New Zealand

Family of respirator victim to sue over power cut

Wellington  - The family of a woman who died after a power company disconnected her oxygen machine intends to sue for compensation, according to reports Tuesday.

Folole Muliaga, 44, had been receiving oxygen support at her home in Mangere, a suburb in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland, when her power was cut in May 2007.

Meridian Energy claimed the woman had not paid her bill of 168.4 New Zealand dollars (115 US dollars).

A coroner's report released midday Tuesday attributed her death to the cessation of the oxygen machine and associated stress.

Muliaga family spokesman Brenden Sheehan told the New Zealand Herald website that the family would "instruct solicitors to explore all legal avenues."

Music may bring back lost memories in dementia sufferers

Wellington, Sept 23 : Music can prove to be a saviour for dementia patients, who have lost the ability to interact with their partner due to memory loss, according to Australian researchers.

Dr Felicity Baker, a senior lecturer from the University of Queensland (UQ) School of Music, said that dementia patients usually experience short-term memory loss, which proves to be a blow to their interaction with their partner, thus harming their relationship.

However, the research team has claimed that a song from their youth could stir memories they thought were lost forever, and get them talking again.

1972’s sex manual ‘The Joy Of Sex’ back with a bang

1972’s sex manual ‘The Joy Of Sex’ back with a bangWellington, Sept 21 : The 1972’s iconic book ‘The Joy Of Sex’ which for the first time brought explicit sexual discussion to the mainstream audience, is back again with a far more rewarding read.

The book written by Alex Comfort is back in a new edition revised and updated by the British sexologist and relationship psychologist, Susan Quilliam, including new information on the clitoris and female orgasm, not to mention sex during pregnancy and the female libido.

‘Green’ bride rides bus to her wedding!

‘Green’ bride rides bus to her wedding!Wellington, September 21 : An ecologically conscious bride has taken a bus on her wedding day to reach the marked venue.

Anna Chisnell, who went in No. 5 ‘Red Bus’ with her father, bridesmaid and two flower girls for a noon wedding, considers it important to use public transport since it is environmental friendly.

Moreover, the 19-year-old Christchurch bride prefers her daily ride in the bus since it allows her to unwind during travelling while she enjoys the company of the amiable bus drivers.

New Zealand beckons Punjabi students for higher studies

New Zealand beckons Punjabi students for higher studiesChandigarh, Sept 19 : Foreign academic institutions are lining up to encourage Punjabi students to study abroad.

New Zealand, regarded as a key global destination for higher education, is looking to India to attract prospective students.

Recently, Richar Lee, Academic Director of the National Institute of Studies in New Zealand, was in Chandigarh to counsel and guide students wanting to study in New Zealand.

New Zealand central bank reassures local market

New Zealand central bank reassures local market Wellington - New Zealand's central bank moved Friday to reassure the public that the local banking system was sound despite turbulence in the United States and global financial markets.

"While New Zealand will inevitably feel the effects of major financial shocks such as this, New Zealand banks are not involved in the sort of complex financial transactions that have caused significant losses in many of the large global institutions," Alan Bollard, governor of the Reserve Bank said in a statement.

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