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Tuesday, July 31

Weather wreaks havoc in South Canterbury

Civil defence is on high alert in South Canterbury tonight as heavy rain hits the region. Rivers are bursting, washing out roads and bridges and wreaking havoc on local livestock. Between 120 to 189mm of rain has already fallen, according to Civil Defence. South Canterbury foothill rivers and catchments are flowing at a 10 to 20 year high after more than 24 hours of rainfall. MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for Hawkes Bay south of Cape Kidnappers, Wairarapa, eastern Marlbourough and Canterbury north of Cheviot and Canterbury Plains and the foothills between Cheviot and the Waitaki River including Banks Peninsula. A further heavy rain warning has been issued for eastern Marlborough and north Canterbury, with MetService expecting it to stay in place until late Wednesday, with up to 150mm expected to fall about the Kaikoura ranges.
Source: ONE News



Hillary Clinton set to be at Pacific Island Forum

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to be at this year's Pacific Island Forum and will make her first ever visit to the Cook Islands. Hillary Clinton has never been to the Cook Islands and as the US are post-forum dialogue partners, this is being seen as the best time for her to visit.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



NZers least tempted to add holidays to business trips

The latest survey of Asia Pacific business travellers shows New Zealanders are the least likely to mix business with pleasure when they travel on company time. The Accor Asia Pacific Business Traveller Survey found New Zealand business travellers are the least inclined to take advantage of corporate credit cards or extend business trips. Of the New Zealand respondents, 11% said say they extended their trip to visit friends and relatives, 10% had tacked on a holiday and 12% had taken a friend or partner along on the trip. This compares with 33% of Taiwanese, a quarter of Malaysians and a fifth of Hong Kong respondents who said they had extended their business trips to take a holiday.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



SAS looking for new recruits

By MICHAEL FIELD
New Zealand's most secretive anti-terrorist unit is looking for commandos - and a good radio person. The call for new soldiers comes as the Special Air Service (SAS), just home from Afghanistan, see a lot of special forces soldiers leaving - including Victoria Cross winner Willie Apiata. Air Force and Army publications are this week are calling for applicants to fill places in D Squadron (Commando) of the SAS. Commando Squadron used to be known as the Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group and is these days a secretive unit - even its size is not properly known - that trains for terrorist operations. The jobs are open to any sailors, soldiers or airmen - and in best military bureaucracy applicants need to fill in an AFNZ 3A, available on line.
- © Fairfax NZ News



The Hobbit movie to be extended to third film

Sir Peter Jackson has confirmed that The Hobbit movie will be split into three, with additional filming for the third film to begin in Wellington next year. Sir Peter says his desire to tell more of the tale of The Hobbit and elaborate on material in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings made him consider a trilogy. The decision was made after viewing a cut of the first film, An Unexpected Journey, and part of the second, There and Back Again. The third, as yet unnamed, movie will be released mid-2014.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Kiwi investors flock to safety of banks

By RICHARD MEADOWS
Flighty Kiwi investors spooked by the storm clouds over Europe are increasingly taking refuge in the safety of banks. ASB's latest Investor Confidence Index slipped four points over the three months to the end of June, and investor sentiment at one point hit a three-year low. One in five respondents to the survey thought bank deposits, which typically offer between 3 per cent and 5.5 per cent interest, gave the best investment return. Latest Reserve Bank statistics show New Zealanders are flocking to perceived safe havens, with an 8.7 per cent annual increase in term deposits to $108 billion.



Cost of asset sales passes $10m

By Katie Bradford-Crozier - NewstalkZB
The cost of asset sales has risen to over $10 million. Greens co-leader Russel Norman has received figures from the Finance Minister showing nearly $4 million has been spent on the scoping phase of the programme. That's on top of $7 million already revealed. Dr Norman says that doesn't include any costs from the water rights issue, and the planned share bonus scheme. He believes National has wasted money on asset sales the country doesn't want, and the costs will just keep coming.



Pharmac funds new asthma treatment for preschoolers

Drug-buying agency Pharmac is to fund a new asthma treatment for preschoolers with recurrent wheezing that is not helped by other therapies. Pharmac says Montelukast, which comes in pill form, will be available for children under five with recurrent wheezing, and for people of all ages with exercise-induced asthma as well as those undergoing aspirin desensitisation programmes. Pharmac medical director Peter Moodie says many children suffer from wheezing, which is often caused by respiratory tract infections.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Opposition parties criticise TranzScenic plans

Political parties outside Government say any move by KiwiRail to sell its passenger service would be privatisation by stealth. The state-owned enterprise is considering offers to sell TranzScenic or to partner with a company. TranzScenic consists of the Coastal Pacific, TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer and Capital Connection passenger services. KiwiRail chief executive Jim Quinn says it is looking to either partner or divest the scenic business. New Zealand First says the move is privatisation by stealth, while Labour says any sale of TranzScenic it would be part-privatisation of a state asset.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Monday, July 30

Syria closes Australian embassy

Syria has shut down its Australian embassy in Canberra, which also serves as New Zealand's embassy, with the website stating it is now closed. Australia's foreign minister Bob Carr announced at the end of May a dramatic 72-hour deadline for two of Syria's senior diplomats to leave Australia, including Syrian Charge D'Affaires Jawdat Ali. At the time, Senator Carr warned the Syrian government could not expect any further official engagement with Australia until it agreed to the United Nations ceasefire. It is understood some former embassy workers are now seeking asylum in Australia.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Research underway on impact of global Maori diaspora

Waikato University is investigating global Maori diaspora and the impact on whanau who remain in New Zealand. Senior research fellow Tahu Kukutai says the research will consider the long-term implications of Maori migration and how that could affect iwi and family members. Dr Kukutai says as part of the research she will look into what she calls fly-in fly-out workers, Maori who live in New Zealand but fly to and from Australia for work. She says there is an increasing number of Maori men taking up work in remote parts of Australia who are supplied food and lodgings but cannot take their families. Dr Kukutai says while it is well-known that a lot of Maori live and work in Australia, it is not yet known what the consequences of such migration are.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



New Zealand, Australia and Fiji to restore full diplomatic links

Fiji, New Zealand and Australia are to re-install high commissioners in each country’s capitals to ensure the channels of communication are open and effective. Diplomats of high commissioner rank have not been at the New Zealand and Australian missions in Suva for some years about the envoys were ordered out of the country by the interim Fiji governrment. Restoring full diplomatic links is one of the outcomes of trilateral talks today in Sydney involving the interim Fiji foreign minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and his New Zealand and Australian counterparts, Bob Carr and Murray McCully.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International



Blueprint for Christchurch unveiled

The recovery plans for Christchurch's central business district have been released, and contain a blueprint for a smaller, greener central city which the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister says will set it apart from any other urban centres. Gerry Brownlee, along with the prime minister, unveiled the blueprint at a function in the city on Monday evening. The plan outlines facilities for high performance sports, health and innovation and a new 2000 seat convention centre. Christchurch will be divided into precincts for health, the arts and entertainment, retail and justice and emergency functions. Mr Brownlee says the Government will acquire land from about 800 central city property owners so that key facilities can go where they are needed. The Government will fund projects for which it has primary responsibility while projects such as the stadium and convention centre will be funded by the private sector and Christchurch City Council.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Waitangi Tribunal reaches decision

By Newstalk ZB Staff - NewstalkZB
The Waitangi Tribunal has recommended the Government immediately halt its asset sales process. Nearly two weeks of hearings were held earlier this month into a claim on water rights by the Maori Council. A decision has been released today in which the Tribunal recommends the asset sales process be held off until the issue around water rights can be sorted and until it has heard the substantive claim from the Maori Council. The Tribunal says the status quo should be preserved until the claim has been further heard and reported on. The findings are not binding on the Government



Rugby - Sonny Bill to get a couple more games in an All Blacks jersey

The departing All Black second five Sonny Bill Williams will get a couple of bonus games in the black jersey. The All Blacks 28-strong wider training squad was named today minus the Chiefs Super Rugby finalists, but coach Steve Hansen confirmed the selectors had changed their stance on Williams after injury ruled centre Conrad Smith out for six weeks. Hansen says Williams, who leaves at the end of August to take up a contract in Japan, will likely play the All Blacks first two matches of the Rugby Championship against Australia. The All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship will be named next Monday, with New Zealand's first game against Australia in Sydney on August the 18th.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Hutt City proposes pensioner housing in park

A Hutt City Council's proposal to build housing for the elderly on a local park could set a precedent for the rest of the country. The council wants to reclassify part of Walter Mildenhall Park in Naenae so it can build 60 pensioner units. Parks manager Bruce Hodgins says the council first needs permission from the Department of Conservation (DoC) to change part of the Reserves Act. If the Act is amended, any reserve land anywhere in the country could be used for social housing. The Council is now calling for public submissions.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Website to protect dictionary definition of marriage

