Two a penny

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Capping legal aid spending and reducing administration costs are being floated as ideas by a review. .

Dame Margaret Bazley, who is heading the review, said demand for legal aid increased 23 per cent between 2003 and 2008, with grants for criminal cases rising 51 per cent between 2003 and 2009.

In 2008/2009 this had risen to 95,303 applications with 85,158 granted.

In 2007/2008, there had been 83,767 applications for legal aid with 73,905 granted.6 million to $123.

Over the same period of time the cost of claims rose from $105.9 million.3 million of the cost and two per cent of cases eating up a quarter of all spending.

A growth in high cost cases was driving up the expenses with 100 cases (49 criminal, 45 treaty and 6 civil) making up $21.

“This is not a sustainable business model,” the review said.

The increasing number of claims had also not been matched with any economies of scale and the average cost to administer each claim had risen from less than $100 in 2000 to more than $250 in 2008.

“Long-standing inefficiencies” in pre-trial criminal procedure, which led to delays in the courts, were also putting a strain on the legal aid system, the paper said.

The discussion paper also identified problems attracting and retaining experienced lawyers in the legal aid scheme, including pay rates and the administrative burden associated with it.

The review makes 73 suggestions or areas for discussion ranging from capping all or some of the budget, more use of a public defender service, more careful management of high cost cases and attracting better quality lawyers.

The review makes 73 suggestions or areas for discussion ranging from capping all or some of the budget, more use of a public defender service, more careful management of high cost cases and attracting better quality lawyers.

The society was considering extending the six months experience needed to practise as a barrister sole out to three years.

The report noted that it was harder to attract good lawyers to the legal aid system for a variety of reasons pay rates and red tape.

Justice Minister Simon Power said the review was aimed at finding a system that was structured “so it delivers effective services to those who need them most in a way that it cost-effective and sustainable”.

This, along with training and better remuneration, would improve the quality of legal aid, Mr Marshall said.”

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“This review has the potential to improve the lives of the people who come into contact with the justice system, and give taxpayers real confidence that they’re getting good value for money from legal aid expenditure

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Dan Carter says he’s ready to start against the Wallabies if required but All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has warned against the star playmaker being seen as a “miracle man” for his struggling side.

Carter started his return to the international scene when he was part of the All Blacks 31-man training squad that got down to business in Auckland on Wednesday afternoon. .

A lengthy meeting to debrief the double disaster in South Africa was followed by an intense training session in west Auckland that was marred by an ankle injury to halfback Piri Weepu.

He believed he had made significant progress in his Air New Zealand Cup outings with Canterbury to be ready for a test recall. He was in the thick of the action and after practicedeclared he was up to starting the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney on Saturday week. I feel like I’m ready to play at international level again.

“That’s why I’m here.. I am lucky with my experience to know what to expect and it is a huge step up from Air New Zealand Cup . but I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I was ready to play international rugby again.. To be back in this environment is great but I really want to push to get out on the field (against Australia).

“I’m hopeful (of starting). He has no doubts about Carter’s abilities but warns that he shouldn’t be seen as a one-man fix-it for the All Blacks’ problems.”

McCaw was delighted to have his old mate at his side again.

“I presume he will be in the mix for next weekend which will be great.

“He a classy sort of man and he’s shown over the last couple of weeks that he has got over his injury and to have him running around here is great,” said McCaw.

“We don’t expect him to come back in and be the miracle man. We have got to make sure that we make it easy for him to just go about what he does well.

“He has just got to slot in and carry on with the things he does well. We have all got things we have got to make sure we get right. That’s the challenge for all of us. We have got to make it as easy as we can for him.”

McCaw felt there would be benefits to the enforced break Carter endured with his six months layoff with an Achilles problem.”

McCaw felt there would be benefits to the enforced break Carter endured with his six months layoff with an Achilles problem.

“I think perhaps mentally he is even better (than before),” McCaw said.

“He has had a break and he’s pretty excited about getting into the rugby. I think from that point of view there is probably a silver lining about having a break like he has.

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A Wairarapa village is being promoted as the new Gallipoli, with pilgrims urged to stay home to remember our fallen Anzac soldiers.

The air force is behind the drive to bring thousands of people to Tinui, where our first Anzac memorial service was held in 1916, for Anzac Day commemorations.
The commanding officer of pilot training at Ohakea, Paul Stockley, hopes thousands will head to the site. It comes as warnings continue over the safety and security of the tens of thousands who go to Turkey each year. While there is always Gallipoli, it was Tinui that had the world’s first Anzac day service. “We see this as an opportunity for young New Zealanders to start a tradition here..
“With our support and promotion from this year onwards, hopefully over the years it becomes more and more recognised and could see thousands choose Tinui over . Gallipoli.. “I would be delighted to see Tinui become a place where people come to pay their respects and remember those who have fallen.”
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Judith Collins, who will travel to Gallipoli next week, said Tinui held a special place in Anzac history.
In material sent to homes and schools in the central North Island, a message has been: “If you can’t make it to Gallipoli, make it to Tinui. .
“That is not what it is about.”
Returned and Services Association president Robin Klitscher said though the move should be applauded, it was wrong to single out one site as the focus for commemorations.”
In 1916, the Rev Basil Ashcroft held the first Anzac Day commemoration in the Tinui church, before leading villagers to the top of Mt Maunsell, or Tinui Taipo as it is known locally, to erect a permanent memorial. It is about people recognising their own communities and to go to Gallipoli on Anzac Day or any other day is part of that also. Forty-eight people from the village died in the two world wars.
That cross became the first Anzac memorial in New Zealand and stood on the hilltop for nearly 50 years before an aluminium cross replaced it in 1965. The Historic Places Trust will consider funding to investigate registration next month.
For nearly two years, the village of just 16 houses has battled to have the site recognised by the Government and the world.

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Influenza expert calls for more use of Tamiflu

– Sunday, 22 February 2009

Bird fluhasn't hit New Zealand yet, but a killer Brisbane flu's imminent threat is a prime reason to dust off your stockpiled Tamiflu.
Influenza expert Dr Lance Jennings told the Sunday Star-Times the best way to protect against flu was vaccination, which would be available around the country from the first week in March.
"A lot of people have a stockpile of Tamiflu for bird flu, but few GPs prescribe it for flu.
However, he said the antiviral flu drug, Tamiflu, was underused in New Zealand, despite its effectiveness in treating the potentially fatal disease if taken soon after symptoms begin."
In 2005, the government stockpiled 855,000 doses of Tamiflu enough to treat 21% of the population and costing $26 million as part of its strategy to cope with a possible bird flu pandemic sweeping the country.
"I think we need more education around the usage of this drug and for GPs so they are aware they can prescribe it for influenza.
Jennings, a clinical virologist at Canterbury Health Laboratories, said New Zealand was also the only country in the world to allow pharmacists to prescribe the drug, which meant people suffering flu could buy it over the counter. The fears also prompted a buy-up of the antiviral by the public.
He was unaware of any deaths in New Zealand from the three strains. .
New Zealand's past few winters had been relatively mild for influenza, with the last cluster of children dying from flu in 2005, when three North Island youngsters died of an influenza B strain, Jennings said.
Six children's deaths in Brisbane last year were blamed on the Brisbane (H3N2) influenza strain, and it had caused a severe flu outbreak in the United Kingdom over the current northern hemisphere's winter. We have no way of predicting [this winter] will be a really bad season, but just examining at the activity of these viruses in the United States and the UK, and what happened in Australia, it's prudent to advise people there is a vaccine.
"All influenza has a potential to be deadly.
The flu jab is free for people aged 65-plus and those with certain chronic medical conditions, including asthma and heart disease."
The World Health Organisation recommends which flu strains are included in flu vaccines in both hemispheres.

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Helicopter crashes in prison grounds

By CLIO FRANCIS – Wednesday, 18 February 2009

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CHOPPER CRASH: The pilot of this helicopter escaped serious injury after his machine crashed near Te Awamutu, this morning.

A pilot was lucky to escape unscathed when his helicopter crashed into a water trough at Waikeria Prison near Te Awamutu this morning.15 this morning when he noticed "a problem with his engine". .
He said while the helicopter suffered serious damage, due to the low altitude and reduced speed the pilot was unhurt.
"He's done a loop to come into land in a paddock next to the prison's administration block when part of his spraying equipment has made contact with a water trough causing the aircraft to flip.
"Our officers secured the crash scene in conjunction with Corrections staff prior to the arrival of Civil Aviation crash investigators who have arrived at the scenes.
He did not require any medical attention, Mr Simes said."

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Body in Aoraki-Mt Cook may be Israeli tourist’s

By JEFF TOLLAN Timaru Herald Tuesday, 27 January 2009

A missing Israeli tourist in the Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park is now presumed dead after rescuers found the body of a man late this evening.
It appears the man, aged in his 20s, was on his way back from a walk to the Mueller Hut in perfect weather when he strayed from the track, fell "a considerable distance" and died from his injuries.
While the man's identity is yet to be confirmed, DOC area manager Richard McNamara said the body is believed to be that of the missing tramper.
"He has walked up to the hut via the marked route to stay the night and for whatever reason he has diverted off the route and walked into an area that's very steep and technically difficult,'' Mr McNamara said.
It was found about 6pm by a helicopter searching for the man."
Mr McNamara said it was unclear how far the man fell, but said it was "quite a considerable distance".
"Then he fell and has died as a result of his injuries.
The body was on rugged terrain on the ridge leading down from the Mueller Hutt, to the west of the Mt Cook Village.15am on Monday morning.
The man was last seen at the hut, 1800 metres up the Sealy Range, at 8. . He had been due out later that day. His body was found shortly after.
Two members of the Alpine Rescue Team searched the route up to the hut, and an aerial search was launched.
Mr McNamara said conditions last night were too windy to try and extract the body from the area, but a Search and Rescue team is expected to launch a recovery operation this morning.
Mr McNamara said conditions last night were too windy to try and extract the body from the area, but a Search and Rescue team is expected to launch a recovery operation this morning.
Last year an American also died after straying from the established track.
"It's one of those unfortunate accidents that occur from time to time," Mr McNamara said.

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The Mueller Hut climb is a popular overnight trip with a steep 1000-metre climb, usually reached in about three hours from the valley floor

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Fires, brawls keep Hamilton police busy

By CLIO FRANCIS – Friday, 19 December 2008

Arrest after spate of suspicious fires

Hamilton Police were kept busy last night with an armed offender's callout, five suspicious fires and a 60-strong brawl outside two inner city bars.
In the first incident police said the members of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad were called to a Deanwell address after noise control reported a man armed with a firearm on the front porch.
Two shots were reportedly fired. .
A later search of the Susan Place home uncovered two air rifles and a gas powered air pistol.
Police said the fight outside two bars on Alexandra Street involved around 60 people and skirmish lines were formed to disperse the crowd.
Later while police were assisting the fire service with a number of suspicious fires around the city, a large brawl broke out around 3am.
Three people were arrested in the incident.
"There will be a highly visible Police presence in the CBD over the festive season and we'll be enforcing a zero tolerance policy towards breaches of the alcohol ban and any incidents of alcohol related violence or disorder.
Hamilton City Tactical Response Manager Inspector Karen Henrikson said any incidents of disorder would be dealt with in swift and forthright manner."

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KKK man shows up to council in wig and dress

Friday, 19 December 2008

Kapiti Observer
NOT WELCOME: Dale Evans, in purple wig, and his Santas are ejected from the council chamber.

