New Zealand

• 
  nzherald.co.nz - National

• Boy, 8, seriously hurt

  22 Nov 2009 | 11:00 am

  Members of a South Auckland family were last night keeping a bedside vigil at Middlemore Hospital after their 8-year-old son was hit by a car outside his Massey Rd home in Mangere. Manu Langi Jnr was rushed to hospital in a critical...

• Mucky weather ahead

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:00 am

  Humid temperatures and showers will make for mucky weather in most parts of the country this week. MetService weather forecaster Gerard Barrow said the main city centres, including Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, would...

• Money exchange robbed

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:00 am

  A high-profile money exchange outlet on one of Auckland's busiest streets was robbed during daylight yesterday. Police were reluctant to reveal how much the two robbers got away with but said it was "a large sum of cash". The...

• Ratings point to DHBs' deficiencies

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Hospital emergency departments in much of Auckland are performing below par on newly issued national rankings of district health boards.All seven district health boards from Taupo north scored well on access to cancer radiation...

• Stranger's king-hit kills iwi's anointed leader

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  A Bay of Plenty regional councillor and school principal killed outside a Whakatane pub early yesterday is believed to have been king-hit by a stranger.Hawea Vercoe, 36, of nearby Rotoiti, was in Whakatane with his children to...

• 
  Stuff.co.nz - Stuff

• Fire breaks out on Auckland train

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  Trains into Auckland city were brought to a halt soon after daylight today when a fire broke out in a commuter carriage.

• Murder charge after punch fells principal

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:36 am

  A young man is to appear in court today, charged with the murder of a Bay of Plenty principal who was attacked outside a bar yesterday morning.

• Wellington paintball drive-by shootings investigated

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:28 am

  Wellington police are investigating three drive-by shooting incidents where people have been shot at with a paintball gun.

• Australian Idol winner has Kiwi roots

  22 Nov 2009 | 3:26 am

  Soul singer Stan Walker has triumphed over rock chick Hayley Warner to be crowned the seventh Australian Idol.

• MP to face probe over invitation

  22 Nov 2009 | 3:07 am

  Government list MP Paul Quinn is being investigated by the State Services Commission after issuing a seminar invitation in conjunction with Work and Income.

• 
  nzherald.co.nz - Business

• Tax reform needed to jump-start economy

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Far-reaching reform of the tax system and a much tougher approach to Government spending than the Budget foreshadowed will be necessary if New Zealand is to narrow the income gap with Australia and other developed countries, the Treasury...

• 'Family' wine act making bigger splash

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  With 643 wineries in the country it's hard to get yourself noticed as an individual winemaker.It's even harder to make your mark internationally when New Zealand is but a blip on the world wine stage.Banding together into...

• Push on for big Christmas spend-up

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Retailers will push sales this Christmas in the hope of persuading shoppers to spend at least $250 million more than during last year's festive season.New Zealand Retailers Association chief executive John Albertson said competition...

• Fishers fear expansion of marine farms

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Plans to prise open harbours for new fish and shellfish farms have fishermen worried they and other recreational water users may be shut out of their favourite bays.Marine farmers have welcomed moves by the Government to end what...

• Rivals hit out at Telecom IT separation waiver

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Telecom has an extra nine months to sort out key IT systems after Communications and IT Minister Steven Joyce granted it a waiver to its operational separation undertakings.It is the second such waiver and some of the company's...

• 
  nzherald.co.nz - Technology

• Software can predict patient numbers

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Christchurch technology company Emendo can tell public hospitals how many patients will come through the doors this weekend.Emendo uses a range of mathematical algorithms to predict patient numbers days in advance, allowing hospitals...

• Rivals hit out at Telecom IT separation waiver

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Telecom has an extra nine months to sort out key IT systems after Communications and IT Minister Steven Joyce granted it a waiver to its operational separation undertakings.It is the second such waiver and some of the company's...

• Leaked data stirs climate row

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  LONDON - Computer hackers have broken into a server at a well-respected climate change research centre in Britain and posted hundreds of private emails and documents online.The University of East Anglia, in eastern England, said...

• Debbie Mayo-Smith: Join the smartphone cult and you won't look back

  22 Nov 2009 | 7:55 am

  Owning a smartphone is like your first taste of sushi - it takes a while to try, but afterwards, you wonder how you lived without it. Is it a coincidence that, while I sat at a café writing this article, four out of five people had...

• Anthony Doesburg: Power-hungry pair try ganging

  22 Nov 2009 | 7:55 am

  The two big web search announcements of the year were the launch of WolframAlpha by Wolfram Research in mid-May and Microsoft's Bing a couple of weeks later.Last week the two - which, like every other search technology, live in...

• 
  nzherald.co.nz - Sport

• Swimming: Jack breaks record

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:45 am

  West Auckland swimmer Michael Jack broke a New Zealand record on the opening night of finals at the World Cup in Singapore on Saturday. Jack, a specialist 200m freestyler, showed good speed to establish the new mark in the final...

• Racing: Sister beats Brad

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:45 am

  Top jockey Brad Rawiller isn't one to settle for second best but he couldn't have been happier for his sister Stacey who beat him to win her first city race at Sandown on Roof Raiser. The Rawillers provided the quinella in Saturday's...

• Golf: Gill moves up

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:45 am

  New Zealand professional James Gill found the windy conditions to his liking as he shot a two under 70 to move up the leaderboard after the second round of stage two of the European Tour qualifying school at Sherry Golf Jerez in Spain...

• Racing: Speed Gifted back soon

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:45 am

  Group one AJC The Metropolitan winner Speed Gifted will be put back into work early next month after pulling up with sore feet after the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley where he finished 12th to So You Think."He was quite sore...

• Racing: Sniper's Bullet hits target

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:45 am

  Six-year-old Sniper's Bullet won his first race since the Stradbroke Handicap in 2007 when he won the A$1 million Railway Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.In so doing the 6-year-old Bite The Bullet gelding took his prizemoney past...

• 
  nzherald.co.nz - Environment

• Getting smart to cut farm emissions

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Farm scientists at a new multi-million-dollar research facility believe they can cut the carbon footprint of milk by 20 per cent - even without using the latest emerging technologies.Estimates show a model farm in the Waikato...

• Fishers fear expansion of marine farms

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Plans to prise open harbours for new fish and shellfish farms have fishermen worried they and other recreational water users may be shut out of their favourite bays.Marine farmers have welcomed moves by the Government to end what...

• Leaked data stirs climate row

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  LONDON - Computer hackers have broken into a server at a well-respected climate change research centre in Britain and posted hundreds of private emails and documents online.The University of East Anglia, in eastern England, said...

• Water bottles are out, bikes in

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  COPENHAGEN - A giant wind turbine will whirr away outside the conference centre, powering the lights for the delegates holed up inside.Top-level negotiators will get around on bicycles and television stations will have to adapt...

• $50m deal buys Maori vote on emissions

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  The Maori Party is expected to give the final go-ahead to the Emissions Trading Scheme today - with the price of its support expected to include a $50 million forestry deal for five iwi.A press conference is scheduled today for...

• 
  nzherald.co.nz - Entertainment

• Jackson glove costs fan $579,000

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  The white glove Michael Jackson wore when he premiered his trademark moonwalk dance in 1983 was auctioned off for US$350,000 - plus tax - yesterday. Winning bidder Hoffman Ma of Hong Kong, a Jackson fan, will pay US$420,000 ($579,000),...

• TV Review: Better Off Ted

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  If campaigner Michael Moore, scourge of Big Business and its cronies, were to make a sitcom, it might look pretty much like C4's new offering Better Off Ted.As Moore has pointed out, humour and ridicule are powerful weapons to...

• Glen Campbell cancels Wellington show

  21 Nov 2009 | 6:31 pm

  American country singer Glen Campbell has cancelled his Wellington show tonight after falling ill with laryngitis.Ticketek was refunding all tickets sold to the Rhinestone Cowboy singer's last show scheduled for the Michael Fowler...

• Rihanna: Size does matter

  21 Nov 2009 | 4:24 pm

  Rihanna has revealed she is on the hunt for a new man ? but he has to have a big "toy" and it has to be fun.The 'Umbrella' singer ? who has been single since Chris Brown assaulted her in February ? is ready to...

• NZ still a star for Hollywood

  21 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  New Zealand's film industry is on a roll, despite fears the rising dollar may put off Hollywood producers.A string of big-budget movies are being filmed or planned, including Peter Jackson's next three projects and a big-screen...

• 
  nzherald.co.nz - Travel

• Sampling fruit leather in the Iranian mountains

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:24 pm

  Iran's capital city Tehran doesn't always get a good press. In fact, trying to produce good PR for this huge sprawling metropolis must be a nightmare. For most Westerners Tehran conjures up images of protests, political unrest and...

• Kiwi at home: Introducing The Big Domestic Experience

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:37 pm

  The moment of arrival in a new country is always full of jumbled thoughts and mixed emotions. Immediate practical concerns such as filling in landing cards and finding a taxi mix with long-held mental images and expectations of the...

• Cycling trip of a lifetime

  18 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  When Belgian-born Wouter Van Wezemael learned his partner was pregnant, he assumed his dream holiday was off.The building manager had dreamed of cycling the length of New Zealand ever since he was a child, but he could not imagine...

• Los Angeles: Marlowe's mean streets, by bus

  17 Nov 2009 | 8:00 pm

  The thought hit as the bus pulled up: "I needed a drink, I needed a lot of life insurance, I needed a vacation, I needed a home in the country. What I had was a coat, a hat and a gun."Actually, what I really had was a notebook,...

• Northern Territory: The big somewhere

  17 Nov 2009 | 1:00 pm

  The very edge of the earth seemed on fire. Above a blank, black landscape and below a gently bluing night sky, the horizon burned, moving slowly from raw sienna to orange blush.In the fading dark, we sat quietly among the rocks...

• 
  Scoop NZ - Business

• Martinborough Pinot Noir Champion Wine Of Show

  21 Nov 2009 | 3:31 pm

  Martinborough Pinot Noir Awarded Champion Wine Of Show At 2009 Air New Zealand Wine Awards

• MTF reports full year profit of $8.8 million

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:09 pm

  Profit after tax recorded in these accounts is $8.8 million (last year: $3.7 million).

• MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares fall; Wrightson dips

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:15 pm

  Nov. 20 (BusinessWire) – New Zealand shares fell, with rural services group PGG Wrightson declining after announcing its capital-raising plans, as investors prepare for revival in initial public offerings and share sales. Carpet maker Cavalier Corp. ...

• Career Services CE takes role w career devlpt org

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:27 pm

  Career Services New Zealand Chief Executive, Lester Oakes, is to head the global career development body, the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG). Current IAEVG President, Prof. Bryan Hiebert announced the handover ...

• Super city boundaries a difficult task done well

  19 Nov 2009 | 7:39 pm

  The Local Government Commission has done a difficult task very well for Auckland's future ward and local board boundaries, the Employers and Manufacturers Association (Northern) says "Twelve wards and nineteen Local Boards is close to what we recommended ...

• 
  News

• Scully leaps into contention for Games

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:31 am

  Scully rockets into Commonwealth Games contention after winning two gold medals at the World Cup meet in Melbourne

• Train in flames outside prison

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:21 am

  Passengers on train evacuated after fire broke out while it was travelling past Mt Eden Prison in Auck; Boston Rd closed, delays expected

• Teen successfully fights deportation

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:11 am

  Melbourne describing NZ-born teen whose violent behaviour has seen him jailed, as "our resident evil" as he manages to fight deportation

• Changes to French squad to play All Blacks

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:01 am

  The French have recalled Ouedraogo and Mermoz to the 23 man squad for this weekend's clash with the All Blacks

• Paint ball gun shooter sought in Wellington

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:31 am

  Police urging any further victims shot by air paint ball gun fired from a vehicle in Wadestown, Wellington to come forward

• 
  Idealog magazine & blogs

• Clever Kiwi

  Esther Goh

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:09 pm

  In this week's issue: Clever Kiwi, advancing advertising, words from the wise, labour of love, virtual wanderings, through the looking glass, bucking the trend, Google's armies, Pac Man in 3D, free for all and the quote of the week. (‘Clever Kiwi’ was published in Idealog Weekly at 12:09pm on November 20, 2009.)

• Night vision

  Stephen Jewell

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:42 pm

  When Bruce Ferguson took his big-splash events business to the UK, he arrived alongside a less welcome visitor: the recession. A year later, the recession is still there—but so is Ferguson, and he’s finding a ready audience for his outrageous stunts and extravaganzas. By Stephen Jewell (‘Night vision’ was published in Idealog magazine at 11:42am on November 20, 2009. It originally appeared in Idealog #24 on page 54.)

• A less virtual world

  Kris Herbert

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:52 pm

  Online maps are low-res, low-impact and usually low-rent. But a Christchurch company has mapped the city in high-res—including some local interiors. (‘A less virtual world’ was published in Idealog magazine at 12:52pm on November 19, 2009. It originally appeared in Idealog #24 on page 21.)

• Wiggs’ way

  Lance Wiggs

  17 Nov 2009 | 4:37 pm

  Lance Wiggs helps with your tricky business problems. (‘Wiggs’ way’ was published in Idealog magazine at 01:37pm on November 18, 2009. It originally appeared in Idealog #24 on page 14.)

• The Complex of All of These

  Su Yin Khoo

  17 Nov 2009 | 12:18 pm

  2 months, 3,000 photographs, 35 books handcrafted with love. (‘The Complex of All of These’ was published in Idealog blog at 09:18am on November 18, 2009.)

• 
  Newstalk ZB News - Latest

• Train in flames outside prison

  22 Nov 2009 | 11:16 am

  Passengers on train evacuated after fire broke out while it was travelling past Mt Eden Prison in Auck; Boston Rd closed, delays expected

• Train in flames outside prison

  22 Nov 2009 | 11:16 am

  Passengers on train evacuated after fire broke out while it was travelling past Mt Eden Prison in Auck; Boston Rd closed, delays expected

• Teen successfully fights deportation

  22 Nov 2009 | 11:04 am

  Melbourne describing NZ-born teen whose violent behaviour has seen him jailed, as "our resident evil" as he manages to fight deportation

• Fans plan to fight for a refund

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:36 am

  Rotorua concertgoer will fight for a refund after Glen Campbells Rotorua show ended early because the singer suffering from laryngitis

• Kiwi wins Australian Idol

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:36 am

  New Zealander Stan Walker wins Australian Idol and will be signed to Sony to release his own single, Black Box

• 
  Stuff.co.nz - Stuff

• Fire breaks out on Auckland train

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  Trains into Auckland city were brought to a halt soon after daylight today when a fire broke out in a commuter carriage.

• Murder charge after punch fells principal

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:36 am

  A young man is to appear in court today, charged with the murder of a Bay of Plenty principal who was attacked outside a bar yesterday morning.

• Wellington paintball drive-by shootings investigated

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:28 am

  Wellington police are investigating three drive-by shooting incidents where people have been shot at with a paintball gun.

• Australian Idol winner has Kiwi roots

  22 Nov 2009 | 3:26 am

  Soul singer Stan Walker has triumphed over rock chick Hayley Warner to be crowned the seventh Australian Idol.

• MP to face probe over invitation

  22 Nov 2009 | 3:07 am

  Government list MP Paul Quinn is being investigated by the State Services Commission after issuing a seminar invitation in conjunction with Work and Income.

• 
  Stuff.co.nz - News

• Still waiting for a buyer for Odeon Theatre

  22 Nov 2009 | 1:55 am

  "We are trying to find someone that will bring the old lady back to life."

• Doubt cast on 'designer vagina' surgery

  22 Nov 2009 | 1:55 am

  A Christchurch surgeon has seen a big increase in women wanting "designer vaginas", surgery that British researchers suggest may be unsafe.

• Motorcyclist killed in head-on collision with car

  22 Nov 2009 | 1:55 am

  A 40-year-old Christchurch motorcyclist killed in a crash on the Kaikoura coast was the only weekend fatality on the roads.

• 'It doesn't get any better than this'

  22 Nov 2009 | 1:55 am

  A shredded sail and broken steering in nine-metre swells and 55-knot gusts have not scuppered a bid by the first Indian to sail solo around the world.

• Young whiz sees the light

  22 Nov 2009 | 1:55 am

  Young inventor Logan Glasson has big plans for his hi-tech creation.

• 
  Radio New Zealand News Headlines

• Estimated $28b to maintain NZ water system

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:13 am

  A $28 billion price tag has been put on maintaining New Zealand's water supply and waste water disposal.

• Murder charge laid after councillor's body found

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:12 am

  A 22-year-old man is due to appear in the Whakatane District Court this morning charged with the murder of a well-known Rotorua man.

• Retailers buoyant ahead of Christmas

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:09 am

  New Zealand retailers who have weathered the worst of the recession say sales are beginning to pick up and believe Christmas will be the turning point.

• No threat to freedom of expression - Fiji broadcaster

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:59 am

  One of Fiji's main commercial broadcasters says government changes to broadcasting rules do not present a threat to freedom of expression in the Pacific nation.

• NZ cricketers admit serious misconduct

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:57 am

  The New Zealand cricketers Neil Broom and Aaron Redmond have admitted they were involved in an incident in India recently that resulted in them being charged with serious misconduct by New Zealand Cricket.

• 
  Latest content updates

• Clinicians' tsunami response ‘a source of pride'

  beehive.govt.nz

  19 Nov 2009 | 11:10 pm

  Georgina te Heuheu | Pacific Island AffairsClinicians who responded to a call for volunteers to go to Samoa to help the tsunami response were honoured at a dinner attended by Pacific Island Affairs Minister Georgina te Heuheu in Auckland tonig...Read More

• EU export subsidy removal helps global dairy markets

  beehive.govt.nz

  19 Nov 2009 | 11:08 pm

  Tim Groser | TradeTrade Minister Tim Groser today welcomed news that the European Union (EU) has removed all remaining export subsidies for dairy products. Mr Groser says this is a very positive development and is in ...Read More

• Minister welcomes new Weta Workshop exhibition

  beehive.govt.nz

  19 Nov 2009 | 7:41 pm

  Christopher Finlayson | Arts, Culture and HeritageArts, Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson spoke today at the announcement of a major original exhibition by Weta Workshop which will tour China later this year. "As Minister for Arts, ...Read More

• Flexible funding for insulation scheme

  beehive.govt.nz

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:30 pm

  Gerry Brownlee | Energy and ResourcesThe government is making a key change to improve the delivery of its Warm Up New Zealand Heat Smart home insulation scheme. The change sees the fund become a multi-year appropriation allowing flexibil...Read More

• Minister welcomes changes to Bill

  beehive.govt.nz

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:24 pm

  Anne Tolley | Tertiary EducationTertiary Education Minister Anne Tolley has welcomed the changes to the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill made through the Select Committee process. "The Select Committee has proposed that each...Read More

• 
  Top Stories - Yahoo!Xtra News

• Staff safety paramount says minister (Newstalk ZB)

  22 Nov 2009 | 12:27 pm

  The Corrections Minister acknowledges that denying prisoners the use of a prosthetic limb may raise human rights issues, but says staff safety is a major issue.

• Train in flames outside prison (Newstalk ZB)

  22 Nov 2009 | 12:13 pm

  A train is on fire outside Mt Eden Prison in Auckland.

• Skull found on beach had fillings - local (NZPA)

  22 Nov 2009 | 12:03 pm

  A human skull found on a Northland beach last week appears to have dental fillings in its teeth, along with hair and gristle still attached, a local says.

• Teen successfully fights deportation (Newstalk ZB)

  22 Nov 2009 | 12:03 pm

  A New Zealand-born teenage thug in Melbourne is being described as "our resident evil" after managing to get a deportation order overturned.

• Rabbit hunt nets 3000 bunnies (NZPA)

  22 Nov 2009 | 12:01 pm

  A Wanaka rabbit hunt bagged nearly 3000 rabbits over the weekend.

• 
  Top Stories - Google News

• Healthcare reform faces challenges in US Senate - Reuters

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:23 am

  Globe and MailHealthcare reform faces challenges in US SenateReutersWASHINGTON, Nov 22 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's US healthcare overhaul plan has cleared an important Senate hurdle but lawmakers warned on Sunday of challenges ahead in winning support for passage, even among Obama's own Centrist senators say healthcare bill needs major changesLos Angeles TimesSenate votes to begin full debate on US healthcare reformsguardian.co.ukDemocrats: Health care bill saves money and jobsThe Associated PressUSA Today -New Zealand Herald -Voice of Americaall 8,175 news…

• Murder charge laid after councillor's body found - Radio New Zealand

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:22 am

  New Zealand HeraldMurder charge laid after councillor's body foundRadio New ZealandA 22-year-old man is due to appear in the Whakatane District Court this morning charged with the murder of a well-known Rotorua man. Hawea Vercoe, 36, died outside the Quart Bar on Whakatane's main street about 2.30am on Sunday. Stranger's king-hit kills iwi's anointed leaderNew Zealand HeraldTributes flow for Bay of Plenty principal3NewsMurder charge over Vercoe deathNewstalk ZBStuff.co.nz -TVNZ -Newstalk ZBall 34 news articles »

• Motorcyclist killed in head-on collision with car - The Press

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:51 am

  Motorcyclist killed in head-on collision with carThe PressA 40-year-old Christchurch motorcyclist killed in a crash on the Kaikoura coast was the only weekend fatality on the roads. The man died after his motorcycle and a car collided head-on about 7.40pm on Saturday on State Highway 1, near Goose Bay, Motorcyclist killed in SH1 collisionStuff.co.nzOne person dead in Kaikoura crashTVNZPerson killed in smashNewstalk ZBVoxy -New Zealand Police (press release) -Stuff.co.nzall 22 news articles »

• Australia stuck with Kiwi thug - TVNZ

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:43 am

  Australia stuck with Kiwi thugTVNZA New Zealand-born teenage thug is being described as "our resident evil" in Melbourne after he managed to get a deportation order overturned. After being found guilty of 66 offences earlier this year the Australian Minister of Immigration ordered him Kiwi criminal allowed to remainStuff.co.nzArmed robber must be deportedHerald Sunall 13 news articles »

• Smith denies Maori deal to cost $2b - Stuff.co.nz

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  New Zealand HeraldSmith denies Maori deal to cost $2bStuff.co.nzThe Government is set to announce a deal with the Maori Party over its emissions trading scheme in return for a package worth millions of dollars to iwi. It is understood negotiations with a group representing Maori $50m deal buys Maori vote on emissionsNew Zealand HeraldEditorial: Ngai Tahu figures are debatableThe Dominion PostNo deal yet on Emissions Trading SchemeStuff.co.nzStuff.co.nzall 14 news articles »

• 
  The Rates Blog

• Special report: Why NZ needs a bipartisan grand coalition for economic reform, not tweaks to the RBNZ Act

  Bernard Hickey

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:26 pm

  Watch video on YouTube here. Watch video on our video page here. Bernard Hickey delivers a special report on Labour’s decision to abandon 20 years of political consensus on monetary policy and start a debate on other ways to manage interest rates, exchange rates and the economy. Labour leader Phil Goff isn’t suggesting any hard solutions yet but Prime Minister John Key has already brushed aside the attempt to have a debate about monetary policy, saying Labour just wants higher taxes. But there should be a debate as the current setup doesn’t appear to be working for exporters…

• Opinion: Why the US must raise interest rates, now

  bennettNeville

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pm

  By Neville Bennett US real interest rates are negative. In effect, the Fed is giving away money. Every financial institution in the world of any magnitude is borrowing US$ and investing it for positive yields or opportunities elsewhere. This massive carry trade is feeding arbitrage and asset-buying sprees and bubbles in everything from gold, the shares, Hong Kong penthouses, and even fine wine. The APEC leaders rightly warned about the dangers of the carry trade, but did not discuss the remedy—raising US interest rates. Obviously the US administration is prioritizing domestic recovery, but…

• Top 10 at 10: Brazil-style capital controls?; ‘US more duck than phoenix’; Congressional mood turning ugly; Dilbert

  Bernard Hickey

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:44 pm

  Here are my Top 10 links from around the Internet at 10am. I welcome your additions and comments below or please email your suggestions for Monday’s Top 10 at 10 to bernard.hickey@interest.co.nz We never mention anyone’s ears at interest.co.nz, although we are happy to accept criticism of my hair. 1. Oops – One-time Obama supporter Paul Krugman argues at the New York Times that the appalling bailout of AIG has reduced the chances of a second stimulus package, which Krugman wants to see happen. He now sees a big risk of a Japanese style lost decade because voters won’t…

• Canterbury Building Society gets BB+ credit rating; can join extended guarantee

  Alex Tarrant

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:19 pm

  Canterbury Building Society has been awarded a BB+ credit rating from Standard and Poor’s which will allow it to enter the extended deposit guarantee scheme if it wishes from October next year until the end of 2011. The outlook on the rating is stable, S&P said. Here is the release from Standard and Poor’s: Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services said today it had assigned its ‘BB+/B’ counterparty ratings to Canterbury Building Society (CBS). The outlook is stable. The ratings reflect CBS’ small capital base by international standards, and its large…

• Opinion: What New Zealand can learn from Singapore’s monetary policy

  Guest

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:15 pm

  By John Walley Singapore’s economic success has not arrived by coincidence. It is the result of political and economic pragmatism over a long period – they identify a problem and they try to fix it. This timeline of changes to their exchange rate regime shows how they have adjusted both to changing international conditions and internal economic issues. As the exchange rate, inflation and overnight interest rate charts demonstrate they now have a stable suite of economic indicators: There is a lot we can learn here – identify the real problem, seek effective solutions and take some…

• 
  Kiwiblog

• Beehive third ugliest building in world

  David Farrar

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:00 am

  The ODT reports: Wellington’s Beehive, home of the New Zealand Government’s executive, ranks as the third ugliest building in the world according to a tourism website list. … The site described the Beehive as “a slide projector that fell on a wedding cake that fell on a waterwheel.” Heh. The Beehive actually looks better from the outside, than it does inside. A circular building makes for very impractical offices. Tags: Beehive

• The Dubai Mall

  David Farrar

  21 Nov 2009 | 7:30 pm

  The Dubai Mall was only completed in 2008 and it is superb. You could spend a week there. Not only are there 1,200 shops, but also many other activities. There are over 100,000 visitors a day. You definitely want to go there if in the neighbourhood. The Kinokuniya bookshop inside is also huge – I suspect it was around the same size as the Piccadilly Waterrmains which is the largest in Europe. The only thing that stopped me buying more than four books is that I have to lug them around with me for a couple more weeks. This is a spectacular waterfall inside. A typical section. It doesn’t…

• Kirks on Golden Mile

  David Farrar

  21 Nov 2009 | 7:00 pm

  The managing director of iconic Wellington store Kirks, writes in the Dom Post: Kirkcaldie & Stains is one of Wellington’s longer-established stores. As its managing director, I was delighted to read the views of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on proposals to make the Golden Mile a mall and I  empathise with Sir Bob Jones’ vision for  the city. But I also fear that without much  more work being done, we risk badly damaging New Zealand’s best urban centre. … Ease of access is vital for our company. Most customers are happy to walk some distance to visit us,…

• ODT on Key and Tax

  David Farrar

  21 Nov 2009 | 6:00 pm

  The ODT reports: Personal tax cuts are back on the agenda of Prime Minister John Key and his enthusiasm for the cuts appear to indicate they could be part of National’s 2011 election manifesto. Speaking to the Otago Daily Times yesterday, Mr Key talked about how a reformed tax system – rewarding people for hard work and risk-taking – could help productivity, along with other measures the Government was considering. “A lot of work is being undertaken by the tax working group which is due to report by the end of 2010.” The tax group would make recommendations, some…

• Around Dubai

  David Farrar

  21 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pm

  Met up with a friend, Paul, and his niece and mother who were visting. We did a bus tour around Dubai. That isn’t a museum but actually a Egyptian themed shopping mall. And that pyramid is actually an apartment block. This is one of the few ancient sights – is now a museum. When the sun hits that building, it can almost be blinding An Iranian mosque in Dubai. Generally not many mosques visible. The real highlight was the Dubai Mall, which I’ll cover in a separate post. Tags: DPF, Dubai, Middle East

• 
  John Key - Prime Minister of New Zealand

• Key Notes Special Edition - 1 year in

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:22 pm

  This week, the National-led Government marks its first year in office. In this issue of Key Notes, I look back on our achievements so far and look forward to the hard work ahead. Continue reading "Key Notes Special Edition - 1 year in"

• Video Journal No.18

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:37 pm

• Securing a Brighter Future: One Year In

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:14 pm

  On this day exactly a year ago, the 19th of November 2008, the new National-led Government was sworn into office. I remember the awesome feeling of responsibility as I took my oath that day. The sense of the huge challenges before us, the sense of opportunity and possibility, and the energising mood created by the hope and expectation New Zealanders had for their new Government.  On this day exactly a year ago, the 19th of November 2008, the new National-led Government was sworn into office. I remember the awesome feeling of responsibility as I took my oath that day. The sense of the…

• 
  frogblog

• General debate, November 23, 2009

  frog

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:13 am

• Oh dear, here we go again

  frog

  19 Nov 2009 | 6:06 pm

  One of the two Bills drawn from yesterday’s Member’s Bill ballot was National MP Todd McClay’s Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 Repeal (Easter Sunday Local Choice) Amendment Bill designed to liberalise Easter Sunday trading. It looks much like the last in this sorry list: The Shop Trading Hours Act Repeal (Easter) Amendment Bill 1996. Defeated The Shop Trading Hours (Repeal of Restrictions) Bill 1997. Defeated The Shop Trading Hours (Abolition of Restrictions) Bill 1999. Defeated The Rotorua District (Easter Sunday Shop Trading) Bill 2002. Defeated The Shop Trading Hours (Easter Trading…

• General debate, November 20, 2009

  frog

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:04 pm

  It was world toilet day yesterday! NZ should follow Norway’s example on oil – The Standard. More oil @ Tumeke also. John Key congratulates himself on being awesome. John Key should go to Copenhagen – Colin Espiner Kevin Rudd talks up tough action on climate change (while doing nothing) Low interest rates fuelling new bubbles all over the world

• Happy anniversary to a plucky bird

  frog

  19 Nov 2009 | 11:30 am

  On this day 60 years ago, Geoffrey Orbell rediscovered the takahe in Fiordland. Photo from Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust The takahe or nortornis (Porphyrio hochstetteri) looks like a pukeko at first glance, but it’s a bit tougher. It has a big bill and strong legs with which it could happily defend itself in a Friday night Courtenay Place melee. After only four recorded sightings in the 19th century, the takahe had been believed extinct for 50 years. But in 1949, an expedition discovered a remant population in the Murchison Mountains to the west of Lake Te Anau. The population…

• Who’s next – here come the health cuts

  Kevin Hague

  18 Nov 2009 | 6:28 pm

  As reported in the Herald today, Auckland DHB is worried that it could have $150 million dollars slashed from its budget. This is the natural result of National’s plan to progressively cut the national health budget in coming years without investing in public health initiatives that would help drive down long term health costs. This is a sign of things to come for all DHBs. We know health costs are rising and health cuts are coming.  If the Government continues to refuse to invest in reducing costs this will inevitably lead to a cut in the health services that New Zealanders have a right…

• 
  Geekzone

• Smooth sailing with the Karmic Koala

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:39 am

  When Ubuntu 9.10 ("Karmic Koala") came out, the first reports were somewhat discouraging: While Karmic brought lots of nice, new additions, some people discovered that for them things which had worked nicely on 9.04 were suddenly not broken, stuff di... (more in the full post)

• Air New Zealand plans to fly Facebook users

  21 Nov 2009 | 12:05 am

  Players can upload pictures to create their very own avatars as Air New Zealand Flight Attendants or First Officers. Once en route, players answer trivia questions, play mini games and complete onboard tasks. Each completed task or correct answer is rewarded with energy points - the faster the response, the more points, which unlocks new levels of the game.

• Linkification v61

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:58 pm

  News / Web Happenings:The new 2010 Office.com online portal enters betaFirst Glimpse at Google Chrome OSWindows Home Server Power Pack 3 available November 24th includes enhancements for Windows 7-based computersSilverlight 4 Beta AnnouncedFring Puts Free VoIP Calling on AndroidCamino 2.0 Adds New Features to Speedy Mac-Centric BrowserOpera Mobile 10 Beta Available, Now with Tabbed Browsing and Speed DialOffice 2010 Professional Beta Available for DownloadFirefox 3.6 Beta 3 Available with 90+ Bugs SquashedSeesmic for Windows preview launching today!The Pirate Bay Tracker Officially Shutting…

• Imation ships Wireless USB external hard drive

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:17 am

  Pro WX hard drive offers secure, continuous backup and data protection with 1.5TB of capacity and up to 15MB/second data transfer speed.

• DriveSafe.ly app stops potential texting while driving and distracted driving incidents

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:00 am

  DriveSafe.ly, a free mobile application aiming to stop distracted driving, has now been used by over one million people. The application is reading millions of text messages (SMS) aloud to drivers around the world - keeping their eyes on the road.

• 
  Oceania: Travel Blog

• It's fun to stay at the YHA

  A Sneak Peak From our Hostel Hello AllAs promised this entry shows where we have been hanging out and how we have been getting around. As you can see this is where we sleep thanks to Jeremy M for lending their tent to us. Basically its big enough for just the two of us. Its very cozy As you can see there are pictures of what our hostel looks like. Our wheels Here is a picture of our wh

• Bay of Islands Paihia and Russell

  Hey So we took our first Kiwi Experience bus yesterday Thursday. Had to be up really early to get the bus at 7 so pretty much slept on the bus all the way up because Amie and myself had been to see the preview of New Moon at midnight so missed a lot of the beautiful countryside but it's cool cause this was just a straight up bus not really stopping off to see anything anyway because they wan

• New Zealand Arriving in Auckland

  Hi all Sorry it has taken so long for me to upload the first updates we seem to have been so busy seeing everything but i will try and get our first 10 days up here in a mammoth session in the internet cafeSo we eventually arrived in Auckland at 8am in the morning after a 26 hour flight from the UK where Tom and I were squished against the window of the plane by a girl who proceeded to sleep th

• Auckland Again

  It's been so long since I wrote something I am just going to give a short description of what we have been doing these past few days...car still working it's a miracle. We have been all the way to the very top of NZ Cape Reinga. It is supposed to be beautiful and I am sure that it is although when we got there we were in the clouds and could not see a thing It was so disappointing. We cam

• Tminus cinco dias

  Hi allWow this feels really good Last time I was writing a blog was 3 years ago for my last trip. Here I am making the first entry of my second travel blog for my return to Ecuador and to explore greater south america what an awesome feeling of anticipation and excitement this is I worked for just under 2000 hours sorting mail working full time for 13 months to be able to go away so I feel l

• 
  Lively

• It’s agricultural

  Matthew

  18 Nov 2009 | 5:11 pm

  It’s not often I get all agricultural. I’ll concede to living on the edge of town and hearing the occasional farm sound carried by the northerly down from the farms around Wellington’s northern suburbs. (According to my neighbour, it’s a sign that the farmer has put a bull amongst the cows, if you know what I mean.) But this is different. This is the launch of the 2010 Ahuwhenua awards for excellence in Māori farming. Entries are now open for the Ahuwhenua Trophy Bank of New Zealand Māori Excellence in Farming Award 2010. The competition recognises and showcases excellence and…

• A musket, an interview, and people on NZLive

  Matthew

  18 Nov 2009 | 2:30 pm

  We’re really pleased to be able to celebrate THE EDGE’s season of Flintlock Musket by publishing some new articles. The first is an interview with Flintlock Musket’s writer, Kirk Torrance, reproduced with the kind permission of THE EDGE. More excitingly – at least for the team here – is the release of a couple of biographies that we’ve commissioned, one on Kirk Torrance and another on Nancy Brunning, who appears in the play. What’s exciting for us about it is that it marks a new direction of publishing on NZLive detailed biographies of people involved in…

• Arts Foundation 2009 Laureates

  Matthew

  17 Nov 2009 | 1:17 am

  The Arts Foundation has announced its five 2009 Laureates: Lyonel Grant, carver; Witi Ihimaera, writer; Chris Knox, musician; Anne Noble, photographer, and Richard Nunns, musician specialising in Māori instruments. “The Laureate awards are about recognising senior New Zealand artists who have a substantial track record of excellence, and who still have plenty of creative juices left in the tank,” says Foundation chairperson Ros Burdon. The awards celebrate the artists’ achievements and contribution to their fields, as well as investing in their futures in a very real sense – each of…

• Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum Giveaway

  Emma

  12 Nov 2009 | 5:44 pm

  Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum is opening the doors to a select group to give them a sneak preview of Blue Water Black Magic - A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake. Thanks to them we have two reserved spots to give away to one lucky winner! Entries closes midnight 23 November 2009.  Blue Water Black Magic sneak preview is on Friday 27 November from 6-8pm and the exhibition opens to the public Saturday 12 December. Click here to enter online! Or email us at competitions@nzlive.com. Remember to include: •  Your name •  Your daytime phone number and your address (so we can send you the…

• You and me, we are a New Zealand

  Anna

  12 Nov 2009 | 3:09 pm

  With 10,000 views since it was uploaded five days ago, Minuit’s new video ‘Aotearoa’ was the #1 Most Viewed New Zealand music clip on YouTube last week. The song ‘Aotearoa’ features on Minuit’s new album Find Me Before I Die A Lonely Death Dot Com, and contains the lyric “You and me, we are a New Zealand”. For the music video, the band asked New Zealanders to show who they are and what makes them Kiwi by submitting photos to feature in the video. Be it a photo of their town, their family, a favourite beach, a tattoo, or just them – whatever they thought showed a bit of who…

• 
  Throng

• Australian born Maori wins Australian Idol

  regan

  22 Nov 2009 | 3:05 am

  Good luck if you're a New Zealand fan of Australian Idol who is looking forward...

• More opportunistic advertising from Hell thanks to Mark Hotchin

  regan

  22 Nov 2009 | 2:40 am

  ht: whaleoil

• Sainsbury adamant he's not going to be replaced

  regan

  21 Nov 2009 | 3:49 pm

  Mark Sainsbury is tired of the speculation over his position as host of TVNZ's...

• The Non-Stop Gig

  anim8d

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:43 pm

  C4 and Telecom have joined forces to deliver a New Zealand first. On Sunday 6th...

• Final season of Lost returns Feb 2nd, 2010

  regan

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:38 pm

  ABC in the US have just announced the return date for the muchly anticipated...

• 
  Unconditional

• Mortgagee data provides valuable insight into economic situation

  Alistair Helm

  21 Nov 2009 | 9:09 pm

  The latest data released by Terralink International show that mortgagee sales (registered sales of property and land detailed as having been sold on behalf of the registered owner by the mortgagor) have again hit a new record high of 343 in the month of September. This figure is up from August when the number had declined slightly to 241 after a peak of 321 in July. This trend is dramatically portrayed in the chart below which tracks the mortgagee sales as a % of all residential property sales in each month since 2000 and clearly shows this significant and steady increase over the past 18…

• Building your investing skills - fast, fun and so real!

  Alistair Helm

  20 Nov 2009 | 1:24 am

  I am sure like me there are many times when you hear about the results of an investment proposal after it has grown in value or fallen in value and you wished there was a way you could have experienced the risk and challenges of the investment market without risking your home and livelihood. Well there is now a game, which having played it recently I can say is as close to real investing as you can possibly get. The Investment Game developed locally by Frank Newman brings out the real competitive characteristics often not seen since the last time you played Monopoly. However the comparison of…

• What has changed in the real estate industry with the new Act

  Alistair Helm

  17 Nov 2009 | 3:20 pm

  Quietly and without major fanfare the structure of regulation behind the real estate industry changed yesterday - the first major change for over 33 years. The Real Estate Agents Act 2008 came into force on the 17th November. The changes are to be welcomed by buyers and sellers as they have been welcomed by the industry itself - an industry directly employing over 15,000 people with an annualised transaction value of upwards of $50 billion. The outgoing Act of 1976 was certainly in need of revision and the industry itself had been looking to have it amended many times - far from the notion…

• Are “Boom Times” back for real estate?

  Alistair Helm

  11 Nov 2009 | 4:22 pm

  Today Westpac released a report on the property market foretelling a double digit property price inflation in the near term. A bold call when we are still only just 12 month post the lowest point in the property market for many a decade. The article on interest.co.nz headlines with a provocative title “Boom Times are back for housing” and will certainly generate a vast amount of comment. I make no claim to be an economist and do not wish to challenge the assertions of the Westpac economists as to the probability of near term property price inflation or a subsequent tail off in…

• The issue with property pricing

  Alistair Helm

  8 Nov 2009 | 12:50 pm

  Whilst the last 2 years has been heavily focused on the issue of property prices from the perspective of valuations - have they peaked?…. will they fall?….. will they collapse? or are they rising?? The current trend seems to be clear now with both the recent REINZ and QV stats showing strengthening prices. The real issue facing the real estate industry is how to appropriately price a house when listing it on the market. If you wanted to sell a 4 year old low mileage European car or a second hand washing machine, all you need to do is let your mouse do the researching and see what…

• 
  www.newzealand.com Travel Deals

• 9 days Luxury Golf Tour

  Tourism New Zealand

  8 Nov 2009 | 3:00 am

  From $1,998 USD Per Person Handrcrafted from our first-hand experience of playing and exploring New Zealand. We can organize you to play with the local pro. Visit the must see destinations of New Zealand. Stay in luxury lodges or romantic boutique hotels. Start your day with a round of golf at the most scenic golf course in the World, and relax at the end of your day with a wonderful couples massage and a glass of wine by a roaring fireplace. Your completely customized discovery of New Zealand is only a call away. Expires: 31 Mar 2010

• Qantas to NZ from US$798* Round Trip

  Tourism New Zealand

  2 Nov 2009 | 3:00 am

  From $798 USD Per Person If you've been dreaming of a vacation in New Zealand, take advantage of Qantas' current fare sale! On top of saving heaps on airfare, you'll feel like you're saving massive amounts of dollars while traveling in New Zealand due to the continued strength of the US Dollar. From the fabulous food & wine to the fabulous scenery that abounds... now truly is the time to plan your New Zealand vacation. Expires: 10 Dec 2009

• New Zealand Explorer

  Tourism New Zealand

  31 Oct 2009 | 4:00 am

  From $2,535 USD Per Person See the best of New Zealand with this adventurous 14-Day multi-activity itinerary. The trip is designed with the independent traveler in mind. All arrangements are pre planned so you can fully enjoy exploring the North and or South Islands, joining activities throughout the country. Expires: 01 Feb 2010

• New Zealand Explorer Honeymoon

  Tourism New Zealand

  31 Oct 2009 | 4:00 am

  From $2,535 USD Per Person Explore the best of the North and or South Islands on this romantic 14-Day multi-activity honeymoon. Saturate yourself in the variety of beautiful landscapes that New Zealand has to offer while enjoying an adventurous itinerary. Expires: 01 Feb 2010

• NZ Summer Special!

  Tourism New Zealand

  24 Oct 2009 | 4:00 am

  From $899 USD Per Person A twelve day self drive exploration of New Zealand's highlights. Start in Queenstown and drive north through Mt Cook, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland. Travel from the middle of the Southern Alps across the Canterbury plains and along the rugged New Zealand coast. Board the ferry across Cook Strait to the capital city and north past volcano's to New Zealand's thermal wonderland. Finish your journey in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, for your flight home. Expires: 25 Jan 2010

• 
  The Wellingtonista

• Play Four Square in Wellington!

  Alan

  21 Nov 2009 | 1:09 am

  Foursquare has arrived in Wellington - and we're one of the first Australasian cities to be included!   But, you say, "I thought Four Square was a chain of over-sized dairies with a charmingly retro Dick Frizzell logo!" To which we'd say, "Ho ho, you cheeky post-ironic urbanites, we mean Foursquare, the location-based social networking game that's taking the world by storm!"   You may remember back in September we wrote about Twitterplaces, which rather sadly shut up shop almost immediately thereafter. Well, Foursquare was the inspiration for Twitterplaces: when…

• Zinefest Saturday

  sue

  18 Nov 2009 | 8:18 pm

  Zinefest is approaching fast! It's this Saturday November 21st from noon till 5pm at Mighty Mighty, home to other such great events as the Annual Wellingtonista Awards     So if spending a day surrounded by Zines, browsing the Stonkingly awesome Wellington City Libraries Zine collection or taking a workshop, tuning into a talk or panel discussion sounds like you, well you know where to go.     There will be a zine swap box which is a great way to get new zines that you have never seen before! And of course at  some point during the day  the trophy for the…

• One month until #T4WA!

  Joanna

  16 Nov 2009 | 5:48 pm

  Ooooh boy, we are very excited little puppies inside the Wellingtonista Towers today because it's exactly one month until the Fourth Annual Wellingtonista Awards (or the TAWAs for short, and specifically #T4WA on twitter). Nominations will start appearing this week so you can go and check out who we're recommending, and then voting will be open from December 1-14.  On the night of December 17, you'll want to get your ass down to Mighty Mighty, pay your $10 on the door, and let the good times begin. The awards presentation should be happening around 7.30pm, and then at 9.30pm we are very…

• Woven Tales of Ink, Silver and Silk

  kowhai

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:51 pm

    Tonight is the opening night of a very special - and I suspect somewhat whimsical - art/fashion show at Thistle Hall.  Jewellery, fashion, illustration and photgraphy will be exploited for the purposes of storytelling and fantastic escape.  Craft 2.0 goers will recognise Minu from the stalls and I for one am looking foward to seeing her "interdependant and interconnected metal city and night forest". When: 17th November 5.30pm (fashion show at 6.00pm) Where: Thistle Hall on Cuba Street     "Come, Venture into a tale of fantasy; Where mysteries unfold,…

• Fabric Frenzy descends on Brooklyn

  sue

  12 Nov 2009 | 4:11 am

  This is certainly a Wellington weekend for everyone! I'm sure other Wellingtonistas have more to say about the soccer, the Santa Parade, the potential All Whites parade and the Kirk's Christmas windows. But for me the weekend is all about fabric, crafting supplies, and adding to my craft stash. My eyes and wallet are all prepared for Fabric-a- brac at the Brookylyn Community Center this Saturday from 12 noon till 3pm.  Wellington's crafters have gone through their craft stashes and are selling them off. At Fabric-a-brac you'll  see modern fabric, vintage fabric, threads, buttons,…

• 
  Latest Headlines

• Skull found on Northland beach had fillings in teeth - local

  22 Nov 2009 | 11:21 am

  A human skull found on a Northland beach last week appears to have dental fillings in its teeth, along with hair and gristle still attached, a local says.

• Ministry of Health report shows DHBs underperforming

  22 Nov 2009 | 11:06 am

  The Ministry of Health has published information showing how well DHBs are delivering, and the results show many are failing to reach their targets.

• Police: IRA dissidents plant car bomb in Belfast

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:59 am

  Irish Republican Army dissidents left a 400-pound (180-kilogram) car bomb outside police reform headquarters in Belfast but the homemade device failed to detonate, Northern Ireland's police commander said Sunday.

• All Blacks eye end to try drought in France

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:46 am

  It all starts up front, but the All Blacks' back-three are looming as their potent weapon against France as they look to finish a frustrating rugby tour with a much-needed flourish.

• UK checks safety of 1,800 bridges after storms

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:39 am

  Police and army experts say they're urgently checking the safety of about 1,800 bridges in northern England amid some of the worst storms ever recorded in Britain.

• 
  National News

• Ministry of Health report shows DHBs underperforming

  22 Nov 2009 | 11:06 am

  The Ministry of Health has published information showing how well DHBs are delivering, and the results show many are failing to reach their targets.

• Police investigate string of paintball drive-by shootings

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:49 am

  Wellington police are investigating three drive-by shooting incidents where people have been shot at with a paintball gun.

• Tributes flow for Bay of Plenty principal

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:42 am

  Tributes are being paid to the Bay of Plenty school principal and up-and-coming Maori leader killed outside a Whakatane bar at the weekend.

• Many DHBs failing patients, figures show

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:25 pm

  Data on how well district health boards (DHBs) are performing shows that many are failing to meet their targets.

• Funeral for Queenstown man on Tuesday

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:16 pm

  It is too early to say whether a man charged with assault after the death of a Queenstown man will face more serious charges, say police.

• 
  Politics News

• Many DHBs failing patients, figures show

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:25 pm

  Data on how well district health boards (DHBs) are performing shows that many are failing to meet their targets.

• Harawira wins crucial backing from electorates

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:21 pm

  Embattled MP Hone Harawira has received backing from four of the seven Maori electorates, as he fights to stay on with the Maori Party.

• Thousands march for 'democracy'

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:35 pm

  Around 4000 people have taken to the streets of central Auckland, calling on the Government to make referendums binding.

• March For Democracy - full interviews

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:45 pm

  Watch full interviews with the Sensible Sentencing Trust's Garth McVicar, Family First's Bob McCoskrie and march funder Colin Craig.

• Protesters march up Queen St

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:57 pm

  Between 4000 and 5000 people are marching through central Auckland this afternoon, urging the Government to act on referenda.

• 
  new zealand news - Google News

• Flanker Ouedraogo recalled into France squad for test against New Zealand - The Canadian Press

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:01 am

  Reuters South AfricaFlanker Ouedraogo recalled into France squad for test against New ZealandThe Canadian PressMARCOUSSIS, France — Flanker Fulgence Ouedraogo was recalled Sunday into France's squad for the test against New Zealand. The Montpellier player, who didn't Ouedraogo And Mermoz Back For France Against New ZealandNew York Timesall 36 news articles »

• Azzurra sweep Team NZ to take title - TVNZ

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:46 am

  BBC SportAzzurra sweep Team NZ to take titleTVNZBruni and his Azzurra crew, including tactician Tommaso Chieffi, defeated Emirates Team New Zealand 2-0 in the Grand Final to win this match race regatta. Favourites bundled out of Louis Vuitton TrophyIndependentAzzurra win Louis Vuitton TrophyTelegraph.co.ukUSA BMW Oracle team finishes in sixth place in Louis Vuitton NiceExaminer.comStuff.co.nz -Times Online -New Zealand Heraldall 81 news articles »

• Kiwi Monetary Muddle - Wall Street Journal

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:39 am

  Kiwi Monetary MuddleWall Street JournalThe falling US dollar is sparking a dangerous debate about the New Zealand central bank's role. By STEPHEN KIRCHNER New Zealand started a monetary-policy

• Hawthorn goes back to school to plant AFL in New Zealand - The Australian

  22 Nov 2009 | 6:38 am

  Hawthorn goes back to school to plant AFL in New ZealandThe AustralianUNDERSTANDABLY, the announcement last week of Hawthorn's plan to drive an AFL flag into New Zealand turf and lay claim to whatever football potential it can and more »

• Rugby Union Scotland Edges Past Australia - New York Times

  22 Nov 2009 | 6:28 am

  guardian.co.ukRugby Union Scotland Edges Past AustraliaNew York TimesNew Zealand continued its perfect touring record to beat England on Saturday. Wales outclassed Argentina, and South Africa finally won a match in Europe Scotland triumph as Kiwis uphold recordSydney Morning HeraldScotland claim historic Wallabies scalpCNN InternationalWallabies' loss 'worst in decades'Independent OnlineWalesOnlineall 466 news articles »

• 
  NewsWire.co.nz

• Artists mix illustration, photography, fashion and jewellery

  Jonathan Tringham

  19 Nov 2009 | 6:58 pm

  WOVEN-TALES of Ink, Silver and Silk, an exhibition showcasing the work of four Wellington-based artists combined illustration, photography, fashion and jewellery. Minu, Mairi, Sarah Dalley, Sophie Lewis-Smith used their art forms to explore themes of fairy tale, fantasy and teleportation. Minu, originally from Germany (right) arrived in Wellington three years ago and stayed. She has a background in commercial design and architecture, and now works as an independent illustrator and artist. “This is my first artwork using acrylics on wooden boards, and it took me a while to get used to the…

• Welcome to Wellington: walking from Aotea Quay

  Kylie Klein-Nixon

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:01 pm

  CRUISE WALK: The MS Volendam moored at Aotea Wharf CHUCK and Carol Sprague’s tourist guidebook told them Wellington is “walkable”. But when the US couple disembarked at Aotea Quay the 1.5km trek to the city was not what they expected. The sight greeting them when they arrived in Wellington on Dutch cruise ship Volendam – piles of logs awaiting export – was a “real pity”, the Nebraska couple told NewsWire. “Coming into the harbour was amazing, it was beautiful,” said Mrs Sprague. “But it’s sad to see all the trees [logs].” The Spragues are two among possibly 100,000…

• Wellington – busking capital of New Zealand

  Carl Suurmond

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:37 pm

  BEST VIEWED FULL-SCREEN TAKE a walk through Wellington city on any given day and you will see and hear a buffet of buskers sharing their music for a few coins. Wellington buskers are often travellers but many are also kiwis who have moved to the capital from all over the country. The guitar is the instrument of choice for many street performers, but a variety of instruments - from the piano to the Peruvian cajon – can also be heard. Many buskers are talented musicians who perform on the street during the day and play gigs at night, making music their livelihood. Buskers say foot…

• Eight battle for vacant Tawa board seat

  Brenda Cottingham

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:08 pm

  EIGHT PEOPLE are vying for one seat on a Wellington City Council community board in a by-election costing up to $40,000. More than 10,000 Tawa residents have until 12 noon this Saturday to select one of the candidates. The by-election was required after Graeme Sutton – a board member for more than 25 years – died on August 22. The seat must be filled now because the vacancy has occurred more than a year out from next year’s triennial local government elections in October, says Wellington city electoral officer Ross Bly. The by-election cost will be between $35,000 and $40,000…

• New Moon at midnight and city gets OTD

  Newswire Team

  18 Nov 2009 | 8:44 pm

  TWILIGHT WORKER: Mario Kennach with New Moon paraphenalia at the Embassy Theatre. THE clock strikes midnight, and a fever spreads through Wellington. Twilight fever. Hundreds of Twi-hards are lined up at Wellington’s reading and Embassy cinema’s to watch the premiere of the second vamptastic instalment of the Twilight saga New Moon. Fans started lining up at Reading Cinema two hours before the midnight screening, to make sure they could get a ticket in one of three theatres showing the film. Both cinema centres said the premiere was successful, selling more than a thousand tickets…

• 
  BigNewsNetwork: New Zealand

• Wellington cricket coach considers options

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:38 am

  No James Franklin, and maybe no Jeetan Patel or Chris Nevin. That's the scenario facing Wellington Firebirds coach Anthony Stuart as he mulls over the make-up of his side to fly to Hamilton today f...

• All Blacks set sights on Marseille

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:35 am

  Only France stand between the All Blacks and an unbeaten European tour, a rewarding end to what has been a difficult year for Graham Henry's side. The last time New Zealand played at the Velodrome,...

• Noodle scoffer sets record

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:33 am

  Robert Ballinger-Judd scoffed 1.023 kgs of noodles in eight minutes, but has a long way to go as the current world record is 4.8 kgs of noodles in eight minutes. Mr Ballinger-Judd says he had a few t...

• Size of boards worries leaders

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:20 am

  Shrink A proposal for large local boards in the Super City is causing anxiety among Auckland mayors and community leaders. Some of the 19 local boards will be bigger than the city councils of Hamilto...

• Ratings point to DHBs' deficiencies

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:20 am

  Hospital emergency departments in much of Auckland are performing below par on newly issued national rankings of district health boards. All seven district health boards from Taupo north scored well ...

• 
  New Zealand News

• Woman hurt after horse she was riding had a seizure and died

  22 Nov 2009 | 8:40 am

  A 19-year-old Lower Hutt woman was admitted to Wellington Hospital after she was knocked unconscious and trapped under her dying horse.

• Man dead following Whakatane bar fight

  22 Nov 2009 | 4:07 am

  A teenager has been arrested this afternoon and charged with the murder of a Bay of Plenty school principal in Whakatane.

• NZ businesses needs better understanding of Asia

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:20 pm

  Monday, 16 November 2009, 1:38 pm Press Release: Wellington Chamber Of Commerce New Zealand businesses needs better understanding of Asia The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has applauded the latest initiative from the Asia New Zealand Foundation to better prepare New Zealanders for a future with the Asian region.

• Lawyer to defy order to give evidence in stolen medals case

  21 Nov 2009 | 6:57 pm

  High profile lawyer Chris Comeskey says he will defy an order to give evidence against a man accused of the Waiouru Army Museum war medal burglary.

• NZ needs to maintain least corrupt country position: Rennie

  21 Nov 2009 | 2:13 pm

  New Zealand will need to continue to work hard to maintain its perceived position as the least corrupt country in the world, the State Services Commissioner says.

• 
  BigNewsNetwork: Auckland

• All Blacks set sights on Marseille

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:35 am

  Only France stand between the All Blacks and an unbeaten European tour, a rewarding end to what has been a difficult year for Graham Henry's side. The last time New Zealand played at the Velodrome,...

• Noodle scoffer sets record

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:33 am

  Robert Ballinger-Judd scoffed 1.023 kgs of noodles in eight minutes, but has a long way to go as the current world record is 4.8 kgs of noodles in eight minutes. Mr Ballinger-Judd says he had a few t...

• Ratings point to DHBs' deficiencies

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:20 am

  Hospital emergency departments in much of Auckland are performing below par on newly issued national rankings of district health boards. All seven district health boards from Taupo north scored well ...

• Stranger's king-hit kills iwi's anointed leader

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:20 am

  A Bay of Plenty regional councillor and school principal killed outside a Whakatane pub early yesterday is believed to have been king-hit by a stranger. Hawea Vercoe, 36, of nearby Rotoiti, was in Wh...

• China plan to build 'little New Zealand'

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:20 am

  A $400 million "little New Zealand" to be built in China will create up to 600 Kiwi jobs and open up "unprecedented" tourism, education and immigration opportunities, say Maori involved in the project...

• 
  Scoop NZ - Sci-tech

• NZ’s Ancient Astronomers Celebrated At Mata Ora

  21 Nov 2009 | 2:56 pm

  NZ’s Ancient Astronomers Celebrated At Mata Ora Ancient Polynesian astronomers and navigators explored and settled the Pacific a millennium ago using indigenous scientific knowledge and the night sky as their guide. Their amazing achievements ...

• New Zealand’s Best Brains Bound For Britain

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:25 pm

  Groundbreaking research which may predict volcanic eruptions in New Zealand, a study exploring new flu vaccines, and an investigation about how our genetics could aid in developing new cancer therapies, were some of the topics keeping New Zealand’s ...

• Summit-Quinphos fights facial eczema with taste

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:30 pm

  Summit-Quinphos has a tasty solution to fight the onset of facial eczema in cows this summer – a new Zincmax+ product that comes with a dash of peppermint.

• Security-Assessment Uncovers DSL Vulnerabilities

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:39 pm

  Security-Assessment.com uncovers major vulnerability in DSL Technology Security-Assessment.com, the world-leading IT security research and development company, has discovered a vulnerability that has the potential to impact millions of DSL internet users worldwide. ...

• Prize for Creative Science Writing announced

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:53 pm

  The two winning entries in the Royal Society of New Zealand Manhire Prize for Creative Writing were announced on Wednesday night with Tina Makereti from the Kapiti Coast being awarded the non-fiction prize and Katie Henderson from Auckland winning the ...

• 
  Scoop NZ - Parliament

• Nelson botanist to receive Loder Cup award

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:29 pm

  Conservation Minister Tim Groser is to honour botanist Dr Philip Simpson by presenting him with New Zealand’s premier plant conservation award, the Loder Cup, at a ceremony in Nelson tonight.

• EU export subsidy removal helps dairy markets

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:27 pm

  Trade Minister Tim Groser today welcomed news that the European Union (EU) has removed all remaining export subsidies for dairy products.

• Clinicians’ tsunami response ‘a source of pride’

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:24 pm

  Clinicians who responded to a call for volunteers to go to Samoa to help the tsunami response were honoured at a dinner attended by Pacific Island Affairs Minister Georgina te Heuheu in Auckland tonight.

• McCully: APEC: 20 years of evolution and progress

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:35 pm

  Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the invitation to join you today in marking the 20th Anniversary of APEC. Exactly a year ago today, I was involved in my first international meeting as Foreign Minister.

• Hide: Speech to the Passing Go Conference

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:33 pm

  Good morning, and thank you for the invitation to join you today. It is good to be here on the North Shore to discuss the Government's vision for the future of the Auckland region.

• 
  Scoop NZ - Politics

• Real reasons for change in abuse claims policy

  21 Nov 2009 | 3:40 pm

  ACC Southern Manager Karen Walsh, speaking at Fairlie Lions Club on Thursday 19 November revealed that it is ACC policy to reduce the number of Sensitive Claims.

• Climate Change Research "Scandal" Breaks

  21 Nov 2009 | 3:06 pm

  The internet is on fire this morning with revelations that a major British climate research centre has been hacked, and thousands of confidential emails have spilled into the public domain.

• Recession drives more managers to commit fraud

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:33 pm

  42 percent of New Zealand organisations reported fraud Sharp rise in economic crime by middle management Reduction in staff morale a notable impact of fraud

• Standing strong for the children of New Zealand

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:24 pm

  In the light of tomorrow’s March for Democracy in Auckland, Plunket is urging people to think of the children.

• Support for Inghams from An Unlikely Source!

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:33 pm

  Chicken-producer Inghams, under fire for misleading consumers is being offered support from a most unlikely source: GE free NZ (in food and environment).

• 
  Business

• How Bubbles Form

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:45 am

  Investments tend to go through three phases during a bull run. The first is when the smart money and the contrarian investments get into a particular sector or type of asset and prices start to creep upwards.

• No talks unless industrial action stops - ministry

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:11 am

  Justice Ministry wants to hold talks with court workers but says they must stop industrial action first

• Free museum entry for Aucklanders

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:02 pm

  Auckland Museum is offering free entry to the region's residents from December 4 - but non-locals will be asked to pay double

• Switching jobs for more pay a gamble

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:32 pm

  Mercer survey finds employers hiring replacement staff at lower rates; competition for jobs fierce; salary rises will tumble next year

• More managers commiting fraud

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:31 am

  NZ ranked eighth highest for rate of fraud with recession driving more middle and senior managers to commit fraud

• 
  Politics

• Fiji moves disappoint McCully

  21 Nov 2009 | 5:52 pm

  Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says Fiji's interim regime revoking broadcasting licences is another disappointment

• March organisers confident

  21 Nov 2009 | 1:11 pm

  Organisers of democracy march confident they made a difference to debate over government response to referenda

• Marina opens amid controversy

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:01 pm

  Whangamata Marina will finally open today 17-years after the idea was floated; prime minister will do honours

• Top lawyer hired by Harawira

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:51 pm

  Harawira hires Peter Williams QC as he fights to stay with Maori Party; party holding hui in Otaki to discuss Harawira situation

• Train lobby group frustrated with government

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:32 pm

  Campaign for Better Transport are annoyed a petition they organised for a Waikato commuter train service is being ignored

• 
  National

• Train in flames outside prison

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:21 am

  Passengers on train evacuated after fire broke out while it was travelling past Mt Eden Prison in Auck; Boston Rd closed, delays expected

• Paint ball gun shooter sought in Wellington

  22 Nov 2009 | 9:31 am

  Police urging any further victims shot by air paint ball gun fired from a vehicle in Wadestown, Wellington to come forward

• Murder charge over Vercoe death

  22 Nov 2009 | 12:51 am

  Man charged with murder of prominent Rotorua man Hawea Vercoe. 21-year-old to appear court tomorrow.

• Arrest over Vercoe slaying

  22 Nov 2009 | 12:12 am

  18-year-old man arrested over death of Environment Bay of Plenty councillor Hawea Vercoe in Whakatane

• Herbert wants attack

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:02 pm

  Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert is preaching attack as the club lines up against the Newcastle Jets tonight

• 
  Maori

• Police investigate Vercoe death

  21 Nov 2009 | 6:32 pm

  Whakatane police have launched a homicide investigation: Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Rotoiti principal Hawea Vercoe dead

• Top lawyer hired by Harawira

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:51 pm

  Harawira hires Peter Williams QC as he fights to stay with Maori Party; party holding hui in Otaki to discuss Harawira situation

• Dame Kiri receives Maori business award

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:52 pm

  Auckland University's Maori Business Leader of the Year award has been given to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

• Ancestral remains being handed over

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:21 am

  Te Papa begins collecting Maori ancestral remains from five institutions in Europe after four years of negotiating

• Tribunal appointments welcomed

  13 Nov 2009 | 10:51 am

  The Maori Affairs Minister is welcoming the reappointment of five members of the Waitangi Tribunal for three more years

• 
  Public Address

• Hard News: The March for Democracy

  21 Nov 2009 | 9:32 pm

  As David Farrar notes, when you end up spending $100 a head to get people along to your March for Democracy – pulling 4000 marchers when you've publicly envisaged 50,000 -- it "can only be called a very disappointing turnout for the organisers"...

• Busytown: A turn-up for the books

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:50 pm

  Witi Ihimaera, after being awarded an Arts Laureate, has offered to buy back the warehouse stock of The Trowenna Sea, and Penguin is offering to purchase remaining bookshop stocks of the novel. So is this what they mean when they say "pulp fiction"?...

• Random Play: “Thank you, you’ve been a lovely audience”

  17 Nov 2009 | 2:20 pm

  For my sins — and mostly my pleasure — I have been to more concerts, shows and gigs than I can recall. Literally.I forgot until recently that I had seen English folkie Vin Garbutt play the auditorium in the Art Gallery, and mad Black Grape in New York...

• Up Front: I'll Take Actium and Trafalgar

  16 Nov 2009 | 5:16 pm

  One of the things I’ve had to learn (the hard way, naturally) to do with my CFS is to look after myself. I can’t do too much physically, or I’ll have a relapse. I can’t take on too much stress, or I’ll buckle and end up sitting on the kitchen floor crying like I just rewatched Children of Earth. That’s why you’ll never see me doing a column like Does My Mortgage Look Like a Slag in This? or Are We There Yet? two weeks in a row. I recognise that it takes a lot of emotional strength out of me, so I mind how many arguments I’m simultaneously engaging in...

• Speaker: Freeviewer Diaries: Family Unity

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:13 pm

  It must have been the early 80s, or late 70s. Ian Fraser (I think) was working up quite a sweat, and so was my family, with Felix Donnelly explaining why he thought New Zealand men should spend more time talking about masturbation with their sons. My mother, father, two brothers and I sat there like stunned mullets. Tricky situation. Can't leave. Don't wanna stay. Check the room. Nobody flinched. Just watch and listen...

• 
  News and Competitions

• Lady Gaga Returns to New Zealand!

  18 Nov 2009 | 11:46 pm

  Lady Gaga returns to New Zealand in March 2010 for a much-demanded headline tour.The New Zealand tour will feature a spectacular new arena production and full band, and follows her high-octane performance with The Pussycat Dolls in Auckland earlier this year,2009 has been hailed the Year of Gaga as the enigmatic superstar breaks records and tops charts around the globe. During August she was one of the stars at both Japan’s Summersonic Festival and the UK’s V Festivals and on November 27 Lady Gaga kicks off her North American and European “Monster Ball” tour before…

• Beenie Man Bounced From BDO

  16 Nov 2009 | 4:05 am

  From the producers of Big Day Out:The Producers of Big Day Out have decided not to proceed with the proposed engagement of Jamaican Reggae performer Beenie Man for the Jan 2010 show. Although aware of the controversial nature of Beenie Man and his previous lyrics  that have caused offence with the Gay and Lesbian and wider community, the Producers understood that the artist had renounced these sentiments and no longer expresses those views. Notwithstanding claims of a commitment to the Reggae Compassionate Act which he signed in 2007 and a promise of adherence to peaceful and…

• Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs & Mick Fleetwood to Tour New Zealand

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:44 am

  Five-time Grammy Award winner Michael McDonald joins singer/songwriter Boz Scaggs to perform their greatest hits, along with songs from their latest albums for three NZ shows in Auckland, Napier and Christchurch this March.Hot on the heels of two sold-out NZ Fleetwood Mac shows, Mick Fleetwood and his band will accompany these legends to perform Mick Fleetwood Blues Band original material along with Fleetwood Mac songs.As a member of The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, Michael McDonald recorded some of his most well-known songs, such as Takin' It to the Streets, Little Darling, It Keeps You…

• Carole King & James Taylor "Troubador Reunion" To NZ

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:38 am

  Iconic recording artists Carole King and James Taylor will bring their "Troubador Reunion" to New Zealand on Saturday April 10 at Auckland's Vector Arena, taking to the world stage together for the first time in nearly 40 years. This once-in-a-lifetime event brings together two of the most beloved singer/songwriters for a rare concert experience, performing in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane arenas, as well as an outdoor show at Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley, followed by a one-off show at Auckland’s, Vector Arena.The two-hour shows will feature a breadth of material…

• Show Your Kiwi Pride To Win a HUGE Big Day Out Prize Package!

  11 Nov 2009 | 8:10 am

  The line-up for Big Day Out 2010 is almost finalised...with one more announcement to come, next years BDO is gearing up to be a goodun!  So with the artists starting to get excited about spending a little bit of Summer in New Zealand, the only thing left is figuring out who you're going with and where you're going throughout the day!We have an exclusive Big Day Out competition on Eventfinder that will help answer those burning questions.To be in to win, you must have already purchased a BDO ticket (and be able to provide the ticket number to us for verification) and must be over 18. What…

• 
  RURAL NEWS - General

• Pfizer buy nets Fort Dodge

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:40 am

  Animal medicine company Pfizer has taken over Wyeth, including its subsidiary Fort Dodge Animal Health.

• Deer kill well down

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:19 am

  Next year's deer kill is expected to be roughly half of the 2005 peak.

• 'Need to do better with food animals'

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:08 am

  The world's vets schools are producing good companion-animal vets but are not doing as well graduating vets schooled in the roles of animals for food production. Topics such disease control, food safety and animal welfare are going short.

• Survey shows strong support for Tb control

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:06 am

  More than three quarters of Horizons Regional Council's rural landowners believe Tb control is very important for the region, an Animal Health Board (AHB) survey has found.

• Climate summit woes

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:51 am

  Developed countries are deeply divided over the issue of financing climate change, and this may lead to failure to reach agreement at next month's global summit.

• 
  RURAL NEWS - Agribusiness

• 'Wine sector must adapt to change'

  18 Nov 2009 | 2:59 am

  The New Zealand wine industry is well placed to meet the new challenges it faces in managing the potential for a major supply increase, according to a new report.

• Profile boost for beef, lamb

  17 Nov 2009 | 1:23 am

  New Zealand's increased profile in Japan will have positive spin-offs for beef and lamb, says Meat & Wool NZ chairman Mike Petersen.

• Trade pact to boost dairy

  13 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am

  Dairy is a winner under the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiated with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

• Dairy slump blamed for trader's loss

  13 Nov 2009 | 3:56 am

  Dairying played a significant role in PGG Wrightson's $66.4 million loss for the last financial year, chairman Keith Smith told the company's recent annual meeting.

• Synlait to float shares

  13 Nov 2009 | 1:51 am

  Canterbury milk processor Synlait will float on the New Zealand Stock Exchange to raise money for a second milk plant.

• 
  RURAL NEWS - Dairy

• Payout reflects 'good contracts'

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:40 am

  Fonterra's new forecast payout is high given market volatility but it reflects good contracts secured by the cooperative.

• Supplement call sparks debate

  13 Nov 2009 | 7:24 am

  A DairyNZ article saying supplementing pasture isn't profitable and suggesting underfeeding may maximise profit has been slammed by the NZ Feed Manufacturers Association, some advisers and even a few farmers.

• High praise for ag industries

  13 Nov 2009 | 4:02 am

  New Zealand's primary industries have won high praise from the Governor-General for the environmental improvements that have been made over four decades.

• Hopes high for dairy award entries

  13 Nov 2009 | 3:53 am

  Rising returns in the dairy industry are raising organisers hopes of record entries in the 2010 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

• Why bleat about cows' BCS?

  12 Nov 2009 | 2:52 am

  The body-condition score (BCS) scale may be 1-10 but in dairy cattle it's effectively 2-6. A score of 1-2 would be near-death and above 6.0 would be wasteful and bad for cow health.

• 
  RURAL NEWS - Beef

• Oz eases UK beef ban

  6 Nov 2009 | 1:20 am

  British beef could be on its way to Australia for the first time in 13 years with the relaxation of the country's outright ban on imports to combat the spread of mad cow disease.

• Tight times ahead - MAF

  4 Nov 2009 | 6:20 am

  The last financial year was a good one for sheep and beef farmers but a leading economist questions whether it will be enough to make up for years of losses - and a challenging year ahead.

• 
  RURAL NEWS - Sheep

• Next year for worm-immunity test

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:53 am

  Sheep farmers will next year be offered a simple saliva test for selecting animals naturally immune to parasites.

• EU seeks animal ID

  17 Nov 2009 | 3:10 am

  Indications from one of New Zealand's key export markets could see sheep included in the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme sooner rather than later.

• New look MWNZ unveiled

  30 Oct 2009 | 4:44 am

  Meat & Wool New Zealand (MWNZ) has a new organisational structure 'to ensure a greater connection with sheep and beef farmers'.

• 
  RURAL NEWS - Other Farms

• Zespri planning 'too drawn out'

  19 Nov 2009 | 6:34 am

  The company seeking to end Zespri's kiwifruit monopoly is labelling a new 7-year plan to develop new varieties as too drawn out.

• Cedenco growers worried about future prospects

  18 Nov 2009 | 1:13 am

  Growers supplying stricken vegetable processor Cedenco Foods are relieved they will be paid for this season's crops.

• FAR promises packed programme

  17 Nov 2009 | 1:41 am

  Once again the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) has put together a packed programme for its key annual event.

• Keep crop standing to boost yield

  5 Nov 2009 | 2:49 am

  Assess the bulk of ryegrass seed crops to determine optimum rates for Moddus (trinexapac-ethyl), growers at a series of recent FAR field days have been told.

• 
  RURAL NEWS - Management

• Farmers must keep pushing boundaries

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:32 am

  I am blessed to work with farmers who continually push all available boundaries and are innovative with management.

• War worth winning

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:29 am

  This season's campaign to control wilding conifers in the Canterbury region has been launched with work focusing on the Waimakariri, Hurunui and Waitaki catchments.

• Grower gets right into recycling

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:20 am

  Hawke's Bay apple grower Kent Griffiths knows a good thing when he sees it and he's not afraid to get proactive and put ideas into action.

• RMA anomaly halts prosecutions

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:29 am

  A Flurry of legal debates have sprung up around the country as to whether farmers and others can get off what appear to be clear offences under the Resource Management Act.

• Genetic tools boost breeding

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:23 am

  A Raft of new genetic technologies will soon be put to use to boost breeding in the New Zealand deer industry.

• 
  RURAL NEWS - Features

• Calling all rural businesswomen

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:11 am

  Boutique tourism operator Tora Coastal Walk just had its busiest October, with 195 walkers enjoying the spectacular coastal Wairarapa scenery, country hospitality and gourmet food.

• NZ's economic waste

  18 Nov 2009 | 2:52 am

  What has happened to our journalists? Why are facts and issues that are so important to the wellbeing of our communities not discussed? What has made sections of society able to act badly and do so without censure or being seriously questioned?

• Take control of our future

  17 Nov 2009 | 1:19 am

  Suppliers have now had a week to digest Fonterra's dose of pre-Christmas cheer.

• Rural broadband a top priority: Joyce

  11 Nov 2009 | 12:53 am

  Infrastructure Minister Steven Joyce spoke about the Government's investment in rural broadband at a joint New Zealand/Korean Broadband conference in Auckland last week. Here are excerpts from his speech:

• To feed or not to feed

  10 Nov 2009 | 1:21 am

  Back to basics has been a frequent missive in recent months, and not without reason. The profligacy which crept into some businesses as a result of the $7.90/kgMS windfall needed reining in and it was a message the banks bought into.

• 
  RURAL NEWS - Products

• Toxic stuff outed

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:56 am

  Got any Flavylan, Thiodan or Thionix sitting in the spray shed?

• Life may depend on letterbox

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:46 am

  A new website (myaddress.co.nz) enables householders to check and confirm their address and location details so emergency services can find them when needed.

• GPS proves a winner

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:02 am

  Farming GPS provider TracMap NZ Ltd, Mosgiel, has been named New Zealand's eighth fastest-growing company in the Deloitte Fast 50 awards.

• Multi-drill shines in tight passes, hills

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:24 am

  Large-scale farmers and contractors are showing steady interest in the Aitchison 4132 Airpro 4.8m drill, reports manufacturer Reese-Agri.

• Blowers key to quieter ride, smaller footprint

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:34 am

  Twin turbocharger technology has been applied to Volvo's 2.4L five cylinder diesel engine to provide more power with class-leading fuel consumption and CO2-emissions.

• 
  8degrees of vaughan rowsell

• One for Movember(tm) again

  Vaughan Rowsell

  5 Nov 2009 | 4:59 pm

  I seem to be getting a few hits today from people obviously looking for this post from last year. It must be Movember… :}) I can summon things with my mustache! http://www.philintheblanks.com/comics/manenough.html

• Is augmented reality really a reality – Barcamp Auckland notes

  Vaughan Rowsell

  11 Jul 2009 | 4:07 pm

  Yesterday I did a brief presentation on augmented reality (AR) at Barcamp Auckland. Having no internet connection, and no mini DVI connector for a VGA projector, I kinda had to roll with it and talked more and showed less visuals apart from a few vids. Here are some notes from my original presentation and some links to videos for more info. As you can appreciate this is a big topic, but I just wanted to touch on the basics for the 30 minute talk. I am no expert in AR but I think there is a huge opportunity for businesses or individuals to enter this space today and be at the top of the curve.

• Rhys Darby, only 2 degrees of separation you know

  Vaughan Rowsell

  4 Jul 2009 | 11:45 pm

  Today’s interconnected world has torn down the barriers and now you can be 2 degrees of separation from the Queen (supposedly) and through social networks this certainly true, follow @rhysiedarby for example. Rhys even plugged my charity bike ride (but then we were mates so that’s like 1 degree of separation). So we have a new mobile network launching, and who would you rather watch on the ads, Richard Hammond, or our very own Rhys? I know who is funnier. Now, all 2degrees needs to do now is secure the domain name 2degrees.co.nz and their launch would go much more swimmingly. I do…

• How I cycled across the straits

  Vaughan Rowsell

  4 Jul 2009 | 10:29 pm

  I keep getting asked, how hard was it cycling across Cook Strait on my south to north cycle of NZ. Well to all you smart arses, THIS is how I did it so shut up. Well actually I didn’t have one of these puppies but, damn, I wish I had one. They look like fun.

• Starting with a clean plate

  Vaughan Rowsell

  8 Jun 2009 | 7:59 pm

  Well I have just cycled the length of New Zealand. Cool! Now what? I did the cycle to prove a point, that nothing is impossible. Somethings are improbable but there is a big difference between improbable and impossible. I never thought I would be able to do something like ride a bike from one end of the country to the other, very improbable. So I broke it down, figured out what I needed to do, I came up with a plan and I did it. I took the improbable, removed as much of the risk and uncertainties as possible and boiled it down to a bunch of smaller things I could achieve: Ride a bike? check.

• 
  Gruvr.com: New Zealand Concerts

• Map of New Zealand concerts

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:44 am

  Click for map of all New Zealand shows or on individual concert maps to set email reminders.

• Thursday December 3rd: MONO Auckland, New Zealand at Transmission Room

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:41 am

  Transmission Room Auckland, New Zealand

• Saturday December 12th: Parachute Band GORE at GORE EXO DAY

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  GORE EXO DAY GORE

• Friday December 18th: KORA Wellington at Wellington Town Hall

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:34 am

  Wellington Town Hall Wellington

• Thursday December 31st: Sneaky Sound System Auckland at Highlife NYE Experience

  22 Nov 2009 | 10:31 am

  Highlife NYE Experience Matakana Country Park Auckland

• 
  New Zealand Holidays Blog

• Nov 17, car rentals New Zealand

  16 Nov 2009 | 11:28 pm

  Information on car rentals New Zealand. A guide to the wide variety of car rentals, with booking facilities and road use tips.

• Nov 17, Cheap Airfares

  16 Nov 2009 | 8:37 pm

  Tips on how to find cheap airfares and the most suitable flights for your holiday.Use the Kayak search box to compare all your possible airline choices in one place.

• Nov 13, Northland New Zealand

  12 Nov 2009 | 5:10 pm

  Northland New Zealand is an outdoor playground. This page provides you with all the informatrion on the best travel routes to see and do all the Northland has to offer,beaches,activities, sun.

• Nov 10, Queenstown

  9 Nov 2009 | 9:22 pm

  A Queenstown information guide to help you plan an activity packed vaction or

• Nov 9, Mt Taranaki Walking Tracks

  9 Nov 2009 | 2:17 am

  Mt Taranaki has a network of walking tracks suitable for all levels of fitness.Check out possible hiking trips on this beautiful mountain.

• 
  Kiwibloke

• New Zealand – Least Corrupt Country in The World

  kiwibloke

  17 Nov 2009 | 1:11 pm

  Uploaded on Flickr by geoftheref New Zealand has been named “Least Corrupt Country in the World” according to Transparency International. Another great Post from: KiwiblokeNew Zealand – Least Corrupt Country in The World Related posts:New Zealand Voted Most Peaceful Country In The World New Zealand (Aoteoroa) has been voted most peaceful country in...Auckland and Wellington Best Cities In World To Live Vancouver British Columbia and Auckland have tied for 4th...Wellington Ranks Best Little Capital In the World Wellington New Zealand [photostream] has been voted by residents…

• Win Free Trips to New Zealand

  kiwibloke

  3 Nov 2009 | 7:14 am

  If you have a twitter account, you can win one of 30 free trips to New Zealand courtesy of Air New Zealand and Kitweets. Sign up here. Another great Post from: KiwiblokeWin Free Trips to New Zealand Related posts:Twitter For Restaurants In New Zealand (Video) A young Kiwi Entrepreneur has developed a Twitter service...Twitter HitchHiker Lands in New Zealand (Video) Campbell Island, the sub-Antarctic lump of rock 700km off...Twitter – From New Idea to No Idea? It is enormous fun to watch the machinations of...

• Kiwibloke Gav Builds Electric Car

  kiwibloke

  22 Oct 2009 | 6:41 am

  Kiwibloke Gavin Shoebridge from New Plymouth in 2007/2008 converted a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia to an electric vehicle and chronicled his adventures online. You can visit Gavin here, and you can watch all his videos here. Another great Post from: KiwiblokeKiwibloke Gav Builds Electric Car Related posts:Forget Tesla Ultimate Sportscar is Electric Porsche 356 Jack Rickard has created what arguably is a more...Gary Vaynerchuk Does Kiwi Sauvingon Blancs (Video) WineLibraryTV, the Top Gear of Wine Reviewers, and Gary...Kiwibloke Neil Finn Walks Through His Career (Video) Kiwi icon Neil Finn takes a…

• Forget Tesla Ultimate Sportscar is Electric Porsche 356

  kiwibloke

  20 Oct 2009 | 8:39 am

  Jack Rickard has created what arguably is a more beautiful electric sports car than the press darling, the Tesla. This is a Beck 356 Speedster (replica Porsche 356) mated to a Netgain Warp 9 DC series electric motor. On Jack’s website (http://www.evtv.me) is an incredibly detailed discussion on electric car conversion including the first project,  the Beck Speedster and a second more comprehensive project, a 2009 Mini Clubman Sport. You can actually purchase the Speedster on ebay currently. You can see Jack’s Youtube Channel here. Another great Post from: KiwiblokeForget Tesla…

• Kiwis Annex Aussie New York Bathroom

  kiwibloke

  25 Sep 2009 | 7:07 am

  The New Zealand contingency in New York this week annex Aussie Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s bathroom after the hotel they were staying at lost it’s water supply: “I woke up this morning at the appropriate hour … only to encounter a queue, a line of people outside my bathroom, led by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Foreign Minister of NZ and most of our diplomatic staff,” Mr Rudd told a lunch in New York. NZ Herald After the beating the Aussies got at last weekends Tri Nations, it is only fitting….. Another great Post from: KiwiblokeKiwis Annex Aussie…

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  Business Blogs

• Kiwi Ingenuity in Global Entrepreneur Week

  Elena Szentivanyi

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:18 pm

  Us Kiwis are well known for our ingenuity or number 8 wire mentality and after seeing the technology and innovation being showcased during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) I am glad to report that Kiwi ingenuity is on the up and up. At the Wellington to the World (W2W09) technology venture showcase, put on as part of GEW, I was impressed with the offerings launched from Wellington with the intent of going global. Over recent years Wellington has grown a strong reputation as the creative and innovative capital. However, W2W09 showed that Wellington innovation and creativity is expanding to a…

• Addicted to Email? You are Not Alone

  Jaron Phillips

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:49 pm

  image by gfpeckIf you check your email from bed or in the bathroom, on holiday or in church then you’re not alone! The results from AOL’s fourth annual email addiction survey revealed that Americans, at least, are a nation of email addicts. I won’t admit to ever checking my inbox from the bathroom but I do know how reliant we are becoming on our electronic mail. Many of our hosting customers business’s depend on email so we understand just how important their server’s uptime is. And I’d be willing to bet that America’s traits are somewhat similar to…

• 6 tips that business start-ups might employ to outlast the recent economic downturn

  Mark Gwilliam

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:27 pm

  Image by wildxplorerIt is a difficult economic environment at the moment for new and budding business ventures, although by decreasing expenses and becoming more disciplined, start up business ventures can thrive. This article shares six rules for surviving in a downturn. 1. Accept that cash is essential Look after your money – when you’re short on cash and cannot access any more credit, you are theoretically insolvent and heading for ruin. Having little or no funds is what nearly all business advisors & finance professionals recognise as being the primary killer why the…

• Top 10 Abbreviations Explained for New Social Media Users

  Louisa Currie

  19 Nov 2009 | 11:20 am

  Many experts recommend that businesses have a presence of some sort on social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook. Some larger firms choose to employ social media consultants but small or home business operators generally have to jump in and do it themselves. Like anything new, it takes a little practice to find your way around and even if you’ve been emailing and browsing for years the abbreviations commonly used on these sites may seem like a foreign language. There are Acronym Dictionary’s available online that provide thousands of definitions but most users will only ever use a…

• Important Advice for Choosing the Right Franchise

  Richard O'Brien

  18 Nov 2009 | 6:48 pm

  For many New Zealanders, owning a franchise is a reliable path to business success. It’s not for everybody though, so the decision to enter a franchise needs to be approached carefully. You will need to take expert advice: your accountant, lawyer and banker should all be involved in the process of helping you choose a franchise, preferably from an early stage. It is also important to evaluate more than one opportunity in the industry(ies) you may be interested in, by making contact with and comparing a number of systems. Ultimately though, only you can decide whether a franchise is right…