A website to protect the current definition of marriage as one man one woman has been launched today. It's lobby group Family First's response to Labour MP Louisa Wall's private member's Bill which seeks to redefine marriage to allow gay couples to wed. Director Bob McCoskrie says politicians are being hammered with reasons for taking the twink bottle to the dictionary to redefine marriage, but the state did not invent marriage and has no authority to re-invent it. "Our argument is simply that we are already recognising same sex relationships under the law so there's equal rights, equal access." Mr McCoskrie says Family First also rejects the notion that New Zealanders are ready for same sex marriage.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Income gap widens, new report finds

A new report indicates the income gap between Maori and Pacific Island families and those of European descent is widening. The Council of Christian Social Services' report on vulnerable families uses data from government agencies and community organisations. It shows the median weekly income for European families increased by $11 to $580 in the four years to March 2012. In the same period, median incomes for Maori families went down $40 a week to $459 and Pacific family incomes fell $65 to $390. Council of Christian Social Services spokesperson Trevor McGlinchey says it shows Maori and Pasifika families are bearing the brunt of the Government's drive to reduce the national deficit.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Sunday, July 29

Olympics: Boyle makes final with NZ record swim

Lauren Boyle has set a New Zealand record to qualify for the final of the women's 400m freestyle. Boyle swam at time of 4:03.63, finishing third in the event's fastest heat. Her time was the fourth fastest across all the heats. The 24-year-old freestyle specialist cut two seconds off the national record she set earlier this year.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Hockey - Women's Black Sticks claim victory over Australia

New Zealand's women's hockey team have beaten Australia 1-0 in their opening encounter at the Olympics. The women's Black Sticks scored within minutes of the start of play, with Cathryn Finlayson finding the goal from a penalty corner. The rest of the game at Riverbank Arena remained scoreless. New Zealand is ranked 6th in the world and Australia 7th.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Rugby - Sir Graham Henry suspected ABs were victims of match-fixing

Sir Graham Henry has revealed he was so shocked by referee Wayne Barnes' poor performance at the 2007 Rugby World Cup that he had suspected sports betting had played a part. In a interview with TVNZ's Sunday programme Henry said that after the All Blacks heart-breaking quarter-final loss to France in 2007 he grabbed a tape of the game and obsessively played it over and over again. He said there were at least 40 infringements committed by France that went unpunished. It is only now five years later that Henry can talk publicly about it. "The All Blacks didn't get a penalty for the last 60 minutes of the game and attacked over 70% of that time. "Now that's, that's impossible but it wasn't impossible on that particular day." The All Blacks went on to win the 2011 Rugby World Cup under Henry's leadership.
Source: ONE News



Scientists discover possible antibiotics alternative

Scientists in Australia say they've made a major breakthrough in the search for an alternative to antibiotics. Researchers from Monash University in Melbourne, along with The Rockfeller University and the University of Maryland in the United States, have spent the past six years studying the structure of a viral protein called PlyC reports the ABC. They say they have discovered the way it kills the bacteria that causes a range of infections including sore throats, pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. They have described the protein as a powerful anti-bacterial killing machine and say that discovering what it looks like and how it attacks bacteria is a major step forward in developing alternatives to antibiotics.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



UN negotiations on arms trade falls flat

By Newstalk Zb Staff - NewstalkZB
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says New Zealand regrets that four weeks of UN negotiations on an arms trade treaty in New York have ended with no agreement on a treaty text. He says he is disappointed it wasn't possible to bridge what he calls the entrenched positions on some issues. He also added differences remained about exactly what sorts of weapons would be in the treaty. Mr McCully says New Zealand was active in the negotiations, pushing for a treaty with the highest possible standards. He hopes negotiations will resume in October.



Families caught in immigration scam

By Jacqui Stanford - NewstalkZB
Authorities are being urged to give the victims of a Tongan immigration scam assurances they will not be on the next flight out of New Zealand if they come forward with information. Labour is mooting the idea of 'sanction-free days' for people to receive advice from Immigration New Zealand, without being deported. Spokeswoman Darien Fenton says the victims are afraid and upset. "There's many, many families effected by this, and they're devastated by the fact that they've been scammed by some of their own." Ms Fenton says people caught up in immigration scams are normally innocent victims. She says the victims are simply afraid of being put on the next flight back to Tonga.



Kiwi Olympians treated to Royal visit

By Juliette Sivertsen - NewstalkZB
Three of our Olympians have been treated to a Royal visit at Olympic Village. Alexis Pritchard, Richie Patterson and Nick Willis were asked to don their best outfits for a surprise encounter with the Queen. Athletes from ten Commonwealth nations were invited to a special meeting with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Princess Anne. Chef de Mission Dave Currie says she had done her homework and knew the athletes, congratulating Nick Willis on being named flag bearer.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



NZ rowers set records on strong opening day

The New Zealand rowers have had a strong start to their Olympic regatta, with a new world record and a new Olympic record set on the first day of the competition. The men's pair of Hamish Bond and Eric Murray set a world record time of 6:08.50 to secure their place in the event's semi-final. In the heats of the men's double sculls, world champions Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan set a new Olympic record of 6:11.30, also claiming a place in the semi-finals. Mahe Drysdale easily won his heat in the men's single sculls and will move through to the quarter-finals on Tuesday. The world champion women's pair of Juliette Haigh and Rebecca Scown were the first New Zealand crew in action at the rowing on the opening day of the London Games and eased through their heat to place second behind Australia.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Saturday, July 28

More rain forecast to hit drenched areas

Much of the North Island is in for a lashing tomorrow with a large low expected to deepen west of the country and move slowly east. The top of the north will see the first effects of the heavy rain and northeast gales and rain warnings are possible for the eastern hills of Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and eastern Waikato near the Kaimai Range. Heavy rain is likely in Nelson, and the far south of Fiordland and Southland later on Sunday and Monday.
Source: ONE News



German tourist attacked by dingo in Australia

A German tourist has been mauled by a dingo on Fraser Island, off the Queensland coast. The 23-year-old man was airlifted by helicopter from the island to a hospital on the mainland on Saturday morning. He suffered serious injuries to his head, legs and arms but is in a stable condition, says the Department of National Parks. The department's regional manager Ross Belcher says the attack happened early Saturday morning near the K'Gari campground. The man had left the well-lit campground, became disoriented, and fallen asleep on a track, Belcher said.
Source: AAP



Renewed fears for future of Maori language

Maori language experts are raising renewed concerns that te reo is still in danger of extinction. Speakers at a special debate at Te Papa this week called for a new strategy to address falling numbers of those who could speak the language. Marae Investigates reporter Tahuri Tumoana said while there were plenty of fluent te reo speakers at the debate, that was not the situation around the country. "Maori is in real trouble. Te reo Maori is dying," te reo expert Rangi Mataamua said. The number learning the language has been dropping both through kohanga reo and Maori medium schools, and Mataamua says Maori have to take the lead.
Source: ONE News



Mining degrees to be offered

DEIDRE MUSSEN - © Fairfax NZ News
Degrees in mining will be offered by the West Coast's Tai Poutini Polytechnic as part of its new School of Mining. The polytechnic said it planned to establish the school to boost access to industry training because of an acute shortage of mining professionals nationwide. "The extractive industry is strong and growing but there is a severe shortage of trained staff, and the industry tells us they need this sort of school to meet their training needs," polytechnic board chairman Graeme McNally said. It would start next year and would offer training at sites around the country, including the West Coast, and would access Australian courses and expertise, particularly for the degree programme.
© Fairfax NZ News



Indonesia joins Australian air exercise for first time

For the first time, Indonesia has joined international air war games in Australia. Fighter jets from Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the United States are taking part in a combined defence forces exercise called Pitch Black. The two-week mock combat operation is held in Darwin every two years because of its open-air space. David Thiele of the Royal Australian Air Force says it is significant that Indonesia has decided to join in. "It shows a strong growth in the agreements between Australia and Indonesia, as well as our military co-operation," he says.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Friday, July 27

Chiefs nail Crusaders to reach Super Rugby final

The Waikato Chiefs have beaten the Canterbury Crusaders 20-17 in the first Super Rugby semi-final in hamilton on Friday night. In a torrid game that went right down to the wire, the Chiefs scored two tries - one each to Liam Messam and Sona Taumalolo - to the Crusaders' one (Ryan Crotty). Aaron Cruden kicked two conversions and two penalties for the winners while Daniel Carter slotted four penalties for the visitors. The Chiefs will play either the South African Stormers or the Sharks in the title decider.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Ngati Awa launches Facebook application

Eastern Bay of Plenty iwi Ngati Awa has launched a special application on Facebook for its members to learn about their dialect, their tribal customs and oral history. Te Runanga o Ngati Awa strategic policy manager Leonie Simpson says that the majority of iwi members are young and living outside of the Eastern Bay of Plenty and the application demonstrates how technology can help engage this section of the iwi. The application can be downloaded on the Ngati Awa web site or on Facebook.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand





Travel ban lifted on Fijian foreign minister

The Government has lifted the travel ban on a key member of the Fiji regime, allowing the interim foreign minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, into New Zealand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Ratu Inoke was due fly to Auckland on Friday before travelling to Australia for talks next week with his Australian and New Zealand counterparts. Last week, he held talks in Suva with visiting New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully. Next Monday's Sydney meeting will reportedly assess Fiji's moves to return to democracy and its pledge to hold elections in 2014. Fiji was suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum three years ago for failing to honour its 2007 promise to hold elections.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Rain, wind and snow on horizon

