The economists, who comment for the news media, today stated that “there are indications that the current down turn in the economy is over”. They predict the New Zealand economy will move in a positive direction from now, on gradually recovering in the medium to long term. The more stable price of oil, the expected change in the weather, and the pending tax cuts all being contributing factors. Perhaps the main factor that is holding things back, is the imminent general election. Polls to date have suggested that a new right government will be elected. The recent lack of political acumen on the part of opposition members and their new leader have tended to shadow this inevitability. MMP means that unless the governing party gains a very large portion of the vote they can not govern alone. For the right to form a coalition may be difficult particularly now the leader has ruled out one of the more significant minority parties…..
Insurance claim rise to 50 million dollars
Insurance claims have continued to rise to more than $50,000,000 after this week’s storms, Arborists in the North Island have had to emloy extra people to meet the demand created by thousands of trees felled by high winds.
From Horowhenua to Upper Hutt dozens of trees fell on houses and other buildings and thousands of others are blocking roads and access to homes
Storm will cost tens of millions
During the recent storm in New Zealand the P&O cruises ship Pacific Sun was hit by 7 metre swells and 50 knot winds when it suddenly rolled 600km north of Auckland. Forty-two people on the cruise have received medical treatment.
The storm has continued to lash New Zealand as it has moved down the country towards the South Island. It has been confirmed that the person lost has drowned while trying to cross a river and it seems likely that her husband who is also missing may have also drowned. Some initial estimates of the damage caused by the storm put the costs at millions of dollars.
50,000 Homes with out Power
The last 12 hours the North Island of New Zealand has been buffeted by winds of up to 150k and heavy rain. There have been more than 50,000 homes without power as tress blew down and crashed through power lines. The speed on the harbour bridge was lowered to 60k and people were told to stay at home and not venture out unless necessary. We are fortunate that there has been now loss of life although there is damage to property. The storm has passed its peek and it is more settled but forecasters are predicting a possible repeat next Wednesday.
Weather to crack up again….
After several days of fine sunny weather the forecast is not good for the next few days. It is to blow and rain once again over the next few days as another low moves on to NZ. It is not as cold tonight and that is a blessing.
Still no letter has been received I find it rather strange as we have had copies of all other letters sent to us.