The Church's new, dreadlocked bishop

By Dan Parker
The Anglican Church has ordained a bishop like no other in its history. Justin Duckworth has dreadlocks, bare feet and his own commune and looks like he'd be more at home at a music festival than in church. On a freezing cold Wellington afternoon, Justin Duckworth and his trademark bare feet are ascending to one of Anglican Church's most revered roles. And inside Wellington's Saint Paul's Cathedral, 1600 faithful gather to see him ordained as a bishop. Mr Duckworth is a man who has spent much of his life working to help the needy and those who live in the margins of society. Prior to his election to one of the country's seven Pakeha Anglican diocese, Mr Duckworth founded Ngatiawa, a place for those in need of help, those sometimes rejected by society and even by the Church.
3News

Tougher laws on illegal guns

The federal government in Australia has announced a range of new measures to combat the illegal gun trade after a report by the Australian Crime Commission revealed there are 250,000 illegal firearms in the country. The report has prompted the Government to strengthen the country's gun laws. It will introduce legislation to create a maximum penalty of life in jail for people involved in gun trafficking. Justice Minister Jason Clare says a national firearms register will also be created.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Funeral procession for TVNZ7 today

By Sam Thompson - NewstalkZB
A symbolic funeral procession is being held this afternoon marking the demise of TVNZ 7. The plug will be be pulled on the TV channel at midnight, after the Government decided not to renew its $80 million funding contract. It will be replaced by one hour delayed replays of the TV One schedule from tomorrow morning. Supporters who have been campaigning to save the public service channel, will follow a hearse past TVNZ Auckland headquarters to St Matthew-in-the-City in Hobson Street.

Fiji beat Cook Islands to retain Pacific netball series

Fiji has beaten the Cook Islands 66-33 at the 4th Annual Pacific Netball Series in Suva. The Fijians led the Cook Islanders in each quarter.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

NZ universities rank highly in new global lists

The University of Auckland is one of six "world class" New Zealand universities to have made the top 200 in the newest world university rankings, released today. QS World University Rankings show how the top 600 universities, from 27 countries around the globe, stack up against one another in the largest survey of its kind. Victoria University, the University of Otago, Massey University, the University of Canterbury, the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland all ranked in the top 200 in at least one discipline, with Auckland the most prominently featured, ranking in the top 200 for every subject except one: physics and astronomy.
New Zealand universities in the top 50
Rank - Subject - Institution
23 - Law - Victoria University of Wellington
32 - Psychology -The University of Auckland
34 - Law - The University of Auckland
37 - Education - The University of Auckland
39 - Accounting & Finance - The University of Auckland
39 - Psychology - University of Otago
40 - Pharmacy and Pharmacology - The University of Auckland
48= - Geography - The University of Auckland
50= - Education - Massey University
- APNZ

Another asylum seeker boat intercepted

Another 100 asylum seekers have arrived on the latest boat to reach Australian waters. HMAS Leeuwin intercepted the vessel north of Christmas Island on Friday morning. The vessel was initially spotted by a Customs and Border Protection surveillance aircraft. "Initial indications suggest there are 100 people on board," Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said in a statement. They will be transferred to Christmas Island for security, health and identity checks. Today's arrival comes after the sinking of two asylum seeker boats in the past week. Over 90 lives were lost.
Source: AAP

Penfolds releases $215,000 bottle of wine

Australian winemaker Penfolds has unveiled a wine that will set you back $214,000. There are only 12 of the 2004 Kalmina Block 42 cabernet sauvignon, each individually numbered. Described as rare and significant, truly extraordinary and the ultimate in winemaking heritage, the 2004 Kalimna Block 42 cabernet sauvignon is presented in a limited-release, hand-blown glass ampoule which is suspended within a wooden Jarrah cabinet. Penfolds spokeswoman Ildi Ireland said the wine was among the most highly-priced Australian wines ever and only some rare 17th Century "Old World" collectable wines would probably command more money.
Source: AAP / ONE News

New Zealander appointed international cricket president

New Zealand's Alan Isaac has taken over as president of the International Cricket Council on a two-year term before the post becomes titular. The former New Zealand Cricket chairman has succeeded India's Sharad Pawar at the ICC's Annual Conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Australian Telstra publishes details of 700,000 customers online

Australia's communications watchdog has slammed Telstra for publishing the personal details of more than 700,000 customers online for most of last year. As many as 734,000 Telstra customers had their names, addresses and, in some cases, driver's licence details and dates of birth, published online between March and December 2011. The user names and passwords of as many as 41,000 people were also accessible via the company's flawed web-based management system Visibility Tool, which was used to track orders for its bundled services. On Friday, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said Telstra failed to act quickly enough to protect its customers and breached the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code.
Source: AAP

Bomber Command memorial unveiled

More than 1800 New Zealanders who died while serving with the RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War have been honoured at the unveiling of a memorial in London. The Queen attended the dedication, along with a delegation of 32 veterans who are now aged between 87 and 94. It's the oldest and one of the largest New Zealand delegations to travel to an overseas commemoration. Nearly 6000 members of the RNZAF served with Bomber Command, whose mission was the strategic bombing of key targets in Europe that were considered essential to the German war effort. The extremely dangerous nature of the work meant that the casualty rate for the group was extremely high, with 44.4 percent killed.
© 2012 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Plans for $27m upgrade to Westpac Stadium

The Westpac Stadium Trust has unveiled plans for a $27 million upgrade of Wellington's premier sports facility. The project will commence later this year with new changing rooms before greater changes to the aesthetics of the facility. Stadium Trust chairman Paul Collins believes rather than fitting an expensive roof, he believes their plan of investing the money in upgrading significant parts of the stadium over the next six or seven years will be of greater benefit. The upgrade will also include a covered area at the gates, a garden and mezzanine lounges.Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

DHB offering free healthcare for children under six

Capital & Coast DHB has announced free healthcare for children under six, regardless of the time of day. From July 1 all general practices in the district will offer free care for enrolled children under six. Free urgent after hours care will be available from Wellington Accident and Urgent Medical Centre, Kenepuru Accident and Medical, and Team Medical, on the Kapiti Coast.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

New bid to help public plan for emergencies

Civil Defence is launching a fresh drive to make sure people know exactly to do if an earthquake hits, with new television and radio advertisements. The television ads began broadcasting on Thursday and show children describing what they think earthquakes are and demonstrating the slogan Drop Cover Hold. A Civil Defence spokesperson, Chandrika Kumaran, says the Canterbury earthquakes prompted the new campaign.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Parliament rejects legislation to allow Easter trading

Parliament has again rejected legislation to allow Easter trading. National MP for Waitaki Jacqui Dean's bill allowing shops to open over Easter in Waitaki and Wanaka, was voted down by 49 votes to 70 last night. Votes on Easter are made by conscience vote. The Shop Trading Hours Act Repeal (Waitaki Easter Trading) Amendment Bill would have allowed all retailers within districts covered by the Waitaki electorate to trade on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Labour party spokesperson for industrial relations Darien Fenton said the Easter trading legislation had been before Parliament 11 times.
- APNZ

Set net ban extended to protect Maui's dolphins

By 3 News online staff
New measures aimed at protecting Maui’s dolphins have been announced. Primary Industries Minister David Carter says that the existing recreational and commercial ban on set nets is to be extended out to two nautical miles along the Taranaki coast, from Pariokariwa Point down to Hawera. The use of commercial set nets between two and seven nautical miles from the shore will also be prohibited unless an observer is on board the vessel. “Maui’s dolphins are critically endangered, with an estimated 55 adult animals remaining. The Government is taking this action to protect these dolphins while the Threat Management Plan is reviewed. This will be completed by the end of November,” says Mr Carter.

Honiara festival offers Pacific connections

One of the country's leading Maori cultural groups - Te Waka Huia - says the Pacific Arts Festival is a chance to make more connections with other indigenous people. An Auckland-based pan-tribal roopu, the group is part of the large delegation accompanying King Tuheitia and other dignitaries to the Pacific Arts Festival in the Solomon Islands from 1 - 13 July. It has a reputation as the premier cultural arts event in the Pacific region. There will be representatives from the South Pacific including Tahiti, Australian Aboriginals, people from Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Easter Island among those coming together to celebrate.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Bill forces charity collectors to be open about money withheld

Companies that collect money on behalf of charities will now have to be transparent about how much gets to the charity. The Fair Trading (Soliciting on Behalf of Charities) Amendment Bill was passed in Parliament on Wednesday with unanimous support. It was drafted following reports that some professional telemarketing and street-collecting firms keep up to 75% of what they collect, and in some cases up to 90%.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Reefton has biggest snowfall in 50 years

A South Island town has been blanketed by its biggest snowfall in 50 years. From Tuesday night 20 centimetres of snow has fallen on Reefton, on the West Coast. Local weather forecaster Tony Fortune told Morning Report that the town gets a fall every year but not of this depth.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Mt Ruapehu eruption detection system upgraded

An eruption detection system at one of the country's most active volcanoes has had a $1 million upgrade. The system on Mt Ruapehu senses an eruption and within 30 seconds triggers a network of warning sirens. The upgrade includes a new monitoring site at the top of the mountain, that runs on reticulated power, to replace the dome shelter near the crater lake which had been vulnerable to damage during an eruption.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Dogs wipe out blue penguin colony

