Clinton begins Asia-Pacific trip in Cook Islands

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in the Cook Islands in her first stop on a visit to the Asia-Pacific region. Mrs Clinton flew into Rarotonga to a traditional welcome from dozens of young men and women on Thursday night. She will attend the last day of the Pacific Islands Forum on Friday. Mrs Clinton's attendance comes as part of a wider trip to Indonesia, China, East Timor, Brunei, and Russia. She will lead the US delegation to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Vladivostok on 8 and 9 September.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Fiji signs MoU with North Korea and Iran

Fiji has signed Memoranda of Understanding with North Korea and Iran. Statements from the Fijian government says Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, signed documents with his counterparts in Tehran this week. The Fijian Government says the Memoranda are another way to "deepen relations with all members of the UN in full recognition of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity". Ratu Inoke Kubuabola says Fiji looks forward to strengthening the relationship with the view of advancing areas of common interests to both countries.
(Ed note: Who needs enemies when you have friends like this.)
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Maori All Blacks to tour UK

The Maori All Blacks are to play three matches in the United Kingdom in November this year, including an international against Canada. The team, which last toured in 2010, will also play a Championship XV and the Leicester Tigers. Head coach Jamie Joseph says because of the strong tradition of Maori rugby, being part of the Maori All Blacks is a great honour. Joseph says the three-match tour in a busy rugby year is just about right in length.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Many still missing from asylum seeker boat

The search for more survivors from an asylum seeker boat that sank off Indonesia was continuing on Friday despite authorities having already conceded a crucial rescue window may have already passed. A total of 55 survivors were rescued on Thursday, with the majority having spent the night aboard the Australian navy vessel HMAS Maitland, AAP reports. Almost 100 people remain missing, including women and children. Search and rescue teams had scoured the Sunda Strait for asylum seekers who had been on the wooden boat which put out a distress call early on Wednesday. Three of the survivors are seriously injured, with one reportedly bitten by a shark while waiting to be rescued. Almost 300 asylum-seekers have already died along the same route, in the Sunda Strait between Java and Christmas Island, since December this year.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

KiwiSaver hits two million members

The KiwiSaver scheme (voluntary retirement savings scheme) has hit a significant milestone - its two millionth member. Revenue Minister Peter Dunne says to hit that mark in just five years is amazing. More than $12.5 billion in savings has been passed to scheme providers since KiwiSaver was launched in July 2007. Around 17,500 new members have joined each month over the past year.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Scenes from an Italian restaurant

By Cullen Smith
A foul-mouthed chef has dropped his fake Italian accent, but is still upsetting customers with a fiery temper. Colin Cloudesley, who runs the Piccolo Ristorante Italiano restaurant in Somerfield (Christchurch), has served up another tirade to a group of diners recently celebrating a 50th birthday. In January he got into a punch-up with a party of seven after telling a woman who complained twice about a wrong order to f*** off. Now he's in further strife after claims of an abusive screaming match with restaurant patrons who were slow to depart after the 11pm closing time. "And as they stood to leave, the chef erupted from the kitchen with a torrent of foul-mouthed abuse, leaving our entire party inside and out in disbelief.'' In an "owner comment'' reply on the website Mr Cloudesley, calling himself "Coliano", disputed the date of the latest complaint and insisted the host had paid the bill "well before 11pm''. He pointed out the liquor licence required all patrons to be off the premises by 11.30pm. They were still in the restaurant at 11.41pm. Contacted by The Star yesterday, Mr Cloudesley denied abusing the group. "They are stupid people who don't know the laws and need a good kick up their a***,'' he said. "They said they weren't p***** ... yeah right! "You should write about something else. I'm busy,'' he said before hanging up.

Hawke's Bay company buys Welsh meat processing plant

Hawke's Bay-based Progressive Meats company expects the purchase of a meat processing operation in Wales to provide significant benefits. Managing director Craig Hickson says he's taken full ownership of the Cig Calon Cymrucompany,north-west of Cardiff. He says the plant was primarily built for processing beef and has a small lamb manual line. Mr Hickson says the plant can be extended to a model very similar to those operated in New Zealand.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

NZ to help Pacific nations protect fisheries

New Zealand is to commit $50 million towards increasing surveillance and protection of fisheries in the Pacific. Prime Minister John Key made the announcement on Friday at the Pacific Islands Forum being held in the Cook Islands. The money will target the management of long-line tuna and allow better surveillance, through satellite technology, to combat poaching by foreign countries. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has said many countries, including Asian and European nations, operate illegally in the Pacific.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Central Christchurch to be open by mid-2013

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced central Christchurch will be fully open by the middle of next year. Mr Brownlee has given a State of Recovery address in Christchurch on Friday. He said the ambitious deadline to dissolve the cordon has been put in place to speed up the city's regrowth. By the end of the year the Defence Force will not need to staff the cordon, which at present covers an area of 49 hectares. This has reduced from 387 hectares immediately following the February 2011 earthquake. Mr Brownlee says work on 80% of the buildings to be fully or partially demolished has been done.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Five killed in Australia's 'worst day' in Afghanistan

Australia has suffered its worst day in conflict since the Vietnam War after five soldiers were killed in two separate incidents in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has left the Pacific Islands Forum in Rarotonga to return to Australia. Speaking to reporters before her departure, she said it was the worst loss of Australian lives in combat in decades. "This is a very big toll, but this means that in a war of so many losses this is our single worst day in Afghanistan. I believe this is the most losses in combat since the days of the Vietnam War and the Battle of Long Tan." The Defence Force confirmed three soldiers were killed by a man in an Afghan army uniform in "a green on blue" attack at a base in Uruzgan Province in the south of the country on Wednesday. Two other Australian soldiers were wounded in that incident. One suffered serious gunshot wounds and has been evacuated for further treatment, while the other has minor wounds and remains at the patrol base. In the second incident, two special forces soldiers were killed when their helicopter crashed in the Helmand province early on Thursday, the ABC reports.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Alcohol purchasing age to stay at 18

MPs have voted to keep the legal purchase age of alcohol at 18 years of age in a conscience vote at Parliament. On Thursday, a debate on the Alcohol Reform Bill was first held over whether retain the status quo, raise the age to 20, or have a split age depending on where alcohol is purchased. The first round of voting resulted in the split age option being dropped, as it got the least amount of votes. In this option, 18-year-olds would be permitted to buy alcohol in a pub, club or restaurant, and an age limit of 20 would apply to alcohol purchased at a shop. The next vote resulted in 68 MPs voting to keep the purchase age at 18, and 53 voting to raise the age back up to 20.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

20 percent of teenage girls in Queensland overweight

A leading Queensland researcher is warning adolescent girls need to improve their fitness and diet if they want to avoid health issues when they decide to start a family. Professor Andrew Hills has been researching the relationship between obesity in teenage girls and health outcomes of mothers and babies. A recent study has found almost 20 percent of adolescent girls in Queensland are overweight.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Aussie Government to spend $300m on improving women's lives in Pacific

$300 million is to be spent by the Australian government over the next decade to better the lives of women in the Pacific. Aussie Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the only female Pacific leader, has made the announcement at the Pacific Island Forum in Rarotonga. Just five percent of parliamentary seats in the Pacific are held by women and only one in three are in employment. Ms Gillard says the money will go on a range of initiatives around protecting them from violence, training and cleaning up marketplaces.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Australian soldiers have been killed in another incident in Afghanistan, the Australian Defence Force says. Although the exact number is yet to be confirmed, reports out of Uruzgan provice earlier on Thursday said three soldiers had been killed in an attack by a member of the Afghan security force. That would take the Australian death toll in Afghanistan to 36 since 2002.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Dame Malvina to be invested with NZ's highest honour

Dame Malvina Major will be awarded with New Zealand's highest honour at a ceremony today. World renowned opera singer Dame Malvina is to be invested with the Order of New Zealand, at Government House in Auckland this morning. Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae will host the ceremony, which is scheduled to start at 10am.
Source: ONE News

Fears for aslyum seekers after boat sinking

Survivors of an asylum-seeker boat that sank off the coast of Indonesia have been rescued but there are fears a large number of people may have drowned. The boat, believed to have been carrying about 150 asylum seekers, was heading to Christmas Island when it issued a distress call in the early hours of Wednesday morning reporting that it was sinking. The distress call indicated the boat was in the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra, about eight nautical miles from Java and about 220 nautical miles from Christmas Island. Early on Thursday merchant ship Bahrain reported seeing survivors in the water 42 nautical miles from the Indonesian coast.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

New Zealander loses both legs in Afghanistan

A former Queenstown man serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan has lost both legs after an explosive device blew up. Curtis McGrath, 24, who attended Wakatipu High School, was one of four soldiers injured in the explosion which happened in the Uruzgan province last week, the Southland Times reports. All four soldiers have been flown to a hospital in Germany for treatment. Mr McGrath is reportedly serving as a combat engineer and grew up in Queenstown before moving to Australia to join the army.
Source: NZN

Kiwis working population aging

People aged over 65 could make up a sixth of New Zealand's workforce by 2036. The prediction is on the back of new figures out today, which showed that the country's labour force is projected to keep growing, driven by an increasing population. It also shows people will continue to work into older ages. Currently five percent of the labour force is made up of people aged over 65 but that could ramp up to 15 percent within the next 25 years. Among those aged 65 plus, one in five are currently in the workforce, that is up from just one in 16 in 1991.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

