WYSIWYG NEWS - 16 march, 2002
Brian Harmer
Copyright, Brian Harmer
What a magnificent day it has been here in Wellington today
(Friday). I had to drive down to Petone this morning. Just
a little down the hill from home, the road gives a glorious
view across the closely spaced suburbs of the lower valley,
past the beachfront at Petone and over the broad expanse of
the harbour, all the way through the heads on the way to
Antactica. I am sure I have described it before, but today
the colours were just so intense that the view I see every
day just hit me between the eyes. Never do I remember such
a brilliant saturated blue as the water today. Miramar was
washed in fresh moist green, and by way of counterpoint,
one of Pacifica Shipping's bright red coastal roll-on
freighters was proceeding in a stately fashion past Pt.
Halswell on its way to its berth in the city. Its upper
works were far enough away as to gleam white, though no
doubt from closer in, she is as salt stained and rusty as
any modern ship. There was a light breeze, but it was not
so strong as to discolour the blue perfection of the water.
Somes/Matiu is too close to have that "Bali Ha'i" mystique,
but it is certainly attractive out there in the middle
distance. To the right, the little houses nestled into the
dark green bush clad hills of the Eastern bays from Point
Howard down through Lowry Bay, Days Bay and on to
Eastbourne looked as if they had been borrowed for the
occasion from one of the better oil paintings. And speaking
of Eastbourne takes me off on a tangent. In Eastbourne
Village, there is a little traditional butcher who has
started selling bacon chops. (Vegetarians should skip on to
the news about here). I first read about them in a column
written by the often acid-tongued Frank Haden. These chops
are about the size of a small bread and butter plate, say
180 mm and perhaps 18mm thick (about 3/4" for the
metrically challenged). When fried or grilled on a hot pan
or a barbecue they produce an aroma that evokes the
memories of all the egg and bacon breakfasts you ever had.
They are magical munchable, magnificent. If you are a
carnivore in Wellington, I promise they are worth the trip,
and I think I paid less than $5 for two. (I have no
connection with the butchery concerned, other than to hope
they get enough trade to stay in business and thereby
continue to supply me with marvellous bacon chops.
------
All news items (except where noted otherwise) are
reproduced by kind permission of copyright owner, IRN Ltd.
Any text above this point, and all subsequent material in
parentheses, and concluded with the initials "BH" is the
personal opinion of Brian Harmer as editor of this
newsletter, or occasionally "HH" will indicate an opinion
from Helen.
In all cases they are honest expressions of personal
opinion, and are not presented as fact.
----
This week's formatting is sponsored by Warren Ottley from
Utah. Many thanks, Warren.
On with the news:
Monday, 11 March
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
KIDD TO STAND DOWN
------------------
One of Parliament's old timers has announced he will not be
standing for re-election this year. Speaker in the last
Government, Doug Kidd, has been a front, middle and
backbencher in Government, and in Opposition. Mr Kidd is
the second longest serving MP after current Speaker
Jonathan Hunt, who has been there since 1966. Doug Kidd
becomes the fourth National MP to announce his intention to
quit. Jenny Shipley, Wyatt Creech and John Luxton are also
standing down.
(I am not sure why, but despite his politics, I have always
had a sneaking admiration for Doug Kidd. His acerbic style
perhaps. Anyway, best of luck to him. – BH)
LUNDY TAPES HEARD IN COURT
---------------------------
Tape recordings made by police of conversations with Mark
Lundy have been heard in the High Court at Palmerston North
today. Mark Lundy is charged with the murders of his wife
Christine and daughter Amber in August 2000. On the tapes,
Detective Stephen Kelly tells the accused his business
venture appears to be financed by fraud, as the money
funding it was from GST refunds. He tells Lundy he believes
dishonesty with money can lead to dishonesty in other ways,
and says he has doubts about Lundy's integrity. Stephen
Kelly expresses his disgust to Lundy for using a prostitute
two months after the killings, from the same company and
motel, as he did on the night of the killings. The jury
will hear more of the detective's evidence tomorrow.
PM SAYS US FREE TRADE DEAL UNLIKELY
-----------------------------------
Hopes of a free trade deal with the US in the near future
appear to have been dashed. Prime Minister Helen Clark says
talks with the US about a joint trading block are off the
agenda, until next year at least. That follows last week's
decision by the US to raise tariffs on steel imports. Helen
Clark says she does not see much progress being made this
year on the issue of free trade, as the US is contending
with congressional elections and other pressing domestic
matters. However, Helen Clark says New Zealand is ready to
talk trade when the US is ready. The Prime Minister will
travel to Washington for talks with George Bush later this
month.