It took years to build up a colony of blue penguins on the West Coast, but it took dogs just a matter of days to kill the lot. At least 15 birds at Cape Foulwind, near Westport, have been found dead over the past week. It is likely the entire colony is gone. The dead birds had been found about one kilometre from a proposed public viewing area which the trust had spent the past year working on.
Source: NZN

Programme to help career choice launched

The Government says its new Vocational Pathways programme will help school students choose a career and work towards employment, while achieving better results. The Government announced five Pathways on Thursday, including Construction and Infrastructure, Manufacture and Technology and the Primary Industries. Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says they will show students which industries their results are best suited to. Mr Karaitiana says they will also help students select the subjects most useful to their chosen careers. He says the Vocational Pathways will provide direction for about 70% of secondary school students who do not go to university.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Snapshot of Maori statistics launched

By MICHELLE COOKE
A new one-stop-shop for statistics about Maori has been launched this afternoon on Statistics New Zealand's website. The new section provides a snapshot of Maori in New Zealand and gives an insight into their well-being and development, government statistician Geoff Bascand said. Most of the information already existed on the site, but it was often difficult to access or understand. Now everything from agriculture to cultural identity can be found in one section (http://www.stats.govt.nz/maori) called Te Ao Marama 2012. There were versions in English and Maori and print copies could also be ordered.
© Fairfax NZ News

Remains of historic house uncovered in Lyttelton

The remains of a house built by one of Canterbury's early settlers have been uncovered during a demolition in Lyttelton. The foundations of the house were discovered while workers were demolishing the Lyttelton Plunket building which was damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes. The site was occupied by a home belonging to John Robert Godley, who was a key figure in the Canterbury Settlement, before the Plunket building was built in the 1940's. Archeologists have found the pile holes and posts of the house and have identified the outline of the original building.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Economist ranks New Zealand early childhood system 9th in world

Early childhood educators say New Zealand could improve on its ninth placing in a new international ranking of early childhood education systems. Finland and Sweden top the 45 country ranking by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which is based on measures including the quality, affordability and availability of early childhood education. New Zealand is ninth between the Netherlands and South Korea, while Australia is 28th. Early childhood experts say the result is a credit to the New Zealand system.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Flu on the rise

Influenza specialists say flu is in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and case numbers are on the rise. The Institute of Environmental Science and Research says its surveillance shows that Auckland has by far the most cases of flu, especially in hospitals, with Wellington and Christchurch also affected. It says while overall flu activity is still relatively low, the number of confirmed cases has risen. Influenza experts say the A H3N2 strain is predominant, particularly among older people, with some H1N1 (or swine flu) in younger people.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

AusAID doubles assistance to Fiji

The Australian aid agency AusAID has announced a doubling of aid to Fiji. The agency’s director, Peter Baxter, says AusAID will increase its aid to 36 million US dollars from next month. The assistance will go towards strengthening primary health services, increasing childhood immunisation and improving maternal health. Mr Baxter says it will also help increase the number of children attending and staying in school with 180 schools expected to benefit over the next four years. He says Australia will also help educate the next generation of leaders by providing more scholarships for study in Australia.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Five roads now remain shut in the South Island

Drivers in parts of the South Island are being advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary. The Transport Agency is warning motorists to be aware of black ice on some routes. People in Southland are being told to prepare for power cuts as further gales and snow showers are forecast, particularly around the Catlins. In the South Island State Highway 87 Outram to Kyeburn, State Highway 6 from Kohatu Junction to Kawatiti Junction, State Highway 73 Authur's Pass to Otira and the road to Milford Sound remain closed. State Highway 6 between Havelock and Renwick has reopened after a crash that seriously injured two people. In the North Island snow has shut the Taihape to Napier road from the Kuripapango Bridge through to Taihape overnight Wednesday. Up to four centimetres of snow is also forecast along the Desert Road for Wednesday evening.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Rena lawsuit could be NZ's biggest environmental claim

By Carly Gibbs of the Bay of Plenty Times
Two legal firms are preparing a class action lawsuit that could end up being the country's biggest environmental claim. North South Environmental Law in Auckland, assisted by Holland Beckett Lawyers in Tauranga, has identified 150 claimants affected by the Rena grounding - and expects to add more in coming weeks. The claimants, all business owners, will become part of a joint lawsuit to bring proceedings against Greece-based Rena owner Daina Shipping Co. Individual claims from Bay businesses currently range between $20,000 and $250,000.
(Note: The container ship Rena went aground on rocks outside Tauranga and subsequently broke in two)

Kupe may have more oil and gas reserves than thought

Owners of the Kupe oil and gas field off the Taranaki coast are closely analysing new data which suggests the field may have more reserves than initially thought. New Zealand Oil and Gas, which owns 15% of the field, says preliminary results of a review of the field's reserves suggest estimates of what remains may need to be increased. The Kupe field is half owned by Origin Energy, state-owned power company Genesis Energy holds 31% and Mitsui 4%.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Another asylum boat reportedly in distress

Another asylum seeker boat is reported to be in distress north of Christmas Island. The Australian online has quoted one rescuer as saying a boat carrying 150 people has capsized. The ABC says two merchant vessel are on the scene with more rescuers, including HMAS Maitland, en route. Customs and Border Protection said they were aware of the reports but could not provide details. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority could not be immediately reached, but the ABC said the distress call was received at 6.20am today.
Source: AAP

Kiwi House launched in London

One month out from the games the New Zealand Olympic Committee has launched Kiwi House in London. This will showcase the best of New Zealand food, beverage, entertainment and sport. Kiwi House is seen as a valuable tourism and investment hub as it will be a place where friends and fans can get together.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Northland polytech tops Maori results in nursing

A new study has found that Northland's polytech is leading the country in Maori nursing achievement. Nga Manukura o Apopo, a national Maori nursing and midwifery workforce development programme, surveyed 16 tertiary nursing and midwifery providers to find out how well they are responding to Maori students, and how the students are doing . Group spokesperson Associate Professor Denise Wilson, from AUT University, says Northtec is the clear leader. She says the Whangarei-based polytech has the highest percentage of Maori on its Bachelor of Nursing course, at 30%. As well, 85% of Maori students are successfully completing their courses and re-enrolling, and 75% have completed their degrees.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

MetService warning for South Island motorists

The Transport Agency says people should avoid driving in Otago and Southland unless they absolutely have to. It says there is potential for heavy snow down to 200 metres overnight and warns drivers to carry chains, food, warm clothes and a cellphone in case of emergencies. Clutha District Council says snow has been falling south of Clinton since 2pm Tuesday afternoon and drivers should not try to drive into high areas if not driving a 4WD vehicle. MetService is warning motorists to look out for snow on the high alpine passes and the Desert Road. The Milford Road, Lewis Pass and Arthur's Pass are expected to accumulate up to 20 centimetres of snow near the summits while the Lindis Pass should receive up to 3 centimetres. The Desert Road is expected to accumulate up to 15 centimetres of snow by midnight Tuesday.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Maori Television to screen far more te reo

Maori Television is significantly boosting its te reo Maori programming. From 1 July, the broadcaster will run a range of Maori language tuition programming from 10am through to 3pm. Maori Television was set up by the Crown in 2004 to help promote and revitalise te reo Maori. Chief executive Jim Mather says there will not be any reduction in the amount of prime-time evening Maori language programming. Mr Mather says Maori Television is creating a virtual Maori language classroom for most of the country.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Legislation for partial asset sale passes final reading

Parliament has passed the legislation that will allow the Government to partially sell four state-owned assets. It was passed by 61 votes to 60, with the support of two of National's confidence and supply parties, ACT and United Future. The legislation opens the door for the sale of up to 49% of shares in Mighty River Power, Genesis, Solid Energy and Meridian. The Labour Party says it will keep fighting the partial sale of state-owned assets, despite the passage of the legislation. The Greens argue the partial asset sale is a short-term vision which most New Zealanders do not support.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Fairfax progresses NZ outsourcing plan

Fairfax Media New Zealand has hired a quarter of the 40 subeditors it wants to produce two regional Australian newspapers in Wellington. "We're looking for up to 40 staff and we've got about a quarter of those already hired," Fairfax Media New Zealand executive editor Paul Thompson told NZ Newswire. He hopes an international recruitment plan due to get under way will attract good candidates, including expat New Zealanders looking to return and Australians. "It's an opportunity to get some really good people and I'm delighted with the quality of the people we've got. "We would really welcome applications from top subs in Australia," he said.
Source: NZN

The Press editor gets The Age's top job

Andrew Holden, editor of Christchurch newspaper The Press, has been appointed the new editor-in-chief of The Age in Melbourne. His appointment comes following the resignation of the former editor Paul Ramadge yesterday. Mr Holden will take up the role full-time in September and will split his time between Christchurch and Melbourne until then.
3News

Severe weather watch issued

A severe weather watch has been issued for Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Southland and Nelson. Snow is expected for the Desert Road, Lewis Pass, Arthurs Pass, Lindis Pass and Milford Road. Strong westerlies are forecast to batter the lower North Island from this afternoon until tomorrow night. Snow is also expected to sea level in Fiordland and southern Southland.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Dancers hope to leave lasting impression

