to fetch $1m

A waistcoat believed to have belonged to Captain James Cook is expected to sell for more than a million dollars. The late 17th century waistcoat will be auctioned by Webb's in Auckland next Thursday night. Managing director Neil Campbell says the waistcoat is made of twilled silk, with complex embroidery of floral sprig designs. He says the price it fetches will determine on the motivation for buying it but believes it will be in the late six figures.
By Anna Cross

Blue ducks getting five years of funding

They are more endangered than kiwi, but blue duck could be getting a numbers boost thanks to a $2.5m sponsorship deal. The Conservation Department has signed the deal with Genesis energy who will help fund recovery efforts for blue duck, or whio, for the next five years. DOC's whio recovery group leader Andrew Glaser said numbers were difficult to estimate, but it was thought there were only 1200 living whio pairs left. They are classed as nationally vulnerable and are at risk from introduced predators. The native duck featurs on $10 notes, and are only found in clean, fast-flowing rivers and streams.
The Dominion Post

New era begins for Australian Cricket

A new era in Australian cricket starts this evening. Michael Clarke will begin his reign as Australia's Test captain when play gets underway on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He's succeeding Ricky Ponting, who led the Australian Test side for seven years. He says he's pretty lucky to still have Ponting in the team, while his vice-captain Shane Watson has also been very helpful. Seam bowler Trent Copeland and off-spinner Nathan Lyon will make their Test debuts for Australia. Lyon is the 11th spin bowler used by Australia since Shane Warne's retirement.
© 2011 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Device from Hawke's Bay tracks Happy Feet

The travels of emperor penguin Happy Feet can be followed online thanks to the Havelock North-based company Sirtrack, which fitted him with a tracking device. Sirtrack, which has 25 years of experience in wildlife tracking, designed and built the satellite transmitter, and created a website so people can watch the penquin's travels to Antarctica. Happy Feet stole hearts after being washed up on the Kapiti Coast in June. He has spent two months recuperating at Wellington Zoo, and departed for home on the Niwa vessel, Tangaroa, earlier this week. In about three days he will be dropped in the ocean to fend for himself, while the ship continues on its research mission to the Campbell Islands. It won't affect his ability to swim and is designed to fall off when the bird moults in March or April. The device weighs less than 1 per cent of Happy Feet's body weight and is about the size of a Matchbox car. Sirtrack CEO Mike Kelly said the tracker will send signals from Happy Feet via satellite for about three hours twice a day. Follow Happy Feet's travels on www.nzemperor.com and twitter@NZEmperor.
Copyright 2011, APN Holdings NZ Limited

New Governor-General sworn in

New Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, has been sworn in at Parliament. The former Chief of Defence Force and director of the Government Communications Security Bureau will be New Zealand's 20th Governor General. He takes over from Sir Anand Satyanand.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

More bad poll news for Labour

The latest political opinion poll makes grim reading for the Labour Party. The Fairfax Media - Research International poll puts National well ahead at 57.1% with Labour a distant second on 25.7%, while the Green Party have jumped to 11%. The next highest polling party was New Zealand First, which is not currently in Parliament, on 2.2%. All the other parties recorded less than 2% in the poll of 1000 eligible voters, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Farewell NZPA, hello three new services

By Andrew Stone
Four small letters attached to the end of many reports in New Zealand newspapers are disappearing. The letters - NZPA, or the New Zealand Press Association - are going because the agency, after 131 years, is closing, swept away by fast-moving technology and squeezed by competition between two media empires. Tonight, when its work is done, the last report from its Wellington office will be sent to papers that buy its services. But three new services are rising from the ashes of the agency, signalling a new era of competition for readers - and jobs for some redundant staff. All are Australian-owned, but all have a significant presence in New Zealand.

Speed of eating linked to weight gain

It may not be the burger that packs on the kilos, but the speed at which you eat it. New research from Otago University has revealed eating speed is linked to weight gain. Department of Human Nutrition researchers analysed the relationship between self-reported speed of eating and Body Mass Index in over 1500 middle-aged Kiwi women. Dr Caroline Horwath says for every one-step increase in speed in a five-step scale, BMI increased by 2.8 percent, which equates to a weight gain of just under 2kg.
By Juliette Sivertsen

NZ Cross up for auction

By Alexia Russell - NewstalkZB
Collectors of war medals worldwide will be casting a keen eye on a rare New Zealand Cross up for auction in London next month. The New Zealand Cross was awarded just 23 times to colonials in the land wars who didn't serve under British officers - they didn't qualify for the Victoria Cross. Christopher Hill from Dix, Noonan and Webb auctioneers says this one went to Private Thomas Adamson, a noted bushman from the Whanganui area who adopted the Maori way of life and fought bare foot.

French foreign minister to visit NZ

For the first time in over 20 years, a French foreign minister is to visit our shores. Alain Juppe is one on a list of foreign leaders planning to come here for the Pacific Island Forum and Rugby World Cup 2011. Foreign minister Murray McCully says East Timor prime minister Xanana Gusmao, Indonesia's foreign minister, and the US deputy secretary of state, as well as representatives of all the Pacific countries, will be here. Prime Minister John Key will announce more delegates tomorrow.
By Katie Bradford-Crozier

By Sam Thompson - NewstalkZB

The Prime Minister says the 100 Percent Pure tourism brand is the right one for New Zealand. John Key has told the Tourism Industry Association that using the brand to individualise the tourism campaign has been very effective. "100 Percent Pure For You has been quite a clever campaign, and if I look at Australia and other markets who have really been struggling to get a really good tourism brand for a long period of time, personally I think we would be crazy to abandon that strategy."
By Sam Thompson

Govt incentives wanted to attract more trainee builders

The Registered Master Builders Federation says Government incentives are needed to attract more trainees into the trade ahead of a post-earthquake building boom. The Earthquake Commission has increased its estimate of how much it will pay in claims to $7 billion. The Government also revealed the estimated number of homes with more than $100,000 worth of damage has climbed to 30,000. The Master Builders Federation says that represents a lot more building work for Canterbury and he believes a skills shortage is looming. It wants the Government to provide incentives for those entering trades now - in readiness for when the work in Christchurch begins. The federation also wants changes to immigration rules to enable skilled workers to be brought in from elsewhere.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Fewer immigrants arriving here

Global financial difficulties are reducing the number of people immigrating to New Zealand. The Labour & Immigration Research Centre has found just over 40,000 people were approved for residence in the year to June. That was below the intended range of 45,000 - 50,000 people. The centre says potential migrants are less willing and able to migrate, while fewer skilled jobs have been available in New Zealand. But it says the labour market is improving and the unemployment rate is expected to fall to 5.3% by 2013, which will increase immigration again.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

England rugby team arrive

A small but enthusiastic crowd greeted the England players when they arrived in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup. They landed at Auckland international airport on Wednesday morning. England is the second team to arrive in the country for the Cup. They have their first game, against Argentina, in 11 days.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Australia failed to bring stability to Solomon Islands says US

US diplomats say nearly a billion US dollars and eight years of effort by Australia has failed to bring stability to Solomon Islands. The Sydney Morning Herald says the information was contained in assessments from the US Embassy in Port Moresby leaked to the whistleblower website Wikileaks. The paper says the reports go onto say Australia’s intensive policing and aid effort has not succeeded in stabilising the country. The cables also say that Solomon Islands would relapse into turmoil within weeks, if the Regional Assistance Mission withdraws.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Visiting engineer shocked at demolition numbers

By Jessica Rowe
A Japanese earthquake engineer visiting Christchurch is shocked at the number of buildings being demolished in the CBD. He says most of the structures could be repaired in a safe and cost effective way. One old High Street building in the heart of Christchurch’s CBD is set to be demolished, but visiting engineer Dr Kit Miyamoto says it could easily be saved for about 40 percent of the replacement cost. About 600 buildings in the central city are to be demolished, with 179 already bowled. Mr Miyamoto believes the majority of what is left should be repaired. “These Heritage buildings really give the culture and history, and these buildings should be preserved, as many as possible and technically it isn't very difficult,” he says. Mr Miyamoto specialises in global disaster relief and has worked in Haiti, New Orleans and San Francisco.
3 News

Trucking industry facing shortage of drivers

The trucking industry is calling for action to address a looming shortage of drivers. About 22,000 drivers are employed in the commercial road transport sector, with thousands more driving trucks for other jobs. One thousand new drivers join the industry each year, but that just replaces those leaving. In the next 30 years, the amount of freight trucked is expected to double. Road Transport Forum spokesperson Clive Litt says the Government can also play a part in attracting drivers from overseas by adding truck driving to the long-term skills shortage list.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Australia rejects NZ apple shipment

Australian authorities have rejected at least one consignment of apples from New Zealand since the lifting of a 90-year ban earlier in August. The Australian Department of Agriculture has confirmed the rejection of one shipment because of a small piece of leaf matter and one insect, the ABC reports. Biosecurity Australia cleared the way for New Zealand apple imports on 17 August, following a World Trade Organisation ruling that fears of the fruit carrying the disease fireblight were scientifically invalid. South Australian Agriculture Minister Michael O'Brien says the state's Apple and Pear Growers' Association told him quarantine officers rejected two shipments. Mr O'Brien says the ban is to protect local orchards from the risk of disease, not to restrict free trade.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Genesis seeks consent for huge wind farm