COURTS MARTIAL SOLDIERS ON DRUGS CHARGES
----------------------------------------
Court martial proceedings begin this week against five
soldiers allegedly caught with drugs. The personnel, from
Linton Army Base are claimed to have been caught with
cannabis and LSD in raids, by both military and civilian
police late last year. If found guilty, the five - all
privates - face punishments ranging from censure to
imprisonment. Army spokesman Major Kendall Langston says
the case demonstrates the tough line the Army has always
taken against drug abuse. Random drug tests on soldiers are
carried out on a regular basis. Major Langston says about
ten other soldiers were caught, last year.
NO EXTRA MONEY FOR CHAPLAINS INSISTS MINISTER
---------------------------------------------
The Health Minister says the priority in the budget must be
for essential health services. This follows the
Government's refusal to fork out extra cash to cover the
positions of hospital chaplains. It is believed the lack of
funding will jeopardise the work of full-time chaplains.
Health Minister Annette King says she is happy to continue
funding at the current level, but will not go above that.
She says there is too much demand for health dollars. Ms
King says there is nothing to stop the hospital chaplains
approaching their District Health Boards for extra cash.
ACTING POLICE COMMISSIONER GETS TICKET
---------------------------------------
Acting Police Commissioner Steve Long has been given a
ticket for having an insecure load on his garden trailer.
Mr Long was pulled over by the Highway Patrol in Porirua
yesterday. While the trailer was covered and tied down,
some garden leaves and twigs had dropped on the road.
Acting Commissioner Long will plead guilty to the offence,
and the matter will be processed in the usual way.
(You have to admire the cop that gave him the ticket. I
guess once you have pulled another cop over, you know that
come what may you have to issue a ticket, even if you might
have let an ordinary citizen off with a warning. If you did
the sensible thing, someone somewhere will sooner or later
run to the media and build a corruption story where none
exists – BH)
CHEATS PUNISHED BY NZQA
------------------------
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority has penalised 34
students for misconduct in national school exams last year.
Penalties range from reprimands to four School Certificate
candidates having results cancelled in all their
examinations. Nine Bursary students and 21 School
Certificate students had their results cancelled in one
subject. A total of 104 reports of possible misconduct were
investigated. The most common form of misconduct was taking
inappropriate material into an examination room.
NZ VICTIM OF RUGBY POWER GAME - MALLARD
---------------------------------------
The Government has stopped just short of labelling the
Australians criminals for accepting an IRB rugby deal they
knew they could not deliver on. Sports Minister Trevor
Mallard says the legal advice in this country is that if a
contract is knowingly signed that cannot be delivered on,
then it could be a criminal offence. Mr Mallard has asked
the Solicitor General for further legal advice. Asked if he
was calling the Australian Rugby Board criminals, Mr
Mallard said he does not know what the law is there. Mr
Mallard claims the last Rugby World Cup made a profit of
more than $400 million for the IRB and he believes next
year's one will make at least that much. He says the fight
with the IRB is part of an international rugby power game.
GREENS SLAM TEGEL OVER ADS
--------------------------
The Greens are challenging chicken processing giant Tegel
to open up its factories to the public to see the truth
behind its 'exploding the myth' advertising campaign. In
the TV adverts, Tegel claims no growth hormones are used in
its chickens, going on to say they are 'pure and natural'
and 'barn raised'. However, Tegel's National Vet David
Marks is reported in a magazine article as saying that
antibiotics enhance growth, and that they are used in the
birds' feed. Green MP Sue Kedgley has laid a complaint with
the Advertising Standards Board, which will be heard next
month. She says the difference between a growth promoting
antibiotic and a growth promoting hormone is largely
semantic and is meaningless to consumers. She says Tegel is
being cynical and misleading by vigorously promoting the
fact that one is not being used while quietly using the
other on a daily basis.
ARREST IN HOME INVASION CASE
----------------------------
Police in Rotorua have arrested a 34-year-old farmer from
Mamaku, and charged him with aggravated robbery and
attempted murder. He is to appear in the Rotorua District
Court. The arrest follows a home invasion and shooting in
the small township last Wednesday. Police have also
arrested a man and charged him with being an accessory
after the fact.
JURY DISMISSED IN HARMER TRIAL
------------------------------
The Kevin Harmer murder trial has come to a premature end
at the High Court in Christchurch. The 47-year-old former
Selwyn District Council manager is charged with the murder
of his wife on the couple's Selwyn farm in October of 1999.
As the fourth week of the five week trial was about to
begin today, Justice Hansen informed the jury their
services were no longer required. It is believed the jury's
discharge was prompted by a dispute between the Crown and
defence over the admissibility of some prosecution
evidence. Harmer has been released on bail until his
retrial in July.
