Saturday, May 30, 2009

Mils Muliaina to captain AB's in first three tests - teams named...


Mils Muliaina will become only the second fullback to captain the All Blacks in Test rugby after the first New Zealand squad of the season was named in Auckland on Sunday.

Muliaina, the captain of the beaten Super 14 finalists the Chiefs, will follow 1913 fullback Joe O'Leary who captained the All Blacks in two Tests against Australia.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said he had spoken with Muliaina after the final in Pretoria earlier on Sunday, and while he had been disappointed with the outcome of that game, he was delighted to be named as captain and felt very privileged.

Missing from the squad is No.8 Rodney So'oialo who Henry was emphatic had not been dropped.

So'oialo had a neck problem that needed rehabilitation after a busy Super 14 season and he would be selected for the Tri Nations Series, Henry said.

New caps in the side are prop Wyatt Crockett, lock Isaac Ross and loose forward Tanerau Latimer.

Henry said the selection panel was looking forward to getting back to work after six months out of coaching and they were delighted that France and Italy had picked strong teams for the forthcoming matches in New Zealand.

"There's a wee bit of history with the French, as you know," Henry said.

Injured players, halfback Brendon Leonard and lock Ali Williams, were included in the side and were most likely to be considered for the second Test against France, the second of the three Tests in the series.

Forwards coach Steve Hansen said Wyatt Crockett had moved ahead of other contenders, notably Jamie Mackintosh, as a result of his improved scrimmaging.

"We sat down and talked with him last year and said he needed to do some extra work, especially around his core area. And he has got stronger and is scrummaging better," he said.

Henry said it was likely that Liam Messam would be the preferred choice at No.8 in place of So'oialo while it was a position that Kieran Read could also play.

Backs coach Wayne Smith said he felt utility back Isaia Toeava's best position was fullback and that was where the selectors would like to see him develop.

The All Blacks squad is: John Afoa, Jimmy Cowan, Wyatt Crockett, Stephen Donald, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Richard Kahui, Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer, Brendon Leonard, Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Mils Muliaina (captain), Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Josevata Rokocoko, Isaac Ross, Conrad Smith, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Rudi Wulf.

The Junior All Blacks side is: Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Aled de Malmanche, Tom Donnelly, Jason Eaton, Hikawera Elliot, Jacob Ellison, Tamati Ellison, Bryn Evans, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Robert Fruean, Hosea Gear, Sione Lauaki, Karl Lowe, Luke McAlister, Jamie Mackintosh, Lelia Masaga, Alby Mathewson, Rene Ranger, Colin Slade, Chris Smylie, Jeremy Thrush, Anthony Tuitavake, George Whitelock, Victor Vito.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

From the river to Germany and back again - my nostalgia trip


From the river to Germany and back again - my nostalgia trip...


It must have been in 1956 - I was about twelve years old then. I was out with my foster family picnicking at one of the Canterbury rivers in New Zealand's South Island. It was mid-summer and it was so hot you could see the heat shimmering and dancing off the river bed stones off into the river itself. The water in the rivers in 1950's New Zealand was pristine, quick flowing, cold and wonderful to drink. You just had to make sure that there had not been any wandering sheep drinking at the waters edge.

After roaming around on my own for some time, creating adventures in which I starred, perhaps as the great white hunter tracking some lion through the river bed, I started throwing stones over the river and into the distance. These became bombs - dropping on German cities (only a decade or so before) from a high flying Lancaster bomber. I was the bomb- aimer one minute, and the pilot the next. The bombing of Germany went on for a long time - but I eventually heard shouting from the other side of the river. The bombing stopped suddenly!

On the other bank of the river a rather powerfully built and tall man in his late thirties was screaming at me; and his hand was dripping with blood. "You stupid little bast...d. You could have killed me!" he screamed again.

I suddenly arrived back in 1956, away from my bombing of Germany fantasy, and realised what I had really done. I had been throwing some pretty big stones into the air and they had actually been landing near and at the feet of some fisherman on a hidden ledge. But one had hit this particular fisherman on the hand, and he was after blood - not that of some trout or salmon - but a twelve year old SOB named Peter. Yeah and the fisherman was on the other side of the river too!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

The Manuka factor - honey from NZ manuka tree...


The Manuka factor - honey from the NZ manuka tree...