Enjoy the sunshine and clear days while they last, because more rain, wind and snow is on the way, MetService says. Most parts of New Zealand will have a fine start to the weekend, but that will come to an abrupt end for many areas on Sunday evening. A rapidly deepening low in the Tasman was heading for New Zealand and was expected to bring heavy rain across the northern half of the North Island by Sunday evening, MetService media and communications meteorologist Daniel Corbett said. But other areas won't escape the unsettled weather, with heavy rainfall expected to spread across other parts of New Zealand by Monday. The bad news doesn't end there - the rain could continue for days, especially in the eastern and southern regions of the South Island. Snow was expected in Southland and Otago, and gales could affect coastal areas in those regions.
- © Fairfax NZ News



Flu cases triple in Otago

By Newstalk ZB staff - NewstalkZB
Cases of the flu in Otago have risen sharply in the south. The latest ESR flu report shows consultations for a flu-like illness have tripled in a week. There's been around 180 presentations for flu-like illness per 100,000 people, around three times more than the previous week. But despite the rise, it's still well down compared to Canterbury who have had nearly 600 this year. The number's expected to keep rising with this week proving busier for doctor's clinics. Rates of people asking for the flu jab are also expected to jump, with free vaccines extended for eligible groups by a month to the end of August.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Asian demand drives Comvita sales boost

The bee products company Comvita says rapidly rising demand in China and the wider Asian region is driving the increase in sales of its natural health and beauty products. Sales in China have more than doubled in a year, and its fastest growing export market is South Korea. The company's newest market, Korea, is also growing rapidly and Mr Hewlett says it is exploring the possibilities for growth markets like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and India.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Demand for NZ methanol 'holding up'

Methanex, the world's largest producer of methanol, says projects in New Zealand and Louisiana are driving the company's near-term growth, as it works to reopen its 900,000-tonne-a-year Waitara Valley plant. Methanex recently restarted the second methanol "train" at its Motonui plant, following agreement with Todd Energy for a new 10-year gas supply contract, capable of producing 650,000 tonnes of methanol annually. Both the Motonui and Waitara plants were built as part of the so-called "Think Big" initiative of the Muldoon government in the early 1980's to exploit the global-scale Maui natural gas field. As Maui gas ran down, sections of the two plants were progressively closed, but recent gas discoveries have seen Methanex ramp back up its capacity in New Zealand.
Source: BusinessDesk



Air NZ to slash domestic routes

Air New Zealand's announced it's slashing fares on domestic trunk routes. It's also launching an extra 6,000 seats a week into the market over the coming year. Examples of the new fares are Auckland to Wellington for $49, compared to the current $69. That's the biggest reduction - 29 percent. Other new fares are Christchurch to Wellington for $49, instead of $59 and Auckland to Queenstown for $79 instead of $99.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Nick Willis picked to carry NZ flag

The Beijing 1500m silver medallist Nick Willis will be the New Zealand flagbearer at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London. Willis was presented with the team's cloak at a ceremony in the olympic village and went on to be honoured at a black tie gala dinner hosted by the Governor General, Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae. New Zealand Chef de Mission Dave Currie says Willis was chosen as his achievements reflect the best in New Zealand's sporting traditions.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



NZ woman completes seven continent climbs

A Timaru-born woman has become the first New Zealand woman to climb the highest mountains of each of the seven continents. Chris Burke is the third fastest woman in the world to complete the Seven Summits, out of the 30 women who have achieved the feat. Her mission was completed when she reached the top of Europe's highest peak, Mt Elbrus in Russia.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Thursday, July 26

Daycare no different to home care - study

By Ingrid Hipkiss
New research out of Australia will come as a relief to parents who put their babies in childcare. The university study shows there's no difference in development between toddlers who've stayed at home with a parent, and those who've been cared for by others. Researcher Linda Harrison from Charles Sturt University studied 5000 toddlers, comparing those who'd been cared for exclusively by parents with those who'd attended daycare or had a nanny or grandparent looking after them in their first year of life. “I looked at a range of different predictors of how they were doing and found that despite all of those, the childcare arrangement in their first year didn't make any difference at all to those outcomes.” The study looked at nine areas of social and emotional development - including how the children got on with others, the level of problem behaviours, and how much they appeared to enjoy themselves. Theresa Dodd of New Zealand’s Early Childhood Council says it is about the quality of care.
3News



Trustpower set to expand South Australian windfarm

Trustpower says the expansion of its South Australian windfarm is set to go ahead, after the power company sorted out the financing for the deal. The Tauranga-based listed firm says the 270 megawatt windfarm near Adelaide is expected to cost up to $439 million, a decrease of 6% from earlier estimates. Trustpower chief executive Vince Hawkesworth says the strong Australian dollar has been to its advantage. He says the project has all the characteristics of what a good windfarm should have including being well positioned in the transmission network and having good reliable wind.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Kiwis travelling to United States at all time high

Travel to the United States has hit a record high. There was a 77 percent increase in New Zealanders travelling overseas last month, compared with the same month last year. The United States was the most popular holiday destination with a 40 percent increase on last year and the highest ever result for any month. Executive general manager Mike Friend says it's due to the strong Kiwi dollar and the increase in competition and capacity from airlines.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Sick girl, 3, phones for own ambulance

If most 3-year-olds found themselves struggling to breathe in the early hours of the morning, they'd be crying desperately for their parents. But Lina Aiono-Te Tau's mother is deaf, so Lina did the next best thing - she rang 111. Staff at the Wellington Free Ambulance call centre were stunned when they received a call from the coughing toddler on Saturday morning, telling them she was having breathing difficulties. Call-taker Jordan Lane said that, when he asked to speak to the girl's mother, he was told she was deaf and could not speak. Lina, who is believed to be Wellington Free Ambulance's youngest emergency caller, was taken to Wellington Hospital, where she was treated for croup and a viral infection.
Source: Fairfax



Defence service medal available to all ex-personnel

By Anna Cross - NewstalkZB
The New Zealand Defence Service Medal is now available to all ex-personnel. Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones says the medal recognises attested military service in the force. He says New Zealanders who served in the military for three or more years since the end of World War Two, and those who completed their compulsory military training or national military service obligations, qualify for the medal.



Observatory keeping close eye on Pluto

Astronomers at Wellington's Carter Observatory have been playing particular attention to Pluto, as they attempt to find out more about the its atmosphere. The observatory has been helping in international efforts to find out more about the dwarf planet before a NASA spacecraft arrives there in 2015. Astronomer Graham Blow says the observatory is in a great position to research Pluto and got an excellent view as it passed in-front of a star last month. He says that's why astronomers have come from around the world to observe Pluto from the observatory's location.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Stamps to celebrate friendship with Samoa

New Zealand Post has put out special stamps and a coin to celebrate 50 years of friendship with Samoa. The set commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa. It's been designed by artist Michel Tuffery, who's a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit Each of the stamps has a contemporary view of selu tuiga, or head comb, and includes traditional Samoan arts, heritage, architecture and agriculture. The coin is in the shape of a Pua, a frangipani flower, and features tatau, which are a symbol of strength in Samoan culture.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



NZers online shopping expected to reach $5 billion by 2016

Online shopping by New Zealanders is expected to nearly double in the next five years to more than $5 billion by the end of 2016, putting the squeeze on traditional retailers. The latest Australia New Zealand Online Shopping survey shows 1.9 million New Zealanders aged over 15 are expected to spend an average $1659 this year. That amounts to $3.2 billion this year, rising to an expected $5.4 billion by 2016. The survey shows shoppers spend more than a third on international websites, with clothing, footwear, jewellery and fashion items the fastest growing segments.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Mining school planned for West Coast

A school of mining is set to open on the West Coast next year in response to an acute shortage of trained professionals in the minerals industry. The school, which will be established at Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth, plans to offer pre-entry drilling, mining and blasting courses. Minerals West Coast manager Peter O'Sullivan says one of the major issues holding back the minerals industry is the reliance on experienced professionals from overseas.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Wednesday, July 25

Big crowd for first Olympic event featuring Kiwi footballers

It's two days until the official Olympic opening ceremony but the London Games kick off in Cardiff tonight. The opening event is football with the New Zealand women's team playing hosts Great Britain at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. Women's football in Britain rarely attracts crowds of more than 5,000, but two days before the Games opening ceremony, they're predicting 35-40,000 fans will turn up for the match at Cardiff's MiIlennium stadium, starting at 3 o'clock tomorrow morning. The Olympic football tournaments, involving 16 men's teams and 12 women's are too long to be accommodated within the Games timeframe, so they have to start before the Opening Ceremony.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



New solar energy facility opens in Tonga

Tonga's dependency on diesel fuel could be about to come to an end thanks to a new solar energy facility. The small island nation currently imports and burns nearly half a million litres of diesel a year to keep the lights on. But that is expected to change now that a New Zealand-funded solar power facility named 'Maama Mai' - meaning 'let there be light' - has officially opened. More than 260 delegates attended the celebration yesterday, including the Tongan King and Prime Minister and New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. The development is expected to provide around 40% of Tongatapu's power and will mean cheaper electricity bills of four to six percent.
Source: ONE News



