Body battle for obese people

Obese people are being warned they face a virtually impossible battle to lose weight because their bodies are programmed to regain any kilos they shed. Professor of medicine at the University of Melbourne, Joseph Proietto, said once someone lost weight changes in both energy expenditure and hunger-controlling hormones encourage weight regain. "It is likely that it is these physiological adaptations that make it so difficult to maintain weight loss," he wrote in an article published by the Medical Journal of Australia. "Importantly, if this regulatory mechanism is operating in those who are already obese, public health messages encouraging people to eat healthy food and to exercise are unlikely to have long-term impact on their weight. Professor of medicine at the University of Melbourne, Joseph Proietto said the battle against obesity should focus on stopping children from becoming obese in the first place and making bariatric surgery more widely available as it was nearly impossible for obese people to lose weight any other way.
Source: AAP

Keeping Happy Feet proves costly

Source: Newstalk ZB
It's estimated it will cost around $30,000 to return Happy Feet the penguin to the sub-Antarctic. The emperor penguin was found on the Kapiti Coast last month and has undergone several operations at Wellington Zoo to remove sticks and sand from his stomach. A zoo spokeswoman says it has cost around $10,000 to keep Happy Feet at the zoo. But, $18,000 has already been raised for the welfare of the penguin. The spokeswoman says the extra $8,000 will go towards the money needed to return Happy Feet home, and further fundraising will be carried out. The zoo's expected to release details this week on the plans for the penguin.

Scientist hopes to develop skin cancer vaccine within a year

By Bruce Russell - NewstalkZB
An Australian scientist says he's on the verge of creating the world's first skin cancer vaccine. Professor Ian Frazer is the creator of the cervical cancer shot. He says he hopes to develop a vaccine within a year. The former Australian of the Year believes the cancer is actually caused by a virus and can be caught by other people.

Goldfish quake survivors now world famous

Two New Zealand goldfish are attracting worldwide attention after they survived four and a half months unattended following the February earthquake in Christchurch. The fish - named Shaggy and Daphne after characters from the cartoon Scooby Doo - were in a 100-litre tank in the reception area of Quantum Chartered Accountants. The office has been in the cordoned-off area of the CBD and without electricity. Staff member Vicky Thornley said yesterday she was at work on the day and had to leave the building suddenly after the quake. Staff weren't allowed back until July 6 - 134 days after the 6.4 quake that killed 181 people on February 22. When they finally re-entered the building, someone noticed movement in the tank, although she herself hadn't wanted to look in its direction. She told the BBC: "One of the safety personnel with us said 'Hey the fish are alive, they're swimming around'." Goldfish expert Bob Ward told the BBC that the goldfishes' survival was possible because fish can cope with a lack of food depending on the temperature of the water they are in. It's likely the hardy pair survived by eating weed and algae, although the small question of what really happened to the other four other tankmates is still unanswered for certain. When questioned about the whereabouts of their former swimming buddies Daphne and Shaggy just gulped and responded with blank stares.
Source: ONE News

Online guide points Maori back to cultural roots

By MARIKA HILL
Move over Google Maps – here comes Maori Maps, making it possible for Maori to find their way back to their cultural homes thanks to a website being launched tomorrow. Maori Maps aims to document more than 800 tribal marae to help save a heritage under threat. Te Potiki National Trust began setting up Maori Maps five years ago as a response to an emerging crisis – Maori being alienated from their roots. Otago University professor Paul Tapsell, who helped found the trust, said many young people did not know how to find their way back to their cultural homes, and as a result traditional marae – the focus of tribal values since Maori arrived in Aotearoa – were under threat. The website allows users to locate historical marae, contact authorities, view photos and even get directions, and Tapsell hoped Maori Maps would help the 800-plus tribal marae revitalise themselves. The trust has already mapped and photographed marae in Auckland and Northland and work had started to include the rest of New Zealand. CLICK HERE for the Maorimaps website
Sunday News

Protesters march against Syria's Assad in Auckland

Around 200 people marched up Queen Street today to protest against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The group aim to encourage the New Zealand government to put pressure on Assad to step down from power and allow democracy to take effect. Today, Syrian forces shot dead at least 20 civilians in attacks on pro-democracy demonstrations across the country. Syrians in their thousands took to the streets nationwide for the 17th consecutive Friday to demand an end to Assad's 11-year rule, activists said by telephone.
Source: ONE News/Reuters

Last chance to see William Webb Ellis Trophy

There's a last chance to see the William Webb Ellis Trophy today, before the Rugby World Cup starts. It'll be at the Viaduct in Auckland from 10am to 2pm. The Rugby World Cup 2011 Roadshow has already toured more than 20 towns and cities around New Zealand.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Pre-teens dream of kids and dole

By IMOGEN NEALE
Lots of babies, lots of partners, lots of houses and lots of benefits. Welcome to the career dream of young boys already failing in the education system. Alison Sutherland, who works in Wairarapa schools with children who have behavioural problems, says many of the boys she deals with – who haven't even reached their teenage years – can only see being the father of children and living with their mothers ahead. "That is their career future," she said of youngsters who were opting out of education and employment because they saw babies as a source of income. But coupled with the desire for children was a complete lack of understanding of what being a good parent might entail. "There is no warmth about loving little children or wanting to be good parents. It is purely about this being a pathway to an income," the one-time principal of a youth justice facility school said. "They have a perception that their future is to be unemployed. That is their norm. They have no sensitivity for the children – they see it as their form of income." Sutherland said in some cases the children were merely repeating what they saw in their own homes.
Sunday News

Lawyers cash in as Treaty of Waitangi process rolls on

By JOHN HARTEVELT
A National government-led surge in Treaty of Waitangi claim negotiations is pumping millions of taxpayer dollars into the coffers of big law firms. Former National ministers have also cashed in. Figures obtained by the Sunday Star-Times show former attorneys-general in National governments, Sir Doug Graham and Paul East QC, have been paid $166,135 and $109,130 each for negotiations work. Former prime minister Jim Bolger is now also involved, negotiating for the Crown with Ngapuhi. The figures, obtained under the Official Information Act, show law firms and individuals have been paid more than $7 million in the past four years. The annual government spend has climbed steadily from $1.08m in the year to June 2008 to $2.38m in the 11 months to May this year.
Sunday Star Times

Rugby - All Blacks trounce Springboks

The All Blacks thrashed South Africa 40 points to 7 in their opening Tri-Nations rugby match in Wellington on Saturday night. The New Zealanders dominated throughout the game, scoring six tries to one by the Springboks. Wingers Zac Guilford and Cory Jane both scored two tries a piece, with Colin Slade and Wyatt Crockett providing the other points. The All Blacks led 18-7 at half-time. The big win had been expected, with the seasoned All Black team lined up against an inexperienced South Africa. Eleven of the South African 15 had played seven or less Tests in their playing careers. However, it was a determined Springboks side that faced the All Blacks on the field.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Samoa/New Zealand film to debut in competition at Venice Festival

A Samoan/New Zealand movie has been selected to compete at one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. O Le Tulafale or The Orator, which was written and directed by Tusi Tamasese, has been chosen to premiere in the Orizzonti or New Horizons section of the 68th Venice International Film Festival. The festival which is part of the Venice Biennale, runs for 11 days from the 31st of August. The New Zealand Film Commission helped finance the movie and its chief executive, Graeme Mason, says it’s a great achievement for New Zealand and Pacific Islands film makers.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

NZ, Australia work together on disaster response

New Zealand is working together with Australia on future disaster responses, with a joint meeting of police and emergency management ministers from both countries in Wellington today. It follows the Christchurch earthquake and Australia's floods and bush fires. Police Minister Judith Collins attended the meeting and a document from her office says the two countries will develop policy and plan for future disaster responses together. They also discussed co-operation on cybercrime investigations and immigration detention centres.
RadioLIVE

Bushfire ash blown to Alice Springs

Ash and smoke from a bushfire is blowing over the town of Alice Springs in Australia. The ABC reports the fire, 30km north of Alice Springs, has burnt through more than 50 square km. Crews have been burning along roads and tracks ahead of the fire front, and hope the blaze will stop later in the day. Bushfires NT officer Grant Allen says it should remind people in Central Australia to prepare for greater bushfire danger later this year.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Cycle trail routes ready

The first cycle touring routes under the New Zealand Cycle Trail will be opened next month. The routes, to be opened on August 20 and 21, will be from Taumarunui to New Plymouth (including part of the Forgotten World Highway), from Taumarunui to Whakahoro (linking to the Ruapehu-Whanganui Trails) and from Taumarunui to Ongarue (linking to the Pureora Timber Trail).
Copyright 2011, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Another time capsule opened

By laura heathcote - NewstalkZB
A time capsule unearthed in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake has revealed a piece of Canterbury's nursing history. Demolition contractors discovered the metal time capsule cylinder during the removal of the Hagley Hostel's foundation stone. It's been opened today, revealing two newspapers dated 1931 and a document from the North Canterbury District Health Board describing some of Canterburyâs hospital and nursesâ hostel history. Canterbury Museum spokeswoman Sarah Murray says the capsule shows that although the building has been lost, the stories remain.

