The Government's economic management is suddenly in sharp focus, and it's high time an issue of national importance replaced the self-serving rows that have been obsessing politicians. The business sector has been complaining for many months that things are definitely not right, but it was Fisher and Paykel's shock announcement last week that was the catalyst for a debate which had previously been on the fringes of Parliament's attention. The iconic New Zealand whiteware manufacturer said it was moving its three production lines in Mosgiel, Brisbane and California to Thailand, Italy and Mexico to take advantage of cheap labour. The F&P move means 430 New Zealand workers will lose their jobs, and within hours of that announcement Dunedin knitwear company Tamahine said it was closing, laying off 50 workers. On the same day it was revealed that ANZ National Bank was shifting about 500 processing jobs to Bangalore, although it isn't going to sack anyone and will shed the jobs through attrition". Finance Minister Michael Cullen was right when he said companies all over the world had been moving their manufacturing operations into countries with cheap labour for "any number of years", and there was no way New Zealand could compete with those wage rates. But F&P raised other issues which businesses around the country have been crying out about -- high interest rates, the grossly over-valued New Zealand dollar and high compliance costs. High interest rates suck in foreign money as traders take advantage of it, and their deals maintain the strength of the dollar. The high rate of the dollar makes goods exported from New Zealand much more expensive in other countries, and manufacturers can't compete. Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard kept on raising interest rates to crush the housing boom, which he has succeeded in doing. But he didn't succeed in controlling inflation, which is still running over the limit. The downside is that he may be crushing the economy as well.
New Zealand First and the Green Party are calling for a review of monetary policy. For NZ First, this isn't a new issue. It has been saying for at least three years that the Reserve Bank Act, which forces governors to control inflation within a tight band, needs to be rewritten. "Monetary policy madness" was how party leader Winston Peters described the situation on Friday. He recalled that on June 22 last year he had predicted in a press statement: "If we do not adjust our monetary policy we may as well be buying the ticket for our exporters such as Fisher and Paykel to leave". How right he was, and no one any notice of it at the time. "It is sheer madness to have a monetary policy which deliberately cripples our manufacturers, farmers and other exporters in an effort to control inflation," Peters said on Friday. "While inflation must be controlled, it should not be the sole focus of monetary policy. Other factors, such as the exchange rate, should be taken into consideration." Green Party co-leader Russel Norman said Dr Bollard was trying to use high interest rates to hold down domestic inflation, but much of the pressure was actually coming from commodities like fuel and food. "We are crushing our productive sector with high interest rates without having much impact on inflation," said Norman. "Where is the sense in that?" Norman acknowledged that a lower dollar would make imports like fuel even more expensive, but he said keeping it high wasn't a sustainable strategy because of the crippling impact on exports. The ACT Party issued a seething statement written by leader Rodney Hide and his recently co-opted helper Sir Roger Douglas. Hide forecast the economy would be the number one election issue. "The true extent of the mismanagement has been masked by the best global conditions our lifetime, but the chickens are now well and truly coming home to roost for Prime Minister Helen Clark and Finance Minister Michael Cullen," he said. "Under Labour, productivity growth has slumped to lows unheard of since Muldoon times." Sir Roger described the economic situation as a tragedy. "This government has over-taxed New Zealanders by $20 billion - that's money that could have been left with people to unleash a whirlwind of initiative and productivity of the kind we've seen in countries like Ireland." The National Party is also attacking the Government, but it has a narrow focus. Finance spokesman Bill English accuses it of spending too much money, fuelling the inflation rate that the Reserve Bank has to deal with. He has stopped short of calling for a review of monetary policy. "Rather than knee-jerk reforms...what is required is a government focused on injecting more momentum into areas of our economy that will promote economic growth and improvements in productivity -- such as infrastructure, cutting red tape, education and training, and increasing after-tax incomes." Cullen responded to these accusations and suggested remedies by saying he had been warning since last year that people needed to realise the full scale of the challenges facing the economy. But he doesn't seem to think the Government can do much about them. "Household budgets are under pressure due to rising food and petrol prices just when the fallout from the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the United States is pushing up mortgage rates," he said. "The weakness of the US dollar continues to put pressure on exporters and drought has hurt a number of our farmers." What he should be really worrying about is that household budget problem, because going into an election with voters who are struggling to pay their bills is very bad news for any government. Maybe he is worrying about it. "Next month's budget will outline a real response to the situation facing households and a real plan for a strong economy into the future," he said on Friday. Well, we'll just have to watch that space.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
helen clark coming to muddle john key
The latest 3 News poll provides some welcome relief after months of pain for Prime Minister Helen Clark - her Labour party has made some significant ground on the National Party. John Key and his party can still govern, but need some help from their friends.
The poll also shows a massive turnaround in an area Clark holds dear to her heart.
John Key reacted this week to what he called “personal attacks” Labour had made against him. To that the Prime Minister indicated Key should just harden up, and the attacks on Key for being a vacuous, empty space appear to be working.
In the latest 3 News poll, National drops 3 to 48, Labour goes up 3 to 38.
The Greens subside slightly to 5.8, Winston Peters' New Zealand First is 3.4, up a nudge but clearly his attacks on immigrants and free trade deals appear to have failed to capture voter's imaginations.
The Maori party is up to 2.9, Act and United Future barely register.
Take those results into Parliament and despite National's 10 point lead - it needs two coalition partners Act and United Future and only just governs with 62 seats.
Labour, the Greens, the Maori party and Jim Anderton's Progressive make 60 - it shows MMP very much favours Labour, Clark and her friends.
And fresh from her China trip, and her party's attacks on John Key - Clark regains her prized preferred Prime Minister trophy after she has been trailing Key for exactly a year.
Clark leaps 4 to 32 and Key slumps 6 to 29 - Winston Peters is up one.
And despite the stolen clichés voters think Clark is performing better than she has for two years – she is up to 62, and down amongst those who think she is doing poorly.
Key’s at times muddling leadership has him drop to 52 among those who think he is doing well, and up 4 among those who think he is doing poorly.
So there is a lesson in this for the National Party, it needs to take some positions on policy – that is different to Labour.
It needs to stand for something because the latest poll shows that Helen Clark is not dead yet - in fact the results give her a new spring to her step as she fights to make sure this is not her last dance.
The poll also shows a massive turnaround in an area Clark holds dear to her heart.
John Key reacted this week to what he called “personal attacks” Labour had made against him. To that the Prime Minister indicated Key should just harden up, and the attacks on Key for being a vacuous, empty space appear to be working.
In the latest 3 News poll, National drops 3 to 48, Labour goes up 3 to 38.
The Greens subside slightly to 5.8, Winston Peters' New Zealand First is 3.4, up a nudge but clearly his attacks on immigrants and free trade deals appear to have failed to capture voter's imaginations.
The Maori party is up to 2.9, Act and United Future barely register.
Take those results into Parliament and despite National's 10 point lead - it needs two coalition partners Act and United Future and only just governs with 62 seats.
Labour, the Greens, the Maori party and Jim Anderton's Progressive make 60 - it shows MMP very much favours Labour, Clark and her friends.
And fresh from her China trip, and her party's attacks on John Key - Clark regains her prized preferred Prime Minister trophy after she has been trailing Key for exactly a year.
Clark leaps 4 to 32 and Key slumps 6 to 29 - Winston Peters is up one.
And despite the stolen clichés voters think Clark is performing better than she has for two years – she is up to 62, and down amongst those who think she is doing poorly.
Key’s at times muddling leadership has him drop to 52 among those who think he is doing well, and up 4 among those who think he is doing poorly.
So there is a lesson in this for the National Party, it needs to take some positions on policy – that is different to Labour.
It needs to stand for something because the latest poll shows that Helen Clark is not dead yet - in fact the results give her a new spring to her step as she fights to make sure this is not her last dance.
hostpitals empty
Hospitals will be empty of non-urgent cases for virtually a week because of the two-day strike by junior doctors this week.
District health boards (DHBs) around the country placed advertisements in newspapers today asking the public to keep hospital emergency departments for emergencies.
More than 2000 house surgeons and registrars will strike from 7am tomorrow to 7am on Thursday. There was no movement in the stalemate yesterday and unless there is a breakthrough today the strike is expected to go ahead.
Many hospitals have emptied out non acute cases from late last week ahead of the strike and because Friday is Anzac Day only limited surgery will be done on Thursday, the New Zealand Herald newspaper reported.
"Your DHB apologises for any inconvenience and distress which may result from the need to postpone dozens of elective surgery procedures, and more than 2000 outpatient appointments," Capital & Coast District Health Board said in an advertisement today.
The advertisements asks patients to see a general practitioner if their problem is non-urgent.
Many hospitals are not accepting woman in labour.
Counties Manukau, Auckland and Waitemata DHBs have placed a joint newspaper advertisement.
Six Auckland hospitals and two medical centres would be offering "very limited services," the advertisement said.
DHBs nationwide were also asking anyone with a non-urgent illness to ring Healthline as a first port of call.
Letters were being sent to patients booked for non-urgent surgery and outpatient clinic appointments to let them know if they would be affected.
Health Minister David Cunliffe has lashed out at the junior doctors' union.
He said more than 8000 people would be affected by the strike.
National health spokesman Tony Ryall said he believed the number of patients likely to be affected by the strike would be more than the 8000 Mr Cunliffe had estimated.
The human cost of this "cruel strike" was mounting by the day, Mr Ryall said.
* DHBS lead negotiator David Meates spoke to Sunrise this rmoning.
District health boards (DHBs) around the country placed advertisements in newspapers today asking the public to keep hospital emergency departments for emergencies.
More than 2000 house surgeons and registrars will strike from 7am tomorrow to 7am on Thursday. There was no movement in the stalemate yesterday and unless there is a breakthrough today the strike is expected to go ahead.
Many hospitals have emptied out non acute cases from late last week ahead of the strike and because Friday is Anzac Day only limited surgery will be done on Thursday, the New Zealand Herald newspaper reported.
"Your DHB apologises for any inconvenience and distress which may result from the need to postpone dozens of elective surgery procedures, and more than 2000 outpatient appointments," Capital & Coast District Health Board said in an advertisement today.
The advertisements asks patients to see a general practitioner if their problem is non-urgent.
Many hospitals are not accepting woman in labour.
Counties Manukau, Auckland and Waitemata DHBs have placed a joint newspaper advertisement.
Six Auckland hospitals and two medical centres would be offering "very limited services," the advertisement said.
DHBs nationwide were also asking anyone with a non-urgent illness to ring Healthline as a first port of call.
Letters were being sent to patients booked for non-urgent surgery and outpatient clinic appointments to let them know if they would be affected.
Health Minister David Cunliffe has lashed out at the junior doctors' union.
He said more than 8000 people would be affected by the strike.
National health spokesman Tony Ryall said he believed the number of patients likely to be affected by the strike would be more than the 8000 Mr Cunliffe had estimated.
The human cost of this "cruel strike" was mounting by the day, Mr Ryall said.
* DHBS lead negotiator David Meates spoke to Sunrise this rmoning.
moter sport champ gets revenge
It's not quite world domination, but Holden are well on the way to dominating New Zealand during the Kiwi round of the V8 Supercar championships, leaving rival Ford without a round win for the eighth time in a row.
At round three of the title chase, it was Garth Tander who tamed the mean streets of Hamilton with three from three.
"They were three very good races," said Tander. "It's a fantastic result for us and it's a bit of revenge here in New Zealand after last year [his wheel nut jammed]."
Honours for best-placed Kiwi went to Steven Richards, finishing the round in second place.
"I'm pretty happy. It's been a while between drinks," said Richards. "We got a pole position and managed to make the most of the conditions. We've taken a step forward in our championship chase, getting points on the board is the main thing."
Fellow Kiwi Fabian Coulthard drove consummately all weekend to stay out of trouble, ending the weekend in fifth.
"It's been a solid weekend for us," said Coulthard. "We've put in a lot of hard work in the first two rounds and it's starting to show."
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As for the rest of the Kiwis, the streets dealt body blows to Jason Richards, Greg Murphy, Kayne Scott and youngster Shane Van Gisbergen. They all either suffered mechanical gremlins, accidents or pit dramas.
However Murphy and Van Gisbergen showed glimpses of out-right pace and look forward to round four in Perth.
"All our guys can at least be pleased at how good the car is," said Murphy. "They're probably not too pleased with what we did to it though."
However, the 172,000 plus fans who turned up over the weekend didn't leave disappointed. The racing was fast, furious and full of action with Tander showing a clean pair of heels to all and sundry.
"I tried to look after the car all weekend as a lot of the cars were being damaged by the kerbs and the chicane," said Tander.
Qualifying started in earnest on Saturday and the good news was that round two winner, Will Davison, managed to get his heavily damaged car from Friday back onto the track for qualifying.
The bad news was Craig Whincup's huge crash that virtually destroyed his car after being clipped by Todd Kelly.
"Biggest part for me is not taking part," said Whincup. "It's a great track and I was enjoying it. What happened, happened, hey that's motorsport."
At the end of the top 10 shootout Steven Richards and his Ford were on pole with defending champion Tander beside him.
Tander carried on the good form he showed at the non-points scoring round in Melbourne, where he won all three races, taking the win.
Tander kept his head and dominated the second race from Steven Richards and James Courtney.
While the front-runners stayed out of trouble in race three, further down the field all hell broke loose as the cars of Shane Price, Marcus Marshall, Lee Holdsworth, Tony D'Alberto and Davison, among others, came into contact with something or someone.
With the mandatory pit stops out of the way, order was restored with Tander, Steven Richards and Courtney resuming control.
Van Gisbergen showed how good he's going to be when he pulled a marvellous passing move mid-race on five-time champion Mark Skaife.THE VERDICT? IT'S A WINNER
The newest track in the Aussie V8 Supercar championships has been an unqualified success. The track built through Hamilton's Frankton district has been described as interesting, challenging and fun to drive.
"The promoters are to be congratulated. It's one of the most unique race circuits I've ever raced on." - Jamie Whincup, series leader before the weekend.
"The Hamilton 400 race has the potential to become one of the biggest events on the calendar." - first round winner Garth Tander.
3E
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"It's a great circuit. It's pretty good and it's fast and technical in places. The chicane could be improved, but it didn't seem to bother some of the drivers."- top Kiwi driver Greg Murphy.
"The cars look and sound really different around streets. It's a wicked place to come and see the V8s race."- an enthusiastic fan.
"I'm a very happy man. Hamilton City Council and the promoters can stand up and take a big bow. It was world class and they put New Zealand on the world map this weekend. New Zealand should be really proud of what Hamilton achieved," - V8 Supercars Australia chairman Tony Cochrane.
"It's a relief the first one's over, but it's absolutely worth it. A great crowd, great weather and great racing."- event organiser Steve Vuleta.
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
1. Rick Kelly (Holden)672pts
2. Garth Tander (Holden)626
3. Lee Holdsworth (Holden)580
4. Mark Winterbottom (Ford)572
5. Jamie Whincup (Ford)540
At round three of the title chase, it was Garth Tander who tamed the mean streets of Hamilton with three from three.
"They were three very good races," said Tander. "It's a fantastic result for us and it's a bit of revenge here in New Zealand after last year [his wheel nut jammed]."
Honours for best-placed Kiwi went to Steven Richards, finishing the round in second place.
"I'm pretty happy. It's been a while between drinks," said Richards. "We got a pole position and managed to make the most of the conditions. We've taken a step forward in our championship chase, getting points on the board is the main thing."
Fellow Kiwi Fabian Coulthard drove consummately all weekend to stay out of trouble, ending the weekend in fifth.
"It's been a solid weekend for us," said Coulthard. "We've put in a lot of hard work in the first two rounds and it's starting to show."
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As for the rest of the Kiwis, the streets dealt body blows to Jason Richards, Greg Murphy, Kayne Scott and youngster Shane Van Gisbergen. They all either suffered mechanical gremlins, accidents or pit dramas.
However Murphy and Van Gisbergen showed glimpses of out-right pace and look forward to round four in Perth.
"All our guys can at least be pleased at how good the car is," said Murphy. "They're probably not too pleased with what we did to it though."
However, the 172,000 plus fans who turned up over the weekend didn't leave disappointed. The racing was fast, furious and full of action with Tander showing a clean pair of heels to all and sundry.
"I tried to look after the car all weekend as a lot of the cars were being damaged by the kerbs and the chicane," said Tander.
Qualifying started in earnest on Saturday and the good news was that round two winner, Will Davison, managed to get his heavily damaged car from Friday back onto the track for qualifying.
The bad news was Craig Whincup's huge crash that virtually destroyed his car after being clipped by Todd Kelly.
"Biggest part for me is not taking part," said Whincup. "It's a great track and I was enjoying it. What happened, happened, hey that's motorsport."
At the end of the top 10 shootout Steven Richards and his Ford were on pole with defending champion Tander beside him.
Tander carried on the good form he showed at the non-points scoring round in Melbourne, where he won all three races, taking the win.
Tander kept his head and dominated the second race from Steven Richards and James Courtney.
While the front-runners stayed out of trouble in race three, further down the field all hell broke loose as the cars of Shane Price, Marcus Marshall, Lee Holdsworth, Tony D'Alberto and Davison, among others, came into contact with something or someone.
With the mandatory pit stops out of the way, order was restored with Tander, Steven Richards and Courtney resuming control.
Van Gisbergen showed how good he's going to be when he pulled a marvellous passing move mid-race on five-time champion Mark Skaife.THE VERDICT? IT'S A WINNER
The newest track in the Aussie V8 Supercar championships has been an unqualified success. The track built through Hamilton's Frankton district has been described as interesting, challenging and fun to drive.
"The promoters are to be congratulated. It's one of the most unique race circuits I've ever raced on." - Jamie Whincup, series leader before the weekend.
"The Hamilton 400 race has the potential to become one of the biggest events on the calendar." - first round winner Garth Tander.
3E
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"It's a great circuit. It's pretty good and it's fast and technical in places. The chicane could be improved, but it didn't seem to bother some of the drivers."- top Kiwi driver Greg Murphy.
"The cars look and sound really different around streets. It's a wicked place to come and see the V8s race."- an enthusiastic fan.
"I'm a very happy man. Hamilton City Council and the promoters can stand up and take a big bow. It was world class and they put New Zealand on the world map this weekend. New Zealand should be really proud of what Hamilton achieved," - V8 Supercars Australia chairman Tony Cochrane.
"It's a relief the first one's over, but it's absolutely worth it. A great crowd, great weather and great racing."- event organiser Steve Vuleta.
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
1. Rick Kelly (Holden)672pts
2. Garth Tander (Holden)626
3. Lee Holdsworth (Holden)580
4. Mark Winterbottom (Ford)572
5. Jamie Whincup (Ford)540
propetey
the proptey prises hireing
not many people getting houses
so i think more apartment more homless
butt what the goverment gets
to pay there needs good but
i seen that the goverment is wasting money
so thaty means it has less money to help people with
well when i came over here i thought that
'the goverment dosent have too many fights
back to propetey my house when i bought it was only
500 000 dollars but now it is li,ke 1million bucks
really cool i am ritch but no one will buy so that means
we all stay imn the sa,me plase till, we die
so i say we should get a job work
all night then your ritch and the propetey
programe is solvede no u have to earn it
what is the goverments profett of this
i have a book from d trump
it says
i dont do it for the moneyi have got
enougth moneyi do it for the deal
so u say that if we make a deal with
a business for software
we suddenley come as ritch as u
donald trump no way
so what is it do not know this will cointeu
not many people getting houses
so i think more apartment more homless
butt what the goverment gets
to pay there needs good but
i seen that the goverment is wasting money
so thaty means it has less money to help people with
well when i came over here i thought that
'the goverment dosent have too many fights
back to propetey my house when i bought it was only
500 000 dollars but now it is li,ke 1million bucks
really cool i am ritch but no one will buy so that means
we all stay imn the sa,me plase till, we die
so i say we should get a job work
all night then your ritch and the propetey
programe is solvede no u have to earn it
what is the goverments profett of this
i have a book from d trump
it says
i dont do it for the moneyi have got
enougth moneyi do it for the deal
so u say that if we make a deal with
a business for software
we suddenley come as ritch as u
donald trump no way
so what is it do not know this will cointeu
care givers give p to 3 year old charges to be made
The caregivers of a 3-year-old toddler who died of "unexplained head injuries" are to appear in the Manukau District Court today on P-related drug charges.
Dylan Hohepa Tonga Rimoni died in Auckland's Starship hospital on Friday.
Police have stopped short of saying they are handling a homicide inquiry, saying the matter is being treated as a suspicious death.
Officers are saying nothing about the investigation or whether further charges will be laid.
But the officer in charge of the Counties Manukau child abuse team, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Pizzini, told the Herald last night that a man and woman in their late 30s were arrested on Saturday night after several days of scene examinations at the family's home in Great South Rd, Drury.
Mr Pizzini said the pair arrested were occupants of the home and Dylan's caregivers, but were not related to the toddler.
The woman had been released on police bail, but the man was being held in custody until they appeared in court today, he said.
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Each faces a charge of possessing precursor materials and equipment for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
They are also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
Mr Pizzini would not say if the family had any gang links.
"I don't want to go into that. We're continuing inquiries. It's a difficult investigation, it's very delicate ... We're just working on the people that have had care of the boy and trying to establish what's happened."
Asked if police found other items such as the drug P or related paraphernalia at the property, he said:
"We've been searching the place for three days and we've obviously found quite a bit of stuff but I'm not going to go into it.
"There's charges now before the court and it will come out through the court process."
Mr Pizzini would not say if the family were known to the police.
He was also reluctant to comment on any bruises or other injuries the toddler may have had.
"There were injuries, but I'm not going to specify what they were."
He said it would not be helpful to the investigation if people yet to be interviewed by police had already learned what happened to Dylan through the media.
Police expect to complete their examination of the family's home today.
Twelve people have been formally interviewed by police but officers say they need to speak to many more.
"There's going to be a lot of work carried out this week," Mr Pizzini said.
"We're going to be concentrated on medical-type inquiries this week. There's a number of people that have been treating him [Dylan]."
Mr Pizzini would not elaborate on whether Dylan had previously been treated by doctors for injuries.
A post-mortem examination of the boy's body was done on Friday but Mr Pizzini would not be drawn on its findings.
"We're not releasing any details about the post-mortem examination because of the delicate nature of the investigation."
Police began investigating the case on Wednesday after a call from hospital staff advising them that Dylan had been admitted to Middlemore Hospital the previous night.
A team of 14 officers is working on the case.
Dylan Hohepa Tonga Rimoni died in Auckland's Starship hospital on Friday.
Police have stopped short of saying they are handling a homicide inquiry, saying the matter is being treated as a suspicious death.
Officers are saying nothing about the investigation or whether further charges will be laid.
But the officer in charge of the Counties Manukau child abuse team, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Pizzini, told the Herald last night that a man and woman in their late 30s were arrested on Saturday night after several days of scene examinations at the family's home in Great South Rd, Drury.
Mr Pizzini said the pair arrested were occupants of the home and Dylan's caregivers, but were not related to the toddler.
The woman had been released on police bail, but the man was being held in custody until they appeared in court today, he said.
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Each faces a charge of possessing precursor materials and equipment for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
They are also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
Mr Pizzini would not say if the family had any gang links.
"I don't want to go into that. We're continuing inquiries. It's a difficult investigation, it's very delicate ... We're just working on the people that have had care of the boy and trying to establish what's happened."
Asked if police found other items such as the drug P or related paraphernalia at the property, he said:
"We've been searching the place for three days and we've obviously found quite a bit of stuff but I'm not going to go into it.
"There's charges now before the court and it will come out through the court process."
Mr Pizzini would not say if the family were known to the police.
He was also reluctant to comment on any bruises or other injuries the toddler may have had.
"There were injuries, but I'm not going to specify what they were."
He said it would not be helpful to the investigation if people yet to be interviewed by police had already learned what happened to Dylan through the media.
Police expect to complete their examination of the family's home today.
Twelve people have been formally interviewed by police but officers say they need to speak to many more.
"There's going to be a lot of work carried out this week," Mr Pizzini said.
"We're going to be concentrated on medical-type inquiries this week. There's a number of people that have been treating him [Dylan]."
Mr Pizzini would not elaborate on whether Dylan had previously been treated by doctors for injuries.
A post-mortem examination of the boy's body was done on Friday but Mr Pizzini would not be drawn on its findings.
"We're not releasing any details about the post-mortem examination because of the delicate nature of the investigation."
Police began investigating the case on Wednesday after a call from hospital staff advising them that Dylan had been admitted to Middlemore Hospital the previous night.
A team of 14 officers is working on the case.
river tradgeaty
Elim Christian College will hold a special service for the seven victims during their regular service at the school this Sunday. They are considering holding a memorial service in the weeks after that.
7.49pm:
Elim Christian College head girl Jessica Mulder says students are in a state of shock and extremely upset.
She says she knew all the people who were killed, but feels more personally affected because Anthony Mulder, one of the seven victims, was her cousin.
6.09pm:
The instructor involved in yesterday's river tragedy was a grief-stricken but highly qualified and competent instructor, OPC chief executive Grant Davidson said.
He said she was receiving counselling and was being sheltered from the media.
5.15pm:
A friend of Elim Christian College teacher Tony McClean says he was trying to carry a student on his back to safety before he died.
His friend Helen told Newstalk ZB's Danny Watson that Mr McClean would have done everything he could to try to get the students to safety.
if (plugin
She says he was a naturally sporty man, with good experience in water, who had even been to Nepal to help the poor.
3.50pm:
The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre chairman Grant McKenzie and three fellow trustees joined mourners at Elim Christian College this afternoon, where they expressed their condolences to college principal Murray Burton.
"This is an absolute tragedy and our heartfelt sympathy and support goes out to each of the families, fellow school pupils and the wider community," Mr McKenzie, who lives in nearby Pakuranga, said.
"I got in touch with Mr Burton last night and have remained in constant contact since.
"All OPC Hillary staff and trustees are absolutely devastated by what has happened and I passed on their thoughts and expressions of sympathy to him."
Mr McKenzie said the OPC Hillary Centres trust was conducting its own internal investigation and would provide police with all information that will assist them with their enquiries.
The OPC Hillary Centre has closed its operations for the remainder of the week.
3.30pm:
Statement in Parliament by Tariana Turia, co-leader of the Maori Party:
"I stand today, extending my gaze from the mountains to the sea, thinking of those who have lost their lives in the Mangatepopo Gorge and their whanau.
"Our tears flow as we think of the tragedy that has occurred within the Tongariro River, a tragedy which has dealt a savage blow to the families, the Elim Christian College, as well as the staff of the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre and indeed all who were involved in this tragic event.
that the parents, the wider families and the school community must be feeling at this time.
"We can but express our deepest condolences for young lives lost.
"The whole process of living, growing and maturing involves taking risks and testing boundaries.
"Each of those young people - and I include in our thoughts their young teacher - connect through to families who had dreams and aspirations that will now not be realised, so tenuous is life.
"The Maori Party has been shocked at the terrible tragedy that took place at the headwaters of the Whanganui River, a tragedy which extinguished so much hope and potential.
"We offer our sincere condolences to those who have been affected."
2:25pm:
A lot of flowers have been brought into the Elim Christian College this afternoon, with one woman bringing in a Kowahi tree.
The students have arrived back from camp and been ushered into the school chapel. Parents have also arrived to pick up their children and some are now leaving.
1.50pm: The Department of Labour says it will be conducting an investigation into the tragedy, alongside the Coroner and Police probes.
"The Department of Labour will generally investigate events when a person is seriously harmed or killed in a place of work.
The person could be an employee, or any other person - including contractors or members of the public - who comes into contact with the place of work."
1:27pm:
The bus carrying 30 to 40 students from the OPC has arrived at Elim Christian College to emotional scenes. The students and parents gather in the school's chapel.
1:16pm:
A memorial service for the students has already been considered.
School Principal Murray Burton said Manukau City mayor Len Brown has offered the Telstra Dome as a venue free of charge.
1:10pm:
The father of river victim Natasha Bray said his daughter was anxious about the bad weather before leaving but determined to make the most of the experience.
Mr Bray said the death of his daughter had tested his faith: "Without doubt we don't have faith."
But he said he didn't blame the OPC for her death.
"They have got a process to go through, we don't have an axe to grind," Mr Bray said.
12:17pm:
Students have written personal messages to the six students and teacher who died yesterday afternoon.
"Your community loves you and is praying for you", reads one message.
A box of crayons and a pile of paper sit on the seat waiting for more students to pay tribute to their class mates.
Bouquets of flowers have also been laid on the small stage at the front of the chapel.
Emotional students are trickling through with their arms around each other as parents and school staff look on.
12:03am:
Education Minister Chris Carter has arrived at Elim Christian College from Wellington this morning to support the grieving school.
"None of us can imagine the pain the parents must be suffering who have lost their children," Mr Carter said.
He couldn't comment on any severe weather warnings.
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7.49pm:
Elim Christian College head girl Jessica Mulder says students are in a state of shock and extremely upset.
She says she knew all the people who were killed, but feels more personally affected because Anthony Mulder, one of the seven victims, was her cousin.
6.09pm:
The instructor involved in yesterday's river tragedy was a grief-stricken but highly qualified and competent instructor, OPC chief executive Grant Davidson said.
He said she was receiving counselling and was being sheltered from the media.
5.15pm:
A friend of Elim Christian College teacher Tony McClean says he was trying to carry a student on his back to safety before he died.
His friend Helen told Newstalk ZB's Danny Watson that Mr McClean would have done everything he could to try to get the students to safety.
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She says he was a naturally sporty man, with good experience in water, who had even been to Nepal to help the poor.
3.50pm:
The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre chairman Grant McKenzie and three fellow trustees joined mourners at Elim Christian College this afternoon, where they expressed their condolences to college principal Murray Burton.
"This is an absolute tragedy and our heartfelt sympathy and support goes out to each of the families, fellow school pupils and the wider community," Mr McKenzie, who lives in nearby Pakuranga, said.
"I got in touch with Mr Burton last night and have remained in constant contact since.
"All OPC Hillary staff and trustees are absolutely devastated by what has happened and I passed on their thoughts and expressions of sympathy to him."
Mr McKenzie said the OPC Hillary Centres trust was conducting its own internal investigation and would provide police with all information that will assist them with their enquiries.
The OPC Hillary Centre has closed its operations for the remainder of the week.
3.30pm:
Statement in Parliament by Tariana Turia, co-leader of the Maori Party:
"I stand today, extending my gaze from the mountains to the sea, thinking of those who have lost their lives in the Mangatepopo Gorge and their whanau.
"Our tears flow as we think of the tragedy that has occurred within the Tongariro River, a tragedy which has dealt a savage blow to the families, the Elim Christian College, as well as the staff of the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre and indeed all who were involved in this tragic event.
that the parents, the wider families and the school community must be feeling at this time.
"We can but express our deepest condolences for young lives lost.
"The whole process of living, growing and maturing involves taking risks and testing boundaries.
"Each of those young people - and I include in our thoughts their young teacher - connect through to families who had dreams and aspirations that will now not be realised, so tenuous is life.
"The Maori Party has been shocked at the terrible tragedy that took place at the headwaters of the Whanganui River, a tragedy which extinguished so much hope and potential.
"We offer our sincere condolences to those who have been affected."
2:25pm:
A lot of flowers have been brought into the Elim Christian College this afternoon, with one woman bringing in a Kowahi tree.
The students have arrived back from camp and been ushered into the school chapel. Parents have also arrived to pick up their children and some are now leaving.
1.50pm: The Department of Labour says it will be conducting an investigation into the tragedy, alongside the Coroner and Police probes.
"The Department of Labour will generally investigate events when a person is seriously harmed or killed in a place of work.
The person could be an employee, or any other person - including contractors or members of the public - who comes into contact with the place of work."
1:27pm:
The bus carrying 30 to 40 students from the OPC has arrived at Elim Christian College to emotional scenes. The students and parents gather in the school's chapel.
1:16pm:
A memorial service for the students has already been considered.
School Principal Murray Burton said Manukau City mayor Len Brown has offered the Telstra Dome as a venue free of charge.
1:10pm:
The father of river victim Natasha Bray said his daughter was anxious about the bad weather before leaving but determined to make the most of the experience.
Mr Bray said the death of his daughter had tested his faith: "Without doubt we don't have faith."
But he said he didn't blame the OPC for her death.
"They have got a process to go through, we don't have an axe to grind," Mr Bray said.
12:17pm:
Students have written personal messages to the six students and teacher who died yesterday afternoon.
"Your community loves you and is praying for you", reads one message.
A box of crayons and a pile of paper sit on the seat waiting for more students to pay tribute to their class mates.
Bouquets of flowers have also been laid on the small stage at the front of the chapel.
Emotional students are trickling through with their arms around each other as parents and school staff look on.
12:03am:
Education Minister Chris Carter has arrived at Elim Christian College from Wellington this morning to support the grieving school.
"None of us can imagine the pain the parents must be suffering who have lost their children," Mr Carter said.
He couldn't comment on any severe weather warnings.
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