Zimbabwe PM pushes NZ to lift sanctions

Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, visiting Wellington, says lifting sanctions against his country is "very important". Tsvangirai and Prime Minister John Key today discussed lifting New Zealand sanctions on Zimbabwe. The sanctions were put in place in 2002 to protest against human rights abuses carried out under the reign of President Robert Mugabe. Tsvangirai was a leading democracy advocate in Zimbabwean politics and is on a whistlestop tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Source: ONE News/Newstalk ZB/Reuters



BurgerFuel launches own radio station

BurgerFuel will now be pumping music from its own radio station as it serves up burgers and kumara fries. Radio BurgerFuel is broadcasting live and ad-free throughout its stores in New Zealand. The company also indicated it will expand into its stores in Dubai, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Source: ONE News



Mystery donor to fly hurt Kiwi home

By STACEY KIRK
A New Zealand man trapped in a Thai hospital may soon be back with his family in Hawke's Bay thanks to an anonymous donor who has offered to foot the medivac bill. Sean Kenzie, 27, has been stuck in Thailand since he crashed his scooter more than three weeks ago and was taken to hospital with serious injuries. As well as two punctured lungs - both of which had collapsed - Kenzie also suffered a ruptured kidney and broken limbs. His jaw was also broken, and while he had initial surgery on it, the private Bangkok Hospital refused to carry out further corrective surgery until his family stumped up with the more than NZ$16,000 bill. He has since been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where Thai publication Phuket Wan reported patients were stretched out in lift foyers, and Kenzie was living off cans of tuna and protein supplements. He was kept under armed guard in Bangkok Hospital when the hospital learned Kenzie's medical insurance did not cover riding scooters. Mouritsen said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had to step in when it emerged Bangkok Hospital was withholding painkillers and medication from him while his family scrambled to get the money together.



Date set for 2012 Body Art Showcase

The date has been announced for the seventh New Zealand Body Art Showcase. The event will return to Auckland's Bruce Mason Centre on September 22. This year's theme is 'The Future' with artists asked to give their glimpse into what to expect in light years ahead. The awards will feature international artists alongside homegrown talent. Registration for artists, models and volunteers is open until August 22.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Brisbane airport link tunnel now open

Brisbane's airport link tunnel is now open to traffic. The $A4.8 billion project is Australia's largest infrastructure project. The ABC reports police expect a few teething problems as drivers test it for the first time. Acting Superintendent Craig Hanlon says six speed cameras in the tunnel have been switched on. The tunnel will be free to use until mid-October for drivers with toll accounts. It will be free for all drivers until 22 August.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Sole agent suspected over fraudulent student visas

Immigration New Zealand believes only one agent is responsible for all 279 fraudulent student visas issued from its Beijing office. The agency discovered the fraud earlier this year. Immigration NZ head Steve Stuart is currently in China visiting the department's Shanghai and Beijing offices. He says investigators have found the fraudulent documents, which were all likely to have been submitted to its Beijing office by one immigration agent. Mr Stuart says students interviewed by investigators in New Zealand say they were unaware the agent was using false documents in their applications.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Export receipts back above $4 billion

New Zealand's export receipts have topped $4 billion for the first time in six months, as dairy companies sold excess stocks. Despite this, exports fell in the June quarter, the second consecutive quarterly fall. Dairy exports surged 27% in June, as dairy companies cleared inventories built up during a bumper season for grass growth and record milk production. Statistics New Zealand says exports of butter, cheese and milk powder exceeded $1 billion for the month, up from $850 million in May, and $990 million in June last year. Exports overall were up nearly 14 per cent in June, the biggest monthly increase since January 2010.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Tuesday, July 24

Peach, pear and Cointreau pie judged NZ's best

A gingered peach and pear with Cointreau pie has taken out the top prize at the annual Supreme Pie Awards. It is the second year in a row that a fruit pie has knocked the traditional meat pie off its perch, and it was produced by last year's Supreme winning duo, Waikato couple Shane and Kathy Kearns. The Kearns also won a Silver award in the seafood category, with their scallop, shrimp and prawn with sweet chilli and coriander pie. A record 4500 pies from 444 bakeries were entered in this year's competition. Award winners were evenly spread throughout the country with 20 winners from Auckland, 11 from Hawkes Bay, five from Tauranga, three from Christchurch and two from Taupo.
Source: ONE News



Govt extends period for free flu jabs

Health Minister Tony Ryall says the Government is extending the period for free flu vaccinations for eligible groups by a month. He says it will now run until 31 August instead of finishing at the end of this month. The Institute of Environmental Science and Research says the rate at which people visited their doctor with flu-like illnesses doubled earlier this month, with the highest rates in Waitemata, Counties Manukau and Canterbury. Those eligible for it are pregnant women, people over 65, those with ongoing health conditions and Canterbury residents between six months and 18 years of age.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Dunedin Council wants moratorium on fracking

Dunedin City Council voted on Tuesday to call for a national moratorium on the controversial mining technique fracking. Five councils including Christchurch have already called for an immediate ban on new hydraulic fracturing activities because of fears it might pollute water or cause small earthquakes. Dunedin council backed the idea of a moratorium until the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment delivers a report on the technique, which is expected in November.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



NZ's commitment to UN under question

New Zealand is to pull out of a United Nations development aid agency, ONE News inquiries have revealed. The UN Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) aims to help the world's poorest countries, and New Zealand contributes around $500,000 a year to the fund. But in a briefing to Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Unido aid money is better spent in the Pacific as the organisation is becoming less relevant to New Zealand and its performance is mediocre. Unido specialises in boosting sustainable industrial development in poor countries. It has a membership of 174 countries, although that no longer includes Australia or the US.
Source: ONE News



Lightening strikes leaves 31,000 without power

By Dana Kineta - NewstalkZB
A lightning strike has caused massive power outage in the Far North. Top Energy Networks general manager Keith Gilby says 110KV lines have been taken out by lightning just north of Whangarei. "We've got our entire customer base off at the moment, so we've got about 31,000 customers off. It's the top energy area, so it gets from Kaikohe northward."



TradeMe auction for implosion button rights

By 3 News online staff
The right to press the button for the first implosion of a quake-damaged building in Christchurch will be auctioned on TradeMe. The 14-storey building which housed radio station Newstalk ZB is to come down on August 5 in a controlled demolition operated by Naylor Love and Ceres New Zealand. It was badly-damaged in the February 22, 2011 quake. Proceeds from the auction will go towards the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Buildings Fund, and will be used to restore the Isaac Theatre Royal, which was damaged in the February quake. The auction went live at 11am this morning, and within an hour was already at $2500.
3 News



Cancer leading cause of death

Ministry of Health statistics show cancer is still the leading cause of death in New Zealand, accounting for almost 29% of all deaths. However, the 2009 figures show cancer death rates have fallen by more than 16 percent since 1999. The ministry says that is because of earlier diagnosis and better treatment. Prostate cancer remains the most commonly registered cancer, followed by colorectal and breast cancer. Lung cancer is still the most common cause of cancer death, with 19% of people dying from it.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



NZ, Samoa to celebrate 50-year friendship

Fifty years of friendship between New Zealand and Samoa will be celebrated next week when the Prime Minister leads a delegation to our island neighbour. Samoa is the only country in the world with which New Zealand has a formal Friendship Treaty. John Key will meet with the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet to mark the 50th anniversary, as well as discussing regional issues.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



NZ companies will need one director in the country

All companies set up in New Zealand will have to have at least one director living in the country, under a Bill due before Parliament this week. The Companies and Limited Partnership Bill aims to prevent local companies being used by overseas-based criminals. New Zealand is seen as one of the easiest countries in the world to set up a company, and a tax haven for some. The Prime Minister says we need to protect our reputation.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



More seismographs on Mt Tongariro

An extra four seismic recorders have been set up on Mount Tongariro after a cluster of volcanic earthquakes prompted GNS Science to raise alert levels there on Friday. More than 20 shakes have been recorded since the middle of July, which GNS says could signal a future eruption. Volcanologist Brad Scott says the unrest declined during the weekend, but will continue for several months. While GNS will continue to monitor the volcano, Mr Scott says there is no threat to public safety.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Be careful about bleach in water - Civil Defence

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management has reviewed its advice about storing water for emergencies, warning householders about the use of bleach in water. The ministry's advice has been to add household bleach to stored water but now Civil Defence Emergency Management director John Hamilton says while that should still be done, people need to be aware that not all bleaches are safe to use in drinking water. Mr Hamilton says new bleach products continue to come onto the market and people need to be aware of what bleaches should and should not be used. He says it is not safe to use bleaches that contain added scent or other additives, because they can make people sick.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Digging to start for Cardboard Cathedral



