PM expresses sympathy to Chile after quake

Prime Minister John Key today expressed sympathy on behalf of New Zealand to the government and people of Chile following the massive earthquake there.

"I am shocked by the devastation in Chile and would like to convey my sincere condolences to the people of Chile, President Michelle Bachelet and the Chilean Government," says Mr Key.

"More than 200 people have died, but it's clear from media reports that the toll may rise.

"The New Zealand Government is prepared to provide assistance to Chile should this be requested.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has spoken to the Chilean Ambassador and passed on the New Zealand Government's condolences.

"New Zealand Civil Defence officials have also been busy monitoring and issuing updates on a tsunami generated by the earthquake.

"While the impact so far appears to be at the lower end of the scale, the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is still warning the public to stay away from low-lying areas and keep off the water.

"I have spoken to Civil Defence Minister John Carter, who is pleased with the way the Ministry, emergency services, local authorities, and volunteers have responded across the country.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the New Zealand Embassy in Santiago are working to account for New Zealanders in Chile.

"This work is being hampered by the break-down in telecommunications as a result of the earthquake.

"So far there are no reports of any New Zealand casualties and all embassy staff have been confirmed as safe.

"Family and friends who have concerns about New Zealanders in the affected area should try to make contact with them in the first instance.

"If they cannot make contact with relatives and have concerns, they should call MFAT on  0800 432 111, or +64 4 439 8401 if they are calling from overseas," says Mr Key.

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New Zealanders Get Behind Head of State Bill

The broad range of supporters of Keith Locke's Head of State Referenda Bill in today's Sunday Star-Times shows growing republican sentiment in New Zealand" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

Endorsers include businessman Sir Bob Jones, author and presenter Peta Mathias, novelist CK Stead and sportsman Rob Hamill.

"The Republican Movement urges all of New Zealand's political parties to support the Bill to Select Committee. While the referendum itself might not go ahead before the next election, at least New Zealanders will have a chance to express their views at Select Committee" concluded Mr Holden.

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National Advisory:Tsunami Threat to NZ

 From the Civil Defense Website:

Monitored tidal gauges continue to show wave action of up to 1 metre on the east coast of the North and South Islands and at the Chatham Islands. There is no indication of any decrease in wave amplitude.

Scientific advice is that there is still a likelihood of surges and rapid sea level changes over the 24 hours after the initial wave arrivals. Wave heights could be larger than what we have currently experienced but within the threat levels and wave height estimates that have been previously forecast. The Ministry of Civil Defence& Emergency Management will keep the advisory in place overnight and will review this at 0800 hours on Monday 1 March 2010.

Strong currents could still be expected in harbours and restricted waterways. The Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula could still expect wave heights of between 1 and 3 metres. The risks to people in boats and on beaches for coastal communities in the east coast of the North and South Island and particularly Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula remains.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying a local threat assessment.

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ChileQuake National Warning:Tsunami Threat to NZ Update18

As at 12:15 NZDT, 28 February 2010, wave activity as reported on tsunami gauges appears to have stabilised at the previously-reported levels (approximately 1.0 metres at the Chatham Islands, 0.3 metres at East Cape, Napier, Castlepoint, Tauranga and North Cape, and 0.4 metres in Gisborne). 

Tsunami propogation models and historic data indicate that larger waves may follow the initial wave arrival times by 6 to 12 hours. There may also be strong surges and rapid rises in sea level in some places. The situation continues to be closely monitored.

Location	Estimated Wave Arrival Time - Updated
Chatham Islands-Kaingaroa	0752 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Chatham Islands-Waitangi	0735 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 1.0m
North Cape	0920 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
Whangarei	0945 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Auckland (North Head)	1052 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Mt Maunganui	0904 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
East Cape	0824 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
Gisborne	0829 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.4m
New Plymouth	1126 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Napier	0853 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
Wanganui	1020 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Wellington	0855 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Nelson	1035 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Marlborough Sounds (Tory Channel)	0908 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Westport	1038 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Greymouth	1020 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Christchurch (New Brighton)	0935 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Timaru	0910 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Milford Sound	0935 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Dunedin	0900 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Bluff	0928 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Stewart Island	0951 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches

2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)

3. Do not go sightseeing

4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates

6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.

Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated. A wave measuring 2.34 metres was measured at Talcahuano, Chile and 0.35 metres at Easter Island, Chile. A wave measuring 0.16 metres was recorded in Apia, Samoa and a wave measuring 0.10 metres in Nukualofa, Tonga. A 1.5 metre wave has been reported at Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands. Further arrival times and wave heights for New Zealand mainland coastal areas are noted in the table below.

Based on modelling and measured waves arriving in New Zealand, the interpretation of the Tsunami Experts Panel is that a marine threat (i.e. threat to beach and small boats corresponding to wave heights less than 1 metre) still exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Island from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also still exists for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula i.e. wave heights between 1 and 3 metres. There may be some small observable sea level changes on parts of the west coast of both islands.

Wave heights refer to maximum water level relative to the normal sea level at the beach. This does not take tides into account. Based on historical events it is expected that the greatest wave heights could occur between 6 and 12 hours after the initial arrivals.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

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Small rise in consents for new homes

The number of new housing units authorised (excluding apartments) rose 0.7 percent in January 2010 when adjusted for seasonal effects, Statistics New Zealand said today. 

This small rise follows a 3.9 percent decrease in December 2009. When the volatile apartment category is included, the number of new housing units authorised fell by 2.8 percent.

"The trend for new housing units has been increasing since early 2009 and is showing signs of easing in recent months," business statistics manager Louise Holmes-Oliver said. 

"However, the trend remains at a low level," she added.

Residential building consents were issued for:

 1,000 new housing units (excluding apartments)

 42 new apartment units.

The value of residential building consents was $380 million, an increase of 15 percent compared with January 2009, while the value of non-residential building consents was $223 million, a decrease of 39 percent. The non-residential value is the lowest since April 2006.

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January trade surplus

The merchandise trade balance for January 2010 was a surplus of $269 million, Statistics New Zealand said today. “As a percentage of exports this is the biggest trade surplus for a January month since 1989,” business statistics manager Louise Holmes-Oliver said. “Until this year, deficits had been recorded for the previous eight January months.”

Exports for January were $3.2 billion, down $19 million compared with January 2009, while imports were $2.9 billion, down $390 million. “Imports have fallen more than exports resulting in a net surplus,” Louise Holmes-Oliver said.

The main commodities contributing to the fall in imports were automotive diesel (down $105 million); mechanical machinery and equipment (down $102 million); and electrical machinery and equipment (down $79 million). Crude oil (up $106 million) was the main commodity to show an increase.

Results for exports were mixed, with 24 of the top 40 export commodities recording decreases for the January 2010 month. Casein and caseinates (down $88 million); cereals, flour, and starch (down $52 million); and meat and edible offal (down $44 million) recorded the largest falls. These falls were offset by

increases in exports of crude oil (up $148 million); and milk powder, butter, and cheese (up $103 million).

Crude oil import and export shipments can be large and irregular, which may cause values to fluctuatefrom month to month.

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Auckland Airport welcomes accelerated Manukau Harbour crossing

Auckland Airport welcomes the announcement, made today by the Minister of Transport, Steven Joyce, that the Manukau Harbour crossing project on the South-western Motorway will be complete and open seven months ahead of schedule.

“This is great news and we congratulate the NZTA and their partners on the delivery of this project. The continual improvement of access to and from Auckland Airport is a key regional and national priority,” said Auckland Airport’s general manager property, Peter Alexander, “and by completing the second Manukau Harbour crossing so far ahead of schedule, the Auckland region will receive, much earlier than expected, the considerable benefits of improved accessibility to our major international transport hub and improved connectivity between Auckland’s western, central and southern areas.”

The completion of a second Manukau Harbour crossing will also ensure that the benefits of the substantial investment currently underway on other transport projects on the Western Ring Route will be fully realised.

Auckland Airport is committed to improving access to and from the airport for all travellers. 

Mr Alexander said, “As an advocate for the millions of travellers who fly into and out of Auckland Airport each year, the thousands of airport workers who commute on a daily basis, and the hundreds of companies that are located within or rely on the airport business district, further improvements to public and private transport links are essential if Auckland Airport is to maximise its already significant contribution to the Auckland regional and national economies. The accelerated completion of the second Manukau Harbour crossing is a critical piece of that jigsaw.”

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Taking the “Local” out of Local Government

The Auckland Transition Agency (ATA) is taking the “local” out of local government, the Green Party said today.

Today the ATA released a discussion document about local boards, but with no detail about their roles and responsibilities

"Given the powers vested in the mayor and council, it is critical that second tier local boards have real power and sufficient resources to provide balance,” said Green MP David Clendon.

"All we have heard today are abstract, 'in principle' statements, with far too little substance. This is totally unacceptable only months before nominations will open for the boards.

“During submissions on the second Super City Bill, submitters were told that the powers of local boards would be spelt out in the third.

“We are now told that at best this information will not emerge until May, only weeks before nominations open for aspiring candidates.

“Rodney Hide’s failure to fulfil this promise has been a major source of anger of submitters on the third bill,” said Mr Clendon.

“We have heard that the powerful new Council Controlled Organisations 'may' consult with boards; 'may invite' input from boards, which gives us no reassurance that local voices will be heard when major infrastructure, economic and social decisions are being made.

“Perhaps the prefix ‘local’ should be dropped from Mr Hide’s ministerial warrant.”

"The presentation today is a continuation of a process that has been rushed. It’s not democratic. It can’t deliver good law and it’s not honest politics,” said Mr Clendon.

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Auckland Airport announces new Formule 1 Hotel development

Auckland Airport today continued its recent move into the accommodation sector with the announcement it intends to develop and own a 125 room Formule 1 Hotel.

The Formule 1 Hotel, to be operated by Accor Hospitality, will be completed in time for the Rugby World Cup 2011. Accor, one of the leading global hotel operators, will also be operating the Novotel Auckland Airport, and the Formule 1 brand offers the most affordable accommodation offering from the extensive Accor range of hotels.

Auckland Airport general manager Peter Alexander said, “We are extremely pleased to be able to announce this new development. This new Formule 1 hotel will offer budget conscious travellers simple and functional comfort at Auckland Airport. And it will beautifully complement our 4-star plus Novotel Auckland Airport, which is already well underway to also be ready in time for the world cup.”

Renowned architectural firm Jasmax has been selected to design the Formule 1, and the development will be project managed by RCP.

