Support the local rail workshops in NZ...

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeAnd just why does KiwiRail refuse to get big train building jobs done in its own workshops in NZ? Why do they emperil future jobs in NZ? Probably because the current National government told them so.

China's CNR Corp is to build 300 container flat-deck wagons to bolster Kiwirail's aging fleet. China undercut the NZ bid by 25% it is claimed. They will also provide 20 new locomotives for NZ as well.

There must be some way for the NZ workshops to become involved in the work for KiwiRail.

This narrow approach to purchasing puts hundreds of jobs at risk and threw the viability of KiwiRail workshops into doubt, according to the Council of Trade Unions.

We now have a State-owned rail operation again in New Zealand, with capable workshops and staff.

While  there needs to be the best possible value for money spent, the local industry needs to be supported or it will just end up as a run-down maintenance operation again. The two workshops in Lower Hutt and Dunedin employ 180 people each.

The Hutt workshops were also the right place to carry out another upcoming project - refurbishing the ageing Wellington electric commuter train carriages .

So support the local rail workshops in new Zealand.

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Roughed up NZ MP plans to complain for being assaulted by Chinese security in NZ...

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Roughed up New Zealand MP plans to complain - he was assaulted by Chinese security...



Parliament's Speaker will receive complaint from Green MP Russel Norman, who was roughed up by Chinese security as he held Tibet protest



Green MP Russel Norman plans to lay a complaint with Parliament's Speaker after he was roughed up by the Chinese Vice President's security officers.



The party co-leader was waving a Tibetan flag outside Parliament as Vice President Xi Jinping arrived. He was then manhandled by members of Mr Xi's entourage.



Political editor Barry Soper, who witnessed the scene, says the security contingent was very rough with Mr Norman and he describes the incident as "quite extraordinary.



"Chinese security and there are very large numbers of them, roughed (Mr Norman) up in a way that I've never seen a member of Parliament treated. He had the Tibetan flag ripped from him and trampled on by the Chinese security. He was prevented from getting anywhere near the vice president.



"If somebody does want to wave a Tibetan flag, which is clearly offensive to the Chinese and with the flag went Russel Norman chanting 'freedom for Tibet', well, we live in a democracy and should be able to express our views in the way Russel Norman did."



Mr Soper says Mr Norman can probably expect to receive similar treatment if he waves a Tibetan flag in front of the vice-president again.


Do you expect John Key to put a complaint in to the Chinese? Don't be funny! Seriously the Chinese security need to keep their hands to themselves while on NZ soil or water. There jog was to protect the Chinese dignatory. Any New Zealander is quite free to wave a Tibetan flag here in NZ - I would wave one myself! The Chinese invaded Tibet in the early 50's. Long live Tibet!




Acknowledgements: © 2010 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

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NZ Government blew the whistle on the baby formula contamination in China...

Helen Clark says her government blew the whistle on the baby milk formula contamination in China.

The Prime Minister says she learned of the problem just over a week ago. She received a briefing paper at her home on Friday September 5 and convened a special meeting with officials and ministers on Monday.

Instructions were then given to New Zealand's ambassador in China to tell officials there our government was extremely concerned there had been no action to recall the product. Ms Clark says that was then done. She understands a general concern was first raised with the New Zealand embassy in China in the middle of August. It had gathered enough information by the end of the month to raise the matter with Wellington.

Meanwhile, Fonterra officials are refusing to front up over the scandal.

The Sanlu Group makes the powder, being blamed for causing kidney stones which has resulted in one death and over 400 being made ill. The company has confirmed the toxin melamine was found in the powder, and has since halted production.

Fonterra has only issued a four paragraph statement saying it was advised of the contamination in August and had pushed for a full public recall of all affected milk powder. It says company representatives are seeking a meeting with the Chinese Government and will assist with the investigation.



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