Saturday, June 30, 2007

Claims made that Party Pills are as addictive as P and magnify the effect of methamphetamine.

Those are the shock early findings of university and Environmental Science and Research studies into the health effects of BZP, the active ingredient in most party pills.

Last Thursday,the New Zealand Government announced it would ban the pills within six months.

BZP will be classified as a Class 1 drug, the same as cannabis / marijuana. The NZ Associate Health Minister, Jim Anderton, said before these new revelations, "Once you are told by clinical experts that what is being sold virtually at the corner dairy or convenience store could kill people...if you don't take action,and a 14 year old or a 16 year year old or an 18 year old dies in hospital from BZP, what do you think the headlines will be about government inaction?"

And just last night, top New Zealand scientist Dr Paul Fitzmaurice told the NZ Sunday Times how BZP had frightenly similar qualities to the highly addictive methamphetamine drug P.

The leading Environmental Science and Research(ESR) neurotoxologist said a series of tests at the University of Auckland, ESR and Victoria University have produced alarming results.

The tests showed BZP party pills:

1/ Get users hooked through the same brainwave patterns as highly addictive drugs including speed(P) and cocaine.

2/ Enhance the euphoric effect of P.

3/ Carry an overdose risk.

Scientists conducted a series of tests on lab rats - administering controlled doses of BZP and studying the effect on the brain. These animal tests showed these drugs mimic other drugs that are known to be addictive.

The rats were also given dose of methamphetamine. The tests showed that if you were given methamphetamine after being on BZP for several hours, you'd end up with a much greater effect from the methamphetamine, the researcher claimed.

Scientists are followng up their preliminary animal tests by studying the effects on humans.

Dr Paul Fitzmaurice said another study had shown a severe risk of overdose." What our preliminary data says it is taking two or three hours for an average dose of 200 milligrams to reach its maximum concentation in the body," he said. "The more you take, the longer it takes to react. People who think they can take four or five tablets to get a much quicker response actually don't. It actualy takes longer for the drug to reach its maximum effect and once it does they find they've taken too many tablets.'' he said.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

International Muslim protest at Salman Rushdie knighthood award:


As some British Muslims protested at the awarding of writer Salmam Rushdie’s coming knighthood, reports are coming through about concerted mass strikes and demonstrations in India, Iran and Pakistan; others distanced themselves from the effigy burning and reprisals.

There was about 20 demonstrations at Regents Park mosque in London after prayers, with men with covered faces waving placards, one of which allegedly read “God save the Queen”, and shouting slogans.

Mosque staff distanced themselves from the demonstration. A woman from the director- general’s office stating ” We do not sanction this protest or the views they are expressing.”

Why is it many Muslims cover their faces when protesting? Haven’t they the courage of their convictions, or is they just lack old fashioned intestinal fortitude?

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Muslim Bridges an interesting site. Read on. A link below:

MB Your first time? See First Bridge MB Muslim visitors, join NOW our campaign - Share Islam with Family and Friends MB Christian Visitors, see Christian Bridge, and the Weekly Bridge Publication. You will discover we have more in common than you think MB Would you like to watch live Presentation about Islam at your Church or School? Now you can MB Have you listened to our 24/7 live Quran Radio Channel? MB Say No to Islamophobia & Racism, see campagin and take Actions MB Read from our 650 articles and books, 50 more added Monthly MB Read about Jimmy Carter Palestine, Peace not Apartheid MB Free Registeration and get "Palestine" Book FREE & Live Broadcast & Video on Demand & The Weekly Review FREE Thursday, 21 June 2007
Home About Us Press Site Map Learning Bridge Youth Af. Americans Latinos Contact Us Get Involved Login-register Choosing Friends
Human beings are by nature social beings who interact, are interdependent, and thus, in need of friends and companions. Much of our lives are spent in such social associations, and friendship is indeed an essential component in human relationships. Since early childhood, friends help us through changes we may face as we go through the different stages in life. Through friends we share our ultimate fears, sorrows, happiness, and goals. Such friends can help heal certain wounds and memories of the past and help us meet the challenges of the future.

For Muslims in all conditions; and specifically when living in a society where we are clearly a minority, the issue of choosing good friends is essential for preserving our beliefs and life-style.

Influence of Friends

Prophet Muhammad advised that a person is influenced by the lifestyle of friends; so, be cautious whom you befriend. If one is negatively influenced by those we associate, with then the consequence could be disastrous. [Qur'an 43:67] Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk compared to the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows. As for the seller of musk; either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from his perfumes. As for the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows; either your clothes could burn or you will get an offensive smell from the smoke of his fire."

Friends & Friendship

Friends are people, who spontaneously seek the company of one another; who like and wish to do well for the other, believing that the other party reciprocates these feelings with good intentions.

Friendship is a voluntary, informal, reciprocal and interpersonal relationship that is mutually productive and characterized by mutual positive regard. Friendship is intended to facilitate social-emotional goals of the participants, and may involve varying types and degrees of companionship, closeness, affection, and mutual assistance. Friendship is manifested through honesty, sincerity; trust; openness; loyalty; reliability and the durability of the relationship over time.

In Islamic literature, the root meaning of the terms used for friend indicate some of the essential qualities necessary for friendship ... Siddiq (truthful/honest), Khalil (associate/link), Wali (protector/overseer), Rafiq (kind/caring).
"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be." [Author, Douglas Pagels]

Who do You Choose as Friends & Why?