Mr Alexander added, “This 2-star budget Formule 1 Hotel will be a fantastic addition to Auckland Airport. With a Formule 1 and a Novotel in our Auckland Airport accommodation portfolio, both run by a world-class operator in Accor, we will soon be able to meet two very different market segment needs, and we are determined to ensure that in time we can serve all other travellers’ short-stay accommodation requirements. If the demand is there we intend to meet it, right here in the airport grounds.”

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Auckland Airport announces interim results for half-year ending 31 December 2009

Auckland Airport today announced its half-year results. In spite of challenging trading conditions, Auckland Airport maintained a firm strategic focus on driving growth initiatives over the half-year. This focus on growth, while intended to build sustainable long-term success, has already generated momentum and delivered a string of business achievements.

Auckland Airport chairman, Tony Frankham, said, “We are pleased with our strategic and operational progress over the last six months. Our financial results are beginning to show some benefit from our business achievements and from an improving passenger volume trend. Continued tight management of operating and capital expenditure – to be “fighting fit” as part of our growth strategy – is also evident in our half-year results.”

Chief executive, Simon Moutter, said, “At Auckland Airport we have seen signs of a recovery in travel demand, with our October-December quarter in particular showing consistent growth in the Auckland Airport monthly passenger numbers on the back of increased tourism industry activity. As a result, we believe stability and confidence is slowly but surely returning to the New Zealand travel market”.

Financial results

Total revenue decreased 0.6 percent in the six months ended 31 December 2009, to NZ$182.9 million. This decrease was largely as a result of a modest reduction in retail revenue. Total retail earnings were impacted by the reversion to a dual operator model for the duty free business and the disruption due to the construction work in the departures area. Aeronautical revenue in the six months ended 31 December 2009 remained broadly consistent with the prior corresponding period. Reduced aircraft movement and the utilisation of smaller aircraft by the airlines resulted in lower airfield income. The passenger service charge increased due to the scheduled price increase together with the small increase in passenger volumes.

Operating earnings before interest, tax and depreciation (Operating EBITDA) was flat at $138.8 million. Surplus after tax, excluding the investment property devaluation from the prior period, was strong, up 4.7 per cent to $54.0 million compared with $51.6 million for the same period last year.

Capital expenditure was NZ$27.8 million for the six months ended 31 December 2009 and is expected to be in the range of NZ$60 million to NZ$65 million for the full 2010 Financial Year.

Dividend and Dividend Reinvestment Plan

The directors have announced a fully imputed dividend of 3.75 cents per share, compared with last year's interim dividend of 3.75 cents per share. The interim dividend has a record date of 17 March 2010 and will be paid to shareholders on 31 March 2010.

Auckland Airport is pleased to offer shareholders resident in New Zealand or Australia the opportunity to participate in a Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Under this Plan, eligible shareholders may invest all or part of their dividends by taking up additional Auckland Airport shares instead of receiving cash. The Plan provides a convenient way for eligible shareholders to invest their dividends in additional Auckland Airport shares, without incurring brokerage charges or commission. Normally, shares issued under the Plan will be issued at a discount to the trading price of the shares on the NZSX. Eligible shareholders will be sent an offer document containing the terms and conditions of the Plan along with a participation form.

Passenger volumes

In the six months ended 31 December 2009, total passenger volumes rose 2.3 percent to 6,782,242, driven by increases on trans-Tasman routes and growth in domestic travel passenger numbers. Total aircraft movements were down 2.9 percent in the six months ended 31 December 2009, which reflects the decreased frequency of aircraft movements on domestic routes partially offset by increased frequency of aircraft movements on international routes.

International passenger numbers (excluding transits) were up 1.4 percent in the six months ended 31 December 2009. The growth reflects competitive airfares and increased availability of seats. Trans-Tasman growth has been offset by the pressure on long haul travel, which was impacted by the global economic downturn and the legacy of pandemic (swine flu) concerns earlier in 2009.

Domestic passengers increased 6.1 percent in the six months ended 31 December 2009, to 3,046,882, driven by strong competition. Jetstar replaced Qantas as a domestic carrier in July 2009 and the increase in passengers reflects the uptake of the low-cost alternative with a focus on the main trunk routes.

Growth strategy takes flight

Mr Moutter said, “Auckland Airport has had a new growth strategy in place since March 2009. We believe that even in difficult times, growth is an essential airport focus. Growth is about creating value by building stronger air services connections, growing passenger volume, gaining exposure to higher growth markets and influencing travel and customer behaviour. International passenger volume is by far our most important value driver and with each international traveller spending an average of $2,500 during their visit to New Zealand, more volume is good for our shareholders and good for the broader New Zealand economy.”

Driving more travel demand from Asia is crucial to the future growth of both Auckland Airport and New Zealand tourism. While the primary air service development focus remains direct Asian connections with Auckland, an important supporting strategy is to strengthen connections with other strategically located airports.

Mr Moutter added, “In January 2010, we purchased 24.55 per cent of Cairns and Mackay airports in North Queensland. Since indicating in March 2009 that we would pursue opportunistic but carefully selected step-outs, we have looked at a range of opportunities. After considerable assessment, we decided the strategic merits of this particular deal were substantial. Cairns Airport fits the bill in terms of its location, scale, focus on Asian tourism, shared goals to develop leisure travel in partnership with low-cost carriers, and market diversification opportunities. Mackay offers additional diversified exposure to the booming Australian resources sector.”

Mr Moutter added, “The North Queensland investment is relatively modest (around 5 per cent) as a proportion of Auckland Airport’s total assets, and Auckland remains our core business. Our commitment to remaining right up there with the best airports in the world and developing more air services to help grow New Zealand tourism and trade won’t be changing”.

Other achievements

While the business development time-frame for new air-services is quite long, Auckland Airport’s partnering approach is already paying dividends, with new charter services from Japan established for the summer season alongside Air New Zealand, new charter services from Taiwan established with EVA Air, new services between Cairns and Auckland commencing March 2010 with Pacific Blue, increased services from Malaysian Airlines, Pacific Blue and Emirates and a strong pipeline of other opportunities established by the team. These new opportunities are in addition to earlier successes in securing Pacific Blue and Jetstar services at Auckland.

Mr Moutter said, “The major redevelopment of our departures area is on target, with the first stage involving a refreshed dining area and new shopping options now complete and already having a positive impact. JR Duty Free, our second duty-free operator which commenced business in August 2009, has hit the ground running and alongside DFS forms part of what we believe is a world-class airport duty-free offering.”

Several major property development projects are already well underway, including a Warren & Mahoney-designed four-star plus Novotel hotel at the international terminal in partnership with Tainui Group Holdings and Accor, a fully pre-committed 2000 square metre office building, and a major relocation and refit for New Zealand Customs.

Mr Moutter said, “We are also pleased to announce that an agreement has been formed with Accor for the development and operation of a new 120 room Formule 1 Hotel to be built at Auckland Airport in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011, which will appeal to the budget traveller market and provide more choice to travellers.”

Following the 2009 Skytrax award in which Auckland Airport was named one of the 10 best airports in the world Auckland Airport was voted the best airport in Australasia in the 2009 World Travel Awards in November 2009. Each new award is a testament to the enormous amount of work with airport partners, including airlines, border agencies, and baggage-handlers, to provide a world-class passenger experience.

Looking ahead

In the longer term, the aspirational goal is to grow international passengers at a rate significantly higher than the historical average. In the shorter term, passenger volume expectations are improving but still hard to forecast accurately. However the second quarter for the 2009/10 financial year offered solid evidence of a market recovery and with passenger volumes in the year to date surpassing our previous high case assumption we have good reasons for increased confidence.

For the full 2010 financial year we now expect net profit after tax (excluding any fair value changes and other one-off items) to be in the range of $100 million to $105 million, and capital expenditure to remain in the range of $60 million to $65 million. As always, this guidance is subject to any other material adverse events, significant one-off expenses, non-cash fair value changes to property, and further deterioration due to the global market conditions, or other unforeseeable circumstances.

Mr Frankham said, “Auckland Airport can look forward to a bright future. This positive half-year result represents significant progress as we continue to move out of the downturn and make moves to strategically position the company for increased exposure to higher growth markets. And as we continue to implement our growth strategy and contribute to growth in New Zealand tourism and trade, the work we have done to protect ourselves against downside risks and maximise our leverage to upside opportunities will bring its rewards.”

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Ending the addiction to Methyl Bromide

New Zealand must end its addiction to the highly toxic ozone destroying gas methyl bromide, the Green Party said today.

“We need to stop using this dangerous product and exposing our people, and the planet, to this toxic gas,” said Green Party Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley.

Methyl Bromide is currently used to treat imported food and wood products as well as cars and timber that is being exported.

Ms Kedgley has lodged a submission on Environmental Risk Management Authority’s (ERMA) reassessment of Methyl Bromide today. Submissions close today, Friday 26 February.

Ms Kedgley’s submission urges a phase out of methyl bromide over the next five years and the use of alternatives such as recapture technology and heat treatment instead.

Everyday, by using it, we are destroying the ozone layer.

“Furthermore, hundreds of workers are being exposed to this highly toxic gas – it is completely irresponsible.”

Ms Kedgley expressed concern that New Zealand wasn’t living up to its international obligations under the Montréal Protocol.

“New Zealand is now using more Methyl Bromide than ever.

“We need to stop the weasely excuses now,” said Ms Kedgley.

“ERMA should support a complete phase out of the gas, and not merely tinker with some minor controls.

“Timber is treated in a primitive way, under tarpaulins, and then the gas is released directly into the atmosphere where it will inevitably destroy ozone. Usually logs are fumigated in such a way that puts members of the public at risk of inhalation.”

“There are many safer alternatives, such as recapture technology and heat treating, which should be being used instead,” said Ms Kedgley.

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PM Key accepted Phil Heatley's resignationn

Prime Minister John Key said today he had accepted with regret the resignation of Housing and Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley from his ministerial portfolios.

"Mr Heatley tendered his resignation to me this morning and I will be advising the Governor-General to accept it," says Mr Key. "Mr Heatley has also asked that the Auditor-General conduct an audit into his ministerial expenses.

"My officials have been working with the Audit Office since yesterday when this latest issue arose, and the investigation will start this afternoon. The purpose of the audit is to confirm the appropriateness of the expenses claimed by Mr Heatley against Vote Ministerial Services.

"It came to my attention yesterday that the documentation used to support Mr Heatley's expenses claim for $70 in Christchurch last year was incorrect.

"The expenses claim characterised the spending as "Minister and Spouse: dinner". The actual credit card receipt was notated by him as ‘Minister and Spouse' for ‘Food and Beverage'. 

"The credit card was used for two bottles of wine for his and his wife's table at the National Party Conference.

"I have asked Mr Heatley to explain the inconsistency and he has indicated to me that this was an unintentional error on his part, and he had not sought to mislead Ministerial Services in the characterisation of his claim.

"However, he feels that he has not lived up to the high standards required of a Minister and has resigned his portfolios.

"I expect high standards from my Ministers, but I'm also prepared to accept that everyone is human and from time to time, people make mistakes.

"I have no reason at this stage to believe that Mr Heatley has been dishonest. However, it is important that the Auditor-General investigates this issue to ensure that public money is spent appropriately.

"In addition to the audit of Mr Heatley's expenses, I have asked Ministerial Services to work with the Auditor-General to look at the systems and processes for dealing with ministerial expenses to ensure we are doing everything possible to make sure the rules are clear and are being followed.

"For the time being, I have asked Maurice Williamson and David Carter to act in the Housing and Fisheries portfolios respectively."

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Commercial fish stocks valued at over $4 billion

The value of New Zealand’s commercial fish stocks passed the $4 billion mark in 2009, Statistics New Zealand said today.

The asset value of New Zealand’s commercial fish stocks, as managed under the Quota Management System (QMS), has grown 47 percent since 1996. The number of species managed under the system, introduced in 1986 to manage New Zealand’s fisheries, rose from 26 in 1996 to 96 in 2009.

In 2009 the top 20 species, including hoki, rock lobster, pāua, and blue cod, comprised 91 percent of the fish stocks’ total value. Hoki contributed the highest value at $815 million, or 20 percent of the total asset value.

In 2009, jack mackerel, dredge oysters, and stargazer replaced alfonsino, hapuku and bass, and scallop in the top 20 species by asset value.

These statistics are from the Fish Monetary Stock Account: 1996–2009 released by Statistics NZ today.

The report, which is based on information from the fishing industry, measures the asset value of New Zealand’s commercial fisheries; it excludes aquaculture, recreational and customary catch, and commercial species not currently managed by the QMS.

The Fish Monetary Stock Account: 1996–2009 is part of a series of statistics that can be used to monitor the interaction between the economy and the environment. The full report is available on the Statistics NZ website (www.stats.govt.nz).

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Violence will Increase as Fatherlessness Increases

Family First NZ says that violence in our community and towards people of authority such as the police will increase as long as we downplay the significance and benefits of strong marriages and committed fathers.

“The response of governments, even today, has been more money and more laws. Yet this fails to deal with the root causes of what is happening. Fatherlessness is a major contributor to increasing rates of juvenile violence,”

says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“Scientific research is unanimous on a number of conclusions regarding family structure – that strong marriages increases the likelihood that fathers have good relationships with their children and lowers the risk of alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse,” 

“Conversely, parental divorce or non-marriage appears to increase children’s risk of delinquent and criminal behaviour, amongst other factors. One only needs to observe proceedings at the Youth Court to see the effect of fatherlessness.”

“According to The Heritage Foundation, an influential US research institute, an analysis of social science literature over 30 years shows that the rise in violent crime parallels the rise in families abandoned by fathers. A state-bystate analysis indicated that a 10% increase in the percentage of children living in single-parent homes lead typically to a 17% increase in juvenile crime. The research found that criminal behaviour has its roots in habitual deprivation of parental love and affection going back to early infancy.”

“Research has shown time after time that the father’s authority and involvement in raising his children are great buffers against a life of crime,” says Mr McCoskrie.

“There are other factors such as violence in the media, the ‘rights’ culture being fed to young people, and the undermining of parental authority which are contributors, but family structure is a crucial place to start.”

“Violent crime will continue to increase as long as we downplay the importance and significance of having two parents, a mum and a dad, committed to each other and to their children.”

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Don a bow tie in support of Muscular Dystrophy Awareness

Disabilities Issues Minister Tariana Turia is encouraging people to don a bow tie this week in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's awareness campaign.

The Minister says the nationwide campaign from 20th - 28th February is an ideal way to raise awareness of a condition which affects 43,000 New Zealanders.

``The bow tie symbolises the difficulties people with a neuromuscular condition face daily,'' Mrs Turia says.

Neuromuscular conditions are an unpredictable and incurable condition that causes progressive muscle wasting and can strike anyone at any age.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association supports those living with neuromuscular conditions and their parents, families and friends.

People can also wear a bow tie pin designed by New Zealand fashion designers WORLD.

For more information on the campaign please visit www.mda.org.nz

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Private sector jobs decrease in December 2008 year

Growth in filled jobs fell from 2.8 percent in the December 2007 year to 0.5 percent in the December 2008 year, due to a declining number of filled jobs in the private sector, Statistics New Zealand said today. 

This growth rate is the lowest for a December year in the Linked Employer-Employee Data (LEED) series, which began in June 1999.

While filled jobs in the private sector were down 0.7 percent (10,570 jobs) in the December 2008 year, public sector filled jobs were up by 5.5 percent (19,270 jobs). The public sector also had stronger growth in quarterly earnings in the December 2008 year (up 11.1 percent to $16,270) compared with the private sector (up 4.0 percent to $11,700).

In the December 2008 quarter, the worker turnover rate was 14.7 percent, the lowest rate in the LEED series. The rate in the December 2007 quarter was 16.2 percent. Worker turnover rates provide a measure of stability in the workforce, with a lower rate indicating a more stable workforce.

The decrease in worker turnover rate was due to a decrease in the number of employees who have left or joined an employer and an increase in the number of filled jobs.

The LEED quarterly series is published with a lag of four quarters and uses information from existing taxation and Statistics NZ sources to provide a range of information on the dynamics of the New Zealand labour market. 

The large size of the dataset allows breakdowns by age, sex, industry, sector, firm size, region, and territorial authority. These breakdowns are available on Infoshare and Table Builder on the Statistics NZ website. For more information on LEED, see the Guide to Interpreting the LEED Data.

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Householders deserve a choice with smart meters

Meters will be smarter and householders will be given more control over their power bills, thanks to the Smart Meters (Consumer Choice) Bill being drawn from the ballot, the Green Party said today.

“I am pleased to be able to give consumers more choice and save them

money,” Green MP Dave Clendon said.

The Member’s Bill drawn today gives effect to the recommendations from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report Smart electricity meters: How households and the environment can benefit (June 2009). 

Dr Jan Wright has expressed disappointment that householders are being told by electricity companies they can’t have a really smart electricity meter installed.

“The Bill ensures smart meters really will be smart and that consumers are offered a choice of tariffs and information that give them power to control their electricity costs.”

“Electricity and lines companies are installing smart meters without any smarts. This has to stop.

“The Green Party supports the introduction of smart meters, but the consumer shouldn’t be left behind in the rush.

“Just this week we have been bombarded with more bad news about electricity price rises. My Bill will give the consumer the power to fight back.

“I look forward to cross-party support for this sensible extension of consumer choice,” Mr Clendon said.

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Minister apologises for credit card errors

Housing and Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley today apologised for the unintentional misuse of his Ministerial credit card and vowed to ensure no such mistakes are made in the future.

"I was under the understanding that as a Minister I could claim expenses for attending functions outside Wellington regardless of whether they were a Housing or Fisheries portfolio activity.

"This is clearly not the case and so I have today reimbursed Ministerial Services for three food and beverage charges relating to last year's National Party conference in Christchurch, to the value of $175.30.

"I have also taken stock of a group of charges, which upon reflection I have decided to reimburse.

"In March last year, in my capacity as Minister of Fisheries, I visited Waikawa to speak and attend a regional fisheries conference, and then Kaikoura to experience the Whale Watch operation courtesy of Ngai Tahu. I arranged for my family to join me on this trip so brought my Ministerial self-drive car across on the Interislander ferry.

"At the time I reimbursed, or paid directly, the travel and meal costs for my children. However, on reflection I question my decision to include my family in this trip at all.

"Therefore I am paying all travel, accommodation and meal costs for me and my family for the duration of the South Island visit, which will include $906.80 charged to my credit card.

"I have also reimbursed $31.50, being my share of a business sector lunch at Killer Prawn in Whangarei when hosting my colleague Steven Joyce.

"I want to assure the public that no deliberate attempt was made to claim any items on my Ministerial credit card that weren't in keeping with the rules.

"I fully accept that as I was using a facility charged to the taxpayer it was my responsibility to be clear about them.

"I simply failed to bring myself adequately up to speed with the rules around the card's use.

"I have fallen short of the high standards the Prime Minister expects of his Ministers. I am embarrassed. I apologised to the Prime Minister last night and want to extend that apology to my colleagues and the public."

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High Court rules on dolphin legal challenge

Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley has commented on today's release of the High Court's judgment on the inshore fishing industry's legal challenge to the closure of some areas to set net and trawl fishing, put in place in 2008 to protect Hector's and Maui's dolphins.

"This is an important judgment on a major issue for both commercial and recreational fishers and we are considering it carefully," Mr Heatley said.

"I will be taking advice from officials on the implications of the judgment and the steps that need to be taken," he said.

The legal challenge centred around six specific restrictions that flowed out of decisions by the previous Minister of Fisheries on area closures and fishing method restrictions to manage the threat posed by fishing to Hector's and Maui's dolphins.

The High Court has ruled that two of these restrictions should be referred back to the Minister of Fisheries for reconsideration. These are the extension of set net closures on the North Island's West Coast from four nautical miles to seven nautical miles and the closure of an area of the South Island's East Coast to targeted fishing for butterfish.

The other four restrictions subject to the legal challenge have been upheld by the Court. These restrictions relate to:

* The extension of the set netting prohibition further into the Manukau Harbour

* The seasonal two nautical miles set net prohibition on the West Coast of the South Island

* The four nautical mile set net closure outside Te Waewae Bay of the South Island

* The decision not to exempt the targeted fishing of butterfish in the Bluff area

The closure of areas around the South Island and on the North Island's north-west coast to set net and drift net fishing by recreational fishers are not affected by this judgment and remain in force at this time.

More information on the closures is available on the Ministry of Fisheries website at www.fish.govt.nz

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Life expectancy increases

New Zealand's life expectancy at birth has increased by 0.2 years for both males and females since 2006–08, Statistics New Zealand said today.

 A baby girl can expect to live, on average, 82.4 years and a baby boy 78.4 years, based on mortality rates experienced in 2007–09. The latest life expectancy figures are included in the abridged period life table for 2007–09.

"Life expectancy for women is still higher than it is for men, but the gap has narrowed from more than six years in 1975–77 to four years in 2007–09," Population Statistics manager Denise McGregor said. 

"Since 1975–77, life expectancy at birth has increased by 6.9 years for females and 9.4 years for males," Mrs McGregor said.

Abridged life tables are produced annually using deaths registered over a three-year period. They provide a range of mortality measures, including life expectancy, for age groups at the national level.

Statistics from birth and death registrations released today indicate that:

 in the first decade of the new millennium there were more than half a million (588,500) live births in New Zealand

 there were 62,540 live births registered in New Zealand in the December 2009 year, down from 64,340 in 2008

 the birth rate was 2.1 births per woman in 2009, down from 2.2 in 2008

 deaths registered in 2009 totalled 28,960, down slightly from 29,190 in 2008.

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NEW CAMPAIGN IN AUSTRALIA TARGETS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Tourism New Zealand launched has just launched a new campaign (21 February) in Australia targeting families in the lead up to the April school holidays.

The two-week campaign is being run in conjunction with Pacific Blue and Blue Holidays.

Television and online advertising, which builds on recent early-bird ski advertising, will promote Pacific Blue/Blue Holidays packages to Auckland , Wellington and Christchurch .

Pacific Blue is also working with Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) to promote deals to the six gateway cities it flies into.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says the joint activity will help keep New Zealand ’s profile high in Australia heading into autumn.

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Less alcohol and cigarettes available for consumption

The total volume of alcoholic beverage available for consumption declined 3.1 percent, to 471 million litres during the 2009 year, the first fall following eight years of annual increases, Statistics New Zealand said today.

 "Beer is still the most popular alcoholic beverage in New Zealand, although it drove the overall decline in volumes of alcoholic beverage," business statistics manager Kathy Connolly said.

Spirits and spirit-based drinks now represent 15 percent of the total volume of alcoholic beverage available for consumption, while wine represents 20 percent, up from 19 percent in 2008.

The volume of pure alcohol available per person aged 15 years and over decreased 2.4 percent from2008, to 9.3 litres in 2009.

The number of cigarettes available for consumption in 2009 also dropped, down 4.5 percent, to 2.4 billion.The drop in cigarette numbers coincided with a decline in the amount of tobacco available for consumption, which was down 1.6 percent to 856 tonnes in 2009, following a decline of 3.7 percent in

2008.

 "This is the first time since 2003 that a fall in tobacco has coincided with a fall in available cigarettes," Kathy Connolly added.

Alcohol and tobacco statistics measure how much alcohol and tobacco is available for consumption, not how much is consumed.

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Kedgley complaint against Demon upheld

A decision condemning Demon Energy Drink’s marketing methods highlights the lengths corporate interests will go to hook Kiwi kids on their products, Green Party Food Spokesperson Sue Kedgley said today.

The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint from Ms Kedgley regarding the way Demon Energy Drink’s website used images and language to market Demon to children, in breach of the Code for Advertising to Children.

"This decision sends a message to advertisers that there is a limit to the way they can deliberately target children to try to hook them on their products," said Ms Kedgley.

The ASA found that Demon's website encouraged the purchase of high caffeine and sugar drink products that are inappropriate for children, and that Demon advertising did not observe the high standard of social responsibility required of advertising to children.

It also decided by majority decision that the Demon website could encourage the purchase of a product that was inappropriate for children and actively encourage children to consume it inappropriately.

"I believe their advertising is socially irresponsible and is aimed at getting young children hooked on their high caffeine, high sugar drinks at the earliest possible age," said Ms Kedgley.

"The aggressive advertising tactics being used by companies like Demon were encouraging a generation of kids to become addicted to high caffeine energy drinks.

"Caffeine is an addictive drug and children are particularly susceptible to its effects. Children who drink high caffeine energy drinks can become hyperactive, nervous and have difficulty sleeping."

Ms Kedgley said the availability and heavy promotion of energy drinks was likely to fuel teenage addiction.

"A can of energy drink consumed by a child is the equivalent of two or three cups of coffee drunk by an adult. Due to children’s smaller body weight, the effect of the caffeine hit is even more pronounced," said Ms Kedgley.

"A 60 ml shot of Demon Energy is the equivalent of 4-5 cups of instant coffee. It contains 200 milligrams of caffeine and 2000 mg Taurine and Guarana."

Ms Kedgley said it was now time that the NZ Food Safety Authority closed a loophole that allowed Demon Drinks to circumvent the upper limits for caffeine by selling their high caffeine products as ‘dietary substances’.

Link to the ASA decision:

http://203.152.114.11/decisions/09/09786.doc

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Cuts demanded of Radio New Zealand could impact on writers’ earning ability

The New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc.) is concerned about the recent attacks made on Radio New Zealand and says that further cuts in their budget could well impact on New Zealand writers’ ability to make an income.

“Radio New Zealand is already under-funded” says Tony Simpson, President, “For years the Society has been working towards gaining better rates of pay for writers and the additional cuts to Radio New Zealand’s budget demanded by the Minister will almost certainly impact not only on the writers’ rates of pay but the terms and conditions of their contracts. These cuts will also undoubtedly further limit the opportunities of New Zealanders to hear their own voices on air. This is most certainly not something we can support.”

In 2007 the Society commissioned a Research Report on the incomes, needs and issues for mid-established authors. The data was alarming! The average income from writing was approximately $15,000 and only 17% of writers were able to survive solely on their income from writing. There is no doubt that, as the major radio network producing New Zealand content, Radio New Zealand contributed considerably to these statistics.

The New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc.) urges the Government to maintain its level of support to Radio New Zealand for the benefit of New Zealand literature.

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NZ jewellers take Hollywood break

Some of Hollywood’s most famous movie stars are likely to be carrying a touch of New Zealand with them on the red carpet at this year’s Oscars - thanks to a Kiwi jewellery-making family’s big break.

Robinson Designer Goldsmith, based in Takapuna, Auckland, has been invited by Hollywood Award Suites to show their designs at a prestigious pre-Oscars event in Los Angeles next week.

The Beverly Hills Hotel function is attended by Hollywood’s top stylists, media and celebrities and provides a showcase of gowns, shoes, jewellery, and cosmetics from which the stylists choose Oscar outfits for their movie star clients.

Securing a place at the event is a major coup for RDG - run by Ken Robinson and his twin sons Michael and David - whose "edgy" one-off creations have become sought-after, world-wide.

Opportunity of a lifetime

Ken Robinson says the pre-Oscars showing is the opportunity of a lifetime and they’ll be exhibiting alongside some of the world’s biggest names including Cartier.

"If you sat down and tried to write a plot you couldn’t write it any better.

For a New Zealand jeweller to be exhibiting in the Beverley Hills Hotel at this event is beyond our wildest dreams," Robinson said.

The invitation from the Oscars organisers came about after some of RDG’s "Skull Duggery" designs were featured in LA’s Vamped magazine in December 2009.

The unusual one-off pieces, which feature diamond skulls with brightly coloured vines, flowers, snakes and birds created with platinum, gold and gems, caught the eye of the founder of Hollywood Award Suites, Anita Talbert.

Huge LA following

Talbert said she invited RDG to the showcase because she knew celebrities would love the jewellery and the jeweller had a huge following in LA.

"I saw their art designs and thought they were amazing. It’s the edgy fun stuff, but serious jewellery with diamonds and precious stones that make these conversation pieces and collectors’ pieces," said Talbert.

Robinson Designer Goldsmiths use gold from New Zealand’s South Island and only ethically mined diamonds and gems in their creations.

When the company set up a Facebook page in late 2009, it quickly built a fan base which included artistic people and fashion editors who applauded RDG for their "colourful, fresh and very different" designs.

Robinson says the recession and other world events had led to a demand for something between costume jewellery and top-end, very expensive pieces.

Air NZ support

When his company got the invitation to the Oscars event, Ken Robinson asked Air New Zealand if it would support the small Kiwi family business.

The airline has not only come up with airfares but also PR support on the ground in LA.

Ken Robinson decided to capitalise on the LA opportunity and says he used "Kiwi ingenuity and the cheek of our nation" to phone a fashion conscious store in Malibu with a proposal.

"I said we were coming up for Hollywood Award Suites and that we had 500 Facebook fans in greater LA who would like to see our jewellery in person," Robinson said.

He has now "stitched up a deal" where Malibu Rock Star - a store in the prestigious Malibu Country Mart - is staging a three-day event showing RDG’s jewellery to invited guests.

Keeping up with demand

The big issue for the family now is to keep up with demand. The company produces between 150 and 200 pieces annually.

Michael and David Robinson take care of the metal work while Ken, a qualified diamond grader, organises the stones. All three work on the designs together.

They say they had to cut short their traditional Christmas break and summer holiday to cope with increasing demand.

Already several designs that were on the drawing board have been brought forward and, if orders from the two LA events meet expectations, they’ll be working overtime to cope.

But the Kiwi company isn’t prepared to change its approach or compromise on materials and methods just to satisfy international pressure.

Ken Robinson says the gold they use is mined near Queenstown - in New Zealand’s South Island - and recovered in a controlled environment under strict regulations. It is then brought to Auckland by an alloy specialist company and cleansed and assayed.

Knowing they are giving people the best possible product is all important, says Robinson.

"We are structured to make so many pieces a year and just can’t produce more at a whim. These are heirloom pieces of jewellery and I would like to think that when people look at them in 100 year’s time they will say ‘Wow’," Ken Robinson said.

Kiwi designs

Many of the Robinsons’ designs have a distinct Kiwi flavour. A recent tattoo-inspired range has attracted a lot of attention as has work based on the Māori tiki.

"There is a huge Polynesian influence in LA and that is diffused through their culture so we’ve had amazing feedback from people who click on to that ethnic look. Also people still have warm feelings about that whole Lord of the Rings imagery and mystique," Robinson said.

More than half of RDG’s following is based overseas and while the LA trip is likely to create even more interest, the Kiwi company is still firmly grounded in New Zealand.

"We are very proud to be representing New Zealand," Robinson said.

And whether the Kiwi jewellers will get to attend the glittering Oscars ceremony itself isn’t yet clear but New Zealanders will have a vested interest in keeping a close watch on the jewellery that adorns the Hollywood stars as they walk the red carpet on 7 March 2010.

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