Newspaper survey finds dismal count of Maori stories

University researchers say a recent survey of 14 suburban newspapers found a dismal story count for Maori issues and the Treaty of Waitangi. Te Roopu Whariki at Massey University says the survey was done throughout Auckland and Northland. Researcher Jenny Rankine says there was less than 3% of Maori coverage throughout the newspapers. She says Maori represent more than 10% of the population and should expect at least 10% coverage.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Cancer researchers gets $3m funding boost

Nearly $3 million is being pumped into three cancer research projects. Two of the studies are being led by Auckland University teams, with one receiving $1 million to look at patient outcomes from colorectal cancer, and the other $900,000 to look at prostate cancer screening programmes. Massey University researchers have been given a $800,000 grant to look at more efficient palliative care for cancer patients. Health Minister Tony Ryall said the research would provide information about the incidence and impact of particular cancers in New Zealand, and would give an idea of how health professionals at every level were working together to deliver treatment.
- APNZ

Christmas stamps on sale this week

This season's Christmas stamps will go on sale on Wednesday. The stamps will feature the baby Jesus in his manger, an angel appearing before shepherds, Mary and Joseph with their infant son, shepherds cradling the baby Jesus, and the Three Wise Men holding the infant. Two First Day Covers will feature the stamps on specially printed envelopes with colourful stained-glass designs.
- APNZ

Muslim 'terrorist Barbie' comments slammed

By Matthew Backhouse
A Radio New Zealand host's reference to a "suicide bomber Barbie" doll for the Muslim market has been labelled hateful and divisive. The comment was made by host Paul Brennan while standing in on Jim Mora's regular afternoon show last Thursday. Brennan had been discussing niche Barbie doll products for adult collectors when panelist John Bishop said there was "a huge market in the Muslim world" and asked why there couldn't be "a terrorist Barbie". Brennan then suggested a "suicide bomber Barbie" that came with a little belt. Radio New Zealand has cautioned the presenters about inappropriate remarks after receiving 13 formal complaints over the exchange.
- APNZ

Student loan debt tops $12 billion

The student loan debt mountain shows no sign of shrinking with borrowers owing $12.1 billion, a report says. Since the loan scheme began in 1992, a total of $15.5 billion has been borrowed; $7.1 billion has been collected in loan repayments; and more than 306,000 loans have been repaid in full. The median repayment time for those who finished study in 2006 is expected to be 6.7 years.
NZN

NZ regions in Lonely Planet's top 10

The Lonely Planet has named Southern Lakes and Queenstown in its top 10 must visit destinations. Queenstown and Southern Lakes is ranked eighth in the book's list of top 10 regions for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery. The region is the only New Zealand one to feature in the new book. An exert from the book read: "There isn't a bad time to turn up in the world's top adventure playground. "There're nonstop outdoor activities year-round in the resort towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau, as well as the surrounding mountains, lakes and parks& Where else can you ski in the morning and golf or water ski in the afternoon? "Add excellent wineries and superb restaurants and what more is there to say?"
Source: ONE News

Planes fly again between Christchurch and Tokyo

Air New Zealand is resuming direct flights between Tokyo and Christchurch on Monday. The airline says a flight from Japan will be the first between the two cities since the earthquake on 22 February. Air New Zealand will operate three services a week direct from Tokyo to Christchurch as part of its annual summer service. The service will also include flights from Auckland to Tokyo and Osaka and charter services to other Japanese cities.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Libya looks to rugby to help fighters readjust

Fans of rugby in Libya are hoping the game will help integrate back into society young men fresh from the conflict between the former government and rebels. Rugby was discouraged under Muammar Gaddafi's regime because it was seen as being unduly rough. The sport also had a large fan base in Libya's second city of Benghazi, which was neglected by the Gaddafi administration. Proponents of the code say its intense teamwork and emphasis on fair play could help former fighters readjust to everyday life. French and British oil workers introduced rugby to Libyans in the 1970s but the country's first official tournament was held only in 2008.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Holst's 100th book being published

By Bruce Russell - NewstalkZB
Well-known cook Dame Alison Holst will have her 100th book published in November, but it inot a recipe book this time. It is her memoir. Dame Alison says the 100th book seemed a milestone that would be good to celebrate. The publisher says it is a slice of New Zealand's social history. Dame Alison starts a promotional tour for the new book in Southland on Tuesday. The memoir is called A Home-grown Cook: The Dame Alison Holst Story.

Air NZ puts on more flights to help Qantas passengers

Air New Zealand will be putting on extra flights across the Tasman to help clear the backlog of travellers caught in an industrial dispute that has grounded the entire Qantas fleet. Qantas announced the cancellations on Saturday evening, in preparation for a lockout of all union members at 8pm on Monday. So far, at least 80,000 domestic and international passengers have been affected with 447 flights cancelled. Bruce Parton, from Air New Zealand, says they will supply more trans Tasman seats while the dispute continues. Qantas is locking out pilots, engineers and baggage handlers until their unions drop what it says are impossible demands over pay and conditions.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Netball - Diamonds snatch Constellation Cup

Australia has retained netball's trans-Tasman Constellation Cup with a 44-41 victory over New Zealand in the series decider in Melbourne. The Silver Ferns again leapt out of the blocks in the fifth Test, leading 12-6 after the first quarter at the sold-out Hisense Arena and staying ahead 22-16 at half-time. But superior shooting by the Diamonds saw the scores all tied up with two minutes left in the third quarter. Then the home side took the lead with 58 seconds left, and were ahead 33-31 heading into the final quarter. The Ferns again drew level but some crucial turnovers in the last few minutes cost the visitors.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Cold temperatures behind bigger ozone hole

The hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica and New Zealand this year is the ninth largest on record. Scientists at NASA and the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say the hole is particularly large at the moment because unusually cold temperatures in the stratosphere have caused the man-made chemicals which destroy ozone to work more efficiently. They say the hole reached its annual peak in September with an area of more than 26 million square kilometres.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Thousands line up for marathon

More than 15,000 people have lined up for the Auckland Marathon. The event's popularity continues to grow, with a record number of entrants snapping up all the places in just five weeks. There are four distances: the 42.2 kilometre full marathon, the 21.09 kilometre half marathon, the 10.55 kilometre quarter marathon and the 5 kilometre walk. There will be several road closures on the North Shore and in the city this morning.
Source: Newstalk ZB

Voters send government clear signal on asset sales

By NEIL REID AND LOIS CAIRNS
Labour has welcomed the results of a new poll that highlights growing opposition to the government's plans to sell state assets. The Research New Zealand poll found only 14% of respondents supported the policy, and 52% strongly opposed it. This year Prime Minister John Key said National would campaign on the partial sale of the three big energy generators and coal company Solid Energy as part of its bid to pay down debt a year earlier. National expects to raise $5 billion-$7 billion from the partial sale of assets, including power companies and a stake in Air New Zealand. One of Labour's pre-election pledges is that there would be no asset sales. Finance spokesman David Cunliffe says the poll – which surveyed more than 1200 voters – vindicated the party's stand.

Qantas grounding disrupts thousands of travellers

The travel plans of at least 80,000 Qantas passengers worldwide have been thrown into chaos with the grounding of the airline's fleet of planes. Qantas is locking out pilots, engineers and baggage handlers until their unions drop what it says are impossible demands over pay and conditions. Flights were stopped on Saturday night in preparation for the lockout from 8pm (AEST) Monday. Trans Tasman Qantas flights are continuing as normal because they are operated by a subsidiary and Jetstar flights in New Zealand are also unaffected. An industrial tribunal heard submissions through the night after the Australian Government requested an order to terminate all industrial action. Air New Zealand says it is looking at whether it can put on more planes. It says Virgin Airlines is also investigating whether Air New Zealand could take over some of its trans Tasman flights to free up Virgin planes to fly extra domestic routes in Australia.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Australians killed in Afghanistan

Thirteen American citizens and three Australian soldiers have been killed in attacks in Afghanistan. The Australians died when a man in Afghan army uniform turned his gun on them during a routine morning parade in Kandahar province. About the same time, a suicide bomber set off a device in Kabul targeting a bus carrying American soldiers. The massive explosion was heard across the capital. Five International Security Assistance Force soldiers and eight civilian staff, all from the United States, were killed. The suicide attack also killed at least three Afghan civilians and a police officer, the BBC reports. The Australians who died in the Kandahar attack were involved in mentoring Afghan forces in the south of the country, according to the ABC.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Entire Qantas fleet grounded

In Australia the entire Qantas fleet has been grounded. Chief executive Alan Joyce says demands from three unions representing engineers, pilots, and transport workers, over a period of time have brought the airline to this decision, and he says it's not just over pay but over unions telling Qantas how to run its business. Mr Joyce says Qantas is bleeding money and customers both internally and internationally. He says the company is losing $15 million a week. Many workers are smarting over a decision at the Qantas agm on Thursday to pay the chief executive a 71 percent salary raise.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Whooping-cough outbreak besets West Coast

The incidence of pertussis or whooping cough is rising on the already hard-hit West Coast. Since May there have been 250 notifications of suspected whooping cough, and in the past week the number of confirmed cases has risen from 110 to 130. Three people have been taken to hospital. The West Coast Medical Officer of Health, Cheryl Brunton, says her area has New Zealand's worst incidence of the disease, but there have also been problems in Nelson-Marlborough, Canterbury and Hawke's Bay. Dr Brunton says it is important for people to get vaccinated and to make sure boosters are taken, as immunity can wane.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Elections 2011 - New blood tops Maori Party list

By Jacqui Stanford - NewstalkZB
With its co-leaders planning to stand down before the 2014 election, the Maori Party has placed new blood at the top of its list. Co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples are in seventh and eighth places respectively. They are both current electorate MPs. Actor and journalist Waihorai Shortland is in the top spot, followed by policy researcher and political commentator Kaapua Smith. Trust CEOs Wheturangi Walsh-Tapiata and Tina Porou are next, followed by lecturer Awanui Black and lawyer Davina Murray. Te Tai Tonga MP Rahui Katene does not have a list spot, while another electorate MP Te Ururoa Flavell is at number nine. Maori Party President Pem Bird says the list reflects the high priority it places on the next generation taking it forward.