Researchers conclude that an individual's opportunity to make and maintain friends over their life course is influenced by various factors such as age, gender, physical status, ability/disability level, living environment, cultural/religious background, socio-economic status and psychological characteristics [Johnson and Troll, 1994].

When you choose your friends, which qualities are most important ...

Social status / Popularity
Income level / Wealth
Looks / Appearance
Race/Ethnicity
Faith and/or Character
Political Affiliation
Intelligence / Education
Interest / Hobbies / Skills
Compassion / Care
Loyalty / Reliability
Different Kinds of Friendship :

for pleasure {could be positive or negative}
for usefulness/utility {could be positive or negative}
for virtue = friendship of character. {must be positive}
natural friendships = between father/son, siblings ... {ought to be positive}
Sayedna 'Ali advised:
"Befriend the righteous, flee from the transgressors, avoid the hypocrites and do not associate with deceivers."
To form a healthy and long-lasting friendship, people must be productive in that relationship, and they cannot be causing harm to themselves or the other person involved. "Once destructiveness enters into a relationship, it can no longer be characterized as a friendship." [Joseph A. Devito: The Interpersonal Communication Book.] This is not only true in friendship relationships but also in marriage relationships and parent-to-child relationships.

Best of Friends

Wise ones have said ...

"The best friend; according to the estimation of Allah, is the one best to his/her friend." [Prophet Muhammad]
Best friends aren't born, they're made, one great memory at a time
"Complete friendship is the friendship of good people similar in virtue; for they wish good in the same way to each other in so far as they are good, and they are good themselves. Such friendships last as long as they are good; and virtue is enduring." [Aristotle]
Many people will walk in and out of your life; but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
Are you the kind of person that meets the standards of a good friend?

By: Br. Sadullah Khan






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Monday, June 18, 2007

Is there a connection between Islam and the Church of Satan? If not what is causing the violence in Muslim religions? Islam claims to be a peaceful religious movement...



Recently I visited an Islamic website and found evidence of an official Church of Satan.Who are they and how are they connected with Islam?

I'll just discuss what I read, how I see any connection and leave it up to you to decide for yourselves.

There is an official Church of Satan.Followers of Satan, the fallen angel,existed long before Christ.Modern Satanists bear more resemblance to pagans and atheists than the baby mutilating goblins of popular yore.

Satanists did not exist as a modern religion before 1966 when Anton La Vey and associates organised a religion based on the principles expressed in the many stories of Satan,God's nemesis. In 1967 LaVey produced a book that has become known as th Satanic Bible, and the Church of Satan was born!

Modern Satanism is a broad term to describe all the sects of Satanism - many churches and philosophies all at odds with
themselves - The Church of Satan and The Temple of Set are apparently
the largest two of the main branches.

Their main beliefs are outlined in the Nine Satanic Statements from the Satanic Bible and the Eleven Rules of the Earth!

So much for the Satanists themselves.The combined teachings of Jesus Christ and the prophet Muhammed dispel these Satanic rules!

Lets look at a few comments from Islam to get some idea of where they come from?

Holy Qur'ran 16:126
" And if you take your turn, retaliate with the like of that with which you were afflicted:But if you endure patiently, verily itis better for the patient."

However, this supercedes the code of Satan which promotes a merciless vengeance, while Islam teaches to only attack with the same amount you were attacked with, for example, you don't kill somebody for scratching your hand.

Kindness and Vengeance do not mix,only if you are kind to yourself; because everyone who intentially or unintentionally wrongs you, so Satan is advocating revenge on everybody while Islam completed the teachings of Jesus by clarifying that when you are being attacked,it is best to have patience and forgiveness against the attack, but then if the attack continues, then you're given permission to retaliate only with the equal amount of force that was used.

It may be a little difficult to understand but I believe it says if you are attacked, have a little patience because the attack may stop; if it doesn't you can defend yourself to the degree suffered.

Of course we all know that Jesus said,turn the other cheek!

It is the Satanists who advocate and demand vengeance, and that is the attitude and policies of the fundamentalist Muslims, who are responsible for the call to Jihad and the encouragement of suicide bombings in recent times! Just what credibility can Islam maintain if they do no publicly rebuke these fundamentalists who defile the teachings of the prophet,Muhammed and Islam! Islam's jihad with Islam!

Well there we are and now it's up to you to make up your own minds about the contents of this posting? Have a happy day! Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life!


Visit Pete's Kiwi Forum: http://peteskiwiforum.blogspot.com

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Remember the old tourist line - " Fiji the way the world should be". Yeah right! The military coup continues and democracy is becoming a distant memory.

The coup continues in Fiji and centres on New Zealand at present. The guns are still out and opposition to the military regime is not tolerated - people are regularly invited for a "chat" at the QE Army barracks in Suva, the capital. A number of men are still missing. Many others have described the beatings they have received at the hands of soldiers, including members of the Fijian media. While the military are not evident in other islands,the tentacles of fear reaches out to all of them, reminding them to keep their opinions to themselves.

Fiji is slowly sliding towards being a banana republic along the lines of Mugabes's Zimbabwe - economically ruined and treated like an international pariah. The miltary regime has no regard for its people. What is their secret agenda?