MORE HOPE FOR KIWIBANK FRANCHISEES
----------------------------------
Kiwibank franchisees are to get more help. New Zealand Post
is now offering to cover the cost of out-fitting their
shops to accommodate the banking business. Originally it
was only going to provide interest free loans, of up to
$12,500, to cover the cost. NZ Post Chief Executive, Elmar
Toime, says the revised offer will cost it more than $2
million. But he is warning franchisees they will have to
take up the offer within a matter of weeks, as NZ Post
wants to make sure there is a continuous roll-out of
branches.
(I wonder what the deal is for those who had already paid
out their own money? – BH)
GOVT SUED OVER ASYLUM SEEKER DETENTION
--------------------------------------
The Human Rights Foundation is suing the Government over
the detention of asylum seekers. The Foundation has filed
proceedings in the High Court at Auckland, claiming that
the Immigration Service is not legally entitled to
routinely detain people who claim refugee status. The case
will be heard in the High Court in early May. Executive
director Peter Hosking says since September 19 last year
the service has been detaining asylum seekers as a matter
of course. He says the detentions are a breach of the Bill
of Rights and international standards.
Tuesday, 12 March
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOURIST FOUND BODY
------------------
Platform shoes drew an American tourist to finding the body
of Lisa Blakie in Canterbury's Porter River. The jury in
the murder trial of Timothy Taylor has heard details of the
discovery of the body at the High Court in Christchurch
today. Ronald Perry from Michigan found Lisa Blakie's body
on February 6th, 2000. Giving evidence via video link, he
said he was searching for fish when he saw the body. Ronald
Perry said her platform shoes seemed irregular, not
something you would usually find in that sort of setting.
He said he left the scene to tell his friends about the
body. When he came back he noticed the boulder which was
pinning Lisa Blakie down.
RUTHERFORD CALLS FOR CUP CALM
-----------------------------
NZRFU boss David Rutherford is calling for all the sides
involved in the Rugby World Cup to sit down and sort out
the controversy. He has welcomed a reported turnaround in
the IRB's position on whether New Zealand is still the sub-
host of the 2003 World Cup. IRB spokesman Chris Rea is
reported as saying only the IRB Council can remove the sub-
hosting rights issue. That has further muddied the waters
over whether some of the games will be played in New
Zealand. David Rutherford believes it is time for New
Zealand, Australia and the IRB to sit down and seek what he
calls a 'rugby solution'. He says that involves the three
parties being locked in a room and not being let out until
they have sorted things out.
RUSSELL MARSHALL WELCOMED IN DUBLIN
-----------------------------------
Russell Marshall has presented credentials to the Irish Head
of State, President Mary McAlese, recently in Dublin. As
High Commissioner to the UK,Mr Marshall also assumes the
role of Ambassador to Ireland and to Rome. After the ceremony
in the Presdent's official residence, Aras an Uachtarain,
Mr Marshall and his wife Barbara were welcomed to Ireland
by the local ex-pat community at a reception in central Dublin.
A presentation was made by local secondary school students
recently returned from representing New Zealand at a Model
United Nations conference in Bath, England. Mr Marshall
also presented the first prize in the annual NZ Ireland
Association Essay Competition.
(The above item was forwarded by Chris Kinder who is
apparently in Ireland - BH)
CLARK ADAMANT ELECTION A "STITCH-UP"
-----------------------------------
More tough words from the Prime Minister today on the
Zimbabwe presidential elections. Helen Clark says she
believes it was a "stitch-up" from the beginning. Miss
Clark says there were never enough polling booths and the
never-ending queues ensured that not everyone got to vote.
Miss Clark says there are now concerns the Government is
saying it is ahead in the count, when in fact it has barely
begun. She says it has been a 'crook' election and if
Mugabe is still there at the end of it, the Commonwealth
should take action. Meanwhile, the election has ended, with
the High Court refusing to extend voting to a fourth day. A
High Court judge had ordered polling booths to be open for
an unscheduled third day on Sunday night. But a different
High Court judge has said no to a fourth day.
(Did anyone see the media interview in which the South
African politician attempted to persuade the room full of
cynical media people that it was just bad luck that
thousands of Zimbabweans had missed out on their votes
through "administrative oversight"? The room erupted in
laughter, and the man looked quite offended. - BH)
MINISTER AGAIN BACKS UNION
--------------------------
The Government has fired another salvo at Australian rugby
administrators. Sports Minister Trevor Mallard says they
are damaging trans-Tasman rugby relations. Mr Mallard says
the advice he has received from the Solicitor General shows
the NZRFU did the right thing in not signing up to a deal
that would preclude existing advertising contracts. He says
the advice shows union officials would have been in breach
of at least three laws if they signed a contract they knew
they could not honour. Mr Mallard says the Rugby World Cup
runs the risk of becoming the preserve of a small group of
rich nations.