Lebanese community celebrates time in Dunedin

The Lebanese community in Dunedin is gifting a feature to the city's botanic gardens as a memorial to its century-long presence in the city. About 350 people from all around the world are in Dunedin this weekend for the commemorations. They will gift a cedar tree, a seat made of cedarwood and an 800-kilogram bronze cone to a newly constructed Mediterranean garden. The president of the Cedars of Lebanon Club, Richard Joseph, says the gathering is to honour their forebears who first emigrated to New Zealand in the early 1900s.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Sunken submarine liekly to be Japanese

The Australian Defence Department says a marine wreck found off the Papua New Guinea coast is likely to be a World War II Japanese submarine. Underwater images show the wreck 55 metres below the surface in Simpson Harbour, partially buried in the harbour floor, but upright. Imagery obtained by HMAS Gascoyne has been examined by Royal Australian Navy history personnel, who concluded the wreck was a Japanese submarine. The Navy will work with Japanese authorities to assist in determining the wreck's identity. The ABC reports Rabaul was the site of fierce fighting during World War II. It was Japan's key naval base for the south-western Pacific from 1942.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

$250,000 from NZ for quake aid in Turkey

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says New Zealand will contribute $250,000 to help victims of Turkey's earthquake. The money will help the Turkish Red Cresent provide shelter and essential supplies for those left homeless and injured by the magnitude 7.2 quake on Sunday. The official death toll is 570, with 2500 people injured. Mr McCully says the New Zealand Government will keep in contact with the Turkish authorities to see if other assistance can be provided.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Robots allow cows to milk themselves

Robots are being used to milk a herd of cows in Canterbury and the farmer who owns them says they are much healthier. Farmer and businessman Ryan Carr of Mayfield has four robots on his farm, which allow the cows to decide when they want to be milked. Mr Carr told Country Life that the robotic system also means cows can eat and move at their own pace. He says that's doing wonders for their health and they have a longer life expectancy. Farm production has also improved and is 4% ahead of this time last year.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Work on oyster aquaculture wins top award

A New Zealand scientist is one of only 15 women around the world to win an international award, which has been given to her for her work on oyster aquaculture. Zoe Hilton has won a UNESCO-L'Oreal International Fellowship for Young Women in the Life Sciences. Dr Hilton, from the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, will join a research centre in Spain as part of the fellowship prize.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Royal succession rules changed

Commonwealth leaders have agreed to drop the royal succession rules that give males precedence as heir to the throne. The agreement came on the opening day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Australia, presided over by the Queen. The 16 Commonwealth countries unanimously agreed to the changes put forward by British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has called the rules of succession outdated. The rule barring anyone in line for the Crown from marrying a Catholic will also be dropped.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Navy joins another anti-piracy taskforce

The Royal New Zealand Navy will take part in an anti-piracy combined taskforce for the second time this year. Five sailors will join the Combined Task Force 150 to conduct maritime security operations across 3.2 million square kilometres of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. The Australian Defence Force will command the international coalition force; Captain Lance Cook of the RNZN will be his deputy. A three-person boat crew will join the Australian frigate HMAS Melbourne early next year for a six-month deployment.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

More volunteers needed for beach clean up

More volunteers are needed to help clean up oiled beaches in the Tauranga area. The container ship Rena has been grounded on the Astrolabe Reef for over three weeks. Volunteer coordinator Pim de Monchy says clean up efforts are taking place today at Matakana Island, Papamoa, Tay Street Beach and Maketu Surf Club. However, he says more volunteers are still needed. Mr de Monchy is encouraging locals and people from further afield to register and come down and help over the weekend.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

More water being shipped to Tuvalu

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs says a Fiji cargo ship, carrying 450,000 litres of fresh water, is scheduled to sail to Tuvalu on Friday. The ship is expected to arrive in Funafuti late in the weekend or early next week. Meanwhile, a large desalination unit in Tuvalu, which can produce 40,000 litres of water per day, has been shut down for repair. Spare parts for the unit have arrived from Japan. With the support of a number of desalination units, the ministry estimates more than 1.5 million litres of water is now stored in government and council water tanks in Funafuti.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rotorua chip shop crowned king of chips

A Rotorua chip shop's been crowned king of the fryers. Oppies Takeaways has been named the country's top chip shop. It shone in areas from customer service through to using rice bran oil and sticking to industry standards. Last year it won the regional title. Competition organisers say the shop is an institution in Rotorua and its commitment to excellence is second to none.
By Alexia Russell

Government issues travel Thailand travel warning

The government's issued a travel warning for Thailand in the wake of severe flooding there. Foreign Affairs is advising New Zealanders against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Bangkok and the 26 provinces of Thailand affected by not just the flooding but disruption to services, and food and water shortages. The central, northern and north-eastern areas are worst affected.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Kingston Flyer back in business

One of the south's best known tourist attractions will be back in business from tomorrow. The Kingston Flyer Steam Train starts its summer season after being locked up in an at times acrimonious ownership dispute for the last couple of years. Kingston Flyer administrator, Diane Simpson, says everyone around the region has been very supportive in getting the boilers fired up and the train running again after the enforced lay up. She says people are coming from as far as Auckland and Australia to ride on tomorrow's first trips of the season.
By Malcolm Gayfer

Queen to open Commonwealth meeting

The Queen will formally open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth on Friday morning. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard will chair the meeting over the next three days. Agenda items include recommendations from an Eminent Persons' Group, a nine-person panel charged with making recommendations to reform the Commonwealth. The panel has suggested the Commonwealth set up a charter of principles and have a commissioner for democracy and human rights.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

World premiere of Hobbit film to be in Wellington

Wellington is to host the world premiere of first Hobbit film in late November next year. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Part One, will then go on general release around the world on 14 December. Director Peter Jackson made the announcement on Friday in Matamata in Waikato, where crews are shooting scenes on the set of Hobbiton.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Christchurch Cathedral to undergo demolition

Christchurch Cathedral is to undergo partial demolition, but Anglican Church officials are hopeful that parts of it can be saved in some form. The cathedral was extensively damaged in the earthquake on 22 February and sustained further damage in a magnitude 6.1 aftershock in June. Bishop Victoria Matthews says further controlled demolition and temporary measures to make the building safe will allow artefacts and heritage items to be removed and stored until decisions are made about a future cathedral.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Another container ship incident at Mt Maunganui

A container ship has hit rocks at Mount Maunganui. Maritime New Zealand says the MV Schelder Trader was leaving the Port of Tauranga with a pilot aboard when it lost power at 10.35am on Friday and hit rocks at the north west end of the Mount. The agency says the vessel has not run aground and is now safely and securely at anchor in Tauranga harbour. There are no reports of injury to the crew nor damage to the vessel. Port of Tauranga says no oil leaked from the vessel.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

One in seven billion - what's your number?

The world's seven billionth person will be born on October the 31st, but what number are you? Now you can find out online. Plug your birth date into the web site whats-your-number.org to see where you sit on the graph. The site gives you a point on a steeply accelerating graph that tells you how many people were on the planet when you arrived on it.
By Alexia Russell

Chch no longer second biggest city

Christchurch can no longer officially be called New Zealand's second biggest city. Latest figures show more than 10,000 people left the city in the year to June. Although 1,700 arrived, the net loss of population is still almost 9,000 and represents a 2.4 percent reduction. Statistician Kim Dunstan says that means urban Wellington now has a bigger population than urban Christchurch. However he says the Christchurch City Council is still the second biggest in the country as Wellington is governed by a number of local authorities.
By Newstalk ZB staff

NZ rugby opens first overseas office - in France

The New Zealand Rugby Union is opening its first overseas office - in Paris. Chief executive Steve Tew says the office, to be opened by the end of the year, will focus on gaining sponsorship for the All Blacks. He says France is the biggest market for the All Blacks outside New Zealand. The office is a joint venture with the Avenport Investment Group, which recently helped the NZRU raise $90,000 for the Canterbury earthquake appeal fund through an auction in Paris of rugby memorabilia.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Mono Island in Solomons remembers WW2 battle alongside New Zealanders

The tiny community on Mono in Solomon Islands has today been commemorating a landmark battle of the Second World War. The fight to take the island from the Japanese left almost 200 New Zealand soldiers dead and wounded and it is still remembered annually by the locals. This year the New Zealand naval vessel, HMNZS Resolution, is there for commemorations with the 15 hundred strong community. Lieutenant Commander Matt Wray says the battle was significant and has bound the two countries together.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

