Spraying begins on one kiwifruit orchard
Spraying has begun on the first kiwifruit orchard confirmed as having the vine-killing bacteria, PSA.The spraying of infected vines with copper spray was planned to take place earlier today, but Biosecurity Minister David Carter said there needed to be a delay to address industry concerns.
""We announced it was on for this morning, [and] the industrsy said 'can we have a little more time'. They were concerned about some of the side effects," Carter said TVNZ News at 8.
But he said those concerns have been addressed and spraying has begun this evening.
Carter said he was comfortable there would be no harm to people from the spray, but could not guarantee the spray would be effective at killing the bacteria.
"I think some of those things are a matter of trying it and let's see where we get to."
Earlier, biosecurity officials extended their checks for kiwifruit orchards infected with the bacteria to key growing areas outside the Bay of Plenty.
Regions such as Kerikeri, in Northland, and Nelson-Motueka have a special strategic importance in the decision expected to be made over the next two days on whether to attempt to eradicate the vine canker, or simply seek to manage it to mitigate the worst effects.
Carter said his staff were now checking orchards far from the Bay of Plenty, because knowledge of whether the bacteria had spread there was key to any decision on eradication.
Nelson orchardist Phil Jones said he is very concerned at the possible spread.
BurgerFuel eyes Middle East, not Australia
Local fastfood chain BurgerFuel has increased its presence in the Middle East but is reconsidering its commitment to Australia.This month the chain added a third store in Saudi Arabia and a second Dubai outlet to bring its Middle Eastern contingent to five.
BurgerFuel's expansion in the region has been rapid, with the first store opening in February this year.
Its world wide CEO Joseph Roberts said the Middle East was a step towards a greater expansion.
Roberts told TVNZ's NZI Business show today that the large expat communities in the Middle East provide an opportunity to showcase the brand internationally.
The latest store is close to the Saudi Aramco oil company which has 50,000 expats on staff and over 11,000 residents in a dedicated compound.
Vodafone loses 35,000 NZ customers
Vodafone New Zealand Ltd, the countrys biggest mobile phone operator, lost 35,000 customers in the second quarter.The phone company has 2.44 million people on its network, according to the first-half report of its British parent, down from 2.48 million in the previous quarter. Most of those customers were on pre-paid connections, with the percentage of pay-as-you go clients falling to 68.7% from 69.5%. Over the same period, Telecom Corp, Vodafone's main rival, shed 19,000 customers.
New entrant Two Degrees Mobile Ltd has probably been the major beneficiary, with the Commerce Commission's latest benchmarking report on the state of the industry finding the third network increased competition and offers "significantly lower pricing" than its bigger rivals.
Over the three months through September, 37,200 people ported their mobile phone numbers, where they take the number to a different carrier, according to Telecommunications Carriers Forum data.
The Commerce Commission today said in a draft decision that it plans to extend its ruling on portability for another six years.
Shares in Telecom fell 0.9% to $2.16 in trading today.
Randwick Park Celebrates Diwali
Randwick Park has been celebrating Diwali, a festival of lights. Our school teachers, Mrs thakur, Mrs Paul, and some other teachers have been organising the competitions. Competitions started on Monday 8th November and will end on Friday 12th November. Monday - Wednesday we had question about India, on Thursday we had Indian food, and on Friday we are having Indian costume day. Hopefully our celebration will succeed.
