Darfield’s Third World Water Problem

We are appalled that people in the Darfield area are still suffering from outbreaks of gastro-enteric diseases (potentially deadly E.coli, and Campylobacter) that would mimic those experienced in third world countries.  The Selwyn District Council needs to “wake up to its responsibility” and address its recurring water issues, a medical officer of health says. The criticism follows a gastroenteritis outbreak in Darfield that…

Auckland’s “Third World Rail” System

A TVNZ report has highlighted the shocking state of Auckland’s train system, which failed on the opening night of the rugby world cup, resulting in hundreds (thousands?) of fans missing the opening ceremony and match: “Third World rail system The scenes of rail chaos in Auckland on Friday night back up the findings of the …

Pike River Mine Would’ve Been Illegal In Australia

Pike River Mine would’ve been illegal in Australia, or in most first world countries for that matter. Ean Higgins, the old-school Australian journalist vilified in New Zealand for asking “difficult questions” at the Pike River disaster press conferences  and called a “tosspot” and “boorish” by Gerry Brownlee, was one of the journalists who managed yesterday…

Kiwifruit Dumped After Typhoid Scare, TB In Te Puke

Day’s after a televised broadcast of NZ Prime Minister John Key defending his country’s 100% Pure image on the BBC’s Hardtalk, the Bay of Plenty Times is running the story that tonnes of Kiwifruit have been pulled from the market after a Typhoid scare. “Kiwifruit worth $800,000 – including some bound for overseas markets –…