Commodore Voreque Bainimarama set his sights on New Zealand in recent days, by declaring its high commissioner, Michael Green, persona non grata and expelling him from Fiji, giving him only four days to do so, and also refusing to allow two members of the diplomatic protection police force to enter the country and ensure that the diplomat is able to leave safely without harassment from Fijian soldiers. New Zealanders living and holidaying in Fiji have been warned that they could be more at risk now. Green's expulsion was claimed to be because he sat in a seat reserved for Commodore Bainimarama at a recent rugby game between Fiji and a New Zealand Junior All Blacks side, won in a canter by New Zealand. As a representative of the New Zealand Government, Mr Green expressed New Zealand's opposition to the illegal military regime.

New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters, revealed that Fiji tried to strong-arm New Zealand into withdrawing Mr Green or dumping a travel ban New Zealand has on coup leaders, before it finally expelled him. Mr Peters said it was a type of diplomacy that a civilised country like New Zealand did not understand. It is totally unacceptable and speaks volumes about those currently in control in Fiji. Mr Peters and Commodore Bainimarama were personal friends of longstanding until the coup. No doubt Bainimarama is very angry about travel bans and damage to tourist trade from NZ travel warnings.

The New Zealand prime minister, Helen Clark said Fiji's actions were delusional and its behaviour was absolutely disgraceful. She expected Australian prime minister, John Howard to support moves to strengthen sanctions against the illegal military regime in Fiji which could include moves to block the United Nations from using Fijian troops in peacekeeping missions and ensuring that all payments by-pass the regime. New Zealand was reassessing all aspects of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. So far Fiji has been suspended from the Commonwealth and this year's World Netball Championship has been transfered to New Zealand. Claims that New Zealand has bullied Fiji should be treated with contempt; all coups were started within Fiji and had no New Zealand involvement. New Zealand has always assisted Fiji. Claims that Fiji's armed forces were too large in comparison to its population are correct.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

The Rainbow Warrior Affair: The Aftermath.

What are old DGSE intelligence officers up to these days? Whatever it is Greenpeace are not happy campers.They claim that a former French intelligence officer who led that despicable attack and bombing of the Greenpeace research ship RAINBOW WARRIOR, in Auckland Harbour, New Zealand, over twenty years ago, now resides in the US where he heads an arms company selling weapons to the FBI, Pentagon, and the department of homeland security.

Greenpeace have come out with both guns blazing and called for the deportation of the former intelligence officer, Louis - Pierre Dillais, who now has an extremely sensitive nature to his relationship with the US Government.

The despicable attack on the Greenpeace research vessel, engineered by the French intelligence services brought widespread criticism of the French Government of the time and rightly so! It created an international incident with the small Pacific nation of New Zealand - one of France's allies. A Portuguese crew member of the RAINBOW WARRIOR was trapped below deck and killed by the explosions that sank the vessel in peace time - in point of fact he was murdered.

Two of the French agents responsible for actually setting the explosive charges - limpet mines, in an act of terrorism - the actual saboteurs, were captured, imprisoned waiting for trial, sentenced firstly in a New Zealand prison, and after negotiations with the New Zealand Government, transferred to a French Polynesian territory prison. France compensated the NZ Government, but renegued on their agreement that the two agents would serve out their terms, instead the agents were brought back to France within a very short period of time.

However, Dillais, an operative or the French intelligence service, the DGSE, while being identified by French media reports as the man who commanded the mission to attack the RAINBOW WARRIOR, was never brought to trial. Why? The two agents were the scapegoats!

Dillais was reportedly a Lieutenant Colonel in the French military and a former director of their underwater combat training based on the island of Corsica; he reportedly led the team of divers who placed limpet mines on the ship's hull. He is now employed as an executive in the US subsidiary of a Belgian arme manufacturer, FN Herstal.

According to reports in the company's website and industry publications, FN Herstal and its US subsidiary supply combat assault rifles to the Pentagon, handguns to the secret service, and sniper rifles to the FBI. The company also produces an underwater machinegun, and provides equipment to various police departments across the US.

It has been alleged that the subsidiary alone turned over nearly US$2.5 million of business in federal contacts in 2005, according to the FedSpending.org website - but only $93,000 was fully competitive. You might say that they are very serious in their business transactions.

But, however, Greenpeace have tracked Dillais to Virginia, where the CIA headquarters is based, and has launched a campaign demanding that the US authorities explain why he, Dillais, was permitted to enter the US. The New Zealand Government will undoubtably be maintaining a watching brief on the proceedings.

Greenpeace allegedly wrote to to the US department of homeland security last year(2006) and demanded Dillais's deportation - it obviously didn't happen because there are undoubtably other aliens resident in the US with dubious backgrounds.

The US Immigration Regulations usually bar people who have been convicted of violent crime, or are clearly linked to acts of terrorism.

New Zealand may have officially forgiven that despicable attack on The Greenpeace vessel, RAINBOW WARRIOR, in New Zealand waters on July 11,1985, but we have never forgotten it. Perhaps it is silently remembered when New Zealand's champion rugby team take the field to do battle with its French counterparts. Who knows?

Surely the US Government should be setting much higher standards on the people it wishes to do business with, especially in matters of defence. They should fully research the backgrounds of aliens who will be conducting business within the confines of the US - what other dubious characters are involved in the arms business in the US. Some with distinct Serbian or South African accents, maybe?

Thursday, May 31, 2007

New Zealand family's power turned off by contractor - mother is tragically dead three hours later. What a mean spirited decision...her life is worth only a lousy NZ$168.40.

The following story is all the news here, and maybe in other parts of the world too.

A Pacific Island woman had her power cut off by a contractor working for an Auckland power company - three hours later she was tragically dead. She relied on the power to operate her oxygen breathing machine.