Genesis Energy has applied for resource consent for what could be Australasia's biggest wind farm. The proposed wind farm in North Wairarapa, between Masterton and Tararua, would have up to 286 wind turbines and generate enough power for 370,000 homes. The wind farm could cost up to $1 billion and would be built over about 3000 hectares across 29 farmers' properties. Genesis Energy public affairs manager Richard Gordon says it has taken about a year to reach agreement with the farmers.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Tonga names New Zealand lawyer as Lord Chancellor

A New Zealand lawyer Harry Waalkens Q.C, who’s also a King’s Counsellor in Tonga, has been made the interim Lord Chancellor of Tonga. In a brief statement, the government says the Prince Regent in Council considered and approved the appointment on Monday. The Lord Chancellor’s office will give King George Tupou the 5th control over judicial and other appointments.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Cold snap set to welcome spring

PALOMA MIGONE
Spring may be arriving in two days, but the winter season is not over yet. A cold snap is set to hit New Zealand on Thursday, bringing freezing temperatures to much of the country. MetService forecaster Hordur Thordarson said a southerly would creep up the South Island on Thursday and arrive on the North Island on Friday. Temperatures in the inner South Island could fall as low as minus 5 degrees Celsius, and snow was expected to low levels in Canterbury on Thursday evening.

NZ muslim group reports extremists to authorities - Wikileaks

US diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks indicate an organisation representing New Zealand's Muslims has been reporting suspected extremists to authorities. The information's contained in a Wellington Embassy cable from 2006. In it, the then President of the Federation of Islamic Associations in New Zealand, Javed Khan, is quoted as telling the US Ambassador his organisation was taking preventative measures to ensure sympathies didn't mutate into violence. The cable says the federation had asked people inside and outside the Muslim community, to report suspected extremist activities to them and they would then coordinate action with the Government.
By Felix Marwick

Rugby - Springboks coach still rates All Blacks favourites

The South Africa rugby coach Peter de Villiers says hosts New Zealand remain Rugby World Cup favourites despite suffering two consecutive Tri-Nations defeats. The All Blacks surrendered the Tri-nations title following a 25-20 defeat in Australia last Saturday, one week after they fell by 13 points to the Springboks in Port Elizabeth. De Villiers says to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand will be very tough and they remain favourites for the World Cup. But he warns if the pressure in New Zealand gets to the team, then it could affect the way they play. De Villiers rates New Zealand favourites despite an impressive showing by the Wallabies last Saturday. He says Australia got it right last Saturday - they cut down on the space available to New Zealand because both teams like to play expansively.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

New art gallery to open at USP in Fiji

A new art gallery will be officially opened today at the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. “Called the Gallery of Oceanian Art , it will be available for public viewing tomorrow.” The gallery’s inaugural exhibition is entitled ’Oceania Past and Present’. It will focus on past and present works from the Centre’s original and current artists, many of whom have won regional and international awards. Evident in the new works are new styles, new influences, and new explorations.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Valerie Adams takes world championship title

New Zealand shot put champion Valerie Adams is "over the moon" with her victory at the world athletics championships in South Korea - her third straight win in the event. Adams won with a huge final round throw of 21.24 metres, equalling the world championship record and smashing her personal best and New Zealand record. Adams becomes only the fifth woman to win three world championship titles.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Happy Feet sets sail for Southern Ocean

Happy Feet, a wayward emperor penguin who swam to New Zealand, is being taken back to his natural habitat in the Southern Ocean. In June, the male bird struggled ashore at Peka Peka Beach on the Kapiti Coast, near Wellington, and became ill after eating sticks and sand in place of the snow it would normally consume. The bird received treatment at Wellington Zoo and at 6pm on Monday was loaded on a National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) vessel in a specially designed crate accompanied by zoo veterinarian Lisa Argilla. The Tangaroa is making a scheduled trip to the Southern Ocean for a fisheries survey and will drop the bird at sea near the Campbell Islands where emperor penguins are known to live. NIWA says Happy Feet will either be released down a hydro slide made from tarpaulin or launched from an inflatable boat at a safe distance from the ship. The penguin's care at Wellington Zoo cost about $30,000 and has been paid for by donations from New Zealand and overseas. The bird's appearance so far from its home gained international attention with coverage by media in America, Australia, Britain, China and Canada.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

50,000 expats targeted for loan debt

The Government has widened the net to 50,000 expat Kiwis in a new campaign to chase down millions of dollars in overdue student debt. Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne today announced they would expand a pilot programme for debt recovery to target a further 50,000 expats living in Australia and the United Kingdom. The pilot scheme in Australia aimed at 1000 former students netted $4.7m in 10 months. Expat students paid back up to $60,000 at a time when contacted about their overdue loan debt. Joyce said an expanded campaign would see loan holders across Australia and the United Kingdom contacted either directly or through their nominated contact person in New Zealand to pay their arrears or set up payment arrangements.
- Stuff

IndyCar - Dixon fifth at Sanoma

The New Zealand racing driver Scott Dixon has finished fifth in the latest round of the Indy Car series in Sanoma, California, with championship rival Will Power crossing the line in first. Dixon's Target Chip-Ganassi team-mate and series leader Dario Franchitti was fourth, with Helio Castroneves second and Power's Penske team-mate Ryan Briscoe in third. Power's fifth win of the season cuts Franchitti's championship lead to just 26 points, while Dixon remains third in the overall standings a further 49 points back. There are four rounds remaining in the series.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Cricket - Zimbabwe confirms dates of NZ series

Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed dates for the upcoming series and warm-up matches have been added to the Black Caps tour of Australia later this year. Ross Taylor’s team will play two Twenty20 Internationals, three One Day Internationals and a Test match between 15 October and November 5 in Zimbabwe. New Zealand will play warm up matches in Sydney and Brisbane ahead of the two test series against Australia.
© 2011 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Rugby World Cup teams fly in

The first of 20 teams vying for the Rugby World Cup arrive in New Zealand on Monday. Earlier this month, the Government agreed to allow Fiji player Leone Nakarawa into the country despite an initial ban as a a former soldier. The Fiji team is scheduled to arrive at Auckland Airport at 3.15pm. Each of the arriving teams will be greeted officially at the airport and will later have either a marae or civic ceremony. The England team is next to arrive, early Wednesday morning, followed by the Japanese and French squads later the same day. Ireland's team arrives on Thursday afternoon, as do those of Romania, Samoa, Argentina and Namibia.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Vets attach tracking device to Happy Feet

Vets have successfully attached a tracking device to the wayward Emperor Penguin, Happy Feet, in Wellington. The bird is being prepared for his release into the wild from the animal hospital at Wellington zoo. In front of several hundred onlookers the emperor penguin was anaesthetised on Sunday and the tracking device was fitted above his tail with superglue. The device, which is about half the size of a cellphone, will fall off the bird when he moults in the summertime. On Monday, the penguin will be loaded in a specially made crate and put onto the NIWA research vessel Tangaroa. He will be released in the Southern Ocean about four days into the voyage.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Mining billionaire warns of coal seam gas dangers

Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer has launched a scathing attack on Australia's coal seam gas industry, saying the technology is unproven and could have a devastating environmental impact. The ABC reports that concerns have been raised about the impact of the industry on water sources and its inability to find a permanent solution for waste disposal. A Senate inquiry is examining the economic, social and environmental impacts of coal seam gas. Speaking to the National Party's Federal Council, Mr Palmer said a leading Chinese firm had raised issues with him about the Australian industry and had told him extraction techniques they abandoned 20 years ago are still being used in Australia. The Queensland mining billionaire told the crowd that his Chinese counterparts had delivered a stern warning. "Coal seam gas technology currently used in Australia is lethal and will kill Australians, poison our water table and destroy the land," he said.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Crowds expect for Happy Feet's farewell

A crowd of people dressed in black and white is expected at Wellington Zoo today to farewell Happy Feet. The wayward emperor penguin washed up two months ago, and has been nursed back to health by zoo staff. He'll board the NIWA research vessel tomorrow for a four-day journey to the Campbell Islands. His trip home could cost up to $30,000, although a public campaign has raised more than ten thousand of that.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Singers on pitch for cup

By BELINDA MCCAMMON
About 1000 people from around the country auditioned but only those with perfect pitch were selected to sing on the pitch during the Rugby World Cup in less than two weeks' time. A pool of about 480 have been chosen to sing as part of the RWC choir in at least one match each during the competition. For the top singers that means learning all 20 anthems, involving 16 languages, with all anthems sung in teams' native language. New Zealand Choral Federation's John Rosser, who is overseeing the choir, said the hardest anthems to learn were not the ones people would assume. "The ones we thought would be the hardest, Romania and Georgia, didn't prove to be the hardest. He said Afrikaans was the hardest as it had five languages in it – three African, Afrikaans and English. "The hardest one of those is Afrikaans because that form of Dutch is quite tricky for an English speaker.
Sunday Star Times

