* World News Quick Take Oct 30, 2009
NEW ZEALAND Minister sculpted in dung. Artist Sam Mahon has sculpted the head of Environment Minister Nick Smith out of cow dung as part of a conservation protest. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Royal Caribbean International Takes Delivery of Much Anticipated Oasis Of The Seas Oct 29, 2009
The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go or call (800) 327-2056. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Hindmarsh back in Roos overhaul Oct 29, 2009
The fact there have been so many changes following the 20-20 draw with New Zealand means Hindmarsh, who was forced to shelve his own buck's weekend at the Gundagai races in order to tour, will approach the match with England, in Wigan on Saturday (Sunday 1. 30am AEDT), as his last. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Worst has passed: ANZ Oct 29, 2009
His chief financial officer, Peter Marriott, said there was a shift in the composition of the charges: New Zealand accounts are generating relatively more of them than they were, as the Kiwi economy emerges from a savage downturn. But like NAB, which reported its profit result yesterday, ANZ sees little evidence that the bad debt wave is pushing aggressively into consumer lending in this country. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Banks are riding high and it's costing all of us Oct 29, 2009
Besides taking into account poor results in its British and New Zealand businesses, its exposure to collateralised debt obligations and its big whack of bad and doubtful debts, it also took some trading risks. For instance, on page 86 of the annual results, in a note on income it mentions that gains less losses on financial instruments at fair value on trading derivatives rose from $254 million in 2008 to $380 million in 2009. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
I'm so sick of being sorry Oct 27, 2009
New Zealand must be the sorriest l'il country on Earth ... But even meek New Zealanders are no match for Gordon Brown, who's mainly apologetic about the polls, but took the sorry stakes to a new low last month. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Wielding the whip on asylum seekers Oct 27, 2009
Australia and New Zealand are the only countries in Asia that accept so called refugee/asylum seekers. No other country in Asia accepts illegal immigrants seeking asylum/refugee. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Should lucky-draw schemes to lure buyers be regulated? Oct 27, 2009
Gambling Act 2003 in New Zealand defines Sales Promotion Scheme as a kind of gambling that does not involve a gaming machine but is linked to purchase of certain goods, for a price not exceeding the usual retail price and not requiring the buyer to incur any other direct or indirect costs for participation. Thus, an SMS based draw may not be a valid promotion scheme there. (India Times)
Wen plays major role in success of ASEAN-related meetings Oct 26, 2009
The 4th East Asia Summit (EAS) opened here on Sunday, where ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders and their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand met to discuss regional cooperation topics ... The 4th East Asia Summit (EAS) opened here on Sunday, where ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders and their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand met to discuss regional cooperation topics... (Xinhuanet, China)
Wotif expects lift in first half profit Oct 26, 2009
"We are very well positioned to drive demand not only for our Australian and New Zealand suppliers but also for our international suppliers in the 47-plus destinations we offer overseas.". The Australian dollar touched a 14-month high against the US dollar this month and was up about 15 per cent against the American currency since July. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Asian nations jostle for power in EU-style bloc Oct 26, 2009
Russia has meanwhile applied to join the East Asia Summit, this weekend's meeting which groups ASEAN with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. But next month US President Barack Obama will hold the first ever summit with ASEAN leaders, as well as attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Narrow escape makes England a must-win game Oct 26, 2009
Australia 20 New Zealand 20. As he stood in the in-goal after Kiwi Frank Pritchard had scored with five minutes remaining, Australian captain Darren Lockyer pondered another defeat at the hands of New Zealand in tournament rugby league ... If a draw is like kissing your sister, what does a draw against New Zealand feel like. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Asian leaders give rival visions for economic blocs Oct 25, 2009
" Leaders in the Thai resort of Hua Hin were also due to sign agreements Sunday on boosting integration after the global recession and cooperating on subjects including climate change and disaster management. The summit grouping the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand has been dominated by discussions on greater unity. But it has also been marred by controversy over human rights -- especially in military-ruled... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Wallet of the future? Your phone Oct 25, 2009
