Provides the latest RSS feeds for New Zealand News. For more headlines on Breaking, National, Business, Finance, Sports and World News, visit our home page Asia Pacific Star.com http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/cat/14d7eba4e435d135/ en-us Sat, 25 May 2013 02:12:31 -0400 Sat, 25 May 2013 02:12:31 -0400 30 English left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has expressed his willingness to play in the back-to-back Ashes series, starting from July, in view of his 'last stand' during the drawn Tests series against New Zealand and the 2009 Ashes. Just as his famous last stand with James Anderson at Cardiff repelled the Australians for 69 balls in the 2009 Ashes series, Panesar became England's unlikely saviour ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752922/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Sat, 25 May 2013 00:30:01 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752922/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: ONE News A woman has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following an assault near Tokoroa. Police responded to the incident on State Highway 1 around 1.45pm. The Serious Crash Unit and CIB are also there. The woman was taken to Waikato Hospital. Diversions are in place north of the scene at Kinloch Road and SH1 and to the south at Vospers Road and SH1. Police have advised ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753237/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Sat, 25 May 2013 00:26:17 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753237/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Expand A woman was seriously injured in an assault near Tokoroa this afternoon. Police were called to the scene of the incident near Kinloch Rd about 1.45pm. The female victim was airlifted to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries. The police serious crash unit and the CIB are investigating. Diversions are in place on State Highway 1 between Kinloch Rd and Vospers Rd. ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753238/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Sat, 25 May 2013 00:25:50 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753238/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 I posed the question in the recent opinion piece as to whether we should get rid of property CV’s. It certainly captivated interest across many media outlets including the NZ Herald and TV One's Breakfast. Online debate has been extensive with comments from valuers, real estate agents and the general public. On balance, I sensed that the feedback was supportive of the premise to ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752423/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 23:29:35 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752423/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 He said the regional council would provide more information as required and urged Firth of Thames residents to stay up to date with weather forecasts for the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752424/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 23:19:28 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752424/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Saturday, 25 May 2013, 1:54 pm Press Release: Historical Places Trust Lyttelton Timeball Station rebuild receives 'Landmark' $1 million donationLandmark Incorporated has become the founder donor for the rebuild of the Lyttelton Timeball Station, presenting a cheque for $1 million to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust today.>> "We are extremely pleased to make this ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751747/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 22:25:01 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751747/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Saturday, 25 May 2013, 1:51 pm Press Release: Waikato Regional Council Saturday 25 May 2013 - 1330hrsFlood risk for Firth of Thames coastCoastal communities around the Firth of Thames are being warned of the risk of coastal flooding tomorrow morning.This is due to a possible combination of a drop in barometric pressure raising sea levels and high north-west winds driving high tides on ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751748/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 22:25:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751748/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The Crown has signed a deed of settlement for all outstanding historical Treaty claims with Maungaharuru-Tangitu hapu. The settlement includes financial and commercial redress amount of $23 million and the return of culturally significant properties including part of Opouahi Station and Opouahi Scenic Reserve and the Te Pohue Domain Recreational Reserve. Public access will not change. ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751749/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 22:12:41 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751749/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Auckland faces a high risk of coastal flooding tonight as a king tide combines with a sub tropical low heading over the city, a forecaster says. Weatherwatch analyst Philip Duncan said high tide is expected to peak as the centre of the low crosses Auckland around 7pm. The low could act as a "giant vacuum cleaner", lifting tide levels by up to a metre and causing flooding in coastal areas, he ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751756/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 21:27:17 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751756/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 < 1000) { timout = timout * 2; window.setTimeout(fix_dimensions, timout); } } window.setTimeout(fix_dimensions, timout); return result; ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750998/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 21:16:49 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750998/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12:38 pm Press Release: New Zealand First Party Richard Prosser MPSpokesperson for Fisheries 25 May 2013 NZ First Opposes Commercial Marlin FishingNew Zealand First says it will vigorously oppose any attempts to reclassify the game fish marlin under the Quota Management System.Outdoor Recreation and Fisheries spokesperson Richard Prosser says allowing the commercial ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750996/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 21:16:48 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750996/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12:40 pm Press Release: New Zealand First Party Asenati Lole-Taylor MPSpokesperson for Social Policy25 May 2013 NZ First Acknowledges Pacific Language Weeks New Zealand First spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs Asenati Lole-Taylor wants to acknowledge Pacific Language Weeks and their value of retaining cultural ties and traditions.The weeks start with Samoa ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750997/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 21:16:48 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750997/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 I've managed a backpackers. I know what travellers want. I know how to make money providing the cheapest (safe) accomodation travellers can find. I filled my backpackers in St Anton am Arlberg by greeting them at the Bahnhof (railway station). I've slept at airports. I will probably do so again. Partly because it sticks in the craw to pay $150+ for a few hours in a hotel room (after ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751006/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 20:45:48 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751006/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The former wife of a dead conman has been convicted of forging a fake dog lease in an attempt to extort $15,000 from a voluntary animal shelter. Donna Wilson, the ex-wife of convicted fraudster Max Heslehurst - who died from obesity complications last year while facing further fraud charges - will be sentenced on Monday for the forgery, which was to be heard in the Disputes ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751755/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 20:20:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751755/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The former wife of a dead conman has been convicted of forging a fake dog lease in an attempt to extort $15,000 from a voluntary animal shelter. Donna Wilson, the ex-wife of convicted fraudster Max Heslehurst - who died from obesity complications last year while facing further fraud charges - will be sentenced on Monday for the forgery, which was to be heard in the Disputes Tribunal. The saga ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751005/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 20:20:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751005/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The former wife of a dead conman has been convicted of forging a fake dog lease in an attempt to extort $15,000 from a voluntary animal shelter. Donna Wilson, the ex-wife of convicted fraudster Max Heslehurst - who died from obesity complications last year while facing further fraud charges - will be sentenced on Monday for the forgery, which was to be heard in the Disputes Tribunal. The saga ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752431/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 20:20:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752431/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The former wife of a dead conman has been convicted of forging a fake dog lease in