Mother of four Folole Muliaga, aged 44 years, died last Tuesday , three hours after a Mercury Energy contractor cut power to her home in
Mangere, South Auckland - and her electrically operated oxygen machine - because she was late paying a NZ$168.40 bill.

The family of the Samoan pre-school teacher allegedly pleaded with the contractor not to turn off the power because it was necessary to operate the oxygen machine.

The family is so angry they have already sought legal advice. However, others say to give the bereaved family space to grieve and bury their wife, mother, and aunt.

There have also been anomalies in the stories the media have received from both parties to the tragedy.

Because the power company involved is a state owned enterprise the prime minister, Helen Clark, has become involved, and is demanding answers. The Minister of Energy has been in contact with the power company and their contractor.

The police have been investigating the matter from the beginning, and their report will be forthcoming and will decide the legalities of the situation.

There have already been protests outside the energy company's building. There have even been questions raised about the family's slow response to ring an ambulance; but everything is pure speculation until the facts are made available.

Her life is worth a lousy NZ$168.40...what an indictment of the market economy friends!

Monday, May 14, 2007

Australia considers banning the Australian cricket tour to Zimbabwe.


Australia considers banning cricket tour to Zimbabwe...

The following is very interesting from a legal point of view. In recent years New Zealand stopped the Zimbabwe cricket team from touring this country. However, the Australian prime minister, John Howard, wants to go one step further and stop the Australian cricket team from actually touring Zimbabwe. Does Howard have the legal right to enforce a ban on an Australian team touring overseas?

Australia may have to bear the odium of international cricket by enforcing a ban New Zealand has never been prepared to enforce on a national sporting team.

Zimbabwe has quite predictably reacted angrily to the proposed ban, accusing the Howard government of being desperate and rascist. A case of Mugabwe calling the kettle black, no rascist pun intended!

Howard believes he has the overwhelming support of Australians, but if they sat down and considered the implications of such a ban, they may not actually support it in principle.Morally Howard is right, but legally he may have a problem in the State interfering in a sporting team touring overseas. Is he actually forcing them to make a political decision?

John Howard claims it would be a great propoganda victory for Mugabe if the tour goes ahead. He also said he wouldn't try and stop the Australian team from competing in the Olympics in Beijing, China - he will give their team all the support he could give. Some people would accuse him of double standards, considering China's reputation and widespread criticism for human rights abuses.

Australia would have to oppose the Mugabe regime in other ways, such as foreign aid to counter the 'disasterous rule' and support for those Zimbaweans working to promote human rights, media freedom and democracy in their country.






Thursday, May 10, 2007

Seed Newsvine


The following can be regarded as a follow up to my previous post here about the Privy Council's decision to quash...


The following can be regarded as a follow up to my previous post here about the Privy Council's decision to quash David Blain's conviction for murdering his family in 1994 at Dunedin, New Zealand.



Why the Privy Council decided the way it did
By KEVIN NORQUAY - NZPA | Friday, 11 May 2007



A combination of nine key factors persuaded the Privy Council convicted murderer David Bain was the victim of a "substantial miscarriage of justice".
MORE INDEPENDENCE IN NZ JUSTICE SYSTEM NEEDED - LAWYER
STRONG DUNEDIN SUPPORT FOR BAIN DECISION


While none alone would have compelled their decision that Bain's convictions should be quashed, the nine taken together were compelling, the five Law Lords said.

That was a slap for the New Zealand Court of Appeal, with the Privy Council decision clear in its opinion that the court erred in its judgments.

A miscarriage of justice occurs if credible new evidence is admitted that might have persuaded a jury to reach a different conclusion.

While the Crown challenged the detail and significance of the nine points, the issue of guilt "is one for a properly informed and directed jury, not for an appellate court," the Law Lords said.

"Even a guilty defendant is entitled to such a trial," they said.

The issue was whether there was new evidence upon which a jury might reasonably decline to convict, they said.

No blame could be attached to the jury or judge in the initial Bain trial, in 1995, the Law Lords said.

"It is, however, the duty of the criminal appellate courts to seek to identify and rectify convictions which may be unjust," the Privy Council said.

"In the opinion of the board, the fresh evidence adduced in relation to the nine points ... compels the conclusion that a substantial miscarriage of justice has actually occurred in this case."

The nine points were: 1. Robin Bain's mental state: At the jury trial Robin Bain was characterised as a "balanced, devout" school principal, with David Bain painted as more likely to carry out a frenzy of killing.

PRIVY COUNCIL: New evidence indicated Robin Bain's mental state was such that he may have lost touch with reality.

2. Motive: At the trial no plausible motive for either Robin or David Bain was established. Evidence from Dean Cottle that Robin Bain had been having sex with his daughter Laniet, who was working as a prostitute, was rejected as unreliable. Subsequently three new witnesses independently gave similar evidence.

PRIVY COUNCIL: Had the jury found Robin Bain to be deeply depressed, and facing public revelation of having sex with his teenage daughter, the jury might have concluded he had a motive for the killings.

3. Sock prints: At the trial a 280mm-long bloodied sock print found outside the murdered mother's bedroom was regarded as that of David Bain, as it was too big to be that of his father.

PRIVY COUNCIL: Fresh evidence throws "real doubt" over who made the print. Had the jury known that it could "reasonably infer ... it was about the length of print Robin would have made".

4. Computer switch on time: Trial evidence was that the family's computer was switched on at 6.44am, after David Bain returned home from his early morning paper run.