According to the NFC Forum, a New Zealand hotel last month installed locks that are opened with mobile phones. Texting and barcodes. (CNN -- Tech)
19-year-old Norwegian takes Monopoly world title Oct 25, 2009
Bjorn Halvard Knappskog, who graduated this year from the Oslo Private Gymnasium school, captured the title on Thursday when the battleship token of 25-year-old Geoff Christopher of New Zealand landed consecutively on Pacific Avenue and North Carolina Avenue, and he couldn't afford the combined $1,600 rent ... "I didn't see that coming and I don't think New Zealand saw that either.". (Albany Times Union)
Asian nations look to 'lead world' Oct 24, 2009
The summit groups the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with regional partners China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand ... Officials said separately that East Asian nations would carry out a feasibility study for a huge free trade zone covering ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea and a larger group involving India, Australia and New Zealand. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Coles adds bragging rights to sales jump Oct 24, 2009
Elsewhere in the sprawling Wesfarmers conglomerate, the insurance arm was able to achieve modest rate increases in some classes as positive signs for the business emerged in Australia, but New Zealand remained flat. The division, which operates insurance brands such as OAMPS, Lumley and WFI, should benefit from higher investment returns stemming from steeper interest rates while bolt-on acquisitions were being investigated. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Dollar, Kiwi gain on rate-rise speculation Oct 24, 2009
The Australian and New Zealand dollars rose for a third consecutive week on speculation the nations central banks will increase interest rates faster than other developed countries. New Zealands dollar rose 1 ... New Zealands currency was at 75. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Sheens won't be cushioning his stars Oct 24, 2009
A slightly tattered 47-year-old cushion represents the ruthlessness Tim Sheens brings to his Four Nations camp, the most obvious example of which is a philosophy that players may be dropped even if the side wins its opening match against New Zealand at The Stoop tomorrow morning (Sydney time) ... Every time you pull the jumper on, you have to perform, and that's the pressure that I want in the team - not playing New Zealand, not playing England, but playing ourselves, playing to keep your spot,... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
East Asian nations to study free trade pact Oct 24, 2009
Now we should explore a feasibility study both in the East Asia Free Trade Area and with (India, Australia and New Zealand)," he said. Asia's quick rebound from the global recession, compared with the United States and other Western economies, has prompted calls for the region to increase integration. Japan's new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has made a proposal for an East Asian community and said in a newspaper interview published on Saturday that it should aspire to lead the world. "It would... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Scammers jailed for duping Aussie, NZ investors Oct 24, 2009
An American judge has shown little mercy to two scammers by jailing both for more than 20 years for duping almost $A4 million from 475 victims in Australia, New Zealand and the US.. Many of the victims were New Zealand sheep farmers while Darwin residents Tracey and Paul Grist were among the hardest hit, losing $A350,000 ... A third member of the scam, Robert Searles of Tennessee, will be sentenced next month while the fourth, New Zealand fugitive Leslie Davidson, remains on the run, with US... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
* ASEAN launches human rights body Oct 24, 2009
ASEAN heads of state will hold talks before wide-ranging meetings with their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand over the weekend. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva opened the summit by defending the new rights body against criticism that it is powerless to rein in members that breach its rules, such as army-ruled Myanmar and communist Vietnam and Laos. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Samoa ready for business, deputy PM says Oct 24, 2009
Mr Telefoni was in Brisbane for a two-day forum about a new trade and economic agreement among Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island nations. 2009 Brought to you by. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Norwegian teenager banks $20,580 in world Monopoly win Oct 24, 2009
It took him just over 40 minutes to beat the battleship brandished by Geoff Christopher of New Zealand ... After a series of swaps and purchases some of the hundreds of spectators considered risky, Mr Knappskog finally rendered his New Zealand rival bankrupt with a $1,600 rent demand on North Carolina Avenue ... "I thought I'd got myself into a really good position, but the dice didn't really go my way," he told Radio New Zealand. (BBC News -- Europe)
Sin bin on tour Oct 24, 2009
