In Brief (Press, 8 December 1989)

On 8 December 1989, an Auckland woman was found to have fabricated a story about being abducted, which led to a significant police investigation. She had reported that she was taken by men with Australian accents who demanded information about the Mongrel Mob. After being found bound and gagged, she admitted it was a hoax and would not face any charges, although she would receive counselling. In other news, Skope Industries, based in Christchurch, announced efforts to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances in its refrigeration products. The company’s latest models now use insulation foam containing 50 per cent less chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas. General manager Alan Dalton mentioned future plans to develop cabinets enabling the removal and recycling of CFC gas to recharge the refrigerators, which would be available in the coming months. In a forest fire prevention initiative, the Forest Owners’ Association is launching a campaign featuring Gary McCormick, who will be seen hugging trees in promotional posters. The campaign aims to raise awareness about fire prevention with messages encouraging the public to consider small details that can prevent fires and to report any suspicious fires immediately. Minister of Social Welfare Michael Cullen and East Cape MP Anne Collins were reported to be honeymooning in the South Island after their marriage the previous Saturday. The couple was enjoying their stay in Milford Sound and planned to return to Queenstown for another night. In political developments, Len Richards, a teacher from Nga Tapuwae College, announced his candidacy for the Mangere seat in the upcoming General Election, representing the New Labour Party. The seat was previously held by former Prime Minister David Lange, who won it by a significant margin in 1987. An unfortunate incident involved an Australian tourist who had her handbag stolen during a burglary in Fendalton. The bag contained a passport, cash, credit cards, and airline tickets, all belonging to Susan Gardner. A 35-year-old woman who had threatened Deputy Prime Minister Helen Clark was returned to Sunnyside Hospital after walking out the day after she had been committed. The police located her in Bromley, following her threats made to Clark’s office. Meanwhile, the recount of votes in the Burwood ward of Christchurch City Council was underway, prompted by the request from Labour candidate Arthur Adcock for a recount of the close results, where current councillor Mike Stevens holds a narrow lead of just two votes. In health-related news, the New Zealand A.I.D.S. Foundation is establishing a trust fund in Canterbury to support individuals living with H.I.V. or A.I.D.S. Funds raised will go towards necessary treatments and supplements not always available locally. The fundraising initiative will kick off with an event at The Groove nightclub, with the goal of raising $2,000. Lastly, Alpine Kiwi Corporation, Ltd, a horticultural exporter from Christchurch known for exporting fruit and vegetables, was placed in receivership by the Bank of New Zealand, marking a significant turn for the business which had been in operation for roughly a decade and a leading exporter of buttercup squash to Japan. The bank has appointed receivers but has not disclosed any further commentary on the situation.

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