PRIVY COUNCIL: The jury should not have been given a precise computer switch-on time, as new evidence showed it could have been earlier, or later. While the Court of Appeal said that did not show David Bain could not have committed the murders, there was no onus on David Bain to prove that anyway. A jury might have considered "David's argument ... to be strengthened, had they known the full facts".

5. Time David Bain came home: The jury were told to treat an eyewitness account by Denise Laney of seeing a man resembling David Bain near the family home at 6.45am, as "at best approximate".

PRIVY COUNCIL: Fresh evidence might have led a jury to infer her identification was not in doubt and her estimate of time reliable. Instead the jury never heard her full evidence, nor was Mrs Laney cross-examined.

6. Glasses: An optometrist at the trial said glasses found in David Bain's room, minus a lens found in his murdered brother Stephen's bedroom, belonged to David Bain. David Bain said in court they were his mother's. After the jury trial the optometrist saw a photo of Mrs Bain wearing the glasses, and accepted he was mistaken.

PRIVY COUNCIL: David Bain was cross-examined on the glasses in a way that questioned his credibility. As the jury could not know the optometrist would revise his evidence they may have reasonably drawn "an inference unfairly adverse to David".

7. Left-hand lens: one lens from the glasses was found in Stephen's room, covered in dust and under other articles on the floor. Evidence presented to the jury placed the lens in the clear, in a visible and exposed position, consistent with the Crown case that it was dislodged in a struggle.

PRIVY COUNCIL: While the third Court of Appeal accepted the jury had been misled about the location of the lens, it said it did not matter as the misleading was not deliberate. This was not the case, the Law Lords said. "What mattered was what the trial jury made of the incorrect evidence ... and, even more importantly, what they would have made of the correct evidence".

8. Bloodied fingerprints on rifle: The jury trial assumed that David Bain's fingerprints on the rifle forearm were in human blood.

PRIVY COUNCIL: While there was human blood on the rifle, fingerprint material gave no positive test for human DNA, and the blood might have been from a possum or rabbit shooting, months earlier. The jury did not get to consider this, or other "highly contentious" related issues. Nor could the Court of Appeal resolve such matters, without hearing cross-examination of witnesses who gave contradictory evidence.

9. Laniet Bain gurgling: The trial jury was encouraged to regard David Bain hearing his sister gurgling as an indication of his guilt, as only the murderer could have heard her death throes. Court of Appeal hearings examined the phenomenon of post mortem gurglings, being told they can take place without the body being moved.

PRIVY COUNCIL: The Court of Appeal dismissed evidence supporting David Bain "without hearing any of these witnesses, and without giving any reason for discounting the evidence of the witnesses relied on by David, the court found it possible to regard the issue as concluded in the Crown's favour...

"The court assumed a decision-making role well outside its function as a reviewing body concerned to assess the impact which fresh evidence might reasonably have made on the mind of the trial jury.
The Privy Council in London has quashed the conviction of New Zealander, David Bain. for the murder of his family...

The Privy Council in London has quashed the conviction of New Zealander, David Bain, for the murder of his family in 1994. The lawlords claim a substantial miscarriage of justice has actually occurred.

David Bain has served 13 years for the murder of his parents, sisters and brother in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1994, at his trial in 1995. New Zealand's Court of Appeal was rebuked for not accepting new evidence in 2003. They claimed there was not enough to outweigh the "overwhelming" evidence of guilt.David Bain has always maintained his innocence, blaming his late father of murder and suicide.

The Crown in New Zealand would face significant problems holding a retrial because some witnesses were now dead.They would also have to put all of the evidence before a new jury - not just the evidence they wanted in the first trial.

Bain's lawyer said that David Bain should not be put through another trial because of the cost to the country; he should be released and pardoned.

The New Zealand Government has already abolished the right for future applications to the Privy Council - they have already created a new Supreme Court of New Zealand. But the question is now asked if they actually acted hastily, and has NZ enough experienced judges to act on their behalf. Questions are now asked about the quality of justice in New Zealand, considering the impact of previous trials and the actions of the NZ Police Force in recent times.

Or is this all part of a political attack against the ruling left of centre government?

Read story here

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Clean green image under fire. The Global Warming Debate:





May 4, 2007

After years of stark warnings about the pace of global warming, the world's top scientists have now agreed that saving the planet is possible.

But the meeting of climate change experts in Bangkok coincides with new figures released by the government that show gas emissions in New Zealand are still heavily on the rise.

Latest figures show that in 2005 NZ's total greenhouse gas emissions exceeded 77 million tonnes - two million more than previous years.

"It just makes a farce of the government's commitment to this notion of carbon neutrality...they're going up and they're going up faster than they ever have in New Zealand's history and they're going up faster than any of the countries in which we would want to be compared," says National MP Nick Smith.

But the government says '05 was a particularly dry year and more coal and gas was used to generate power because of empty hydro lakes.

"Since 1990 the main increases have been divided between energy and agriculture and that's why the government says every sector should do their bit to reduce emissions," says Climate Change Minister David Parker.

New Zealand contributes 0.2 of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

Scientists gathering at the summit in Thailand say if something is not done now, the planet is in strife. But they say it can be done through more renewable energy, more energy efficiency and greener transport - all of which are available and affordable now.

The leading experts from around the world have put together a master plan that they say will limit global warming to 2 degrees this century - a key threshold.


Source: One News
Headlines


Saturday, May 05, 2007

More parents may be charged according to Helen Clark.


May 3, 2007

More parents may be charged with assault for hitting their children when the new anti-smacking law is passed.