Geothermal power station sells carbon credits

Maori landowners and an electricity SOE have made $9.3 million from selling emissions credits to Germany. The credits were incurred by Nga Awa Purua geothermal power station, north east of Taupo. The 140 megawatt station is run jointly by Mighty River Power and the Tauhara North No. 2 Trust. The money came from the sale of 410,000 Emissions Reduction Units from the power station to Deutsche Bank AG. The credits are available because Nga Awa Purua's geothermal energy displaces the need to generate far more polluting energy by burning fossil fuels.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

First NZ treetop walk planned

By DEIDRE MUSSON
New Zealand's first treetop walk will be built in a West Coast native forest next year if the $7.7 million tourist attraction gets the thumbs up. Australian eco-tourism company Canopy01 hopes to start in March construction of the 450m Hokitika Rimu Treetop Walk about 15 kilometres south of Hokitika. It has applied for a 40-year concession lease from the Department of Conservation to operate the lofty steel walkway on 1.2ha of conservation land in Mahinapua scenic reserve. The company has also applied for resource consent from Westland District Council for the project, which includes building a new visitor centre on private farmland nearby for a 100-seat cafe, craft outlet and interpretative installations.

Ellerslie Flower Show to return to Christchurch next year

The Christchurch City Council says the Ellerslie Flower Show will return to the city next year. This year's show, due to take place just two weeks after the February quake, was cancelled. But the council says the arrangements already in place were put to good use. A marquee in Hagley Park housed 1000 people for the night, and plants that would have been displayed during the show were used at the national memorial service for victims of the quake. Next year's show will be held in North Hagley Park in March.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Mass apple rally against NZ competition

There's been a mass rally in Victoria as Australian apple growers panic ahead of their industry being open to competition from New Zealand. Around 2000 apple and pear growers have gathered in Shepparton, warning their industry will be crippled as a result. They insist our produce will introduce fire blight disease - even though a World Trade Organisation decision has rubbished that, saying Australia's 90 year ban was scientifically unjustified. The federal government is due to lift the long-held import restrictions on August 17, with a number of conditions. Orchardist Peter Hall denies the protest was an attempt to block an international competitor's attempt to enter the market.
By Alexia Russell

Rod Stewart coming back to Hawke's Bay

Mission Estate Winery is bringing back its most popular performer in 20 years of concerts at the Hawke's Bay venue for this year's anniversary date. Rod Stewart will headline February's event. General ticket sales open on Monday, with organisers warning that his 2005 concert sold out in 22 minutes.
By Alexia Russell

Tram tracks laid in Auckland

There is a new hazard on Auckland city streets. Pedestrians are being warned to look out for trams. The installation of tram tracks is now complete and operational testing about to begin within Wynyard Quarter, on the waterfront. Waterfront Auckland warns cyclists, pedestrians and motorists working in and visiting the area to be vigilant. One and a half kilometres of parallel tram tracks have been laid in Halsey Street, Gaunt Street, Daldy Street and Jellicoe Street and two historic trams will operate from next month, for the first time in more than 50 years.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Measles outbreak spreads in Waikato

A measles outbreak has spread from the Waikato town of Te Awamutu to surrounding communities. The Waikato District Health Board was alerted to the outbreak on Thursday. The board says the number of cases has risen to eight and more are likely. Medical Officer of Health Dell Hood says the illness has infected teenagers, a number of whom attend Te Awamutu College, who appear to have come in contact with measles at the end of last term.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Whangarei Whanau Ora service needs more nannies

The lead agency for Whanau Ora in Whangarei says it could do with a few more 'nannies-on-wheels'. The Otangarei Community Trust is running the Oranga Whanau service in the city, and now employs four older women to help and advise young parents. A trust leader, Janine Kaipo, says the nanas don't have to be old and grey - just skilled in living, and good at getting alongside people. She says some parents need help to establish a basic structure to family life, others want to know how to cook or budget and some are just lonely and unsupported.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Auckland Art Fair - a year of gallery openings in one day

By John Daly-Peoples
The biggest art visual arts event in New Zealand launches next week with the opening of the fourth Auckland Art Fair, an event which will allow visitors to see some of the best artworks available in New Zealand and Australia. This will be like going to a whole years worth of major gallery openings in one day. The last Auckland Art Fair in 2009 attracted over 8000 people and this year it is expected that well over 10,000 people will attend. All of the major New Zealand collectors were at the last fair as well as two dozen Australian collectors all of whom purchased work by New Zealand artists. On exhibition at the forty galleries will be work by nearly 400 artist including most of the well established artists in New Zealand and Australia.
Auckland Art Fair
Viaduct Events Centre
August 4th - 7th
Gala Opening August 3rd
www.artfair.co.nz/

New poll no friend of Labour's

Labour's recorded another drop in a just-released Roy Morgan Poll. It puts Labour on 31.5% support, a two point drop from the last Roy Morgan poll released just 11 days ago. It also follows a recent 27% result in a Colmar Brunton poll and a 29% score in a Fairfax poll this week. However the result's better than the 28% support Labour recorded in a Roy Morgan Poll taken in early May. Meanwhile National's polled 52%, up three points from earlier this month. For the other parties, the Greens are unchanged on 7.5%, the Maori Party scores 3%, and ACT 2%.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

New communication services for Deaf

New communication services will be introduced later this year that allow Deaf, deaf-blind, speech and hearing-impaired persons to better communicate over the phone. The services will be progressively introduced from December and will include captioned telephony, which allows people to read live captions of spoken phone conversations. People will also be able to contact the relay contact centre by mobile phone, and use a prepaid calling card to make international calls by Internet relay. Minister for Communications and Information Technology Steven Joyce says the services will be amongst the best in the world.
3NEWS

Happy Feet gets a check up

Happy Feet the emperor penguin has had another medical procedure today. He was having x-rays, blood tests and a general check-up at Wellington Zoo today. The penguin needed to be anaesthetised for the processes. Earlier this week Happy Feet was enjoying the cold weather, taking a swim at the zoo. Happy Feet - the first emperor penguin to swim to New Zealand from Antarctica for 44 years - has captured the public's imagination since being found on Peka Peka Beach in June. He had been eating sand thinking it was snow.

3NEWS has posted this video of Happy Feets' first swim since his rescue. See it here.
CLICK FOR HAPPY FEET VIDEO
Caution: Excessively cute. May cause hormone imbalance
CLICK HERE for the Wellington Zoo website to make a donation to Happy Feet
Source: ONE News

Websites could help grow economy

There is a suggestion on how to grow the New Zealand economy by at least 5%. A special MYOB Business Monitor report says that's possible if all local businesses owned a website. General manager Julian Smith says less than a third of Kiwi businesses have an online presence, and those who have a website earn and sell significantly more. "We find that on average their revenue levels are between 5 and 9% higher than businesses without a website, so it's a fantastic opportunity for businesses who want to get ahead, to get a website and get access to the digital economy." Mr Smith says just 9% of Kiwi businesses sell products or services online, when much of the developed world is looking for, and buying from, businesses online.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Wellington author wins national literary prize

A Wellington author has won the country's top literary prize for his work chronicling the rise of pop music in New Zealand. Chris Bourke has won the New Zealand Post Book of the Year, with 'Blue Smoke: The Lost Dawn of New Zealand Popular Music 1918 - 1964. He also scored a unique hat trick by winning the General Non-Fiction Award and the coveted People's Choice Award.
By Katrina Bennett

Rugby - Four changes to All Blacks starting XV

The All Blacks selectors have made four changes from last week's starting XV against Fiji for Saturday's opening Tri-Nations Test against the Springboks in Wellington. The forward pack named to tackle the Springboks features the returns of lock Sam Whitelock, blindside flanker Jerome Kaino, and Adam Thomson at number eight. Daniel Carter returns at first five, and the wings are Cory Jane and Zac Guildford. Jane is named on the right wing after recovering from his finger injury, with Guildford moving to the left wing.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

New business network for women in Tonga

A business network for women has recently been launched in Tonga with a view to mentoring and encouraging other women in their business pursuits. The Women in Sustainable Enterprises group already has around 140 members including accomplished business leaders. Board member, Sela Bloomfield, says before WISE was set up there was nowhere women with business aspirations could go to for advice. Sela Bloomfield says the network includes small home-based businesses as well as large enterprises.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

NZ-born girl confirmed dead in Norway attacks

A New Zealand-born teenage girl missing in Norway has been found, and confirmed dead. Sharidyn Svebakk-Bohn, who was 14, was on Utoeya island, northwest of Oslo, where a gunma on Friday shot 68 people at a summer camp for the Labour Party's youth wing. Sharidyn Svebakk-Bohn was born in New Zealand and grew up in Norway. In a statement released to media, her parents said it was impossible to describe the excruciating pain that they had felt as they waited for news from the authorities, but they were comforted by the knowledge that their daughter had been found and identified. "Although our daughter was born in New Zealand she is of Norwegian descent and has been living in Norway since she was a baby," the statement said.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Kiwi hits fresh high

The New Zealand dollar hit a new post-float high against the US dollar on Wednesday, of 87.65 cents. It came after stronger-than-expected inflation figures out of Australia. The kiwi later dropped back by about a third of a cent against the greenback.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Claims the Niue government is planning to bring in 100 Chinese families

An opposition MP in Niue says the premier should explain the details of a scheme to allow 100 Chinese families to settle on the island. Niue has been seeking investment from China for some years and most recently a group was escorted to the island by the Reef Group to look at investing in its noni farm and mothballed fish processing plant. There are local reports of the premier’ss plans but Terry Coe says there’s public concern at the impact such an influx could have on the island. He says there’s division in the cabinet on the matter and the premier, Toke Talagi, should publicly explain the nature of the scheme. Those that know about have expressed their deep concern and what are we trying to do when we’ve seen the problems within Fiji, Samoa and Tonga with bringing especially those people, the Chinese, into the community he said.”
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