HITCHHIKERS MAY HOLD CLUE TO DEATH
----------------------------------
A forensic examination will be carried out on a four-wheel-
drive vehicle after a 60-year-old man was found dead
yesterday. His body was discovered on the banks of the
Waitara River in North Taranaki. Wanganui police Senior
Sergeant Warren Smith says police found the man's vehicle
in Waitotara. Senior Sergeant Smith says two young women
who had been in the vehicle, hitched a lift with a passing
motorist to Wanganui. He says one of the girls is aged
about 12, and the other around 16, and they intended to
hitchhike to Palmerston North. Senior Sergeant Smith says
police would like to hear from anyone who may have picked
the girls up.
SEAL KILLERS SOUGHT BY DOC
--------------------------
The Department of Conservation says it will prosecute
whoever deliberately killed five fur seals in Canterbury.
The seals were found dead on Sunday. The most recently
killed seal had been shot in the head with what appears to
be a small calibre rifle. That seal was found just north of
the mouth of the Rakaia River - the other four seals were
found nearby. DOC marine ranger Al Hutt says because the
other four seals had been dead for longer, it is difficult
to tell how they died. Fur seals are a protected species
and anyone who is found to have committed an offence
against them could be fined up to $5,000.
NZ MAY GET AROUND TARIFF
------------------------
New Zealand steel exporters may yet be able to get around
the 30 per cent tariff slapped on steel imports by the US
last week. American officials have explained to Trade
Minister Jim Sutton that New Zealand's unsubsidised steel
trade is not seen as a threat to the US industry. New
Zealand steel exports to the US account for around one
quarter of a per cent of all US steel imports. A
spokeswoman for Trade Minister Jim Sutton says both
countries are looking at ways of trying to exempt New
Zealand from the tariffs. Some Australian steel exporters
have already secured a minor exemption, which will allow
them to continue exporting a refined raw steel for use by
the US steel industry.
CHILDREN VISITED DEAD MAN'S HOME
--------------------------------
Police investigating the suspicious death of an elderly
Kilbirnie man say he regularly had school children at his
home smoking cigarettes. David Douglas was found dead in
his flat on Friday; an autopsy found he had been assaulted
several days earlier. Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Perry
says police have been speaking to a number of children who
had been in contact with the 68-year-old in the days
leading up to his death. He says it appears the victim had
a lot of contact over many years with children who played
truant from school and smoked cigarettes at the man's
house.
RABBIT NUMBERS BOUNCE BACK
--------------------------
Rabbit numbers have bounced back in parts of Otago, wiping
out some of the gains farmers achieved by illegally
introducing the rabbit-killing disease calicivirus. The
rabbit population in the region plunged in 1997, when the
rabbit haemorrhagic disease appeared at a Cromwell farm,
causing the deaths of hundreds of rabbits. A group of
farmers admitted introducing the virus, however not enough
evidence could be found to prosecute anyone. In the last
few months, a good breeding season has resulted in rabbit
numbers recovering, and they are now above allowable levels
across parts of Otago. The latest Otago Regional Council
survey pinpoints the Tarras area in Central Otago and the
Shag Valley and Pigroot areas in East and North Otago as
having the highest population of the pest. Technical
services director Darryl Lew says many young rabbits born
early in the season have survived, pushing up numbers. He
says poisoning programmes are planned in trouble spots over
winter to reduce the problem.
(Oh dear! That's sad. But should we be surprised? Isn't
that what the scientists said would happen? – BH)
Wednesday, 13 March
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE FLAMES AFTER CRASH
--------------------------------------
Two helicopters with monsoon buckets are battling a forest
fire, ignited by a helicopter crash, 40 kilometres west of
Gisborne. A helicopter involved in a logging operation on a
farm crashed just before one this afternoon. The pilot
managed to get out before the helicopter burst into flames,
starting the fire. He has suffered a broken leg and has
been taken to hospital.
PAUA CRACKDOWN
--------------
More than a tonne of black market paua has been seized in a
nationwide crack-down on the illegal trade. Thirty people
have been arrested, and boats and vehicles seized, in an
operation involving 140 fisheries officers and a similar
number of police. Raids on properties in Auckland,
Wellington, Christchurch and the East Coast began this
morning and will continue for the next few days. Fisheries
spokesman Alan Meek says the operation has been in the
making for two years, with some fisheries officers working
undercover. Mr Meek puts the value of the illegal seafood
trade at around $20 million a year.
ENGLISH QUESTIONS ARMSTRONG'S ROLES
-----------------------------------
The versatility of NZ Post and Television New Zealand
chairman Ross Armstrong has been in evidence in Parliament
this afternoon. National's leader Bill English cited four
organisations where Dr Armstrong is either the chairman, or
is on the board. Mr English is questioning whether it is
appropriate for him to have so many roles. Finance Minister
Michael Cullen says he was appointed to two of them by
National. That did not stop Mr English claiming he got the
jobs because he is known as 'Helen's little helper'.