First published at Qassia:




Honey made by bees from the nectar of New Zealand's manuka tree, leptospermum scoparium, contains an antibacterial property not found in other honeys.
Honey from the Australian tree leptospermum polygalifollum, or jelly bush, also has this property.

The property has become known as Unique Manuka Factor, UMF, and the honey as active manuka honey.

One of the compounds identified in this particular honey is metylglyxol, although it appears that the antibacterial property relies on the interaction of this compound with other elements in the honey.

The quantity of UMF in manuka honey varies.

Research by Waikato University in New Zealand's North Island, suggests its antibacterial activity is about twice as effective as other honey against Eschericihia co;i and Enteroocci, common causes of infections in wounds. It ismuch more effective than other honey against Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of peptic ulcers.

The University says the evidence that Active Manuka honey is more effective than other honey is not conclusive however. Not quite a miracle, but pretty close to it!

The intense flavour of dark manuka honey was once so disliked it was added to cow feed or simply washed away.

Today it earns such a premium on the export market that fake manuka honey has been a serious problem - industry sources say twice as much manuka honey is sold than produced in New Zealand.




Contributor's Note
A real health food.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Police seek missing Taita, Lower Hutt youth, Kellie Petterson...


Police are appealing for public help in finding an 18-year-old intellectually disabled man after he failed to turn up overnight.

Kellie Petterson, who has mental health problems and also suffers from depression, has been missing from his Taita home in Lower Hutt since midday yesterday and police and Mr Petterson's family were concerned for his safety, Detective Sergeant Scott Cooper said.

''Kellie doesn't have a cellphone that we're aware of nor any money, so we're hoping he's not too far away,'' Mr Cooper said.

Mr Petterson was described as a solidly built Maori, about 185cm tall and had black curly hair.

He was wearing a white coloured hooded jacket with black writing on it, shorts and blue socks.

Mr Petterson lived with his grandparents, who were concerned as he had not gone missing overnight before and did not know anyone in the area.

''Kellie, you're not in trouble,'' Mr Cooper said.

''Please let us know where you are as your family is worried about you.''

Anyone who had information regarding Mr Petterson's whereabouts should contact police, Mr Cooper said.

Acknowledgements:

NZPA

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Funeral service for fallen Kiwi police officer, Len Snee. RIP...


LATEST NEWS: A rousing haka has brought an end to the funeral service for fatally shot police officer Len Snee.

Thousands of mourners gathered in Napier today for the funeral of Mr Snee, who was killed by gunman Jan Molenaar on Thursday.

The funeral service was conducted by Napier police chaplain Reverend Trevor Harrison at the Municipal Theatre in downtown Napier.

Six police officers carried the coffin out of the theatre where it was met by a rousing haka by around 100 men which included schoolboys, relatives and former All Blacks Norm Hewitt and Buck Shelford.

Constable Grant Diver, who was also injured by Molenaar during the siege, was wheeled out in his hospital bed to observe the haka for his slain colleague.

Police formed a guard of honour, which stretched around 200 metres down the street. Beside each officer sat a police dog. The casket was carried down the street followed by the family in silent procession.

An Eagle Helicopter did two low swoops as the hearse made its way down the street.

During the funeral service Len Snee was remembered by his sons as a strong, gentle man of few words.

"As most of us know now our dad was a man of few words and not much a public speaker, unfortunately he has passed that trait on to us," said Sam and Joe Snee.

"Many men are strong but unlike our father, few men are capable of having the perfect mix of strength and gentleness."

"All our lives our dad has given us a feeling of security... All our lives we have aspired to be as great a man as our father, and we just hope one day our children can admire us as much as we admired him. Dad we love you."

'A HERO EVERY DAY HE WENT TO WORK'

Police commissioner Howard Broad said: "Vicki, Joe, Sam, other family members. I can barely imagine how you must be feeling. As you are grieving, so too are Len's close colleagues and thousands of police across New Zealand and wherever we may be.

"I know that Senior Constable Len Snee was not one for flowery language. He was straight down the middle, say it as it is. When 10 words would do, he used five."

"So in Len's honour, I will say it as it is."

"Len was not just a hero on the day he died. Len was a hero every day he went to work."