NZ-led taskforce intercepts pirates

New Zealand forces working in the Gulf of Aden have successfully disrupted the activities of a group of pirates. The flagship of the kiwi-commanded taskforce, the USS ANZIO, has intercepted a skiff after getting a report from a merchant vessel that it had been attacked. The pirates were reportedly armed with a rocket propelled grenade launcher and AK-47 assault rifles.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Book reviewers beware

A British arts writer has won £65,000 in damages over a 'spiteful' book review. Dr Sarah Thornton sued for libel and malicious falsehood over a review in the British Daily Telegraph by journalist Lynn Barber. Book reviewer Doris Mousdale doesn't think the same thing would happen in New Zealand. "I think we're in a strange sort of position here, because everyone knows everyone else."
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Burmese refugees plead for help

By Sam Thompson - NewstalkZB
Burmese refugees are pleading with our government to take action, saying their family and friends are being treated like animals by the troubled nation's military regime. About 100 people from Kachin province in Burma, also known as Myanmar, and their supporters, braved a cold Wellington day to protest outside parliament. Spokesman Dong Hkong says many of the people there today have family and friends suffering in the region. "There's a lot of people dying like animals at the moment, and it's increasing day by day, and so we want the New Zealand Government to pressure the military government of Myanmar."

Manuka honey testing to be carried out in Singapore

The reputation of manuka honey exports to the key Singapore market will be protected under a new testing agreement. The UMF Honey Association has reached an agreement with AsureQuality Singapore, a New Zealand state-owned enterprise that operates a laboratory in Singapore. The laboratory will test manuka honey for the unique antibacterial activity that sets it apart from less valuable honey. The aim is to guard against false labelling by ensuring that the manuka honey sold in that country is from New Zealand and true to label.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Happy Feet takes to the water

3NEWS has posted this video of Happy Feets' first swim since his rescue. See it here.
CLICK FOR HAPPY FEET VIDEO
Caution: Excessively cute. May cause hormone imbalance
CLICK HERE for the Wellington Zoo website to make a donation to Happy Feet

Oil explorer looks to Indonesia

Listed energy explorer New Zealand Oil & Gas has indicated Indonesia is its favoured choice to expand its portfolio in South-East Asia. New Zealand Oil & Gas chief executive David Salisbury says the company has identified Taranaki and Tunisia as offering the best investment opportunities to find more oil and gas. Mr Salisbury says an area of Indonesia will also be part of the mix, but won't give any specific details just yet.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Northland doctor to study First Nations health

A Northland medic who helped to curb rheumatic fever in the region is off to Canada for a year to study health inequalities. Dr Jonathan Jarman worked alongside tangata whenua volunteers in Whangaroa to introduce regular throat-swabbing in local schools. The programme has wiped out rampant rheumatic fever in that community and reduced the risk of serious heart disease in its Maori population. The Northland Medical Officer leaves on Wednesday for a year's sabbatical study leave in Winnipeg. He will spend time with the Four Arrows Regional Health Authority, the equivalent of an iwi health provider, and with Health Manitoba. Dr Jarman says he's hoping to work with isolated First Nations people on reserves north of Winnipeg who want to improve immunisation rates and manage infectious and chronic diseases.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Sweet success at pie contest

By Amelia Wade
The classic meat pie has been ousted as New Zealand's best - in favour of a fruity port, plum and apple creation. The pie yesterday beat more than 4000 other entries at this year's Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards. It was only the second time in the awards' 15-year history that the top spot has not gone to a savoury pie. This year's Supreme award-winner, Kathy Kearns, said the idea of combining port, plum and apple to make the filling came to her in the middle of the night. Her husband, Shane Kearns, of Viands Bakery in Te Awamutu, made the pastry, baked the pie and created the intricate floral design on the crust. The pie was inspired by winter. It contains cinnamon, orange zest, vanilla paste and a lot of orange juice.

Blair sells out after ticket prices slashed

By Elizabeth Binning
Tony Blair will address an audience of hundreds in Auckland tomorrow during a speaking tour that sold out once ticket prices were cut in half. The former British Prime Minister stops in New Zealand for just a few hours as part of an "exclusive speaking tour" which starts in Melbourne today and finishes in Perth on Friday. Tomorrow he'll fly into Auckland in the morning, drive straight to Eden Park and address hundreds of people who have paid up to $1500 each to hear him before flying to Brisbane. Standard tickets, which include a gourmet meal, premium beverages, attendance at a pre-event cocktail party with canapes and a souvenir programme, had been selling for $1000 each, while VIP tickets that include a picture with Mr Blair, were going for $1500. But, after a slow start tour promoter Max Markson decided to half the cost of the standard ticket to $495.

National Party could govern alone

By TRACY WATKINS
Time is running out for Labour and Phil Goff 17 weeks out from the election as a new Fairfax Media-Research International Poll shows the party staring down the barrel at its worst result in 15 years. National continues its extraordinary run of popularity in today's poll, recording 56 per cent support – enough to comfortably govern alone if the results were repeated on election night in November. Labour is on 29 per cent support – within a whisker of its worst result under MMP in 1996, when it won just 28.19 per cent of the vote.

New forest waste processing facility welcomed

The National Distribution Union (NDU) has welcomed a proposed new forest waste processing facility near Rotorua. US firm Pine and Rosin Derivatives has signed an agreement to invest $12 million in a facility to process forest waste into turpentine and resin. The agreement means Rotorua-based company Pacific Pine Derivatives will move ahead with developing the plant, to be built at Kaingaroa.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Drop in serious flu cases after free vaccinations extended

The Canterbury Medical Officer of Health says extending free influenza jabs to those under 18 appears to have paid off with a drop in the number of hospital admissions. Alistair Humphrey says in the year to the end of June, 56 people were admitted to hospital with an influenza-like illness, down from 132 the previous year. Free flu shots are offered to people over 65, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses. After the Canterbury earthquakes, that was extended to under 18s to limit transmission of flu between schoolchildren.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Boot camps not effective - Maori Party

The Maori Party says boot camps may help prevent young people from reoffending in other countries but are not effective in New Zealand. Two trial boot camps have been run since July last year, with 17 volunteers. Eleven of the volunteers who took part are Maori. A progress report on the boot camp trials found four volunteers went on to prison and 10 reoffended. But in a statement, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said it was too early to report meaningfully on the results of the camps.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Dollar breaks though US87 cents

The New Zealand dollar has broken through US87 cents for the first time since the currency was floated in 1985. The Kiwi reached US87.08c on Tuesday before slipping back to US86.94 later in the afternoon. The dollar has risen 5% in July, driven by improving economic data and expectations of interest rate rises.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Final opportunity for accommodation providers to register vacancies on the rugby pages

With 45 days and counting to the beginning of Rugby World Cup 2011, accommodation operators are being reminded of a dedicated Rugby accommodation booking web page providing free listings. One of many online accommodation sources, the web page links consumers through to accommodation providers that have real-time booking facilities on their websites.
CLICK HERE for website
Tourism New Zealand Manaakitanga Aotearoa.

Aussie cops pepper spray rogue 'roo

Two Australian police officers have used pepper spray to fight off a rogue kangaroo that had attacked an elderly woman in her backyard in an Outback town. Senior Sergeant Stephen Perkins, head of police in the Queensland state town of Charleville, said he'd had never before heard of police using pepper spray against one - but that the tactic worked. The 94-year-old victim, Phyllis Johnson, was taken to a hospital for treatment for cuts and bruises after the attack Sunday. She told The Courier Mail newspaper that she tried unsuccessfully to fight the kangaroo off with a broom after it attacked her while she was hanging her laundry. Perkins said wildlife rangers trapped the kangaroo.
-AP

New Zealander still not found after Norway attacks

A New Zealander missing after the bomb and gun attacks in Norway has still not been found, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says. An MFAT spokesperson says he believes the New Zealander, who is also a Norwegian citizen, is one of a few who have still not been found after the mass shooting on the Utoeya island. The spokesperson says consular staff in New Zealand and in The Hague are in contact with the person's family. The ministry would not reveal the missing person's age or sex.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Travel still disrupted after cold snap

The worst of the snow and ice that stopped air travel and caused chaos on South Island roads is over, but emergency officials are still warning of treacherous conditions for drivers. Flights resumed at Christchurch mid-morning on Tuesday. The first international flights landed at about 9.25am and some domestic flights had also resumed. Many key roads and highways throughout the country remain shut. In the North Island, State Highway 1 from Rangipo to Taihape, including the Desert Road, is closed as is the alternative route through the central plateau, SH4 from Raetihi to National Park. SH49 from Waiouru is Ohakune was closed. The Rimutaka Hill Road on SH2 between Wellington and Wairarapa is also closed as is SH2 from Nuhaka to Gisborne and SH35, Waipiro. State Highway 85 Palmerston To Kyeburn and SH87 Outram To Middlemarch were closed. In Central Otago, chains are still required on parts of SH8.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Australian Navy ship aids stranded NZ fishing vessel

