belated WYSIWYG NEWS - 27 August, 1998
Brian Harmer
Copyright - Brian Harmer
*****
Today, Saturday is one of those days of splendour. Midwinter is in the air,
in the coolness of the shadows and the starkness of the willows by the
riverbank. Far in the North, the Tararuas are adorned with snow, not to any
great depth, but just enough to pick out the sharpness of the peaks against
the hazy blue of the sky, and to bestow that aura of majesty which snow
tipped mountains always have. A green-gold tint on the willows hints at a
spring which, in reality is still some way off. The Hutt River wanders
between green fields down its rocky bed, pausing at times in still pools
that reflect the perfect golden day. Occasionally the reflecting pools dive
off in little turbulent patches that rush over the stones just beneath the
surface. Here and there a paradise shelduck sports its gorgeous red-brown
plumage and clerical collar, but its raucous honking quite spoils the
effect.
On with the news
***************
All news items are reproduced by kind permission of copyright owner, IRN
Ltd whose current news listing can be found at http://www.xtra.co.nz/news/.
Monday, 17 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MINORITY GOVT MAY FACE EARLY CONFIDENCE VOTE
--------------------------------------------
It looks like National will be forced to put a confidence vote before
Parliament if the coalition dissolves. ACT leader Richard Prebble says the
Prime Minister has written to him after seeking legal advice. Mr Prebble
says Jenny Shipley has confirmed National couldn't continue as a minority
government without the confidence of the house. He says the solicitor
general has advised her that in these situations the government have a
couple of weeks to sort things out but must have a vote if it can't get
legislation passed.
ART GALLERY CONFIDENT WORK WILL BE RESTORED
-------------------------------------------
The Auckland Art Gallery is confident a valuable Tissot artwork damaged in
a robbery can be restored for display again. The $2 million painting was
stolen from the gallery around two weeks ago. Police today found the work
under a bed in a Waikaretu house south of Auckland. It has been cut on
three sides and middle sections of the canvas are missing. Auckland Art
Gallery director Chris Saines says it's likely the damage to the canvas
occurred when the artwork was dropped and the glass shattered inwards. A 48
year old man has been charged with the aggravated robbery of the gallery
and two other aggravated robberies earlier this year. Mr Saines says that
despite the damage he is certain it can be restored.
CHILD FACES SURGERY AFTER TRAIN ACCIDENT
----------------------------------------
A teenager struck by a train in West Auckland today looks set to lose part
of a leg. The 13 year old was hit by a train at about three thirty as he
attempted to cross the railway tracks near the Henderson Station. Ambulance
crews initially feared he might lose both legs. The teenage victim has
been transferred to Starship Children's Hospital.
MAN TREATED AFTER GAS MAIN FIRE
-------------------------------
A worker has been burnt in a gas main fire in Wellington. Police say the
man and a co-worker were working on a gas main in Lowry Bay this afternoon
- when a fire erupted burning the man's face. The man has been admitted to
Hutt Hospital with minor to moderate burns - the fire was quickly put out.
Police say it appeared there was a gas leak - an investigation has been
launched.
PRUDENTIAL TAKEN OVER BY COLONIAL
---------------------------------
A major take-over in the insurance sector. Colonial has just bought the New
Zealand and Australian businesses of Prudential... for around one and a
half billion dollars.
That makes Colonial the second largest insurance company in New Zealand...
and in Australia. Today's purchase includes NZI Life... which was bought by
Prudential last year.
HAMILTONIANS DIVIDED OVER WHAT TO DO WHEN DEAD
----------------------------------------------
Hamiltonians are equally split about how they wish to be finally laid to
rest. A recent survey conducted by the Hamilton City Council has shown a
50-50 split between people wanting to be cremated and people wanting a more
traditional burial option. Internment Facilities manager Jane Moore says
the survey was designed to measure a variety of issues ranging from
satisfaction of services, to preferences of burial or cremation. She says
the survey has clearly identified opportunities for improvement.