Police admit there may be more prosecutions but say a last minute amendment to the bill means parents who only lightly smack their child will not be pursued.


A Canterbury woman was in court this week facing charges of assaulting a teenager, and two years ago she was prosecuted two years ago for hitting a child with a horsewhip.


"Parents should be allowed to physically discipline their children where and when is appropriate," the woman says.


She was acquitted after arguing she had simply used reasonable force.


But the bill removing that defence will be passed in two weeks. Police will have the power to prosecute, but under a new amendment can decide against doing that if the offence is inconsequential.


"I think now they'll be able to prosecute those cases with good confidence they'll get a result," says Prime Minister Helen Clark.


Deputy Police Commissioner Rob Pope says the bar has been lowered. "And I think there is public acceptance around the fact that family, domestic violence will not be tolerated."


Police admit that may see more parents in court for hitting their children. But as a guide, they will only be pursuing those who hit a child hard enough to bruise or use wooden spoons or jug cords, not those who give a light smack.


Pope says there won't be a witchhunt. "And secondly people can have some confidence they won't be prosecuted for trivial or inconsequential uses of force."


The inclusion of that description in the bill was part of an unprecedented deal between two political enemies, both initially giving each other credit, although hours later their MPs were fighting over who had caved in.


National admits they didn't get exactly what they wanted. "I'd be the first to admit I don't think the law is perfect . It was a compromise," says Key.


But it's a compromise that will take the troublesome issue off the political agenda at least for now. And even the final vote in two weeks time should go smoothly with almost every MP now promising to support it.


Source: One News
Headlines

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Today is Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand. This is the day we honour and remember our fallen heroes from all wars, and especially recall how the legend of Anzac began on April 25 1915 when members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps were dropped off on the beachs of Gallipoli on the Turkish coast as part of the British campaign to invade Turkey. The place is known as Anzac Cove today.

From the ships thousands of Australian and New Zealanders disembarked into the shallow waters under heavy gunfire, machine gun and rifle fire. Many were killed instantly,others made it to the beaches and were killed, others fought in the campaign during many months before being repatriated. Thousands were killed and wounded on both sides, Anzacs and Turks. Thousands were left behind to be buried in military cemetries. The campaign was a disaster; the Anzacs were landed on the wrong beach. The British High Command had failed dismally. The campaign involved British and other Empire troop, including Indians.

The Gallipoli campaign was to create not only the legend, but begin the journey of nationhood for Australians and New Zealanders, from British dominions to the self governing nations within the Commonwealth of today.

Today from Darwin to Perth to Brisbane to Melbourne and Sydney and the bush; from Auckland to Napier to New Plymouth to Wellington to Christchurch to Greymouth and to Invercargill,and scores of other towns and even at Gallipoli itself, will hold dawn parades to remember the fallen, and to retire later to RSL's and RSA's for a meal, a quiet drink and a chat with former comrades, friends and families and continue the spirit of Anzac which actually grows stronger with every passing year.

Lest we forget; we will remember them. The spirit and legend wll never die!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

From the latest New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development newsletter:

Overwhelming acceptance climate change is happening and action needed
The case for cap and trade
Special Sustainability Learning Group workshops
Welcome to a special edition of Sustain.
We thought you would appreciate an immediate update on the latest ShapeNZ polling on what New Zealanders think about climate change and policy options.
The Business Council has also published its submissions to Government on climate change policy options.
Overwhelming acceptance climate change is happening and action needed
While the International Panel on Climate Change's report at the weekend reignited the debate over whether or not it is happening, the latest ShapeNZ poll, taken April 4-7 shows new Zealanders have moved on. Seventy seven percent think climate change is a problem to be dealt with now or urgently.
Being published in The National Business Review today, the survey shows New Zealanders strongly support making emitters buy carbon credits, and rewarding those who cut their emissions with carbon credits.
They overwhelmingly back managing climate change with policies to insulate homes, fund research into alternative energy sources and cutting animal emissions. However, support starts to weaken for policies to impose new taxes, like putting up registration fees for cars with the largest engines. Read the media release on the poll and the more complete report.
The case for cap and trade
In its submissions to the Government on climate change policies, the Business Council says the most important message relating to climate change is that there'll be a price on carbon, and multi party support is needed on it. The Government is advised to introduce a scheme to cap and trade emissions - and make sure it does not keep any revenue it might raise from climate change policies but rather use it to support climate friendly changes or reduce taxation.
The Business Council for Sustainable also says:
Stable long term policy is needed to manage climate change and this should be achieved through cross-party agreement
A price needs to be placed on carbon and it should eventually apply to all sectors
Moves are needed to stop the emission problem expanding, and major emitters should face the full cost of the additional carbon they emit above 2006 levels
Emitters like the dairy industry, which does not yet have an emissions solution for methane, could be provided with credits for their 2007 level of emissions (produced at world's best practice levels) for say 10 years. This would expose the dairy sector, for example, to a price on carbon on additional output, but give it time to develop a solution for its methane problem (the largest emissions source in New Zealand)
Confer both carbon liabilities and credits on forest owners. This will be the most effective way decisions are made on future land use at the margin
Do not use any increased revenue from climate change to increase the overall tax burden. The introduction of GST in the 1980s came with major tax cuts, and climate change can be managed so any revenue is recycled into emission reduction research and incentives to take up low-emission technology.
The full submissions are available on our website.
Special Sustainability Learning Group workshops
A reminder that the first of 14 special workshops on implementing sustainable practices and benefiting your business is about to start next week. This special series is FREE to Business Council member companies as we have provided financial support for the programme as in past years.
The workshops are the best introductory course for organisations wanting to become more sustainable. They are practically focused and help share best practice across New Zealand organisations.
The half-day workshops will cover most aspects of sustainability including reporting, supply chain, stakeholder engagement, new market opportunities, risk assessment, ethics and assurance. Anyone may attend. A discount is available for individuals attending more than seven workshops and for organisations participating in the full learning group programme. For more information contact Whit ian.whitehouse@xtra.co.nz, phone 027 433 6092; Lyn Mayes lynmayes@madworld.co.nz 021 471 261 or visit our website .
Please feel free to forward Sustain to your friends or colleagues.If you do not wish to receive Sustain, simply email us back and ask to be removed from the list. If you have received this from someone else, click here to subscribe.