An Australian Navy supply ship has come to the aid of a New Zealand fishing vessel stranded after breaking down in the Southern Ocean. The longliner Janas, with 21 crew on board, had reported it was drifting with its main engine down - it sent out a distress signal. The Aurora Australis is towing it to safety.
By Alexia Russell

UB40 lead singer to headline Raggamuffin

The lead singer of UB40 and his new band will headline at Raggamuffin next year. The festival will take place at the Rotorua International Stadium on January 28. When he was part of UB40, Ali Campbell shot to fame with the hits Red Red Wine and Can't Help Falling in Love.
By Natasha Burling

Rare Captain Bligh medals under hammer in Australia

Two "extremely rare" gold medals awarded to Captain William Bligh of HMS Bounty fame will be auctioned in Melbourne this week in one of the most significant maritime history offerings in recent years. "You'll never see the likes of the Bligh medals again. They're so historical," a spokesman for the auction house told AFP. "He's one of the most famous sea captains in history and I doubt there would be many other gold medals around from that period." Bligh, an British Royal Navy officer, was best known for a notorious mutiny during his command of HMS Bounty in 1789, when he and a group of his men were set adrift in a small launch. They survived 47 days at sea without maps or navigational aids and eventually reached Timor. Fifteen years later Bligh was appointed governor of New South Wales in Australia. Handed down through Bligh's family, they are conservatively expected to fetch in excess of Aus$250,000 (£166,000). Also on the bill during the July 26-28 auction is Australia's first World War II Victoria Cross, estimated to be worth at least Aus$900,000 (£597,000).
Copyright © 2011 Agence France Presse.

Helpline available for Christchurch residents

The Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Authority has reminded Christchurch residents that a helpline is available if they're having trouble in the snowy conditions. Spokesperson Catherine Delore says the current Government helpline dealing with earthquake issues can also be used for snow-related problems. Ms Delore says the number, 0800 779997, is available 24 hours a day.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Church to issue national apology over adoptions

The Catholic Church in Australia will on Monday issue a national apology over past adoption practices that have been described as a national disgrace. The apology has been prompted by an investigation by the ABC into claims of abuse and trauma in Newcastle, New South Wales. It is believed at least 150,000 Australian women had their babies taken against their will by some churches and adoption agencies between the 1950s and 1970s. Psychiatrist Geoff Rickarby, who has treated scores of affected women, says it is a stain on Australia's history. Catholic Health Australia chief executive Martin Laverty says he is sorry for what happened.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Some roads re-open

MetService says the snowfalls in the North Island are some of the worst experienced in recent years. Snow is expected to continue in surges for much of Moday, especially about the southwest of the central plateau. However, the Desert Road (State Highway 1), which was closed from Taihape to Rangipo; and the Napier - Taupo Road (State Highway 5) reopened on Monday afternoon, after being closed by snow overnight. State Highway 2 from Napier to Gisborne is closed at Nuhaka, and the Rimutaka Hill Road (State Highway 2) between Wellington - Wairarapa also remains closed. Although it is unlikely to re-open on Monday, the Transport Agency will reassess the situation at 4pm. State Highway 1 between Invercargill and Dunedin and Balclutha and Dunedin, and State Highway 6 between Invercargill and Queenstown have reopened - along with State Highway 1 in North Canterbury. Some Banks Peninsula roads have also reopened, including the Akaroa Summit Road.

Measles epidemic worsening

Auckland's measles epidemic is worsening with health officials now confirming 76 cases in the region. The Auckland Regional Public Health Service says three patients are in quarantine and five have required hospitalisation. Much of the outbreak has occurred in West Auckland, but cases have also been found in Central Auckland, North Shore, and Manukau. Medical Officer of Health, Dr Richard Hoskins says almost all the 76 confirmed cases have been found in non-immunised people. "There is no treatment for measles, the only thing that can stop you catching measles is to get immunised," he says. If your child is unwell or you suspect your child has been exposed to measles, and they are not up to date with MMR immunisations, please refrain from sending them to any scheduled group activities including community gatherings. Anyone displaying symptoms of measles, which include fever, cough, blocked nose, sore red eyes, should immediately telephone their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116, for advice.
Source: ONE News-with Newstalk ZB

Scenic train route to relaunch

KiwiRail is gearing up for the relaunch of its passenger service between Christchurch and Picton. The TranzCoastal Train was suspended after the February quake in Christchurch, but will open again on August 15th. KiwiRail Chief Executive Jim Quinn says the service will now be known as Coastal Pacific, the name the train was given in the 1980s. Purpose-built scenic carriages will also be introduced on the line later this year. Mr Quinn says the carriages feature 52 square metres of glass in panoramic side and roof windows, ceiling mounted HD screens and GPS triggered commentary.
By Laura Heathcote

Penguin hits the pool

Happy Feet has had his first swim in a saltwater pool at Wellington Zoo this afternoon. Wellington Zoo spokeswoman Kate Baker said the emperor penguin would be put in the pool at 2.30pm. The penguin, who has been recovering well at the zoo, has been kept in a small ice-filled room. Emperor penguins are used to the icy water around Antarctica, where they dive under the ice for food. The pool is in public view.
The Dominion Post

$34m plan to help find missing tots

By CLAIRE ROGERS
Toddlers attending playcentre and kindergarten will be assigned unique numbers and have their early education tracked through a new $34 million computer system. The Education Ministry hopes the system will help identify children missing out on early education and better target its funding of the sector, which will total $1.4 billion this year. A Cabinet paper from Education Minister Anne Tolley seeking approval for the project said current information on early childhood education was inadequate and did not uniquely identify children. "Despite significant investment, the ministry is not currently able to report who is participating in early childhood education, how long children are participating, and when and where they are participating," she said. The ministry is also in the process of replacing the national student index - the system managing national student numbers - to improve the quality of its data
The Dominion Post

More electricity generated by Mighty River

Mighty River Power generated 1785 gigawatt hours of electricity in the three months to the end of June, 27% more than in the same period a year ago. The increase was mainly due to more geothermal and hydro generation. Mighty River says sales to residential and commercial customers fell 5%, due to strong competition, the Christchurch earthquake and warmer than usual weather. The State-owned power company says gas fired generation fell 65% to 33 gigawatt hours, or about 2% of generation, because of lower spot prices and above-average national hydro storage.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Seat size made Apia-Los Angeles flight a losing proposition: Tuilaepa

Samoa’s Prime Minister says the small seats on the aircraft used on the discontinued flight between Apia and Los Angeles made it a losing proposition from the start. Air New Zealand’s final flight in January on the Tonga-Samoa-United States route followed years of losses and government subsidies. Tourism operators in Apia say the decision’s damaged the industry and Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says Air New Zealand never wanted it to work. “Why the flight was not profitable was that Air New Zealand flew this 767 with seats about this narrow and we are that large. So we sit on top of the arm rests all the time from here to the States" he said.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Improved protection mooted for finance investors

The Government will introduce legislation next week to further improve protection for investors in finance companies. The Non-Bank Deposit Takers Bill will give the Reserve Bank the power to remove directors and management of some financiers where they fail to meet suitability criteria. Finance Minister Bill English says the bill is part of a range of measures to improve investor confidence including tougher rules for related-party lending, capital requirements, and mandatory credit ratings.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

UK welfare changes expected to lift 1 million out of poverty

The architect of the biggest shake-up of the British welfare system in more than 60 years says it will immediately lift about 1 million people out of poverty. Under legislation currently before the British Parliament, most existing benefits and tax credits will be replaced by a single universal credit from 2013. The legislation is similar to recommendations by a welfare working group in New Zealand, which are still being considered by the Government. Work & Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith told Nine to Noon the single benefit will encourage people to get into work by ensuring their income doesn't drop when they do begin employment. He said the culture needs to change so that people understand work is a vital part of life.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Original radio great dies

Geoff Sinclair, one of the original giants of talkback radio, has died, aged 79. The former school teacher specialised in a folksy, warm kind of talkback that set a benchmark for decades. He had a strong voice and a great laugh and seemed to find practically anything interesting. A distinctive looking man, he summed up his style in an autobiography entitled You Might Be Ugly - But You're Nice! He grew up in Auckland's Point Chevalier in a family of 10 that included his more famous brother, historian and academic Sir Keith Sinclair. All his brothers and sisters went into education. Geoff had an early introduction into broadcasting as a child, becoming a "quiz kid" on 1ZB in Auckland. He leaves behind a widow, five children and two grandchildren.
Source: Fairfax

Winter really setting in

Snow which stranded dozens of motorists north of Dunedin was cleared late on Sunday night, but many roads in Otago and Southland are still closed or are subject to restrictions because of snow and ice. Police say conditions are worsening as ice sets in and people should avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary. Road closures include State Highway 85, the Pig Route, State Highway 87, the Middlemarch highway, State Highway Eight from Milton - Alexandra, State Highway Six between Invercargill - Queenstown and State Highway One from Oamaru - Gore. MetService says the southerly front is moving up the country and there could even be snow on higher terrain in Auckland and Northland. In the North Island, the Desert Road (State Highway One) is closed from Taihape - Rangipo, as are the Rimutaka Hill Road (State Highway Two) between Wellington - Wairarapa and the Napier - Taupo road (State Highway Five).
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Tour de France won by Australian

Australian Cadel Evans has won the Tour de France. Evans, 34, stayed safe in the peloton in Sunday's final stage which ended at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, to take the title by 1 minute 34 seconds. He took the lead for the first time on Saturday, with a brilliant ride on the final time trial around Grenoble. Evans is the oldest Tour winner since 1923 and previously finished second in 2007 and 2008. He is the first Australian rider to win the event.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

New Zealander still missing after Norway massacre

A New Zealand girl remains missing as the search continues for victims of a shooting massacre in Norway. The New Zealand national was believed to have been on Norway's Utoeya Island when a gunman killed up to 98 people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would not confirm her age yet. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the person has dual New Zealand-Norwegian citizenship, and the New Zealand embassy in The Hague is in contact with the New Zealander's next of kin in Norway. Relatives in New Zealand had also been informed. There are 61 New Zealanders registered as being in Norway, and the Ministry is advising them to follow instructions from local authorities. It also says to exercise a high level of awareness during this period.
Source: ONE News (With Reuters)

Snow falling in Christchurch

By james williams - NewstalkZB
Heavy snow is now starting to fall in Christchurch. It is part of an Antarctic blast slowly moving up the South Island. WeatherWatch.co.nz has had reports of snow falling to sea level, or near sea level, right across the South Island from Invercargill to Dunedin, Christchurch to Greymouth and Hokitika. Conditions were described as "blizzard-like" in Queenstown.