"When Senior Constables Len Snee, Bruce Miller and Grant Diver visited the house on Hospital Hill, they were carrying out a routine search warrant...This one went terribly wrong. The officers were confronted by an armed man who told them to leave. As they attempted to do so, they were shot.

"These men are brave - not just on that day, but every day they went about their routine police work.

"Senior Constable Len Snee: You wore the police uniform for 33 years with pride and honour. We thank you for your dedication and determination. Your humanity, humour, and quiet confidence were valued and respected by your colleagues. We will miss you terribly."

"In the face of this tragedy, it is natural to ask, 'What more could we have done to protect our police?' and to consider if they should carry guns.

"This event was our worst fear.

"Should we make decisions based on our worst fears? If there was a slim chance our officers could return fire, would that make us a better or safer police?

"This out-pouring of grief reminds us that the vast majority of New Zealanders are good, law-abiding people who wish to build communities with trust and confidence, rather than having them controlled with fear and violence."

A police officer for 33 years, Snee was highly respected for his work in the Armed Offenders Squad and in general duties.

'THE MOST COMPLETE POLICE OFFICER I KNOW'

Senior Constable Paul Symonds, colleague of Snee said: "Lenny is the most complete police officer I know. A quiet achiever, the professional man, the manner in which he conducted himself, his fantastic communications skills, and his coolness and unflappable dedication to the job that Len loved. Len is so highly respected in the community.

"We will toast you today Len, and I know even bad people will, such is the mana of this great man.

"Len loved his armed offenders, the ultimate team man, he was always the first to forward, so skilled, so intelligent and highly revered... you have taught me well Len, you have taught us all well.

"We will carry our memories of you in our hearts for many years to come. We have grieved for five days, today we show our pride.

"Stand down brother, you have just received your last page, 000, you are now on leave."

GUARD OF HONOUR

Police formed a guard of honour as the black hearse arrived at the theatre. Crowds of thousands stood in silence as the coffin carrying the body of Mr Snee was brought into the theatre by his sons and four other family members. His wife Vicki walked behind.

The coffin was draped in a New Zealand flag and had a police cap on top of it.

Among those present at the funeral service were the Prime Minister John Key, Police Commissioner Howard Broad and Police Minister Judith Collins.

Maori Affairs minister Pita Sharples and opposition MPs were also in attendance.

Mr Snee was shot dead by gunman Molenaar last Thursday, while Senior Constables Bruce Miller and Grant Diver were critically injured, as was civilian Leonard Holmwood.

The investigation into Mr Snee's death had been very difficult for the officers involved, Superintendent Rod Drew told reporters today.

"Many of us knew Lenny (Snee) well, some of us knew him very well.

"I feel very proud of them all because they've shown real grit in getting on with the job and so this afternoon the investigation team will join with Len Snee's family, his friends and the greater police family as we mourn his cruel and tragic death."

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National HomepageShare this page Email Facebook Myspace Digg StumbleUpon Delicious Reddit 16 comments
Post a comment Keith O'Donnell #16 3:27pm
Len May you rest in peace.

Zyan #15 3:23pm
A very very tragic event! In the minds of many, if only... unfortunately there is none of "if only", only "what if".

Hope such tragedy that has resulted in unnecessary loss of lives doesn't happen all that frequently. Time for everyone to get rid of guns, marijuana and cannabis from their houses.

To Snee and Molenaar familes, we all share your grief in the devastating losses. RIP, Len Snee.

Ganesh Doddi #14 3:07pm
May your soul rest in peace.

A caring Kiwi #13 3:06pm
I never knew you but I am sure that I would have loved and admired you like all your family, friends and work mates, rest in peace and thank you for helping to make our country safer. You like all Police officers and emergency services that assist in keeping the average kiwi safe are true heroes and I know you made a difference. I send my hugs and prayers to those that knew you well and know they are truly blessed to have an angel like you watching over them.

Rest in peace and again Thank you.

True Blue Cantab......

Karen #12 3:06pm
An extremely sad day for Napier... May Snr Constable Snee rest in peace. He was a very valuable asset to Napier. Thoughts also to the other two police and the civilian involved.

Deidre Watson #11 3:03pm
To Mrs Snee, Joe and Sam, your husband and dad, Senior Constable Snee is a very highly respected man by the Police Force and so many New Zealanders. This loss of such a fine policeman has been touched by many New Zealanders all over the world. May the many outstanding tributes to your husband and dad help you in your time of grief. May Senior Constable Snee rest in peace.