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Thursday, April 12, 2007

Lets chill out a little today, friends. A little humor can be the elixir of life. Lets laugh at ourselves!

Keeping to my desired intention to add a little humor once more and deciding to kick political correctness all the way to the toilet of the American White House, not the old white house around the corner down by the park with all those overgrown trees and bushes - lets have another joke dear friends!

There were three Indian squaws, probably related to the chief in last weeks story. One slept on a deerskin, one slept on an elk skin and the third slept on a hippopotamus skin. All became pregnant and the first two had a baby boy. The one who slept on the hippopotamus skin had twin boys.

This goes to prove that sons of the squaw on the hippopotamus are equal to the sons of the squaws on the other two hides.

As the chief said in my story of last week,the thong has long ended but the malady is still lingering on.

But later the chief rushed into the tent of the medicine man and shouted, "I'm shrinking!" The medicine man replied calmly, Now settle down. You'll just have to be a little patient."

In the morning the chief, the medicine man, the squaws and their sons all rode off to the Little Big Horn!


Sunday, March 04, 2007

From East Polynesia to the New Zealand mainland - a historical view:

The following story is from the internet; I acknowledge the work of the writer(s) and hope all New Zealanders will be able to enjoy its historical value.

An oyster-shell fishing lure shank

Haast’s eagle attacking a moa

A gourd used by Māori
A homeland region
At the time of New Zealand settlement there was a voyaging and trading sphere in East Polynesia where ideas and cultural traits were shared and spread. All the available evidence of artefacts, language, biology and tradition suggests that this was the Māori homeland. It consists of the Society Islands, the southern Cook Islands and the Austral Islands in French Polynesia.
Even so, specific archaeological evidence is scarce. The shank of a fishing lure of black-lipped pearl shell, found at Tairua in the Coromandel, is one of a very few items from New Zealand archaeological sites that were actually brought from Polynesia.
It is unlikely that the ancestors of Māori came from only one particular location. DNA from New Zealand’s Pacific rat shows diverse lineages from the Society and Cook Islands. This suggests that several canoes came from a number of sources. They may have come over several generations, or even centuries. A study of human DNA also suggests that there was a minimum of 70–100 women as founding ancestors. Several canoes, possibly coming from several locations, would be needed to bring this number of people.
Return journeys
For a time, the Kermadec Islands and Norfolk Island were occupied as stopover points for canoes returning to East Polynesia. There is also evidence of direct New Zealand–Norfolk connections. But when voyaging slowed, these stepping-stone islands were abandoned. They became part of the group of ‘mystery islands’ that showed evidence of habitation, but were empty when Europeans arrived. Once they stopped returning to Polynesia, the settlers in New Zealand were cut off from the outside world.
A temperate land
Polynesian ancestors of the Māori arrived to a vast, cool archipelago covered in forest, with abundant wildlife. There were moa species (weighing from 20 to 250 kg) and other now extinct native birds including a swan, a goose, and Haast’s eagle (the world’s largest), probably a predator of the moa. Sea mammals, particularly seals, were plentiful on the coast, as were fish and shellfish.
Polynesians introduced the dog and the rat; if pigs and fowl had been on the canoes they did not survive. The settlers also brought with them taro, yam, paper mulberry and the Pacific cabbage tree (Cordyline fruticosa). The kūmara (sweet potato) and gourd were imports from South America via East Polynesia. It was too cold for plants such as coconut, breadfruit and banana.
Next: Why explore?
Related stories from Te Ara
Canoe navigation
First peoples in Māori tradition
When was New Zealand first settled?
From the 1966 Encyclopaedia
ARCHAEOLOGY
Image & Media Trail
The Story
In this story
The world’s first seafarers
Ancient voyaging in Near Oceania
Into Remote Oceania: Lapita people
From West to East Polynesia
Pacific navigation and exploration
East to the empty Pacific
Māori ancestors
Why explore?
Get the Short StoryA quick, easy read
Image & Media GalleryAll the pictures, audio & video
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Further SourcesWebsites, books & more

More stories about...Māori New Zealanders
1)window.location.href=this.url[this.url.selectedIndex].value;return false;" action=/ENZ/Pages/Redirect.aspx method=get> More... ------------------------- Canoe navigation Canoe traditions First peoples in Māori tradition Hauraki tribes Hawaiki Ideas of Māori origins Māori creation traditions Māori overseas Marutūahu tribes Moriori Muaūpoko Muriwhenua tribes Ngā Puhi Ngā Rauru Kītahi Ngāi Tahu Ngāi Tūhoe Ngāti Apa Ngāti Awa Ngāti Kahungunu Ngāti Maniapoto Ngāti Porou Ngāti Raukawa Ngāti Rongomaiwahine Ngāti Ruanui Ngāti Toarangatira Ngāti Tūwharetoa Ngāti Whātua Rangitāne Tāmaki tribes Taranaki Tauranga Moana tribes Te Arawa Te Āti Awa of Taranaki Te Āti Awa of Wellington Te Whakatōhea Te Whānau-ā-Apanui Tribal organisation Tūranganui-a-Kiwa tribes Urban Māori Waikato Whakatū tribes Whanganui tribes Whāngārei tribes When was New Zealand first settled?