Atamira Dance company says its hopes the performances by its dancers will leave a lasting impression on audiences at the Pacific Arts Festival in the Solomon Islands on 1 July. Members of the contemporary Maori dance company are part of the 120-strong delegation travelling alongside the Maori king, King Tuheitia, to the Pacific arts and culture event in Honiara. Atamira artistic director Moss Paterson says they've put a lot of time and energy into their work and have been consulting kaumatua to get cultural advice.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

NZ health planners welcome Australian junior doctor surplus

An over-supply of medical graduates in Australia is being welcomed by medical workforce planners in New Zealand. Almost 500 new medical graduates in Australia are expected to be jobless next year because of a mismatch between the number graduating and the number of positions available for them in hospitals. Doctors in Australia, or New Zealand must complete a year as a first year house officer, or intern, after they graduate and before they gain full registration as doctors. Otago University Medical School Dean Peter Crampton says that while Australia will eventually sort out the problem, the over-supply in the mean time will end the exodus of New Zealand junior doctors to fill vacancies across the Tasman.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Gales predicted for Southland

Emergency Management Southland is warning people in all coastal areas in Southland, including Invercargill, to prepare for severe gales and power cuts on Monday night. The MetService says severe thunderstorms will brings winds of more than 110 km per hour, rainfall of up to 25mm an hour and could spawn damaging tornadoes. It says the front will move across the entire South Island in the next day.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Three Fairfax editors quit

In Australia, the editors-in-chief of the Fairfax-owned Melbourne paper The Age and Sydney Morning Herald newspapers have quit. The Age editor Paul Ramadge told staff this on Monday afternoon that he is standing down. His counterpart at The Sydney Morning Herald, Peter Fray, has also stepped down. Sydney Morning Herald editor Amanda Wilson has also quit but reportedly says her decision was not related to recent turmoil at the company. The company last week announced plans to axe 1,900 staff, close two major printing presses and downsize its flagship newspapers to tabloids.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Pacific NGOs label Rio+20 conference a failure

A number of non-government organizations in the Pacific are viewing the United Nations Conference in Rio de Janeiro on Sustainable Development, as a failure. The conference was attended by thousands of leaders from around the world but Effrey Dademo from the Papua New Guinea NGO Act Now, says from a Pacific point of view there was little value in the meeting. Ms Dademo says from a PNG perspective the discussion on mining was disappointing, with the focus squarely on the benefits of mining rather than acknowledging its destructive nature.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Southland told: Batten down the hatches

By Paul Harper
A severe Southern Ocean low is set to hit New Zealand with a "weather bomb" of severe thunderstorms and gale force winds, forecasters say. MetService said the low would bring 150km/hr winds and thunderstorms to southern parts of Fiordland, Southland, inland Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa. Weatherwatch.co.nz head analyst Philip Duncan said the low met the category of "weather bomb", meaning air pressure will fall by 24 hectopascals (hPa) in 24 hours. Southern and eastern areas of the South Island would be hardest hit, he said. MetService spokesperson Dan Corbett said the low was expected to pass from the Tasman Sea over the South Island overnight. "This low is moving really fast and deepening quickly as it approaches southern New Zealand.

Museum to partially reopen

Canterbury Museum is to partially reopen next month. It was closed in April amid concerns about earthquake damage. Director Anthony Wright says with so many of Christchurch's attractions and buildings closed or demolished, shutting the museum temporarily was a significant blow for the community. Mr Wright says the galleries that will reopen are well above the new building code. Remaining galleries will stay closed as further engineering peer review assessments are carried out. The museum will partially reopen next week with the rest expected to follow by August.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Kiwi soldiers tested for uranium poisoning

Soldiers returning from Afghanistan are having urine tests to check if they have absorbed radioactivity from American depleted uranium munitions. The Defence Force has confirmed the tests "as a precautionary measure", but there has yet to be a positive result. The issue will come before Parliament on Wednesday during the first reading of the Depleted Uranium (Prohibition) Bill, backed by Labour MP Phil Twyford. A lobby group calling for a ban on the weapons says it understands the Defence Force is unwilling to pay for a more comprehensive test for absorbed uranium. A parliamentary briefing paper with the bill says depleted uranium munitions are made from the waste from the process of enriching natural uranium for use in nuclear reactors. The paper says about a third of 800,000 US and British Gulf War veterans now claim disability benefits for a mystery illness, and there has also been a sharp increase in certain cancers and child deformities in Iraq.
Source: Fairfax

Auckland Art Gallery wins international award

In what's a New Zealand first, an Auckland art gallery has taken out an international award. Auckland Art Gallery - Toi o Tamaki has won the International Award for Architectural Excellence. The award, from the Royal Institute of British Architects, recognises the world's most imaginative, dramatic and green buildings. Gallery Director Chris Saines says the heritage-restored and expanded building has become a flag-bearer for the city's architectural and urban design future. The award comes within a month of the gallery winning the New Zealand Architecture Medal at the New Zealand Architecture Awards.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Key 'desperate' over asset sales: Greens

By DANYA LEVY
The Greens say a "desperate" Prime Minister John Key has today made "underhand" attacks on the party over partial asset sales because he has lost the public debate. Legislation to enact the Government's plan to sell up to 49 per cent of state-owned energy companies Mighty River Power, Solid Energy, Genesis and Meridian is due to pass its final stage in Parliament this week. However, polls continue to show the majority of the public oppose the move. In two interviews about asset sales this morning, Key attacked the Greens for using $75,000 of its taxpayer-funded leaders' budget to hire staff to collect signatures towards a citizens initiated referendum on the issue. Greens co-leader Russel Norman said the prime minister was "desperate on asset sales because he has totally lost the public debate".
© Fairfax NZ News

New High Commissioner appointed

Diplomat Michael Potts has been appointed as Australia's new High Commissioner to New Zealand. Mr Potts is expected to begin his appointment next month, when he will replace Paul O'Sullivan, who had been in the role since 2009. He is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, where he is currently ambassador to Austria. Mr Potts has been High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, ambassador to Vietnam and had previously been posted to Brunei, Laos, Zambia and Spain.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

120 Maori and Pacific artists leave NZ for Festival of Pacific Arts

One-hundred and twenty Maori and Pacific artists leave Whenuapai airbase this morning to represent New Zealand at the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts in the Solomon Islands. The national arts development agency,Creative New Zealand, is spending half a million dollars on the trip which is led by its Maori arts board, Te Waka Toi. “We’re showcasing our cultural arts, visual arts, our kapahaka performing arts, carving, whakairo, all the traditional artforms. As well as theatre and music, contemporary and traditional artforms.” The two-week festival runs from July the first and the Maori Affairs Minister, Pita Sharples, will join the New Zealand delegation for the opening.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Ex-pat Kiwis forced to wait for retirement funds

Thousands of New Zealanders with retirement savings stuck in Australia face an even longer wait to bring their money back home. The Australian Government is yet to pass legislation allowing Kiwis who have worked across the ditch to access money saved under their compulsory superannuation scheme in New Zealand. This is despite the New Zealand and Australian government signing a reciprocal superannuation agreement three years ago. The Australian Superannuation scheme has been compulsory for the last 20 years, meaning any New Zealander who has worked there since the early 1990s is likely eligible for a pay-out. More than $16 billion of retirement savings are locked up in so-called lost super accounts in Australia, and a fair chunk of it belongs to Kiwis.
Source: ONE News

Queenstown booming with Winter Festival underway

Queenstown's Winter Festival is in full swing. The 10 day event got underway on Friday. It usually attracts around 45,000 people to the town and injects $50 million into the local economy. Festival director Simon Green says next weekend is traditionally bigger, with school holidays kicking off. "But everything's been extremely well attended so far and we're just looking forward to that continuing for the rest of the week."
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Calls to get rid of duty free tobacco sales

The Heart Foundation wants the Government to get rid of duty free tobacco sales. It's made the request in its submission to the Customs and Excise Bill lodged on Friday. Medical Director Norman Sharpe says duty free cigarettes cost the Government more than $60 million a year in lost revenue. He says it's a large amount of money which could be directed to initiatives to fight heart disease. Professor Sharpe says duty free tobacco doesn't send the message that New Zealand is committed to achieving its smokefree goal by 2025.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Rugby - All Blacks' dominance of Ireland creates selection issues

The All Blacks Coach Steve Hanson says New Zealand's series clean sweep over Ireland will force team selectors to make some tough decisions ahead of the four nations. Hansen was particularly pleased with the performances of the younger brigade in last night's 60-nil third test win in Hamilton, singling out first five Aaron Cruden and debutants Luke Romano and Beauden Barrett. He says even Liam Messam, who was called into the squad as injury cover, will be difficult to leave out of the next All Black team. Corey Jane will also be available for the four nations having recovered from a high ankle sprain and Hanson says he'll have to drop one of his wingers even though they've all played well. The coach hopes the strong performance of newcomer Sam Cane, will end the sleepless nights he's had over finding an apprentice for skipper Richie McCaw. Because of injuries among the All Blacks loose forwards Cane started at openside flanker and McCaw at number eight. But Hansen says that doesn't create any selection dilemmas ahead of upcoming tests against South Africa, Australia and Argentina. He still rates McCaw as the best openside flanker in the world but believes having a backup in Cane will enable the 31-year-old McCaw to prolong his career.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Farming expert warns dairy profits may move offshore

A dairy farming expert is warning a plan to sell Fonterra shares to outside investors will eventually result in profits from New Zealand's lucrative dairy industry moving offshore. Shareholders had until yesterday to vote over the controversial Trading Among Farmers proposal, which would see dairy farmers able to buy and sell co-op shares among themselves, rather than through Fonterra, as they must at present. The potential move from is worrying some dairy farmers as it will allow investors outside of the dairy sector to own a chunk of the New Zealand's biggest company. Shareholders will be given their last chance to vote tomorrow morning, with Fonterra hoping for a final result by the end of day.