Wallabies down All Blacks in Tri-Nations finale 25 - 20

The All Blacks Rugby World Cup preparations hit a snag in Brisbane as they went down 25-20 to the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium. The Wallabies lead 20-3 at halftime after scoring two tries with Will Genia and Radike Samo crossing the tryline with just a Dan Carter penalty in reply. The opening ten minutes was a Wallabies attacking wave in the All Blacks 22, they eventually wore down the tiring All Blacks with halfback Genia finding space around the fringe of the ruck to slide over. Number eight Samo scored the individual try of the match with a breath-taking 60 metre run shrugging off Adam Thompson before having enough pace to hold off Mils Muliaina and Zac Guilford. Trailing 3-20 at the break the All Blacks overturned their halftime deficit with tries to centre pairing Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu. Playing a patient forwards game to try and outmuscle the Wallabies pack, Dan Carter was able to use the extra space outwide to poke his nose through a gap before flicking a neat offload to Smith. Nonu followed his midfield partner over in the 58th minute after Smith dished the ball back to his centre who used his left-foot step twice to fool Sekope Kepu and Quade Cooper before diving over. However the Wallabies hitback immediately with Genia at the heart of the third try, throwing the dummy before finding Digby Ioane on his inside and Kurtley Beale was on hand to take the final pass.
HERALD ONLINE

Still room for improvements seen in job scheme

Horticulture New Zealand says the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme continues to benefit fruit and vegetable growers, but there's always room for improvement. Introduced in 2007, the scheme helps overcome a shortage of labour by allowing the hiring of a maximum of 8000 workers from Pacific Island countries. The 113 employers using the scheme employed 7090 men and women in the year ending 30 June. Horticulture NZ has just started work on what the labour requirements will be for later in the year. Chief executive Peter Silcock says the scheme has progressed to the stage where many workers want to come back to New Zealand year after year.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Two million told to evacuate as hurricane hits

More than two million people along the east coast of the United States have been told to evacuate as Hurricane Irene approaches. High winds are already battering the North Carolina coast, even though the hurricane has been downgraded to a category-one storm. The mayor of New York has ordered an unprecedented evacuation of a quarter of a million people living in low-lying parts of the city. The New Zealand consul-general in New York, Paul Gestro, says it's a strange feeling in the city centre, with an eerie silence on quiet streets. Mr Gestro says he has seen some last-minute panic buying as people prepare for the storm. He says he has spent the day taking calls from New Zealanders wanting to know what to do if they get in trouble, and setting up contingency plans in case the storm creates a major emergency. About 1500 New Zealanders live in New York.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Prison knitting circle unusual, but successful

By Ingrid Hipkiss
An unusual knitting circle has been set up in New Plymouth. Together they churn out beanies, moccasins and scarves which are donated to those in need in their community, such as the Women's Refuge. The difference is the knitters are all men and they're all criminals. Behind the barbed wire and stone walls, the hard men of New Plymouth prison are learning to knit. “It’s very unusual, in a prison full of men knitting would be the last thing anyone would think of,” says one prisoner. “We sit round and chat and they help each other and sometimes we talk about what's on the news,” says Ms Sarjeant who set up the popular knitting circle..There's no shortage of enthusiasm, but donations of wool would be gratefully received.
3 News

Hauraki Gulf islands declared pest-free

Auckland's Rangitoto and Motutapu islands have been declared pest-free, and will now become home to two of the country's rarest birds. During the past three years the Department of Conservation (DoC) has spent $4.6 million on eradicating pests from the islands. It removed all trace of rats, mice, stoats, feral cats, hedgehogs and rabbits. Wallabies and possums had already been eradicated, in the late 1990s. Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson on Saturday released takahe and tieke (saddleback). Over the next five years the islands will also become home to a variety of other species, including kiwi and tuatara.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Couple die in separate Morocco falls on way to NZ

Distraught husband believed to have jumped from hotel balcony days after wife fell to her death. A couple on the verge of a new life in New Zealand died after plunging from balconies days apart on holiday in Morocco. It is believed Tilly Lamb died when she fell from the third floor balcony of a villa in the port city of Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast. Husband Roger Lamb - who was working as a geotechnical engineer in Christchurch - died a few days later after falling from the balcony of a hotel. The couple's four sons have returned to Britain with a family member and are being comforted by Mrs Lamb's sister.
Copyright 2011, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Two international designers take WOW awards

Two international designers have taken out the top prizes at this year's World of Wearable Art awards in Wellington. London-based designer and saddler Mary Wing To was awarded the supreme WOW Award. Netherlands designer Marjolein van der Wal was Supreme runner-up. Designers from Wellington also shined on stage, with five awards and four honourable mentions.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

West Coast mine gets resource consent

Resource consent has been granted for a site in the Buller District which could become New Zealand's biggest coal mine. Commissioners have considered an application from Buller Coal, a subsidiary of the Australian company Bathurst Resources, for an opencast mine and coal processing plant on the Denniston Plateau.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Sport: Pacific Games officially starts in Noumea today

The 14th edition of the Pacific Games officially gets underway in New Caledonia today. Tonight about three and a half thousand athletes from 22 countries and territories will file into the Numa Daly stadium in Noumea, where the Games will be officially opened by the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy.”
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Zoo staff prepare for Happy Feet's farewell

NIWA staff have had special penguin-handling training in preparation for the first part of Happy Feet's big journey home. On Sunday the famous emperor penguin will be moved on to NIWA research Tangaroa vessel which is heading towards Antarctica. He will travel in a purpose built crate onboard the vessel, before being released east of the Auckland Islands. A special satellite transmitter will track his journey, and it is likely to stay on him until around April next year when he moults. Dr Lisa Argilla, Manager of Veterinary Science at Wellington Zoo, has been showing NIWA staff how to care for Happy Feet on the vessel, including feeding the penguin. The public have followed the wayward penguin's return to health since Happy Feet arrived on Peka Peka Beach in late June. Having spent nine weeks at Wellington Zoo, he will be farewelled on Sunday.
Source: ONE News

Key stands by 'socialist streak' comments

Prime Minister John Key is standing by his comment that New Zealanders have a "socialist streak". A WikiLeaks cable from 2007 reveals Key made the comment when he met with US charge d'affaire Glyn Davies. Key said the comment came up in a conversation about "very right wing policies" and that even he himself has a socialist streak. "I vaguely remember the conversation, it was years ago," he said to media this afternoon. "My basic point was, and that's shorthand for, I think New Zealanders are a very caring country. "Some of the things that we see take place in the rest of the world where there are overt signs of poverty and begging is not something that we want to see in New Zealand. "In that regard, I think New Zealanders do have a heart."
Source: ONE News

NZ High Commission ensures rugby TV coverage in Tonga

The New Zealand High Commission in Tonga has stepped in to ensure the country has live to air television coverage of the first match of the Rugby World Cup in two weeks time. Tonga meets the New Zealand All Blacks in the opening game on September the 9th. But the High Commissioner, Jonathan Austin, says it was looking likely that the match wouldn’t be shown in Tonga, so the High Commission, along with other sponsors - ANZ, Heineken and the Tonga Communication Corporation - promised to meet the costs.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Contamination risk from surgeons' gumboots

By KATE NEWTON
They're designed to keep your feet dry – but surgeons have found gumboots are no protection from blood splashes. A study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal today finds that blood found its way into nearly 60 per cent of gumboots worn by surgery staff in theatre. Researchers say contamination could be putting medical staff at risk of blood-borne infections, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Lead author Mike Clarke checked 94 pairs of gumboots worn by staff at Christchurch Hospital and found 55 pairs had blood inside them. About 80 per cent of contaminated pairs had blood spots larger than 20 square millimetres – about the size of a 20c piece.
The Dominion Post

Five new marine reserves announced

By KATE CHAPMAN
Five new marine reserves totalling 17,528ha, will be opening up along the South Island's West Coast. The new reserves will include two of the largest in mainland New Zealand - Kahurangi (8466ha) and Okarito (4641ha). The other new reserves are: Punakaiki (3558ha), Gorge (847ha) and a small educational site at Ship Creek near Haast (16ha). And an extra 9557ha of ocean adjoining the Punakaiki and Gorge reserves will be granted protection from bottom trawling, dredging and Danish seining (a type of net fishing). Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said the establishment of the marine reserves was driven by the local community and were a huge achievement.