PSIS becomes bank, changes name

PSIS Ltd became New Zealand's 21st registered bank on Wednesday and has changed its name to the Co-operative Bank. The bank, which is owned by its 127,000 customers, spent two years and about $2 million applying for banking registration and testing its new branding. It is looking to personal insurance and small-business banking to grow its market share. The bank has less than 1% market share and growth will probably come from customers moving from Australian-owned banks.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Venus to star at ASB Classic

Venus Williams will grace the Auckland women's tennis Classic in January as the tournament's marquee player. The 31-year-old American former world No.1 and seven-time Grand Slam winner is expected to make her competitive return to the game in December. Former world No.1 and glamour girl Maria Sharapova was the star billing this year in Auckland.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Warning after seal spotted in Auckland suburb

A rare visit from a seal normally only seen in the Antarctic prompted safety warnings for beachgoers in an upmarket Auckland suburb yesterday. A leopard seal about 2m long was spotted on a sea wall at Home Bay, near Herne Bay. Soon after the sighting was reported, the Department of Conservation issued a safety warning, urging people to keep their distance. "Leopard seals are bigger and more aggressive than New Zealand fur seals and we are warning the public to ensure they stay safe by keeping well away from any seals they see in the Auckland area."
Copyright 2011, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Customs delays at airports in Australia

International passengers are being warned to expect delays on Thursday as Customs officers strike at airports around the country. Customs officers at Sydney, Perth and Melbourne airports walked off the job at midnight for 24 hours over a wage dispute. Customs says air and sea passengers should allow extra time to clear border checks.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Labasa hospital in Fiji welcomes recruitment of Filipino doctors

The medical superintendent of Labasa hospital in Fiji has welcomed the health ministry’s announcement that a number of top-level medical specialists from the Philippines will be recruited to work in the hospital next year. Dr Jaoji Vulibeci says many Fijian doctors have left their jobs at the hospital to work in private practice, which pays better, or they have simply retired. Dr Vulibeci says the international doctors are expected to start work at Labasa hospital in January, on a three-year contract.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Netball - NZ coach pleased with Latu despite loss

The New Zealand netball coach Wai Taumaunu says her players need to harden up when the heats on following last night’s 51-44 loss to Australia in Adelaide. The hosts levelled the trans-Tasman series at two games all despite trailing the Silver Ferns for much of the match. Former Samoa international Cathrine Latu played the full 60 minutes at goal shoot, finishing with 27 goals from 31 attempts. Taumaunu says she doesn’t regret not sending Irene van Dyk on for the decisive final quarter, which Australia won 15-8, and says the team needs to improve ahead of Sunday’s series decider.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Moriori research gets funding

New research may settle a long debate over the origins of the Moriori, the first people on the Chatham Islands. Moriori say they travelled directly from eastern Polynesia to the Chathams about 1,000 years ago, and one of the ancestors sailed on to the mainland. Archaeologists suggests they arrived later in the fifteenth century. The Marsden Fund is providing $830,000 to support a new study of both archaeological and ancient DNA evidence. The new research may point to dates of arrival and where his people actually originated from.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Tokelau lifts state of emergency as drought ends

Tokelau has lifted a state of emergency after its first substantial rainfall in almost six months. The prolonged drought came to a head in the last month with critical water shortages across Tokelau's three atolls. New Zealand assistance provided three desalination plants in Tokelau, easing immediate concerns. The Apia-based administrator for the Tokelau government, Jo Suveinakama, says while rainfall over the past few days is very welcome, the atolls must be prepared for future shortages.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

NZ Rugby Union rules out Gatland and Deans from All Blacks job

The New Zealand rugby union chief executive Steve Tew has effectively ruled out poaching Warren Gatland from Wales or Robbie Deans from Australia to be the next All Blacks coach. With incumbent All Blacks coach Graham Henry expected to announce his retirement in the near future the NZRU has begun sending out letters to potential candidates outlining the requirements of the job. The All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen is Henry's likely successor, with Gatland contracted to Wales through until the end of the 2015 World Cup while Deans is contracted to Australia until the end of 2013. Tew says they don't want to get involved in the untidy situation of buying people of out contracts.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Turkey asks NZ for help in quake

The Prime Minister's office has confirmed it has now received a request for help from Turkey, following its devastating earthquake. It says the Government is currently working out the best way to provide assistance, and to make sure it arrives in Turkey as fast as possible. John Key said earlier on Wednesday New Zealand had offered a search team and although Turkey had not yet taken up the offer, the team was on standby. At least 459 people died in the magnitude 7.2 quake.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Happy Feet sculpture for the Kapiti Coast

The veterinary nurse who helped treat Happy Feet has been called in to ensure a sculpture of the emperor penguin is accurate. The tribute is being created by Sue Dorrington from Human Dynamo - which makes models for film, TV and museums - with the help of Wellington Zoo vet Sarah Holleman. "It was tricky getting just the right dimensions as his shape changed quite dramatically during his eight-week-long stay at Wellington Zoo," Ms Dorrington said. The sculpture is due to be unveiled at the Coastlands mall on the Kapiti Coast on November 5.
Copyright 2011, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Rugby World Cup final most watched TV event ever

Nearly half the New Zealand population tuned in to watch the Rugby World Cup final, making it the most watched television event ever. Figures from Nielson showed just more than two million people tuned in to watch the match between New Zealand and France. Rugby World Cup matches also took up the next top spots on the list. The All Blacks-Australia game came in second, fetching around 10,000 fewer viewers than the final. The opening match between the All Blacks and Tonga took the third spot, surpassing the 2000 boxing bout between David Tua and Lennox Lewis.
Source: ONE News

Foreign minister going to CHOGM

Foreign Minister Murray McCully will stand in for Prime Minister John Key at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth this week. Mr McCully was leaving for Australia on Tuesday to attend the Foreign Ministers' meetings, before representing the Prime Minister at the Leaders' meetings. He will brief Commonwealth Leaders on the outcome of the recent Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Auckland. The Commonwealth meeting is one of three international gatherings Mr Key will not attend because of the election campaign. In November, Deputy Prime Minister, Bill English will represent New Zealand at an APEC leaders' meeting in Hawaii, and Mr McCully will attend an ASEAN meeting in Bali.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Aviaries built for rescued penguins

Builders are racing to finish aviaries for the long-term care of hundreds of little blue penguins rescued following the oil spill from the cargo ship Rena. They aim to finish three out of 10 aviaries on Tuesday for some of the 379 live birds in the care of the Wildlife Response Centre at Mt Maunganui. The 379 captured birds including 60 New Zealand dotterels, one shearwater, one tern, three pied shags and 314 little blue penguins. Nearly 1400 birds have been found dead since the Rena ran aground off the Tauranga coast on October 5 and spilled about 350 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the ocean. The aviaries are designed to house the penguins more comfortably long term, and each has an indoor pool and communal areas for the birds to preen, feed and swim.
NZN

Ellerslie Flower Show to return to Christchurch

The Ellerslie Flower show is to return to Christchurch in March 2012. The 2011 show was due to take place just two weeks after the 22 February quake and had to be cancelled. The marquees for the show ended up being used for emergency accommodation and the plants that would have been displayed during the show were used at the national memorial service for victims of the quake. Thousands of people gave their refunded ticket money to the Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, with donations reaching almost $60,000. Tickets for the March show go on sale on 1 November.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Treasury expects economy to grow

The Treasury expects the economy to grow on average nearly 3% a year to March 2016. The prediction comes in its pre-election economic and fiscal update, which also sees the unemployment rate dropping to 4.7% by 2016 and the government's books returning to surplus in the year ending 30 June 2015. The Treasury warns, however, that its forecast is dependent on European governments dealing with the Eurozone debt crisis and stabilising financial markets.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Gov-Gen pays respects to Saudi Arabia Crown Prince

Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae has left for Saudi Arabia to pay condolences to the Saudi Royal Family on the death of the Crown Prince. It means the usual election proceedings have been interrupted, he was due to sign the writ tomorrow that formally kicks off the election campaign. Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias will instead do that. The Crown Prince's funeral takes place today. It's the first visit by a New Zealand Governor-General to Saudi Arabia.
By Katie Bradford-Crozier

26% of young voters yet to sign up as roll hits 3m for first time

By Simon Collins
More than a quarter of young potential voters have not enrolled, and the printed rolls for next month's election close tomorrow. The Electoral Enrolment Centre says only 73.4 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 and eligible to vote were enrolled by October 14, down from 76 per cent at the same stage before the last election in 2008. Enrolment is still possible right up to election day, November 26. But voters who do not enrol by tomorrow will not have their names on the printed rolls, will not get EasyVote cards and information packs in the mail before the election, and will have to cast votes by special declaration.

All Blacks named rugby's team of year

The All Blacks have continued their winning streak taking out the team of the year at the International Rugby Board awards. Coach Graham Henry was named coach of the year for a record fifth time in Auckland on Monday night. However, the three All Blacks in the running for player of the year were pipped for the big prize which went to French Captain Thierry Dusatoir. Dusatoir had been named man of the match in the nail biting final on Sunday night. Former chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union Jock Hobbs was given a special award from the IRB for his services to the game. Mr Hobbs, a former All Black captain, stepped down from his role as chairman of the NZRU last year because he is suffering from leukaemia. He was awarded the Vernon Pugh Award for distinguished service.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Key passes on condolences to Turkey

Prime Minister John Key has extended the condolences of New Zealand to Turkey following the devastating earthquake in Van Province. 138 people are confirmed dead from the 7.2 magnitude quake with more than three hundred injured. Mr Key says New Zealand knows all to well the suffering and destruction major earthquakes can cause. He says New Zealand stands ready to assist Turkey as it moves to recover from this event.
By Lawrence Hakiwai

Increased cyclone activity predicted for the western areas of southwest Pacific

A senior climatologist at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology says there’s a good chance the west of the southwest Pacifc will experience more cyclones this summer. Dr Andrew Watkins says the weak La Nina weather pattern has created a situation where there is a 65 percent higher likelihood of cyclones in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. Dr Watkins says in more eastern areas such as Samoa, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Tonga there’s only a 40 percent of chance of greater than average cyclone activity.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Thousands pack Auckland CBD for victory parade

Huge crowds have gathered on Auckland's Queen St ahead of a victory parade to celebrate the All Blacks' nail-biting win against France last night. Organisers estimate around 250,000 are already lining the streets to cheer on the Rugby World Cup champions. On Tuesday the All Blacks will take the celebration to Christchurch with a parade finishing at Hagley Park. On Wednesday the team will be in Wellington for a third victory parade.
Source: ONE Sport

Queen, PM congratulate All Blacks

Accolades for the All Blacks have also arrived from dignitaries and politicians, who wholeheartedly praised the team's efforts. Queen Elizabeth II, currently touring Australia, sent her congratulations. "The Queen congratulates New Zealand on their victory in the Rugby World Cup final and sends her warm wishes to the team for their excellent performances," said a spokesman for her Buckingham Palace office in London. Prime Minister John Key, who was present at the World Cup ceremony after the match, said the All Blacks had achieved a "superb victory". "It is an achievement built on courage, determination, grit and great teamwork," he said."
- Stuff

All Blacks lift first Rugby World Cup for 24 years

All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino erupts after the ball goes out at the end.PHOTO: AFP

New Zealand ended their Rugby World Cup hoodoo by beating France in a nerve-shredding final at Eden Park, by 8-7 on Sunday night. It was the first title for the All Blacks since the inuagural tournament, also held in New Zealand, in 1987. The dramatic win sparked jubilation on the pitch with Richie McCaw showing raw emotion in the post-match interview while thousands of fans in the stadium went wild and tens of thousands in fanzones in the main centres began what is likely to be a long party. It was tense right until the last few seconds as the French played extremely well for the last half hour, but stern defending from the All Blacks was decisive in holding off their Gallic rivals. The score was the lowest in Rugby World Cup final history. A try from veteran Tony Woodcock after 15 minutes was New Zealand's only one throughout the 80 minutes with Stephen Donald, who came on for the injured Aaron Cruden, adding a penalty in the second-half. Courageous French captain Thierry Dusautoir scored for France and a conversion pulled the erratic French back to just 8-7 with 30 minutes remaining. New Zealand held a 5-0 lead at half-time with Woodcock's try separating the sides. It was a very different match from when the two sides met last month in a pool match, the All Blacks coming up trumps, 37-17. On the back of that win, and those over Argentina and Australia in the knock-out stages, the All Blacks were overwhelming favourites.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Netball - Silver Ferns down Diamonds in Perth nail-biter

New Zealand recovered from two goals down in the final quarter to defeat Australia 49-48 in a thrilling match at Perth's Burswood Dome tonight. Up by as many as 10 goals, the Ferns got the fright of their lives as Australia turned a match that looked gone into an absolute nail-biter. New Zealand 49 (Irene van Dyk 27/29, Maria Tutaia 22/30) Australia 48 (Cath Cox 14/23, Natalie Medhurst 15/20, Caitlin Bassett 19/21). HT: 28-22. The the next game is in Adelaide on Wednesday.
- Stuff

Auckland buzzing ahead of 2011 Rugby World Cup final between All Blacks and France

Crowds are building in Auckland for the biggest event of the year and a much-anticipated victory for the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final. Tens of thousands are expected to turn out to the central city's fan zones and at least half the country will be watching the game on television on Sunday night, when the tournament favourites New Zealand take on their bogey team France. Nine hours before the 9pm kickoff thousands were already streaming into the fan zones. The weather forecast for the game is good, as the home team seeks its first victory in the tournament final since 1987. The 60,000-seat Eden Park stadium is sold out. WeatherWatch.co.nz says weather conditions look ideal for the match, a very low chance of a drizzle patch or light shower. "Any precipitation is unlikely to be enough to wet the ground but could wet the grass enough to make the ball slippery," said head weather analyst Philip Duncan. Winds will be light and temperature at kickoff will be around 14degC.
NZN

Child support overhaul

By Leigh van der Stoep
An overhaul of child-support payments will reduce the cost for part-time parents who spend just 28 per cent of the time with their children - two nights a week. Revenue Minister Peter Dunne, who announced the changes, said they would recognise parents as "shared carers" of children if they had the child for 28 per cent of the nights down from 40 and would give greater consideration of both parents' incomes when determining payments. Other proposed changes include money being deducted automatically from parents' pay packets and relaxing penalties for non-payment.

Kiwi is new Britain NHS boss

By Kathryn Powley
A New Zealander has been appointed to oversee Britain's National Health Service with a $200 billion budget. Professor Malcolm Grant, who was born in Oamaru and graduated from the University of Otago Law School, has been named chair of the National Health Service's commissioning board, a new organisation responsible for dishing out the British Government's health budget. Grant, 63, has lived in the UK for about 40 years. He graduated from university in 1970, gained his master's degree there in 1973 and has been working in academia in Britain since 1972, including as Provost at University College London, a job he's held since 2003 and would retain. According to the Economist, the NHS is the world's seventh biggest employer after organisations such as the US defence department, the Chinese Army and McDonald's.

5,000 expected at Wine and Food festival

Five thousand people are expected at the annual Gisborne Wine and Food festival today. It begins at midday, one of many build-ups around the country ahead of the Rugby World Cup final. Waiohika Estate on the outskirts of the city is the venue, and around 20 wineries will be showcasing their wares. There's entertainment from Fat Freddy's Drop and master classes in cooking seafood. The event is already sold out.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Call to label source of seafood

Researchers at Auckland University's business school are calling for mandatory country of origin labelling for seafood. They argue that a government investigation into the abuse of crew members on foreign deep sea charter vessels means the vessels' catch can not be claimed as a New Zealand product. The ministerial inquiry is looking into the use of foreign flagged ships operating in New Zealand's exclusive economic zone.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Crane vessel picking up lost containers from Rena

A crane vessel is retrieving some of the containers lost from the cargo ship Rena, from the sea floor off Mt Manganui. Maritime New Zealand says the Pancaldo, will move to different sites where containers have been identified as resting. Eighty-eight containers were lost overboard, and as of Friday 29 were missing and only five had been recovered. The ship has been stranded off the coast of Tauranga since 5 October when it ran aground on Astrolabe Reef.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Auckland uni professor: Iraq withdrawal has implications for Afghanistan

Auckland university foreign affairs professor Steven Hoadley believes US President Barack Obama's move to withdraw all troops from Iraq shows the situation has been stabilised. He says the development has positive implications for order in Afghanistan. “This will encourage the New Zealand government and the US government to stay in Afghanistan at least for the promised period until 2014 and not make a premature exit.” Dr Hoadley hopes the Afghan government will be able to take control of its country, just as the Iraqi government has done.
RadioLIVE

Kapiti airport opens

By Joe Gilfillan - NewstalkZB
It has been a long time coming, but Kapiti Airport is officially opening this holiday weekend. The opening ceremony takes place on Monday, with members of the public welcome to attend. From Tuesday, 18 return services per week will operate from Paraparaumu to Auckland on Air New Zealand's subsidiary Air Nelson

NZ police officers enjoy the sun

By Tim DOWER - NewstalkZB
A few days in the sun for some New Zealand police officers. A contingent is flying to Perth to help with security at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. They'll be part of a 700-strong team in the city, aiming to keep troublemakers at bay.

Navy ship captures image of Japanese fighter plane

A New Zealand Navy hydrographic ship has captured 3D sonar imagery of an apparently intact Japanese Zero fighter from World War II in Papua New Guinea's Simpson Harbour. Images taken by HMNZS Resolution also show many other wrecked planes and ships, including two which were previously uncharted. HMNZS Resolution has been in the harbour to help recover unexploded ordnance from wrecks. Commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Matt Wray says Simpson Harbour was the scene of an intense allied bombing campaign against the Japanese and is littered with wrecks.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Rugby World Cup - Australia overcome tired Wales

Australia have secured third place in the Rugby World Cup with a 21-18 win over Wales in the Bronze Final tonight. The win marks the Wallabies' first on Eden Park since 1986 and ends their disappointing World Cup campaign on a high. Each side ran in two tries, but it was an assured kicking performance from Australia that secured the win in the error-ridden match. Wales finished their tournament on a high when Leigh Halfpenny scored a try on the final whistle to end the game three points behind.
Australia: 21 (Barnes, McCalman tries; O'Connor con, 2 pens; Barnes dropgoal)
Wales: 18 (Shane Williams, Halfpenny tries; Hook, Stephen Jones pen, Jones con)
Half-time 7-3
Source: ONE Sport

Import duty sought for Italian canned tomatoes

Cheap tinned tomatoes could be gone from shelves if Heinz Watties succeeds in a bid to have a 90% import duty imposed on tins of Italian tomatoes. In September, the company applied for the duty on 400 gram tins arguing that the tomatoes are being dumped in New Zealand. One supermarket owner, Glen Taylor of Pak'n Save Kapiti says Heinz has lost market share because its tinned tomatoes are substantially more expensive than those offered by other suppliers. He says, if the bid to have the duty imposed succeeds, it will add about 50 cents to the price of each 400 gram tin of Italian tomatoes.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Rugby - All Blacks coach sticks with winning line-up for final

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has named an unchanged starting line-up to face France in the World Cup final on Sunday.
All Blacks
(Number of Test caps in brackets)
Starting XV: Tony Woodcock (82), Keven Mealamu (91), Owen Franks (30), Brad Thorn (58), Samuel Whitelock (24), Jerome Kaino (47), Richie McCaw (captain) (102), Kieran Read (35), Piri Weepu (55), Aaron Cruden (8), Richard Kahui (16), Ma'a Nonu (65), Conrad Smith (54), Cory Jane (30), Israel Dagg (11)
Reserves: Andrew Hore (61), Ben Franks (15), Ali Williams (72), Adam Thomson (24), Andy Ellis (25), Stephen Donald (22), Sonny Bill Williams (13).
France
Starting XV: Maxime Medard, Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz, Alexis Palisson, Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili, Imanol Harinordoquy, Julien Bonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Lionel Nallet, Pascal Pape, Nicolas Mas, William Servat, Jean-Baptiste Poux.
Reserves: Dimitri Szarzewski, Fabien Barcella, Julien Pierre, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Jean-Marc Doussain, Francois Trinh-Duc, Damien Traille.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Health authorities urge pertussis vaccination

Health authorities are stepping up efforts to get people vaccinated against whooping cough as the number of cases rises across at least three regions. Community wide outbreaks of the disease, which is also known as pertussis, have struck the West Coast, Nelson-Marlborough and Hawke's Bay. Mr Tuohy says for those who have been vaccinated, booster shots are important as the vaccine may only stay active in the system for about ten years in some cases.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Netball - Ferns complete preparations for Australia

There's no talk of revenge amongst the Silver Ferns ahead of the resumption of their five test series against Australia on Sunday. The Ferns went down in an agonising loss in extra time at the World Champs in Singapore in July. Defender Anna Scarlett says it doesn't work like that and they don't dwell on the past. Scarlett says the build-up will pay dividends. The Silver Ferns have played Malawi and face South Africa in the build-up to Sunday's test. The Ferns have been pouring over the video ahead of the resumption of their series against Australia. She says it's been great assessing the different combinations on court from the Australians. Scarlett is adjusting easily to a new coach at international level ahead of the resumption of their five test series against Australia on Sunday. Wai Taumaunu has taken the reins of the Ferns, taking over from Ruth Aitken who stepped down prematurely. Scarlett says there's not too many changes. She says the intensity at training has been higher, but it's not much different.
© 2011 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

British PM to drop in for breakfast

By TIM DONOGHUE
British Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to make a fleeting two-day visit to New Zealand next week, before attending the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (CHOGM) in Perth. The Dominion Post understands plans have almost been finalised for Cameron to fly to Wellington on Wednesday before he flies out for Perth to attend CHOGM the next day. The meeting, to be officially opened by the Queen, runs from Friday, October 28 to Sunday, October 30.
- The Dominion Post

Voting gets underway in Kiribati

Voting is underway in the first round of the Kiribati general election. Voters are choosing from 137 candidates for the more than 40 seats in Parliament. The incumbent president, Anote Tong, is expected to retain his seat of Maiana, but could face problems winning enough parliamentary support for his third term as president.”
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Voters on Penrhyn in Cook Islands vote for a new mayor

Voters on Penrhyn in the northern Cook Islands today get to vote for a new mayor after the incumbent was disqualified from the position. Paulo Tahaki is the elected mayor but he has been living in Australia for months, prompting the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning to order a by-election be held. There are less than 100 electors eligible to vote, with most on the atoll itself, but those in Rarotonga will be able to cast their votes for one of the four mayoral candidates at the ministry’s office in Arorangi.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Rugby - France hungry for victory - Ambassador

The French Ambassador to New Zealand says the team is hungry for a victory in the Rugby World Cup. Francis Etienne says the team has come close to winning before and he's hoping inspiration will touch them both before and during the game. He told Morning Report there's no denying the Al Blacks are favourites, but everybody wants to see a real final and a great game. Mr Etienne expects about 13 million people in France to watch the game, so it's a very big deal there.Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Z Energy about to go nationwide

Z Energy could be rolling out its brand nationwide within six months, spelling the end of Shell - one of the most famous global brands in New Zealand. The Z brand was launched five months ago after Shell's service stations and other assets were bought by the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and Infratil through Greenstone Energy for $695 million. After an extensive nationwide survey of 17,000 people, the company built 10 pilot service stations called Z.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

NZ third easiest country to do business in - survey

New Zealand has retained its third place in a survey of the easiest countries to do business in. The World Bank's 2012 business report ranks 183 economies on the overall ease of doing business, based on 10 areas of business regulation. Singapore held the top spot for the sixth successive year, followed by Hong Kong, with the United States in fourth place, and Denmark fifth.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Rugby World Cup sales target exceeded

Organisers of the Rugby World Cup say they have surpassed their revenue target of $268.5 million. Tournament promoter Rugby New Zealand 2011 says it has exceeded its target by $200,000. Some 87% of tickets have been sold, with seats only available to the third final playoff between Australia and Wales at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday. The promoter says ticket revenue is 11 times higher than New Zealand's previous highest grossing event - the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour. It says more than $50 million worth of tickets alone have been sold to the final between the All Blacks and France at Eden Park on Sunday night.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Branson gets quake red-zone tour

By Jarrod Booker
British billionaire Sir Richard Branson has this morning witnessed firsthand some of the earthquake damage in central Christchurch. Sir Branson joined Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker on a trip to the periphery of the red zone in the central city today. He said it was sad to see some of the buildings left on a lean and damaged as a result of the quake but he was impressed by the reconstruction efforts now underway. Branson said he had spoken with Mr Parker about creating an entrepreneurial prize to encourage people to help create more "green" space in the city as it rebuilds. He is spending time in New Zealand before flying to Australia and will attend the Rugby World Cup final in Auckland on Sunday, where he says he will be backing the All Blacks.
- NZ HERALD STAFF

Oil spill fears off Australia’s Lord Howe Island

Investigations are under way into the grounding of a supply ship carrying 20 tonnes of marine diesel fuel in the lagoon of Australia’s world heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a marine investigator is to inspect the MV Island Trader, which ran aground on Monday. The MV Island Trader, which has the monopoly on the route carrying food and fuel to the island from Port Macquarie, hit a sandbank after unloading its cargo on Lord Howe Island.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Royal tour 'once in a lifetime chance' for Qld kids

The Queen arrived in Australia to a warm welcome from waiting crowds and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen began an 11-day tour of the country at Fairbairn military airfield near Canberra yesterday. For the first time in Australian history the Queen was met by a female Prime Minister and Governor General, reported ONE News Australian correspondent Steve Marshall. Her majesty will open a Commonwealth summit in Perth next week, but will be based mainly in Canberra. She will cover four states on her tour and Melbourne and Brisbane are also on the itinerary. However, the Queen will not be visiting New Zealand as part of her tour because royal visits don't take place in the run up to a general election.
Source: ONE News

Wellington City Council to review Older Persons Policy

NewstalkZB
Wellington City Council is to review its Older Persons Policy to put the needs of the elderly at the forefront. The policy provides services such as the SuperGold Card, seniors' library services and access to mobility scooters. Councillor Stephanie Cook says it's time the policy's reviewed as the older population is getting bigger as well as putting an extra burden on the health sector. She says they want seniors to stay in Wellington so it's important to be ready for the increase in retirees. This will be the policy's first review since it was implemented in 2005.

Irish bookmaker pays out early on NZ win

A bookmaker in Ireland is so certain New Zealand will win the Rugby World Cup final on Sunday that it's already started paying out on bets. The Paddy Power betting agency made the call on Wednesday. Spokesperson Paddy Power says it hardly seems like a risk. "We've paid $NZ1 million already. We've called it. Game over.'' Mr Power said France have only a 10% chance of winning.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rare white kiwi could have surgery

Rare white-kiwi chick Manukura is in Wellington Zoo after stones got caught in her digestive tract. The six month old world famous hick was rushed to the Zoo from Pukaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre in north Wairarapa when staff noticed she was unwell. DOC Wairarapa area manager Chris Lester says Manukura x-rays show the stones are too big to pass naturally. "The veterinarians are preparing to extract the stones, either manually via the oesophagus or if that's not possible then they're going to have to revert to surgery." Mr Lester says they're letting the chick rest for now and any procedure is likely to take place on Friday.
By Newstalk ZB staff

Pyjamas for penguins in oil spill

By Natasha Burling
A team of knitters is busily making pyjamas for penguins affected by the Bay of Plenty oil spill. The Oiled Wildlife Response Unit is taking care of 91 animals as a result of the spill, mostly little blue penguins. Skeinz Natural Yarn Store in Napier is coordinating the effort to knit the penguin PJs. General manager Brendan Jackson says a three to four dozen penguin outfits are likely to be needed. "A method of stopping the birds from preening their feathers and ingesting the toxic oil that they've been either exposed to or even already ingested."

Treaty may be given new home

There could soon be a new home for the original 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. Archives New Zealand is looking at displaying it in a new and improved public space at the refurbished National Library building. At the moment it's at the Archives building in Mulgrave Street in Wellington, but it's thought the newly refurbished building in Molesworth Street, due for completion next year, could be a better option. Other important documents such as the 1893 Women's Suffrage Petition could join it there.
By Alexia Russell

48 in hospital over measles

Forty eight people have been hospitalised with measles during the current outbreak in Auckland. Auckland and Waitemata District Health Boards say there have been 248 confirmed or probable cases of measles in the region since late May. Primary care clinical director Stewart Jenkins says that's an increase of 20 in the past week, slightly down on the increase the previous week. Last week, the boards said they were stepping up efforts to increase vaccination levels against measles.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

'Rena' officers back in court

The captain and navigation officer of the container ship Rena reappeared in Tauranga District Court on Tuesday. They are charged under the Maritime Act with operating a vessel in a manner which caused unneccesary danger or risk to people or property. Interim name suppression for both men was extended, but a lawyer representing a number of media outlets is arguing before the court that the suppression order should be lifted. The court heard that the captain is likely to face an additional charge under the Resource Management Act when he appears in court again in two weeks. The Rena ran aground on the Astrolabe reef on 5 October.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

No desire from Collins to arm police

There's no desire on the part of the Police Minister to fully arm all police officers. The idea is one of many contained in the Police Association's election-year law and order policy. Judith Collins says parts of the policy she agrees with, other parts she doesn't. What she's proud of is the huge support New Zealanders have for our police force, and she doesn't want that to change. "I don't want to see our police end up like some police forces where there's a great distance between them, and the community that they're serving," she says. Ms Collins believes a general arming would help bring that about.
By Katie Bradford-Crozier

Women bait 'Mr Right' with rugby talk

By GENEVIEVE ROBINSON
World Cup fever is helping women meet their match on dating websites. Online dating site FindSomeone said 43 per cent of females on the site used "rugby" in their personal profiles, and the national game had become an increasingly popular subject in online messaging during the World Cup. FindSomeone manager Rick Davies said girls seeking "Mr Right" were baiting men with rugby. Almost half of Hawke's Bay females had rugby in their profiles, the highest proportion in the country, followed closely by Canterbury females, where 47 per cent cited rugby. "We think this is driven by the increasing number of women wanting to find someone special during the current man-drought a situation made worse with so much attention on rugby at the moment," Davies said. Statistics New Zealand 2011 population estimates showed more than 50,000 "excess" females aged 25 to 49 over males in New Zealand.
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- The Press

Smelly flower finally blooms in Wellington

A rare plant, with the peculiar odour of rotting meat, has flowered for the first time in years at Wellington's Botanic Gardens. The Devil's Tongue plant, found in the gardens' Begonia House, started flowering today. The plant is naturally pollinated by flies, so its flower has an odour designed to attract them, Botanic Gardens team leader Leanne Killalea said. The Devil's Tongue plant is rarely found in New Zealand and takes at least seven years to flower for the first time. Ms Killalea said the plant would flower for about one week before closing. It would then be removed from the Begonia House until its next flowering cycle.
- APNZ

Taste of NZ: It's 'foodie heaven' at festival in the park

By Vaimoana Tapaleao
Some of New Zealand's finest cuisine will be showcased in the biggest food and wine festival of the year, Taste of New Zealand. The multimillion-dollar event has 120 artisan food producers, boutique wineries and 13 top restaurants showing off their culinary skills and dishes. Up to 70 Kiwi chefs will be at the event - including television's Annabel Langbein - as well as overseas stars Rick Stein and Gary Rhodes. The four-day festival, at Victoria Park, starts tonight and is expected to attract thousands of people. Yesterday, dozens of tents had been set up and restaurant teams were preparing their full-functioning kitchens inside.

Another world cup on its way

Hot on the heels of Rugby World Cup 2011, Auckland will host another international event next month. The Triathlon World Cup will take place on November 20 on the city's waterfront. CEO Dave Beeche says they need 600 volunteers to help in the week leading up to the event, as well as on race day. He says they'll be involved in helping out on the course, putting branding up and the most popular job - putting numbers on athletes.
By Anna Cross

Women encouraged to consider Mr Not-Quite-Right

Women are being encouraged to settle for Mr Not-Quite-Right, rather than freezing their eggs and waiting for Mr Perfect. The advice comes from Melbourne IVF specialist Gab Kovacs. He says while the technology is still improving, the rate of successful births from egg freezing is low. Professor Kovacs thinks women should be working harder to find a partner or changing their criteria. He suggests there may be no Mr Right, meaning you have to settle for Mr Not-Too-Bad. Gab Kovacs says there's no such thing as a perfect person for anybody, and even if they're perfect now, they won't be perfect in five or 10 years.
By Jenny Woods with AAP

Percentage of Maori police officers static

The proportion of Maori officers in the police has remained static over the past two years and stands at 11%. The figures are contained in the New Zealand Police annual report for 2011. It notes, however, that the ethnic profile of new recruits is moving towards mirroring the make-up of the New Zealand population. According to the report, Maori trainees made up 15% of recruits who graduated from the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua in 2010. That figure compares to 8.5% for Pacific officers and 6% for Asian constables.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

More crime tips coming from behind bars

Prisoners have made 1500 calls since the middle of last year to report suspicious behaviour or turn in other criminals. About a third of the calls to Crimestoppers came from inmates at the Otago Corrections facility. Those held in Whanganui prison made none. Police have been unable to specify how many of them have been acted on, or have led to arrests, because the phone line is anonymous. Even so, Corrections says inmates are now offering crime tips far more than they used to.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Radio monitoring proposed for Auckland bins

Aucklanders putting out their rubbish may have to watch for big brother after a proposal by the Auckland Council to install tags which will record how many times the bin is lifted and emptied. The move comes as the council looks to make the cost of rubbish disposal consistent across the super city, and means those who dump more rubbish will pay more. The idea to install a radio frequency identification tag to record the number of times the bin is lifted and emptied is outlined in the draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan for 2015-16, being presented to the council's Regional Development and Operations committee on Thursday. The tags would be part of a wider user-pays system that aims to cut the amount of rubbish being sent to the city's landfills, but could mean users have to find space for three wheelie bins - one for rubbish, one for recycling and one for organic waste.
Source: Fairfax

French warship in Auckland for World Cup final

France has whistled up military reinforcements for its Rugby World Cup final on Sunday against the All Blacks. It was mostly coincidence though. The French Embassy said the New Caledonian-based French frigate Vendemiaire would arrive at Auckland's Devonport Navy Base on Friday and leave next Tuesday. Vendemiaire's main activity was patrolling exclusive economic zones of the South Pacific to monitor fishing vessels and intercept suspected smugglers.
Source: Fairfax

Woman airlifted from South Pole

An American woman who became ill while working in Antarctica has been successfully evacuated to Christchurch, New Zealand, and is undergoing further medical checks. It's understood Renee-Nicole Douceur had a stroke in August. She worked at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole research station. Her employer, Raytheon Polar Services, won't confirm the nature of Ms Douceur's illness. But the company says it worked closely with physicians and the National Science Foundation to ensure she had the best medical care until the NSF could provide safe transportation to New Zealand.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

A week left to get enrolled

Voters have just over a week left to enrol for this year's general election. The election and referendum on the country's voting system takes place on November 26. Electoral Enrolment Centre national manager Murray Wicks says the electoral rolls close for printing next Wednesday October 26. "Monday is a public holiday, Labour weekend, so I urge people to get their enrolment forms into us now," he says. Mr Wicks says legalisation states that provided a person's enrolment form is in the hands of New Zealand Post by next Wednesday, it can be accepted. New Zealand citizens are required by law to enrol.
By Anna Cross

Atlantis Health eyes US, Middle East markets

An Auckland-based company that has become a world leader in medicine management is about to expand into the United States and Middle East. Atlantis Healthcare specialises in producing tailor-made programmes for patients suffering chronic illnesses to ensure they keep on their medication. The company was founded in 1996 by chief executive Michael Whittaker and friends Sarah Walsh and Hamish Franklin, built around their knowledge of data management. Mr Whittaker says Atlantis is a company that does well in tough economic times since having effective medication management so that patients recover quickly and get back to work is attractive to governments around the world desperate to cut costs.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

More deals tipped by Blackstone

The new owner of Burger King says it expects to make more purchases in New Zealand and Australia as it grows its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. US-based Blackstone Group is one of the world's largest private equity investors, with US$38 billion of capital committed. It has bought the 75-outlet Burger King chain from the Australian private equity firm, Anchorage Capital Partners. Blackstone senior managing director Peter Rose says the chain is one of the group's first purchases in the Asia-Pacific region but it is now on the lookout for other opportunities in the region. Mr Rose says the private equity group was impressed by the quality of people it met and says it is getting a world-class management team at Burger King and he says he sees growth for the chain both inside and outside New Zealand.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

More Aboriginal remains repatriated

One of the largest repatriations of Aboriginal remains in Australia has taken place at Sydney University. Tribal elders from two outback communities have received the 250th set of ancestral bones to be returned by the university - a process begun in the mid-1990s. Campaigners in Australia continue to lobby for the return of remains from overseas collections so they also can receive a traditional burial.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Red zone bus tours to start next month

Public bus tours of Christchurch city centre red zone will begin next month. The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) says buses will take up to 3000 people each weekend, for as long as there is demand. The tours will give people a close-up view of the earthquake damage for the first time since the 22 February earthquake. CERA chief executive Roger Sutton says the route won't be finalised until closer to the time as it will depend on where potentially hazardous demolition work is being done carried out. The tours begin on 5 November.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Japanese tsunami flotsam spotted in central Pacific

A fishing boat is amongst debris from the Japanese tsunami which has been spotted in the central Pacific Ocean, three thousand miles from Japan. Scientists at the University of Hawaii say the Russian training ship STS Pallada found the debris after passing the island of Midway. AFP reports the crew spotted the six metre long vessel adrift and had seen other debris including a television, fridge, wooden boards and plastic. They hoisted the boat up on to their ship and are trying to trace its owner. The scientists from the International Pacific Research Centre estimate tsunami debris will wash up on Hawaiian islands in one year and the US west coast in three years.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Aluminium smelter for sale

It's business as usual for New Zealand's only aluminium smelter. That's despite the majority shareholder in the Tiwai Point Smelter at Bluff announcing it's putting the plant up for sale. Rio Tinto says its interests in six Australian and New Zealand assets will transfer into a new business unit called Pacific Aluminium. CEO Tom Albanese says the assets are all sound business units that are well managed with productive workforces, but are no longer aligned with Rio Tinto's strategy. He believes they have a bright future under new ownership. The plant near Bluff employs over 900 people and is a major player in the Southland community.
By Malcolm Gayfer
© 2011 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Rugby - Huge TV audience watches ABs beat Wallabies

Nearly two million people watched the All Blacks beat the Wallabies on television last night. The Rugby World Cup semi-final was watched by 1.9 million viewers across New Zealand, equating to almost half of New Zealand's population aged over five, according to AGB Nielsen. The match attracted a massive share of the television audience, with 89% of viewers watching the rugby live on one of the four channels simulcasting the semifinal. Most viewers (659,400) chose to watch the match on TV One while 653,300 watched on Sky Sport. TV3 attracted 397,800 viewers and Maori TV 262,700.
Source: ONE News

Flood warning for Otago

The Otago Regional Council is advising the public that predicted heavy rain may result in surface flooding to low-lying areas. MetService is predicting 120 to 150 millimetres of rain to fall between 6pm tonight and midnight on Wednesday. Areas expected to be affected include southwest and coastal Otago, from the Catlin's north to Dunedin and Oamaru. Farmers are warned to monitor stock and move them from low-lying or flood prone areas.
By Anna Cross

Maritime Union calls for overhaul of fisheries regulations

The Maritime Union has told a ministerial inquiry that foreign charter vessels should be removed from the New Zealand fishing industry. The union's comments were part of its submission to an inquiry which began on Monday into the industry and the operations of foreign vessels The inquiry was ordered after the crew abandoned the Korean-flagged Oyang 75 trawler in Lyttelton in June this year, following allegations of physical, mental and sexual abuse aboard the deep-sea fishing boat. Maritime Union general secretary Joe Fleetwood says that situation revealed the dark secrets of the industry and now is the time to make some changes. Mr Fleetwood says a complete overhaul of the fisheries regulations is needed and believes the fishing of New Zealand waters should return to New Zealand hands.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

'Sacred cow' issues poll released

A political poll has set out to find just what Kiwis think about some of the most serious issues facing our nation - the so-called 'sacred cow' issues that politicians are too scared to confront. The Main Report Group polled 534 people on issues from asset sales, a capital gains tax and raising the retirement age. A majority of those questioned believe a rise in the retirement age is inevitable and the Government should just get on with developing a new policy. It also found a majority don't support MMP, they believe parliament has too many MPs, the Maori seats should go and New Zealand is not yet ready to become a republic.
By Newstalk ZB staff

Sick woman airlifted from South Pole to NZ

A sick American woman who's been working at the South Pole for a year is preparing to board a plane on the first leg of her trip to New Zealand. Renee-Nicole Douceur has told The Associated Press via email that she is about to leave for the National Science Foundation's research station in Antarctica. Her next stop will be Christchurch, New Zealand. Douceur is a Seabrook, New Hampshire, resident who works as a manager for research station contractor Raytheon Polar Services Co. She asked for an emergency evacuation after having what doctors believed was a stroke in August. Doctors she contacted for a second opinion say a tumor may have caused her vision and speech problems. A storm delayed a flight attempt on Saturday.
-AP

North, South Islands due for drenching

MetService has issued a severe weather watch with heavy rain expected on the west of both North and South Islands. A deepening low will move towards the South Island tomorrow, with a second low expected to form near Canterbury. MetService said this will bring a burst of rain to the west of both islands tomorrow, and also overnight Monday for the Bay of Plenty, where salvage crews are racing against time to pump heavy oil from stranded cargo ship Rena off the coast of Tauranga.
Source: ONE News

First large shipment of NZ apples arrives in Australia

The country's biggest apple exporter ENZA says the first container-sized shipment of New Zealand-grown apples has reached Australia. Some small consignments of New Zealand apples have been sent across the Tasman since a 90-year ban was lifted earlier this year. But ENZA general manager Snow Hardy says the 20-foot container packed with 700 trays of the Jazz variety, which were grown in Hawke's Bay, is the first sizeable shipment to be sent to Australia.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Shipping company summoned to Parliament

Transport Minister Steven Joyce has called the company that chartered the Rena to the Beehive for talks on Monday morning. Mr Joyce is concerned the Mediterranean Shipping Company does not see itself as part of the clean-up operation. He says the company indicated last week it did not believe it was involved in the situation. However, he says in his view it is and it needs to step up its response. Mr Joyce says he plans to have a frank discussion about where the company fits into the current situation. He says the company needs to understand how strongly New Zealanders feel about the matter. Issues such as the circumstances which led to the grounding will also be discussed.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Rugby World Cup - Clinical All Blacks book World Cup final

The All Blacks have reached their first Rugby World Cup final in 16 years with a systematic 20-6 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park tonight. With the weight of the nation behind them, the All Blacks responded with a clinical performance which puts them in the box seat to finally get their hands on the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time since 1987 against the erratic French next Sunday. Outstanding fullback Israel Dagg set-up the games only try to Ma'a Nonu in the first five minutes and even though Piri Weepu missed three first half shots of goal, the All Blacks were well worth their 14-6 halftime lead. Sonny Bill Williams was sin-binned with just four minutes remaining, despite him being on the field for only three minutes. The match is sold out with 60,000 people attending, the biggest Test match crowd at Eden Park since the touring Springboks played there in 1956.
NEW ZEALAND 20 (Ma'a Nonu try Piri Weepu 4 pens Aaron Cruden drop goal) bt AUSTRALIA 6 (James O'Connor pen Quade Cooper drop goal) at Eden Park. Referee: Craig Joubert. Crowd: 60,087.
Source: ONE Sport

Rugby League - Kangaroos punish woeful Kiwis

By Anton Crump
The Kangaroos ran riot over the Kiwis at a sunny Newcastle today, winning the one-off Test 42-6. They scored eight tries, with doubles to both Chris Lawrence and Akuila Uate in a truly dominating performance ahead of the Four-Nations.

All Blacks vs Wallabies will attract biggest crowd yet

The All Blacks versus Wallabies semi-final will attract the biggest crowd of the Rugby World Cup tournament, at nearly 61,000 people. Auckland Transport is expecting heavy congestion on the roads as fans head to the most anticipated Rugby World Cup match so far. The crowd is expected to be the largest at the stadium, since the 1956 Springbok's test against the All Blacks, but is unlikely to exceed the record 63,000 people who turned up for that match. In their last clash in the Bledisloe Cup decider in Brisbane in August, the Wallabies lead by 17 points at half time before going on to win 25-20. The winner will play France in next Sunday night's final.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Prisoner hits back at authorities

An Adelaide transsexual prisoner is hitting back at prison authorities who refuse to let him wear women's clothes. Inmate Leslie Krista Richards has complained to the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity and the Ombudsman claiming discrimination being placed in a male prison. Adelaide Remand Centre won't let the 61-year-old wear women's frocks and makeup despite being allowed to in prison previously.
© 2011 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Rugby - Wales captain goes before hearing over red card

Wales captain Sam Warburton faces a disciplinary hearing on Sunday for the spear tackle that earned him a red card in his country's rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to France. The 23-year-old flanker was dismissed by referee Alain Rolland for the dangerous tackle on winger Vincent Clerc inside the first quarter of Saturday's match at Eden Park, which the French edged 9-8 despite a brave performance from the Welsh. Wales coach Warren Gatland condemned the punishment as excessive for a tackle that Warburton maintained was not malicious, suggesting that a yellow card and 10 minutes in the sin-bin would have been more appropriate. Warburton faces a ban of three weeks or more for the offence and will almost certainly miss the third and fourth place playoff against the losers of Sunday's second semi-final between the All Blacks and the Wallabies.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Doctors, pharmacists sharing records online

By MICHELLE ROBINSON
Doctors and pharmacists are now sharing patient medical records online. Torbay Medical Centre on Auckland's North Shore was among the first in the country to share patient information with pharmacists, and there was the potential to expand to laboratory, maternity and other health services, centre partner Dr David Thompson said. "The population is increasing and getting older, therefore there's more illness and demand, but fewer GPs." The health complex recently underwent a $1 million revamp that included signing up to a database to enable patients to communicate directly with their doctor, request prescriptions online, and share information with other health services. The Canterbury District Health Board is also introducing a similar system. The online system means patients can also take their medical details overseas, Thompson said. Patients could also bypass the receptionist by viewing doctors' schedules and making their own appointments online.
- Sunday Star Times

Gaddafi cash gift confirmed

By JOHN HARTEVELT
The New Zealand government banked $4000 cash handed over at the border in 2009 by the "playboy" son of deposed Libyan tyrant Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The extraordinary "gift" was passed to a Customs officer at Christchurch Airport last year after a boozy New Year's Eve jaunt by Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and his entourage. Saif was living large at the time of the incident, but is now in a fight for survival as his father's regime collapses under a rebel assault backed by the United States, the United Kingdom and endorsed by our government. Saif has been accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court and would be arrested if he tried to come back to New Zealand. In December 2009, however, he was snapped by photographers on the tarmac at Christchurch Airport with his entourage, including Australian businessmen Tony and Charif Kazal. New Zealand has severed all links with the former Gaddafi regime. Diplomatic contact has been established with the new interim government in Libya.
- Sunday Star Times

One dead in Queensland storms

In Queensland, people are mopping up after severe thunderstorms and hail battered the south-east of the state, leaving one person dead and thousands of homes without power. There were scores of road accidents because of the hail and a man was killed when two cars collided at Ormeau, the ABC reports. At Strathpine, to the north of Brisbane, there were reports of golf ball-sized hail that caused damage to roofs, cars and windows.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Drive to recruit builders from Europe

Recruitment firm Hays is stepping up efforts to recruit builders from Europe to meet the increased demand out of Christchurch following the earthquake. Managing director Jason Walker says, while insurance issues have delayed residential construction, commercial companies working in the red zone need building and other trade skills large demolition projects. He says the demolition of buildings such as the Crown Plaza, the Forsythe Barr and PWC buildings requires good tradespeople to come in and help.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rena had 20 minutes to correct path - marine risk expert

A specialist in marine risk believes there was a window of up to 20 minutes for navigators to steer the container ship Rena off its collision course. John Riding's firm Marico Marine NZ Ltd has decoded transmissions sent by the ship before it struck the Astrolabe Reef off the Bay of Plenty coast at about 2.20am on 5 October. Mr Riding says the vessel took a managed, deliberate turn without on-board navigational charts having been checked. From there, he says, the ship would have travelled in a straight line for up to 20 minutes and it is a mystery why evasive action wasn't taken. Mr Riding says the Rena's navigators only used radar recognition of land, and possibly the port entrance beacon, to find their way. He says it is almost as if they thought the reef wasn't there.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

France beats 14-man Wales to get to Rugby World Cup final

Wales fell agonisingly short of reaching their first Rugby World Cup final on Saturday after playing three-quarters of their semi-final against France without captain Sam Warburton, who was sent off for a dangerous tackle. The Welsh side scored the only try of the match but were edged 9-8 by France who had been forced to make more than twice the number of tackles as their opponents. Captain Sam Warburton received a red card for a dangerous tackle on France winger Vincent Clerc in the 18th minute. Acknowledging the Welsh performance which pushed France all the way, Lievremont said the Welsh team had been "extraordinarily brave but the French have a good guardian angel." France will play either the All Blacks or the Wallabies in the final while Wales will contest a third place playoff next Friday.
Scorers
France: Penalties: Morgan Parra (3).
Wales: Tries: Mike Phillips. Penalties: James Hook.
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland).
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

City centre expected to be packed for first Cup semi-final

Thousands of people have made their way into Auckland city ahead of the first semi-final of the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off at 9pm on Saturday. Tickets were still available for the France versus Wales game at Eden Park stadium late Saturday afternoon. The leader of the Welsh government will be cheering on his side. A spokesperson for the team says the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, met the team at an opening training session during the tournament, and had watched the team's earlier pool matches. Wales are the slight favourites following their 12-point win over Ireland in last week's quarter-final and are also, seemingly, the sentimental favourites with the neutrals. It is the first time Wales has made it through to this stage of the competition since 1987.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

Hundreds of NZers rally as Occupy Wall Street spreads

Hundreds of people protested in New Zealand's main centres on Saturday as the Occupy Wall Street movement spreads around the world. In at least two centres, the rallies are the begining of what is promised to be a week, or longer, occupation. The anti-greed protests started a month ago in a park close to New York's Wall Street and have spread to more than 1400 cities globally. At least 200 people rallied on Wellington's city to sea bridge at the Civic Square and intend to occupy it for a week, while about 300 marched up Queen Street in Auckland, ahead of a rally in Aotea Square. In Sydney, about 2,000 people, including representatives of Aboriginal groups, left-wing groups and trade unionists, protested outside the central Reserve Bank of Australia.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

NZer who survived deadly PNG crash moved to Australia

Two members of the aircrew who survived Thursday's horror plane crash in Papua New Guinea, including a New Zealander, have been airlifted to Australia. Twenty-eight people were killed when the Airlines PNG Dash-8 aircraft went down 20km from the town of Madang on the country's north coast. Four people survived the crash including the Australian pilot Bill Spencer, who has a badly broken leg, and the co-pilot from New Zealand, Campbell Wagstaff. Airlines PNG says both men have been airlifted to Australia from Port Moresby where Flight Attendant Kapi Eria, is still recovering in hospital.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

2000 plan to protest in Aotea Square

Almost 2000 protesters with tents and sleeping bags say they're moving in to Auckland's Aotea Square today. They plan to occupy it for the next six weeks, as part of a worldwide grassroots movement against corporate greed and inequality. The movement started when Occupy Wall St activists pitched tents in front of the New York Stock Exchange last month. Occupations are also promised in New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.
Copyright 2002 - 2011, TelstraClear Ltd

Greenpeace launches multimillion dollar campaign ship

By Tim DOWER - NewstalkZB
Greenpeace has launched a new multimillion dollar campaign ship, the Rainbow Warrior III. It has state-of-the-art communications equipment, two fast boats and the facility for a helicopter. The original Rainbow Warrior was sunk by French agents in Auckland in 1985. The second was retired after campaigns against nuclear testing, over-fishing and illegal logging.

NZ pilot survives PNG plane crash

Airlines PNG has revealed there was an emergency situation on board a plane co-piloted by a New Zealander before it crashed in Papua New Guinea. The Dash-8 with 32 people on board crashed during a violent storm near the town of Madang on the north coast about 5pm on Thursday. Twenty-eight passengers were killed, but one survived, along with three crew members including New Zealand co-pilot Campbell Wagstaff, aged 30, of Te Kuiti and the Australian pilot. Airlines PNG says the crew attempted to conduct a controlled emergency landing at Madang airport but the plane broke up on impact with part of the fuselage catching fire. All who died are believed to be Papua New Guinean nationals.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand

1000 birds found dead since oil spill

One thousand dead birds have been found since the Rena oil spill began off the coast of Tauranga. The stricken ship ran aground on Astrolabe Reef on 5 October and has spilled up to 350 tonnes of heavy oil, polluting the ocean and washing up on Bay of Plenty beaches and a nearby island. Kerri Morgan, co-ordinator of the emergency wildlife response team in Tauranga, says they are now trying to capture birds before they get oiled and 24 penguins have been caught so far. Ninety-two birds affected by oil are now being cared for at the wildlife facility, most of them penguins. The wildlife team has also captured 23 rare New Zealand dotterels to protect them from the oil. The team is aiming to capture 60 of the 100 dotterels known to be in the Bay of Plenty region - of a total population of about 1500 around New Zealand. A special aviary is being built at the wildlife facility for them. About four seals have also been cared for at the wildlife centre.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Rugby - Changes to All Blacks side for semi-final

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has named a largely predictable side for their rugby World Cup semifinal against Australia on Sunday. Henry brought fullback Israel Dagg and utility Richard Kahui back from injury, while Aaron Cruden assumed the starting role at first five-eighth after Colin Slade was ruled out with a groin strain.
First XV
Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves
Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

Salvage teams prepare for oil recovery

Maritime New Zealand says it expects to have all the necessary equipment on board a stricken container ship off Tauranga by Friday night to start the process of taking fuel off. The Rena, owned by Greek company Costamare Shipping, was heading towards Tauranga from Napier when it ran aground on 5 October carrying 1700 tonnes of fuel and more than 1300 containers. As much as 350 tonnes of oil has spilled and 88 containers have fallen overboard, affecting shipping lanes. Salvage experts were back on the wrecked ship on Friday to begin what has been described as an extremely dangerous operation to get the remaining oil off the vessel. A spokesman for the company charged with the salvage operation, Svitzer, says salvors managed to get oil transferring equipment back in place after it was moved in heavy seas during the week but it will take time to set up the equipment to resume pumping.
Copyright © 2011 Radio New Zealand