Contractors will begin digging the foundations for the Anglican Church's new base in Christchurch, popularly known as the Cardboard Cathedral, on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the earthquake-damaged ChristChurch Cathedral, Reverend Craig Dixon, says he heard on Monday building consent for the foundations of the temporary replacement has been granted. Rev Dixon says work on the foundations of the transitional cathedral will begin on Tuesday morning. The building, which will stand next to Latimer Square, was designed by Shigeru Ban, who visited Christchurch last week to finalise details of its construction. Rev Dixon says the transitional cathedral will be as tall as ChristChurch Cathedral was but will made with unusual materials. After about 10 years, or at a point when a cathedral is completed in Cathedral Square, the transitional cathedral will serve as an inner city church for the large congregation of St John's.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Monday, July 23

Flooding, slips hit Waikato, Coromandel

Bad weather has caused travel chaos in Waikato and Coromandel, with the latest closure a main route on the Coromandel Peninsula. MetService has lifted its rain warning for Coromandel, but is forecasting further heavy downpours for western Bay of Plenty and Gisborne overnight and Tuesday. Slips and swollen rivers have shut parts of State Highways 2 and 26, prompting the Transport Agency to advise only essential travel. SH 25 between Coromandel and Whitianga will stay closed overnight due to a large slip. Rising river levels earlier forced the closure of SH 2 at Karangahake Gorge, west of Waihi. The Transport Agency says SH 26 north of Te Aroha and again at Paeroa is also closed. Waikato Regional Council says the Ohinemuri River is flooding and the Piako, Waihou and Waitoa Rivers are also swollen. SH 26 was closed at Paeroa after the regional council shut floodgates at the Criterion Bridge over the Ohinemuri River.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Margaret Mahy, renowned NZ children's author, dies

Margaret Mahy, one of the world's leading children's authors, has died aged 76. As colourful as her books, Mahy was one of New Zealand's most successful and accomplished writers. School journals printed some of her early works but no New Zealand publishing house would take her on. Mahy received numerous honours and awards. But the year she turned 70 she was awarded perhaps the most prestigious - the Hans Christian Andersen Award for her lasting contribution to children's literature. Mahy will be remembered for the visits she made to schools to tell her delightful, but sometimes slightly scarey stories, thrilling children of all ages.
Source: ONE News



Report warns of Australian mining slowdown

A report has found Australia's mining boom is about to peak and a slowdown in the sector is inevitable. The Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook for June predicts falling mineral prices, a slowdown in the housing sector and sluggish financial markets will lead to a drop in Government revenue, the ABC reports. The report says the mining sector is still driving the country's economic growth and providing a buffer from problems in China and Europe. Director Chris Richardson says that means the Government will have to make more cuts or delay some projects, and predicts there will be less demand for minerals in two to three years' time.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Zimbabwe PM to visit NZ

The Prime Minister of Zimbabwe will visit New Zealand this week to discuss democracy with the New Zealand Government. Morgan Tsvangirai, who has a power-sharing arrangement with President Robert Mugabe, wants to talk about opening up democracy in the African nation. “We will discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, including work on a new constitution and the outlook for the next elections. “The visit will also allow us to consider how we might rebuild the bilateral relationship, in the right political environment,” Mr Key says. The New Zealand Government imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2002 to protest the Mugabe regime’s human rights abuses.
3 News



New Katherine Mansfield stories discovered

Four previously unknown stories by New Zealand-born writer Katherine Mansfield have been found by a London student. The stories, dating from 1908 and 1909, were discovered in London's King's College archives by PhD student Chris Mourant. The find is particularly exciting because it includes a short story, A Little Episode, which recounts one of the most painful chapter's of Mansfield's life, the UK's Independent reports. Written in 1909, the story mirrors Mansfield's own affairs with Garnet Trowell, a musician who got her pregnant and then rejected her, and George Bowden, a singing teacher whom she wed out of convenience and then rejected on their wedding night. Mansfield also lost the baby. Mansfield was born in Wellington in 1888. She left New Zealand in 1908, bound for London. She died of tuberculosis in France in 1923, at the age of 34.
NZN



New Zealand gives two million dollars to aid Fiji elections preparations

New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Murray McCully, is providing 2 million NZ dollars in support of Fiji’s elections planned for 2014. The minister met with his Fiji counterpart, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, in Suva at the weekend. Mr McCully is in Tonga at the start of a 3 country Pacific tour.”
News Content © Radio New Zealand International



Britain importing NZ veges due to bad summer

A miserable British summer means the country is turning to New Zealand for help in bolstering its onion supplies. A wet summer has meant vegetables like peas, potatoes and onions, which would normally be grown in British soil, are having to be imported from various countries around the world. And New Zealand has come to the rescue in the form of large cooking onions. The onions are being shipped more than 18,500km across the world to keep up with buyer needs in Britain, the Daily Mail reported.
APNZ



British deaths in NZ higher than many nations

More than 120 Britons died in New Zealand last year, surpassing the number of British deaths in Australia, Canada and India, statistics reveal. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office have released figures on British behaviour abroad for the year 2011/12, highlighting assistance consular needed for arrests, deaths, hospitalisation, rape and sexual assault while in a foreign country. During the past year there were 257,000 British nationals living in New Zealand and 316,976 British residents visited. The report found New Zealand was the ninth most likely country for Britons to require consular assistance in. Philippines was the most likely, followed by Thailand and then Jamaica. It also found 127 Britons died in New Zealand in the past year, up 15 on the previous year. The highest number of Britons to die in any other country was Spain with 1755 deaths, followed by France at 778 deaths and Germany at 366. Sitting below New Zealand in numb
APNZ



Company looks to export Cook Islands sea cucumber

Cook Islands Rori, or sea cucumbers could be heading offshore if a new business looking to export the delicacies is approved. The company has a proposal before the island councils of Aitutaki and Atiu, where they are looking to gather some interest and get the project started. The company’s director Banaba Kirikava says they are in talks with island officials. The Cook Islands News reports him as saying rori harvesting would be run along the same lines as the highly-successful trochus shell scheme on Aitutaki, where locals annually collect shells to export to Europe over a two-week period.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International



New Chch hospital construction begins

Construction starts this week on a new hospital for Christchurch, and one of the first large multi-storey buildings in the CBD. A formal blessing was held yesterday for the Oxford Clinic Hospital, which is being built on the site of the old Medlab building on Kilmore Street. The three storey facility will employ more than 100 staff, and will house a number of different surgical speciality groups. Chair of the Oxford Health Group, David Barker, says it will be one of the first significant sized buildings back in the CBD. The short-stay hospital facility is due to be completed by October next year.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



New fish species discovered

NIWA has discovered a number of new species of fish in its deepest trawl of New Zealand waters yet. Working from the research vessel Tangaroa, scientists carried out eight trawls down to more than 2,700 metres, northwest of the Graveyard Hills on the north Chatham Rise. The new to science fishes include a flabby whalefish, three new slickheads, a juvenile Richardson's skate, large warty cusk-eel and a new record of white rattail.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Maori language week starts on Monday

Maori language week, which has been running for nearly 25 years, starts on Monday. This year's theme is Arohatia te reo (cherish the language). Telecommunication company 2degrees has taken that step - launched last year what it says is the world's first smartphone with te reo built in. Director Antony Royal says 2degrees, which is 10% owned by Maori, allows users to operate the phone in te reo rangatira. Maori language week runs until Sunday.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Sunday, July 22

Heavy rain warnings for north and east of North Island

MetService has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain in the eastern and northern parts of the country. It says up to 160 millimetres is expected to fall in the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty, west of Whakatane by Monday night. It says heavy rain has hit Northland but is expected to clear up by Monday morning. MetService duty forecaster, Heath Gullery, advises people in those areas to watch out for flooding, slips and rapidly rising streams and rivers. Mr Gullery says there is a heavy rain watch in place for Auckland, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Netball - Magic win trans-tasman final

Full-time
41-38 Magic: The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic have done the impossible and claimed their maiden title in a nail-biting grand final beating the Melbourne Vixen. Tears are flowing from Casey Williams and Julianna Naoupu as the Magic players embrace and rejoice in their victory. "Absoloutely amazing" is how van Dyk describes the win to the ground announcer - and good news for Kiwis - she has confirmed she will play on in 2013. The Waikato-BOP fans in the crowd are lapping it up while the Vixens fans look dejected and unable to believe how those final minutes unfolded. A tremendous effort for the Magic to come back and claim 12 wins in a row after starting their season with four straight losses. The ANZ Championship trophy will be crossing the Tasman to its new home in the Waikato-Bay of Plenty area breaking the hoodoo of Australian domination. A fantastic game and a well deserved and hard earned win for the Magic!
Source: ONE Sport



Tobacco display ban comes into force

Cigarettes at the local dairy will no longer be in plain sight from tomorrow, as a ban on retail displays kicks in. New regulations, introduced under a law passed last year, will require all retailers to ensure tobacco products are hidden from view. Retailers will also be banned from referring to the sale of tobacco products in their trading names.
APNZ



TV reporter quits for Africa

When Kim Vinnell went to East Africa she had not planned on much. She hadn't planned on having her beliefs challenged or her world turned upside down. She also hadn't planned on falling in love. But two months after returning from Kenya, where she was reporting on a Kiwi aid worker, Vinnell is heading back - to help him. On Thursday the TVNZ reporter's piece about former rising musician turned champion of impoverished children Matt Holleman aired on 20/20. It ended with a short admission, that the experience had brought her closer to her interview subject. So much so that she was leaving her job at TVNZ and moving to Africa to be with him and work at a charity he has set up. It was the first time the 25-year-old had been to a Third World country. "It changed everything about what I thought about wealth and poverty," she said. "I realised how much it really is a lottery of life."
© Fairfax NZ News



Severe flu epidemic hits country

By Kieran Campbell and Celeste Gorrell Anstiss
New Zealand is facing an influenza epidemic that experts say is as big as swine flu and has already left about 12 people fighting for their lives. The H3N2 strain of the virus, which causes hallucinations and crippling nausea, is even striking healthy young people. About 60 flu-stricken people have been admitted to a special isolated ward in Christchurch Hospital, and now public health officials have warned that the virus is spreading north. Canterbury has been the worst hit so far by the "epidemic" of the H3N2 strain, which is expected to be as severe in New Zealand as the H1N1 swine flu that killed 49 people in 2009.
- APNZ / Herald on Sunday



Saturday, July 21

Rugby - Carter shines as Crusaders bring down the Bulls

The NZ Crusaders have won their Super Rugby playoff match, beating the South African Bulls 28-13 on Saturday night in Christchurch. Todd Blackadders' side scored only one try, to the Bulls' two, but won thanks to the golden boot of All Black Dan Carter. The first five-eight converted Zac Guildford's first-half try, struck six penalties and added a drop goal. They led 16-3 at half-time but the South African side fought back after the break with unconverted tries from Wynand Olivier and Dewald Potgieter. Despite this, the Crusaders never looked like losing at Christchurch Stadium against a team they have always beaten in New Zealand. They will now face either the Stormers in South Africa or the Chiefs in Hamilton next weekend for a place in the final.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Protesters swarm National Party conference

Hundreds of protesters swarmed the SkyCity Convention in Auckland this afternoon, in an attempt to interrupt the National Party annual conference. At least 70 officers were present at the conference, which included speeches from Prime Minister John Key, Finance Minister Bill English and Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce. Protesters marched from Britomart to SkyCity to campaign against cuts to student loans and allowances, as well as the proposed sale of State Owned Enterprises (SOE's). More protests are expected tomorrow, with Key expected to announce a development in regards to the part sales of SOE's. The conference is the National Party's first big gathering since the election six months ago.
Source: ONE News / Newstalk ZB



Extra tours this weekend in Chch

Red Bus is putting on extra bus tours of the red zone in Christchurch on today and tomorrow. The tours cost $15 and the bus does not stop on its 30 to 40 minute journey through the centre of the city devastated by the 6.3 earthquake in February 2011 in which 185 people died. The council-owned bus company said extra tours would run at 2pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday to cater for demand.
Source: NZN



African communities gather at Auckland meeting

Organisers of a forum bringing African communities in New Zealand together for the first time hope the event will give a stronger voice to migrants. More than 100 people from 54 different African communities are represented at the gathering in Auckland on Saturday. The Office of Ethnic Affairs says the meeting will tackle critical issues facing African immigrants and refugees living in New Zealand.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Influx of kiwi eggs forces centre expansion

By ANNA TURNER
The West Coast Wildlife Centre has had to expand for the sixth time in 18 months to meet an influx of kiwi eggs expected this breeding season. The centre, based in Franz Josef, is home to the official hatching and rearing programme for the world's two rarest kiwi - the rowi and Haast tokoeka. This season alone, the centre was expecting to hatch up to 50 rowi eggs and 25 Haast tokoeka eggs. The centre would complete a $120,000 fitout this month to meet the demand. The centre was developed in late 2010 as a public-private partnership between the Department of Conservation and (owner and director) Richard Benton at a cost of over $2.5 million. Visitors could go "behind the scenes" to see the kiwi hatching and rearing facilities, meet the team of kiwi rangers and see the world's rarest kiwi up close in the nocturnal house and bush walkway, Benton said.
© Fairfax NZ News



Friday, July 20

Two tourists in Niue hospital with dengue

Two tourists visiting Niue have been taken to hospital with dengue fever. More than 100 people, or about eight percent of the population, are believed to be suffering from the fever and visitors are being warned to use insect repellent during early morning and evening. Dengue, which does not often occur on Niue, has been afflicting the island since February. It was originally confined to a small area of Niue’s main village but has now spread y throughout the island. One local man recently died from a serious form of the virus.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International



Asset sales costing more than revealed - Greens

By Barry Soper - NewstalkZB
The Greens are laying a charge with Parliament's Speaker over what they allege is the Minister of Finance misleading Parliament over the true cost of partially privatising the four big energy companies. Bill English told Parliament the cost this year has been just over a $1 million - which is the cost of consultants. The Greens insist it's $7 million when the work Treasury's put in is taken into account. Green co-leader Russel Norman says Mr English has breached Parliamentary privilege and should now be held to account. "The public would be shocked to know that the Government's spending more than a $100 million in order to privatise these assets that the public don't even want privatised. I mean, we get nothing out of it, because we're no richer at the end of all of it." he said



Kiwi flag officially up at Olympic village

The New Zealand flag's officially up, and many of the athletes are in the Olympic Village in London - and they're buzzing with excitement. Kayaker Mike Dawson says the welcome was quite a spectacle, and singing the anthem made it all seem real. He says each country is starting to personalise their accommodation. Dawson says the New Zealand apartments have huge pictures of scenes from home lining the walls, which makes it feel very welcoming.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Over 2000 library books checked out for three-year-old

The mother of Porirua's most voracious young reader says children who are read to when they're young, pick up other life skills faster than their peers. Amanda Dickens' three-year-old son Cameron was Porirua Library's top borrower last year, checking out a staggering 2275 books. Mrs Dickens says while Cameron's not reading the books himself yet, he has an amazing vocabulary for his age. "I used to teach so the children that have been read to often pick up reading and a lot of other things more quickly so I'm hoping that transfers to him as well."
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



NZ migration gain highest in 16 months

The number of long-term migrants to New Zealand was at its highest level in 16 months in June. Statistics New Zealand figures show a seasonally adjusted net gain of 490 people for the month, the highest since February 2011. This follows a revised increase of 200 migrants in May. Most of the increase came from Britain, China and India.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Thursday, July 19

First part of welfare reforms passes into law

The first part of the Government's controversial welfare reforms has passed its third and final reading in Parliament. The reforms include tougher work tests for some benefits, and set up a new youth benefit for 16 and 17 year olds. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett told Parliament welfare dependency is no longer an option. The youth benefit changes come into effect next month, while the changes affecting single parents, widows and women alone will be implemented in October.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



6000+ boat people reach Australia to date this year

Immigration Department figures in Australia show more than 6000 asylum seekers have arrived by boat this year. More than 4000 people are in detention. Wickham Point facility at Darwin and the Christmas Island centre both hold more than 1000 asylum seekers. A boat carrying 25 people was stopped near Christmas Island last night - the eighth to be intercepted in the past six days.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



New Indonesian tariff on live cattle from Australia

Indonesia is imposing a new 5% tariff on some imports of live cattle from Australia. Exporters want the federal government to question if the tariff breaches the free trade agreement signed between Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asian countries. The Australian Livestock Exporters Council says exporters first heard about the new tariff last month, but it was confirmed during a visit to Indonesia last week. Chief executive Alison Penfold says it is not clear why the tariff is being introduced, but she thinks it is unlikely to be linked to a live export ban imposed last year after disclosures about cruelty in Indonesian abattoirs.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



1 million eligible for super in 15 years - Statistics NZ

By Dan Satherley
By the late 2020s there could be more than 1 million New Zealanders eligible for superannuation, under the current regime. According to new population projections from Statistics NZ, in 15 years, people aged 65 and over will outnumber children under 15. Currently there are 600,000 superannuitants, compared to 900,000 children. New Zealand's total population is projected to reach 5 million in the mid 2020s and 6 million in 2061, with a quarter of them aged 65 or over. New Zealand's current population is 4.4 million, with around 14 percent aged 65 or over. If no migration in or out of New Zealand, Statistics NZ says our population would reach a peak of 5.1 million in the 2050s, then start declining.
3News



Zoo on the hunt for elephant minder

By Nikki Preston
Franklin Zoo is advertising for a keeper to care for Mila the elephant for up to a year until a new home is secured for her in the US. The South Auckland zoo has advertised for an experienced elephant project manager to take up a one-year contract to look after the 39-year-old until $1.45 million is raised and she can be transported to the Performance Animal Welfare Society in California, a rehabilitation centre for former circus animals. The job is being advertised by Franklin Zoo and has been sent out internationally and to at least 80 members of the Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA) Australasia. The zoo is offering a competitive salary and relocation costs for someone with at least five years experience in managing elephants including moving them.



Thousands from India failing student visa bids

By Lincoln Tan
Immigration New Zealand has declined on average about 10 student visa applications from Indian nationals each day - mainly because they contain false or misleading information. In the past 12 months, more than half of the 7500 failed student applications have been from India. Immigration has declined 3453 applications from India and 1027 Chinese applications in the past 12 months. India is New Zealand's largest source of new international students, although China remains the single largest source country. Last week, the agency found 279 student applications lodged in Beijing contained fraudulent information after randomly checking 1800 applications.



NZ pie awards judging today

The country's pie makers have been advised to lift their game, ahead of today's judging in the Bakels Supreme Pie Awards. More than 4500 of the savoury treats will be put to the test for taste, construction, and aesthetics. One of the judges for the awards, Duncan Loney, says the standard and quality over the years has really ramped up. The winner of the coveted Supreme Pie-maker Trophy will be announced in Auckland on Tuesday.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Technology to reveal deepwater fish secrets

New technology's being used to help discover the secret lives of some of New Zealand's deepwater fish species. NIWA's employing the use of underwater cameras and time lapse photography to help gain an insight into the behaviour of orange roughy. Traditionally, fish numbers have been estimated by trawl surveys or acoustics, which can often disturb the habits of deepwater fish. Principal scientist Richard O'Driscoll says cameras were moored on two underwater hills on the north Chatham rise, east of New Zealand.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Tower cuts Australian investments in favour of NZ

One of the country's largest fund managers is cutting its investments in Australia and putting more money in New Zealand, saying it's a safer place to invest in the current environment. Tower Investments, which manages around $4 billion, says 55% of its funds are now invested in New Zealand equities, bonds and commercial property, its highest ever level. Chief executive Sam Stubbs says New Zealand has relatively low Government debt, declining but still high commodity prices, and KiwiSaver money which firms can use to develop and expand. He says the Australian economy is effectively a two speed economy, the mining sector is still going very well but the rest of the economy is struggling.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Wednesday, July 18

Gisborne land high on foreign shopping list

Gisborne is a destination of choice for foreign investment in New Zealand, with the highest percentage of total land area granted consent for sale through the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) over the past seven years. Overall 2.99 per cent of Gisborne's total land area, or 28,100 hectares, has been granted consent for sale to overseas buyers since 2005. Close behind Gisborne was Canterbury at 2.8 per cent, or 86,200 hectares.
- The Gisborne Herald



Australian woman paves the way for claimants against drug, Thalidomide

By Lesley Deverall - NewstalkZB
The lawyer for an Australian woman born without arms and legs because of thalidomide says her payout paves the way for New Zealanders also affected by the drug. Peter Gordon says he can't reveal details of Lynette Rowe's out of court settlement, but it's a multi million dollar amount sufficient to provide a good level of care for the rest of her life. Mr Gordon says the company, Diageo, is promising to give others the opportunity to put their cases through a fair and equitable process and negotiations will now begin on the remaining cases. Thalidomide was distributed in Australia and New Zealand around 1960 and 1961.



Alcohol underestimated as cause of cancer

An Australian expert on the influence of lifestyle factors on cancer says alcohol's role in causing cancer has been under-estimated. Professor Dallas English, of Melbourne University is to give a public address in Wellington on Wednesday evening on the latest evidence about lifestyle factors and cancer. Professor English says the link between alcohol consumption and cancer is under-estimated, including by cancer groups themselves. Dallas English says tobacco is the major avoidable risk factor for cancer, and being obese will also increase cancer risk.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Helen Clark 'shocked' by tobacco award

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has reacted with shock that a business award she gave was to India's top tobacco company. Clark, who is now head of the United Nations Development Agency, presented India's largest cigarette maker, ITC (formerly Indian Tobacco Company) with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's (WBCSD) highest prize for improving the environment and removing poverty. This drew an angry reaction from a leading Indian health advocate who termed it a travesty of justice. In a written statement, Clark wrote that she had "worked tirelessly throughout my career to achieve a smoke free society in New Zealand". "And was, thus, shocked to learn that a World Business Development Award, supported by UNDP, was given to a company which derives a substantial proportion of its profits from tobacco," she said.
Source: Fairfax



Parking signs bend and break under strippers' weight

By 3 News online staff
"Big, strong" prostitutes are breaking parking signs in Papatoetoe by using them as dancing poles. More than 40 have been bent or snapped in the last 18 months claims the Auckland Council, which wants new legislation banning street prostitution in residential, school and sports areas. Prostitutes use the poles to solicit customers, says Papatoetoe business district manager Donna Lee. "Some of the prostitutes are big, strong people," she told Fairfax. Signs can cost between $200 and $500 to replace, and $150 or more to repair.
3 News



New Zealand prepares for Bieber fever

Teen heart throb Justin Bieber is set to arrive in New Zealand today. The Canadian singer is to touch down in Auckland for a whirlwind three-day promotional tour for his latest album, Believe. The 18-year-old will only be performing one very exclusive showcase to an audience of 200 in Auckland on Thursday afternoon, the NZ Herald reported. The location and time of the concert is shrouded in secrecy to avoid a mob of fans showing up. Bieber has been in Australia to promote his album.
Source: ONE News



Dental tourism venture targets Australians

A dental tourism business in Auckland is seeking to bring Australians to New Zealand for dental care. DentalabroadNZ says a weakening New Zealand dollar and cheap airfares have helped make the venture viable. It has been set up by a dentist and a technician who makes dental implants like crowns and caps. Together, they hope to offer Australians a saving of 20% - 30% on the work they need done. They promise work done in Auckland will be of a higher standard than in other countries where dental tourism is popular, such as Thailand.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



NZ equestrian team at Olympic village

The New Zealand equestrian team is now at the athletes village in London to prepare for their Olympic programme. The squad contains two of New Zealand's most experienced Olympians, Mark Todd, 56, and Andrew Nicholson 50. Both are attending their seventh games. Often the equestrians stay away from the village closer to their venue, but this time they will be with the rest of the New Zealand team in London and Todd is looking forward to it. The eventing will be held in London at Greenwich Park and starts on 28 July. the first weekend of the Games.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Calls for overseas museums to return Pacific Island artefacts

Overseas museums are being called on to return all Pacific Island artefacts to enable the cultural economies of their countries of origin to grow. The call, from the head of the organising committee for the recently finished Festival of Pacific Arts, follows an inaugural Oceanic art sale earlier this year by the United States auction house Bonhams. A rare, centuries old Cook Islands akatara or pole club sold for more than 146 thousand dollars, almost 50 thousand dollars above its estimated sale price.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International



Tuesday, July 17

Research starts into what exercise is best for overweight Maori

Massey University School of Sport and Exercise has started research into what exercise is best to help Maori men reduce their risk of diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses. Dr Isaac Warbrick, who is leading the study, says men over the age of 25 who are inactive and overweight but outwardly healthy will undergo a 12 week workout. He says participants are split into three groups: one doing resistance exercise or weight training, another cardio exercise - swimming, running, cycling - and the third group a mixture of both. He wants to evaluate how enjoyable Maori men find exercise and what effect it has on their mental well-being and the relationship with their family.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



New era for Labour Party looks set

A new era for the Labour Party is set to be ushered in, with caucus today discussing plans for an overhaul of the way the leader is elected. The model is likely to be similar to that of overseas centre-left parties and see voting on the leader and policies split between MPs, factions such as unions and the members. David Shearer says the aim is to make Labour more democratic. "In terms of giving members a real say in the leadership, in the people that are being selected as candidates, we're trying to open up the policy process so that people who join the Labour Party can have a real say in policy."
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



China tipped to be NZ's biggest frozen sheepmeat market

If current trends continue, China will supercede Britain this year as New Zealand's biggest market for frozen sheepmeat. China has the world's largest sheep flock, but numbers are declining, making it more dependent on imports. The rising middle class there is also increasing the demand for more valuable lamb cuts.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Rugby - Kirwan new head coach of the Blues

Sir John Kirwan is the new head coach of the Blues Super Rugby side. He takes over from Pat Lam who was in charge for the last four years. Kirwan, 47, has signed a two-year contract. He played for Auckland and in 63 Tests for the All Blacks before embarking on an international coaching career in Italy and Japan.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



All workers freed from Waihi gold mine

Rescue teams have freed all 28 miners trapped underground in a Waihi gold mine following a truck engine fire earlier this morning. A spokesperson from the mine confirmed the remaining 15 staff stuck had been rescued, after the first rescue effort freed 13 staff members. The staff are unharmed and in good spirits after being trapped for seven hours. The fire broke out in a truck engine at Newmont Waihi Gold's Trio underground mine around 5am this morning.
Source: ONE News



Time running out for Telecom network

Customers on Telecom's old CDMA mobile network have less than two weeks to move onto the company's XT network. The CDMA network is being switched off at the end of the month.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Pirates add to cost of fertiliser

New Zealand farmers are paying a pirate fee for imported urea fertiliser to ensure it arrives here safely. Ravensdown Fertiliser imports about 340,000 tonnes of the nitrogen fertiliser per year from Saudi Arabia. Supply general manager Shane Harold says that along with everyone else shipping goods from the Middle East, it is having to pay for security measures to protect ships from pirates who infest the Persian Gulf. He says with a 30,000 tonne ship, extra security will add around 50 cents per tonne to the cost.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Flu treatment trial

The Medical Research Institute is holding trials to test whether paracetamol helps to fight the flu, or prolong it. Eighty volunteers with early influenza symptoms will be treated with either paracetamol or a placebo. The trials are to test whether treating flu with a medicine which reduces fever, such as paracetamol, makes the illness worse, by prolonging the survival of viruses in the body. Preliminary results are expected by the end of the year.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Monday, July 16

Netball - Magic stun Mystics in extra-time thriller

A stunning reversal of fortunes has seen the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic claim a dramatic 57-48 extra-time ANZ Championship preliminary final win over the Northern Mystics. The home side looked to be headed for Melbourne when they held a 43-41 lead with two minutes remaining in the final quarter of normal time before the Magic roared back to life. Leana de Bruin came up with a crucial intercept that gave the Magic possession before the inspirational Irene van Dyk levelled the scores to send the match into extra-time. From that point on there was no stopping the visitors who stunned the Mystics with 13 goals to four in the two periods of over-time to claim an emphatic victory. The win marks the Magic's eleventh win on the trot as their fairytale finish to the season continues with the Big Dance still to come against the Vixens in Melbourne next Sunday.
Source: ONE Sport



Dalai Lama to visit NZ next year

The Dalai Lama will visit New Zealand for three days in June next year. His visit will include public talks in Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Hawaiian Airlines to start NZ flights

Hawaiian Airlines will start flying to Auckland three times per week from next March, the only US airline flying to New Zealand. The airline says it will give New Zealand travellers links to 11 cities in mainland USA as well as to other Hawaiian Islands. It says the service will also boost US tourists to New Zealand, particularly after the release of The Hobbit movie. Tourism New Zealand says adding 40,000 seats per year between Auckland and Hawaii offers big opportunities for New Zealand tourism.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Immigration wave expected for Chch rebuild

Christchurch's rebuild is expected to result in the country's third major immigration wave. Estimates vary but it's thought up to 40,000 workers will be required for the rebuild, a quarter of them coming from overseas. Massey University sociologist Professor Paul Spoonley says they're likely to come from the UK, Ireland, Canada, South America, India and Asia. He says this will be a major change to the country's demographic and cultural diversity.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Final day to submit on folic acid in bread

You have until today to have your say on whether our bread should be mandatory fortified with folic acid. A discussion paper has been released by the Ministry of Primary Industries that outlines four options for discussion, ranging from mandatory fortification of most breads from September 30 this year, to carrying on with voluntary fortification. Doctors and parents of children with spina bifida have been calling for mandatory fortification. The submissions will be analysed by the ministry, then handed to the Food Safety minister so a decision can be made.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Big chocolate company in trouble

Australian chocolate manufacturer and retailer Darrell Lea has gone into voluntary administration with 700 jobs at risk. With 69 company-owned and franchised stores, Darrell Lea is known in Australia and New Zealand for sweet treats like rocky road and nougat logs. But Radio New Zealand's Sydney correspondent says the 85-year-old family-owned business has been hit by a combination of financial difficulties and a search is now on for a buyer. According to one view, Darrell Lea is another victim of cheap imports due to the strong dollar. According to another, it failed to keep up with the times.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Two-speed Australian economy hitting jobs

The labour market in Australia is starting to go off the boil as mass layoffs in industries outside mining expose the two-speed nature of the economy. The June jobs report shows unemployment fell last month in Western Australia and Queensland, which are rich in resources. But it went up in the financial and manufacturing strongholds of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Overall, the number of people in work fell by 27,000 last month and unemployment ticked up to 5.2%from 5.1%. Radio New Zealand's Sydney correspondent says that's still low by world standards, but it shows some of the sparkle is coming off the Aussie economy. A number of industries have been laying off workers, most notably in manufacturing, retailing, transport and tourism - as the impact of the strong dollar and softer consumer demand hits home.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Employers complain of skills shortage

Research suggests job seekers in Auckland don't have the skills that employers want. The Committee for Auckland surveyed more than 50 businesses and found numerous skill shortages, including in engineering, information technology, food science and sales and marketing. It cites a range of factors, including school leavers who don't know what skills the workforce requires, and immigrants with good skills, but no relevant New Zealand experience. The study also found that all of the businesses which took part were concerned at a lack of social skills displayed by jobseekers, such as self-discipline, conscientiousness and ability to co-operate.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Another Pacific airfare scam

Police in Counties Manukau investigating the sale of fake airline tickets to Tongans in Waikato and Auckland, have uncovered a similar scam targetting Fijians. They have been contacted by about 30 people who paid cheap airfares to Fiji for seats that did not exist. Sergeant Reon Blake says the Fijian scam appears to be the work of different culprits from the one involving Tongan people who paid $200 - $300 each to fly to a school reunion, but never got the tickets.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



Sunday, July 15

Miracle fruit baffles scientists

Scientists are baffled by a natural protein which makes sour foods like lemon taste like sweet lemonade. The "miracle fruit" or Miraculin comes from a West African berry and is now available in tablet form in New Zealand. Professor Laurie Melton, Director of Food Science University of Auckland says of Miraculin, "People don't really know what's going on. It's an exciting and challenging area. "I suspect it's really blocking the acid taste so the sweet taste is enhanced because the acid taste has disappeared," he said. However, the effects of the berry only last up to an hour. Also, the protein is not heat stable, which means its properties will cease to work if it cooked or added to hot food. The New Zealand importers of Miraculin say it could have real benefits for diabetics or weight watchers who are looking for a sweet treat without the sugar.
Source: ONE News



Reserve Bank sees benefits in shared currency

The Reserve Bank says a shared currency for New Zealand and Australia could boost efficiency and stimulate trade and investment between the two countries. The comments are in a submission to the productivity commissions of both countries, as part of an inquiry into strengthening trans-Tasman economic relations. In its submission, the Reserve Bank says a single currency may produce efficiency gains such as reduced exchange rate uncertainty and currency conversion costs.
Copyright © 2012 Radio New Zealand



Prominent businessman dies aged 77

By Natasha Burling - NewstalkZB
A prominent New Zealand businessman has died. Graeme Lowe passed away peacefully this afternoon at his Havelock North home in Hawke's Bay after a 15-year battle with Parkinson's disease. He was surrounded by his wife Jenny, his son Andy, daughters Sarah and Kate and other close family. He was 77. Graeme Lowe was a pioneer in the modern meat industry and led the Lowe Corporation from its inception in 1964. He was awarded the Queen's Service medal in 1989 and was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003. Mr Lowe was a philanthropist and a strong supporter of sport.



Group visiting Samoa may have dengue fever

A number of young people from an Auckland youth group visiting Samoa are believed to have come down with dengue fever. Malaeola is the largest group at this week's Catholic youth celebration. Talamua Online reports 10 of them are under the care of a local doctor after falling ill with what's suspected to be dengue fever. A member of the group says most of the patients complained of diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and numbness after the second day of the Youth Camp at the Catholic Church Pastoral Centre at Leauva'a.
Copyright 2002 - 2012, TelstraClear Ltd



Parents deny daughter life-saving transplant

An Auckland girl suffering a rare kidney disease has been put into the guardianship of the High Court because her Jehovah's Witness parents will not consent to her receiving a life-saving kidney and liver transplant. The 2-year-old girl, whose name and identifying details are suppressed, has had her kidneys removed and is being kept alive by dialysis. Because of her precarious health, she is at risk of infection and doctors believed she needed to have an urgent kidney and liver transplant or she would die from infection. Jehovah's Witnesses allow transplants but the faith is strict in rejecting the inevitable blood transfusions that would accompany such an operation. They believe blood that leaves the body must be disposed of and not consumed or transfused. The Auckland District Health Board went to the High Court last month and sought urgent orders placing the girl under the care of the court. A team of doctors including renal, blood, liver and gastroenterology specialists care for the girl.
Source: Fairfax



Bieber lands in Melbourne for whirlwind tour

`Bieber fever' is set to return to Australia with the 18-year-old pop singer arriving in Melbourne today. Justin Bieber will be in Australia for three days to promote his new album Believe. Security is on lockdown with Bieber's record label Universal offering few details about the trip, which will include appearances on Australia's Got Talent, Sunrise and Channel [V].
Source: AAP



Sparrow remains top garden bird

The house sparrow is still the most commonly spotted bird in New Zealand gardens according to initial results from an annual survey. The Garden Bird Survey aims to record and highlight any major population shifts in native and introduced birds. In the preliminary results, an average of just over 12 house sparrows were spotted in gardens during the week - only slightly lower than last year's figure. The silvereye was the second most seen bird, with nearly 10 per garden, a significant increase on 2011 possibly due to early winter weather forcing them out of the forest and into gardens in search of food. The remainder of the top ten are blackbird, starling, tui, common myna, chaffinch, fantail, greenfinch, and dunnock.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand



West Coast town cut off by flooding

Road access to the South Island town of Westport has been cut by severe flooding. The Buller River is close to breaching its banks and police say further rain may lead to significant flooding in and around the West Coast town. Flooding has closed SH6 and SH67 around Westport. Flooding is also affecting roads in the Nelson area, closing SH6 between Renwick and Havelock, and, further west, at Murchison.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand


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