USA company hopes Maori King beer won't offend

An American boutique brewery has created a beer called Maori King and says it didn't know there is a Maori monarch. Funkwerks of Colorado says it came up with the name from using New Zealand rakau hops. The Belgian-style beer is described as dry, fruity and spicy, with an 8% alcoholic volume. Company co-founder Brad Lincoln says he found out there was a Maori King only when a New Zealander walked into their bar and told them.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Regulated campaign period begins

The regulated campaign period for this year's general election began at midnight on Thursday. The amount that candidates, parties and third parties can spend on advertising during the regulated period is now capped. Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden says the rules also apply to advertising about the MMP referendum, which is being held on Election day, 26 November.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Sarkozy in New Caledonia

President Nicolas Sarkozy of France is in New Caledonia on his first presidential visit to the Pacific. Mr Sarkozy, who made a brief stop-over in China, is accompanied by government ministers and sport personalities. He is due to open the Pacific Games on Saturday and also meet political leaders of the territory.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Kava demand in Samoa growing, says NZ exporter

A horticultural exporter of Pacific products in Auckland says the demand for traditional drinking kava from Samoa is growing in China. At least two Samoan companies are developing new kava export markets in China. One of the companies, Pure Pasifika Limited, has been focussing on exporting nonu juice to China but sees the potential to grow the kava industry in Samoa. A spokesman for Pure Pasifika, La’auli Michael Jones, says a small shipment of powdered kava has already been sent to China and another 20 tonnes has been ordered.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Stewart Island considers visitor tax

By Anna Burns-Francis
There are only two ways to get to Stewart Island and they are both set to become more expensive, but only for visitors. A parliamentary select committee has recommended a law that would allow the island to charge anyone who does not live there a tax. Tucked away at the bottom of the country, Stewart Island attracts tourists from all over the world. They do not even seem to mind the prospect of soon having to pay an extra five dollars for an arrival tax. Only 400 people live on the island but their rates, $2000 per year, pay for the electricity, water, road maintenance and rubbish removal for the island's 40,000 visitors a year. They say it is about time tourists paid their way.
At least 16 cruise ships are scheduled to arrive this summer, the largest bringing as many as 1000 passengers. The annual $160,000 extra revenue would help sustain amenities and pay for desperately needed repairs to the jetty on Ulva Island. Parliament will vote on the legislation next month.
3 News

Government supports changes to liquor law reforms

The Government says it will accept all of the recommended changes to proposed liquor law reforms. The Alcohol Reform Bill was reported back to Parliament on Thursday after public submissions to the Justice select committee. A main change proposed is to restrict the display of alcohol in stores and supermarkets. The select committee report recommends that they should only display alcohol in one part of the store, and one that is not prominent. The legislation also seeks to better control the granting of liquor licences and make it harder to provide alcohol to minors. It also contains a proposed change to the purchase age - 18 for pubs and clubs and 20 to buy from an off-licence. Convenience stores have been added to the list of retailers that will be banned from selling liquor under proposed changes to the bill.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Rebel school ordered to comply with standards

The Ministry of Education has begun ordering schools opposed to the national standards to start using the benchmarks in reading, writing and maths. Opponents say the move is a significant escalation in the battle over the standards. Several hundred schools are refusing to put the standards in their charters and, until now, the ministry has been asking them to rethink their stance. But on Wednesday, Island Bay School in Wellington received a letter ordering it to include the standards in its charter by 2 September. It is believed to be the first to receive the order. The ministry says it will use statutory intervention, where required, to ensure that boards comply with the Education Act.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

World of Wearable Art 2011 opens

The World of Wearable Art has opened for 2011. Check the website for details. CLICK HERE

Annual tourism fair opens in Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Sato Kilman has opened the largest ever Tok Tok Vanuatu in Port Vila today. The annual two-day event brings overseas tourism wholesalers to one central venue to talk with local tourist operators. Tok Tok Vanuatu is organised by the National Tourism Office with the assistance of the hospitality industry to market Vanuatu as the favourite tourist destination for visitors.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Extradition to Australia being considered for people smuggler

Police in Indonesia have arrested a people smuggler and are now considering whether to extradite him to Australia to stand trial. The head of the anti-people smuggling task force there says Sayyeed Abbas Azad was detained early on Wednesday. Senior Commissioner Budi Santoso says Australian Federal Police have told him Abbas organised a boat that arrived at Christmas Island two weeks ago with more than 100 asylum seekers on board. The ABC reports Australia has wanted to extradite Abbas for well over a year.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Still room for improvements seen in job scheme

Horticulture New Zealand says the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme continues to benefit fruit and vegetable growers, but there's always room for improvement. Introduced in 2007, the scheme helps overcome a shortage of labour by allowing the hiring of a maximum of 8000 workers from Pacific Island countries. There are a 113 employers using the scheme, whoemployed 7090 men and women in the year ending 30 June. Horticulture NZ has just started work on what the labour requirements will be for later in the year. Chief executive Peter Silcock says the scheme has progressed to the stage where many workers want to come back to New Zealand year after year.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Kiwi sports broadcaster drowns in Australia

One of New Zealand's best known sports broadcasters has drowned while surfing in Australia. Graeme Moody was at Angourie Beach, near Yamba on the far north coast of New South Wales. Other surfers noticed the 60-year-old was in trouble and went to his aid. They brought him ashore unconscious. Paramedics arrived a short time later and tried to revive Mr Moody but he died at the scene. Graeme Moody worked for The Radio Network in Wellington and was the voice of Wellington and All Blacks rugby for the best part of two decades. He also covered a number of Commonwealth and Olympic Games as well as a myriad of other sports.
By Newstalk ZB staff

Rugby - Taranaki players hailed after lifting Shield

Taranaki is celebrating on Thursday after the side wrested the Ranfurly Shield from Southland 15-12 in Invercargill. The province last held the Shield 15 years ago. In a tryless match, Beauden Barrett kicked five penalties for the visitors. All of Southland's points came from the boot of Justin Wilson. The score was 9-6 at halftime. Taranaki's only Shield defence for the year will be against Hawkes Bay on Sunday.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Miner posts biggest profit in Australian corporate history

The world's largest miner, BHP Billiton, has unveiled the biggest profit in Australian corporate history to date. The company produced a net profit of $A22.5 billion for the 12 months to 30 June this year. The company's revenue increased more than 35% and the results were broadly in line with analysts' expectations, the ABC reports. Chief executive Marius Kloppers said the miner was well placed to benefit from the rapid industrialisation of countries like China.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Good news for people seeking work

Latest figures show the New Zealand labour market is improving. New jobs listed on Seek's employment website since the start of 2011 have topped 150,000, with job ads across the country all up. General manager Janet Faulding said the increase of 21% since January is great news for those seeking employment and those keeping their eye out for new opportunities. "It is particularly good to see Canterbury forging ahead in terms of growth with 34% more jobs advertised in July, than in January this year," said Faulding. Manawatu followed Canterbury with an impressive 24% growth in the number of jobs advertised and Auckland came in a strong third with 23% growth. Eight regions have posted double-digit growth over the seven month period.
Source: ONE News

Peters warns of big power bills if state assets sold

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says power prices will go through the roof if the National-led Government goes ahead with its plan to partially sell some of the country's state assets. He told a Grey Power meeting in Wainuiomata, near Lower Hutt, on Wednesday that those companies will get a far greater price per share in an asset sale if they can increase prices and demonstrate a better return to private investors. Mr Peters says rights to water from lakes and rivers to generate power could also be sold under the asset sales. He says no one will buy a power station if they do not have a guaranteed water right.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Snails moved for mining survive in new home

Rare native snails that were shifted from their home to make way for coal mining on the West Coast seem to be surviving in their new habitat. Environmentalists protested five years ago against Solid Energy's moves to mine a ridgeline at Stockton Opencast Mine in Buller, trying to save the native Powelliphanta augusta land snail which had its habitat there. Mining went ahead despite protests and legal battles, but Solid Energy agreed to move the snails from the ridge at a cost of millions of dollars. Solid Energy says the latest monitoring information from the snail relocation programme at the mine suggests at least one of the resettled groups of snails is capable of being self sustaining.
Source: ONE News

District Court judge wins at film festival

A District Court judge, who moonlights as a film director, has won a prize at the Moondance film festival. Rosemary Riddell's latest film The Insatiable Moon has taken out the Atlantis Award for feature films made outside the USA. The film stars Rawiri Paratene, who plays a mentally ill man living in a Ponsonby boarding house. She says a large part of the film's success is down to the quality of the acting and the experience of cinematographer Tom Burstyn.
By Natasha Burling

Massive crew setting up Cirque stage

Up to 100 people are busily building the stage for Cirque du Soleil's fifth show in Auckland. 'Saltimbanco' opens tomorrow at Vector Arena. Cirque du Soleil artistic director Neelanthe Vadivel says crew have already started setting up. "We travel with about 25 crew and of course we boost that number three or four times when we're loading in and tearing down," she told Newstalk ZB. "It takes about 10 hours to really set up the whole stage and backstage area." A cast of 51 performers from 20 different countries have arrived in Auckland for Saltimbanco.
By Natasha Burling

Stricter environmental laws for exclusive economic zone

New legislation will impose stricter environmental regulations on New Zealand's large Exclusive Economic Zone. The country has jurisdiction over an area of sea and seabed between 12 and 200 nautical miles offshore. Environment Minister Nick Smith says the legislation tabled in Parliament on Wednesday will cover seabed mining and some aspects of petroleum exploration and extraction. It includes financial penalties for carrying out prohibited activities, such as constructing or removing underwater pipes or cabling, or causing enough damage to the seabed that marine life would be affected.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Few Maori students earn Maori performing arts credits

Statistics compiled by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority show very few Maori secondary school students are gaining NCEA credits in Maori performing arts. Figures show 2286 pupils are earning the credits, out of 29,763 students who could be doing the standard. The Maori Party is asking why pupils are not achieving the points almost 10 years after kapa haka became an official subject. But he says there may be a perception that gaining NCEA units in Maori performing arts does not lead to getting a good job.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Happy Feet's farewell party planned

By KIRAN CHUG
Planning is underway for a final farewell to Happy Feet, expected to draw a crowd of wellwishers donning black and white. Wellington Zoo is asking people wanting to view the emperor penguin's final health checks to wear their penguin colours for the event on Sunday. The public have followed the wayward peguin's return to health since Happy Feet arrived on Peka Peka Beach in late June. Now, having spent nine weeks at Wellington Zoo, he will be farewelled on Sunday. The Haere Ra event will kick off at 11am, with Happy Feet getting his final treatment at 3pm at the zoo's animal hospital, The Nest. He will be put under anaesthetic and fitted with a GPS tracker attached to his feathers. This will allow the public to track his movements once he is released. He will be transported onto a NIWA research vessel, the Tangaroa, on Monday. The ship will set sail from Wellington for the Sub Antarctic region that evening, hopefully releasing Happy Feet into the ocean after four days. He will be released at 53 degrees, the northernmost known range for juvenile emperor penguins.