Faberge box sells for $87,750

A Faberge box found by an Auckland man in his mother's estate has sold at auction for $87,750. The winning bid was $78,000 and the buyer's premium took the total price to $87,750, auctioneer Webb's said. "We now have permission to reveal that the buyer of the Faberge box was Wartski of London, considered to be the foremost authority on Faberge," Webb's said. The box had a sale estimate of $10,000 to $20,000 and bidding opened at $20,000. A bidder from New York competed in the auction. The box is made from panels of lapis lazuli framed in yellow gold. It has a lid of engraved crystal bordered by seed pearls and a thumb-piece set with diamonds.
NZN

TVNZ7 comes to its last week on air

A week of mourning begins today for TVNZ 7, which has just seven days left on air. Passionate fans of the channel have arranged debates, meetings, a petition presentation and even a mock funeral for it. Save TVNZ 7's Myles Thomas hasn't given up on a miracle, but is also looking at other ways of keeping the TV channel in the spotlight. Mr Thomas says next Sunday will be the first time in decades New Zealand has been without a public service channel.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

NZ helping Fiji govt register voters

An elections specialist provided by New Zealand is helping register voters in Fiji for the 2014 polls. The government has started a campaign to get people to sign up, using an electronic voter registration system supplied by a Canadian company. Interim Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, says an offer by New Zealand and Australia to pay for the system was turned down because they wanted an unhealthy amount of intervention in the process. But Mr Sayed Khaiyum says New Zealand and Australia were asked to provide help with voter education and logistics.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Australian horse wins Royal Ascot

Australian horse Black Caviar won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in a photo finish at Royal Ascot in Britain. Racing outside Australia for the first time, she was almost caught at the end of the six-furlong sprint by Moonlight Cloud and Restiadargent, but held on to win by a head for jockey Luke Nolen and Melbourne trainer Peter Moody. Around 10,000 Australians wearing salmon with a black polka dot pattern to match Black Caviar's colours were at Ascot to witness the race on Saturday.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Polling starts in PNG

Polling has started on Saturday in Papua New Guinea's general election. Over two weeks, an estimated 4.5 million eligible voters are entitled to vote across the country's 22 provinces. Polling is being conducted over a number of days in all provinces except in the National Capital District and all seven Highlands provinces where polling takes place on one day only, due to security concerns. Included in the elections for the first time are the newly created Highlands provinces of Hela and Jiwaka. Police and military have been deployed in large numbers to the Highlands, hoping to deter fighting between supporters of rival candidates as well as ballot box theft and the buying of votes. A New Zealand helicopter squadron, comprising three Iriquois helicopters and about 40 personnel, is assisting in the transport of election officials and ballot boxes.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Rugby - All Blacks thrash Ireland

The All Blacks have beaten Ireland 60-nil in Hamilton. Sam Cane and Sonny Bill Williams each scored two tries while Hosea Gear, Ben Smith, Liam Messam and Israel Dagg were the other try scorers. The All Blacks have now swept the series 3-nil.
More later.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Netball: Magic extend unbeaten streak

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have annihilated ANZ Championship leaders Adelaide Thunderbirds 59-42 in Tauranga. Goal shoot Irene van Dyk shot an incredible 41 goals from 42 attempts. The Magic led 27-21 at halftime, before out-scoring the Thunderbirds 18 goals to seven in the third quarter to set up the victory. They've now won their last eight games on the trot.
- Newstalk ZB

Xbox voice search tuned to NZ accent

By Daniel Rutledge
Kiwi Xbox users are now able to search the internet using only their voice – even if they have a thick Nuw Zeelund accent. An update from Xbox Live enables Bing voice search using the Kinect sensor to recognise the New Zealand accent. Microsoft says the update is indicative of their commitment to New Zealand Xbox customers. "New Zealand was one of the roll-out countries for having voice integrated with Kinect," says Xbox New Zealand lead Steven Blackburn.
3News

Buy back sold assets – Peters

State assets shouldn't be sold, and if they are, a new Government should buy them back, according to Winston Peters. A debate on The Nation this morning featuring Labour, the Greens, and New Zealand First, roundly criticised the move to reduce the Government's stake in four state energy companies. The Partial Sales Bill is expected to become law after its fourth reading in Parliament next week. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says he's committed to buying back the assets as soon as possible, even though it could cost a minimum of $5 billion. “If you believe that there’s an energy crisis coming, as most people do and most people in politics do, then why on earth would you sell one of the greatest assets anywhere in the world, namely our hydro- and our thermo-power?” asks Mr Peters.
RadioLIVE

Nearly half a million Kiwis now in Australia

By Blair Cunningham - NewstalkZB
A Kiwi living in Australia's not surprised by the huge number of New Zealanders and Maori moving across the ditch. Latest census figures show 483,000 New Zealanders now call Australia home - 130,000 of them are Maori. By far the biggest numbers have moved to Queensland - with 98,000 New Zealanders there. KiwisinOz.com.au managing director Ramesh Naran says that number is large, but he's confident it'll get even bigger in years to come. He says New Zealanders are still attracted by the lifestyle and stronger economy, although many are now trying to secure jobs before they move across.

Loyalty asset shares didn't work in Australia

By Political Editor Duncan Garner
Opponents of the Government's partial asset sales say the idea of loyalty or free shares hasn't worked in Australia so why consider it here? One expert across the Tasman even called it a bribe. The debate over whether to offer free shares to Kiwis has been fierce. Labour called it "a scam" and the Greens called it “a scheme for wealthy New Zealanders”. Dr Norman says that could happen here too. “The Queensland taxpayer basically got ripped off because they sold the asset too cheaply so after the sale the price went high... people immediately sold." Australia's high profile TV finance guru 'The Barefoot Investor', otherwise known as Scott Pape, agreed. He called the loyalty shares a "short term bribe" and a "trick". Labour agrees.
3News

Visitor numbers up

The number of international visitors to New Zealand increased by 4% over the past year. Statistics New Zealand says slightly more than 2.5 million people visited in the past 12 months. The number of holiday makers grew by more than 3% and people visiting relatives increased by almost 7% compared with the previous year. Visitors from China continue to grow but tourists from Singapore and Malaysia have declined.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Snow and rain expected

MetService has issued severe weather warnings for much of New Zealand on Saturday, with strong winds, snow and heavy rain expected. A severe gale warning is in place for Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa and a heavy rain warning has been issued for Fiordland, Westland and parts of Otago and Canterbury. MetService also expects up to 3cm of snow on the Lindis Pass and Milford Road on Saturday evening.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Fred Hollows Foundation opens Fiji eye clinic

New Zealand’s Acting Head of Mission in Fiji says New Zealand is keen to continue the partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation to treat avoidable blindness in the Pacific. Phillip Taula says today’s opening of a new diabetes eye clinic at the Pacific Eye Institute in Suva is a very postitive development. He says New Zealand has given four million US dollars and Australia eight million US dollars to the Fred Hollows Foundation since 2008 and the cost of the new clinic is just under half a million US dollars.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

2 New Zealand aid workers unharmed in Afghan attack

Two New Zealand aid workers in Afghanistan have escaped unharmed after a bomb exploded outside a hospital they were working at in Kandahar. The Red Cross says Thursday's attack was aimed at a group of 20 staff who were arriving at the hospital to begin their shifts. But only the bomb's fuse detonated and two staff suffered minor injuries. The Red Cross says the two New Zealanders were shaken, but not hurt. As a result of the attack the hospital has closed for three days and most of the Red Cross staff have been evacuated to Kabul.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Many boat people casualties feared

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority says weather conditions are starting to deteriorate, as it intensifies its search for about 90 missing asylum seekers north of Christmas Island. Efforts to find survivors continued all through Thursday night. Scores are feared dead. The boat was believed to have been carrying about 200 people. At least 110 people have been rescued so far. HMAS Wollongong and HMAS Larrakia and three merchant vessels are at the scene, but rough conditions are making it hard to find survivors. The incident is about 200km north of Christmas Island, in Indonesian waters. So far this year, 57 asylum seeker boats carrying a total of 4006 passengers and 82 crew have arrived in Australia.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Boy among rescued after asylum seeker boat capsizes

A 13-year-old boy is among the survivors of the asylum seeker boat that capsized in waters north of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean) last night. Australian Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare says the bodies of three men have been recovered so far, while 110 passengers have been rescued. About 40 survivors were found clinging to the upturned hull of the boat, but about 90 others were feared dead. "One survivor is reported to be a 13-year-old boy, the remainder are reported to be all adults," he said. The rescue mission has been stepped up with air patrols and four more vessels travelling to the search area.
Copyright © 2012, Television New Zealand Limited