NZ grandmother falls to death in Vietnam, grandson critical

A New Zealand woman has died and her four-day-old grandson is in a critical condition following a tragic accident in Vietnam. Julie Ferne fell 6.7 metres down a staircase to a marble floor on August 24 while staying with family in Ho Chi Minh City. She died shortly after in hospital. "Unfortunately mum was holding her four-day-old grandson, Phil's son, Carter Preston, whilst descending the stairs," her family said in a statement today. Carter was injured in the fall and is in a critical condition with bleeding on the brain in Ho Chi Minh Children's Hospital. The family said Ferne had spoken about poverty in Vietnam and her desire to help before her death. "To illustrate this situation, in the same ward as Carter at Ho Chi Minh City Children's Hospital is a young baby with a heart condition. "In the last few days that we have been here the baby's parents have been taking shifts constantly hand pumping his ventilator to keep their child alive, as the hospital does not have the automated equipment to do this." Ferne's family have set up a trust fund to raise money for hospital equipment at Ho Chi Minh City Children's Hospital. Donations can be made to any branch of ASB Bank or directly into the Julie Ferne Memorial Trust ASB account, 12-3198-0065427-00.
Source: ONE News

UK Marmite held by Customs in copyright wrangle

An importer is criticising New Zealand food company Sanitarium for blocking his shipment of British Marmite over a copyright infringement claim. Rob Savage says he was told last Friday his latest container was being held by Customs because of the 2000 jars of Marmite that Sanitarium said would be a breach of copyright if sold here. But Mr Savage says he had no intention of competing with Sanitarium and was only importing the spread, which was a Queen's Diamond Jubilee special, for British expats who prefer their Marmite over the New Zealand version.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

$12bn transport funding announced

The New Zealand Transport Agency has announced it is to spend more than $12 billion in the next three years on roads, public transport and road safety. Most of the $12.28 billion being spent from 2012 to 2015 will go on roads; $4.1 billion for local roads and $5.1 billion allocated to state highways. Public transport attracts $1.7 billion in funding, including for providing new rail passenger carriages in Wellington and Auckland. Moves to improve road safety will attract $2.8 billion in funding, including $1 billion for road policing and safety promotion.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Hikes in the cost of food next year

ROELAND VAN DEN BERGH - BUSINESS REPORTER
Food prices are set to rise next year as the effects of a severe drought in the United States drives up grain prices and other feed stocks, according to the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research. However, a slow economy with little inflation and global uncertainty means the Reserve Bank will keep interest rates on hold till 2014, NZIER says in its latest quarterly predictions. NZIER principal economist Shamubeel Eaqub said prices for grains including corn, wheat and soy had increased by between 15 per cent and 30 per cent on last year. Those higher costs would flow through the food supply chain, and could lead to a 6 to 7 per cent increase in average food prices early next year, he said.

Skipping meals, fasting 'red flags' for depression

Young Maori and Pacific females are most at risk of developing unhealthy weight-loss habits and warrant closer monitoring by clinicians, new research suggests. A group of Auckland University researchers say female adolescents and those of Maori or Pacific ethnicity are most likely to adopt dangerous habits to help them lose weight. Skipping meals, fasting, vomiting and taking diet pills were associated with depression and suicidal behaviour, the School of Population and Health researchers said in the report, published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity last week. But clinicians were often pressed for time to ask detailed questions. Lead author Jennifer Utter proposed clinicians screen patients for skipping meals and fasting, which were “red flag” alerts, because of their close association with “poor mental wellbeing”.
© Fairfax NZ News

Clinton confirmed for Pacific Island Forum

Hillary Clinton's attendance at this week's Pacific Island Forum has been confirmed. It will be the US Secretary of State's first visit to the Cook Islands. John Key heads to Rarotonga this morning. He's hoping to sit down and chat with the woman deemed second most powerful in the world on Saturday. The United States is not a forum member but has been granted observer status.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Entrepreneur helping veterans reach WWII memorial

Five Royal Air Force war veterans are taking off on a final mission. The men, aged in their 80s and 90s, weren't able to join the official New Zealand veterans' memorial trip to London, but are getting there thanks to a generous entrepreneur. Founding director of Tax Management New Zealand, Ian Kuperus, says he was struck by the dedication of the Bomber Command crews during World War II. He's funding a trip for the five men and a support crew to see the Bomber Command memorial for themselves. "So it'll give the veterans an opportunity to lay their own wreaths and commemorate their comrades that have fallen."
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Al Gore to speak in Auckland

Former US vice-president and environmental activist Al Gore will speak at a conference in Auckland later this year. The 64-year-old Nobel Prize winner will give his first public speech in New Zealand on sustainable capitalism at a dinner on October 12 hosted by TV3's John Campbell. Mr Gore was the Democratic Party's candidate for president in the 2000 election but lost to George W. Bush. After giving up politics he became an environmental activist and won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his work in climate change.
Source: NZN

Long-fin eel export dogfood claim circulated offshore

A claim by a group seeking a ban on commercial fishing of long-fin eel that New Zealand is exporting the species as dogfood, has been sent to 4000 publications offshore. Massey scientist Mike Joy says an American bio-diversity group has now forwarded a fact sheet by Manaaki Tuna about the long fin to 4000 publications on its data base. Dr Joy says the Government has ignored pleas to take the species out of the quota system and the only option left is to try to shame it into action. He says the long-fin has a higher conservation status than the great spotted kiwi - yet it turns up in the United States in specialist dog-food. Dr Joy says Manaaki Tuna hopes that international publicity will convince the Government to protect the eel.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

IQ decline seen in early cannabis users

A new study shows persistent use of cannabis by young people can cause an IQ decline in later life. The research analysed more than 1000 people in Dunedin for almost 40 years. It found an average loss of eight IQ points over that time for those who began using cannabis before the age of 18. University of Otago health research director Richie Poulton says memory and attention were also damaged. He told Morning Report it means an average person's IQ would fall from the 50th percentile to the 29th percentile with prolonged cannabis use.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Datacom set to expand business to Asia

A successful New Zealand IT company looks set to make a bold stride into the Asian marketplace. Datacom, which employs 4000, has reported another year of strong growth with net profit after tax up 12 percent to $25 million. The company's building a $30 million data centre in Hamilton to complement an existing one in Auckland. Business correspondent Roger Kerr says it's now looking to expand into China.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Pacific Small Island States leaders meeting now underway in Cook Islands

Leaders of the Pacific Small Island States are holding the first meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit. The meeting, which involves leaders from Kiribati, Palau, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, Nauru, is being chaired by the Cook Islands Prime Minister, Henry Puna, as the host country. Leaders will discuss the impact of a review of the Pacific plan, climate change funding and gender issues.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

PM dismisses Taliban threat

Prime Minister John Key has dismissed threats against New Zealand soldiers in Afghanistan as propaganda, saying they haven't been authenticated by the Government. Five New Zealand soldiers have died there this month. Mr Key says it seems the first two soldiers who died took the insurgents by surprise but the latest three do appear to have been targeted directly. A Taliban spokesperson says New Zealanders are being targeted in Afghanistan; there is no safety for them there; and if they are found by the Taliban, they will be killed. The Taliban says it has a new base and more fighters in Bamyan province in Afghanistan and its men are poised to strike at New Zealand soldiers there. It warns many more New Zealand soldiers will be killed if they are not withdrawn from the country immediately.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

American Samoan trying out new breadfruit varieties from Hawaii

A new variety of breadfruit which is a mix of popular Samoan and Fijian varieties is being trialed by the American Samoa Department of Agriculture. The variety is growing in Maui in Hawaii, and American Samoa’s Governor Togiola Tulafono and the Director of Agriculture Lealao Mel Purcell were there recently to check it out. More than 200 breadfruit varieties are thriving in Maui, some of which are being shipped to parts of the world suffering from hunger.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Auckland civic luncheon for Maori and Tongan kings

King Tuheitia and Tonga's new King will receive a formal welcome to Auckland on Monday. The Maori King and Tupou VI of Tonga will be the guests of honour at a civic luncheon hosted by Mayor Len Brown. It will be King Tuheitia's first formal visit to the Auckland Council and Mr Brown says playing host to two of the pre-eminent leaders of the Pacific is an historic occasion. King Tupou has been attending the Maori king's coronation celebrations - his first visit to New Zealand since taking the throne.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Labor up but still facing landslide loss

The latest opinion poll in Australia shows the Labor government's primary vote has climbed to a six-month high and Julia Gillard is now ahead of Tony Abbott as preferred prime minister. But the ABC reports Labor would still be beaten in a landslide if an election was held now, with the two-party preferred figure giving the Coalition a lead of 54-46. The poll also found two-thirds of voters were in favour of sending asylum seekers to Nauru and Manus Island. The Nielsen poll of 1400 has a margin of error of 2.6%.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Ko wins Women's Open in Canada

Teenage golfer Lydia Ko of New Zealand became the youngest player to win a LPGA Tour event when she captured the Canadian Women's Open by three strokes on Sunday. Ko, 15, went 5 under par 67 to finish on 13-under overall in Vancouver. She became the US Women's Amateur champion in Cleveland, Ohio, two weeks ago. "It means a lot to me, it's a professional event and I just came to make the cut and play my best," Ko said afterwards.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Road snowfall warning issued for Milford Rd

People who are travelling to Milford Sound tomorrow are being warned snow is on the way. A road snowfall warning has been issued for Milford Road - the only road access to Milford Sound. MetService says there will be snow at the top of Milford Road tomorrow morning, down to about 800m. Two to four centimetres is expected from late morning.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Internet NZ approves ' kiwi.nz' domain

By Jacqui Stanford - NewstalkZB
A new domain name has been approved by Internet New Zealand. Registrations will open for ".kiwi.nz" from September 11. However Domain Name Commissioner Debbie Monahan says a threshold of 500 registrations must be received before the domain is made active. She says it's a great opportunity for people to get a true 'kiwi' tone into their domain names.