TUARIKI HAS ANOTHER GO AT WINSTON
---------------------------------
Renegade MP Tuariki Delamere believes it is no longer New Zealand
First.....but Winston First. While he hasn't officially resigned from his
party Mr Delamere says he is now effectively an independent MP. Mr Delamere
believes the coalition will be formally over within two weeks and he thinks
his future will be closely entwined with the other tight five members. He
says while they haven't decided whether to follow him....they should think
long and hard about their future within New Zealand First because Winston
Peters is leading it down a path of destruction. Meanwhile today's cabinet
meeting ended with the government saying it is business as usual.
OPUHA DAM BUILDERS FINED
------------------------
Canterbury Regional Council is promising civil action to recover the cost
of repairs to flood protection works on the Opihi River system following
last year's collapse of the Opuha dam. Judge Peter Skelton's declined to
order the dam's builders to pay the $576,000 in reparations that the
council are claiming. In sentencing Doug Hood limited and site manager
Chris Hollingum, Judge Skelton also rejected the council's $420,000 claim
for preparing and prosecuting the case. He awarded the council $54,000 in
costs 90% of the $50,000 in fines he imposed. The council says this won't
even cover the legal fees.
SPEED CAMERA TESTING UNDERWAY
-----------------------------
Motorists are today being encouraged to drive through a very public Dunedin
speed trap. Police are checking the accuracy of their speed cameras on
Anderson's Bay Road, after a land-mark case where charges against a driver
were thrown out of court. In a bid to compile evidence for any appeal, a
test of the cameras is underway and will run through tomorrow morning.
At the scene, Superintendent Neil Gyde says even though speeds of more than
35 kilometres an hour will trigger the camera, no tickets will be issued.
HUNT ON FOR PLACE FOR PETERS
----------------------------
All packed and no where to go...that is the scene in sacked deputy Prime
Minister Winston Peters office this afternoon... Mr Peters staff have been
packed all day but as yet they haven't been told where his new office will
be... Most of Mr Peters 15 staff are now looking for work... The man
himself is now a backbench MP leading a fractured party which breakaway
Tuariki Delamere believes will become even more fractured... Mr Delamere
expects at least some of the other Maori MPs to follow him out of New
Zealand First which he says is in reality Winston First...
AUCKLANDERS SIGN UP FOR CHEAP POWER
-----------------------------------
A massive response to an offer of cheap power for Aucklanders.
Contact Energy has today joined the domestic supply market, offering
average savings of up to 10 per cent a month. As a one-off special, it is
also promising free electricity during December for those who sign up
before October the first. Contact spokeswoman Tina Symmans says there have
been a huge number of inquiries and it's Internet web-site has been
upgraded to cope with demand. Meanwhile, Contact Energy believes its
arrival in the market is behind the six per cent price reductions unveiled
by Canterbury's Southpower today.
Tuesday, 18 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ART THEFT ACCUSED BACK BEFORE THE COURT
---------------------------------------
Lawyers acting for the accused Auckland City Art Gallery robber have until
Thursday to file an appeal against the decision to lift name suppression. A
48-year-old man has been charged with stealing a James Tissot painting
worth more than one million dollars. He's also charged with stealing
$25,000 motorcycle, and two armed robberies south of Auckland.
The man appeared in the Pukekohe District Court this morning, and Judge
Mary-Beth Sharp lifted interim name suppression. But it was re-imposed in
order for the man's lawyers to lodge an appeal with the High Court.
PORTS OF AUCKLAND REGISTERS DROP IN CAR IMPORTS
-----------------------------------------------
A huge drop in used car imports through the Ports of Auckland.
Its net after tax surplus has climbed by nine hundred thousand dollars, to
40.3 million dollars. Ports of Auckland chairman Richard Carter says the
company continues to provide excellent returns to shareholders. Car imports
fell from one hundred and 14 thousand, to 89 thousand during the year, with
a 31 per cent fall in used car imports.
RAIN ON WAY FOR NORTH ISLAND
----------------------------
North Islanders are being warned to brace for yet another spell of wild
weather, with the MetService forecasting gale force winds and torrential
downpours. A depression Northwest of Cape Reinga is expected to deepen
rapidly over the next 12 to 24 hours. Heavy rain warnings have been issued
for Northland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and the northern Hawkes
Bay. A strong wind warning also covers most of those areas.