However, Dr Cullen says he got some of the jobs because he
was known as Jim and Jenny's little helper. Dr Armstrong is
earning almost $210,000 from chairing NZ Post, TVNZ and
Industrial Research. He is also a director of Kiwibank. He
was formerly a National Party office holder.
(Rule one. When you pull the trigger, make sure the barrel
isn't pointed at any part of your own anatomy? – BH)
GOVERNMENT DECIDES ZIMBABWE ELECTION UNFAIR
-------------------------------------------
The Government appears to have given up all hope of the
election in Zimbabwe being free and fair. The latest
results from the Zimbabwe presidential election show the
gap between Robert Mugabe and challenger Morgan Tsvangirai
is widening. Foreign Minister Phil Goff says the message
through from observers in Zimbabwe is that the election
appears to have been manipulated beyond the will of the
people. He says New Zealand observers have witnessed
torture, along with people being prevented from getting to
the ballot box. New Zealand is unlikely to take any formal
action against Zimbabwe until after the Commonwealth
observers have finished a report on the election.
CEMETERY VANDALISM BRINGS JAIL TERMS
------------------------------------
Jail sentences have been handed down in the Wellington
District Court today to four men convicted of vandalism at
a Wellington cemetery. The four were convicted of breaking
into two crypts at Karori Cemetery last October, where they
removed a baby's remains from a coffin and used its skull
as an ashtray. The baby's jawbone was also used as a
necklace, while a ceramic urn was taken and left at a
nearby grave. Eighteen-year-old Lachlan Holland, identified
as the group's ringleader, was jailed for 12 months. His
co-accused, Harlen Wright, Denis McCarrison and Allan
Hazelton, all aged between 18 and 21, were also jailed for
between six and nine months each. In summing up, Judge
Thompson said claims by defence lawyers the media had blown
the case out of proportion were unfounded.
CALL FOR TEACHER TALKS
----------------------
There are renewed calls for secondary school teachers and
the Government to get together to sort out the row
threatening to further disrupt schools around the country.
Teachers say they will start withholding internal
assessment marks from the New Zealand Qualifications
Authority, from next week. The teachers are also
threatening two weeks of rolling strikes, if their pay row
is not settled by the end of next month. Board of Trustees
Association President, Chris France, is particularly
concerned at the threat to withhold NZQA assessments. He
wants the Government to get involved in the industrial
dispute.
DOCTORS CAUTIOUSLY WELCOME PACKAGE
----------------------------------
The New Zealand Medical Association's cautiously optimistic
about the Government's new health strategy. The Crown will
inject more than $400 million into primary health care over
the next three years. It says $50 million will go to
establishing Primary Health Organisations in the first
year. By 2004-2005, that money will increase to $195
million. NZMA chair Dr John Adams says he welcomes the
Government's focus on primary health. But he is concerned
the funding will fall short of what is needed. Meanwhile,
Alliance leader Jim Anderton is using today's health
funding announcement to have a dig at disaffected members
of his own party. Mr Anderton says he is delighted, as it
is the first step towards the Alliance's universal free
health care policy. He says it shows dissenters in his
party what can be achieved. The Alliance has split into two
camps recently over the direction of the party and its role
in Government.
RAFT OF CHARGES FOR PAIR IN HAMILTON COURT
------------------------------------------
Two men charged in connection with a shooting spree in
central Hamilton at the weekend have appeared in court
today. 21-year-old Josiah Charteris and 18-year-old Glenn
Gibb have been charged with a number of offences, including
attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, and breaking and
entering. They also face a number of firearm-related
charges. The lawyer for 18-year-old Gibb, Wayne Dollimore,
applied for bail because of the young age of his client.
But community magistrates at the Hamilton District Court
denied the request, because of the serious nature of the
offences and fears expressed by the victims. The two men
have both been remanded in custody to re-appear for a
depositions hearing in May. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old
victim who was shot in the face on Saturday night is due to
be released from hospital tomorrow.
CLEAN DIESEL MAY DAMAGE PUMP SEALS
----------------------------------
Fallout from cleaner diesel. Last year, the Auckland
Regional Council lobbied petrol companies to lower the
sulphur content in diesel for environmental reasons. Now,
mechanics have noticed an increase in diesel vehicles
needing pump seals replaced in the past month. They believe
the new lower sulphur diesel on sale in the North Island
and Christchurch is causing pump seals to soften.
Automobile Association director, George Fairbairn, says
motorists who own diesel-run Japanese imports should get
the pump seal checked out.