English language 'originated in Turkey'

Researchers at the University of Auckland say modern Indo-European languages - which include English - originated in Turkey about 9000 years ago. Conventional theory is that these languages originated 5000 years ago in south-west Russia. However, a team led by Dr Quentin Atkinson used methods developed to study virus epidemics to create family trees of ancient and modern Indo-European tongues to pinpoint where and when the language family first arose. Their study is reported in Science.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Asylum seekers on hunger strike

A number of asylum seekers on Christmas Island are on a hunger strike to protest against being transferred to Nauru. The Department of Immigration has confirmed a number are refusing to eat. The Lower House of Parliament and the Senate last week passed legislation which will allow offshore processing in Nauru and Papua New Guinea for asylum seekers who come by boat.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Taleban: More NZ blood will spill

By Bevan Hurley
The Taleban says Kiwi troops are easier targets than other Coalition forces because of their inferior weaponry. After the New Zealand armed force's bloodiest month since November 1951, the Taleban's Zabiullah Mujahid promised more bloodshed for Kiwi troops. "We will find them and kill them, there's no safety for them," the Afghan militia's spokesman said. The Taleban had extensive knowledge of New Zealand weaponry and movements, he said in an authenticated telephone interview with a Herald on Sunday correspondent in Kabul. "We know ... which kinds of weapons and ammunition they have. We know that the New Zealanders do not have strong weapons like the Americans or British, but if they had it wouldn't matter for us."

Electoral privacy numbers rise

More people are seeking to keep their names and addresses off the electoral roll. Official figures show the number of people listed on the unpublished electoral roll has doubled in eight years - from 7600 in 2004 to 15,500. The roll enables people to register to vote without their names and addresses being publicly accessible.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Gorge nearly open!

Motorists will be able to use the road through the Manawatu Gorge midway this week, earlier than scheduled. State Highway Three through the gorge was closed by slips on 18 and 31 August last year and another in October, which brought down 370,000 cubic metres of hillside. From mid-week, one-way traffic from Woodville to Ashhurst will be allowed through during the day, and there will be two-way traffic at night, controlled by lights.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Drive-by heatseeking coming our way

By Susan Edmunds
Cars loaded with heat-sensitive monitors will hit the road soon in a bid to prove to homeowners how much warmth is escaping from their houses. Right House, a company which provides insulation retrofitting and energy advice, is in the final testing stages of a Heatseeker car with thermal imaging technology. The car has been a success in Britain. New Zealand's version will be exactly the same, says Right House chief executive Hamish Sisson. The images show heat escaping through things such as cracks in walls, thin windows, or through the roof of a house. Sisson said it was unlikely to be launched formally until next winter, because it requires temperatures below 8C. "We'll be using it to identify houses that need underfloor or ceiling insulation and then contacting [the owners] to see if they want to do something about it."

Frustration in alcohol reform lobby

By Jacqui Stanford - NewstalkZB
There's frustration in the alcohol reform lobby, with one campaigner now saying the process of changing alcohol laws has become a joke. Labour has added to the stack of Alcohol Reform Bill amendments, with a proposal to make it illegal to sell RTDs with more than five percent alcohol. Rebecca Williams at Alcohol Healthwatch says the process has already dragged on too long since the Law Commission report in 2010. "We've just been waiting and waiting and waiting for this, and all we're getting is more watering down, more backtracking, it's just completely unacceptable." Rebecca Williams says there have been thousands of submissions asking for stronger laws, but the Government has bowed to pressure from the alcohol industry.

Churches to know their rights

By Jacqui Stanford - NewstalkZB
The rights of churches are being spelled out, in the event a bill opening the door for gay couples to marry gets through Parliament. The Human Rights Commission says religious ministers will be able to refuse to marry same-sex couples. Chief Commissioner David Rutherford says because religious marriage is a core part of some religions, they're free to refuse ceremonies which don't fit in with their beliefs. "There is really only one person in the country that must marry someone, and that's the register of marriages, and the appropriate forms being filled out. All other marriage celebrants have the discretion to marry or not marry anyone."
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Change of govt in NT

The Northern Territory in Australia has a new Country Liberal government. The ABC reports country voters deserted the ruling Labor party on Saturday, ending 11 years of ALP rule. The swing in the bush vote was almost 15%. The election night count in Darwin showed the Country Liberal Party had won 14 seats and Labor eight. Thirteen seats were required for victory and the CLP could win 16. The ALP previously held 12 seats. An Independent holds the 25th seat in the chamber, after being re-elected for a fourth term in a rural seat.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Silent comedian wins Edinburgh award

A New Zealand comedian, who performs with a strip of duct tape over his mouth, won an award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on Saturday. Sam Wills of Christchurch took the Foster's panel prize of £5000 for his performances over the past three weeks at the festival. "He is an outstanding comedian who proves that punchlines don't need words ... Sam shows us that silence can be hilarious," said producer Nica Burns.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Rugby - All Blacks v Wallabies

Full-time: All Blacks 22-0 Wallabies
The All Blacks finish with an emphatic victory to ensure the Bledisloe Cup remains in New Zealand for another 12 months. The Wallabies had no answer to the pace and intyensity of the All Blacks attack in the second-half and although there was just one try the All Blacks superiority was clear with the visitors failing to post a single point. Robbie Deans' men put in a brave performance and defended and competed well in most areas but were found out once the All Blacks were able to achieve front-foot ball. Both sides now have a week off before they begin preperations for their next Rugby Championship games with the Wallabies lining up against the Springboks in Perth and the All Blacks hosting Argentina in Wellington on September 8.
Source: ONE Sport

Service for slain soldiers

A service for three New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghanistan last weekend will took place at 1pm on Saturday at Burnham Military Camp. The bodies of Corporal Luke Tamatea, Lance-Corporal Jacinda Baker and Private Richard Harris arrived in Christchurch on Thursday. The three were killed when a roadside bomb exploded in Bamyan province last Sunday morning. The Prime Minister and Governor General are attending. Following the service, the soldiers will be returned to their families for private services. This is the second service in as many weeks. Lance Corporals Rory Malone and Pralli Durrer were killed in an ambush in Bamyan province on 4 August.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

American Samoa governor bans light bulbs, cars

A critic of orders issued this week by the American Samoa governor, that have banned certain light bulbs, detergents, old cars and shark fishing, says they will hurt the economy. Senator Lualemaga Faoa questioned the governor’s power to place restrictions on things that affect people’s lives. Togiola Tulafono issued a ban on the importation of older vehicles, detergents containing phosphates and catching rare fish species including sharks. He also banned the government from using incandescent light bulbs. But Senator Faoa says both the Fono and the public should have had input into these restrictions.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Waitangi Tribunal: Asset sales must halt

By KATE CHAPMAN
The Government must halt its asset sales programme until Maori water rights can be sorted out, the Waitangi Tribunal says. Maori ownership of water has thrown a spanner in the Government's privatisation plans and may yet cause further delay with the damning tribunal report released today. "In the national interest and the interests of the Crown-Maori relationship, we recommend that the sale be delayed while the Treaty partners negotiate a solution to this dilemma." The Maori Council took a claim to the tribunal in which they said Maori had ownership rights over water and the sale of state owned assets would prevent them from seeking redress. The Government plans to sell up to 49 per cent of Mighty River Power, Genesis Energy and Meridian Energy. In a draft interim report released today by the tribunal said the Crown would not be able to provide recognise Maori water rights following the sale. The interim report says: "The Crown will be in breach of Treaty principles if it proceeds to sell shares without first providing Maori with a remedy or rights recognition, or at least preserving its ability to do so," Chief Judge Wilson Isaac said in the report.
© Fairfax NZ News

Soldiers head to Nauru to build asylum-seeker centre

Australian soldiers are heading to Nauru to start working on an offshore processing centre for asylum-seekers. The federal government has secured agreement with Nauru to begin work on the so-called temporary offshore processing centre. The defence force is sending 120 soldiers to Nauru for the project; the first 30 are expected to fly there on Friday. Immigration minister Chris Bowen says he expects there will be room for 500 asylum-seekers at the Nauru site by the end of September. Eventually the government expects that centre and one on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea's Admiralty Islands to house about 2000 people.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Hollywood movie shot in NZ set to debut