Pacific neighbours lead fattest nation stakes

New Zealand has been ranked as among the fattest nations in the world, but our Pacific neighbours are faring far worse on the scales. Micronesia and Tonga are at the top of the league table of 177 nations, followed by the US where the average adult weight is 82.1kg, according to the ranking by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. New Zealand was ranked 29th, with an average adult weighing 71.78kg. Australia was ranked the sixth fattest, with an average of 77.52kg. Both New Zealand and Australia are well over the world adult average of 62kg.
Copyright 2012, APN Holdings NZ Limited

Vast majority of Kiwis enjoying the arts

A new Creative New Zealand report shows New Zealanders spent $2.31 billion on arts, culture and heritage in the past 12 months. On average 95 percent of adults have been to at least one cultural event or place in the last three years. That figure rose to 98 percent in Wellington and Nelson. The "Audience Atlas" report provides an insight into arts audiences across the country for organisations to understand their target market.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Hand picked grapes may not be best for wine

The traditional view that hand picking of grapes is needed to produce the best wine is being challenged by Auckland University research. It shows that machine harvesting produces higher levels of the aromas characteristic of award-winning New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Associate Professor Paul Kilmartin is presenting his findings in the United States today. "There's always been the issue that perhaps the best wines need to be made only from hand-picked grape and it's very hard to do this on a large harvesting scale. But this shows that with sauvignon blanc you really are getting the most intense Marlborough style from doing exactly that - machine harvesting.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Kiwi dollar strongest June performer in G10

The BNZ says the New Zealand dollar is the strongest performing G10 currency in June to date. Currency strategist Mike Jones says, having spent most of May on the back foot, the Kiwi has since rebounded more than five percent against the US dollar. "What we're seeing in the currency markets is a bit of an ugly contest. Investors aren't sure who should have the weakest currency and New Zealand stands out as having one of the least worst economies around as well as Australia, so that's why we're still see both the Kiwi and the Aussie riding relatively high."
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Tarantulas now in Wellington

One hundred and six tarantulas have arrived in Wellington to be sent to museums and zoos from Auckland to Otago. They will also be part of a breeding programme in New Zealand. It has taken more than a year and $15,000 to bring the world's biggest spiders from Wales to New Zealand. Wellington Zoo will keep 44 male, female, and juvenile tarantulas, to be introduced to the public at future exhibitions.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Immunise children against whooping cough: DHB

Parents in Northland are being urged to immunise their children against whooping cough after a outbreak of cases across the region. This year Northland District Health Board has recorded 47 cases of whooping cough, compared to 10 cases for the whole of last year. Whooping cough starts like a flu, but after a few days bouts of coughing start. The board's medical officer of health, Jonathan Jarman, says the coughing is what does the most damage to babies. He says young children often stop breathing and turn blue after coughing. The coughing is worse at night and can last for many weeks. Dr Jarman says immunisation is the best protection against the disease.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Self-dialysis house held up as model

A 24-hour community house in south Auckland where kidney patients can do their own dialysis is being held up as a model for other parts of the country. The Kidney Society house, which opened on Thursday, caters for up to 20 Pacific and Maori patients who are trained to administer their own treatment but do not have room for a dialysis machine at home. The Counties Manukau District Health Board is a partner in the community house. The board's nurse manager for community dialysis, Sally Fox, says it is saving money by keeping patients out of hospital clinics that are already full.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Asylum seeker boat carrying 200 capsizes

A suspected asylum seeker boat has capsized north of Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. The ABC reports the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has confirmed the boat capsized about 120 nautical miles north of Christmas Island. Three merchant ships and two defence patrol boats are travelling to the scene. The vessel is in the Indonesian search and rescue zone and Indonesia is coordinating the search and rescue effort. "The Australian Government has offered assistance to the Indonesians and has issued an alert broadcast to shipping.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Cricket - Dunedin to host first test against England since 1966

England will play a cricket test match in Dunedin next summer, for the first time since 1966. The England tour begins on February 9 and concludes on March 26 with the test matches starting at Dunedin's University Oval on March 6. The other two tests are at the Basin Reserve in Wellington and at Eden Park, hosting its first test since 2006. Hamilton and Auckland get a Twenty20 and a one-dayer each, with Wellington hosting the third T20 and Napier the other ODI. Christchurch misses out on any matches due to the lack of a suitable international cricket venue.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Niue ponders mandatory insurance for visitors

Niue’s Premier, Toke Talagi, says the government is looking at making travel insurance compulsory for all tourists travelling to Niue after funding for emergency medical evacuations has been cut. The health department says at least one medivac occurs a year, at a cost of about 95,000 US dollars per flight.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Economy growing at fastest pace in 5 years

The New Zealand economy grew at its fastest quarterly pace in five years as good weather stoked milk production, and led to greater dairy manufacturing. The kiwi dollar surged to above 80 US cents after the figures were released. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1.1% to almost $35 billion in the three months ended March 31, the fastest quarterly pace since March 2007, according to Statistics New Zealand. That is more than twice the 0.5% pace forecast in a Reuters survey of economists and almost three times the Reserve Bank's 0.4% projection.
Source: BusinessDesk

A 'sparkling' start to Maori New Year

The rising of the Matariki star cluster into New Zealand skies this morning has signalled the beginning of the Maori New Year. Local iwi gathered for the dawn karakia at 6am at the summit of Auckland's One Tree Hill to herald the arrival of the Matariki constellation, officially opening a month of celebrations and entertainment. The month-long celebration kicks off with a series of concerts and family events, including art exhibits, kapa haka, contemporary dance and kite flying. Today is the shortest day of the year.
Source: ONE News

Severe flu virus warning issued

A severe flu virus is causing concern in Auckland and South Canterbury, where there have been spikes in the number of doctor consultations for flu-like symptoms. The influenza strain A(H3N2) - which could cause a surge in hospital admissions and deaths - has been predominant in these two regions, according to data from Environmental Science & Research (ESR). Infections with this virus could be particularly severe for the elderly and those with an ongoing medical condition. "When you start seeing other people getting the 'flu' it's almost too late to protect yourself. It can take up to two weeks to develop immunity from the time of vaccination. So people need to book in with their doctor or nurse today."
- HERALD ONLINE

Rugby - 6 changes to All Blacks side

An injury to Dan Carter is among 6 changes to the All Blacks side for the third rugby test against Ireland in Hamilton on Saturday night. Carter has been bothered with a hamstring injury since Tuesday, meaning Aaron Cruden will make his 4th test start and first since the World Cup final. Crusaders lock Luke Romano will make his debut after being named to start alongside Sam Whitelock... Brodie Reatallick drops to the bench. Kieren Read has been ruled out with concussion so there is a reshuffled loose forward combination with Sam Cane on the openside, Richie McCaw at number eight and Liam Meesam on the blindside. Ben Smith and Hosea Gear replace Zac Guildford and Julian Savea on the wings. Coming into the reserves are Beauden Barrett, Tamati Ellison and Keven Mealamu.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Kiwi scientist's team has breakthrough in motor neuron disease quest

By Kieran Campbell
A New Zealand professor is leading a team of scientists which has made a breakthrough in a global project to cure motor neuron disease. Professor Chris Shaw, formerly of Wellington, works with researchers at King's College in London who have identified the protein that causes toxic effects in sufferers. "It is now a matter of time and funding until we find a drug that works ... and is safe in man," Professor Shaw said. That could take many years and cost millions of dollars. "But we know we have the right target." Today is world motor neuron disease awareness day. More than 300 Kiwis live with the illness, dubbed "the creeping paralysis", at any one time and about a third die each year.

Web cams watch cathedral demolition

By Hamish Clark
Web cams have been installed in Christchurch's square to keep an eye on the cathedral. The cameras, dotted around the square, are also being streamed onto the Anglican Church’s website as the next round of demolition is set to begin. “It allows people to see what is going on,” says cathedral project manager Mark Washington. The cameras have been place since April but have only recently been made public on the church website. Now those interested in the cathedral’s fate can watch it as it comes down. “Our cameras are set up to photograph every 10 minutes”, says Mr Washington. “They photograph from seven thirty in the morning to five o'clock at night.”
NOTE: At the time of posting the webcams were offline, keep trying and they should come back live before too long. CLICK HERE for the link.
3News

Australia welcomes US-NZ defence accord

Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith has welcomed the latest step in the three-year thawing of United States and New Zealand defence relations. Mr Smith said the Washington Declaration signed by US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman in Washington on Wednesday formalised the growing security co-operation between the two countries. That relationship froze in the mid-1980s with New Zealand's nuclear-free declaration, which barred any visits by US warships and hence any defence co-operation. Australia had long been a close security ally of both the US and New Zealand.
Source: NZN

'New gold rush' in Central Otago

The opening of three gold mines in Central Otago is being described as a new gold rush. The price of gold has more than doubled in the last five years to more than $2000 an ounce. Glass Earth Gold chief executive Simon Henderson says that has enabled his company to shift into gold production, with two small mines already operating near Alexandra in central Otago. Mr Henderson says a third mine will begin by the end of this week, bringing the workforce to 20. Another company, L & M Mining, has in the last three years begun a 24-hour mine operation at Earnscleugh, and a gold dredge has begun operating in the Clutha River.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Online job vacancies rise in May