Quake garage sale brings in crowds

The organisers of a mass garage sale for quake-hit properties in Christchurch are praising the hundreds of people who turned up to buy unwanted goods from residents whose homes will soon be demolished. The garage sale was held in the devastated Christchurch suburb of Bexley and involved 74 homes, all inside the Red Zone, where the land has suffered significant damage and repair would be difficult to implement. One of the organisers, Angela Jackson, says the sale was a huge success and that sellers with 40 plus years of "junk" to get rid of have told her it really helped them out.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Funding for further research into food allergies

The Malaghan Institute has been granted $2.4 million by the Health Research Council for further research into food allergies and related conditions such as asthma. Professor Graham Le Gros says the institute must find out what causes some people to have allergic reactions, before it can find a cure. He says science has neglected this area of research and it's time allergies were put in the spotlight. Professor Le Gros says one in five New Zealanders are affected by a food allergy, asthma, eczema or hay fever.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Massacre is huge shock - NZer

A New Zealander who lives in Norway says the massacre on Utoeya island is a huge shock to everyone. Mike Allcock, who lives in Oslo, but is on holiday in Barcelona, says the bombing and killings are unbelievable because there is very rarely any kind of violence there. He says it's likely the bombing would have killed more people had it not been in summer, because most Norwegians leave for the majority of July. He says he wants to be back in Oslo to be a part of the mourning. People have already begun lighting candles in the central city. The death toll from the twin attacks on Friday afternoon has risen to 92. Friday was a public holiday.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

SPCA's dog day weekend

By Kieran Nash
Half-price sales usually attract hordes of bargain-hunters elbowing each other out of the way for the day's cheapest deals. But this weekend's 50 per cent off sale at Auckland's SPCA was different. People wandered through the facility carefully choosing which cute puppy to take home. The Mangere facility is full to capacity for dogs and adoptions are down. So to attract more dog-lovers, the society slashed adoption fees for 59 dogs that needed homes immediately. Auckland SPCA chief executive Christine Kalin said that in the first two hours yesterday, the society managed to find homes for 10 dogs. Another 15 dogs had been assigned to new families, subject to approval, because prospective owners were renting, had other dogs or were unsure if their property was fit for a dog and so had to undergo checks first.

Polar weather coming

Winter's icy fingers are about to tighten their grip on the nation. An Antarctic blast is about to hit Southland and move up the country. WeatherWatch.co.nz head analyst Philip Duncan says it will be followed by a secondary burst of very, very cold air. He says the cold snowy weather will hit Southland and Otago overnight, Canterbury during tomorrow, Wellington tomorrow afternoon and the rest of the North Island tomorrow night and Monday. Philip Duncan says the blast is coming straight from the South Pole.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

NZ Norwegian community reeling after attacks

Source: ONE News/Fairfax
Twins attacks in Norway which killed at least 87 people have sent shockwaves through New Zealand's Norwegian community. A gunman dressed in police uniform opened fire at a youth camp of Norway's ruling Labour Party overnight, killing at least 80 people. It came hours after a bomb killed seven people in the government district in the capital Oslo. Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said there are 61 New Zealanders currently registered as being in Norway, but at this stage there is nothing to suggest any of them have been caught up in the attacks. New Zealand Sara Harris, who lives in Norway, was only 100 metres away from where the bomb exploded in Oslo's central government district. Harris was in shop with her daughter when they heard a "really loud, massive boom". "It shook the whole building and bits of plaster and stuff were crashing down on us," she said. "I thought it was isolated to where we were but as soon as we got out of the shop we could see the whole street was grey." Harris, her daughter and brother started walking home and then caught the tram. She said the city was in chaos, with sirens going off, ambulances zooming by and people running every where.

Rugby - Shield goes back to Invercargill

By Rikki-Jayne Swannell - NewstalkZB
The Ranfurly Shield is going back to Invercargill. For the second time in two years Southland have beaten Canterbury to win the Log o' Wood. They have won 22-19, in a pulsating clash, which was the first top rugby game held in Christchurch this year. James Wilson nailed the match-winning drop goal with three minutes to play, after the Stags fought back from 16-9 at halftime. Scott Cowan scored in the 60th minute to help give Southland the lead, before Tom Taylor levelled it at 19-all with a droppie for Canterbury. Canterbury beat Southland last season to win back the Shield. Southland's first defence will be against Counties Manukau on Friday.

No New Zealanders caught in Norway attacks - MFAT

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) says it believes no New Zealanders have been caught up in the bomb and shooting attacks in Norway. A spokesperson says 61 New Zealanders are registered as living in Norway and they have been advised to follow instructions given by the local authorities. MFAT suggests anyone planning to travel to Norway should check the government's travel advisory website at safetravel.govt.nz.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Young Catholics about to leave for World Youth Day

A mass is being held for young Catholics in Christchurch who had to overcome a number of obstacles following the February earthquake to participate in the World Youth Day in Spain. The mass is being held on Saturday night for 70 pilgrims at St Gelgory's Church, who will be part of a New Zealand contingent of 200. An expected 2 million young Catholics are heading to Madrid to join the Pope for World Youth Day. Sister Helen O'Sullivan says the young people have been determined to take part in the event despite of all the difficulties they faced.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Heavy snow forecast

Heavy snow is forecast throughout the South Island on Saturday night and Sunday to low levels. Temperatures fell to minus seven in Ranfurly on Friday night and MetService warns it's about to get colder still. MetService says a cold southerly change from Antarctica will bring heavy snow and below freezing temperatures to Southland, Otago and inland Canterbury. The cold snap will move onto the North Island on Sunday and Monday, bringing snow to State Highway 2 (the Rimutaka Hill road), the Desert Road (State Highway One) and the Napier-Taupo road (State Highway Five), before moving west.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

US relationship with NZ growing day by day - Obama

President Barack Obama says the United States' relationship with New Zealand is growing day by day. Mr Obama on Friday met New Zealand Prime Minister John Key at the White House. The meeting lasted just over half an hour. Afterwards, they addressed the media, but did not answer questions. Mr Obama said they discussed economic issues and the great interest in promoting a more effective trade regime and the Trans Pacific Partnership. The two also spoke about co-ordinating disaster response and security co-operation. Mr Obama also paid tribute to the resilience of New Zealand following the Canterbury earthquakes and said the US is still heartbroken by the loss of life and property in Christchurch.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Rugby - All Blacks open with patchy win

NewstalkZB
The All Blacks have opened their 2011 campaign with a 60-14 win over Fiji in the final ever international at Carisbrook in Dunedin. The home side produced an impressive first 40 minutes to take a 32-0 halftime lead. But the Fijians fought back in the second spell, asking plenty of questions of Graham Henry's men. Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, lock Ali Williams and replacement halfback Piri Weepu were among the standout players for the All Blacks.

New Zealand Defence Force personnel providing aid in Tokelau

Thirty New Zealand military personnel are in Tokelau providing assistance under the Defence Force’s ongoing Exercise Tropic Twilight. This is a commitment to disaster relief in the South Pacific and in Tokelau involves engineering, medical, dental and environmental health personnel. They are providing medical and dental training, education on sanitation, testing of public drinking water sources and completing minor engineering projects.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan dies

Former Labour MP and Cabinet Minister, Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan, has died at the age of 79. Dr Tirikatene-Sullivan entered parliament in 1967, as the member for Southern Maori, in a by-election following the death of the former MP, her father Sir Eruera Tirikatene. In her youth she was a New Zealand ballroom dancing champion and one of the country's top female fencers. She gained a Doctorate in Political Science with a thesis on contemporary Maori political involvement, and went on to serve 10 terms as an MP. Dr Tirikatene-Sullivan retired from politics in 1996 after she was narrowly defeated in the new Te Tai Tonga electorate. She was made a member of the Order of New Zealand in 1993.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Contingent of US marines coming to NZ

The US government has accepted an invitation to send a contingent of marines to New Zealand next year. The ceremonial visit will mark 70 years since US troops arrived during World War II. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key issued the invitation to Defence Secretary Leon Panetta in Washington on Thursday and says it was immediately accepted. Mr Key said there has been no discussion of joint exercises during the visit, and the Government is taking it one step at a time.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Turtles in trouble in Queensland