A major Hollywood movie filmed in New Zealand is to take centre stage at the Toronto International Film Festival next month. 'Emperor' was filmed in Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland, with 300 New Zealanders involved, including half the cast. It stars Matthew Fox and Tommy Lee Jones and is about American-occupied Japan in the days after Emperor Hirohito's surrender to end World War II. The film has its world premier at the prestigious festival.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Expectant mums reassured they're in safe hands

Expectant mothers around the country are being reassured they're in safe hands, following a temporary exodus of midwives. Over 800 midwives from across the country are heading to Wellington from today for their national three day conference. However New Zealand College of Midwives CEO Karen Guilliland says mothers elsewhere are still in capable hands. "Women should be reassured that for every midwife that comes to this conference, she has a back up service, and a back up midwife available for all those women left behind."
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Biggest monthly trade surplus so far this year

A big fall in imports has led to the country's biggest monthly trade surplus so far this year. Statistics New Zealand says there was a surplus of $126 million in July, adjusting for normal seasonal trade patterns. Exports fell 0.4%, but imports fell by more, down 1.5%. Exports exceeded $4 billion for the second consecutive month.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Antarctic Peninsula started warming 600 years ago

Temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula started rising naturally 600 years ago, long before man-made climate changes further increased them, scientists said in a study that helps explain the recent collapses of vast ice shelves. The study, reconstructing ancient temperatures to understand a region that is warming faster than anywhere else in the southern hemisphere, said a current warming rate of 2.6 degrees Celsius per century was "unusual" but not unprecedented. "By the time the unusual recent warming began, the Antarctic Peninsula ice shelves were already poised for the dramatic break-ups observed from the 1990s onwards," said the British Antarctic Survey, which led the study published in the journal Nature. "There is no runaway melt. Most of the glaciers are melting at a similar rate to other glaciers in the world," lead author Andreas Kaab at the University of Oslo told Reuters of the study of glaciers in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayas.
Source: Reuters

Zoo to get New Zealand's first gorillas

By CAROLINE KING
A Canterbury wildlife park is to get three silverback gorillas in a New Zealand first. Kababu, 35, a 230-kilogram silverback western lowland gorilla, and his sons, Fataki, 9, and Fuzu, 5, will move to Orana Wildlife Park, near Christchurch. They are expected to arrive by March 2015. The gorillas are now at Sydney's Taronga Zoo. The park, a not-for-profit organisation, is drawing up plans for the gorilla enclosure, which would cost more than $2 million.

Belief asset sales plan's going down drain

Opposition parties believe the Government's partial asset sales plan is fast going down the gurgler. It comes as the Government admits Solid Energy isn't ready to be put on the market because of commercial issues. Labour's repeating its calls for National to ditch the plans. And Greens co-leader Russel Norman says taking issues such as the Waitangi Tribunal hearings into water rights into account, the probability of the Government going ahead on schedule is pretty low. "Originally they were racing to do it because they wanted to beat the referendum, that was one of their political imperatives, whereas I actually think we're going to beat them now and we'll get the referendum in place before they go ahead with the first privatisation, given all the problems that they're having." Just over 200,000 signatures have been gathered on the referendum petition.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Lecture to outline dependence on international food

A lecture on food is set to outline how dependant we are on food that comes from overseas. The list of foods not produced in New Zealand includes coffee, chocolate, sugar, rice and most of our breads. One of the speakers at next week's lecture is Waikato University professor of agri-business, Jacqueline Rowarth who says if we only ate the food produced locally, we'd get a bit bored. She says we'd be fine for onions, potatoes, milk and meat. Jacqueline Rowarth says the lecture will also cover food expenditure, which she says is slowly decreasing.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Canterbury economy outperforms rest of country

Canterbury has outpacing the rest of the economy in the year to June due to rebuilding in Christchurch. The National Bank's regional trends survey shows economic activity in the region was up 4.4%, while Auckland recorded 3% growth. The result follows a fall in Canterbury of 0.8% for the previous financial year. National Bank economist Steve Edwards says much of the increase in the latest year is attributed to a pick-up in building consents and retail sale, while job advertisements have also increased. Mr Edwards says there remains a risk that New Zealand will end up with a two speed economy, of rapid growth in Canterbury and sluggish growth nationally, though this is not a problem at the moment.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Jail for man who lobbed egg at wife

By MARTY SHARPE
A man who threw an ostrich egg at his wife because her pet pig damaged his tools has been sent to jail. Phillip Marau Glanville Russell, 47, lost his temper when he discovered the pig had caused $2500 of damage to his saw. Russell was sentenced to six months' jail when he appeared in Hastings District Court yesterday, after earlier pleading guilty to charges including assault using an ostrich egg as a weapon. His lawyer, Antony Willis, said Russell had asked his wife repeatedly to keep the pig under control because it had damaged their house, their neighbour's house and council property. But his wife insisted it should be given free range.
- © Fairfax NZ News

Helen Clark moves up 'most powerful women' list

Helen Clark has been ranked 34th in Forbes magazine's annual list of the world's most powerful women. Last year the former New Zealand Prime Minister, who heads the United Nations Development Programme, was ranked 50th. German Chancellor Angela Merkel tops the 2012 list, followed by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Others in the top ten include Michelle Obama, Sonia Gandhi and Melinda Gates.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

New Zealand breast cancer breakthrough to be trialled in Netherlands

By Jane Luscombe
Finding cancer in dense breast tissue has been compared to looking for a snowball in a snow storm. Both the dense tissue and the tumours appear white on a mammogram. But Wellington-based company Matakina has developed breast imaging software that can analyse the pictures and indicate which ones need more investigation. It should make cancer detection easier and more accurate. It's being used in a trial in the Netherlands, where a million women a year are screened. The imaging software is already part of a trial in the UK and is in use in the United States. The company is now eager to talk to health officials here to discuss whether it could become a part of the national screening programme.
3 News

National Museum (Te Papa) given new Colin McCahon painting

By Abby Gillies
Te Papa's (National Museum) art collection has been boosted with a new addition by famed New Zealand artist Colin McCahon. Painting Landscape theme and variations: series B (1963) has been gifted by the Arts Council of New Zealand to the national art collection, which includes more than 70 works by McCahon. The addition has strengthened Te Papa's collection and ensures the work is shared with New Zealanders and international visitors, said Te Papa chief executive Michael Houlihan, who was delighted to accept the "generous offer". The painting consists of eight large panels and is now on public display.
- APNZ

NZ defence personnel to leave Syria

By Katie Bradford-Crozier - NewstalkZB
New Zealand Defence Force personnel will leave Syria tomorrow, as the situation worsens. They are joining the rest of the United Nations mission and leaving on the agreed date. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully acknowledges the bravery and commitment of the six personnel who have served in a dangerously volatile situation, but the worsening violence has made it impossible to carry out the rest of its task. They have been on the ground in Syria for three months.

Tobacco firm launches campaign against plain packaging

British American Tobacco has launched a costly advertising campaign in New Zealand to stop the introduction of plain-packaging laws. The Australian government recently won a High Court battle against major tobacco companies, clearing the way for plain packaging to become law, The New Zealand Government has agreed in principle to introduce plain packaging and is consulting companies and members of the public. But British American Tobacco says if the laws are introduced, they will result in a number of unintended consequences including increasing the black market. The company has bought advertisements in media throughout the country and will lobby MPs in a campaign costing of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

New NIWA-GNS project to predict disasters toll

A method for predicting the likely impact of future natural disasters, including casualties, has been revealed. Riskscape is a joint project between NIWA and GNS Science and was being launched on Wednesday at a natural hazards management conference in Christchurch. It is the first planning tool in New Zealand to combine information from five major natural hazards - earthquakes, flooding, tsunami, volcanoes and wind storms. GNS Science says the tool uses historic and current data to predict the risk of an area being affected by natural hazards. It will largely be used by local bodies and insurance companies throughout the country and could affect the location of new developments or the cost of insurance.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Rugby - More tickets on sale for Dunedin Test tomorrow

An extra 450 temporary seats are being installed at Forsyth Barr Stadium to meet strong demand to see the All Blacks take on South Africa in Dunedin on Saturday, September 15 in the Rugby Championship. "We're thrilled to give fans who missed out another chance to see the All Blacks," said New Zealand Rugby Union professional rugby general manager Neil Sorensen. The seats are located at the western end of the ground in front of the existing temporary seats and are being sold as restricted view seats, priced at $40 and $80
Source: ONE Sport

Rugby - Sir Graham Henry named technical advisor to Blues

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan today confirmed former All Blacks mentor Sir Graham Henry as part of his new-look coaching team. Sir Graham, All Blacks skills coach Mick Byrne and longtime confidant Grant Doorey will join the Blues staff for next season. "I'm thrilled with this coaching team," said Sir John. "The experience and individual expertise these three men offer is exciting for me as head coach, for the Blues and our supporters." This is Sir Graham's first coaching post in New Zealand after eight years as All Black head coach, culminating in victory at last year's Rugby World Cup.
Source: ONE Sport