Online job vacancies rose sharply in May after falling in the previous two months. The Department of Labour's latest Jobs Online report shows advertised vacancies were 9.9% higher in May compared with the previous month. Skilled job vacancies rose a seasonally adjusted 9.5%, with sales, retail, marketing and advertising vacancies recording the strongest growth, followed by accounting, human resources, legal and administration roles. On an annual basis, online job vacancies rose 12.8% in the year to the end of May, while skilled job vacancies rose 10.1%.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

NZ to provide $1.7m in humanitarian aid

$1.7 million in aid is to be provided by New Zealand in humanitarian aid for Africa and the Middle East. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says the ongoing and systematic violence in Syria is of extreme concern to the international community and so $250,000 of that will go on humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan. Half a million dollars will go to the World Food Programme for the severe famine in the Sahel region of West Africa. And $750,000 will be available to New Zealand-based NGOs who are responding to the famines in Sahel or the Horn of Africa.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Cricket - Five new faces on Black Caps contract list

New Zealand Cricket today announced the twenty players to be offered Black Caps contracts for the year 1 August 2012 to 31 July 2013. Dean Brownlie, Doug Bracewell, Andrew Ellis, Tarun Nethula and Kruger van Wyk are offered contracts for the first time this year. James Franklin regains a central contract after missing out last year. Players included in last year's list who are not contracted for 2012-13 include Hamish Bennett, Neil Broom, Andy McKay, Jesse Ryder, Luke Woodcock and Reece Young. National Selection Manager, Kim Littlejohn, said the 20 contracted players are the cricketers likely to add the greatest value to the Black Caps in a challenging but exciting period for the side.
Source: ONE Sport

Tsunami sirens for Christchurch

Work is underway to install 22 tsunami sirens along the coast in Christchurch. Contractors will be putting the sirens in place from Waimairi Beach to Sumner over the next three weeks. Christchurch City Council's civil defence manager Murray Sinclair says the sirens will be tested for the first time on July 22. Mr Sinclair says the area could be hit by a tsunami triggered by an earthquake far away, possibly in South America or the Pacific Ocean.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

National 'obsessed with selling state assets'

Opposition parties are accusing National of being obsessed with selling state assets. MPs are fiercely debating legislation that will allow the partial privatisation of the four big energy companies. Labour's deputy leader Grant Robertson says the policy is simply selling to New Zealanders what they already own. "This bill is a testimony to the failure of this Government. One a sugar hit of somewhere between $5-6 billion and then they are gone. It's sugar hit economics."
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Navy sends fuel supplies to Cook Islands

By Anna Cross - NewstalkZB
The Royal New Zealand Navy has shipped vital fuel supplies to the Cook Islands. The HMNZS Endeavour has provided 70,000 litres of diesel fuel to the islands in response to the South Pacific country's request for assistance following recent disruptions to the fuel delivery supply. Commander Keith Robb says the fuel supplies will keep power generators humming in the northern Cook Islands for at least three months.

Greens believe ACC change could free up $15 billion

The Green Party believes a change in the way ACC is funded could free up about $15 billion for the Government to spend elsewhere. The Greens' ACC spokesperson Kevin Hague says returning to a pay-as-you-go scheme would mean ACC would not need to hold as much money in reserve as it now does. Such a scheme would mean the corporation would only need to collect the money necessary to cover compensation costs in each year rather than putting money aside to cover the long-term costs of injuries. Mr Hague says ACC has about $20 billion in reserve but a pay-as-you-go scheme would only need about $5 billion.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Slow down, Kiwi speakers told

By STACEY KIRK
Kiwis need to speak slower and cut the slang when talking to migrants, as the garbled way we communicate is scaring them off community involvement, say language and immigration specialists. In a plea to get Kiwis to meet migrants halfway, Rotorua District Council has asked its residents to spare a thought for those who have yet to get to grips with the Kiwi vernacular. Council settlement support coordinator Heather McAllister said New Zealanders had a tendency to communicate "at speed", which made it difficult for migrants to become familiar with the accent. Otago University linguistics senior lecturer Moyra Sweetnam Evans was South African, and while English was her first language she said she had "no clue" what the customs officers was saying to her when she first landed in the country. "I thought he asked me how my flight was, turns out he was asking me if I had anything to declare."
© Fairfax NZ News

Police launch most wanted website

By Anna Cross - NewstalkZB
Police in Wellington and Eastern Districts are the first to post images and details of 31 wanted people. Detective Superintendent Rod Drew says people feature on the site because they're wanted to arrest, or need to be identified in relation to a crime. "In many cases I'm sure the offenders will be identified to us or located for us by people who know them, friends or family. I know there's been some experience that some offenders themselves once they know they're posted they actually hand themselves in."
www.police.govt.nz/wanteds

NZ drill designer promotes no tillage methods in Europe

The New Zealand developer and manufacturer of a unique seed drill is in Europe this week expounding the benefits of sowing without ploughing. John Baker and his team are holding an international conference and field days in Germany and France to encourage more European farmers to adopt no-tillage methods, which he says produce bigger crop yields in a more sustainable way. The drill he designed and now exports to 17 countries sows and fertilises seed with minimal disturbance to the soil. Dr Baker was nominated for the World Food Prize, which he missed out on this year, but his nomination carries through to next year.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

'Bogan' rocks into Oxford dictionary

They have been around for decades, wearing a mullet, black jeans and listening to heavy metal, and now the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) officially recognises bogans. The word bogan has been included in the dictionary's list of new word entries for June, sandwiched between bling and bustler. The OED, which calls itself the definitive record of the English language, defines a bogan as an Australian and New Zealand colloquial "depreciative term for unfashionable, uncouth, or unsophisticated person, esp. of low social status". The origin of the word is unclear, but it may have originated in Australia.
Source: NZN

New Zealand pledges $1.26b to IMF

By VERNON SMALL
New Zealand has pledged $1.26 billion as a stand-by loan facility to the International Monetary Fund. Finance Minister Bill English said the commitment, alongside other countries, was made so the IMF had the capacity to deal with any significant disruption to the global economy. The extra commitment, agreed by Cabinet yesterday, will be called on if needed. New Zealand will not provide any funds immediately. The IMF will repay New Zealand any amount it draws down, with interest. The extra resources will be available for all IMF members and will not be earmarked for any particular region.
© Fairfax NZ News

Live test to expose NZ's asylum seeker shortcomings

New Zealand's shortcomings at dealing with an influx of illegal refugees are expected to be exposed with a live test in Auckland this morning. Around 100 actors will 'arrive' at Devonport Naval Base this morning, posing as asylum seekers, and will be processed by immigration officials. Immigration Minister Nathan Guy told TV ONE's Breakfast he hopes the exercise will support his case for new legislation for detaining illegal immigrants. "Today's exercise is working under the existing law and it will show we have shortcomings," he said. "Under the proposal I've got working its way through the Parliament, it will mean we can detain these asylum seekers with a group warrant rather than individually which bogs down our court process. " Under the proposed legislation a District Court Judge would be able to detain a group of immigrants for up to six months, with a monthly hearing to assess their case.
Source: ONE News

Kiwi finds 28,000 year old painting

By Kathy Marks
A fragment of a charcoal drawing found in the Northern Territory has been carbon-dated by a New Zealand laboratory to 28,000 years ago, making it Australia's oldest known rock art specimen. A specialist team led by Dr Fiona Petchey, based at the University of Waikato radiocarbon laboratory, pinpointed the age of the drawing, one of the earliest examples of human art on the planet. Previously, Australia's oldest known art was the "Bradshaw" figurative paintings found in the Kimberley region, dated to 16,000-17,000 years ago. The fragment was discovered 60cm underground by Professor Bryce Barker, a University of Southern Queensland archaeologist originally from Kerikeri, who said it showed that - contrary to popular perception - Aborigines of that era were far from primitive.

Magic bus tours return to Christchurch

International tourists keen to get a first hand look at the impact of the Christchurch earthquakes now have another way to do so. The Magic bus tour company's reintroduced the city into all of its national itineraries. Product manager Daryl Raven says now's the right time to bring international tourists back into Christchurch. "We have had a lot of our passengers discussing Christchurch asking about Christchurch, 'how's it going, is it ready for us to go back?' I've been down there and a lot our team have been down there and we've had a look at the city. It's a great time to go back there's so much happening.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Drug to help MS trialled in Australia

Further trials of a drug to help people with chronic, progressive multiple sclerosis will take place in Australia. New Zealand biopharmaceutical company Innate Immunotherapeutics is carrying out the trial. Chief executive Simon Wilkinson says preliminary data shows the drug is safe and well tolerated, and with several MS sufferers showing some improvement in their symptoms. He says the next 12 month study phase will take place in Australia to take advantage of the country's greater patient availability and the financial support of the Australian Government.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

World's rarest kiwi species return to North Island

Twenty of the world's rarest kiwi species, the rowi, are about to return to the North Island for the first time in hundreds of years. The young kiwi will be helicoptered to Mana Island near Wellington tomorrow to establish a new colony in the hope of improving the breeding prospects for the species. The Department of Conservation removed the 20 rowi eggs during spring 2010 from the Okarito forest in South Westland to protect them from predators as part of Operation Nest Egg. By sending a juvenile population north to predator-free Mana Island, rowi will be able to breed with less human interference. DOC has so far managed to boost dwindling populations of rowi from below 200 to nearly 400.
- APNZ