Just six months after upsetting Kapiti councillors by dressing in a Ku Klux Klan outfit, community board member Dale Evans has struck again.
He appeared at a Kapiti Coast District Council meeting in a purple wig and women's clothing, with seven Santas in tow, and was ejected from the chamber yesterday by police prompting one councillor to compare the council to a three-ring circus. She told him not to disrupt the meeting.
Mr Evans had hoped to speak to the council about the bore water problem, but was confronted by mayor Jenny Rowan before he even entered the chamber. Mr Evans and his Santas refused to budge and the mayor adjourned the meeting. . Some councillors left the chamber and police were called. I certainly do not want the police involved, that is a complete over-reaction, a human rights issue. Councillor Lyndy McIntyre objected, saying: "We have community members here, let's hear them out and get on with the meeting."
Councillor Tony Jack said: "We do our best to do our job, but council is portrayed as a three-ring circus. And it is Christmas."
Mr Evans said every individual, regardless of how they were dressed, had a right to speak. No one asked me if I wanted to hear what he had to say. He and a group in Santa suits had spoken to the council once before to highlight another community matter. He and a group in Santa suits had spoken to the council once before to highlight another community matter.
Council chief executive Pat Dougherty said the ejection was justified.
When two police officers entered the room yesterday and advised Mr Evans to leave, he and the Santas mostly aged between 14 and 16 walked out. They were asked to leave under standing orders. "Asking police to eject a group dressed in Santa suits and women's clothes was totally justified following the earlier Ku Klux Klan incident from the same person.
Mr Evans said he was taking up the matter with the Human Rights Commission."
Ms Rowan said whatever message Mr Evans and his group wished to deliver should have been done in a respectful manner.. "I should be able to dress in what I want to . If former policeman Dr Rob Moodie can dress in a frock, why can't I? My dress was not inappropriate, the council totally over-reacted and denied me my freedom of speech.."

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Burning oil spill kills woman, 86

By EMMA PAGE – Sunday, 30 November 2008

A frail South Auckland grandmother died yesterday after receiving extensive burns when she accidently knocked a pot of burning melted margarine on to herself.
The 86-year-old, believed to be Indian, was alone in her Pahurehure home when fire safety staff believe she went into the kitchen to find that the melted margarine, which was going to be used to make ceremonial candles, was smoking. .
Neighbours, who saw smoke, rushed to help and called emergency services. She then fell over, spilling the burning margarine on herself and resulting in significant burns.
Cocker says the woman's family had gone out.
The woman was treated at the scene by fire and ambulance staff and was taken to Middlemore Hospital, but she later died. He urged people not to leave things unattended on the stove and to be mindful of the dangers of heating oils and fats.
"Our message to the public is to make sure your elderly dependents are OK. He also wanted to remind families to look after their elderly relatives."

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"Make sure what they are doing is safe

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Pregnant mum drove after four bottles of wine

By – Sunday, 23 November 2008

A heavily pregnant mother-of-three says she may have drunk up to four bottles of wine before driving through a red light with her children unrestrained in the back of the car.
Makarita Ruka, 26, who is due to give birth to a girl next month and has three other children, aged one, five and eight, has been sentenced to community service.
She had been driving the children and a friend to their South Auckland home about 3am two months ago after drinking at a house close toby.
"I'm embarrassed, just really shamed and gutted," she told the Sunday Star-Times.
Ruka, who is remorseful for her actions and pleaded guilty to the charges, says she may have drunk up to four bottles of wine.
She says she has learnt a hard lesson.
She says it was the first time she had been arrested for a drink-driving, running a red light or having her children unrestrained. Asked why she did it, she said she had had a three-hour break from drinking, "had a feed and a coffee", and thought she was all right to drive. The friend she was driving home put the children in their car seats but forgot to buckle them in, "but I can't blame anyone, I was the driver", she says.
The intersection was clear as she approached the red light and she "just went through". She says they were "nice" and emphasised the danger she had put her children in.
She was stopped and arrested by Manukau police. The legal limit is 400mg per litre.
Ruka pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a traffic signal, providing a police officer with false information, failing to restrain three children and driving with 730mg of alcohol per litre of breath.
She was sentenced in the Manukau District Court to 50 hours' community service.
She was sentenced in the Manukau District Court to 50 hours' community service.
"I only drink probably once every couple of months.
She says she is aware of the dangers of drinking while pregnant but is "not a heavy drinker".
"Everybody who knows has called to browbeat me. … She can offer no real defence for her actions. There have been a few swear words, even a couple of slaps on the hand," she says."
Her message to people who are considering driving after drinking is "just don't do it". "I know now.

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