Two a penny

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National is playing down a high-stakes political battle between its support partners over Maori seats on the new Auckland council.

It has emerged that Local Government Minister and ACT Leader Rodney Hide told Prime Minister John Key in June he would resign as minister if the Government allowed any form of Maori seat on the yet-to-be-created council.

Cabinet had previously agreed in principle there would be no such seats, but at the June 3 meeting Mr Key had sounded him out on the possibility of Maori seats.

The Maori Party has been lobbying to overturn the Government’s position and recent events show that Mr Key is seriously considering whether Cabinet should reverse its decision.

“It was a live issue and a prospect,” Mr Hide said.

Mr Hide had also assured Mr Key ACT would not threaten the stability of the Government and the confidence and supply agreement would remain in place.

Mr Hide had told Mr Key that he could not compromise and still introduce the bill in his name, and would therefore have to stand aside.

His stance was not a threat, but a position of principle which Mr Key had to know about when decisions were made on the issue, he said.

“The coalition is going well, really focusing on the important issues facing New Zealand,” Mr Ryall said. . .

“ACT’s position is very well known to New Zealanders. but he is very solidly behind the Government. .”

Decisions on the Maori seats were yet to be taken, he said.”

Decisions on the Maori seats were yet to be taken, he said.

He called on Mr Hide to let Cabinet and Parliament decide the issue and then live with it.

“I would hate him to feel he has to step down over one little detail, if Maori seats are created, because that is now a very real possibility,” Dr Sharples said.

Labour accused Mr Hide of grandstanding to lift his party’s low poll ratings, but he said he had not intended to make his stance public.

Dr Sharples said he would be disappointed if Maori seats were not created, but he would stay on to advocate for Maori interests as a minister.

In the email, Mr Henare urges National MPs to back Maori seats, a reversal of its previous policy, saying there was public support for them.

Mr Hide said he was disappointed an email from National MP Tau Henare had been leaked to TV3 in which it had been wrongly claimed Mr Hide had been threatening the stability of the Government when it enjoyed only 1 per cent support in the polls.

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Police are investigating the possibility a marine mayday call which sparked a full scale rescue operation today may have been a hoax.

Whangarei Coastguard received a call from around 1am from a person who said their blue and white boat was in trouble close to the Hen and Chicken Islands. He then said the boat was taking on water.

The person said four people were aboard the boat and they were having difficulties with fuel and electrics.

After no sightings of the boat the search was suspended at 2pm.

Police communications manager Sarah Kennett said after receiving the call a coastguard boat, police, a recue helicopter, a navy ship and a fixed wing aeroplane had been mobilised to search for the stricken vessal.

There was no sign of the boat or any debris.

Rescue co-ordination centre spokeswoman Sophie Hazelhurst said they had preformed an exhaustive search of the area and were now planning their next step.

“We’re now going to look at all the information we’ve received and all the information that’s come back from the search area and search and see what we can do next.

Ms Hazelhurst said the search vessels and the aircraft had returned to Whangarei but a Navy vessel would remain at anchor so that it could be redeployed. .” She said the search had been comprehensive.

“We’re just sort of pausing for a bit.”

The break would give the searchers time to rest and the aircraft an opportunity to refuel, she said.”

Ms Kennett said police had released audio of the mayday call in the hope the boats occupants could be identified.

“We feel very confident that in terms of the search area we determined we’ve got that covered so now it’s just a case of, well, is our search area exactly right, is there anything extra we need to do.

These inquiries have been investigated and all accounted for.

A number of media alerts were put out regarding the missing boat and Police received some inquiries from concerned people.

Police were investigating the possibility the call was a hoax.

Ms Kennett said there was no local knowledge of the described boat.

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Police said they still held concerns for the missing boat and urged anyone who However, Police still have concerns for the missing boat and its occupants and would like to hear from anyone who recognises the person on the mayday call

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The Reserve Bank has fired a warning shot about the sudden recent sharp rise in interest rates.

The central bank said this morning that current levels of long-term interest rates in this country were “out of line” with its expectations.

The action by the governor was unusual, as he normally waits for his regular six-weekly review of interest rates before making comments on market conditions.

Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard said the recent rise in rates charged between financial institutions was “unwarranted and inconsistent with the monetary policy outlook”. A short time ago it was worth US55.

The New Zealand dollar reacted sharply to the announcement, falling over a cent in value against the American currency.

The comments by Bollard indicate a clear concern from him that recent actions of the markets could put further pressure on struggling Kiwi households and on the depressed New Zealand economy.9 cents compared with over US57c prior to the RBNZ statement. Governments around the world are issuing huge amounts of bonds as they seek to pump money into their own economies.

A number of factors have caused the recent increase in longer term rates.

There has also been a very strong rise in the value of the New Zealand dollar – largely due to the weakness of the US dollar.

This is forcing banks sourcing money offshore to pay higher rates. Several banks have increased their longer term fixed mortgage rates. .5 percent to 3 percent, indicated it did not see much more scope for further falls.

As well, the RBNZ, when lowering official interest rates from 3.

Continuation of such a trend could put further downward pressure on an economy that has been in recession since the start of 2008.

All of these factors have contributed to what is effectively a sharp tightening in monetary conditions within New Zealand – contrary to the RBNZ’s wishes. Furthermore, the risks around the outlook continue to be weighted to the downside,” Dr Bollard said in a statement.

“As we said in our 12 March Monetary Policy Statement, the economic recovery is expected to be very gradual.”

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Dr Bollard said that if this “apparent distortion” in the market persists, it could put unnecessary pressure on the cost of borrowing by firms and households.

“As indicated in our March Statement, we are projecting interest rates to remain at relatively low levels for an extended period.

A number of economists in recent days have been calling for just such an action from the RBNZ governor.

The comments by Bollard are effectively an attempt to “jawbone” interest rates and the New Zealand dollar down.

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The father of a 17-year-old Auckland secondary school pupil whose killer was today convicted of murder spoke of being ”overwhelmed” by the verdict.

Charlie Borrell, whose son Augustine died from a single stab wound to the chest, said the past 18 months had been ”the equivalent of holding my breath”.

Davis, who was 18 at the time of the incident late on September 8 2007, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Haiden Mark Davis, 20, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years for murdering Auckland Grammar School student Augustine Borrell during a confrontation in the inner city suburb of Herne Bay 18 months ago.

”I feel quite emotional about it all,” he told .

Speaking outside the High Court at Auckland, Mr Borrell said it was the right verdict, but ”it can’t bring back my son”.

”I was quietly confident that the jury would do the right thing, but there was always the fear that they’d return the wrong verdict.

”I think, whatever the verdict, we would still have broken down. It was all about the verdict.

”I didn’t even think about the punishment.”

Mr Borrell said he wanted to thank all his family and friends for their support throughout their ordeal.

”We’ve now reached a point where we can start healing a lot more.

It was met with applause, while Davis reacted by shouting obscenities as he was led out of the courtroom.

About 40 of Mr Borrell’s family and friends packed the courtroom and the atmosphere was fraught with emotion as the verdict was read out.

”He’s tried to paint a picture of remorse, but there is a lot more going on behind the scenes. . It brought my daughter to tears.

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”His attitude is very frustrating and it’s the equivalent of him kicking us in the head.

”You have behaved impeccably and with courtesy, dignity and humility.”

Sentencing Davis, Justice Rhys Harrison told the jury they had completed their task with care and diligence.

Augustine Borrell was one of six children, and his first cousin Chris McLean said he was ”a boy who had his act together in a big way”.”

Mr Borrell said the end of the case would allow the family to try to get on with their lives.

”He just walked into a moron.

”He had his own hire business and this year he was planning to buy a house.

”Davis had no idea who he was even having a go at.

”Davis had no idea who he was even having a go at. His first resort was violence.

”I heard that Davis has 25 previous convictions, including 18 for violence.

”He was on bail for aggravated robbery when he murdered Augustine.

”The world will be a better place with him off the streets,” Mr McLean said.

The jurors deliberated for four and half hours, returning once to tell the judge that they couldn’t reach a verdict.

He sent them away again and an hour later they came back with a guilty verdict. verdict.

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Man bashed outside 21st party in Taranaki

By RYAN EVANS – Tuesday, 03 March 2009

ROBERT CHARLES
New Plymouth police officers investigate the scene at Konini St, Inglewood, where a man was found with serious head injuries after a party early on Sunday.

A 30-year-old man is in Wellington Hospital with serious head injuries after being bashed outside a 21st birthday party in the Taranaki town of Inglewood.
Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Borrell, of New Plymouth CIB, said police believed the man was assaulted. .
Mr Borrell said police were speaking to people who had been at the party.
A section of Konini St was cordoned off yesterday while police investigated the scene.30am when the man went outside to his car. Guests spoken to by the yesterday said about 60 people had been at the party but most were gone by 5.
The guests did not think the man had been assaulted by another party goer but said perhaps he had tripped and fallen over.
They said a few people were left drinking and other people were still hanging around outside.
One neighbour reported hearing aggressive voices from the street about 5. They said the party had been trouble-free.
The neighbour looked out a window and reported seeing a man lying on the ground with people around him and a woman talking on a cellphone.30am.
They said the house was known to have parties that could get rowdy.
Neighbours said the party continued after the man was taken to hospital and only stopped when police arrived to investigate on Sunday evening.

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Yesterday afternoon the man was in a serious but stable condition, Mr Borrell said, and was being transferred to Wellington Hospital's neurological ward

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Marie Jamieson murder-accused sent to trial

– Thursday, 26 February 2009

JOSEPH MARTIN REEKERS: Sent to trial.

MARIE JAMIESON: Murdered in 2001.
Joseph Reekers, 52, of Auckland appeared in Waitakere District Court this afternoon for a depositions hearing.

The man charged with murdering Auckland hairdresser Marie Jamieson eight years ago has conceded the Crown has a prima facie case against him and has been committed to the High Court for trial.
Reekers has been remanded in custody and will appear in the High Court again next month.
All evidence presented to the court was in written form which the media had been banned from viewing.
Reekers was charged with her rape and murder last June.
The case remained cold until late in 2007 when police re-examined DNA evidence.
Her naked body was found behind factory buildings in Ranui on February 10 2001.
Ms Jamieson was last seen alive as she walked past the Gull service station in the Auckland suburb of Kingsland eight years ago.

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NZ sisters offer shelter to survivors

By DENISE McNABB in Whittlesea Friday, 13 February 2009

The Age
MOVED TO TEARS: Two big-hearted Kiwi sisters have opened their home to victims of the Australian bushfires. Maria Totorewa, front, and Sue Wirepai say their home is open to anyone who wants to stay.
Maria Totorewa and sister Sue Wirepai, visiting from Melbourne, are among hundreds of people in the devastated town of Whittlesea, Victoria, to offer help at a temporary refugee centre.

Two big-hearted Kiwi sisters have opened their home to victims of the Australian bushfires. She fought back tears yesterday as she remembered friends who died in the fires.
"My house is open to anyone who wants to stay," Mrs Totorewa said.
"I can't take my sunglasses off. The flames were just 20 minutes from her home when the wind changed direction, saving her family. . You will see my tears," she said. We saw nothing. We were under the air conditioner eating ice popsicles, trying to get relief from the heat. Police need cellphones in the huge task of identifying bodies."
Her husband, Chris, a telecommunications contractor, has gone to the obliterated town of Marysville to build new cellphone towers.
Many people, including cricketer Shane Warne, have poured into Whittlesea anxious to lend a hand. Fifteen people are confirmed dead in the town, which had a population of 519.