Turtles in North Queensland are in trouble and experts across Australia are trying to find out why. Sick, lethargic and sometimes dead sea turtles have been washing up on the beaches over the past few months. The ABC reports that experts suspect events such as Cyclone Yasi have destroyed large tracts of essential seagrass. Marine and environment agencies say there has been a 700% increase in the number of turtle strandings in north Queensland compared with last year.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Wretched weather coming 'straight from the Antarctic'

A blast of bitterly cold weather is set to blanket large areas of New Zealand in snow this weekend. Metservice this afternoon said a low pressure system that brought rain and snow to the North Island this week would soon give way to a wintery conditions "straight from the Antarctic". Meteorologist Daniel Corbett said the weather conditions should see snow fall to low levels in much of the South Island and parts of the North Island. Snow was expected to reach sea level in Southland and Otago on Sunday morning, he said. The wintery blast was then expected to sweep northward on Sunday afternoon and Monday, bringing snow to near sea level in Canterbury and Malborough. Mr Corbett said the cold weather would spread to the North Island late on Sunday, with snow blanketing on the Desert Rd and much of Taihape on Monday.
- HERALD ONLINE

PM lays wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier

In heat pushing the mercury up to a humid 47 degrees celsius, the Prime Minister has laid a wrath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Washington DC. There are 330,000 men and women personnel buried in the expansive Arlington Military cemetery - with more than 30 being added there daily. John Key says it's a reminder of the sort of world we live in.
By Barry Soper in Washington

Hunt on for RWC flag bearers

The hunt is on for youngsters to carry the flags of participating Rugby World Cup nations on to the field ahead of each match. All Black great Grant Fox will help select 91 flag bearers between the ages of 14 and 16. Because there are no longer any matches being played in Christchurch, entrants from Canterbury will be among those considered for matches being played in Dunedin and Nelson.
By Anna Cross

Prison art acknowledged by national art award

Prison inmates have helped the Department of Corrections win a national art award - through their creativity in arts from carving to kapa haka. The Big 'A' Prison Arts Leadership Award recognises that creativity is working to rehabilitate prisoners. Corrections manger Mark Lynds says art and cultural knowledge is one of the most important keys to restoring mana and getting prisoners to turn their lives around. Of the 1100 prisoners he deals with, Mr Lynds says half of them are doing art.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

US Marines to visit New Zealand

TRACY WATKINS
LATEST: The United States has accepted an invitation from Prime Minister John Key to send Marines to New Zealand for the 70th anniversary of their landing here in World War II. Key confirmed the invitation was accepted after meetings with US officials today. The Marines would come to New Zealand in in a ceremonial capacity only. Key said details of the visit - such as how many Marines would come - had yet to be worked out. He had also issued an invitation to the US Coast Guard but had not asked the Americans for an immediate response. Key's first day in the capital was interrupted by the US credit crisis, with senate minority leader Mitch McConnell and senate minority leader Harry Reid pulling out of meetings. However he met other senate members instead, including former presidential hopeful Senator John Kerry.

Senior Senators skip meeting with Key

Two senior Democrat and Republican Senators pulled out of a planned meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Thursday as debt crisis talks continue in Washington. Mr Key is in the United States capital for two days of talks and was scheduled to meet with Senate majority leader Harry Reid and minority leader, Mitch McConnell. The pair, who are at the heart of negotiations over raising the US debt ceiling and reducing the deficit, were replaced at the last minute by Senators John Kerry and Dick Lugar. Earlier, Mr Key met Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Mr Key says the US economy represents a third of the world economy and what happens there matters to the rest of the world.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Key touches down in Washington

By TRACY WATKINS
Prime Minister John Key has arrived in Washington DC for a whirlwind round of top level meetings before a catch-up at the White House with US President Barack Obama on Saturday New Zealand time. His arrival coincides with a stifling heat wave which is expected to push temperatures to 40 degrees plus in drenching humidity. Key will lay a wreath at Arlington national cemetery overnight (New Zealand time) and meet several political heavyweights including federal reserve chairman Ben Bernanke. While in Washington he is staying at the official guest residence, Blair House, across the road from the White House itself.
Stuff

$10m cold-calling scam exposed

By Isaac Davison
A cold-calling scam which tricks people into paying to fix a non-existent computer virus has reached nearly a third of New Zealanders, costing the country as much as $10 million. Ministry of Consumer Affairs' Scamwatch service said one in 20 people were falling for the scam, losing an average of around $200. The scammers usually claim to be from a Microsoft-related repair company, and persuade people that their computer has a virus. They then request remote access to the computer and charge the victim for ‘computer repair software’. Scamwatch spokesman Jarrod Rendle said it had grown to be the largest phone scam reported in New Zealand, with 30 percent of adult New Zealanders phoned.

Internet-based system maps walking access

Walking Access Commission chief executive Mark Neeson says the system uses geographic information technology (GIS) to identify land that is open for recreational use. He says high-quality, accurate information is brought together in one package, and will be of value to all New Zealanders. Mr Neeson says it will also give landowners more accurate information on their own boundaries and on where people should, or shouldn't, be walking. Over the next six months the Commission will look at making the information portable so it can be downloaded to a cell phone.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rise in flu cases across NZ

There's been a sudden rise in flu cases and other respiratory infections around the country. The latest figures show doctors consultation rate has almost doubled in the past month. Spokesman for the National Influenza Strategy Group, Dr Lance Jennings, says it's not too late for eligible New Zealanders to protect themselves with a free flu vaccination. The Government's subsidised season ends on July 31. Dr Jennings says around a million people have already been vaccinated, but that still leaves many vulnerable people unprotected.
By Sam Thompson

Sydney Opera House appears on al Qaeda-run website

An image of the Sydney Opera House has turned up on an online terrorism site run by al Qaeda. The photo features in the latest issue of 'Inspire' right next to instructions on how to make bombs. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation has approached Australian internet providers in a bid to block the site.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Israeli ambassador refuses to answer questions

By Liz Puranam / 3 News staff
The Israeli ambassador to New Zealand has returned to Auckland tonight, amongst claims Israeli spies were in Christchurch at the time of the February quake. Prime Minister John Key refused to comment on the allegations this morning, but this afternoon, he changed his tune and said an investigation by the SIS had cleared the Israelis. Israeli ambassador Shemi Tzur arrived in Auckland from Tonga tonight after a day of serious allegations.He refused to answer questions from 3 News. Mr Key is in the US, and started the day refusing to say why our Security Intelligence Service was investigating whether Israeli tourists caught up in Christchurch's February quake were in fact spies. "I'm just saying it's not in the national interest to go into those details… I don't comment on matters of national security."

Steve Williams 'shocked' at Tiger Woods split

Tiger Woods' long-time caddie, New Zealander Steve Williams, says he is shocked and disappointed to have been sacked. Announcing the split, Woods said it was time for a change and, in a brief statement published on his website, thanked his former caddie. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change," Woods' statement said. "Stevie is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success in the future." Williams responded on his website saying the split after 13 years of loyal service came as a shock. Williams had been a regular caddie for the US golfer since 1999. Woods has slipped to No. 20 in the rankings.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Winter's coming, Canterbury - expect snow to sea level

By PAUL GORMAN
Canterbury's coldest week of the winter so far is about to begin, with steadily falling temperatures and a snowy spell possible from Sunday. Raw easterly to southerly winds will develop today and last until at least Tuesday. Forecasters predict spells of drizzly rain or sleet across much of the region until Sunday, when frigid Antarctic air will likely move north, bringing snow to sea level. Blue Skies Weather forecaster Tony Trewinnard said Monday could be a "challenging" day in Canterbury, with snow at times and maximum temperatures struggling to rise above two or three degrees Celsius.

Māori pharmacists join fight to keep Pharmac

The Māori Pharmacists Association warns any changes to the Government's drug-buying body could increase the price of medicines. As New Zealand and the United States hold talks on free trade, Pharmac is under pressure from American pharmaceutical companies that argue the agency is anti-competitive. Māori Pharmacists Association president Leanne Tekaru says Pharmac needs to stay intact for the sake of patients. She says given the potential for the medicines bill to escalate without Pharmac, the body is beneficial to everyone.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Auckland rail use steaming ahead

Record-breaking use of public transport by Auckanders continues, with rail patronage about to reach a milestone. The regional agency, Auckland Transport, says overall patronage has grown 8.5% over the past year. Its figures for the end of the financial year show the strongest rise came in rail patronage, which has risen by 16% cent after network upgrades. Next month rail use is expected to exceed 10 million passengers in a 12-month period. Bus travellers make up the largest group in the annual total of nearly 66 million public transport journeys.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Niue launches mobile phone service

Mobile phones can now be used on Niue.
The introduction of a cellphone service coincides with a push to lift the number of visitors to the island from 6000 to 20,000 over the next five years. New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully was the service's first user, making a call to Niue's Premier Toke Talagi during last week's launching ceremony. Mobile reception is only available so far in the main village of Alofi.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

News Corp must answer questions in Australia - PM

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the Australian arm of News Corp will have to answer what she described as hard questions following the growing phone hacking scandal in the United Kingdom. Ms Gillard says Australians have been disturbed by events in Britain. At a parliamentary hearing there, Australian-born Rupert Murdoch and his son, James Murdoch, defended their handling of events that have shaken the family's grip on their media empire. Ms Gillard told reporters in New South Wales that when there has been a major discussion overseas, when people have seen telephones hacked into and when people have seen individuals grieving that causes them to ask questions about News Ltd in Australia. Ms Gillard says News Ltd, therefore, has a responsibility to answer those questions.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Happy Feet set for ocean journey soon

By Vaimoana Tapaleao
Happy Feet may be leaving New Zealand shores as early as next month. The emperor penguin has been cared for at the Wellington Zoo since it was found on Peka Peka Beach last month. Zoo spokeswoman Kate Baker told the Herald last night that Happy Feet could be returned to the Southern Ocean as early as next month. "It's looking like it will be about mid to late August. Right now we're just figuring out how we will release him," she said. Ms Baker said the penguin was doing better and better each day and had gained 1.6kg when he was weighed on Friday. He is about 24kg now, she said. "At this stage, we're still taking care of him, obviously. He's continuing to gain weight and is looking good."