Trade surplus recorded in July

New Zealand recorded its first July merchandise trade surplus in 20 years last month. Statistics New Zealand says exports were worth $129 million more goods than imported during the month. Exports were $3.7 billion for the month, up 4.7% on last July. Imports were $3.6 billion, down 4% on a year ago. The surplus was despite an increase of 3.4% in the New Zealand dollar during the month.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Flu cases plummet after free jabs

Serious influenza cases in Canterbury have fallen sharply this winter, with just nine people admitted to hospital, compared with more than 500 over the past four years. Despite operating with 35 fewer beds since the February 22 earthquake, the drop in flu cases ensured Christchurch hospitals had been able to cope "remarkably well" with winter demand, a Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) spokeswoman said. The board attributed the fall in flu admissions to the extended eligibility of the vaccination scheme, which saw flu jabs offered free to all Cantabrians under 18 until July 31 this year. More than 157,000 Cantabrians received flu jabs, compared with about 142,000 last year. This was the highest immunisation rate of any health board in the country.
By CHARLEY MANN

Pacific Island life to come to Auckland's Cloud

People will have a chance to step into Pacific Island life on Auckland's waterfront next month. The Pacific Showcase will run for three days at The Cloud on Queens Wharf from September 6. It coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Pacific Islands Forum. Showcase spokeswoman Meg Poutasi says the event will be the first opportunity for the public to see The Cloud, but it's not just about showing off Pacific business. "The large screens are going to be showing the beauty of the Pacific region. There'll be a main stage with performances from the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Solomon Islands and Samoa," she says.
By Laura Heathcote

Last year's apple and pear exports equal smallest

Last year's apple and pear export crop was the equal smallest for 10 years - just 265,000 tonnes. Pipfruit New Zealand chairman Ian Palmer says hopes were high for a good season, but exchange rates and the large number of importers receiving fruit eroded that. Braeburn and Jazz apples continue to under-perform. But Mr Palmer says the current season has started well.
By Katie Bradford-Crozier

England and Australia rugby teams to visit Christchurch

The England and Australia Rugby World Cup teams will both pay special visits to Christchurch during the tournament. Both teams were due to play matches in the quake damaged city, but they were among seven games which were moved due to the damage to the AMI Stadium. The England team manager Martin Johnson and several members of his squad will spend a few days in Christchurch before their opening game against Argentina on September 10. Australian team members will also tour the city on September 28 before their match against Russia. "I thank Martin Johnson and Australian coach Robbie Deans for making team members available for these visits during what is an intense time for any RWC team," said RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden. "But I know they will mean a lot to fans in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury area who should have been looking forward to seven RWC 2011 matches had it not been for the tragic events of just over six months ago."
Copyright © 2011, Television New Zealand Limited

Kiwi debaters qualify for knock-outs at world champs

The New Zealand Schools' Debating Team has qualified unbeaten for the knock-out rounds of the 2011 World Schools' Debating Championships in Dundee, Scotland. New Zealand won all eight of its preliminary round debates, beating Bermuda, Greece, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Kuwait, Chile, Singapore and Japan. New Zealand is ranked in second position going into tomorrow's octo-finals, in which they will debate Singapore in a rematch of round eight. If they are successful in that debate, then a match-up against either Canada or Pakistan in the quarter-finals awaits them.
By Nicola Grigg

NZ to donate millions to Libyan opposition

Prime Minister John Key says New Zealand will donate millions of dollars to the opposition in Libya to help rebuild infrastructure and provide essential services. Mr Key is calling for Muammar Gaddafi to give up his fight to avoid further bloodshed. He says the sooner the opposition takes over, the better it will be for Libya and the rest of the world. Mr Keys says New Zealand has formally recognised the opposition, which says it will hold free elections and respect human rights and freedom of the press. He says millions of dollars will be made available to it from the existing foreign aid budget.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Vocational skills shortage predicted

There's a prediction from the Department of Labour the economy is about to face a vocational skills shortage. It's made the forecast in a study of skill challenges facing the country over the next 10 years. The Department says there will be an annual six percent increase in demand for people with higher vocational skills over the next decade. However it says, even though more people are gaining such qualifications, the proportion of them in the workforce is barely changing due high migration, people retiring, and people getting their qualifications later in life. As a result the Department says it's likely it will be harder in the future for employers to get the skilled staff they're after.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

All Blacks Rugby World Cup Team

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have today announced the squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
All Blacks Rugby World Cup Squad:
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Isaia Toeava, Zac Guildford, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Richard Kahui, Daniel Carter, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Andy Ellis.
Forwards: Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Adam Thomson, Victor Vito, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Corey Flynn.

Fiji detains church leaders - reports

Fiji's military regime has reportedly seized top members of the Methodist Church. Soldiers attempted to arrest 80-year-old former head of the church, Reverend Josateki Koroi, but he refused to go with them, Fairfax Media is reporting. Koroi said he was told by soldiers that other members of the church's ministry were being held at the barracks. He did not know who exactly had been detained. It comes as the Fiji Government ordered the cancellation of the church's annual conference which was to be held today. ONE News Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver said it was a worrying development.
Source: ONE News

Rich and famous (and royalty) set for Rugby World Cup

By Michael Dickison
Prince William and Prince Harry won't be here, but we might get the newly married Albert II, Prince of Monaco, at the Rugby World Cup. He is among many heads of state and celebrities rumoured to be heading our way. Prince Albert is said to be a huge rugby fan and has been in the headlines with his marriage last month to Charlene Wittstock. The consul for the Principality of Monaco in New Zealand, Richard Worth, yesterday declined to say what the prince's plans were. Several political leaders will also be in New Zealand for the Pacific Islands Forum, which coincides with the tournament's opening night. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, US Assistant Secretary of State for Asia Pacific Kurt Campbell, Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma and Tongan Prime Minister Lord Siale'Ataonogo Tu'ivakano are all expected to be in Auckland for the forum - and are likely to be at Eden Park's VIP area when the All Blacks play Tonga on September 9.

Student loan avoiders hit with the law

By AMANDA FISHER
Threats of legal action have been made to 45 Australian-based student loan borrowers who have a combined debt of more than $1 million. The debtors have been sent letters advising they have 30 days to make repayments or face prosecution. Inland Revenue will begin preparing statements of claim to be lodged in the New Zealand courts, after which judgments will be transferred for confirmation in Australian courts. Inland Revenue has also contracted private companies to find Australian-based borrowers and collect up to 500 outstanding student loan payments. The worst 45 offenders have a total loan debt of $1.2m, of which $367,000 is overdue.

Movie sequence filmed in Oamaru

Oamaru in North Otago has been a backdrop for the past four days for the filming of a movie adaptation of the novel Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones. The novel is set in the Pacific Island of Bougainville, where a teenage girl becomes entranced with the world of Dickens as she imagines it. Producer Robin Scholes says Oamaru was chosen to conjure Victorian London meeting the Pacific, using the look and colour of the town's beautiful stonework. The Victorian quarter has already been the backdrop for a number of productions including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and a series of AMI insurance ads.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Electronic health records tipped within 3 years

Every person in New Zealand could have an electronic health record within three years. Radio New Zealand's health correspondent says it's one of the ways the health sector is using information technology to improve patient care. Further innovations being rolled out include making it easier to get prescriptions filled and the instantaneous transfer of patient records from one family doctor to another.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

High standards failure rate for Pasifika children

An evaluation of national standards indicates half of all Pasifika children failed to reach the benchmarks in reading, writing and maths last year. Radio New Zealand's education correspondent says the report for the Ministry of Education also shows many parents did not receive clear school reports and that principals' fears about the standards grew last year. In a sample of 6700 pupils at 41 primary and intermediate schools, Pasifika children struggled, with just 50% reaching the reading standard for their age, 46% the maths standard and 48 percent the writing standard.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

29th Australian soldier dies in Afghanistan

An Australian soldier serving in Afghanistan was killed in action on Monday. The solider, from the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion RAR, was wounded by an improvised explosive device and died shortly after arriving at the Tarin Kot medical centre, the ABC reports. Twenty-nine Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the start of the war.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