(Déjà vu – again! – BH)
CLEAN VENUE NO GO AT EDEN PARK
------------------------------
The head of Auckland's Eden Park Trust says they could not
have delivered a venue free of advertising in line with the
demands of the World Cup organisers. New Zealand's failure
to be able to deliver clean stadia may have cost the game
the sub-host rights to next year's event. Clean stadia
includes making corporate boxes available, even if they
have been sold off. John Alexander of the Eden Park Trust
says legally, there is no way the venue could be delivered
clean. He says box holders do not want to give them up
their prime seats. New Zealand stadium bosses will meet the
NZRFU tomorrow to discuss the situation
Thursday, 14 March
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HAWKE'S BAY DENIED JUSTICE SAYS NATIONAL
----------------------------------------
National is accusing the Government of turning a blind eye
to justice in small Hawke's Bay towns. The Waipukurau and
Wairoa courthouses have been earmarked for downgrading to a
hearing centre. National's Associate Regional Development
spokesman Shane Ardern says the Regional Development
Minister, Jim Anderton, has been travelling the country
trumpeting the regional development cause. However he says
Mr Anderton is unfazed by the axing of courthouse services.
Shane Ardern says the Minister is denying thousands of
people reasonable access to justice. A public meeting has
been held in Wairoa to discuss the downgrade. Most of those
present were against any reduction, saying it would leave
the town vulnerable.
UNCONSCIOUS WOMAN GIVES BIRTH
------------------------------
An Auckland woman found unconscious with serious injuries
has given birth. Two women and a man were admitted to
hospital after what police believe was a domestic dispute.
The sisters aged 25 and 29 were found unconscious in a
Manukau home yesterday and admitted to hospital. Police say
one of the women gave birth to a girl overnight after an
emergency Caesarean section. The baby is in a critical
condition at National Women's Hospital. A 40-year old man
found at another address is also in hospital in a critical
condition. Police believe the incidents are connected.
LUNDY TAKES WITNESS STAND
-------------------------
Mark Lundy is in the witness stand at the High Court in
Palmerston North. The man accused of murdering his wife
Christine and daughter Amber has begun giving evidence in
his own defence. Lundy has answered questions about his
whereabouts on the night of August 29th, 2000. He has
firmly denied killing his wife and daughter. His voice
faltered and he became emotional while telling the court of
his and his wife's difficulties conceiving a second child
and their decision not to have any other children. Lundy
has also given evidence about the state of his business
affairs.
BIG DEAL FOR FONTERRA
---------------------
Fonterra, the world's largest supplier of dairy products,
has signed a supply contract with a Mexican company worth
$100 million over the next year. NZMP, Fonterra's
ingredients division, has signed the agreement with
Mexico's largest importer of milk powder, the state-run
Liconsa. The agency is responsible for the supply of milk
powder and reconstituted milk to the poor. The supply
agreement was arranged during last November's visit to
Mexico by the Prime Minister. Mexico is now one of this
country's largest dairy markets, with sales running at over
$400 million annually. NZMP Managing Director Chris Moller
says the fact that NZMP is the world's largest supplier of
dairy products and the company's provision of technical
backup influenced the Mexican decision to go ahead with the
deal.
RESTAURANTS TARGETED IN POACHING CRACK DOWN
-------------------------------------------
More than 20 restaurants around the country can expect a
knock on the door over the next few days following raids on
what fisheries officers say is a huge poaching ring. Thirty
people were arrested after swoops in Auckland, Wellington,
Christchurch and the East Coast. By the time Operation
Pacman wraps up, Fisheries Compliance Manager, Dave Wood
expects more than a hundred arrests. He is confident of
netting all those allegedly involved in this poaching ring,
but he says they cannot be sure there are not other similar
operations still going. Mr Wood says one way the poachers
smuggled their ill gotten gains out of the country was in
the luggage of Asian tour groups.
LEE DENIES CONTRACT PROMISES
----------------------------
The Conservation Minister has denied promising her former
electorate agent his contract would be renewed. Darryl
Evans is suing Parliamentary Services for $160,000,
claiming unfair dismissal and humiliation. His lawyer has
told the Employment Tribunal in Auckland that Sandra Lee
assured Mr Evans several times that his contract would be
renewed in December 1999. However the minister says she is
not in a position to renew an employee's contract, as
employment decisions are left to Parliamentary Services.
SECRET MEETING RENEWS CUP HOPES
-------------------------------
There is renewed hope for New Zealand's chances of sub-
hosting the next year's Rugby World Cup. Sports Minister
Trevor Mallard met in secret with RWC boss Vernon Pugh in
Australia yesterday and is confident the door is still open
for New Zealand to co-host the tournament. Australia is
planning to hold the cup on its own after New Zealand
failed to agree to tough sponsorship conditions. Mr Mallard
says Mr Pugh told him that some of the conditions may be
able to be renegotiated. He says, if the NZRFU also makes
moves, a solution may be possible.