One day at a time.

Mel #10 3:01pm
Beautiful words for a man who quite clearly deserved them. RIP.

Justine #9 3:00pm
What an amazing number of statements and sentences about this man who was not just a policeman but obviously an extremely well respected member of the public in his community and more than obviously an amazing family man to his wife, sons and extended family. I have tears flowing just reading these comments and I don't know him but I think the whole country feels for all concerned and feel like we knew him. My heart goes to all who are directly affected by Constable Snee's passing. You didn't deserve to go this way and you and your colleagues do an amazing job in our country. Three cheers to you all.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

To Mexico with love - a date with a miracle cure...


To Mexico with love - a date with a miracle cure…


This story emanating from the Wellington daily, Dominion Post yesterday, tugged at my heartstrings; I’m really an old softie, but this was different.

The Mexican Swine flu outbreak has reportedly delayed a Levin ( near Wellington) family’s hunt for a miracle cure for their young daughter.

Young Jaide Pearson is just eight years old, the age of one of my own granddaughters. She is a blind quadriplegic who also suffers from cerebal palsy. What on earth did she do to someone in a previous life? Her mother, Jayne, and granddad Norm, had planned to take her to a pioneering clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, next month after she was accepted for experimental stem cell therapy.

Then along came the Swine flu outbreak in Mexico, with its much debated figures concerning infected people and those who have died - and in the process forced this family to delay the trip until September of this year, 2009.

Jaide had apparently suffered a haemorrhage in the womb, and was subsequently born with severe brain damage. The Fernando Ramirez clinic in Tijuana can hopefully provide a miracle cure for little Jaide, who is also mute!

Her mother, Jayne, wants her to have a better quality of life, but they couldn’t risk taking her to Mexico during the flu epidemic and had to wait until the risk had been contained.

Granddad Norm said the therapy which involves inserting stem cells into Jaide’s brain from the umbilical cords of healthy full-term babies, had the potential to cure her. “We would be delighted if she could see, it would be wonderful if she could walk. I would love her to be able to put her arms around me to give me a cuddle.” he said.

I have a granddaughter of the same age and fully understand just how Norm feels, but through the grace of god our family has never had to deal with such health problems that he and his family has had to endure.

The family has been told to expect improvements within the 180 days after the procedure - which is not medically approved in many countries, including New Zealand.

These hopes were sparked by a TV documentary last February, reportedly showing a 2 year old Dunedin, NZ, cerebral palsy sufferer, Caleb Turner’s, remarkable improvement after undergoing treatment in Mexico. An 8 year old legally blind boy who also featured in the documentary was reported to have recovered almost perfect vision as a result of the therapy as well. While she is severely handicapped, there have been some reportedly good results from stem cell therapy.

Who wouldn’t try the therapy just on the off-chance it will work, even if it has been disclaimed by mainstream medical authorities and experts? If I was in the same situation as Jaide’s family, I’m sure I would be pushing to try this treatment and becoming involved in various fundraising schemes to get my granddaughter to Mexico as well. Kiaora.

Acknowledgements: Kay Blundell, Dompost, Wellington, NZ.

Huttriver Today

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Two Asians jailed for total of 30 years...


Two Asians jailed for 30 years for supplying drugs:

Two men charged with the supply of more than $5 million worth of methamphetamine have been sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison.

Chen Wei Huang, 25, and Zhong Wei, 26, were arrested in December 2006 following a year-long investigation. Both were sentenced today to 15 years in jail, with no minimum term.

Taiwan national Huang pleaded not guilty and was convicted by a jury in February on six charges of supplying methamphetamine in October 2006.

Sentencing Huang, Justice Peter Woodhouse said he did not accept he was a middle man.

"You had a significant hand in initiating drug dealing. You handled large sums of money and you played a very important role well beyond that of a courier," Justice Woodhouse said.

- NZPA

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Von Tempskey - an early New Zealand adventurer, goldminer, farmer and soldier...


Von Tempskey - An early New Zealand adventurer, goldminer, farmer and soldier...

TEMPSKY, Gustavus Ferdinand von
(1828–68).

Adventurer, gold miner, farmer, and soldier.

Gustavus Ferdinand von Tempsky was born in Leignitz, Silesia, in 1828, the son of a lieutenant-colonel in the Prussian Army. Destined for the army from earliest childhood, he entered the Berlin Military School at a tender age and in 1844, at the extraordinary age of 16, he received his commission in the 3rd Fusiliers of Prussia. The political and economic instability of early nineteenth-century Europe, and stories of a brave new world in another hemisphere, were at once a temptation and a challenge to the young officer whose adventurous spirit rebelled against the peacetime manoeuvrings of an army into which he was hustled by an uncompromising jack-booted parent. Unrest and insurrection were paving the way for the consolidation of the new Germany, but politics and intrigue had no appeal for young von Tempsky, and it was only natural that, at the conclusion of his military service in 1848, he should turn his attention to more exciting fields. Armed with an introduction from Lord Westmorland to the British authorities in the tiny Mosquito Kingdom in Central America, he set out with some sturdy companions with the intention of establishing a small settlement there. The colony failed due to rigours of climate and a hostile native population, and von Tempsky drifted into the filibustering that was then almost endemic in the Mexican Confederation. Commissioned as a captain, he led a guerrilla force into Nicaragua late in 1848, and then joined up with British naval units, acting as a guide in forays against up-river Nicaraguan cities.

From Central America the young soldier of fortune turned his eyes towards the Californian gold diggings, where he found plenty of action and excitement but little money. He spent the year 1850 in the maelstrom that was San Francisco, and then turned his back on the Pacific seaboard and returned to Mexico, where he attached himself to an expedition into the interior which extended over 3,000 miles of wild hostile country, including large expanses of Guatemala and Salvador. At the end of two years he returned to the coast and married Emilia, the daughter of the British Resident, James Stanislaus Bell, with whom he and his wife returned to Scotland when his tour of duty was completed. For some months he was content to concentrate on a fascinating book, Milta, which recounted his adventures in the Americas; and it was at this time that he also began to develop a talent for water-colour sketching, later used with effect to illustrate some of his engagements in the Maori Wars in New Zealand. In 1856 he and his wife emigrated to Victoria where he took up farming with some success but little enthusiasm. When the Government planned an expedition into Central Australia, he strove urgently for its command, but the authorities preferred a British national, and since he was not prepared to accept a subordinate position, he sold up his holding and crossed the Tasman to New Zealand where he engaged in gold mining at Coromandel in 1859. He found this venture not unremunerative but, when the Waikato Maori War broke out, he sought a commission in the Colonial Defence Force. His unrivalled qualifications ensured him an immediate appointment as an ensign in August 1863, and he entered upon his task with such avid impatience that he dipped deeply into his own pocket for the equipping of the company of Rangers which he soon had fighting fiercely in the Hunua Forest. From the outset his energy and daring impressed the British officers under whom he served. Within a few months, combining academy tactics with the catch-as-catch-can strategy of his Central American filibustering days, he had achieved such notable results that he was promoted to the rank of captain.

In February 1864 his dare-devil operations and personal intrepidity at the Mangapiko River and the Rangiaowhia Redoubt earned him the warm congratulations of Sir Henry Havelock and other British leaders. Then in April came the celebrated Battle of Orakau, near Te Awamutu, where the Kingites were soundly defeated, largely on account of the performances of von Tempsky's Rangers. He refused to accept reverses and in the face of Rewi's famous words, “Peace shall never be made – never, never!” he led assault after assault on the Maori positions. His losses were considerable, but his success earned him his majority and a proud position in the Colonial Defence Force.

Von Tempsky's appetite for action was insatiable, and he managed to communicate a similar urgency to his men. Within a few weeks of the investment of Orakau, he was in the thick of the fighting on the West Coast of the North Island. He and his Rangers were generally the spearhead of attacks, and at Kakaramea, Nukumaru, and Weraroa they gained fresh laurels. After desultory operations in the Wanganui area in July 1865, the scene of action switched to the East Coast, and von Tempsky at once volunteered for service there, in the firm belief that he would be followed by his Rangers as soon as their transport could be arranged. Owing to a misunderstanding, involving pay rates in various theatres of war, his company was held in Wanganui, and von Tempsky, in high dudgeon, hastened to Wellington to protest to the military authorities and, if necessary, the Government. The Rangers were at once ordered to Wellington and returned to von Tempsky's command. But there was one serious hitch. Von Tempsky was instructed to place himself under the orders of a Major Fraser, a man of proven resource and courage, but junior in precedence to von Tempsky. With typical Prussian impatience, von Tempsky felt he had been superseded. He refused to accept Fraser's orders and tendered his resignation. When the Defence Minister (Atkinson) called him to account, he stamped out of the Minister's room in a rage, and after three further refusals to obey orders that had been given with Cabinet authority, he was placed under arrest. On 16 October the Weld Ministry resigned and Haultain replaced Atkinson as Defence Minister. An inquiry was held, without any real result, but the Governor, Sir George Grey, gave von Tempsky the chance to withdraw his resignation which the irate commander did on the understanding that he was not to be superseded by Fraser.

Once again the von Tempsky Rangers were in the thick of things in the West Coast region, and again they covered themselves with distinction under General Chute at New Plymouth, Whenuakura, and Otapawa. Von Tempsky was accorded special mention in the New Zealand Gazette of 26 January 1866. After this interlude the Rangers were disbanded and von Tempsky returned to his family at Coromandel for a well earned rest. By 1868 he was back in the field again, this time as an Inspector in the Armed Constabulary which, with Rangers and Volunteers, as well as Maori followers, was locked in a grim struggle with the Hauhaus under Te Kooti and some of his fiercest chiefs. In August the Hauhaus, led by Titokowaru, were brought to battle and von Tempsky was prominent in several bitter and costly engagements. Caught out of position with a force of Constabulary, Rangers, and Volunteers, he sought permission to attack, but his commanding officer, McDonnell, hesitated for a fatal moment, and then ordered a retreat. Von Tempsky was holding an exposed position and his force suffered heavily. He himself was shot and mortally wounded by a concealed Hauhau marksman. His body, with those of other Pakehas killed in the action, was burned on a funeral pyre with Hauhau rites.

Von Tempsky died at the zenith of his career. His defects as a soldier, such as they were, stemmed from his Prussian origins. The discipline he imposed upon himself he expected to be exercised by the authorities in the matter of his relations with others, but he could not always rely on it. Rank and precedence were obsessions with him, and his dream throughout the whole of his active service, not only in New Zealand but elsewhere, was of an independent command. If death had not cut his career so tragically short, at the age of 40 years, he must certainly have achieved his ambition, but he made such outstanding use of his opportunities that he left a notable mark in the history of the country of his adoption. His courage and daring were without question and he introduced into all his activities a self-reliance and independence of planning that were recognised as having a vital influence on the development of the colonial soldier. It was said of him after his Taranaki exploits of 1865 by the then Premier, Stafford, that he was a bulwark of the self-reliant policy of the Army and had done more than any other officer of his time to develop and direct the quality and effectiveness of the Colonial Defence Force. Von Tempsky's water colours, which may be seen in the Alexander Turnbull and Hocken Libraries, are of more than passing interest. They depict most realistically a number of incidents in the Maori Wars, and their details of uniforms and equipment are of historical value. In style and colour they have something of the quality of a “primitive”, with attractive decorative treatment.

Acknowledgements:
by Ronald Jones, Journalist and Script Writer, New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation, Wellington.

The New Zealand Wars, Cowan, J. (2 vols., 1955); New Zealand Examiner, 2 Nov 1869.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

What is the truth behind climate change misinformation?


Climate change misinformation;

Economist Gareth Morgan says big business and a government minister are spreading misinformation about climate change


What is the truth behind Gareth Morgan's claims of big business and a cabinet minister spreading misinformation about climate change? What is their agenda?


Big business and a government minister are being accused of spreading misinformation about climate change. Economist Gareth Morgan is making the claim, after spending half a million dollars researching the subject.

Mr Morgan says he invested his own money researching climate change, because he wanted to get past emotion and misinformation. The result is a book called Poles Apart, which comes down on the side of human-made climate change.

Mr Morgan says comments from Act's Rodney Hide dismissing it are gutter politics. And he has little time for what he calls alarmists on the other side of the debate.

Mr Morgan made his fortune as an economist and investment adviser, and through his investment in his son Sam's website business TradeMe. Mr Morgan says he used his own money to research climate change because he wanted to get past emotion and misinformation.



Acknowledgements:
© 2009 NZCity, NewsTalkZB