. Firms have also donated goods by the truckload

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Kindy teachers want exemption from law

The Thursday, 22 January 2009

Kindergarten teachers want an exemption from National's 90-day trial period law, in what may be the first real test of the controversial employment legislation.
The Educational Institute, which represents most of the 2000 kindergarten teachers, has lodged a new employment claim with the Education Ministry. . It follows the passage of a law before Christmas giving employers of fewer than 20 workers the right to sack staff within the first 90 days without going through normal employment procedures.
The 28-month claim, which seeks a 4 per cent pay rise this year and continuing pay parity with primary teachers, was lodged in December but a new clause was lodged this week.
Educational Institute national secretary Paul Goulter said the law had serious implications for the education sector, where recruitment was a "major challenge".
The union fears smaller, rural associations, which employ fewer than 20 teachers, would be disadvantaged by the law, as working for them could become less attractive. It seeks agreement between the ministry and kindergarten associations that a 90-day trial period "is neither necessary or desirable" and would be left out of the kindergarten teachers' collective agreement.

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Recession ‘perfect time’ to build dream home

By CHARLIE GATES – Friday, 16 January 2009

A Christchurch housing developer is defying the recession to build a $4 million home for himself on the Estuary waterfront in Redcliffs.
When the 505-square metre "dream home" is completed this year, it will feature an outdoor pool with a view of Shag Rock, a glass-walled wine cellar complete with adjustable mood lighting, frosted perspex staircases and a large fish pond stretching into the house from outside.
The owner of the property, who wished to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, said it would be his "dream home".
The home has taken 18 months to design, will take 18 months to build and will include five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a gym, a home theatre, a pantry, a barbecue area, a spa, a three-car garage and a roof terrace..
"It is a dream home for my family and we have spent a lot of time and effort to make a home that suits the Christchurch market . It is beautiful surroundings and a beautiful spot and I think the area is completely undervalued," he said..
"Never let a good recession pass you by.
The developer said the recession had actually helped the building of his luxury home. "It is just a pinch in time. It is a perfect time to build because everyone has not got much work so you always get good contractors," he said.
"The recession has helped the build because you get really good contractors and a good price for materials. No-one was talking about it a year ago and no-one will be talking about it a year from now.
"It is a nightmare."
Project builder Simon Stewart joked that the unique nature of the building made it challenging to construct.
The architect for the project, Group Architecture 3 director Marcus Stufkens, said the grand home had been carefully designed.
"It is a one-off sort of building and it is very unique in a lot of ways," he said.
"From the start it has been designed so from the street you would not know the extent of how large the house is.
"It should be pretty impressive once it is finished," he said."

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Witches, masons miss out on fake knives

Saturday, 20 December 2008

Abulk order of fake plastic knives and swords, coveted by local witches and Freemasons, will be handed over by Customs, but not in time for the Christmas rush.
Importer and retailer Dave Hannay won the right to retrieve the 230 knives and swords after the Customs service failed to appear in Napier Civil Court yesterday – but he cannot have them till next month, and then only if Customs does not object.
The order included 60 dragon-handled double-edged swords, 50 slide knives and 120 daggers with twisted blades.
The Chinese-made knives and swords were to have been sold in Mr Hannay's Napier store, King of Swords, but were seized by Customs in Auckland on December 21 last year as they were deemed to be offensive weapons.
The items, most of which are plastic with blunt edges, would have sold for about $9200. .
"The daggers were for the Freemasons. The swords have blunt stainless steel blades and plastic handles, and are glued into a resin dragon before being sold. "You'd be surprised who buys them. The others are bought for all sorts," Mr Hannay said. There are heaps of witches round here, and down in Masterton. Witches need them for their covens.
"This means I've missed two Christmases. And re-enactors, they like them too. If they'd [Customs] just turned up in court it might have been sorted. I've spent a year writing letters to various people trying to sort this out. "But these are weak imitations."
Mr Hannay said he understood that Customs was bound by definitions that saw fakes such as his classified as offensive weapons. I sell pocket knives in my store that are more dangerous. They'd snap if you hit anyone with them."
He said Customs had been made aware that it should have appeared in court. It's just ridiculous. He adjourned the case till next month in case Customs wished to be heard.
Judge Geoff Rea said that, "on the face of it", the knives would be ordered to be turned over to Mr Hannay.

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