Judges ready to find NZ's best pie

Judges will poke, prod, dissect and chomp their way through thousands of pies tomorrow to try to find the country's perfect pie. A record breaking 4,400 pies from 380 bakeries have been entered in the Bakels New Zealand's Supreme Pie Awards. Chairman Duncan Loney says 18 judges will start inspecting the pies from 7am tomorrow. Mr Loney says almost 600 pies were entered from the Bay of Plenty/Coromandel region. Last year's Supreme Award winner was Rotorua baker Patrick Lam's bacon and egg pie. This year's Supreme Pie Award winner will be announced next week.
By Anna Cross

Fears police computer hacked by Israeli agents - report

Sources have alleged that Israeli agents could have hacked into this country's national police computer system and accessed security intelligence information, Southland Times editor Fred Tulett says. Three Israelis died in the February's earthquake in Christchurch, and Mr Tulett says his source claims one of them, Ofer Binyamin Mizrahi, was found with five passports. Mr Tulett told Morning Report three others who had been in the same van as Mr Mizrahi left New Zealand within 12 hours despite widespread travel chaos at the time, though they stopped to take photographs of the crushed van. Mr Tulett said SIS became suspicious that a group of forensic scientists from Israel who were in Christchurch immediately after the earthquake could have had the opportunity to embed malware into the police national computer.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

NZ restaurants slammed for shark fin soup

Ten New Zealand restaurants have been named and shamed by a lobby group opposing the use of shark fins in soup. The Australian Anti-Shark Finning Alliance was informed of the restaurants by a number of New Zealand-based supporters and has named the restaurants on its website. Anti-Shark Finning Alliance Director Mick Dowers says the group is winning the battle to stop thousands of live sharks having their fins sliced off, just for soup. Restaurants that can prove they no longer offer the dish will be removed from the list.
RadioLIVE

US car firm calls new vehicle Tuatara

An American supercar company has named its new vehicle the tuatara. In its marketing material, Shelby SuperCars says the name's inspired by the New Zealand reptile. The Washington State-based firm says the tuatara has the fastest evolving DNA in the world, so is a perfect fit with a supercar maker. Its founder and lead designer, Jerod Shelby, says the car's design specifications are so extreme, it deserved a name to match.
Ed note: a tuatara is a native NZ lizard.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Fonterra in another dairy farm venture in China

Fonterra plans to further expand its operations in China, by investing $47 million in a third dairy farm. The 40-hectare farm is expected to boost Fonterra's fresh milk production in China to 90 million litres a year. Fonterra International Farming Ventures chief operating officer Peter Moore says the property is east of Beijing, in Yutian county. Farm construction is expected to begin in November and be completed by late next year.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Cook Islands black pearl farming revamped

Black pearl farms in the Cook Islands are being remapped as part of an expansion of the industry made possible by a grant of more than two and a half million US dollars from the New Zealand Aid Programme. The pearl farms are located within Manihiki’s lagoon in the northern Cook Islands and are being mapped for the first time in more than five years by the ministry of marine resources. The Manihiki Island council is also working with ministry staff to re-permit pearl farmers and allocate abandoned farm areas to those actively working in the industry. New Zealand funding will double the annual production of pearl farming from 600,000 oysters to 1.2 million, which is near the lagoon’s capacity.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Runaway colonel on NZ visit

By MICHAEL FIELD
Fiji's runaway colonel, who has been living in exile in Tonga, arrives in New Zealand tonight, denying he is plotting a new coup to overthrow the regime created in a 2006 coup by Voreqe Bainimarama. Colonel Tevita Mara fled Fiji in May aboard a Tongan navy boat and now enjoys the protection of Tonga's King George Tupou V. Fiji has asked Australia, New Zealand and Tonga to extradite him back to Suva where he faces charges of sedition and, with fellow colonel Pita Driti, allegations of conspiring to mutiny against Bainimarama. Tonga refused to return him and Australia refused to open the documents from Fiji asking for him back. Mara, the youngest son of Fiji's founding prime minister and later president, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, has been a banned person in New Zealand under its sanctions against the military in Fiji. New Zealand has allowed him in for two days where he is to address the newly formed Fiji Democracy and Freedom Movement.

Historic launch heading to home berth

By GEORGINA STYLIANOU
A piece of New Zealand maritime history will today return to Auckland after spending most of its life in Christchurch. The 99-year-old launch Nautilus began life as a river boat on the Avon and the Estuary before it ferried wounded Anzac soldiers from the shores of Gallipoli to the hospital ship Marama during World War I. It also operated a ferry service from Lyttelton to Corsair Bay during the Depression. Christchurch man Allan Williams, a retired German consul, bought the boat in 1994 but has decided to donate it to the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland. "I'll be sad to see her go in some ways, but I know she'll be looked after up there and that's what I want," Williams said.

Schools urged to help pupils into employment

A think-tank says too many young people are unemployed because schools and employers are not working together. A New Zealand Institute report says many young people, mainly Maori and Pacific, are leaving school early and not getting work because they are not qualified. New Zealand has a higher proportion of youth unemployment than any other OECD country, with 45% of unemployed people aged 15 to 24. Institute director Rick Boven says schools need to start encouraging pupils to think about work at a younger age and create more opportunities to meet prospective employers. He says making pupils do their work online will keep them interested in learning and at school for longer. That frees teachers to spend more time working with individual students or groups of students that may be having problems with their learning, he says.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Last chance for NZers to view space shuttle

New Zealanders hoping to see the final space shuttle flight can check the Nasa website for times it can be viewed in the sky overhead. The space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to land in Florida on Thursday morning (Thursday evening NZT). WeatherWatch analyst Phil Duncan said the best viewing on Wednesday would be in eastern and inland areas of the country. Clouds forecast for northern parts of New Zealand would hopefully hold off until after the space shuttle passed over our skies, Mr Duncan said. Rain clouds forecast across the country could make viewing the shuttle difficult on Thursday, he said.
NZPA

UK appointee to head education ministry

The Government has appointed a British public servant to lead the Ministry of Education. State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie on Tuesday announced Lesley Longstone will take up the role of Secretary for Education. She will take up the role in November, replacing Karen Sewell, who retires next week. Iain Rennie says Ms Longstone is the director general for infrastructure and funding in England's Department for Education. He says she has 25 years' experience in the education and employment sectors in the UK, Europe and Australia.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

California company nabs promising Kiwi start up

One of New Zealand's most promising software start-ups, Aptimize, has been bought out by a multibillion-dollar United States competitor in a deal likely to be worth tens of millions of dollars. More than 20 of Wellington's technology investors are among those who will share the spoils. Companies Office records show Aptimize, which took out the Cyber Gold prize at the Gold Awards this year, secretly changed hands on Thursday and is now wholly-owned by Californian company Riverbed Technology, which is valued at US$6.1 billion on the New York Stock Exchange. Aptimize makes software that lets companies speed up their websites by consolidating and compressing files so pages are quicker for visitors to download. Customers include Microsoft, Google, Disney and Trade Me.
Source: Fairfax

Immigration change set to beckon religious workers

PAUL EASTON
There are hopes that changes to immigration policy will help address a shortage of priests, rabbis, pastors and monks. Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman will today announce new rules making it easier for religious workers to stay in the country. An updated temporary visa for religious workers will be brought in under the changes. The visa will allow a person to stay for up to four years, after which they can apply for residency. "This new policy provides a path to residency for religious worker," Dr Coleman said. The changes came after public consultation, with 71 submissions received from the Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, and Hare Krishna faiths. A shortage of workers was reported across a wide range of religions.
The Dominion Post

PM still plans to bring SAS home in March

By Lesley Deverall - NewstalkZB
The fact our SAS troops have been involved in yet another insurgent attack in Kabul will not change the date they come home. Our special forces were forced into an operational role in an attack yesterday after an attack today which saw a key advisor to president Harmad Karzai killed. No Kiwis were injured. The Prime Minister plans to bring our forces home by the end of March 2012. He says while a final decision hasn't been made, it doesn't look like that'll change.
By Katie Bradford-Crozier

Solomons to set up three more foreign missions

Solomon Islands is setting up three new overseas missions in Switzerland, Cuba and New Zealand. The Government says the establishment of new missions is an important strategic move for future development. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is confident the Havana and Geneva missions will be fully operational by the end of the year, it is still not clear when the New Zealand Mission will be established.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Canterbury school children en route to Auckland

By Nicola Grigg
Planes carrying nearly 300 Canterbury school children begin arriving in Auckland today. The children are taking part in the first of a series of 'Break From the Quake' school camps, organised by charity group, Youth Town. At least 500 10 to 17-year-olds will take part in camps at Tongariro, Great Barrier Island and Auckland city throughout the July school holidays - all free of charge. The children will today take part in a special ceremony aboard the Spirit of New Zealand. They'll sail out to the Harbour Bridge and place 181 flowers in the water to remember those who lost their lives in the February 22nd earthquake.

