Transtasman Political Letter – 16 March Digest

16th March 2006

Argument rages over whether there’s an energy crisis on the way
... A rude shock for South Island power generators, and probably consumers too
... Benson-Pope takes a rest, but National continues its attack on arrogance
... How far will the dollar slide, and how long will it be before we all see the benefits?
... MPs vote to send a Bill limiting their own numbers to 100 to a Select Committee, but it probably won’t ever pass.

Is An Energy Crisis Looming?

Is NZ facing an energy crisis? Not immediately. Perhaps this winter if there’s no rain to replenish southern lakes, perhaps when Maui gas runs out in two or three years, or perhaps when the grid fails in 2010 because it is antiquated and overloaded.

SI To Pay For Power Shipped To NI

The Electricity Commission has handed down its final decision on pricing methodology for the Cook Strait cable link, saying it considers efficiency is enhanced if South Island generators, rather than North Island consumers, face the costs of the HVDC link.

Heat Goes Off Benson-Pope, As Nats Target “Arrogance”

The Opposition may have switched the focus of its Parliamentary onslaught from the hapless David Benson-Pope to other Ministers this week but the underlying target is the same.

How Far Will Kiwi Dollar Slide?

The long awaited slide in the NZ dollar gathered momentum this week, to the range of US63-64c, well down from its peak of US71c late last year.

CAPITAL TALK

PM Helen Clark was among what diplomats call “interesting company” when she joined other world leaders in Santiago at the weekend for the swearing-in of Chile’s first woman president, one-time political prisoner Michelle Bachelet.

Play of the Week - Contempt And Dirt

A week to consider issues such as glasshouses, peeing contests and skunks, dirt and contempt. The parties came back from recess seemingly determined to talk about other matters, ANY other matters, than what David Benson-Pope might or might not have got up to as a teacher all those years ago.

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