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How to cite this page: Geoff Irwin. 'Pacific migrations', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 21-Dec-2006URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/PacificMigrations/en
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Sunday, February 18, 2007

The following story is from the national news and suggests a chilling echo of the prison van murder of 17 year old Liam Ashley some months ago. There has to be a shake up of the Corrections Department after this latest controversial act as reported below. The National Party when in government, formed the Corrections Department from the Justice Department some years ago. Whether that was a short sighted decision is hard to say, but it is obviously not working satisfactorily at present and needs an enquiry. There have been a variety of criticisms about the department, and the running of prisons in its care - we would believe that drugs are rampart in New Zealand prisons. So Prime Minister Helen Clark and her Cabinet will have to hold an enquiry very soon, and John Key and his cohorts will have to be very retrospect in their criticisms of the running of the Corrections Department. Time will tell, no doubt! Please read on:


Police are investigating the alleged rape of a minimum security prison inmate by a notorious double-rapist gang member after the two men were put in the same cell.
The case chillingly echoes the prison van murder of teen Liam Ashley.
The victim of the Waikeria Prison alleged rape is a slightly built European man in jail on dishonesty offences, including credit card fraud.
His attacker is said to be Black Power gangster William Wii Katipa, 41, who has been convicted of two rapes, aggravated robbery, threatening to kill and assault. He has spent much of his adult life in prison and committed a number of the offences while on parole or bail.
A prison source said: "They never should have been put in the same cell. (The alleged victim) was a minimum security prisoner but was put in a cell with a dangerous prisoner who had a high-medium security rating the second-highest security rating in the system.
"(The alleged victim) had asked to be transferred from Waikeria to (lower security) Rangipo Prison but was told by prison staff that he was facing more charges and he had to stay at Waikeria."
He learned later - after the alleged rape - that there were no more charges, said the source.
The minimum security inmate - understood to have been suicidal since the alleged attack - had said he was raped by Katipa in the cell on two separate occasions last October, according to the source.
The fraudster said the gang member - jailed for raping a teenager and now serving an indefinite sentence for raping a woman in front of her young daughter - blocked the peep-hole into the cell before sexually assaulting his cell-mate.
He said while he was being raped, a prison guard doing rounds challenged the Black Power member about the blocked peep-hole but continued his patrol when told the gang member was going to the toilet.
"The bottom line is, somebody didn't do their job and put this guy in harm's way," the source said.
"It's like another Liam Ashley."
The jail rapes allegedly happened less than six weeks after 17-year-old Liam was bashed and strangled to death in the back of a Chubb prison van by hardened 25-year-old criminal George Charlie Baker last August 24.
Liam was placed in a compartment with the violent Baker, despite explicit Corrections regulations designed to keep adults and youths apart.
The source said the alleged rape victim, a 27-year-old from a middle- class background, made an official complaint to prison staff and police. He was examined by a nurse and swabs were taken for DNA evidence.
"When he went back to the prison, the staff put him in another wing. He was suicidal at one stage and didn't like mixing with other prisoners because he was scared."
The alleged victim, also understood to have written to the Parole Board, the Ombudsman and the Inspector of Prisons, has since been transferred to Rangipo.
Cambridge police detective Rob Woolerton confirmed an investigation had begun into the prison rape allegations.
"We did receive a complaint, which is still under investigation," Woolerton said. "We hope to complete it in a couple of months."

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Just who was the sucker in this story from Down Under?

A tannery worker in New Zealand was accidently overpaid by his employer, receiving $201.00 per hour instead of the normal $13.00 per hour.

The error was discovered when another worker told management that his workmate was bragging about being overpaid.He was called in by his boss and was asked to repay the money. He agreed to repay the overpayment of $3620.00 at $75.00 a week, but then quit the job and refused to contine making repayments!

His employer made a claim to the Employment Relations Authority, who not only ordered the former worker to repay the money,but also ordered him to make a $500.00 contribution to legal costs.

Just who was the sucker?

Friday, January 26, 2007

We are now a team: Kiwi Riverman, Pete's Kiwi forum, and now Huttriver8.

Each blog will concentrate on different subjects. You will soon find out what's what!
Now I have an additional blog to go with this one - "Pete's Kiwi Forum".

I hope to post weekly on that one, and make it special. My problem is I have too many blogs, but half of them are to promote Adsense income.

Now I have some others you may like:

Http:// huttriver.21publish.com is actually my publishing site. You can go to http:// huttriver.21publish.com/kiwipete and read my posts on this blog. This blog is actually a selection of some of my better posts. Please visit and read them.

Another of my blogs is: http:// huttriver1.wordpress .com " A story from New Zealand". You are invited to visit and read that one too!

Bye for now,

The Kiwi Riverman

I am actually feeling my way in the blogging world and still not yet that experienced. What other way other than a blogroll can I promote all my blogsites at once? I will actually write up a complete list one day.