Rare 19th-century Maori letters to be put online

A collection of rare Maori letters written during the land wars is going to be put online. Taranaki iwi have been working with the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington to better understand the historical context of the 250 letters before they are made public. The library's Maori curator, Paul Diamond, says the letters - collected by Arthur Atkinson, editor of the Taranaki Herald in the 1860s - are very unusual, having been written in Maori to convey military intelligence to other Maori. Mr Diamond says usually old letters in Maori were written to a person in government or for an anthropologist about particular customs. The collection will be available online in a few months' time.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

McCully to discuss trade with Filipino counterpart

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will meet with his Filipino counterpart today to discuss trade issues and advance talks on a working scheme between our countries. He's hosting Albert del Rosario, who'll also meet with Trade Minister Tim Groser. The Philippines is our 14th largest market and our fifth largest dairy market. Mr McCully says there's wide scope for closer engagement in these and other areas such as tourism, aviation and the geothermal industry.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Soldiers' bodies on way back to NZ

The bodies of three soldiers killed by a bomb in Afghanistan have begun their journey back to New Zealand. The Defence Force says a ramp ceremony was held on Tuesday at Bagram air base in Bamyan province to honour Corporal Luke Tamatea, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker and Private Richard Harris. The soldiers from the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team died instantly when their Humvee was blown up by an improvised explosive device in north-eastern Bamyan on Sunday. The bodies have been put on a Royal Australian Air Force Hercules, which will carry them as far as Australia and are being escorted by members of the Provincial Reconstruction Team. From Australia, they will be transferred to a Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules for the final leg to New Zealand. An escort from the 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, the 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and the 2nd Health Support Battalion will accompany the flight. A ramp ceremony will also be held on arrival in Christchurch on Thursday.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Japanese arrivals to NZ back to pre-quake levels

Visitors from Japan have returned to the levels they were before the Christchurch earthquakes. Of countries who lost people in the fatal quake, Japan suffered the highest numbers - 28 students were killed when the Canterbury Television building collapsed. The Statistics Department has just released its arrival figures for July this year. Overall numbers fell by one per cent. However the number of arrivals from China rose by 25 per cent compared with July the year before. Visitor numbers from Malaysia, Korea and the UK dropped.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Australian manufacturers advised to consider moving overseas

Former Australian Treasury Secretary Ken Henry has told a forum the Australian dollar is unlikely to fall and manufacturers should consider moving production overseas to survive. Like New Zealand, Australia's currency has been strong in recent years, leading to some manufacturers shutting operations, saying their not competitive against their foreign rivals. Dr Henry said on Monday that other Australian companies will need to follow suit, or concentrate on producing high value products that can't be made elsewhere.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Majority of regions' economy on the up - survey

By Lesley Deverall - NewstalkZB
Ten of the country's 14 regions lifted economic activity in the June quarter, according to the latest National Bank survey. Taranaki recorded the largest increase, with more moderate increases in the Waikato, Nelson-Marlborough, Canterbury and Auckland. Drops were recorded in Northland, Southland, Wellington and Bay of Plenty.

Big quake risk to Christchurch same as Wellington

GNS Science says the risk to Christchurch of another sizeable earthquake is about the same as the risk facing Wellington. Kelvin Berryman told a natural hazards management conference on Tuesday that there is still a risk of a magnitude 6.0 or above quake in Christchurch, but this risk was diminishing by the day as the aftershocks decrease in frequency and strength. Dr Berryman said the focus for scientists and engineers has now moved to how to construct or approve buildings so they are better able to withstand quakes. He said most of the earthquake prone buildings have now come down in Christchurch and the focus is now shifting to other cities where a large number of buildings at risk are yet to be made safe.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Young Wellington debaters to represent NZ

By CALRA PENMAN
Two Wellington secondary school students will be speaking up at New Zealand at next year's World Debating Championships in Turkey. Edwards Foley, from Wellington College, and Jemima Lomax-Sawyers, from St Mary's College, have been selected for the New Zealand Debating team. Last week teams from Wellington, Auckland, Canterbury, Otago-Southland, Hawke's Bay, Northland, Central North Island, Waikato and Marlborough took part in seven preliminary rounds of debates. The other students also selected for the national team were James Penn, Otago; Ashley Varney, Auckland; Thomas Simpson, Waikato, and Callum Lo from Hawkes Bay as the reserve.
- The Wellingtonian

Whales spotted close to shore in Auckland

A whale and her calf have been spotted swimming in the shallow waters at Takapuna Beach. Earlier reports that a whale was stranded on Takapuna Beach proved to be incorrect. Instead, a Southern Right whale and her calf were part of a pod of whales swimming along Auckland's North Shore. The whales were also spotted dangerously close to the shore at Thorne Bay, just north of Takapuna Beach.
Source: ONE News

World designer not a fan of the pyjama trend

Fashion designers are telling Gisborne locals to scrub up and get dressed. It comes amid citywide debate as to whether the growing trend of wearing pyjamas around town is acceptable. World fashion designer Denise L'Estrange Corbet says not many people can pull off the PJ look that well. "Unless you've got a body like Elle Macpherson, most of us don't look our best in our pyjamas so why'd you want to go and put that out in the public arena - I've just got no idea." She's worried the fad may venture too far.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Pacific kumara route being tracked

The Chilean Ambassador to New Zealand says new joint research involving Maori and indigenous Easter Islanders will get to the root of where early Polynesians first found the kumara. Two doubled-hulled waka set sail from Auckland on Friday to Rapanui (Easter Island) to retrace ancient voyages made across the Pacific ocean. The Waka Tapu expedition is a joint project between Easter Island indigenous leaders, the Chilean government, and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Ambassador Isauro Torres says there is evidence to show the sweet potato grown in Aotearoa originally comes from South America. He says corpses of Polynesian origin have been found buried in Chile, along with their archaic artefacts. Mr Torres says a number of eastern Polynesian groups, including Maori, reached the coast of South America and probably returned home with the kumara.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Treaty bicultural focus seen as too exclusive

The panel leading a Constitutional review has been told a bicultural focus on the Treaty of Waitangi won't be fair to Pacific and migrant communities. The warning came on the opening day of a forum held by the Human Rights Commission in Auckland where Dr Ranginui Walker said the Treaty of Waitangi is top of the panel's list. But Professor James Liu of Victoria University said the Treaty has led to a kind of federalism, with the redistribution of resources to Maori as a nation within a nation. Auckland Council's Pacific advisory panel chair Uesifili Unasa said the review must consider the special status of Pacific peoples in New Zealand. He said Niueans, Cook Islanders and Tokelauans are New Zealand citizens by right and Samoans have a constitutional standing through their Treaty of Friendship.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

$2500 fine for bringing plant seeds into NZ

A man has been fined for trying to bring unauthorised plant seeds into New Zealand on a flight from Hong Kong. Kwan Sang Cheng, 58, from China told quarantine inspectors he was going to plant them in a relative's garden. He stated on a passenger arrival card at Auckland international airport on 1 July that he had no plant material. However, a search revealed the seeds in his jacket. He was convicted and fined $2500 at Manukau District Court last week.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Call to cap loan-shark interest rates

Medical researchers are pushing for a cap on interest rates to stamp out loan sharks who target low-income earners. A two-year study by Otago University's Wellington Medical School reveals that interest rates of 500% a year are trapping people in a vicious cycle of debt. Lead researcher Associate Professor Louise Signal and says Maori and Pacific people borrowing for everyday needs are being targeted by loan sharks. Ms Signal says some states in Australia cap interest rates at 48% and believes that should be the case in New Zealand also.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Aquaflow a finalist for Top 100 Asia award

By Jacob Brown - NewstalkZB
New Zealand renewable fuel company Aquaflow has been selected as a finalist for Red Herring's Top 100 Asia award. The annual list honours the year's most promising private technology ventures from the Asian business region. Aquaflow has developed a system that takes things like trees, algae and agriculture waste, and processes it into renewable hydrocarbon fuels, such as petrol, diesel and jet fuel. Winners will be revealed on September 12.

Leave Afghanistan 'as soon as practical’- Shearer

By 3 News online staff
Labour Leader David Shearer says New Zealand should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan “as soon as practical”. “I don’t think we should be cutting and running, because that will undo the very good work we’ve done over the last nine years. But we shouldn’t be staying any longer than we have to – I’m talking about months, rather than a year and a half,” he told Rachel Smalley on Firstline. Mr Shearer says New Zealand troops have already done an “extraordinarily good job” in Bamiyan, especially in developing health services and training the local police force. “We can’t win the war for the Afghanis…and it seems to me we’ve done as much as we can,” he says. Mr Shearer believes it would be a mistake to respond to the latest deaths by sending more troops into the region as backup, putting more lives in danger.