Fairfax changes to have little impact locally

Fairfax New Zealand says the Australian announcement today will have very little impact on operations here. In Australia, around 1900 jobs will go over three years. The company is bringing in pay walls for its news websites and its major newspapers The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age will be reduced to tabloid size. New Zealand chief executive Allen Williams says that's not going to happen here. "We have no present plans to move any of our New Zealand titles to being either in a compact format or to introduce paywalls to our website."
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Fourth intake open for medical graduates

Graduate medical professionals who wish to join the Government's voluntary bonding scheme are being called on to register their interest. The fourth intake of doctors, nurses, midwives, medical physicists and radiation therapists is now open to those whose last year of study was in 2011. The scheme encourages newly qualified people to start their careers in hard to staff communities and specialties, by offering payments to their student loans after a three to five year bonded period. Health minister Tony Ryall says it improves access to health services in vulnerable communities and isolated areas.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Human rights violations aboard foreign vessels

New Zealand fishing researchers are welcoming the hint of arrests in South Korea. Research by Dr Christina Stringer and Glenn Simmons from Auckland University's Business School revealed widespread human rights violations aboard foreign vessels in New Zealand waters. They say reports from a South Korean government joint investigation team are pointing towards the arrest of four Korean officers suspected of assault and other serious charges. It follows recent findings from the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, which released a statement saying government officials and businesses in New Zealand need to take action.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Trust moves to save Auckland theatre

A trust has been formed to raise the millions of dollars needed to save one of Auckland's grand old dames of theatre, the St James. The privately owned theatre on Queen Street was built in 1928 but closed following a fire in 2007. The chair of the St James Auckland Charitable Trust, SPCA director Bob Kerridge, says it hopes to help restore the theatre to the stature it formerly had. Mr Kerridge says he also has a vested family interest in the building, as his father, Sir Robert Kerridge, used to own the theatre.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

American Samoa may use Manila hospitals for medical referrals

The LBJ Medical Center in American Samoa is looking at two hospitals in Manila to provide medical care not available in the territory. LBJ chief executive Mike Gerstenberger says the off-island medical referral programme has not been fully funded since December 2008 and LBJ had looked using treatment in New Zealand and Australia, as both are cheaper than Honolulu. But he says most of the funding for the LBJ is from the federal government which does not normally pay for health care services outside of the U.S, however the two hospitals in Manila have US certification and so they could be used.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Wellington TV: Tune in, or tune out

LUKE APPLEBY
Wellingtonians with high definition Freeview TVs will have to adjust their sets tomorrow to stay tuned. Freeview HD stations were being moved to different frequencies to release spectrum for new uses on the morning of June 19, the Ministry of Economic Development said on its website. Digital television was typically easier to re-tune than older analogue sets. Methods varied, but channels could generally be auto-tuned in one move. Viewers with a set-top box or a television with built-in Freeview would need to access the on-screen menu and choose the 'set up', 'installation' or similar option. They should then select 'full retuning', 'digital auto tuning' or similar and follow the prompts - choosing OK if warned all channels would be deleted. The equipment should then automatically find the new frequencies, along with the names of the stations. Viewers can call 0508 33 66 33 toll free if they were having trouble.
© Fairfax NZ News

Free food for station's 75th birthday

Rail passengers will arrive to a nice surprise at Wellington Railway Station tomorrow, when the building celebrates its 75th birthday. They will be greeted with band music and an early morning tea of cake and muffins to mark the occasion between 7am and 8.30am. Then at midday, four trains representing the past 75 years of commuter services in Wellington will be on display at the station platforms - a steam train, an English Electric, a Ganz Mavag and a Matangi train. When the Wellington Railway Station opened in 1937, it was New Zealand's largest building and one of the first seismic proofed structures in the country.
© Fairfax NZ News

NZ service sector outpaces Australia

New Zealand's service sector growth eclipsed Australia in May as rapid expansion in new orders underpinned the second-fastest monthly pace since at least April 2007. The BNZ-BusinessNZ performance of services index (PSI) increased 0.1 points to 56.8 last month from April, where a reading above 50 indicates expansion. This is the second-fastest monthly pace since the series began in April 2007.
Source: BusinessDesk

$10k grant to preserve Niue's native languge

The internet provider for Niue has received a grant to keep the native language alive. Rocket Systems was awarded the US$10,000 grant from the Internet Society in an effort to preserve the Vagahau Niue language. The first step will be to build an online dictionary in Vagahau Niue, and then to translate English resources, including the Bible and legislation. Rocket Systems director Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui says the Niue language will only survive if it is in everyday use and that means on the internet.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Fairfax to cut jobs in company overhaul

Media company Fairfax is to cut 1900 jobs over the next three years, as it makes moves to become a digital media company. The Australasian firm will also close two printing facilities, re-size printed versions of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and introduce digital subscriptions, AAP reports. Fairfax will introduce subscriptions for its Sydney Morning Herald and The Age websites in early 2013, although free access will be available for some parts of those sites. In New Zealand, Fairfax Media has two national, nine daily and more than 60 community newspapers as well as some 25 magazines and website stuff.co.nz, the company's website says.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Save TVNZ7 group hires lawyer Chen

A group battling to save the doomed TVNZ7 channel has hired top public lawyer Mai Chen to evaluate its legal case against the Government. TVNZ7 - the country's only commercial-free public service TV station, which airs news, current affairs and panel discussion shows - will close this month after the government last year decided not to extend its funding. The channel will become a TV One Plus One channel and is expected to air repeats. Save TVNZ7 spokesman Myles Thomas told the Dominion Post Ms Chen will examine whether the government's decision to stop funding the channel was lawful, and whether the group could seek a judicial review.
Source: NZN

NZ First wants NZ owned bank

The Government's banking could end up with a locally owned bank, if New Zealand First gets its way. Winston Peters has announced his party's intentions at the organisation's annual conference over the weekend. He says a major cause of the country's balance of payments problem is the torrent of profits foreign banks suck out of the country every year. Mr Peters says his party would give all government business to a locally owned bank. "If you want to restore a banking interest for far better terms than we've currently got - which is less than 10 percent - you have to make that investment, it's a sound long term strategy." Currently the Government's banking is handled by Australian-owned Westpac.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

New service for migrants working in Chch

A new service has been set up to try help skilled migrants working on the Christchurch rebuild. The not-for-profit New Zealand Immigration and Settlement Service will offer assistance to migrants and ensure employers can hang on to these skilled workers. Founder Mike Bell says some employers will need to secure overseas expertise in shortage areas such as engineering, IT and medicine. He says many skilled migrants struggle to settle and as a result, nearly a quarter leave - taking the billions of dollars they inject into the economy with them.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Labour members support being able to vote for leader

Labour Party members overwhelmingly support a proposal that they be given a vote on who should be leader of the party. The matter has been canvassed at a series of regional conferences around the country, the last of which was held in Wellington over the weekend. Labour Party president Moira Coatsworth is confident the party will adopt the recommendation to let members, as well as MPs, vote for future leaders. Labour leader David Shearer says it will make the party more democratic and attract more members.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Winston Peters attacks immigration policy

DANYA LEVY
NZ First leader Winston Peters has launched a scathing attack on the Government's immigration policy, saying elderly migrants are cashing in on New Zealand's superannuation scheme. "New Zealand has the most generous superannuation scheme in the world for recently arrived immigrants," he has just told about 200 party faithful at NZ First's annual conference in Palmerston North. "An immigrant can arrive here at the age of 55, pay no direct tax for 10 years, and receive full New Zealand super at age 65." A young couple from China could bring in four elderly parents who, after a decade of not working, would be eligible for full super, free healthcare and other welfare entitlements "that New Zealanders work hard for all their lives". Other political parties supported "mass immigration" but NZ First believed the welfare of New Zealanders came first, he said.

Penguin that swam to Oz joined by seal pup

By Cherie Howie
An intrepid Fiordland penguin that swam 3000km to Australia will soon be joined in her recovery at an animal rescue sanctuary by another wayfaring New Zealander - a seal pup. Animal sanctuary boss Aaron Machado said 2-year-old penguin Katrina, who has been recovering at the sanctuary in South Australia since washing up injured on a beach five weeks ago, was unlikely to welcome the new roommate in the 1000sq m wetland enclosure. She's the queen of that place, she's the boss." The seal, named Emma, was recovering after surgery to remove rocks from her stomach, Machado said. "We're getting overtaken by New Zealanders." It was not unusual for New Zealand seals to be seen in Australian waters, he said.

Rugby - Carter drop-goal wins Test

All Blacks have beaten Ireland by 22-19 in the final minutes of the game in Christchurch . Penalty kicks and a vastly-improved Irish team dominated the first Test match to be held in the city for 22 months. Daniel Carter kicked an 80th minute drop goal to give New Zealand its tense victory, it second so far in the three-Test series. Ireland has never won a Test against the All Blacks in their 25 previous encounters, with a 10-10 draw in 1973 the closest they have come. Aaron Smith scored a try for the All Blacks while Carter added a conversion and kicked four penalties. Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray scored an early try for the visitors while flyhalf Jonathan Sexton also added a conversion and four penalties.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Green MP probes NZ invitation to Kompassus

A Green Party MP wants to know why a member of the Indonesian military's notorious special forces unit, Kopassus, has been training with New Zealand's defence force. Major Edwin Sumanta recently attended New Zealand's premier military educational institution, the Staff and Command College at Trentham. Kopassus conducts special operations for the Indonesian government and has been widely accused by human rights groups of committing rights violations in Papua and Aceh. Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty says she wants to know who invited Major Sumanta, and what his role he playe on the course.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand

Commonwealth graves desecrated in Libya

A headstone has been damaged and temporary markers removed from some graves at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Benghazi, which contains the remains of New Zealand soldiers. "The nationality of the individual buried beneath the headstone that was damaged is not yet known," the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs said in a statement yesterday. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is working to identify the individual and to restore any damage. It will also replace the removed grave markers as soon as possible. A spokesman for New Zealand's Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson said the Government was waiting for more details about the incident from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Eleven New Zealand graves were among 198 damaged at Benghazi in February.
Source: NZN

Test rugby returns to Christchurch

Test rugby returns to Christchurch on Saturday night for the first time since the February 2011 earthquake, which killed 185 people and caused major damage to the city. AMI Stadium was significantly damaged forcing the Crusaders Super Rugby and 2011 World Cup games to be moved elsewhere. The All Blacks are returning to the city for the second Test against Ireland at a new stadium in Addington. New Zealand won the first Test 42-10 at Eden Park last weekend.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Protest against asset sales

A crowd in Dunedin protested against asset sales on Saturday morning. The rally was organised by Grey Power with a march down George Street. Dunedin North MP David Clark (Labour) says people were angry that the Government select committee process has been rushed. The Mixed Ownership Model Bill passed its second reading in Parliament on Thursday night. Mr Clark said people want a public referendum.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Ski season in full swing

Skiers and snowboarders are taking advantage of the cold snap hitting the country, with another ski field opening this morning. The Remarkables ski field opened in Queenstown today, thanks to cold temperatures which enabled consistent snowmaking throughout the week. Queenstown's Coronet Peak and Canterbury's Mt Hutt opened jointly last weekend, with the latter getting over a metre of snow in the past week. A wintry onset also dumped snow on Mt Ruapehu, with the Turoa ski field due to open today, and the Whakapapa field expected to open on June 23.
Source: ONE News

Rugby - Fiji eager to impress in rare home test against Scotland

Flying Fijians coach Inoke Male says it is important the team continues to build its global standing in this afternoon’s rugby test against Scotland in Lautoka. He says the one-off international marks the first time a European team has played in Fiji since 2006. Following the Scotland game Fiji will complete their PNC schedule against Tonga next weekend.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International

Members of the Pacific community to march for rights

The Council of Trade Unions is supporting a march in central Auckland today highlighting the pligt of people from the Pacific in New Zealand. People in the Pasifika community are angry at being taken for granted and want a better future, organiser Advance Pasifika says. Housing, employment and education are among the issues being highlighted by the march. CTU spokeswoman Natalie Faitala said union members were joining with church and community groups, students and work groups on the march, which starts at Albert Park at 9am. “We’re joining the Advance Pasifika march to highlight the need for affordable housing, better educational outcomes, quality healthcare and decent jobs and a living wage for Pacific people in New Zealand,” she said.
Source: NZN

Dalziel appointed to UN disaster recovery team

Christchurch East MP Lianne Dalziel has been appointed to a United Nations advisory group for disaster risk reduction. Dalziel will work with the UNISDR advisory group, which aims to build the resilience of nations and communities to disasters and encourage understanding of the need for reducing risk. Dalziel she said he was "honoured" by the appointment and would be heading to Geneva later this month to meet with the other parliamentarians in the group. Labour leader David Shearer said the appointment reflected the amount of work Dalziel had done since the September 2010 earthquake.
© Fairfax NZ News

Snow closes Desert Road

The Desert Road is closed and is not likely to open before midday on Saturday. The Transport Agency says snow flurries are expected to continue until about midday. National Park roads are still open and traffic intending to travel on the Desert Road is being diverted to Ohakune at Waiouru. There is also a warning to those travelling on the Napier-Taupo highway to be wary of ice. In the South Island, motorists travelling on State Highway 73 between Springfield and Arthurs Pass are advised to use chains after snow fell overnight.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Wellingtonians plan reserve for island

By JARED NICOLL
Two Wellingtonians have bought the second-largest privately owned island in the Marlborough Sounds and hope to turn it into a reserve. Wellington-based charitable trust Fauna Recovery New Zealand, run by Sue Freitag and Barry Dent, bought Puangiangi Island, near D'Urville Island, for an undisclosed amount in a mortgagee sale on March 30 in the hope of turning it into a reserve for native flora and fauna with help from the Department of Conservation. Sooty shearwaters were last seen on Puangiangi in 1998 and it was likely other smaller seabirds were wiped out by rats. The trust will use loud-speakers to broadcast the sooty's bird-call out to sea at night in the hope of encouraging them back to the island. "This sounds a bit far-fetched, but it's a technique that is working right around the country, and Fauna Recovery New Zealand has funded several such systems on public conservation land already."
The Marlborough Express

Advisory panel keen to hear from wide range

By Newstalk ZB staff - NewstalkZB
New Zealanders will soon be able to voice their opinion on constitutional and other issues. The Constitutional Advisory Panel, appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, will hear from a wide range of New Zealanders on issues including the constitution, Treaty of Waitangi, Bill of Rights Act, and length of the parliamentary term. The panel want to hear from a wide range of people - those who know a lot and those who don't. They will build the public's understanding first, before they can have their say later in the year.

Text-and-drive service could save lives - AA

A text-and-drive initiative that has been endorsed by New Zealand transport authorities has the "potential to save lives", the AA (Automobile Assoc) believes. Vodafone's DriveSafe is a free TXT service that automatically replies to text messages you receive while driving. It is activated by texting Drive On to 760, then deactivated by texting Drive Off to the same number. AA's general manager of motoring affairs Mike Noon told TV ONE's Breakfast this morning the issue of texting while driving is a global problem, and he thought the initiative had the potential to save lives. Noon said young drivers are pressured into texting while driving because they get "bombarded" with texts from friends if they do not reply.
http://www.vodafone.co.nz/apps-services/mobile-services/drive-safe/
Source: ONE News

Dunne's asset sale silence criticised

There's growing frustration in the Wellington electorate of Ohariu as United Future leader Peter Dunne stays silent on asset sales. The controversial asset sale legislation narrowly passed its second reading in Parliament yesterday with 61 votes to 59. However Mr Dunne - whose vote could swing the bill - is refusing to talk publicly about it. People Power Ohariu spokesman John Maynard says that is simply not good enough. “We’re pretty disappointed that as the elected representative for the people of Ohariu, and the leader of a political party, he’s not interested at all in talking to people who have got genuine concerns,” says Mr Maynard. Mr Maynard says that at the very least Peter Dunne should support a referendum on the sales.
RadioLIVE

'Ministry of Awesome' established in Chch

Everyone in Christchurch is being invited to become a Ministry of Awesome. The new ministry's been established to inspire creativity and innovation in the city and use some of the empty spaces left by the quakes. Core member and Student Volunteer Army head Sam Johnson says a Ministry of Awesome is needed now, more than ever. "We've got to have these crazy elements in Christchurch, these really interesting things that are going to attract people here. "And when I think about what we do with the Ministry of Awesome, it's showing people that creativity exists and that's what we want to really make sure is proven in Christchurch." The ministry has its own website, ministryofawesome.com, and invites suggestions for innovative ways to increase the city's awesome-ness factor.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd

Southerly flow leaves Kiwis shivering

By PALOMA MIGONE
Cold wind sweeping across the country has many shivering and reaching for more layers of clothing - but the warmer weather is not far away. MetService today said a deep low to the east and high pressure to the west has been pushing a cold southerly flow over New Zealand since Tuesday. In Wellington today, temperatures as low as 4 degrees Celsius were expected, while in Auckland it could drop to 7C and in Christchurch to 2C. Showers and snow above 600m were expected in Southern Taranaki, Wanganui, Kapiti, Wellington and Gisborne to Wairarapa.
© Fairfax NZ News

Tarantula shipment awaited

Zoos are preparing for a shipment of tarantulas due to arrive this time next week. A crate containing 107 spiders will be sent from Wales to Wellington where they will then distributed among seven zoos. Wellington Zoo says Wales is the best source for the spiders because it has a reputable supplier who can meet strict requirements. The zoo has imported the spiders to sustain the population in New Zealand. It says tarantulas can grow to the size of a dinner plate but would never survive outside of captivity because New Zealand is too cold. Their venom is similar to a bee sting.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand

Auckland Tepid Baths to re-open next weekend

The Tepid Baths in Auckland are to re-open to the public next weekend, after a renovation costing almost $16 million. The pools were closed in 2010 over fears about the buildings' structural stability. The focus of the renovation has been restoring the pools and the building to its appearance in 1914 when the baths opened. The former ladies' only pool, with hanging flower baskets remains. The paint colour, signs, tiling and skyroof have been matched to be the same as those in the original complex. The pool will have a grand opening next Saturday and then swimmers will be allowed to take a dip on Sunday.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand