Thursday, March 28, 2013

Lost hunter calls mum for help

By Simon Wong
Online Reporter
An “inexperienced” hunter was rescued by helicopter from dense bush this morning after calling his mum to say he was lost.
The 22-year-old man from Te Awamutu had become separated from his two hunting companions and had travelled a significant distance from the group’s campsite in the Kaimanawa forest park near Taupo.
Taupo police say they were alerted after the man called his mum about 10am.
Police called the man, who was near Clements Mill Rd, on his cellphone, but he had no idea where he was exactly.      
The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was called to the area with two Land Search and Rescue volunteers to help search for the man.    
He was found 2km from the road and later dropped off at the road safe and well.
Greenlea Rescue Helicopter spokesman Nat Every says while the man was in dense bush, he still had cellphone coverage and was able to remain in contact with police,  helping to direct the helicopter to his position.
It was fortunate the man was still able to use his cellphone, he says.
“If there was no coverage it would have been a mammoth task to find him.”
3 News Fri, 29 Mar 2013 4:10p.m.

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Invercargill estuary 'smells like Rotorua'

Dry conditions around Invercargill have made the area smell like Rotorua, Environment Southland says.
The smell coming from the New River Estuary has raised the ire of some residents who have complained to the organisation.
Environment Southland coastal scientist Nick Ward says he was not quite sure of the cause, but it was most likely because of the relatively warm, dry conditions in the region.
“It’s something we’ve been investigating but it’s a work in progress,” he says.
Mr Ward recommended people avoid water-based activities, stay away from areas which smell bad and where they can see black sediment. 
The New River Estuary has been experiencing excessive nutrient and sediment input from waterways in the past few years, he says.

The change in nutrient levels created good growing conditions for red and green algae, but were not ideal for fish habitat species like seagrass.
“This prolific growth results in lots of organic matter which rots down,” Mr Ward says.
The bacteria which causes the organic matter to rot eventually uses up oxygen and eventually other compounds including carbon dioxide and sulphate.
Mr Ward says the sulphate breaks down to form hydrogen sulphide which “smells like rotten eggs”.
“It’s the same smell you’ll get in Rotorua,” he says.  
Low river levels, warm conditions and lower tide levels mean more of the black hydrogen sulphide sediment is exposed and more of the gas it produces is able to disperse.
“That’s why people are picking up on the smell,” Mr Ward says.
3 News
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Wellington water usage down

Wellingtonians have been taking their water restrictions seriously which has resulted in a “much lower” daily demand, the Greater Wellington Regional Council says.
Council chair Fran Wilde says daily demand for water had decreased from 160 million litres per day three weeks ago to 130 million litres per day now.
She praised Wellingtonians for respecting the water restrictions, but says “we’re not out of the woods yet”.
“We need to take a precautionary approach and continue our water conservation efforts, at least until the next significant rainfall lifts river-flows again,” she says.

River flows were still relatively low compared to previous March norms despite recent rainfall and a total outdoor water use ban remains in Lower Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington.
Council water supply manager Chris Laidlow says the recent rain around Wellington was heavier than predicted.
The downpour meant more rain soaked into the ground which kept river levels higher for longer, he says.
“The river levels are dropping more slowly than we thought, but could be back to the levels they were two weeks ago if we don’t get more rain by mid-April. Another couple of days of rain should put us in a good position to consider lifting restrictions,” he says.
The Greater Wellington Council says the 14-day weather outlook shows six consecutive days of rainfall from April 5, but it was not counting on the rain arriving.
3 News
 
 


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No brothels for Lyttleton

By Simon Wong
Online Reporter
The Christchurch City Council yesterday adopted a new bylaw meaning commercial brothels will not be able to set up in the port town of Lyttleton.
The Lyttleton community were strongly against brothels being set up in the town.
The Brothels (Location and Commercial Sexual Services Signage) bylaw also limits signage used to advertise commercial sexual services and restricts where operator-run brothels can set up.
It stops the operation of brothels from multi-unit residential complexes.
Small owner-operated brothels already in multi-unit residential complexes have been given until March 31, 2014 to relocate their businesses.
The bylaw comes into effect on April 15.
3 News

(File)

 