Weather shows classic signs of spring

Spring has arrived early in New Zealand in August in stark contrast to last year when snow storms cut power to thousands and closed roads and airports in the South Island. Spring officially starts on September 1 although some don't observe it until the equinox around September 21 but WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan has declared August "spring like". He says that while cold snaps are still expected during the coming weeks the general trend is for more weather systems coming in from the west. Warmer nor'westers followed by cold sou'westers, were "the classic calling card of spring". Still, a cold southerly will move up the southern and eastern coastlines of both islands on Tuesday, knocking highs back to single digits for some in the south.
Source: NZN

Wgtn performers to help Chch theatre scene

Wellington performers are helping to revive Christchurch's struggling theatre scene. Organisers of a variety show tonight at Wellington's Circa Theatre hope to raise thousands of dollars to fill Canterbury's Court Theatre with new sets, costumes and props. Show co-producer Greg Ellis says the Court Theatre's props have been trapped inside the Christchurch Arts Centre since the 2011 quake. He says Cantabrians are desperate to see their arts scene back in full swing, as it offers a break from the ongoing stress of the earthquake.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Annual report shows wine exports on the rise

Strong figures just out have vintners smiling. Wine exports were up eight percent to $1.18 billion according to the end of June annual report of New Zealand Winegrowers. 242 million litres of wine were sold - up 10 percent. Chair of New Zealand Winegrowers Stuart Smith says the strong performance means a changed supply-and-demand dynamic for the sector in the year ahead.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

New benefit payment system for young

A new policy under which some young beneficiaries will receive a payment card and have some bills paid directly on their behalf, comes into effect on 20 August. Essential bills will be paid directly from their benefit and they will receive $50 per week in their account. Labour says many young people don't know about the payment card. Work & Income says no individual will be transferred to the new regime until they have had the changes explained to them.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Three NZ soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Another three New Zealand soldiers are dead in Bamyan Province, Afghanistan. Their names are: Corporal Luke Tamatea aged 31, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker aged 26, and Private Richard Harris aged 21. All three were from 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment based in Burnham and were deployed to Afghanistan in April. The Defence Force says they were killed by an improvised explosive device in the north east of the province at about 9.20am on Sunday (about 5pm NZ time), when the last vehicle in a convoy of four vehicles was hit by an improvised explosive device.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Heavy rain on the way for many areas

Nelson is in for a soaking today as heavy rain moves in from the Tasman Sea. MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for the Nelson Ranges with up to 90mm predicted to fall today. The same active front will also bring heavy rain to the central and upper North Island, before turning its attentions to Otago tomorrow. Thunderstorms could also accompany the downpours with Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Nelson and Buller the likely recipients today.
Source: ONE News

Caution over industry's alcohol reduction offer

Health experts are cautioning the Government not to trust a liquor industry offer to voluntarily reduce alcohol levels in pre-mixed drinks. The move is seen as a way to get around strict new regulation in the Alcohol Reform Bill, which is currently before Parliament. Alcohol HeathWatch director Rebecca Williams says the industry has made promises about alcohol levels in the past, and not followed through. "I wouldn't trust any efforts at this late stage by the alcohol industry to be anywhere near effective, and I would jolly well hope that the politicians don't listen to them." Ms Williams says it's important the Government makes the right decisions on the issue, and enforces them.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Senate finance committee chair in NZ for talks

The head of the US Senate Finance Committee is in New Zealand for three days of talks. Senator Max Baucus of Montana (Democrat) is expected to discuss progress on negotiations for a Trans-Pacific Partnership. If agreed to, the TPP would free-up trade between Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Viet Nam. Mexico and Canada are also scheduled to join. Senator Baucus will also meet the Prime Minister, Speaker Lockwood Smith, industry leaders and Maori.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

End of Ramadan celebrated

Moslems in New Zealand have celebrated the end of Ramadan. Ramadan lasts for a month and is sacred to Moslems who must fast during daylight hours and reflect on their spirituality during that time. Ponsonby mosque secretary Firoz Patel says 500 - 600 people were at the mosque at 7.30am on Sunday for post-Ramadan prayers.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Rugby - All Blacks beat Wallabies

The All Blacks beat the Wallabies by 27-19 in Sydney, in the first Bledisloe Cup clash of the year on Saturday night. New Zealand led 18-10 at halftime. Scorers for New Zealand were Israel Dagg and Cory Jane in the first half before Nathan Sharpe responded for the Wallabies. Referee Alain Rolland awarded 28 penalties and Dan Carter kicked 17 points. All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says it was a classic trans-Tasman fixture. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says his side played too much rugby in their own half. The next match is in Auckland next weekend.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Auckland protest against South Africa shooting

By Jane Luscombe
Protesters have attacked the South African consulate building in Auckland in response to the shooting dead of 34 striking mineworkers. They used paint bombs to splatter the walls and windows and stuck a letter on the door for South Africa's president Jacob Zuma. The paintballs were a vivid symbol of their anger with the ANC. They blame the ruling party for creating the conditions that led to the massacre of 34 striking mineworkers. “We have turned up here today to send a message of absolute disgust to the South African president, Jacob Zuma, because we hold him responsible for this massacre,” says protester John Minto.
3News

Kiwi leads world-wide research into pneumonia

A Christchurch-based microbiologist is heading the international fight to prevent childhood pneumonia. Professor David Murdoch is helping to oversee the world's biggest study into the acute respiratory infection - which is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five. "The focus of the study is to determine the cause of pneumonia in severely ill children," Murdoch said. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, up to 10,000 young pneumonia patients from seven Asian and African nations are being studied as part of the project. Murdoch is in charge of special purpose-built laboratories in each of the seven countries. "There is a lot of pneumonia occurring throughout the world, without a lot of information on what the actual causes are," he said. The expectation is that the research will reveal previously unknown viruses and bacteria, which will consequent in the development of a targeted treatment. The project is estimated to cost $50 million.
Source: ONE News

Darfield plant now operating

Fonterra's new processing site at Darfield in Canterbury is now operating, with the first bags of whole milk powder on their way to South East Asia, China and the Middle East. Operations director Brent Taylor says the new plant produced 40 tonnes of milk powder product in its first full day of operations. At peak capacity, Darfield will convert about 2.2 million litres of milk per day into whole milk powder. A second milk drier is already planned, which will triple the site's capacity.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Is eating egg yolks as bad for you as smoking?

Health experts are keen to refute a Canadian study which claims eating egg yolks is almost as bad for you as smoking. The New Zealand Nutrition Foundation says there's nothing new about cholesterol in egg yolks, or the idea cholesterol in food raises blood cholesterol levels. But nutritionist Sarah Hanrahan says it's saturated fat and not cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease. She says it's important to be cautious about one study which says something quite sensational, when the weight of evidence says something else. Ms Hanrahan says studies show the average New Zealander with no preexisting heart problems or heart disease risk factors can have an egg every day without increasing their risk of heart disease.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Public transport 'good for your health'

By MARY BAINES
Waiting for public transport may seem dull, but new research shows daydreaming at the bus stop may be good for your mental health. University of Otago, Wellington, department of public health PhD researcher Marie Russell looked into what passengers did with their travel time when waiting for and travelling on public transport, and how it affected their wellbeing. In a survey of 1025 public transport passengers in Wellington and Auckland, 47 per cent said the way they had spent their time had a positive effect on their health and wellbeing, and 48 per cent said there was no effect either way. The most popular activities while commuting included people-watching, window-gazing and day-dreaming. About 30 per cent of passengers read for leisure or used their cellphones, while 21 per cent used headphones and 12 per cent slept.
© Fairfax NZ News

New wine district formed for promotions

Ten Hawke's Bay wineries south west of Hastings, have joined forces and launched the Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District, in an effort to establish their own identity. Paul Ham from Alpha Domus Wines says Gimblett Gravels has gained a worldwide reputation as a producer of top quality wines, while its no-less classy cousin next door has languished, because of an identity crisis. He says creating the Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District aims to change that.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

New law sparks rush of asylum-seekers to Australia

There has been a sharp increase in asylum-seeker arrivals in Australia ahead of new laws coming into effect. Eight boats carrying 454 people have arrived since the government announced its new policy on Monday. Five boats came in a 24-hour period as the government rushed its offshore processing legislation through the Senate on Thursday, the ABC reports. But the government will not say what will happen to these recent arrivals, only repeating that they run the risk of being transferred to an offshore processing country. The coalition says they must be sent to Nauru or Papua New Guinea.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

New mataitai reserves to protect kai moana (sea food)

Five new mataitai reserves have been established to help Maori in those areas exercise their customary rights to gather food from the waterways. Mataitai reserves can be formed on traditional fishing grounds which are of significance to local Maori. Three of the new reserves - announced by the Primary Industries Ministry on Thursday - are on the Mahia Peninsula, on the North Island's east coast. Two are on the northern side of the peninsula, and the other is on the southern side. The other two reserves are in the South Island. The reserve status does not prevent recreational fishing or public access to beaches, rivers or reserves, but it does prohibit commercial fishing.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Cook Islands prepare for Hillary Clinton visit

By Nick Perry
The tiny Cook Islands are proving almost too small for Hillary Clinton. The South Pacific island chain, home to just 10,000 people, is buzzing as it prepares for the expected visit of the US secretary of state, the biggest dignitary to stop by since Queen Elizabeth II nearly four decades ago. Hosting such a high-profile guest and her entourage, however, is posing problems for a government that owns just three small SUVs and is scrambling to borrow cars from residents to create a proper motorcade. Clinton is expected to attend the Pacific Islands Forum, an annual meeting of Pacific leaders that begins Aug. 27 on the main island of Rarotonga.

Over 1 million now vaccinated against flu

Over 1 million people in New Zealand have been vaccinated against the flu this year. That's in line with the number vaccinated two years ago, when a swine flu pandemic occurred. Health Minister Tony Ryall says district health boards and GPs have done a great job helping many people get protection. He says the flu season usually lasts about eight - 10 weeks and it's likely to still be around for another few weeks. Mr Ryall is urging more people to get vaccinated.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

NZ Mini blasts past 250km/h

A nearly 50-year-old Mini souped up by a group of Kiwis has blown a Bonneville Salt Flats speed record out of the water, scorching across the salt at 251km/h. The 1964 Mini Cooper 970S is the centrepiece of Project `64, a group of New Zealanders who this week overtook the previous record of 210km/h for an under 1000cc production car on the salt flats in the US state of Utah. On Thursday morning, local time, the highly tuned Mini recorded an average speed of 236km/h over two runs and subsequently clocked 251km/h, with Nelson Hartley, the brother of racing driver Brendon Hartley, at the wheel.
Source: NZN

New predictions over future job growth

New predictions are being made about the country's future job growth. New research published by the Department of Labour estimates employment will increase by over 320,000 jobs between 2010 and 2020. Annual job growth is forecast to be around 1.6 percent a year contingent on GDP growth being just under three percent a year. The department predicts strong employment growth will occur in the primary processing, metal products, and construction industries. Modest growth is forecast for service industries, including the health and education sectors.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Shipment of branded lamb sent to Brazil

Alliance has broken new ground in South America with its first shipment of branded lamb to Brazil. The shipment, supplied by Southland farms, will arrive in Brazil in the middle of next month. The lamb will be sold in 120 stores in Brazilo's biggest city, Sao Paulo, as well as restaurants and hotels.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Beer festival begins

A beer festival begins at midday on Friday in Wellington. The two-day event will feature 271 different beers from 96 breweries in New Zealand and Australia, all of which will be judged for awards. As well as live brewing displays, there will be sessions on the history of beer, beer matching and women and beer. Organisers say ticket sales are up by 50% on last year. The Brewers Guild of New Zealand will also present its annual awards including the Champion Brewery prize which was won this year by Harrington's Breweries from Christchurch.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Kiwi dad hero after saving egg

A kiwi dad has been hailed a hero after saving his young from rising floodwaters, but here's the twist, in this case kiwi refers to the bird. As water began to flood Matt's enclosure, he raced to save his egg by piling leaves underneath it, and therefore raising it above the waterline. The North Island brown kiwi has been incubating an egg at Christchurch's Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for the past two weeks, assisted by his partner, Kamo. The head keeper at Willowbank Wildlife, Shaun Horan says it was a case of parental instincts taking over.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Bennett's behaviour worse than 3-year-old: Speaker

Parliament's Speaker Lockwood Smith has given the social development minister a severe telling off as she tried to answer questions on poverty on Thursday afternoon. Paula Bennett faced criticism from Labour MPs over her record on reducing poverty, and her behaviour did not impress Dr Smith. Labour's social development spokesperson, Jacinda Ardern, began by asking Ms Bennett why she did not see setting a poverty line as a priority. After a number of responses from Ms Bennett that skirted around questions, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters raised a series of points of order. And finally Lockwood Smith had had enough. But during his rejection of Mr Peters's point of order, Ms Bennett interrupted, prompting Dr Smith to tell her she was behaving worse than a three-year-old child.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Birth rates plateau

A baby bulge which resulted in a strong rise in births during the past five years may be running out of steam, with quake-damaged Canterbury particularly hard hit. New figures from Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) show the rate at which New Zealand woman are having babies has fallen to its lowest level for almost a decade. There were 61,031 live births in the year to June. That is down 2.6% from around 62,650 a year earlier, and down from the peak so far this century of nearly 64,150 in 2008. The latest figure is the lowest since the 58,250 births in the June 2006 year. The highest number of births ever recorded in any June year was more than 66,100 in 1962, when the country's population was just 2.5 million, compared to 4.4 million now.
Source: Fairfax

Cars with asbestos parts in New Zealand

Chinese-made cars with asbestos parts that are being recalled in Australia, are also in New Zealand. Great Wall and Chery vehicles have been found to contain deadly asbestos fibres in engines and exhaust gaskets. Car review website dogandlemon.com. editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says there are several thousand of these vehicles here and most of them have asbestos in them.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

New home for the National Army Museum's medal collection.

The National Army Museum's medal collection will no longer be locked away. Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman will today open the museum's new interactive Medal Repository, displaying over 10,000 medals. Museum Director Colonel Ray Seymour says visitors will be able to search for any set of medals via an interactive screen, which will also direct them to one of the many drawers containing the medals. He says the only way people have been able to see them in the past, has been by prior appointment.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

White House wins top Wellington restaurant

The finest menu in Wellington has been named, with top restaurant The White House claiming the title. The award is part of the the Wellington on a plate festival. White House chef Paul Hoather says he'd been developing his menu since January and is over the moon with the award. "Considering that Wellington is the food capital of New Zealand, there was a lot of stiff competition out there." Matterhorn, Martin Bosley's and Logan Brown all made the finals.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

New Janet Frame collection hits best seller list

Janet Frame may have passed away eight years ago, but she is still delighting readers with never before published manuscripts. Her latest book, entitled Gorse is Not People, New and Uncollected Stories, has been in stores a week and is already second best seller on the New Zealand fiction list. A novel, a volume of poetry, and a handful of Frame's short stories have already been published posthumously. There are 28 stories in the new book, most of which have never been published before.
Source: ONE News

Rugby - Eden Park sells out for Bledisloe clash

Auckland's Eden Park has all but sold out for the Bledisloe Cup Test match between the All Blacks and Australia next Saturday. With only a few single and restricted view seats remaining, Eden Park will be a full house with a capacity 48,500 crowd including an extra 2000 temporary seats. The sell-out sets the scene for an epic Bledisloe Cup showdown - the second of three Cup matches this year. The Rugby Championship gets underway in Sydney this weekend with the first Bledisloe Cup match, while Argentina face a tough assignment in their introduction to the competition with a clash against the Springboks in Cape Town.
Source: ONE Sport

Junior doctors' union welcomes bond scheme review

The union representing junior hospital doctors hopes a review of the Government's health bonding scheme will help to restore its credibility. Health Workforce New Zealand is reviewing the voluntary scheme, which was introduced to encourage newly graduated doctors, as well as midwives and some specialists, to work in rural practices and other hard to staff areas, in return for paying some of their student loans. Since the programme began in 2009, more than 1800 nurses and 260 doctors have applied. Network chair Dr Jo Scott-Jones hopes the review will also look at extending the scheme to include rural primary care nurses, who are not eligible at present
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Olympics - NZ call for all countries to have drug-testing systems

New Zealand's chef de mission says countries should not be allowed to compete at the Olympic Games unless they have a drug-testing system monitored by the World Anti-Doping Agency. New Zealand's chef de mission says countries should not be allowed to compete at the Olympic Games unless they have a drug-testing system monitored by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Dave Currie returned to New Zealand with most of the Olympic team on Wednesday and made the comments after shot putter Nadzeya Ostapchuk from Belarus was stripped of her gold medal after testing positive for steroids at the London Games. New Zealand's Valerie Adams, who won at the Beijing Games in 2008, has been awarded the gold. Mr Currie told Radio New Zealand's Checkpoint programme on Wednesday that he suspected Ostapchuk of doping ever since her winning throw of 21.36m. "There's no monitored drug-testing system in Belarus. In my view, it's pretty simple. Unless you are involved in a wider monitored system, then why should you compete at a Games?"
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

All Australian international airports to have body scanners

Body scanning equipment will be rolled out to all Australian international airports from November, despite lingering concerns about their effectiveness. The security machines, costing $230,000 each, produce a generic outline of the human body and reveal metal and non-metal items under clothing. They have already been trialled in Melbourne and Sydney.
Source: AAP

Golfers targeted in scam

Police are investigating a scam targeting golfers throughout New Zealand involving credit cards being charged twice and goods not being delivered. They say the New Zealand Golf Gazette, now in receivership, was used to target golfers in Canterbury, Nelson, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland. Detective Simon Eckersley says people ordered golf shoes through the magazine - but it appears they did not arrive or were charged for twice on credit cards.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Kiwi websites vy for awards

By Imogen Crispe
The GeoNet website and a Maori language iPhone app are among 11 New Zealand finalists in an annual trans-Tasman internet awards showcase. The 2012 Australia and New Zealand Internet Awards, run by Internet NZ and the .au Domain Administration (auDA) in Australia, are in their third year and this year there were an unprecedented number of entries. New Zealand finalists include GNS Science website GeoNet which tells people about seismic activity around the country and an app which allows people to translate words and phrases from English to Maori by Hika Group. Other New Zealand finalists include Maorimaps.com, a nationwide map of marae in the diversity category; a fish size and species application by the Ministry of Primary Industies in the information category; and 2020.org.nz in the internet access and digital skills category which aims to teach people about technology.
3News

Australia updates Chch travel warning

Nearly 18 months after the devastating Christchurch earthquake, Australia's government has revised its travel warning for the area. Advice on Australia's Smart Traveller website, run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was updated on Tuesday to remove a warning to travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Christchurch and Lyttelton. The updated website advises tourists to "exercise normal safety precautions" in Christchurch and Lyttelton, which is the same for the rest of the New Zealand. Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the updated advisory will help restore confidence for Australian travellers, and remove any doubt about operations at Christchurch Airport, which is the international gateway to the South Island. Australia is New Zealand's biggest market for inbound tourists, who account for about half of all visitors.
Source: NZN

Soil turned at new Wellington wind farm

By 3 News online staff
The first sod of soil has been turned at the site of Meridian’s new $169 million Mill Creek wind farm near Wellington this morning. Twenty-six turbines will be erected on private land northwest of the capital over the next two years, and by mid-2014, the farm will be powering 30,000 homes.

Aust Govt wins on tobacco plain packaging

Australia's federal government has secured a big win over big tobacco with the High Court ruling Labor's world-first plain packaging laws are constitutionally valid. The legal victory means all cigarettes and tobacco products will have to be sold in drab olive-brown packs from December. Large graphic health warnings will dominate the packs and the manufacturers' brand names - such as Camel or Winfield Blue - will be written in a small generic font. Although the court handed down its decision today the reasons for judgment will not be revealed until later in the year.
Source: AAP

Auckland the world's 10th 'most liveable' city

Auckland remains the 10th most liveable city in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's latest Global Liveability Report. Melbourne has been judged the world's most liveable city for the second year in a row, ahead of Vienna and Vancouver, whose slip from the top of the list last year after almost a decade riled many western Canadians. Three other Australian cities make it into the top ten, with Adelaide rising from ninth to equal fifth in 12 months, The Economist reported.
Source: ONE News

Christchurch to host official welcome home for Olympians

Christchurch will host the official welcome home for Olympians next Friday. Athletes will make their way to Hagley Park where they'll be available for photos, autograph signing, and if you're lucky you might be able to hold a medal. Mayor Bob Parker hopes most of the medalists will be able to make it. Bob Parker says it's great for the city to have such inspirational people visit.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Australian parliament debates asylum seeker laws

The Australian government is introducing legislation on Tuesday to drastically change its asylum seeker laws. It comes after an expert panel on Monday recommended reopening offshore processing centres, among 22 other measures to end Australia's asylum seeker stand-off. It wants to reintroduce the processing of would-be refugees in Nauru and Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea says it is ready to help the Australian government. However, a prominent Papua New Guinea politician says he will take legal action to stop a detention centre being reopened there. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says asylum seekers could begin arriving in Nauru and PNG within a month, after her government agreed to the expert panel's recommendations. Meanwhile nearly 70 asylum seekers are feared to have drowned on their way to Australia. Home affairs minister Jason Clare says Australian customs has been checking on reports the boat failed to arrive as planned six weeks ago. He says there are no records of the people arriving in the country.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Closer watch on progress of Maori pupils

The state education sector is to be more closely monitored to ensure young Maori are being given every opportunity to succeed. The Auditor-General is to do an annual performance report over the next five years, saying it's well known that Maori students don't get enough support to achieve in class. The inquiry will focus on how well the education system is responding to Maori students. Schools, pre-schools, tertiary institutions and Government agencies are the among the organisations that will be examined.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

NZers among group held captive in West Papua

A New Zealand woman is warning of the risks of travelling to the Papua region after she and three other New Zealanders were held captive by a militia group. They were in a group of 10 foreigners held for several hours before being released unharmed on Tuesday morning. Christine Burke says the group was in the Indonesian province to climb a mountain and had got the correct permits, but were confronted in a village by men armed with machetes, bows and arrows and guns. The men took their passports and demanded $NZ130,000 for the return of the documents. Ms Burke says they didn't have the money and were escorted to a local airport.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Prime in line to pickup Back Benches

Back Benches looks set to live on after the demise of TVNZ7 with NZ On Air committing funding "in principle" to the programme running on Prime. NZ On Air spokeswoman Gina Rogers said the agency was having talks with Prime about its financial contribution to the show. It also wanted a shorter season than the planned 50-episode series for next year. Parliament sits for only 30-odd weeks a year, but Back Benches does a New Zealand summer tour. Ms Rogers said NZ On Air wanted to see Back Benches work. "We'd be really excited about its return."
- © Fairfax NZ News

Taxman's threat: We'll sink defaulters

By Vaimoana Tapaleao
Inland Revenue is threatening to bankrupt former students living in Australia who are refusing to repay loans. Tax staff have cracked down on hundreds of student-loan borrowers in New Zealand and are moving their enforcement across the Tasman. The plan is revealed in IRD documents released to the Herald under the Official Information Act. Katrina Williams, an IRD section director, said in the documents: "In Australia, we are taking legal action and when this fails, issue bankruptcy proceedings when overseas-based borrowers have not paid." That would mean that the IRD could get a New Zealand court judgment transferred to Australia, where it would then be enforced.

Bidder spends $600 to name meerkats

A mystery bidder has spent over $600 buying the naming rights to Wellington Zoo's newest meerkats. A Trademe auction to name four new meerkats has ended, with a winning bid of $610. Wellington Zoo spokeswoman Kate Baker says they still don't know who the winner is, but they've received plenty of suggestions for names. "Things like Timon and Pumbaa from the Lion King, people wanting to name them after their kids, or after their workmates." Kate Baker says zoo staff will be attempting to get in touch with the bidder over the next few days.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Stewart Island cats may get marching orders

By NEIL RATLEY
Stewart Island cats are in the firing line with a bold plan to make Stewart Island pest-free. Environmental campaigner Gareth Morgan said he wanted to create history by making Stewart Island the world's first pest-free community. And cats have to go. Yes, that's feral and furry pets he's referring to. Cats were a serious threat to native species and the island's cat population would have to be sacrificed, he said. The ambitious plan was a result of the work the Morgan Foundation had been doing with the Conservation Department on New Zealand's sub-antarctic islands and the Million Dollar Mouse project, he said.
© Fairfax NZ News

Valerie Adams awarded Olympic gold medal

Valerie Adams has been awarded the gold medal for shot put at the London Olympic Games. This follows an announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today to exclude Belarus's Nadzeya Ostapchuk from the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London. She has been stripped of the gold medal. Nadezhda Ostapchuk has tested positive for metenolone paving the way for New Zealand's Valerie Adams to take gold in the women's shot put at London 2012. Adams was advised of the news moments ago by Chef de Mission Dave Currie. Ostapchuk's failed test sees the 31 year old stripped of her medal and excluded from the Olympic Games. Adams threw 20.70m in the shot put final at the Olympic Stadium on 6th August and was awarded silver behind the Belarusian who had taken gold with 21.36m. It was the first time Adams had been beaten by Ostapchuk in nearly two years. New Zealand now sits at 15th on the medal table.
Source: ONE News

Minister of Finance, Bill English baffled by Chinese investment level

Minister of Finance, Bill English, says Chinese investment in New Zealand is remarkably low. But he says he's at a loss to explain why. Speaking at a conference on China in Wellington on Monday, Mr English said China has invested less than $2 billion in New Zealand, making it the 11th biggest source of foreign direct investment. New Zealand has less than a $1 billion invested in China. Mr English says such a small amount of investment is unusual in light of the large trade flows between the two countries.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Drunken Aussie antics try police patience

The drunken antics of some Australians are trying the patience of Queenstown Police. There has been another raft of incidents involving mostly young Aussie holiday makers. In one instance a man on a commercial jet boat ride stripped down to his birthday suit and jumped naked into the freezing waters of the Kawarau River. Another man was arrested and put in the cells for eating someone else's pie at a popular downtown bakery. A 30-year old man was also found 'dead to the world' on the floor of the Queenstown Airport terminal early yesterday morning. Police say the man had no idea how he got there.
Ed note: What a low life, eating someone else's pie. We need zero tolerance with these out of control Australians.
© 2012 NewsTalkZB, NZCity

North Otago could be cut off for 3 days by floods

Rural people in North Otago are being warned to be prepared to be isolated for up to three days, after flooding has closed roads for the third time in a fortnight. Waitaki district council spokesperson, Michael Voss, told Checkpoint 25 roads have been closed and a further 30 are threatened by rising water. MetService is forecasting up to 150 millimetres of rain to fall around the East Otago hills to midnight on Tuesday. Otago regional council has warned 65 farmers along the Shag and Kakanui rivers the rivers could break their bank
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Wellington’s Victoria University extends links with Samoan institutions

Victoria University of Wellington says memoranda signed with Samoa institutions today are about taking a long association further. The university has committed to provide scholarships for graduate students and staff from the National University of Samoa. In addition, links will be established with the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa for collaborative work.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Tuvalu taken to task over reflagging Iranian oil tankers

A prominent US lawmaker has asked Tuvalu to stop reflagging Iranian oil tankers and warned its government of the risks of running afoul of US sanctions. The European Union last month imposed bans on Iranian oil imports and insurance for vessels carrying Iranian oil as part of measures aimed at ending Tehran’s nuclear programme. The United States has new economic sanctions that have curbed Iranian oil imports by most other major nations. Howard Berman, of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, says as many as 22 ships owned by the National Iranian Tanker Company have been registered in Tuvalu. He says reflagging the tankers could be deemed a sanctionable activity under US rules and has asked Prime Minister Willie Telavi to cancel the registry of all such vessels.
News Content © Radio New Zealand Internation