The Guardian pronounced that Ben White, not Brett White, was among three rookies named to play New Zealand on Sunday morning (Sydney time). A rookie mistake perhaps. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Foreign hotels jack up star value Oct 23, 2009
IT services major Mahindra Satyam has appointed Bobby Gupta as its new business development chief, overseeing its operations in Australia and New Zealand. ET Debates. (India Times)
Bjørn Halvard Knappskog from Oslo Becomes the First MONOPOLY World Champion from Norway Oct 23, 2009
In the final game, Knappskog played against Richard Marinaccio (United States), Oleg Korostelev (Russia) and Geoff Christopher (New Zealand) ... In the intense final battle between New Zealand and Norway, the final play of the game came down to the Speed Die, which was used for the first time in competition this year ... New Zealand rolled the dice and landed on Pacific Avenue, which had three houses, and also rolled a MR. MONOPOLY on the Speed Die, which automatically landed him on North... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Toll buys Express Logistics Group for $50m Oct 23, 2009
The Toll Group says it has acquired Express Logistics Group, one of New Zealand's largest freight forwarding companies, for about $50 million. ELG currently operates 12 freight forwarding branches across New Zealand, Australia and the US, and also provides value adding warehouse and transport services to its customers, Toll said in a statement ... ELG is principally focussed on serving the import and export requirements of apparel and footwear retailers in Australia and New Zealand, with the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
ASEAN focuses on rights, trade amid tight security Oct 23, 2009
Embarrassed by protests at past summits, a security force of 18,000 and naval gunships have cordoned off Hua Hin where South East Asian leaders plan a series of meetings, first amongst themselves and later with counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand at the weekend. Six months ago, hundreds of anti-government protesters broke through security barriers at a summit at Thailand's resort town of Pattaya, forcing some Asian leaders to flee by helicopter and... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Asian leaders arrive for summit Oct 23, 2009
This weekend's summit of leaders from the 10 South-East Asian member nations will be followed by talks with non-member states, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Ten taken seriously Oct 23, 2009
Myer starts trading on November 2, and Kathmandu is expected to do so in Australia and New Zealand in mid-November ... Australian retail investors have traditionally held a much higher proportion of equities in their portfolios than fixed income products, whereas in other countries, such as Germany and New Zealand, bonds are more popular. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Asean leaders meet in challenging times Oct 23, 2009
The bloc will then meet with leaders of China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. Thailand has deployed more than 36,000 military and police both in Bangkok and to guard the seaside summit of Asian leaders, working to prevent any repeat of the disruptions that shut down another meeting earlier this year, an official said Thursday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Asian leaders launch human rights watchdog Oct 23, 2009
Heads of state from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold talks before wide-ranging meetings with their counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand at the weekend. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva opened the summit by defending the new rights body against criticism that it is powerless to rein in members that breach its rules, such as army-ruled Myanmar and communist Vietnam and Laos. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Two menus to tempt diners Oct 22, 2009
The oyster, imported from New Zealand imported, was fresh and juicy ... Then comes the Lamb Cutlet, Mongolian Sauce and Grilled Leek, which, according to Tan, uses New Zealand lamb rack. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Asian stocks fall amid China disappointment Oct 22, 2009
94, as expectations strong China data would encourage buying of higher-yielding assets like the Australian and New Zealand currencies failed to materialise. The Aussie dollar briefly slipped on disappointment the China data was not more upbeat, but it quickly recovered. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Australian Government Pursues Anti-People Smuggling Accord With Indonesia Oct 22, 2009
About 185,500 asylum claims were filed across 38 European countries, the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. The U.S. was the largest recipient, taking 13 percent of all applications during the period, or 23,700 people, the UN refugee agency said. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
All about 'The Bachelor' engagement Oct 22, 2009
"The Bachelor"'s Jason Mesnick proposed to Molly Malaney in New Zealand ... He returned to New Zealand where he had first picked Melissa Rycroft on the show's finale, a decision he later dramatically reversed on a subsequent After the Final Rose episode ... A rare alpine parrot, native to New Zealand and infamous for its cheeky attitudes, the kea flew down on the couple's picnic blanket and nibbled on the champagne bottle. (CNN -- Showbiz)