NZ to recognise Libya's Transitional National Council

New Zealand's Prime Minister says the Government will move to form diplomatic ties with the Transitional National Council in Libya. Rebels seized control of much of the capital Tripoli on Monday, causing mass celebrations on the streets but there are still pockets of government resistance. The Prime Minister says New Zealand has consistently supported the United Nations and NATO-led action aimed at protecting innocent Libyans from attacks by pro-Gaddafi forces and is now ready to go a step further. He says New Zealand's ambassador to Egypt will travel to the Libyan city of Benghazi to establish a working relationship with the Transitional National Council as the legitimate voice of the Libyan people. Mr Key says all New Zealanders in Libya have been advised to leave the country, but he understands seven people have chosen to remain and they are in contact with the embassy in Cairo.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Rare cases of rubella reported in Auckland

Health authorities in Auckland have recorded five cases of rubella, including three in the past week. Rubella is a rare virus which is dangerous to pregnant women and their foetuses. It is otherwise known as German measles and can be protected against by taking the MMR vaccine. Rubella is rarely seen in New Zealand, with just confirmed 30 cases in the past decade. The Auckland District Health Board says its been unable to find a link among the five men who have contracted the illness this winter. The DHB is urging pregnant women to make sure they are immunised to protect themselves and their foetuses.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Kiwis told to flee Libya

The Prime Minister says all New Zealanders in Libya have been advised to leave the country. John Key said he understands seven Kiwis have chosen to stay and they remain in contact with the New Zealand Embassy in Cairo. He told media this afternoon that New Zealand's ambassador in Cairo will travel to Benghazi to "establish a working relationship with the transitonal national council". The council, Key said, was the "legitimate voice of the Libyan people".
Source: Reuters/ONE News

Arts festival provides alternative to RWC

The nephew of the organiser of the Rugby World Cup is putting on a festival for people who don't like rugby. Basement Fest is a three week arts festival encompassing theatre, cabaret, dance, music, visual arts and the spoken word. It's being held at the Basement Theatre in Auckland from September 28 until October 22. Co-producer Sam Snedden, who is Martin Snedden's nephew, says the festival will provide an alternative to all the rugby malarkey during the World Cup. "It's not an anti-rugby festival, that would be going too far, but it is a festival for people who maybe aren't as interested in the world cup as we're all supposed to be."
By Natasha Burling

Universities becomes billion-dollar earners

Auckland's two universities have become a billion-dollar business according to new figures released by the Tertiary Education Commission. Auckland University of Technology's (AUT) and the University of Auckland last year had combined revenues of $1.1 billion with the AUT's revenues last year at $290.1 million and the University of Auckland at $888.5 million. The University of Otago in Dunedin scored the top surplus or profit last year of $34.5 million, followed by the University of Auckland on $27.3 million and AUT on $20.8 million. New Zealand's eight universities recorded a combined surplus of $126 million, up from $75 million in 2008, while Polytechnics had a combined surplus of $90 million compared to just $25 million in 2008.
Source: Fairfax

Vets clamp down on cosmetic procedures

The veterinary profession has moved to clamp down on cosmetic procedures, which it says aren't in the best interests of a pet. It's launched a new Code of Professional Conduct, reflecting the growing public interest around animal welfare issues. Association President Gavin Sinclair says it introduces strict new criteria around cosmetic procedures, which includes tail docking, claw removal and debarking. Mr Sinclair says the new Code also requires all vets in clinical practice to arrange for a 24 hour emergency service.
By Laura Heathcote

Shortage of flowers for Daffodil Day

There will be a short supply of fresh daffodils for the Cancer Society's Daffodil Day this Friday due to heavy snow and frost last week. The bad weather and freezing temperatures in Wairarapa, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Marlborough have prevented crops from flowering. In Waikato, more than half of the daffodils from the region's supplier will not be ready for picking. In Marlborough, the Cancer Society has lost the supply of more than 20,000 blooms.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Vodafone signs up for trans-Pacific cable

The British-based mobile phone giant will be Pacific Fibre's second and biggest customer, after signing a confidential multi-million dollar agreement spanning a decade. The cable will link New Zealand, Australia and the US by 2014, and compete with Southern Cross's cable. Vodafone chief executive Russell Stanners says Pacific Fibre is bringing competition to the international bandwidth market which should result in lower prices for customers.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Australian children with hearing problems aided

Help from the Australian Federal Government for children with hearing problems. The families of those under six with moderate to severe hearing impairment can apply for up to 12 thousand dollars in "better start" grants. Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Jan McLucas says the money will be used for early intervention services such as audiologists.
By Alexia Russell

Key and National hit new highs in poll

The popularity of Prime Minister John Key and National has soared to record highs three months out from the election. The latest ONE News Colmar Brunton poll predicts a crushing defeat for Labour on November 26 and puts more pressure on Phil Goff's leadership. National's support is higher than it has been all year at 56%. Labour is up 3% but only to 30%. The Greens have dropped back to 6%. New Zealand First is at 2.3%, and Act is down to 1.7%. The Maori Party (1.4%), the Mana Party (0.9%) and United Future (0.5%) are barely registering. National would have 69 seats under this scenario. With four seats added by the Maori Party, two from Act and one from United Future, the centre right would completely dominate Parliament. The opposition ranks would be thin with just 37 Labour MPs, eight Green MPs and one from the Mana Party.
Source: ONE News

Irish rush for quake jobs

Christchurch is about to be overrun by Irishmen answering a call to help rebuild the earthquake-hit city. At least 8000 construction workers are needed to rebuild and repair about 100,000 homes damaged in February, in the earthquake which killed 181 people. There were also hundreds of commercial buildings destroyed or damaged that have to be rebuilt. Ian Simpson, chief executive of the country's Earthquake Commission, said that although New Zealand labourers would be given first priority, it was keen to attract Irish workers because they were skilled, spoke English, and many were unemployed. Job advertisements from New Zealand recruitment companies are being posted on Irish construction websites.
Sunday Star Times

Governor-General says NZ should stand by Fiji

Outgoing Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand says New Zealand will need to step in to help when the military regime in Fiji eventually fails. Sir Anand Satyanand's parents emigrated from Fiji before he was born. He told Radio New Zealand's Sunday Morning programme that New Zealand needs to stand by Fiji as a neighbour and friend. "There will come a time when the assistance of friends and neighbours will be sought, because, one way or another, Fiji will want to move to a stage beyond where they are at the moment." Sir Anand Satyanand's term as Governor-General ends on Tuesday.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Child support law changes on the way

The Government is going to change the way child support is calculated. Revenue Minister and United Future leader Peter Dunne announced the changes at his party's annual conference on Sunday. He says many parents have a real sense the current system is unfair and adjustments are long overdue. The number of nights a year used to determine shared care will be reduced from 40% to 28% of nights and child support payments will be deducted directly from the paying parent's pay packet. Legislation bringing in the changes will be introduced to Parliament in the next few months.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rugby - Springboks beat All Blacks

The Springboks have beaten the All Blacks 18-5 in their Tri-Nations clash in Port Elizabeth. Morne Steyn kicked 5 penalties and a drop goal for the homeside to give them their first win of the competition, while Richard Kahui scored a try for the All Blacks. New Zealand failed to take their opportunities with turnovers and mistakes costing them any chance of victory. The Boks led 15-5 at half time. Coach Graham Henry says his players failed to execute. The Tri-Nations will be decided next weekend when the All Blacks take on the Wallabies in Brisbane.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

First on-road leg of Cycle Trail opens

By LAWRENCE HAKIWAI - NewstalkZB
The first on-road leg of the national Cycle Trail opens this weekend between Taumarunui and New Plymouth. Green MP Kevin Hague will join cycling champion Sarah Ulmer and Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown celebrating the opening, by riding the 180-kilometre route. Mr Hague has worked alongside the Government on the 50 million dollar project.

Orana Wildlife Park reopens after snow

Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch is reopening on Saturday after the longest closure in its 35-year history. Snow forced the zoo to shut on Monday, because the snowfalls had damaged trees and surrounding fences. The park's chief executive, Lynn Anderson, said repairs had been completed and the zoo was once again safe for visitors. She said the animals had been kept warm and dry in the meantime. The zoo houses about 400 animals of about 70 species.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

First SAS soldier to be killed in Afghanistan

A New Zealand SAS soldier has been killed during a Taliban attack on a British cultural office in Afghanistan. The New Zealand Defence Force has confirmed that the man was shot in the chest and died on the way to hospital on Friday. At least nine people, mostly Afghan soldiers, are also reported to have been killed in Kabul - as well as all four Taliban fighters. In a statement, Defence Chief Lieutenant General Rhys Jones said the soldier and his colleagues were attempting to free hostages trapped in the building following an attack. Lieutenant General Jones said the soldier killed is the first member of the SAS to die while in action in Afghanistan. His next-of-kin have been informed.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Broadcaster and academic Maureen Garing dies

Maureen Garing, the long-time producer of spiritual programmes for Radio New Zealand, has died. She was 79. The broadcaster and academic been ill for some time and died in Wellington on Friday afternoon. Dr Garing had a lifelong interest in choral music, having joined a church choir at 13 and being for many years a member of the Khandallah Presbyterian Church choir. She was also session clerk in that parish from 1995 until 2007. Her interest in the academic study of religion was kindled at Victoria University where, on completion of her PhD exploring the rise of secularism, she joined the Department of Religious Studies as a lecturer. Her work for Radio New Zealand began in 1993, producing and presenting Hymns for Sunday Morning, which she did until her retirement this year due to ill-health.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Teen parent support home opens in Gisborne