REWARD IN HILLS MURDER CASE
---------------------------
Police have posted a $50,000 reward in connection with the murder of an
Auckland woman four months ago. Claire Hills died in her burning car on
Mangere Mountain on the 28th of April. Police have offered the reward for
information leading to the conviction of someone for the murder of the
30-year-old. It is one of the biggest sums ever offered by police. The
officer in charge of the case says the reward is an incentive to anyone who
has critical information to come forward. Detective Senior Sergeant Dayle
Candy says immunity against prosecution will be considered for any
accomplice who gives information.
Wednesday, 19 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FOUR BELIEVED DEAD IN FOVEAUX CRASH
-----------------------------------
At least four people are believed to be dead, after a light plane crashed
into the Foveaux Strait. The 10 seater Cessna aircraft was on a scenic
flight from Stewart Island to Invercargill when its engines failed, and the
pilot sent out a mayday call...just before five o'clock this evening. Our
reporter at the scene at Bluff says five survivors have been plucked from
the near freezing water, and taken to hospital. It is not yet clear what
has happened to the tenth person who was on board the Cessna. Meanwhile,
relatives of passengers who were aboard are being advised to contact
Invercargill police.
MEAT COMPANIES FINED MILLIONS
-----------------------------
Nine major North Island companies have agreed to pay more than five and a
half million dollars for breaching the Commerce Act. The companies have
reached a settlement with the Commerce Commission in the High Court at
Auckland this afternoon. It follows a three year legal battle over
allegations the companies worked together to agree on the prices farmers
would be paid for livestock
CABINET MATTERS
---------------
The government currently has 19 ministers inside cabinet... and two
ministers outside. However both ministers outside cabinet.... Robyn
McDonald and Brian Donnelly... now sit on the opposition benches... and
will lose their posts when the coalition government officially ends in
seven days time. Four of the ministers currently inside cabinet have quit
New Zealand First to become independent MPs... Tuariki
Delamere, Tau Henare, Jack Elder and Peter McCardle. Jenny Shipley says she
will make a decision soon on whether they should keep their ministerial
warrants... and announce a reshuffled cabinet next week. Meanwhile, MPs
have returned to the House this afternoon, but many are now sitting in
different parts of the chamber following the collapse of the coalition. New
Zealand First leader Winston Peters has taken his badly depleted party to
the opposition cross benches, while ACT moves over to the government's
side. Winston Peters has asked the Prime Minister how she can call herself
a centre-right government when it is now right wing because New Zealand
First was in the centre. Jenny Shipley says Mr Peters may think he is the
centre of the universe, but National has always occupied the centre right.
The new government is already displaying signs of a lack of co-ordination.
During question time former New Zealand First member Tau Henare was
answering questions about Maori forestry, when he was asked a supplementary
question by National's John Carter. Unfortunately Mr Carter's question was
about the domestic purposes benefit, a subject which had been discussed ten
minutes earlier.
COUNTDOWN STARTS FOR MILLENIUM PARTY IN HAWKES BAY
--------------------------------------------------
The countdown is on for a Hawkes Bay millennium party that is causing a
stir world-wide. Restaurateur, Raymond van Rijk has booked out Te Mata Peak
for the year 2000 for an exclusive party. Te Mata will be one of the first
places in the world to see the dawn of the new millennium. Tickets are
limited to a thousand at $700 a head. Mr van Rijk says the Internet has
been a great way of marketing his party. So far, he has sold 250 tickets.
LABOUR CRITICISES HEALTH FUNDING
--------------------------------
Labour has got proof the huge number of New Zealanders waiting to see a
specialist is nothing new. A new report shows nearly 100 thousand people
are waiting for their first specialist assessment. But Labour MP Annette
King says another report dated July last year acknowledged the same serious
problem.
Mrs King says it is obvious the Health Funding Authority is waiting for the
Government to take action. She says what is needed is more cash, and it
must be new money, not taken from other services. Annette King says there
is also a real danger people will die waiting because they don't know how
serious their conditions are.
BALLOONIST EXAMPLE OF NEED FOR MORE ARMED FORCES FUNDING
--------------------------------------------------------
The defence minister is using the rescue of balloonist Steve Fossett as
ammunition in his hunt for more money for the armed forces. Max Bradford
says the type of rapid and professional
response to an international rescue mission by the HMNZS Endeavour is
something that has become virtually taken for granted. In a speech to
senior Air Force officers, Mr Bradford says the Asian economic crisis may
have curbed regional
defence spending by our neighbours. But he says the fragile economic
outlook is opening up old divisions and creating instability for the
region's security. Max Bradford also points out that while some Asian
countries are spending up more than five and a half per cent of GDP on
defence, we spend around 1.3 per cent.
CUSTOMERS THE WINNER FROM PARALLEL IMPORTING CHANGES
----------------------------------------------------
Customers look set to be the winner as discount shopping giant the
Warehouse takes full advantage of the government's new parallel import
laws. The chain has imported hundreds of Philips and Panasonic televisions
and videos, and is selling them for as much as 80 dollars less than other
appliance stores. It follows the government's decision to break import
monopolies. Warehouse Managing Director Stephen Tindall says the new import
laws will give customers a better deal.
Thursday, 20 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CRACKS ALREADY IN THE COBBLED-TOGETHER GOVERNMENT VOTES
-------------------------------------------------------
Signs of stress are already beginning to show in the government's patched
together support on confidence issues.
The minority National government has 62 votes on its side in terms of
confidence issues... including eight votes from ACT.
However ACT leader Richard Prebble seems to be asking for some large
concessions in return for that support. In parliament today Mr Prebble
implied that if the government is not prepared to make policy changes in
the direction of the ACT party... it should consider calling an early
election.
Prime Minister Jenny Shipley is now asking Mr Prebble to clarify whether he
wants to participate in the government... and if so... on what basis.
NAVY JOINS SEARCH FOR CESSNA WRECKAGE
-------------------------------------
The Navy has been called in to help search for the wreckage of the Southern
Air Cessna which crashed in Foveaux Strait last night. Five people died
when the plane went down just before
five o'clock yesterday. The Navy Volunteer Reserve's inshore patrol craft
HMNZS Moa will leave Dunedin tomorrow to travel to the crash scene. The
Transport Accident Investigation Commission and police have asked to use
the Moa's side scan sonar equipment. Side scan sonar can show metal objects
on the sea floor, and was last used in the search for Ben Smart and Olivia
Hope.
MAORI LOBBY GROUP CLAIMS RIGHT TO ISSUE PASSPORTS
-------------------------------------------------
A Maori lobby group is claiming the right to issue passports to any New
Zealander who wants one. The Confederation of Chiefs of the United Tribes
says it would like to issue the new passports by the end of the year.
Spokesman Dan Davis says they would be available to anyone, Maori or
Pakeha. He says the Confederation has the right to govern alongside the
elected Government, and they won't be approaching the immigration Service
for permission to print the passports.
Dan Davis says the confederation is also considering issuing driving
licences.
TRIBUTE TO PILOT, FROM PASSENGER OF CRASHED PLANE
-------------------------------------------------
He was a remarkable man - that tribute this afternoon for the pilot of the
Southern Air Cessna which crashed into Foveaux strait last night. The owner
of Southern Air, Alan Aitcheson, says the 51-year-old pilot, Robin Andrews
did an incredible job saving any of his passengers' lives. Five people were
killed in the tragedy including the pilot ... - but five survived. Mr
Aitcheson says Mr Andrews had 14-thousand flying
hours behind him and was an extremely experienced pilot. He says for a
pilot to crash land in the water ..but manage to get the passengers out
onto the fuselage first, is truly remarkable. Alan Aitcheson says the
people of Southland have been amazing, and the whole community has
rallied-around.
He says he is confident the air accident inspectors will be able to find
what caused the tragedy.
MT EDEN CHECKPOINT BRINGS TEN ARRESTS
-------------------------------------
Ten people have been arrested at a drug checkpoint at Auckland's Mount Eden
prison today. The checkpoint was a combined Police-Prison Officers
operation helped by drug sniffer dogs. Six people were arrested for
cannabis possession, another for possession of amphetamines and the others
for car and driving offences.
VITAMIN COMPANY CRITICISED FOR PUSHING PILLS TO SCHOOLS
-------------------------------------------------------
Claims vitamin company Healtheries of New Zealand has overstepped the mark
by directly targeting schools, inviting them to give supplements to
students. Healtheries has sent a letter to school principals which
promotes giving Vitamin C and Echinacea to children to boost immunity.
Dietician Lyn Gillanders says there is little scientific evidence that such
supplements will prevent illness anyway. She says schools should be
educating children about healthy eating -- not handing out pills and
potions as substitutes.
GOVERNMENT UNDER FIRE FOR PRE-EMPTING VOTE ON LICENSES
------------------------------------------------------
Labour's George Hawkins says the government is risking embarrassing the
country... by possibly having to back down on a commercial arrangement.
Taking that sort of risk led to Winston Peters sacking last Friday... after
he threatened to support legislation which would overturn the sale of
Wellington Airport. However Mr Hawkins says the government is taking the
same risk over changes to drivers licences. The Land Transport Safety
Authority has already organised a contract for producing photographic
drivers licences... despite the fact the legislation requiring those photos
has not yet been passed by parliament. Mr Hawkins says that is extremely
arrogant... as there is a real chance that legislation may not be passed in
the current political environment.
Friday, 21 August
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GOVERNMENT CAN UNDERSTAND AMERICAN AIR STRIKES
----------------------------------------------
The New Zealand Government says it appreciates and understands the military
steps taken against Sudan and Afghanistan by the US. The United States has
fired missiles at suspected terrorist sites in both countries, because of
their alleged
involvement in the US embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania.
Foreign Affairs Minister Don McKinnon says New Zealanders will recall the
horror of the bomb attacks, which killed innocent citizens at the
embassies. Mr McKinnon says the US has very good intelligence which links
the suspected terrorist sites to the African bombings.
PRESSURE FOR ACTION OVER YOUNG INMATES
--------------------------------------
Pressure is increasing for the Government to hurry up measures to protect
young prison inmates. 17 year old Damien Meyer died in hospital yesterday
after being found unconscious in the Manawatu prison. Chief Youth Court
Judge David Carruthers says there is a desperate need for programmes and a
separate facility for offenders under 20. Labour MP Goff supports the
judge's view, saying young inmates need to be kept away from the corrupting
influence of older, hardened inmates and to protect them from bullying. He
says there is no guarantee such a facility would stop suicides, but it
would certainly reduce the risk.
INTEREST RATES DOWN AGAIN
-------------------------
There have been more downward movements for retail interest rates today.
ASB offshoot Bank Direct has dropped its floating rate to 7.9 per cent. The
move matches a similar cut by the Public Trust Office and Sovereign.
Interest rates have fallen dramatically in the past 24 hours following the
release of the Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Statement yesterday morning.
OFFICIALS PLAY DOWN SIGNIFICANCE OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED DRIVERS
-------------------------------------------------------------
Transport Safety officials are looking further into claims of almost blind
drivers passing eye tests for drivers' licences.
The Royal Foundation for the Blind says paid up members are being cleared
to drive by soft-hearted doctors who often suggest they shouldn't travel
further afield than their neighbourhood shops. But the Land Transport
Safety Authority says while it is concerning it is not viewed as a major
hazard on the country's roads. Spokesman Dave Jones says in 1996 there were
30 injury crashes and 2 fatal smashes involving drivers deemed to be sight
impaired. He says in 80 per cent of cases, illness caused the vision
difficulties.
PROFESSIONALS LEAD THE WAY IN PAY RISES
---------------------------------------
The wallet may not seem any thicker, but new statistics show a slight
increase in pay packets. Statistics New Zealand says salary and wage rates
rose point-6 per cent in the June quarter -- and is two per cent up on the
same period last year. Primary teachers' fight to get pay parity with their
secondary school counterparts accounts for much of the hike.
Their resulting pay increase counts for 36 per cent of the quarterly
overall increase in pay rates. Among the major occupation groups,
professionals fared best with a 3-point-4 per cent hike, while service and
sales workers continue to record the lowest annual movement, up only
point-9 of a per cent.
DOUBTS OVER AVAILABLITY OF KOSHER FOOD
--------------------------------------
Fears the Government's refusal to label genetically modified foods, could
seriously impact on the availability of "kosher" foods. A private members'
bill, which would have required
compulsory labelling of genetically modified foods, was voted down in
Parliament this week. The President of the Wellington Council of Jewish
Women, Elizabeth Rothman, says Jews aren't allowed to eat food which has
"had its nature interfered with" - for example, a tomato with pig genes. Ms
Rothman says the decision against compulsory labelling affects their right
to freedom of religious practice and expression, which is guaranteed under
our Bill of Rights.
MOSQUITO THE LATEST UNWANTED PEST TO ARRIVE
-------------------------------------------
Public health officials are pulling out all the stops to head off a deadly
mosquito invasion. A live female adult, and larvae, of the Asian Tiger
Mosquito have been found at Wellington's Port, sparking a joint eradication
operation.
Wellington's medical officer of health, Dr Stephen Palmer, says the
mosquito can transmit dengue fever and Ross river fever. He says officials
are inspecting the area now, and they will spray any likely habitats with
insecticide. Dr Palmer says the ship on which the larvae was found, has
also docked at Auckland and Lyttelton.
POSSIBILITY OF APPEAL IN CAR MANSLAUGHTER CASE
----------------------------------------------
No decision yet on whether the 18-year-old Southland teenager involved in a
fatal car accident will appeal his manslaughter conviction. Seven year old
Samuel Kingsbury was killed when a car crashed through the front fence of
his home in Gore, in
January. The teenage driver, who was drunk at the time, was
convicted of manslaughter and jailed for four and a half years. Last night
in a landmark case, the car's owner and back
seat passenger, Tee Jay Crossan was also found guilty of manslaughter. Tee
Jay Crossan's lawyer says a decision on whether to appeal won't be made
until after next week's sentencing.
HINTS OF SPENDING CUTS NOW WINSTON'S GONE
-----------------------------------------
Finance Minister Bill Birch is refusing to rule out spending cutbacks in a
bid to balance the country's books. At a meeting in Auckland today the new
treasurer has outlined his vision for the future. He is denying speculation
of a slash and burn exercise, but has announced that everything is under
review. Mr Birch says that includes the billion dollars so far
unallocated, from the five billion dollar spend-up announced in the
coalition agreement. Mr Birch has also hinted that figures due out from
Treasury next month may show a small deficit, as the Asian crisis takes its
toll.
EXPERTS SIFT THROUGH NAPIER HOUSE BLOWN APART
---------------------------------------------
Bomb and fire experts continue to sift through the rubble of a Napier
house, blown apart during a mystery explosion. The owners weren't at home
when the blast destroyed their two-storey home last night. Initial
investigations point to an LPG leak in the garage of the couple's home, as
being the cause.
A bomb expert has been called in to help fire safety officers assess the
scene. They are expected to release their findings in the next few hours.
THE FINANCIAL PAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 20 August 1998 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
CURRENCIES
~~~~~~~~~~
The currency codes given below conform to ISO 4217, which
can be found at http://www.xe.net/currency/iso_4217.htm.
The rates given are for telegraphic transfer and are
as given in the Wellington Evening Post today.
To Buy NZD 1.00
USD 0.5075
AUD 0.8550
GBP 0.3129
JPY 73.31
CAD 0.7777
FRF 3.0668
DEM 0.9147
HKD 3.9416
SGD 0.8948
ZAR 3.2176
CHF 0.7664
INTEREST RATES (%)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call : 5.75
90 Day: 6.23
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*****
What a rotten week.
--
Brian Harmer
"Our luck is even better than I expected Don Quixote exclaimed
... I'm going to attack those mighty giants and slay them in their tracks" - Cervantes
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~bharmer/