Massive security at Asian summit in Thailand Oct 22, 2009
The three-day conference includes the annual gathering of the 10-member ASEAN leaders and those of China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Barry Humphries is back, minus that woman in his life Oct 21, 2009
Madge, Edna's beige-shaded New Zealand-born bridesmaid, has a seminal role to play in the book. A friend calls New Zealand the Land of the Wrong White Crowd,'' Humphries said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Lifting the Ban Would Do a Rank Disservice Oct 21, 2009
During the week before the dinner, the White House announced that New Zealand would be treated to an openly gay U.S. ambassador. There is no word yet about how New Zealanders expressed their appreciation. (Townhall.com)
New Zealand hails Rings heroes Oct 20, 2009
Director Peter Jackson enjoyed a celebratory homecoming after his Oscar triumph with a civic ceremony in his hometown of Wellington, New Zealand ... The films have had a huge effect on New Zealand's tourism trade, according to figures released earlier this month ... New Zealand's tourism market has grown by 8% to more than 2. (Yahoo News -- Lord of the Rings)
Lievremont awaiting Bastareaud apology Oct 20, 2009
France rugby union coach Marc Lievremont is awaiting an apology from centre Mathieu Bastareaud for having lied about an assault while on tour in New Zealand ... "The ideal thing would be for him to talk about it, to say sorry to his team-mates, the staff, New Zealand, that he declares a kind of mea culpa and then it's all settled," Lievremont said ... The chairman of the French rugby federation, Pierre Camou, referred the affair to the body's disciplinary committee after Prime Minister Francois... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Woolworths shares dip on sales results Oct 20, 2009
New Zealand supermarkets rose 5. 4 per cent to $1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
ALPG set to announce new schedule Oct 19, 2009
It featured three major tournaments all co-sanctioned by the LET; the Women's Australian Open at Commonwealth Golf Club (February 11-14), the ANZ Ladies Masters at Royal Pines (February 18-21) and the Women's New Zealand Open at the Pegasus Golf resort (February 25-28). It's expected the ALPG will push its tournaments back to late February, early March. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Asian leaders to discuss economic ties, disasters Oct 18, 2009
" Integrating and strengthening the regional economy "is the major issue facing all of the countries," said Bridget Welsh, a political science professor at the Singapore Management University and an expert on Southeast Asia. S. Pushpanathan, ASEAN's deputy secretary general in charge of economic affairs, said each member will present a "scorecard" on how it has lived up to its commitments toward market-opening reforms. The establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 has been a key goal... (Channelnewsasia.com)
China News 2009.10.16 Oct 18, 2009
China's seed and agriculture researcher Agria Corp is to buy a 13 percent stake in New Zealand's PGG Wrightson, with the aim of becoming a major shareholder ... Agria plans to invest 36 million New Zealand dollars (or 27 million U.S. dollars) in the company and profit from its auction expertise. (Xinhuanet, China)
Summary justice? Wucked! Oct 17, 2009
You may have missed it this week, but a BBC poll of more than 5000 Britons has rated the New Zealand accent as the most attractive and prestigious form of English outside Britain ... For all these years we've thrown good money at finishing schools in the Mother Country when we could have entrusted our darlings' elocution to rugby camps in New Zealand. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Master Marblehead swimmer makes a splash Oct 16, 2009
She is constantly in training for meets, which take place regularly throughout the year at Boston University, Simmons College, Exeter, and the JCC. Over the years she has participated in several international meets in Canada and New Zealand. Those are particularly exciting. (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
Going for gold … and spending a lot of it, too Oct 15, 2009
"A drinking team with a netball problem" the New Zealand netballers went shopping at The Rocks before climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge ... Spending up in The Rocks during the week were the New Zealand over-45 netball team ... "A drinking team with a netball problem" … the New Zealand netballers went shopping at The Rocks before climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Soccer World Cup 2010 News Update 1... Oct 15, 2009
The first match is on 14 November and is between Bahrain and New Zealand. The overall winner of the two matches will receive the place in the World Cup. (Suite101.com)
Sa admits pub offences, denies assault Oct 14, 2009
But the 22-year-old New Zealand rugby league international pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer, following an allegedly alcohol-fuelled incident at the eastern Sydney hotel on August 30. His bail was continued and his case adjourned for mention at the same court on November 25. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Calif. considers strict energy standards for TVs Oct 14, 2009
Cleantech America, the company planning to build a solar-energy plant near Mendota, has been purchased by Meridian Energy Ltd., a New Zealand firm. The deal was announced today, but the purchase price and other details were not disclosed. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Whales are overrated Oct 13, 2009
The levels of fishing in the Australian Bluefin fishery are set by the Government, but usually taken from the recommendations of the Commission for the Convention of Southern Bluefin Tuna - a multilateral body including Australia, New Zealand and Japan. CSIRO and the Fisheries Department have finished a recent assessment of stock numbers for the Commission, which will be released publicly at the annual meeting later this month. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
U.S. looks at tourist tax to fund company to promote tourism Oct 12, 2009
Only visitors from countries not required to have entry visas for up to 90 days of travel in the U.S. most European countries, Australia, Brunei, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand will be required to pay the fee. Travelers only have to pay once in a two-year period, regardless of the number of trips. (USA Today)
Movies from Down Under at film fest in St Tropez Oct 11, 2009
The French resort of St Tropez hosts the Antipodes film fest this week, featuring some 50 movies from Australia and New Zealand, with actor Anthony LaPaglia, pictured in June 2009, as head of the jury ... DRAGUIGNAN, France (AFP) - The French resort of St Tropez hosts the Antipodes film fest this week, featuring some 50 movies from Australia and New Zealand, with actor Anthony LaPaglia as head of the jury ... The 11th edition of the festival opens Monday with New Zealand film "Dean Spanley,"... (Yahoo! Asia News)
Tsunami alert creates wave of panic across Pacific Oct 9, 2009
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami warning for 25 countries and territories stretching as far as Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia ... A consular officer at the New Zealand high commission in Port Vila, Shane Coleman, said the tremors did not seem to cause any damage. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Double Tri Nations for SA Oct 9, 2009
The annual Tri Nations rugby tournament, contested by South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, draws millions of sports-mad fans each year ... Australia was represented by professional wine writer Huon Hooke, while wine master Bob Campbell represented New Zealand. (iAfrica.com)
Pacific: new tsunami alert Oct 8, 2009
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for some 25 countries and territories stretching as far as Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia ... Shane Coleman, consular officer at the New Zealand High Commission at Port Vila in Vanuatu, said the tremors did not seem to cause any damage and so far there was no sign of a tsunami ... New Zealand was put on "tsunami watch" while Australia said it would be protected from any big waves by the enormous Great Barrier Reef. (iAfrica.com)
CIA: Anti-Cuba Militant was a Snitch Oct 8, 2009
If Confirmed to New Zealand and Samoa Post, David Huebner will Become 3rd Openly Gay American Ambassador. No Reports of Injuries in Vanuatu Archipelago, but Alert Prompted Many to Flee to Higher Ground. (CBS News -- US)
Powerful quake strikes South Pacific Oct 8, 2009
Officials expanded the tsunami warning to include Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. But that warning was cancelled about two hours later with NBC News reporting the tsunami wave generated was less than 4 inches. (MSNBC -- International)
Aid worker describes chaos amid alert Oct 8, 2009
Source: Oxfam - New Zealand (1 minute ago). Author: Ann Veneman (1 minute ago). (AlertNet)
Pacific quakes stir panic but tsunamis tiny Oct 8, 2009
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for the entire southwest Pacific, which included island resorts and Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, after the quakes struck beneath the seas between Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Hawaii and the Philippines were placed on tsunami watch. (AlertNet)
Gold `Off The Charts', May Reach $1,500, Barclays Says: Technical Analysis Oct 7, 2009
Gold priced in euros, pounds, South African rand, Australia and New Zealand dollars hit records in February as investors turned to bullion as a hedge against weakening currencies. Gold reached a peak of 783. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Jen Exits Morgan Stanley With Dollar Smile Giving BlueGold Capital Insight Oct 7, 2009
Now, Jen says, the dollar is approaching the gutter of the smile, and he predicts that a slow U.S. recovery will weaken the greenback further against currencies such as the Australian and New Zealand dollars, the pound and emerging-market currencies by year-end. The pound will rise as high as $1. (Bloomberg)
Travolta jury hears secret tapes Oct 7, 2009
Freak snow storm hits New Zealand. Man's rubber bottle nose blow bid. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