The first Supported Teen Parent Home opened in Gisborne on Friday, the seventh of its kind in New Zealand. Since January, the Government has opened support homes in Auckland, Manukau, Christchurch, Rotorua, Hastings and Whangarei. The Te Aka Ora House will support young parents in the Gisborne area with 24-hour supervision of trained staff, social workers and volunteers. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says the National-led Government has put $15 million into teen parents services, the biggest investment to date. Ms Bennett says the support homes have already helped 45 mothers and their babies.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Netball - Ruth Aitken to retire as Silver Ferns coach

The Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken will stand down at the end of the year and take up a new role as Netball New Zealand Coaching Director. Aitken will retire from her role as Head coach after the conclusion of the three test series against Australia at the end of October. Aitken, who played for New Zealand, took over the Silver Ferns in 2001 and won 85 of her 110 Games, including the World Championship title in 2003 and Commonwealth Games gold medals in 2006 and 2010.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Aquarium treats turtles stranded in cold snap

Freezing weather has left Kelly Tarltons aquarium inundated with cold and sick turtles found washed up on beaches. The aquarium says it normally takes in about six turtles a year but because of the cold weather it is now caring for seven at once. Curator Andrew Christie, says the reptiles get so cold they can not swim and end up washed onto beaches where they are found by locals. Mr Christie says the aquarium nurses the turtles back to health by running increasingly warm water over their shells, and about 70% survive.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Kiwi Chariots of Fire bronze medal up for auction in UK

By Amelia Wade
The Olympic collectibles owned by the late New Zealand Chariots of Fire runner Lord Arthur Porritt are set to go under the hammer. More than $33,000 worth of the former Governor-General's memorabilia will be sold at UK auctioneers Special Auction Services early next month. During the 43 years he was involved with the Games, he collected an impressive collection of medals, orders and diplomas among other items. Included in the memorabilia to be sold is the diploma Lord Porritt received when he won bronze at the 1924 Summer Olympics in France in the 100m race featured in the film Chariots of Fire. Lord Porritt captained the New Zealand team at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, but withdrew from the 100m because of injury. He was New Zealand's team manager at the 1934 British Empire Games in London and at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, which were held under Adolf Hitler's rule.

ABC employees feared dead in chopper crash

Veteran journalist Paul Lockyer is reportedly among three ABC employees killed when their helicopter crashed in remote South Australia. Cameraman John Bean and experienced pilot Gary Ticehurst are also believed to have died in the crash, which happened on the eastern shores of Lake Eyre, in the state's northern outback, about 7.30pm (10pm NZ time) on Thursday. The ABC confirmed it had a news crew flying in a helicopter in that region at the time of the crash. Just before 7.30pm tonight, police received reports that a helicopter had crashed on the eastern side of Lake Eyre, approximately 142km northeast of William Creek and 146km north-northeast of Marree," the statement said.
AAP

Bennett unsure about unemployed youth

It seems the Social Development Minister is finding it difficult to answer questions on just what young people in this country are up to. Statistics New Zealand figures show 58,000 people aged 15 to 24 are not in work, training or education of some sort. The Government says about 16,000 of those are on welfare. Paula Bennett had a vague answer when asked just what the rest of those young people are up to. "All sorts of things and that's the point of it really, you have a range of young people that can be in all sorts of different circumstances," she says. When asked what those circumstances were, she had an equally vague answer. "I've just said there were a range of them so it depends on which ones you're talking about."
By Katie Bradford-Crozier

Third largest crane to help with quake demolition

The world's third largest crane is coming to Christchurch to help with the demolition work in the CBD. At the moment there are 78 demolition teams in the red zone and so far 38,000 truck and trailer loads of rubble have been taken away. 370 buildings have now been demolished, just over a quarter of the number that need to be.
By Newstalk ZB staff

Presa Canario dog banned

Another dog breed has been added to the list of dogs banned from importation into New Zealand. It's the Presa Canario. Local government minister Rodney Hide says the tendency of the dog to exhibit aggressive behaviour or attack, and the size and strength of the breed makes it of particular concern because of the seriousness of the injuries it can inflict. The Presa Canario is a large heavy dog with powerful jaws and has been used for organised dog fights in places such as the Canary Islands.
By Katie Bradford-Crozier

Rugby - New look All Blacks fighting for RWC lives

A handful of All Blacks will be fighting for their World Cup lives when they take on the Springboks (South Africa) in Port Elizabeth on Sunday morning. With the 30-man squad set to be named on Tuesday, outside backs Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava and Hosea Gear will need to impress after all three were handed starts at fullback and on the wings for the penultimate Tri Nations match in the Republic. With 96-Test veteran Mils Muliaina a dead cert for World Cup selection, Dagg, Toeava, Gear, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane and Sitiveni Sivivatu are essentially scrapping over four World Cup spots. The Springboks named essentially a full strength side yesterday and All Blacks coach Graham Henry said his side, which only has four Test starters from the win over the Wallabies at Eden Park, will need to be wary against a team who has yet to win a single Test in the 2011 season.
All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava, Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Sam Whitelock, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (c), Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Jarrad Hoeata,Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Piri Weepu, Cory Jane
Source: ONE Sport

Kiwis switch power companies in record numbers

New Zealanders have been switching electricity providers in record numbers looking for cheaper deals. An all-time high 237,000 consumers switched companies in the first seven months of 2011, 35,000 more than for the same period last year. The What's My Number television advertisement campaign seen on television is being credited with greatly influencing the increased switches. The campaign is being run by the Electricity Authority in partnership with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Consumer New Zealand to show New Zealanders what their power savings can be if they shop around.
NZPA

Local website providing RWC hotspot Wi-Fi

Locals and visitors will be able to access free wireless internet at key locations during the Rugby World Cup. Website Localist.co.nz, the Auckland Council and Wi-Fi operator Tomizone will be providing the service for eight weeks from September 2. Localist.co.nz say there will be access for up to three 30 minute session a day per Wi-Fi device. The access zones will be in the Auckland CBD and across the region at tourism, entertainment and recreation areas, selected main streets, selected public transport and transport hubs and RWC training grounds and venues. AnyWi-Fi capable mobile, tablet or laptop will be able to access the service where there is a green sign saying ‘Free WiFi Here’.
3 News

Kirwan's depression coaching website should be 'prescribed

Ex-All Black John Kirwan’s online coaching system is being used by more than 10,000 New Zealanders looking for help with depression. The Journal, available at depression.org.nz, was launched in June 2010 and teaches people easy-to-use techniques to help with depression ranging from social and physical activities to eating and sleeping well. The website is fronted by Kirwan who acts as an online personal coach, taking people who register through a six-week programme. Dr Jonathan Coleman, Associate Health Minister, says of the 18,000 who have registered, more than 10,000 are actively using it. ’’The online Journal has made it easier for New Zealanders to come forward and seek help when previously they may not have asked for it,’’ says Dr Coleman. The Journal is available at depression.org.nz.
3 News

Rugby - Horwill takes over Wallabies captaincy for World Cup

Lock James Horwill has replaced Rocky Elsom as Wallabies' captain in a shock move before next month's Rugby World Cup. Queensland Reds skipper Horwill was surprised when coach Robbie Deans named him to lead the 30-man Wallabies squad to the tournament, kicking off on September 9th in New Zealand. Elsom has captained Australia since 2009 but appears to have lost the job with his position in the starting team under pressure from Scott Higginbotham. Deans says Elsom took the news admirably, saying he accepted it in the "best interests of the team". As expected, 92-Test back Matt Giteau is a notable omission.
Australian squad:-
Backs - Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Drew Mitchell, Digby Ioane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Anthony Faingaa, Berrick Barnes, Quade Cooper, Nick Phipps, Luke Burgess, Will Genia.
Forwards - Ben McCalman, Radike Samo, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, James Slipper, Salesi Ma'afu, Stephen Moore, Saia Faingaa, Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

SIS taking suspicions via email

By Lesley Deverall - NewstalkZB
You can now email your suspicions directly to the country's spy agency. The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service is introducing a method for people to provide information via its website. It's had a freephone line in operations since 2001 - but Security Director, Warren Tucker, says online is a more modern form for people to contribute information relating to national security that they believe may be of interest to the SIS. The online form can be found at www.nzsis.govt.nz.

Seals stop traffic in Wellington

By MICHELLE DUFF
The Conservation Department is warning people not to approach seals that may have crawled ashore due to rough conditions after callouts about two baby seals this morning. DOC rangers have already carried one baby seal back to the sea on the South Coast, where it was nosying around close to the road. "It was last seen swimming off, hopefully to somewhere more sheltered," ranger David Moss said. They were also investigating reports of a baby seal crawling on the road in Lowry Bay. Mr Moss said the rough conditions brought the seals close to shore, and that people should keep their dogs on leads and not attempt to pick up the seals. "There are going to be a lot of seals ashore in the next few days…give us a call and we'll try and get them back to the water.

