It being Easter means that life in NZ has ground to a slower pace. I’m not complaining, its just there isn’t much to report on though beyond the fact that:
– today the local commuter trains to and from Upper Hutt were cancelled due to failed infrastructure (yes, that’s the line MT will be commuting on in future!)
– the politics of the social security system are hot, even though Parliament is in recess (benefit numbers have dropped by 35% in the last year with only 28,000 people receiving unemployment benefit and less than 1,500 of those are youth). http://www.msd.govt.nz/media-information/press-releases/2007/Pr-2007-04-11.html
– lots of people are off sick at work (I’m wondering whether it was too much Easter chocolate)
– the temperature has plummeted requiring the hot water bottle in bed last night and a coat on for work
– An Auckland woman is recovering from the shock of receiving a reminder notice about a parking ticket, asking her to pay a $39,000 fine. A computer error I think!
– three health sector unions have taken their staff out on strike (again!)
So, all in all its a slow news week. I’m not complaining as we could do with a rest in our press office.