 

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George Taiaroa's family call for answers

As police search for clues in the murder of labourer George Taiaroa, his family have made an emotional plea asking for anyone with information to come forward.
Mr Taiaroa, 67, was shot dead on March 19 while working a stop-go sign on a one-lane bridge on Tram Rd near Tokoroa.
Police still have few leads in the case, but have spoken to numerous witnesses.
Detective Inspector Tim Anderson says a motive still had not been established.
"People out there know who this offender is and need to be brave and grow a backbone and tell use who it is."
Meanwhile, Mr Taiaroa's family, who addressed media in Hamilton this morning, described the husband, father and grandfather as the "salt of the earth" and a gentle giant who did not like conflict.
Wife Helen Taiaroa says she, like police, were unsure as to why Mr Taiaroa had been killed.
"He didn't have an enemy. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
A tearful Mrs Taiaroa said if the killer's aim was to destroy a family, they had succeeded.
Mr Taiaroa's daughter Rochai Taiaroa described her father as a family man who enjoyed spending as much time with his family as he could.
"He was just a loving man, that's why we're finding this so hard. He was an absolute hero to me.
"I wish we could give the police a lead to follow, but dad didn't like conflict. He didn't attract anger."
Mr Taiaroa's grandchildren were resilient, but were too young to comprehend what had happened, says Ms Taiaroa. As they grew up they would not have a grandfather to share their 21st birthday with or walk them down the aisle at their weddings.
Ms Taiaroa pleaded with the public to contact police with any information, no matter how insignificant they think it is.
"This person has a whanau, they've got neighbours, they're part of a community. They must have said something to someone.
"My whanau needs closure. My whanau deserves it."
Mr Taiaroa's other daughter Melanie Taiaroa says if the public could take anything away from her father's death, it was to tell their family they loved them.
"He used to tell me he loved me at the end of every conversation and I thought it was silly. Now I know how much that means."
3 News

By Simon Wong
Online Reporter Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:59p.m.
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Waterfront tram future mooted

The future of Auckland’s waterfront trams will be considered during a suspension of service while upgrades are made around Wynyard Quarter.
Waterfront Auckland will also ponder the feasibility of extending the rail loop from Wynyard Quarter to Britomart while major works are done along Halsey St and Daldy St.
Upgrade work began earlier this month and is expected to take about nine months. The tram service will be suspended from Easter.
Waterfront Auckland general manager of strategy Stephen Rainbow said during the tram’s hiatus research would be done into the organisation’s long-term vision to connect the two areas.
“We’ll be looking at that link and ensuring it is part of the public transport system.”
The existing trams could be used for the service or possibly light-rail rolling stock, he said.
The width of the rails was a deliberate decision to allow the possibility of light-rail transport to use the track, he said.
Waterfront Auckland had three possible routes for the Wynyard Quarter to Britomart rail link which were a new bridge over the Wynyard crossing, along Fanshawe St and along the viaduct. 
The link could not be seen as an isolated project because it needed to fit into the larger debate over the development of Quay St, he said.
The two historic trams began the service around Jellicoe, Halsey, Gaunt and Daldy streets in 2011 on a 15-minute circuit.
Both arrived from Australia after being restored at the Bendigo Tramway Museum in Victoria.
3 News
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Police search for missing man

The police dive squad have searched part of the Mahurangi River north of Auckland for a 73-year-old man missing from his boat.
Warkworth Police say Donald Ravenscroft was last heard from at about 7.40pm on Sunday when he rang his wife to say he planned to drive home to Wellsford.
He had moored his ketch, named Rakiah, at the mouth of the Mahurangi River.
The alarm was raised yesterday when Mr Ravenscroft did not return home.
His 3-metre inflatable was found tied to a tree on the western side of Mahurangi Harbour with the oars missing.  
Mr Ravenscroft's personal belongings were found on the yacht, including his car keys and cell phone. His vehicle was parked at Scott's Landing.
He is described as being about 190.5cm tall, of medium build and clean shaven with grey hair. It is not known what clothing he was wearing at the time.
Police suspect that Mr Ravenscroft may have attempted to swim after his RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) after it drifted away from the launch.
Sergeant Bede Haughey, of Warkworth Police, is urging anyone who may have seen Mr Ravenscroft or the inflatable RHIB boat to contact the Warkworth Police on   (09) 425 8109 .
3 News

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Monday, March 25, 2013

Police arrest group over car thefts

An “organised crime group” has been charged over the theft of more than 30 vehicles, Counties Manukau police say.
Five men and one woman, aged between 16 and 42, were arrested in Auckland by police during Operation Jafa.
The group appeared in Manukau District Court on Friday and will reappear on April 3.

All but one of the men was released on bail.
Counties Manukau District Crime Manager, Dave Lynch said the members of the group were responsible for stealing 27 Toyota Hiace vans worth more than $300,000.
More charges were likely, he said.
Police say none of the 38 Hiace vans, stolen between October 1, 2012 and February 7 this year, have been recovered.
Mr Lynch reminded the public to remove valuables from cars, lock vehicles and use a steering lock on cars to deter thieves.
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Police dogs graduate from training

The New Zealand Police honoured their newest furred recruits at a graduation ceremony today.
Four police dogs graduated from the Dog Training Centre in Upper Hutt and will soon be working the beat around the country with their human handlers.
The training process for patrol dogs involves three stages which includes intensive courses at eight months, 13-months and 17-months of age.
Dogs work on the frontline with their handler until their retirement which is normally when they’re eight-years-old
3 News
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Tamihere in court over $500,000 debt


Former Labour MP and RadioLIVE host John Tamihere is being taken to court over an alleged $500,000 debt to a company now in liquidation.
West Harbour Holdings Ltd is suing Mr Tamihere for the money which was loaned to him in 2008 to buy a house in Te Atatu South.
The company’s lawyer David Smyth said Mr Tamihere disputed the figure claiming he owed $290,000.
Mr Tamihere made a personal loan of $210,000 to West Harbour Holdings' sole director Brent Ivil in 2007.  
Mr Smyth said Mr Tamihere subtracted the debt owed to him, leaving the balance of $290,000.
But Mr Ivil and the company were two different lenders, Mr Smyth said.
Mr Tamihere’s lawyer Tim Allan said there were other parties who had made claim to the money.
Mr Tamihere had $290,000 in a trust account which was ready to be paid to whoever was deemed to be entitled to it, he said.  
However Mr Smyth said there was no evidence any other party had claimed to be owed $500,000.
Mr Tamihere was not present at the Auckland High Court today when the case was heard before Justice Andrews, who reserved her decision.
West Harbour Holdings Ltd has been in liquidation since March 4 this year, according to the Companies Office website.
3 News
By Simon Wong
Online Reporter
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Pair arrested in Auckland drug bust

Auckland police have arrested two people for importing and possessing methamphetamine for supply.
A 23-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman appeared in the Manukau District Court today on the charges.
Auckland City Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said the pair was arrested in central Auckland early this morning as part of an Organised and Financial Crime Agency (OFCANZ) and Customs operation.
The investigation began on Friday when a kilogram of methamphetamine was found concealed in a 25-year-old man’s suitcase.
The man arrived in New Zealand on a flight from Mexico via Dubai.
3 News

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Friday, March 22, 2013

NZ Govt aims to speed up Thai visas

The New Zealand Government has expressed a willingness to speed up visa processing for Thai citizens visiting the country for business, study and pleasure.
Prime Minister John Key made the announcement at a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra this afternoon, but added this was a long-term plan.
“It’s not going to be immediate.”
Ms Shinawatra was welcomed to New Zealand on her first official visit to New Zealand.
Speaking at Government House in Auckland this afternoon, Ms Shinawatra said it was important to speed up the visa process because of growing numbers of Thai students choosing to study in New Zealand.
Mr Key said up to 3000 Thai students travel to New Zealand to study at secondary and tertiary levels each year.
The two governments also signed agreements to work closer on education, science, technology and innovation.
Both prime ministers also committed to doubling trade between the two countries by 2020, though Mr Key and Ms Shinawatra were hopeful the target could be reached earlier.
Ms Shinawatra will return to Thailand on Sunday.
3 News

By Simon Wong
Online Reporter

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra inspects the Royal New Zealand Navy band at Government House, in Auckland, on her first official trip to New Zealand. (Photo: Simon Wong/3 News)

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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

$50k reward in Jane Furlong case

Auckland police have gone back to where 17-year-old Jane Furlong went missing two decades ago in the search for information leading to her killer.
A billboard was erected on Karangahape Rd in Auckland this afternoon offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to a conviction for the death.
The teenage mother and prostitute was last seen on K Rd on May 26, 1983.
Her skeletal remains were found in sand dunes at Sunset Beach in Port Waikato in May last year.
Det Insp Mark Benefield said police were stumping up the cash which they hoped would entice someone to come forward with more information.
"We know there are people who know what happened to Jane after she was reportedly last seen on May 26, 1993 and those people owe it to themselves, Jane's memory, her family and friends to tell us what they know," he said.
Eighteen police officers were working on the case and had spoken to “hundreds” of people in relation to the murder.

Police had significant people of interest in the case.
But some who were cooperating with police before the body was discovered were now keeping silent, he said.
One of those people is Ms Furlong’s then-partner Danny Norsworthy, he said.
The search for information had led police around the world including Europe, America, Australia and throughout New Zealand. 
At the time of Miss Furlong's disappearance, she was due to testify as a prosecution witness in two cases – one involving gang members accused of assault and the other a businessman charged with attacking sex workers.
The billboard will remain at the intersection of K Rd and Ponsonby Rd for six weeks.
Anyone with information about the case should call  0800 675 263  or email furlong@police.govt.nz
Anonymous informants can call Crimestoppers on  0800 555 111 
3 News

By Simon Wong
Online Reporter
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Fonterra launches light-proof bottle

Kiwi consumers will soon be holding the latest in bottle technology when pouring milk for their daily coffee.
Dairy giant Fonterra this morning announced a new triple-layer light-proof bottle, which they say will keep milk tasting fresh throughout its shelf-life.
Fonterra Brands managing director Peter McClure went so far as to call the technology, which will be in stores from April 8, a "game changer".
The opaque plastic bottle has a black layer in between two white layers to keep light entering and breaking down nutrients which alters the taste of the milk.
Fonterra says light begins to damage vitamin B2 in milk which releases free radicals and go on to react with other proteins.
When left in sunlight consumers can taste the difference light makes in six minutes while under fluorescent light it takes about two hours.
Fonterra group marketing manager Craig Irwin said he does not expect the price for Anchor milk to increase.
The new bottle will only be rolled out for the company's premium Anchor brand, but there was nothing stopping other brands from using the same technology, he said. 
The new bottle is the same shape and weight as the current design. It will also be recyclable.
Mr McClure said the product was part of the company's vision to get kiwis drinking more milk.
While New Zealand was the world’s biggest producer of dairy products, "it doesn't seem right that New Zealanders are drinking less milk per capita", he said.
He hoped because the milk would taste better for longer it would encourage more people to drink milk.
3 News

By Simon Wong
Online Reporter
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Novopay plan not enough – NZEI

By Simon Wong
Online Reporter
The New Zealand Educational Institute vice president has slammed the Government’s Novopay compensation plan.
Union vice president Frances Guy said while the compensation went some way to helping schools it did nothing for individual teachers who had been underpaid, not paid or chased by debt collectors.
The Government earlier today announced a $6 million package which will give each school $500, plus $105 per fulltime teaching equivalent staff member, in recognition of the additional work school staff have put in to fix pay blunders up until June.
Ms Guy, who was speaking at a union meeting in Auckland today, said the plan was not enough.
"It doesn’t fix the problem with Novopay," she said.
When asked if Novopay should be dropped as the payroll provider and substituted for a Datacom interim replacement system she said the most important thing was the system was fault-free.
"What we want to know is that whatever system is put in place will work."
More than 1700 union members from around Auckland met at the Logan Campbell Centre this afternoon, one of three meetings held around the city today.
The vast majority of those at the meeting raised their hands when asked whether they had been affected by Novopay problems.
The members were also near-unanimous in their vote of no confidence in education minister Hekia Parata and the Government’s education policies.
3 News

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Saturday, March 16, 2013

New Job

New posts to come. The start of a new career
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