Kaiapoi, Pines Beach homes to be abandoned

Some 940 homes in Kaiapoi and Pines Beach, north of Christchurch, will have to be abandoned due to earthquake damage. Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee made the announcement in Kaiapoi on Thursday. Some 860, or about a quarter of the homes in Kaiapoi, have been classified as in the red zone, as well as 80 Pines Beach homes. Mr Brownlee says technical assessments show the land is severely damaged. The area has sunk and to repair it would not only involve raising the height but also replacing all infrastructure. As in other red-zoned areas of Christchurch the Government will offer to buy the land at the most recent valuation in 2008. Residents who want to check the state of their homes can go to: www.landcheck.org.nz.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Migrants stay in Auckland for two reasons

The ability to find work appears to be the key factor in why migrants choose to settle in Auckland. The Department of Labour has carried out an in-depth study into why and how people settle in various locations within New Zealand. Head of the Department's Labour and Immigration Research Centre, Vasantha Krishnan says there are two key reasons migrants come to Auckland. They are the ability to find work, and the strong reputation of the city's tertiary education sector for international students. The reasons for staying in Auckland are slightly different, with a family home and good schooling of primary importance.
By Juliette Sivertsen

State funeral for Sir Paul

A state funeral is being held in Auckland for former Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves. The farewell for Sir Paul, who died at the weekend at the age of 78, began at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell at 11am. Sir Paul's was met by guards of honour of students and Defence Force members. The Archbishop of York is taking part in the service. Parts of Domain Drive, Parnell Road and St Stephens Ave near the cathedral are closed to allow for the numbers of mourners expected. The service is being broadcast on Radio New Zealand National with commentary from Geoff Robinson.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Some signs of economic recovery in Canterbury

Economic activity appears to have bounced back in Canterbury in recent months. The National Bank Regional Trends survey shows nationwide activity rose 0.8% in the three months to the end of June. National Bank economist Steve Edwards says economic activity rose in every region except Wellington and Gisborne. He says the largest turnaround was in Canterbury, there was a slump in the March quarter, a 2.5% drop in economic activity in Canterbury. But he says it has partially recovered with a 1.9% rise in June.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Power generation emissions lowest in a decade

Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation are at their lowest in a decade, the Government said today. Acting Energy Minister Hekia Parata said a report from the Ministry of Economic Development showed that last year 74 per cent of New Zealand's electricity came from renewable sources. Greenhouse gas emissions declined 11 per cent on the previous year.
NZPA

Date set for Happy Feet's voyage south

The emperor penguin known as Happy Feet will leave the country aboard an ice-strengthened research vessel at the end of the month. The Antarctic bird was found on the Kapiti Coast in June and has been at Wellington Zoo recovering from operations to remove sand and sticks from his stomach. The zoo and National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research have announced the penguin will leave for Antarctic waters on 29 August aboard the deepwater research vessel RV Tangaroa. He will be released about four days into the month-long voyage.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Water carted to drought-stricken areas of Samoa

Samoa’s Water Authority is carting water to the areas most affected by a drought hitting the country. The water sources at Lepa and Saleapaga have dried up, with Falealupo on the western end of Savaii Island and Se’ese’e also badly hit. The chief executive of the authority, Tainau Titimaea, says rain in the next few weeks will stop a severe drought.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

MetService website hit by malware virus

MetService has confirmed visitors to its website in the past few days may have contracted a computer virus from malware hidden in online advertisements on the site. The state-owned enterprise said it became aware of the issue at 8pm last night and immediately shut down the computer server that served up advertisements on its website to prevent more people being infected. Computer users would not necessarily have needed to click on an advertisement to be infected. Some computer users reported being infected by a virus called Personal Shield Pro after visiting the MetService site.
Source: Fairfax

Wife's rampage at the wrong address

A Nelson woman enraged at finding out her husband was having an affair drove at speed through closed gates and into a building where she thought the other woman lived – only to be told by her husband that she had the wrong building. A 25-year-old woman, who has interim name suppression, appeared in the Nelson District Court yesterday and admitted one charge of intentionally causing $42,823 worth of damage at an apartment complex in Trafalgar St. Police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Stringer said the woman and her husband were having marital problems, and on June 30 they were driving in Nelson. Mr Stringer said the woman became furious after reading text messages from another woman, and demanded that her husband tell her where the other woman lived. They then drove to a Trafalgar St address. The woman was angry and upset and demanded to know which apartment the woman lived in. Mr Stringer said the woman accelerated suddenly and crashed through the closed gates of the apartment complex, before accelerating again and smashing into the garage of an apartment. Her husband ran off, and the woman backed out of the driveway, colliding with a parked car and forcing a resident to jump out of the way. She then drove a short distance before parking and waiting for police. Mr Stringer said the woman's husband then told her that the other woman did not live in the apartment she had hit.
The Nelson Mail

Expat student loan repayments soar

By JOHN HARTEVELT
A push to get more student loan debt back from expat Kiwis living overseas has driven up repayments by millions of dollars. Victoria University Professor Sir Paul Callaghan, who launched a controversial campaign to recoup student debt for the Christchurch rebuild, today said gross repayments made directly from overseas-based student loan borrowers to Inland Revenue were up by 45 per cent compared with one year ago. In May, $8.9m had been repaid and in June, $6.9m had been repaid from overseas debtors, figures that were up 45 and 38 percent on those months in 2010. The Government's push to get more from expat students has been part of a series of changes designed to restrain the growth of student loan debt, which stands at about $11 billion owed by about 587,000 people. About 85,000 of all borrowers with outstanding debt are based overseas. Whereas New Zealand-based ex-students with debt owe about $10,600 each, those overseas owe about $18,000 each.

Historic Salvation Army support centre closes down

A well-known centre for pregnant girls and young mothers in Auckland is closing its doors after more than 100 years. The Salvation Army's Bethany Centre has been working with women in the Auckland region for 114 years. Salvation Army spokesperson Gerry Walker says the decision has not been taken lightly and follows and extensive external review of the service. “Sadly, we cannot continue the current service, but other options for these young women are being examined,” says Mr Walker. Because the Salvation Army has a policy of not refusing care to anyone – whether they can pay or not – Mr Walker says its financial subsidies are becoming "increasingly intenable". The 98-year-old building's heritage status means it cannot be renovated to fully meet the needs of clients, and ongoing maintenance costs are adding to the economic burden.
3 News

Cold weather tipped to continue

MetService says the snow is nearly over in many parts of the country, but cold weather will continue. Strong cold southerlies will continue for the next three days. Rain and hail will fall in the South Island and the lower North Island. But with temperatures set to rise slightly, MetService says the snow will stop in most places. Sunshine is expected over the weekend, but overnight temperatures will continue to be very cold as the skies will be clear. Dunedin should get only a few more flurries of snow on Wednesday. Christchurch might have to wait until the early hours of Thursday before it is clear. Wellington is in for very cold gale-force southerly winds and showers on Wednesday. While the snow levels will lift, it will be miserable.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Trades academy being built at Nelson College

Nelson College is building a trades education centre that will keep potential drop-outs at school and turn them into builders and automotive engineers. The college says the academy is a model for other schools. By next year, up to 450 boys will be using four workshops, two spacious classrooms and large storage areas. Headmaster Gary O'Shea says trades-based education has long been seen as a second-class school option, but the new centre will give the lie to that.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Cook Strait ferries cancelled

The big southerly swell in Cook Strait means passenger ferries are cancelled today. All Interislander sailings between Wellington and Picton have been cancelled, with passengers transferred to tomorrow's sailings. They'll also be weather dependent as the swell may stick around. All Bluebridge sailings have also been cancelled this morning and afternoon sailings will be reviewed later today.
By Yvette McCullough

Canberra protests at carbon tax

Thousands of angry protesters have gathered in the Australian capital, Canberra, to demonstrate against government proposals for a carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The tax is the centrepiece of Prime Minister Julia Gillard's environmental strategy but opponents say it will drive up household bills and cost jobs. Ms Gillard ruled the tax out during 2010's election campaign and the protesters say the are marking the anniversary of that pledge. The BBC reports that no issue is generating more passion in Australia now than climate change, with more protests planned. Next week, convoys of trucks are expected to converge on Canberra from all over the country in an attempt to close down roads around parliament in opposition to the controversial tax. The conservative opposition has promised to ditch the tax, arguing it will have only a small impact on overall global emissions.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

MPs pay tribute to Sir Paul Reeves

MPs have paid tribute to the former Governor-General, Sir Paul Reeves, who died on Sunday aged 78. Before Question Time, the Prime Minister, John Key, moved that Parliament express its sympathy and condolences to the family of Sir Paul Reeves. He described Sir Paul's life as a life spent "giving". Mr Key said Sir Paul's contribution to New Zealand had been "simply enormous" and the country was a poorer place for his passing. A tangi for Sir Paul is underway in Auckland ahead of a state funeral to be held on Thursday.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Shell buys share in off-shore oil exploration

Multinational oil company Shell has bought a 50% share in a multi-million dollar venture to explore part of the Great Southern Basin, off Southland's east coast, for oil and gas. Shell is partnering with the New Zealand subsidiary of the Austrian exploration and production company OMV, which will start 3D seismic surveying in December, about 100 kilometres off the Catlins coast. OMV New Zealand managing director Peter Zeilinger says there is no guarantee oil will be found, but if there is a discovery, drilling would still be several years away.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand