Two a penny

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Industrial action by bus drivers which threatened to disrupt up to 80,000 Auckland commuters tomorrow has been cancelled.

A threatened lockout of almost 900 bus drivers and cleaners in response to a planned work to rule programme has been called off after mediation between the union and their employer.

However, mediation talks today saw the notice of strike action lifted and an amended offer will be presented to the union on Friday.

The Auckland Combined Union gave notice of their planned action last week and their employer, NZ Bus responded by saying it would lock them out. .

Bus services will be temporarily affected on Friday between 11am and 1pm as the offer is considered.

The work to rule action was to involve drivers taking scheduled 10 minutes breaks between routes to complete tasks such as lost property inspections and recommended stretching exercises, even if they were running late.

Both sides had earlier said they were unwilling to back down.8 percent this year, taking the starting wage from $14.

The drivers were seeking an increase of 6.05 more than the minimum wage, to $15 an hour, the union said.05, only $1.30 after three months employment before peaking at $16.

Presently, the pay rate climbs to $15.

NZ Bus operations manager Zane Fulljames said they had offered a 9.75 after nine months of service.

Mr Fulljames said the lockout had been put in place as the company could not operate safely or reliably if the workers were working to rule.9 percent increase over three years which he said was exceptionally fair in this economy.

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Legislation allowing workers to take meal and breast-feeding breaks may be changed because it would cause the cancellation of nine domestic flights, Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

Previously, there were no statutory requirements for meal and rest breaks, although entitlements were in most collective agreements.An amendment bill was passed last year by the previous Labour government, which set guidelines for break requirements. .Today, Ms Wilkinson said the law was “too prescriptive” and needed “clarifying”.The Airline Pilots Association had been “unwilling to continue the flexible breaks system”.The current legislation meant regional airport control towers were being closed down while workers took breaks, she said.If she did not act it “would result in the cancellation of at least nine regional return flights a week and the risk of further schedule disruptions”, Ms Wilkinson said.”Parliament certainly didn’t intend for this law to create more problems than it solved.Pharmacies, schools, meatworks and sole attendant operations had also raised concerns about the law, she said.The Council of Trade Unions was quick to express their disappointment at the planned amendment.”It would appear that what was once common sense in the past is no longer common sense under this legislation,” Ms Wilkinson said.”To now exclude sole charge workers, for example, would see many people returning to the very unsatisfactory situation of working long hours without any break.Many workers had benefited from the law, president Helen Kelly said.”Last month, Ms Wilkinson called for public submissions on a draft code of practice about breast-feeding at work.”Last month, Ms Wilkinson called for public submissions on a draft code of practice about breast-feeding at work.

.Submissions close on Monday

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The idea of all Aucklanders electing Maori representatives to sit on an Auckland super city council was put up by the Maori Party, Parliament was told today. .

The Maori Party and other groups had made strong representations to Prime Minister John Key over the issue but when he talked to Local Government Minister Rodney Hide, who is responsible for the legislation, the minister threatened to resign.

Under the idea all Aucklanders would be able to select two Maori seats at large.

Labour deputy leader Annette King asked Deputy Prime Minister Bill English about a proposal she said was put forward by Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, who is also Maori Affairs Minister.

Mr English told Parliament that a range of options were looked at.

“Thus meeting the Minister of Local Government’s requirement of one person, one vote where everyone got the same ballot paper; if so, why did the Government not accept that option, which would have demonstrated its strong relationship with the Maori Party?”

Another proposal that had been knocked down was for the Maori seats issue to be put as a separate amendment to the bill so ACT could vote against it.

“The Government’s relationship with the Maori Party is a strong one and that is demonstrated every day.

Ms King asked why the Government set up a special subcommittee to consider the Maori seats issue which raised Maori hopes.”

He said all ideas were debated in “an atmosphere of respect”. .

“And then.before the report back of the committee and with only a few hours’ notice, slam the door shut in the face of the Maori Party, saying that Maori seats on the council were not National policy?”

Mr English said the National Government’s support arrangements were much more inclusive than Labour’s had been. .

“There is a greater participatory role for support parties through full membership of Cabinet committees.

“There is a greater participatory role for support parties through full membership of Cabinet committees.

“Does the Prime Minister consider the relationship with the Maori Party to be a mature one with mutual trust and respect, with differences, when there are any, aired on a face-to-face basis and not through the media?”

Mr English agreed and said the most important element was respect.”

Maori Party MP Rahui Katene attempted to show her party did not have a problem with its relationship with the Government.

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The country’s land transport network will have $8.7 billion spent on it during the next three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) announced today.

The funding will be managed through the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

“This is the largest land transport investment in New Zealand’s history, and it represents a 17 per cent increase from the previous three-year period,” NZTA chairman Brian Roche said. Projects which boost economic growth, productivity and employment have been targeted.”

The programme invested in projects in all regions, providing guaranteed funding levels for each region over the next three years.

“This additional investment will deliver significant benefits for New Zealand now and in the future.

Most activities had funding increases, including:

* a 21 per cent increase for public transport ($899 million over the next three years);

* a 19 per cent increase for New Zealand’s state highway network ($4.9b over the next three years).5b over the next three years);

* a 14 per cent increase for local roads ($1.

Improving the efficiency of key routes, public transport, and easing severe congestion in key urban areas, as well as upgrading important freight and tourism routes, improving safety and access to markets, and to employment would contribute to economic growth, he said.

The programme would help to address the important challenges New Zealand faced with land transport, Mr Roche said.

Sixteen regional transport committees and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority were involved in developing the programme. .

“This collaborative process has allowed us to build an overview of land transport requirements across New Zealand and to balance regional and national priorities in deciding on the best investment programme to maximise value for money across the country,” Mr Roche said.

“This collaborative process has allowed us to build an overview of land transport requirements across New Zealand and to balance regional and national priorities in deciding on the best investment programme to maximise value for money across the country,” Mr Roche said.”

Labour’s transport spokesman, Darren Hughes, said local roads could deteriorate.

“This targeted investment will deliver real gains both in the short term – as we move out of recession – and in the longer term by boosting the productivity we need to support prolonged economic growth.

“It’s nonsensical that we allow increased heavy haulage on our roads but don’t back that up with a programme of maintenance.

“Hidden away in the detail of the programme is National’s plan to freeze spending on the maintenance of local roads in the NLTP’s second and third years,” he said.”

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People wanting to build a new home may have to purchase a warranty to cover the risk involved.

The option is one being considered under a review of the Building Act and the builder licensing scheme.

Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson announced the review and changes to the licensed building practitioners scheme.

“Restricted building work” would be limited to foundations, framing and external moisture management systems, such as the roof and cladding.

Under a “new approach” only licensed builders will be, from March 2012, able to carry out specific work critical to construction and weather-tightness. .

Do it yourself (DIY) work will be exempt if it is declared to the local council and meets certain conditions.

The assessment process for licensing builders will be based on examples of projects that an applicant has worked on, trade qualifications and discussion with the applicant and referees.”

Consumers were more likely to hire licensed builders and the consents process would be easier for them, Mr Williamson said.

“Good builders will have nothing to fear from these changes.

The liability for building currently landed on local councils and that needed to change, Mr Williamson said.

It would also be cheaper and faster, he said.

Home Owners and Buyers Association president John Gray said there needed to be an “under-pining” of an insurance warranty programme in case a builder did a bad job and then went bankrupt, leaving the consumer with nowhere to turn for compensation.

He preferred home warranties, the cost of which was likely to be less than the savings made from the reduced consent process, he said.

However, under a licensing scheme “we will see that over time they (builders) will take that responsibility”.

However, under a licensing scheme “we will see that over time they (builders) will take that responsibility”.”

Registered Master Builders chief executive Warwick Quinn said the liability was likely to be spread across plumbers, engineers, architects and other qualified people who worked on a build.

“I think there’ll be a positive outcome in terms of attracting more people to the industry as well because it’s about restoring pride and quality in the building industry.”

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“All builders might not want to be licensed anyway, they are quite able to be used on a labour only contract, or work for a licensed practitioner, or they might specialise in the areas of work that isn’t restricted

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The Government and the ACT Party are denying that a crisis has developed over whether there should be reserved Maori seats on Auckland’s new city council.

It was revealed last night that a senior National MP – believed to be Tau Henare – sent an email to his caucus colleagues telling them ACT had threatened to end its relationship with the Government if it “gave in to Maori” and agreed to having special Maori seats on the council.

“We’ve certainly never threatened to end the relationship,” he said.

But ACT leader and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide said the email was wrong.”

Speaking on Radio New Zealand this morning, Mr Hide said they were waiting to hear back from the results from the select committee but conceded there was discussion around the issue.

“What we have done is state our position very clearly and we are opposed to any reservation of seats for a particular group.”

Mr Hide said he would have to resign as minister if the Maori seats were enshrined.

“We’ll get the report, we’ll see what the select committee recommends and then we’ll see what Parliament decides.

“I can’t in good conscience as leader of the Act Party accept legislation that to me is so fundamentally against the culture of New Zealand and the principle of the Act Party as the separate Maori seats are.

He said he had told Mr Key about his stance on seperate Maori seats when talks about a confidence and supply agreement began.

NOT CONFIDENCE AND SUPPLY CLAUSE

Mr Hide said National MP Tau Henare had the wrong impression around his intention and said ACT would continue to support National in a confidence and supply agreement.”

He said it was a matter of principle – one person one vote and seats should be contestable by all comers.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister John Key said ACT’s views were well known.

He said it had never occurred to him that a National government would be even contemplating having separate Maori seats, “so I didn’t write it in our confidence and supply agreement,” he told Radio New Zealand. We have all sorts of discussions with support parties, we’re not about to start conducting those in the media,” the spokesperson said.

“We are working through arrangements for the super city.”

The Royal Commission which reported on Auckland’s local government structure recommended reserved Maori seats but the Government scrapped that when it set out its plans for the city. .

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The Maori Party has been lobbying to overturn the Government’s decision and both sides have been looking for a compromise

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The Government will today shift from trying to contain swine flu to managing outbreaks of the virus, it has been reported.

Radio New Zealand reported that trying to contain the virus had become too much of a burden, and testing labs in particular had been overworked.

However, the approach – which RNZ reported would be formally announced later earlier today – will vary between regions.Regional pockets -including Northland, Otago and Southland -which have no confirmed cases will not implement the same measures.

Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, which have the highest number of cases, are expected to change their approach.

Dr Huang saidthe Government’s strategy changewould mean the centre would switch focus to testing only samples from the mostserious cases. .

“We will focus on people with chronic illness or people who are at risk of influenza complications,” she said.

WELLINGTON RESTRICTIONS

Wellington’s public health authorities were first cab off the rank last night, announcing they were restricting the anti-viral drug Tamiflu to severely ill patients – the first region in the country to do so – as burgeoning numbers of cases threatened to overload services. This approach wouldhelp identify any mutations or more virulent strains. Border controls and quarantines remained in force.

The number of confirmed swine flu cases jumped by 26 to 153 yesterday, including 12 new cases around Wellington.

From today, only patients exhibiting serious symptoms or those with additional health issues, such as heart problems, would receive Tamiflu in Wellington.

Wellington Regional Public Health medical officer Stephen Palmer said last night that -with 51 cases confirmed in the region, 16 in 48 hours -health services had been “over-inundated” with calls from people reporting suspected cases of the virus.

“We have been humungously busy, under enormous pressure and over-inundated with calls.

“We have been humungously busy, under enormous pressure and over-inundated with calls.

“The situation is changing rapidly, we are only going to be able to contain it to a certain extent,” Dr Palmer said.

“We have had to get additional GPs and, because of the pressure, have not even had time to train them properly and supervise them.

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LATEST

Health officials are setting up specialist swine flu centres as the number of cases soars.

Health Minister Tony Ryall confirmed yesterday that Capital and Coast District Health Board had set up one of New Zealand’s first swine flu assessment centres at Wellington Hospital. Other district health boards were likely to follow.”

The number of nationwide swine flu cases doubled over the weekend, from 35 on Friday to 71 yesterday.

“It diverts people away who may have flu symptoms from hospital and emergency departments and GP clinics.

Darren Hunt, the Health Ministry’s deputy director of public health, said the weekend’s rise signalled a new phase of the pandemic and the number of cases was expected to rise steeply. Meanwhile, the UK has reported its first death from swine flu.

The ministry has moved its response to phase six, one of the highest health alert levels, opening the door for radical measures including the declaration of a national state of emergency. During the Mexican outbreak, big football matches were played in empty stadiums. Restrictions could be placed on public gatherings, including sports events. However, anyone with flu symptoms should stay away.

There were no plans to cancel Saturday’s second rugby test between the All Blacks and France, Dr Hunt said.”

Wellington City Council will outline plans today to deal with the growing number of cases. “It’s a prime opportunity for coughing and sneezing over a lot of people. Mayor Kerry Prendergast said options included closing buildings where large crowds gathered, such as libraries and swimming pools. Mayor Kerry Prendergast said options included closing buildings where large crowds gathered, such as libraries and swimming pools.”

Challenges included keeping essential services such as water supply and sewerage systems going if large numbers of people are off sick or stuck at home.

“Senior council managers have been working out how we will cope if Wellington is greatly affected by swine flu.

“If swine flu takes hold as is expected, that means a whole lot more people have flu, which means a whole lot more people might be turning up at emergency departments and GP clinics.

Mr Ryall said that, although New Zealand’s swine flu cases had been mild and most people recovered at home, there was still potential for it to swamp hospitals and clinics.”

Swine flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Every day that we can delay it is another day that we might not grind the health system to a halt.

Seventy-four countries have reported 29,669 cases and 145 deaths. Some people also have diarrhoea and vomiting.

WEEKEND DEVELOPMENTS:

Swine flu cases doubled over the weekend, from 35 on Friday, to 71 yesterday. Up to 30 per cent of the population might eventually contract swine flu, Dr Hunt said.

In Wellington, 12 new cases were reported, including a recruit at the Police College in Porirua.

In Wellington, 12 new cases were reported, including a recruit at the Police College in Porirua. Other recruits were being treated with Tamiflu and isolated.

The Health Ministry moved its response to phase six, opening the door for radical measures such as declaring a national state of emergency.

Tamiflu given to 50 pupils at Burnside High School, Christchurch, after a 13-year-old confirmed with swine flu.

Year 12s at Auckland’s Westlake Girls’ High School told to stay home after a fellow pupil is diagnosed.

Australia has 1458 cases, with more than 1100 in Victoria.

Health officials are also stressing the need for people who suspect they have flu to seek medical advice over the phone. Call Healthline 0800 611 116.

OFFICIALS HANDLING OUTBREAK WELL – PM

Prime Minister John Key today praised the actions of health officials in dealing with swine flu and emphasised the importance of people staying home if they have symptoms.

Mr Key said this morning the health ministry had done a “tremendous job” coping with swine flu so far, though it may have to change tack slightly because of the community spread. .

The messages the department were putting out were the right ones to help contain the spread, he said.

“We don’t have immunity and at one level it’s reasonably easy to spread,” he said.

“. . .If you’re not feeling well stay home, cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze, wash your hands regularly.”

– Next Health story: –
Fears over spread of flu at church

– National Homepage -

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LATEST

Health officials are setting up specialist swine flu centres as the number of cases soars.

Health Minister Tony Ryall confirmed yesterday that Capital and Coast District Health Board had set up one of New Zealand’s first swine flu assessment centres at Wellington Hospital. Other district health boards were likely to follow.”

The number of nationwide swine flu cases doubled over the weekend, from 35 on Friday to 71 yesterday.

“It diverts people away who may have flu symptoms from hospital and emergency departments and GP clinics.

Darren Hunt, the Health Ministry’s deputy director of public health, said the weekend’s rise signalled a new phase of the pandemic and the number of cases was expected to rise steeply. Meanwhile, the UK has reported its first death from swine flu.

The ministry has moved its response to phase six, one of the highest health alert levels, opening the door for radical measures including the declaration of a national state of emergency. During the Mexican outbreak, big football matches were played in empty stadiums. Restrictions could be placed on public gatherings, including sports events. However, anyone with flu symptoms should stay away.

There were no plans to cancel Saturday’s second rugby test between the All Blacks and France, Dr Hunt said.”

Wellington City Council will outline plans today to deal with the growing number of cases. “It’s a prime opportunity for coughing and sneezing over a lot of people. Mayor Kerry Prendergast said options included closing buildings where large crowds gathered, such as libraries and swimming pools. Mayor Kerry Prendergast said options included closing buildings where large crowds gathered, such as libraries and swimming pools.”

Challenges included keeping essential services such as water supply and sewerage systems going if large numbers of people are off sick or stuck at home.

“Senior council managers have been working out how we will cope if Wellington is greatly affected by swine flu.

“If swine flu takes hold as is expected, that means a whole lot more people have flu, which means a whole lot more people might be turning up at emergency departments and GP clinics.

Mr Ryall said that, although New Zealand’s swine flu cases had been mild and most people recovered at home, there was still potential for it to swamp hospitals and clinics.”

Swine flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Every day that we can delay it is another day that we might not grind the health system to a halt.

Seventy-four countries have reported 29,669 cases and 145 deaths. Some people also have diarrhoea and vomiting.

WEEKEND DEVELOPMENTS:

Swine flu cases doubled over the weekend, from 35 on Friday, to 71 yesterday. Up to 30 per cent of the population might eventually contract swine flu, Dr Hunt said.

In Wellington, 12 new cases were reported, including a recruit at the Police College in Porirua.

In Wellington, 12 new cases were reported, including a recruit at the Police College in Porirua. Other recruits were being treated with Tamiflu and isolated.

The Health Ministry moved its response to phase six, opening the door for radical measures such as declaring a national state of emergency.

Tamiflu given to 50 pupils at Burnside High School, Christchurch, after a 13-year-old confirmed with swine flu.

Year 12s at Auckland’s Westlake Girls’ High School told to stay home after a fellow pupil is diagnosed.

Australia has 1458 cases, with more than 1100 in Victoria.

Health officials are also stressing the need for people who suspect they have flu to seek medical advice over the phone. Call Healthline 0800 611 116.

OFFICIALS HANDLING OUTBREAK WELL – PM

Prime Minister John Key today praised the actions of health officials in dealing with swine flu and emphasised the importance of people staying home if they have symptoms.

Mr Key said this morning the health ministry had done a “tremendous job” coping with swine flu so far, though it may have to change tack slightly because of the community spread. .

The messages the department were putting out were the right ones to help contain the spread, he said.

“We don’t have immunity and at one level it’s reasonably easy to spread,” he said.

“. . .If you’re not feeling well stay home, cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze, wash your hands regularly.”

– Next Health story: –
Fears over spread of flu at church

– National Homepage -

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There has been a sharp rise in the number of New Zealanders with no religious affiliation, new research shows.

In a study of 1000 people by Massey University, 40 percent said they had no religious affiliation compared to 29 percent 17 years ago.Fifty-three percent said they believed in God (although half of those said they had doubts), 20 percent believed in some form of higher power and about third said they didn’t believe or didn’t know.Just over a third of New Zealanders described themselves as religious.Professor Philip Gendall, who led the Department of Communication, Journalism and Marketing research team, said the view that New Zealand was a very secular country was supported by the relatively low levels of active involvement in religion. . –

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.”The survey shows that God is not dead, but religion may be dying,” he said