COURT ACTION AGAINST BROWNLEE CONTINUES
---------------------------------------
National MP Gerry Brownlee is continuing to defend a
private prosecution brought against him in the Auckland
District Court. Native Forest Action supporter Neil Abel is
demanding $60,000 in damages after an alleged assault. He
claims the MP threatened to throw him down a staircase at a
National Party election campaign launch at Eden Park in
1999. Mr Abel was removed from the meeting for heckling the
then leader Jenny Shipley over National's stance on logging
native timber on the West Coast.
(Judgement for the plaintiff, Mr Brownlee fined $8,500 –
BH)
TOUR GROUPS INVOLVED IN SEAFOOD SMUGGLING
-----------------------------------------
Fisheries officials have identified a number of tour groups
allegedly involved in smuggling frozen seafood out of the
country. About a tonne of illegal paua, bound for overseas
markets, has been seized as part of Operation Pacman.
Thirty people have been arrested so far, but it is thought
that more than 100 are involved. Fisheries national
compliance manager Dave Wood believes baggage containing
poached seafood was put in with luggage from tour groups at
hotels or airports. He says, for the operation to run
smoothly, someone from a tour company's management must
also be involved.
MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS THREATEN ACTION
-------------------------------------
Mental health workers are threatening industrial action if
a bed shortage at some facilities is not solved. The PSA
says South Auckland's Tiaho Mai unit was bursting at seams
last weekend, with patients sleeping in doctors' rooms and
others locked in police cells until beds could be found.
PSA Secretary Richard Wagstaff says it is not an isolated
incident and warns nurses may start refusing to accept new
patients if beds are not available. He says nurses feel the
shortage is endangering their safety and that of patients.
Mr Wagstaff is seeking urgent talks with the Health
Ministry on the issue.
PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE UNDER ATTACK
------------------------------------
The man accused of being involved in an investment scam
with Act MP Rodney Hide is attacking the merits of
parliamentary privilege. New Zealand First Leader Winston
Peters told Parliament that Christchurch businessman Dave
Henderson and Mr Hide promoted an investment scheme that
lost hundreds of New Zealands around $10 million. But Mr
Henderson says it is grossly unfair that Mr Peters can make
such comments under parliamentary privilege. Mr Henderson
says he has challenged Mr Peters to make his statements
outside the House, but Mr Peters has failed to do so.
POST-NATAL DEPRESSION UNDERESTIMATED
------------------------------------
A post-natal support group believes a New Zealand jury
would have been more sympathetic towards Texas child killer
Andrea Yates. The 37-year-old has been found guilty of
murdering her five children. Jurors are yet to decide
whether she will be executed. The Trauma and Birth Stress
Group believes Andrea Yates should have been found insane
because she suffered post-natal depression. Spokeswoman Sue
Watson says the mental stress women go through after having
children is underestimated. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist says
pregnant women should be made more aware of the dangers of
the condition. Psychiatrist Dr Sara Weeks believes pregnant
women should be screened for post-natal depression as they
are in the United Kingdom.
Friday, 15 March
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WORKERS THREATEN ACTION
-----------------------
Claims of overcrowding in mental health units has prompted
some Auckland workers to plan industrial action. Earlier
this week, the Public Service Association warned a shortage
of beds was straining staff and patients. PSA spokesman
Richard Wagstaff says workers at Taharoto unit have now
notified Waitemata Health of their intention to begin
action in a week. Mr Wagstaff says the overcrowding will
compromise the safety of patients and staff. He says the
workers want to avoid a repeat of last week, when a bed
shortage forced some patients into police cells. The PSA
and Waitemata Health meet today.
SACRED LAND SAVED
-----------------
The Crown has bought a piece of sacred land in the Chatham
Islands to prevent its destruction. The 12 kilometre
stretch of land on the island's eastern peninsula contains
historic Moriori tree carvings. It will now be managed by
the Hokotehi Moriori Trust. Chairman Alfred Preece says he
is delighted the land will now be preserved. He says it has
been seriously damaged by cattle grazing and it is planned
to let the area grow back before opening it to visitors.
HELEN CLARK PLEASED AT REPORT
-----------------------------
Helen Clark has been pleasantly surprised by the strength
of the condemnation of the Zimbabwe election by the
Commonwealth observer mission. The prime minister says she
had a sinking feeling in the last few days following
comments from the head of the mission. But the final report
is scathing of the result which returned Robert Mugabe to
power. All eyes are now on a three-country committee set up
after CHOGM to decide if Zimbabwe should be suspended from
the Commonwealth. Australia, South Africa and Nigeria make
up the committee. Australia's believed to be in favour of
suspension, with South Africa against. So Helen Clark says
it is all down to Nigeria. She is not sure which way
Nigeria will go, but says it is in a position to take a
leadership role on the issue.
MINISTRY SURE RINGLEADERS CAUGHT
--------------------------------
The Ministry of Fisheries is confident its caught the
ringleaders of the country's seafood black market. Two
officers worked undercover for six months to identify those
involved in the selling and buying of crayfish and paua.
Operation Pacman will see more than 85 people charged after
a series of raids over the past two days. Ministry
spokesman Alan Meek says the operation was flawless with
the element of surprise on their side. He believes the most
significant people were caught. Mr Meek says the operation
has now reached the court phase, with the first accused
appearing on Monday.
NEW NAME FOR SHIHAD
------------------
There is no more mistaking Shihad for jihad. The New
Zealand band has now officially changed its name. Shihad
has came under fire since the September 11 attacks for
having a name similar to the Islamic word jihad or 'Holy
War'. The band made an unscheduled appearance at LA's
famous Viper Room announcing it will now be known as
Pacifier. It is also the name of one of the band's most
popular hits. One problem with the change - frontman John
Toogood says his mother's already got Shihad tattooed
across her back.
ACT CONFERENCE OPENS TONIGHT
-----------------------------
ACT begins its election year conference in Auckland
tonight. Our political editor says since its last
conference it has wallowed in the opinion polls but the
most recent one pushed it over the five per cent threshold.
If the party is feeling down about the polls it is not
showing with leader Richard Prebble saying he expects to
win 20 seats at the coming election. ACT's conference is
open to anyone who wants to pop in for a look , which could
pose a problem for it when it is officially opened by
Auckland Mayor John Banks. Mr Banks has been plagued by
protestors lately.
ARSONIST SERVES SENTENCE AT HOME
--------------------------------
The last of the four teenagers convicted for the arson of
Hamilton's Fraser High gym will not serve her sentence in
jail. Tashina Norris has been given permission to serve her
sentence at home. Norris was sentenced to 15 months jail in
February, but was released on bail for a month by the high
court while her application for home detention was
considered. The district prisons board has decided she can
serve her sentence in the community. Three other teens
convicted of the crime are also on home detention. Unlike
them, Tashina Norris has been given permission to continue
going to school.
FAR NORTH WASPS MEET THEIR MATCH
--------------------------------
Wasp-men to the rescue. An operation rivalling the scene in
'Mission Impossible' where Tom Cruise was dangled down a
shaft on a long rope has rid the Far North of its giant
wasps' nest. The nest, described as being as big as a twin-
cab truck, was located 35 metres up a tree near Pawarenga.
To get rid of it, agricultural pest controller Mike Knight
and a helicopter pilot plotted an elaborate plan. The idea
saw Mr Knight hanging from a 30-metre strap underneath the
chopper. He landed on top of the nest and doused it in
poison, killing thousands of wasps. At one stage there were
so many wasps on him he was weighted down. He managed to
get through the experience without being stung once.
(Mr Knight was wearing a beekeeper's protective clothing
over a wet suit as he dangled from a Robinson R-22
helicopter over a nest the size of a van. There are several
factors in there that might cause the ordinary person in
the street to wonder whether he has it all together, but I
think he is amazingly brave. At one brief stage, during the
TV coverage, there was this huge man-shaped swarm of wasps,
and my thoughts turned to the movie "Starship Troopers" –
BH)
COMMERCE COMMISSION TARGETS FREEDOM AIR
----------------------------------------
The Commerce Commission is prosecuting cut-price airline
Freedom Air, over allegedly misleading advertising. The
Commission believes South Pacific Air Charters Ltd, which
trades as Freedom Air, breached the Fair Trading Act by not
disclosing the full cost of air fares in its
advertisements. It says in addition to the advertised
fares, passengers discovered they were also required to pay
Civil Aviation Authority and insurance levies. The
Commission also claims Freedom Air misrepresented an
operational cost, as the supposed insurance levy. The
maximum penalty the airline could face is a $100,000 fine.
The Commerce Commission fears other airlines are
advertising in the same way, and is warning them to ensure
their advertising is up to scratch.
(Hmmm. I have always booked my Freedom Air tickets on the
web, and have never been in any doubt as to what was ticket
and what was external impost. I would certainly prefer an
up front single figure, but I never perceived any attempt
to deceive. – BH)
THE FINANCIAL PAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 14 March 2002 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 0.4343
AUD 0.8323
GBP 0.3068
JPY 56.36
CAD 0.6934
EUR 0.4965
HKD 3.3961
SGD 0.7946
ZAR 5.0418
CHF 0.7295
INTEREST RATES (%)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call : 4.75
90 Day: 5.26
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