an attempt to extort $15,000 from a voluntary animal shelter. Donna Wilson, the ex-wife of convicted fraudster Max Heslehurst - who died from obesity complications last year while facing further fraud charges - will be sentenced on Monday for the forgery, which was to be heard in the Disputes Tribunal. The saga ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753243/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 20:20:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753243/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 New Zealand posted a merchandise trade surplus of NZ$157 million in April, Statistics New Zealand said on Friday, worth 4.0 percent of exports.The headline figure missed forecasts for a surplus of NZ$480 million following the upwardly revised surplus of NZ$732 million in March (originally NZ$718 million).Exports were up a seasonally adjusted 2.2 percent on year to NZ$3.95 billion - also missing ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750080/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 20:08:21 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750080/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 GSCB and its Minister will have wide powers to control network component and configuration choices under the Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Bill (TICSA). Phone companies have always had to make their networks interceptable by the spy agency, and police. The GCSB will now be involved in the design of telecommunications networks upgrades from the moment a tender is ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750081/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 20:06:19 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750081/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The Accident Compensation Corporation's Earners and Work Accounts are now fully funded ACC Minister Judith Collins has told National Party members at their Northern Regional Conference today. Ms Collins' gave party members the "very good news" shortly after Associate Finance Minister Jonathan Coleman gave an opening speech exhorting them to explain to the public how last week's Budget ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751508/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 19:24:28 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751508/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 It's not surprising a night with five magicians, a mentalist and an escapologist offers plenty to marvel at. More surprising, perhaps, is that stage spectacular The Illusionists makes magic, um.... magic again. As The Edge director Robbie Macrae, explains to NBR ONLINE magic shows have been lost as being a "bit cheesy". But The Illusionists brings together some of the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749047/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 18:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749047/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: NZTA Auckland drivers are being urged to take care with king tides likely to cause motorway flooding this weekend. The New Zealand Transport Agency says strong winds, heavy rain and higher than normal tides are forecast for the region. Stormy weather is expected to coincide with king tides, peaking at 3.5 metres - about half a metre higher than normal - tonight and Sunday morning. ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749048/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 18:49:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749048/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A woman was trapped when the car she was in left the road near Hamilton this morning. A police spokesman said the vehicle crashed into some trees at the intersection of Whatawhata Rd and Cemetery Rd shortly before 10.15am. The woman was trapped in the vehicle by a fence but emergency services managed to get her out. She was taken to Waikato Hospital with minor injuries.- APNZ By Matthew ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749729/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 18:48:56 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749729/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 An unnamed Northland food outlet is being investigated over nine confirmed cases of a rare type of Salmonella. In the past few weeks, Northland District Health Board has found a total of eleven cases of the food poisoning, which has been identified as salmonella infantis. The Board's medical officer Clair Mills says it was odd to have a cluster all at once and in a region where this type of bug ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750087/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 18:40:53 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750087/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A man is in hospital with gunshot wounds after an incident in the south Auckland suburb of Panmure overnight.Police were called to a property in Coates Crescent about 10.30pm on Friday.A man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police northern communications said.Police were interviewing witnesses and carrying out a scene examination on Saturday ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749056/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 18:32:29 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749056/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: ONE News. Two men were winched off a semi-submerged four wheel drive vehicle in the Rakaia River last night by the Canterbury based Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The pair had been crossing the Rakaia River when they became stuck and could not get to the bank. They were winched off the roof of the vehicle and taken to the riverbank where they were met by Rakaia Fire Service and local ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748030/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 17:40:16 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748030/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The anti-shark's fin campaign is crusading on in Asia Pacific. Air New Zealand has become the latest airline to stop flying shipments of shark's fin to Hong Kong, the shark's fin capital of the world. The decision came about after the New Zealand Shark Alliance revealed the airline's shipments in local media. "Air New Zealand has taken the decision to suspend the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214747644/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 17:27:18 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214747644/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Car: 5 When this beachfront home was purchased in January it was the second time the house was sold ever. It is over 70 years old and was renovated in 2000. Extra features include a wine cellar, triple garaging and storage and laundry. Real Estate agent Victoria Bidwell says she has sold several beachfront homes in the area and says high end homes are selling a lot faster at the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748039/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 17:22:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748039/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The heroic woman who confronted one of the terrorists in Thursday's savage attack in London lived in New Zealand for some time and both her children call Auckland their hometown. Ingrid Loyau-Kennett's son, Basil Baradaran, who went to Mt Albert Grammar, said he was "totally awestruck" by her actions. The 48-year-old mother was on a bus when she spotted the butchered body of a soldier on the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748038/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 16:41:57 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748038/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Airbus delivers China-built Sharket A320 China Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of the first Sharklet-equipped A320 assembled at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Tianjin. Sharklets are fuel saving wing-tip devices. The A320, powered by IAE V2500 engines, features a two class cabin, seating 158 passengers with eight in business class and 150 in economy. The A320 made its first commercial flight ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746890/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 16:41:27 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746890/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The standard assessment is that the 2014 election is between Labour/Green and National/NZ First. To recap: The theory goes that Labour/Green and National will win about the same vote share, with Winston Peters holding the balance of power. Mr Peters must then choose: Be the third wheel and office junior in a Labour/Green coalition or deputy prime minister, foreign minister and Sir Winston ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746889/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 16:41:26 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746889/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 These are the top five apartment sales of the year thus far, based on data from PropertyIQ, which owns and operates QV.co.nz. All are sales that have settled and have been advised to the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746888/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 16:41:25 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746888/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: ONE News Politicians may be talking up the benefits of selling Christchurch's family silver for the rebuild but city councillors have already determined it's not going to happen. Mayor Bob Parker said ongoing suggestions that sales of stakes in strategic assets such as Orion New Zealand, Christchurch International Airport and Lyttelton Port Company might be necessary to pay for ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746891/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 16:31:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746891/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: Breakfast Puppies raised in an alleged "battery farm" have been dying in pet stores, prompting an animal welfare group to seek changes in breeding laws. Eleven puppies have died in the past few weeks. All are believed to have been supplied by a single large-scale breeder to The Pet Centre stores in Lower Hutt, Porirua and Upper Hutt. The commercial breeding business in ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746892/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 16:31:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746892/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Photo / File Police are asking for the public's help after a man was shot in Auckland's east last night. Emergency services were called to Coates Crescent in Panmure at around 10.30pm, after reports of a shooting. The man's injuries are not life threatening. Police aren't yet releasing any further details. They are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746893/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 16:30:50 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746893/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 One person has died in a shed fire on the West Coast overnight. Three fire trucks attended a blaze in a shed at the back of a property on Kaniere Rd, 19km east of Hokitika, at 4.30am. When crews entered the shed they found one person deceased inside, said a southern fire communications spokesman. Crews remain at the scene dampening down the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746899/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 15:53:11 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746899/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A neighbour with a garden hose was unable to douse a garage fire early this morning which killed a man. Three fire engines and a police vehicle attended the scene on Kaniere Road, just before the township, where firefighters quickly doused the blaze and found a man dead at the scene. The police cordoned off the site and there was no sign of anyone at the house. Neighbour Rex Keenan's first ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753240/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 15:53:11 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753240/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: ONE News A Wellington primary school took to monitoring pupils' social media sites after it became "extremely concerned" about their online activity. In a letter sent home to parents, Karori West Normal School spoke of "appalling examples of chatroom dialogue" that staff discovered on social media sites such as Facebook and ask.fm when a couple of parents asked ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745574/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 15:19:47 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745574/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: ONE News Police are investigating a shooting in an Auckland suburb last night. Police were called to a residential address in Panmure just before midnight where a man had been shot . The injured man was taken to hospital but police say his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. An investigation is under way and police are appealing to witnesses to contact ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745575/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 15:19:46 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745575/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: Close Up Thousands of oysters will be devoured today at the annual Bluff Oyster and Food Festival. The festival showcases an array of local Southland seafood, fine wine and entertainment. Kiwi band Good Shirt will be performing at this year's event. Along with the star of the show, the Bluff oyster, festival goers can also sample other wildfoods such as kina, mutton bird, and ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214743780/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:08:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214743780/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: ONE News One person has died in a shed fire at a property near Hokitika this morning. The Fire Service was called to the scene at Kaniere Rd, Kaniere, at 4:20 this morning. One other person at the property was uninjured. Emergency services remain on ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744318/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:08:02 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744318/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Eli Devoy. Photo / NZ Herald A Remuera businesswoman allegedly headed a $9.2 million mortgage fraud scheme that involved her siblings, friends and 11 Auckland properties. Eli Devoy, 44, - also known as Ellie Stone and Eli Ghorbani - was charged by the Serious Fraud Office yesterday with six other members of the Auckland Iranian community. According to the SFO, the defendants are ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744319/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:07:28 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744319/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Barbara Mitchell's family say she had just learned of her brother's death when she collapsed. Photo / Supplied The family of Supreme Court judge Sir Robert Chambers have suffered a second tragedy with the death of his sister - who was so shocked by the news she collapsed when told he had died. Barbara Mitchell learned of her brother's death on Wednesday morning in a phone call ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744339/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:06:10 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744339/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The property at 79 Sarsfield St, Herne Bay, as seen from Sentinel Reserve. (Inset) An artist's impression of the proposed development. Photo / Natalie Slade A group of Aucklanders are building what could be the country's most expensive set of boutique apartments for themselves, worth about $4 million each. It is understood a consortium, led by a property developer, who want to ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744342/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:06:09 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744342/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Dame Susan was not willing to comment last night. Photo / Doug Sherring New Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy has refrained from joining critics of NZ First Leader Winston Peters' latest attack on China's growing influence in New Zealand, saying she doesn't want to get involved. But Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins who appointed Dame Susan to the job ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744341/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:06:08 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744341/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 SkyCity is looking at expanding and enhancing the company's activities in Queenstown. Photo / APN While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744343/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:06:06 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744343/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The Greens and Labour have repeatedly called for an inquiry into the actions of the GCSB. Photo / Tim Cuff A high-tech United States surveillance tool which sweeps up all communications without a warrant was sent to New Zealand for testing on the public, according to an espionage expert. The tool was called ThinThread and it worked by automatically intercepting phone, email and ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744344/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:06:05 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744344/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Brenna Nation had both breasts removed and a hysterectomy after finding she was carrying the BRCA2 cancer gene. Photo / Christchurch Star At just 24, Brenna Nation became one of the youngest women in New Zealand to be diagnosed with breast cancer. A year later, she chose to have both breasts removed after learning she had a gene that made it extremely likely her cancer would return. ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744345/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:06:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744345/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752430/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752430/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746898/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746898/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749053/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749053/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751754/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751754/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748035/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748035/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753244/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214753244/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744337/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744337/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750088/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750088/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745580/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745580/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751004/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751004/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A misguided health and safety culture is threatening to render children's play meaningless, early childhood providers are to be warned. The United Kingdom-based founder of Outdoor Play and Learning (Opal), Michael Follett, says a "policy of fear" has reshaped play to the extent that children are losing out on vital learning. "You are taking away their ability to learn through ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744333/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:16 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744333/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Child Youth and Family is reviewing the cases of more than 200 children thought to have been subjected to continued abuse and neglect despite repeated warnings to social workers. Children's Commissioner Dr Russell Wills said the children had been referred to CYF more than 20 times each and the notifications could include everything from serious violence to children repeatedly turning up to school ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744334/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:14 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744334/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Treated sewage waste could be dumped on land 20m from property boundaries under the draft Auckland Council Unitary Plan. Sections of the plan that have escaped public notice reveal that waste called biosolids which meets accepted standards could be dumped on or in land as a permitted activity. This means resource consent would not be needed and dumping could occur as of right, ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744335/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:10 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744335/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A firm of Auckland architects behind a building restoration which revitalised part of Queen St scooped the country's premier architectural award last night. Fearon Hay, headed by Tim Hay and Jeff Fearon, won the NZ Institute of Architect's architecture medal for the Imperial Buildings near the foot of Queen St, a project the judges said had enlivened the wider area with through-site links ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744332/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:06 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744332/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 When New Zealand chef Matt Lambert opens his first restaurant in New York City next week, he will be giving diners a little taste of Henderson Creek. The 32-year-old says his restaurant, The Musket Room, will be a New Zealand restaurant and some of the dishes will be based on memories of his years back home. "I've a couple of dishes based on the fact that I used to go fishing for ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744331/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744331/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Auckland transport agency has been accused of targeting students with public transport fare rises that will also affect thousands of Hop and multi-trip ticket buyers. Auckland Transport - which waited until late yesterday to announce changes approved by its board two months ago - will lift cash fares for tertiary students by between 7c and 40c a trip on June 3. Adults who use Hop ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214743901/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:02 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214743901/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A Remuera businesswoman allegedly headed a $9.2 million mortgage fraud scheme that involved her siblings, friends and 11 Auckland properties. Eli Devoy, 44, - also known as Ellie Stone and Eli Ghorbani - was charged by the Serious Fraud Office yesterday with six other members of the Auckland Iranian community. According to the SFO, the defendants are all friends and family of Devoy. Three are her ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749050/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749050/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752426/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752426/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745578/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745578/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Mixed martial arts already has a cult following in New Zealand and it could blast to the front of people's minds this weekend. Kiwis Mark Hunt and James Te Huna are both on the UFC 160 card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and tomorrow afternoon's (NZT) show shapes as a blockbuster. Heavyweight Hunt is in the co-main event against Brazilian Junior dos Santos, with the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744325/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744325/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748033/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748033/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Another giant space rock is set to sail by the Earth just a few months after our last close encounter - but an expert says asteroid armageddon isn't something we need to worry about any time soon. What are termed Near Earth Objects, or NEOs, occasionally pass us by at relatively close but safe distances as they make their way through the Earth's neighbourhood. The most recent, ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744327/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744327/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748032/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214748032/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The new leaner legal aid system is unlawful, the Court of Appeal has ruled. But the system will continue unchanged for now while officials prepare advice for Justice Minister Judith Collins. The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) launched court proceedings after the Government's cost-saving shake-up of the legal aid system, which resulted in legal aid lawyers getting a 10 per cent pay ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214743832/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214743832/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 It was built as the pinnacle of luxury and outstanding architectural design but is now at the centre of bitter battles, as residents lurch from one scrap to the next. The fight within the walls of the Metropolis, Auckland CBD's 40-level apartment tower, has drawn in some of the city's wealthiest people, who have hired lawyers to slug it out against one another. In the last week, ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744328/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744328/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751001/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751001/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744322/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744322/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750083/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750083/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752425/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214752425/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745577/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214745577/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751000/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214751000/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750082/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214750082/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744321/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744321/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749051/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749051/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The GCSB doesn't talk about how it spies on people. If it did, Kiwis would find themselves grappling with some uncomfortable truths. "You wouldn't be able to convince a nation of people to carry around a tracking device - but they will carry mobile phones," says Paul Brislen, chief executive of the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand. Each phone emits a signal ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744324/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744324/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749052/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214749052/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Aucklanders need to get over their nimbyism and accept lower quality developments if they want affordable housing, says Housing Minister Nick Smith. As residents in older suburbs grapple with possible changes under the draft Unitary Plan, the Government's planned special housing areas threaten to override current planning rules designed to protect existing neighbourhoods. A law ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744323/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744323/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746896/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746896/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight. In the southern town, the company has been picked to operate a new convention centre, which is yet to be built. But SkyCity also wants new luxury hotel accommodation to draw multimillionaire Asian high rollers on a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746895/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214746895/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The Inland Revenue is withholding GST refunds from body corporates with leaky buildings, even though it is pretty sure they are entitled to claim them. Its longstanding position has been that body corporates are not carrying out a taxable activity and are not liable to be registered for GST. But in a recent issues paper put out for consultation it has reviewed the case law and concludes that most ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744329/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214744329/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Über ex-pat Andy Lark will field NBR reader questions between 1pm and 2pm Monday May 27. Lark has just made headlines across the Tasman with his surprise resignation as chief marketing officer at ASB parent CBA. He was previously a global vice president at Dell, where he pioneered industrial-strength social media marketing. Earlier, he was global VP of marketing for Sun ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214740884/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:49:46 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214740884/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Calgary Board of Education chief superintendent Naomi Johnson has said she and two other board officials were able to meet with delegates from around the world at the International Conference on Thinking in New Zealand in ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214737830/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:52:42 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214737830/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 "Harrumph harrumph harrumph" chunters Peter Robinson. "Have I missed the news today and England has now been completely subsumed by London to the extent where you don't even need to explain what 'here' means anymore because it should be glaringly obvious to us all that you're in the Capital? Afterall there's nowhere else TO be." I assumed that, Peter, ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214735466/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 06:21:35 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214735466/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 LEEDS, United Kingdom (AFP) - Daniel Vettori's hopes of making a return to Test cricket in New Zealand's series finale with England in Leeds ultimately came to nothing after he was ruled out on Thursday.Former captain Vettori hasn't played a Test for nearly a year, mainly because of Achilles trouble, and was only originally selected for the one-day leg of this tour.But a calf ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733747/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:18:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733747/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 E aku rangatira, tena koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.Thank you Liz and Noeline for your kind welcome and for inviting me to open the Rural Women New Zealand 2013 Conference this evening.It is my pleasure to be here today to celebrate your achievements as enterprising women, and as entrepreneurs and business owners.In looking through the entrants for your Enterprising ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733905/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:33 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733905/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The Auditor General has said she wants to see 'accountability to both Parliament and the public' on the circumstances surrounding Solid Energy's near-failure, says Labour's SOEs spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove. "I am pleased to see that the Auditor General agrees that to date there has not been sufficient accountability to the public and Parliament on Solid ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733906/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:32 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733906/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Speech to the Early Childhood Council's Annual Conference, Rotorua Tena koutou katoa and greetings to you all.I'm really pleased to be able to join you all again at your annual conference.I'd like to thank your President Maria Johnson, and Chief Executive Peter Reynolds for their welcome. I would like to start by thanking you all for the work you do.Children are our most ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733908/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:30 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733908/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The National Government's formation of the 'super' Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is basically flawed, given the failures in the vital areas of trade and biosecurity, Labour's Primary Industries spokesperson, Damien O'Connor, says. "Restructuring of key primary sector government agencies earlier this year saw hundreds of experienced and knowledgeable ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733907/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:30 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733907/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Friday, 24 May 2013, 2:35 pm Press Release: ACT New Zealand Don NicolsonACT New Zealand Primary Industries SpokesmanMay 25 2013Minister Must Act on Issues in ChinaACT New Zealand Primary Industries Spokesman Don Nicolson today congratulated the Minister for Primary Industries for fixing the problem with his Ministry's customs certificates in China and called on him to take a similar ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733909/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:29 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733909/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Speech: North Shore Grey Power Public MeetingAMI Netball Centre, 44 Northcote Road, TakapunaFriday 24 May, 1.30pm"Auckland's Future - SuperCity or Sin City?"There are major issues facing our country and they affect all of us here today.They are not ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733910/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:29 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733910/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Friday, 24 May 2013, 1:45 pm Speech: New Zealand Government Hon Judith CollinsMinister for Ethnic Affairs 24 May 2013 Address to Ethnic People In Commerce (EPIC) NZLangham Hotel, AucklandGood afternoon.It's a pleasure to be here today to officially open the Ethnic People In Commerce Conference for 2013.It's fantastic to see so many of you turn out to support today's ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733911/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:28 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733911/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Friday, 24 May 2013, 12:24 pm Press Release: Green Party 24 May 2013Govt deep sea oil block offer recklessAs Block Offer 2013 bidding begins today, the Green Party is calling the Government reckless and pledges to submit the Kiwi Bid - a bid to protect New Zealand waters and leave them free from risky deep sea drilling."There are no guarantees of safety with deep sea oil drilling. ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733912/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:26 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733912/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Friday, 24 May 2013, 11:44 am Press Release: Green Party 24 May 2013Govt-funded homes for intellectually disabled must be safeThe Ministry of Health needs to urgently review its processes for monitoring government-funded residential services for people with disabilities after fresh revelations of abuse, Green Party health spokesperson Kevin Hague said today.New allegations in the media of ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733913/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:25 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733913/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Friday, 24 May 2013, 6:55 pm Press Release: New Zealand Police Man dies after car rolls near WaikukuA man has died and two children have been taken to hospital with moderate injuries following a motor vehicle crash near Waikuku, North Canterbury, this afternoon.Christchurch Police say the deceased, a 41-year old man from the North Island, was the driver of a sport utility vehicle which ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733918/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:22 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733918/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Friday, 24 May 2013, 5:22 pm Press Release: New Zealand Police Title: Crashed vehicle owner has now been located Wellington Police have now located Blair COLEMAN after he made contact with his parents a short time ago. Police will be interviewing Mr COLEMAN so that the events of the last 24 hours can be fully understood. ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733917/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:21 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733917/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 24 May 2013 Pollution Response Team Actions CommendedThe skill and expertise of Hawke's Bay Regional Council's pollution response team was commended by Judge Rea in Napier District Court today. Mutiara Fishing Limited was charged by HBRC under the Resource Management Act for an illegal discharge of a contaminant from a ship into water in a coastal marine area. On 7 September ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733916/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733916/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Overcrowding of private holiday home rentals will be a special focus of council compliance efforts. This rental property was sleeping up to 26 ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733915/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733915/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 None of Ruapehu's rural transfer stations will be closed following council deliberations on submissions to the draft Exceptions Annual Plan (EAP) 2013-14.The recent public consultation on the draft EAP 2013-14 had put forward various possibilities for lowering rates if ratepayers were willing to accept lower standards of service which included closure of the Ongarue and Owhango ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733914/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:19 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733914/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Friday, 24 May 2013, 4:48 pm Press Release: New Zealand Police Title: Wellington Police concerned for the welfare of car owner after crashed vehicle found Wellington Police would like to hear from Blair COLEMAN or anyone that has seen him today. At 8.30am this morning a member of the public has discovered a vehicle down a bank after what looked like a recent crash. Emergency services ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733919/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:19 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733919/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Picking the National Winner of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards is a tough assignment, but the New Zealand Farm Environment (NZFE) Trust has assembled a top team for the job.This year's judging panel consists of Jacqueline Rowarth, Professor of Agribusiness, Waikato University, Warwick Catto, Head of Research and Environment, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Chris Kelly, CEO, Landcorp, ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733922/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:18 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733922/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 NZTA reopens Newmarket viaduct after crash All lanes on the Newmarket Viaduct on Auckland's Southern Motorway (State Highway 1) have re-opened but the NZ Transport Agency's says congestion on the motorway is still heavy and drivers face delays. Two lanes in both directions were closed after a light truck and trailer rolled on the viaduct northbound around 2pm. Queues of traffic ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733921/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:17 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733921/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Friday, 24 May 2013, 3:53 pm Press Release: Ministry For Primary Industries No changes to management of striped marlinRecreational fishers have had their fears of commercialisation of New Zealand's striped marlin allayed. The Ministry for Primary Industries has announced there will be no changes to the management of striped marlin.Intensive talks have been held with commercial and ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733927/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:17 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733927/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Auckland Transport (AT) has completed its annual review of bus, ferry and train fares. An annual review of Auckland public transport fare prices is undertaken by AT in accordance with its service contract obligations with transport operators. OverviewThis year, there are no across the board increases in fares, but there are targeted fare changes. The fare changes are designed to align bus ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733928/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:17 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733928/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Whitaker Street traffic will be disrupted as Gisborne District Council starts to install stormwater pipes along Whitaker Street between Wi Pere and Ballance Streets next week. The work will involve upgrading the existing open drain to an underground piped drain. This will avoid high ongoing maintenance costs and reduce the likelihood of blockages and surface flooding. Work is likely to ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733925/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:16 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733925/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A postal survey at the time, established that of the 2300 people who voted, 53% favoured road closure over 47% who preferred to have it open. The road was subsequently closed and has enjoyed two years as a car free environment where users ranging from children through cyclists and riders to people walking themselves back to health, could have a flat area to walk on while also accessing ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733926/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:16 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733926/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Two new entrance signs to Wanaka are set for a big reveal in July, Wanaka Community Board Chairman and Queenstown Lakes District Council Deputy Mayor Lyal Cocks said. The signs, which are currently under construction, would be located on the north side of the state highway just before Puzzling World, and on the west side of Cardrona Valley Road adjacent to Oakridge Resort."Without ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733924/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:15 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733924/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Friday, 24 May 2013, 2:59 pm Forecast: MetService 24 May 2013A cold week to comeA fleeting ridge of high pressure will bring a mostly dry start to the weekend. However, a low from the North Tasman Sea and an active front from the Southern Ocean are expected to bring rain, and eventually much colder conditions, to much of the country.Media and Communications Meteorologist Daniel Corbett ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733923/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:14:15 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733923/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa has got more than he bargained for on his trip to New Zealand - the chance to meet his All Blacks hero Inga the Winger. The 33-year-old, who played Dothraki warlord Kahl Drogo in the first season of the series, said he was a "massive fan" of the former All Black, and met him while in Auckland today. On meeting the sports star, whose real name is ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733441/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:37 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733441/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 First-hand accounts of what it was like to live through the Christchurch earthquakes are now available online in the hope they will help others living with trauma. More than 700 personal stories were filmed by Canterbury University in the 'quake box'. Sixty-five of those stories ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733931/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:36 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733931/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Police say the damage left by a significant blaze on Queenstown's main road this afternoon will be major. Volunteer firefighters this evening contained the blaze at the World Bar on Shotover Street in Queenstown which started at around 3:15pm, the largest building-fire the tourist town has seen in several years. "Looks like it's going to be extensive damage that I imagine is ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733930/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:35 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733930/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I thank the Nikkei Forum for their invitation - it is great to be part of such a wide-ranging discussion on the future of Asia. And it is a special pleasure to be back in Japan at this particular time. It is almost three years since my last visit. A lot has changed. Japan, like my own country, has suffered a huge natural disaster but is now well into the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733932/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:47:32 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214733932/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: ONE News A man has died after the vehicle he was in rolled north Canterbury this afternoon. The 41-year-old was driving when he lost control after clipping a truck while overtaking. The crash occurred around 2.45pm on Gressons Rd near Waikuku. Two children, who were passengers in the vehicle, have been taken to hospital with moderate injuries. Police said there was no indication that ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732822/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:09:43 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732822/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 GREENVILLE, Calif. – A magnitude 5.7 earthquake hit Northern California Thursday night that was widely felt across the region, but there were no reports of serious damage. The temblor struck at 8:47 p.m. and was centered near Greenville, about 25 miles southwest of Susanville in far northeastern California, said Rafael Abreu, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey's National ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732744/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 03:57:57 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732744/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Police are speaking to the owner of a car found crashed down a bank on Paekakariki Hill Rd north of Wellington this morning. There had been concerns for the wellbeing of Blair Coleman after a member of the public discovered the vehicle down the bank after what looked like a recent crash. Emergency services discovered markings indicating the driver had climbed up the bank after a crash. A search ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732824/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 03:19:09 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732824/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 New Zealand Ben Henry is the third Warriors player to succumb to a season-ending knee injury after he was hurt in training for Sunday's NRL match against Newcastle.A bad week for young Warrior Ben Henry has got worse after scans revealed that his NRL season is over after a training ground injury. The 21-year-old centre/second rower ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732327/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 03:18:11 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732327/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 For the first time in this America's Cup campaign, three AC72s took to the water on San Francisco Bay, with Team New Zealand making their debut six weeks after leaving Auckland. The Kiwis adopted a softly-softly approach to their first day, mindful of the alterations that have been maed to the giant catamaran. "Oracle's out, Prada was out there," observed TNZ boss Grant ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732328/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 03:17:31 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732328/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 We're up and running again this weekend with the new Rate my Game application, allowing you to write your own match report on your kids' Saturday morning sports games - and from this week, the best reports will win prizes. Rate my Game allows you to quickly and easily file a match report on any game, big or small. You can send it live from the sideline on your smartphone, or when you get home to ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732823/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 03:12:36 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732823/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A Tauranga dairy has bowed to public pressure and stopped selling synthetic cannabis. News of the decision came as Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne announced he was pushing his Psychoactive Substances Bill through Parliament quicker than planned to have legislation regulating synthetic cannabis in place by July. Raj Singh, of Matua Dairy, said although he had people ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732329/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:51:14 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732329/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A man was killed and two children injured when the vehicle they were in rolled several times into a paddock north of Christchurch this afternoon. Police said the occupants of the vehicle may not have been wearing seatbelts. The two children, believed to aged under 7, were taken to hospital with moderate injuries. The crash occurred on Gressons Road near Waikuku about ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732330/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:47:40 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732330/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Auckland's Waiheke Island has been ranked in the top 10 islands to visit in the South Pacific by an influential travel review website. The annual TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Destination awards honour top travel places worldwide, based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers. Waiheke Island - described as a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries - ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732223/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:44:17 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732223/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fire on Queenstown's main street (0:36) Volunteer firefighters have contained a significant blaze on Queenstown's main road. Appliances from as far as Cromwell and Invercargill were called to the fire at the World Bar on Shotover Street in Queenstown at around 3:15pm. Earlier, thick smoke and flames were seen billowing from the four storey building. Witnesses have told ONE News ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731835/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:26:25 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731835/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Mighty River Power shares dip below $2.50 offer price The Prime Minister is rubbishing claims that the sale of Mighty River Power shares just lined the pockets of wealthy National ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731836/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:26:24 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731836/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 They call him "Comical Ali" for all the pranks he's pulled over the years and he's known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, for both good and bad. So it didn't take long for veteran lock Ali Williams to turn on the waterworks, as he officially announced his retirement from international rugby. In his inimitable style, the Blues captain had told the world of his ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731837/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:26:24 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731837/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Photo / File An elderly man had to drag his sick adult son down a flight of stairs and into the car after ambulance staff left them to make their own way to the doctor. Fred Gunst, 79, has looked after his 47-year-old son, Ken, for most of his life and knew something was wrong when he got out of bed one morning to find him in exactly the same position he had left him in the night ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731839/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:24:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731839/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The Hastings RSA is reeling after $50,000 worth of equipment used to help war veterans and the elderly was stolen. "It's disgusting and despicable, especially because it's for the welfare of older people," RSA president Trevor Hardie said. "We're trying to keep them in their own homes, instead of rest homes, but this has put the kibosh on that. "The property was taken overnight Wednesday from a ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732192/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:20:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732192/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Talofa lava. Malo le soifua maua. Malo le lagi e mama. Pacific Island Affairs Minister Hekia Parata encourages all New Zealanders to participate in the upcoming Samoan Language Week which starts in the weekend on 26 May – 1 June. "It is fitting that Samoan language week sets the tone for the biggest celebration of Pacific language ever seen in New Zealand with seven Pacific language ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731841/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:13:28 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731841/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Trade Minister Tim Groser will represent New Zealand at the OECD’s annual Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) and Forum in Paris from 27 to 30 May. "The theme for this year’s meeting is ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731842/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:13:26 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731842/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A motorist was last night fighting for his life after narrowly avoiding decapitation when the van he was driving slammed into a one-way bridge in Hawkes Bay yesterday. The 27-year-old man, believed to be from Palmerston North, was in a critical condition in Hawke's Bay Hospital's intensive care unit. Hawke's Bay Today understands he suffered a broken jaw, serious head injuries and ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731838/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 02:00:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731838/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 THE New Zealand dollar is expected to fall below 80 US cents next week as an improving US economy spurred supporters for the greenback. The kiwi was trading at 80.93 US cents at 5pm in Wellington from 81.45 cents at 8am, and 80.26 cents on Thursday. The trade-weighted index rose to 76.35 from 76.06 on Thursday. The kiwi fell to an eight-and-a-half month low 80.04 US cents this week amid growing ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731840/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 01:48:20 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731840/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: Supplied Christchurch police have located a school girl missing since Monday and have arrested a man believed to be associating with her. Daniel Wiremu Gerrard, 20, was arrested this afternoon at the Christchurch central library in Peterborough Street after he was recognised from a published photo. Gerrard was wanted by police for breaching bail and wilful damage. A 13-year-old ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731347/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 01:36:08 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731347/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 ACC has begun contacting clients who may benefit from a Court of Appeal decision that clarified whether interest should be paid on back-dated weekly compensation. Sid Miller, ACC's general manager claims, said the court had more clearly defined the circumstances in which ACC should pay interest on back-dated compensation in cases where payments had been suspended but later reinstated from the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731349/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:53:55 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731349/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Auditor General Lyn Provost says she will not carry out an inquiry into what led Solid Energy to the brink of collapse this year. Labour's State Owned Enterprises spokesman Clayton Cosgrove requested Ms Provost conduct the inquiry in the wake of revelations the coal mining company was almost $400 million in debt. He claims poor oversight by ministers allowed Solid Energy's board and management to ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731232/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:46:18 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731232/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Heavy rain continues in the North Island MetService is warning of cooler temperatures and rain for much of the country next week. "A fleeting ridge of high pressure will bring a mostly dry start to the weekend. However, a low from the North Tasman Sea and an active front from the Southern Ocean are expected to bring rain, and eventually much colder conditions," they say. ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730867/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:42:36 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730867/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Firefighters are battling a large blaze in central Queenstown this afternoon. The four-storey building at 27 Shotover St is engulfed by flames and fire crews from throughout Central Otago are being called in to provide back-up for their Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown counterparts. Firefighters are trying to stop the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. Police officers are keeping more ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731348/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:31:07 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731348/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The best books for children and young adults have been judged by librarians from around New Zealand. More than 130 books were entered in the The Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) Awards, which recognise excellence in junior and young adult fiction, illustration, non-fiction and te reo Maori. Convenor of judges and manager of Gisborne district libraries Pene ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731243/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:20:34 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214731243/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The latest pay round for school staff saw more than 350 people affected by payroll errors - fewer than the Novopay performance target. Minister responsible for Novopay Steven Joyce has released the latest PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report on logged complaints, showing errors affecting 0.42 per cent of staff. The performance target is 0.5 per cent - which has been achieved in four of the last ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730868/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:03:48 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730868/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 A pharmacist who was selling unapproved prescription medicines for male erectile dysfunction has been sentenced to four-and-a-half months in prison. Fadi Iskander, 32, was sentenced at Auckland District Court today on 47 charges laid by the Ministry of Health relating to sales of the medicines. The products he sold, under several versions of the name Exotic, contained erectile dysfunction ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730869/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Thu, 23 May 2013 23:49:36 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730869/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: ONE News A truck has rolled on Auckland's busy Newmarket Viaduct, causing traffic congestion in both directions. The truck and trailer rolled around 2pm, blocking two of the three northbound lanes. Debris has also spilled into the southbound lanes and is obstructing traffic. The New Zealand Transport Authority is advising drivers heading in both directions to use alternative ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730376/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Thu, 23 May 2013 23:47:44 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730376/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Winston Peters. Photo / Sarah Ivey New Zealand First Leader and former Foreign Minister Winston Peters has again lashed out at growing Chinese influence, saying it is turning Auckland into "the Supercity of sin". Mr Peters, who has often been criticised for stirring up xenophobia for the sake of political gain, warned that New Zealand was turning a blind eye to the level of corruption ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730378/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Thu, 23 May 2013 23:45:40 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730378/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The Government is extending the funding for Family Violence Response Coordination (FVRC) says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett. "We’ve decided to extend the funding for a further two years from 2013/14 to 2014/15 as existing funding of $2.8m per year was time-limited and due to end at the end of 2012/13," says Mrs Bennett. FVRC funds more than 30 local family violence ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730379/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Thu, 23 May 2013 23:33:37 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730379/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 The courts will continue to operate with the current legal aid system for the timebeing despite the Court of Appeal ruling it unlawful. The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) launched court proceedings after the Government's cost-saving shake-up of the legal aid system, which resulted in legal aid lawyers getting a 10 per cent pay cut. The CBA lost a High Court case but took it to the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732158/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Thu, 23 May 2013 23:31:06 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214732158/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 All Blacks lock Ali Williams has announced his retirement from international rugby.The 32-year-old, a Rugby World Cup winner in 2011, played 77 Tests since making his All Blacks debut in 2002 and was also a member of the New Zealand World Cup teams in 2003 and 2007.Williams took part in the All Blacks training camp in Mt Maunganui earlier in the week, but posted a video on YouTube to announce he ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730380/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Thu, 23 May 2013 23:20:33 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730380/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Source: ONE News Northland police are urging the community to be cautious when answering the door to strangers, following an attack on a 15-year-old girl. At about 9.45am on Wednesday, a man walked up to a Ruakaka address, knocked on the door and spoke to a girl who was home alone. Police say as she turned away, the allegedly man then let himself in and allegedly attempted to sexually assault ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214729792/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:54:03 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214729792/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Justice Robert Chambers was known for his humour and charm. Photo / Supplied Supreme Court judge Robert Chambers, who died on Tuesday, was to have been knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours, the Governor-General has revealed. The honour has been bestowed on Justice Chambers posthumously. Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae said today that Justice Chambers was to be made ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214729794/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:56 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214729794/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Traffic is backed up from the Newmarket Viaduct to Fanshawe Street after a truck and trailer rolled on State Highway One this afternoon. The accident happened about 2pm, blocking two of the three northbound lanes. Motorists are being warned to expect long delays in the area, where traffic is heavily congested. The truck and trailer have now been cleared from the road, the New Zealand Transport ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730186/scat/14d7eba4e435d135 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:43:36 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214730186/scat/14d7eba4e435d135