Waistlines, crowds grow at New Zealand Culinary Fare

Waistlines are not the only thing expanding with record crowds attending this year's New Zealand Culinary Fare. The event, which is the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, has seen 1200 people attend each day of the three-day festival. The event is not just for chefs - with baristas, bar staff and margarine sculptors working hard to impress the judges. The gold award this year for cake decoration went to a cake entitled The Enchanted Castle.
Source: ONE News

Big burger chain to open in NZ

Another American burger chain will open to the New Zealand public tomorrow. Carl's Jr - the fourth largest burger chain in the world - is holding a launch today ahead of the official opening of its first Kiwi restaurant tomorrow in Auckland. Carl's Jr plans to open 25 stores in New Zealand over the next four years, with the first at Takanini. The second restaurant will open in Glen Innes in August.
Source: ONE News

Kids: the light of our lives

Thousands of children lit up Hagley Park on Saturday night to launch New Zealand's biggest annual children's festival, the TV2 KidsFest. About 3000 children took part in the light and flight lantern parade to mark the beginning of the festival, which will include more than 140 events and activities across Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts during the next two weeks. Tickets have sold out to many KidsFest events, but there are still spaces available at a number of others. Free events are being held that do not require tickets.
The Press

Insurance shortfall in cathedral rebuild

Christchurch Cathedral is insured for only 70% of the rebuild cost. Dean Peter Beck said the earthquake-damaged cathedral had been insured for "functional replacement". "That means that we can rebuild. I think it means that it is insured for what they considered to be at the time 70 per cent of the rebuild [cost]," he said. "Everything is up in the air. We are working with the insurers as we look into the future." The February 22 quake cracked pillars, twisted walls, shattered stained glass, collapsed buttresses, fractured masonry and toppled the tower. The rose window in the west wall collapsed in the June aftershocks. An online poll found a majority want the cathedral rebuilt on the same site and in the same style.
Source: Fairfax

Kiwi students making most of Internet access

By Elizabeth Binning
Kiwi teenagers are much better at reading online than their overseas peers - possibly because they have better access to computers at home. Research has found that 96 per cent of New Zealand students aged 15 had a computer at home in 2009. That's up from 79 per cent in 2000 and slightly more than the OECD average of 94 per cent. Ninety-two per cent also had the internet at home compared with the OECD average of 89 per cent. The findings come from the Programme for International Student Assessment study, which looks at how well countries are preparing their 15-year-old students to meet real-life opportunities and challenges. Part of the study looked at how children do in reading, both in the traditional print form and on the computer.

New Zealand hands over to Afghan cops

Afghanistan began the transition to control of its own security amid secrecy yesterday, a reminder of how volatile the country is even as Nato troops begin to withdraw. Ministers flew to central Bamiyan province for a ceremony that was not announced in advance. Security sources said there were serious fears of Taleban attacks. A spokesman for the Bamiyan provincial governor said a ceremony to mark the Afghan police taking the lead from New Zealand troops began around 9am (4.30pm NZT).
Copyright 2011, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Squid boosts Te Papa website

Te Papa's (National Museum) online presence has had a major boost thanks to a squid. The museum's statement of intent shows that visits to its website shot up dramatically in 2008 and 2009, far ahead of forecasts. The boost's being put down to Te Papa's acquisition of a giant squid back in 2007, the first adult of its species to ever be landed. Museum records show that since getting the animal Te Papa's website has been getting around two million or more hits every year, more than double the traffic it had four years ago. Management says it's due to the international interest the exhibit gained.
By Felix Marwick

Napier-Taupo highway blocked by slips

Two large slips blocked the Napier-Taupo highway on Sunday night. Police Central Communications says earth moving equipment is still on the way to the scene, near Te Haroto. Police say work to clear the road is expected to continue all night.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Union says action will disrupt Fiji holiday plans

The Australian Transport Workers Union says holiday-makers heading to Fiji can expect disruption unless a decree which removes Fijian workers rights is withdrawn. The union says a draft decree issued by the Fiji government in May smashes workers rights and it is threatening industrial action. The union's national secretary Tony Sheldon says workers will refuse to load or unload planes and won't re-fuel planes operated by Qantas, Air Pacific and Jetstar which are flying to and from Fiji. He says anyone who is flying to Fiji is propping up the military regime through tourism and should cancel their trips and consider their obligations as Pacific residents. Mr Sheldon says the Transport Workers Union will be talking with unions in New Zealand shortly and expects workers in this country will be as outraged as his members.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rugby - Samoa stuns Australia in Sydney

Samoa dealt Australia a reality check eight weeks out from the Rugby World Cup with a stunning 32-23 upset victory over the Wallabies in Sydney. Samoa out-scored Australia three tries to two to post their first-ever win over the Wallabies in front of almost 30,000 shellshocked fans at ANZ Stadium. The embarrassing defeat - which reversed Australia's 74-7 trouncing of Samoa in their last meeting with the Pacific Islanders at the same venue six years ago - is a major setback six days before the Wallabies launch their Tri Nations campaign against world champions South Africa. With Australia falling behind 29-13 in the 55th minute, Deans anxiously threw big guns Will Genia and Kurtley Beale into the action. But it was too little too late, with Samoa holding on for a memorable triumph.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Labour support plummets in latest poll

A shock result in the latest ONE News Colmar Brunton poll shows support for Labour plummeting. Support for the opposition has plunged to a 10-year low, with Labour polling just 27%. National is up to 53% while Labour sheds seven points to 27%. The Greens take some of that vote, bouncing up to 10%, while Act and the Maori Party are both sitting around 3%. New Zealand First (2.4%) would need to double its support to make it back, and the Mana Party (0.5%) and United Future (0.3%) are barely registering. National would have 66 seats in Parilament on these numbers and with four each from the Maori Party and Act they would have a massive majority. Labour (33 seats) doesn't get close even after adding in the Greens (12) and the Mana Party (1).
Source: ONE News

Kiwis voted as most generous people

Kiwis have been rated as some of the most generous people in the world. Along with Australians, New Zealanders top the global giving index, displaying the most charitable behaviour. Not far behind are Ireland and Switzerland, and among the least generous countries are India, China and Greece. Countries were rated according to how much money and time they give to charities. Dennis McKinlay from UNICEF says 25% of kiwis donate to charities that support developing countries. "People feel New Zealand should be part of the world's community, New Zealanders want to play their part," says Mr Mckinlay.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Kiwi thrust into Murdoch hot seat

By BELILNDA MCCAMMON
The New Zealander entrusted by Rupert Murdoch to salvage the fortune and reputation of his media empire has been hailed by former colleagues as a well-liked but driven man who has been part of Murdoch's inner circle for years. Tom Mockridge, 56, was yesterday handed the hardest job in world media. As the new head of News International, his first task is to resurrect the reputation and practices of the tarnished media company. News International's reputation was scuttled when the News of the World was closed after a phone-hacking scandal. Mockridge, a former Taranaki Daily News journalist, was previously chief executive of New Zealand's Independent Newspapers (INL), a Murdoch-owned company which was sold to Fairfax, and was chairman of Sky TV before Murdoch whisked him off to Italy to run Sky Italia. He lives in Italy and is married to an Italian. Mockridge is regarded as one of Murdoch's fix-it men and diplomatic skills honed when he worked for Australian prime minister Paul Keating are considered invaluable.

Young people hold vigils for quake-hit Christchurch

A religious youth group, the National Interfaith Youth Movement, organised vigils in the four main centres on Saturday evening to show solidarity with the people of Christchurch. Young people from a range of faiths and spiritual groups have gathered in churches in the main centres for the special service, which began at 5pm. The co-ordinator of the vigils, Lachlan Mackay, says although the services are an initiative of young people, they were open to people of all ages and all faiths. The Christchurch service was held at the St Michael's and All Angels Church, which is the least damaged church in the city.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Health bosses move to ban smoking from streets

Waikato Hospital wants to ban smokers from lighting up on the road outside its grounds. Since the hospital outlawed smoking on its grounds, people have been using two nearby streets, one of which includes the hospital's entrance. Waikato District Health Board said it is not a good look for people to be greeted by the sight of smokers close to the hospital. The board has written to Hamilton City Council asking for a ban to be enforced, similar to one in practice in Queensland. Earlier this week it emerged that Auckland District Health Board wants to get tougher on smoking. The board, which employs more than 10,000 people, has instructed a proposal be drawn up that would see prospective health workers who smoke turned away.
Source: ONE News/Newstalk ZB

Perfect ski conditions for the school holidays

By Frances Morton
Wintertime and the skiing is easy - at last. After a long wait for the snow to arrive, crisp, clear days are finally providing perfect ski conditions for the start of the school holidays. About 5000 people hit the slopes on Mt Ruapehu yesterday. Whakapapa got so much snow in recent storms that people were able to ski back to their cars in lower carpark 10. WeatherWatch analyst Philip Duncan said the skiing would be very good for the first week of the holidays.