Minto sorry Urewera accused won't get jury trial...

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Minto disappointed Urewera accused won't get jury trial...



Disappointment from a political activist over the decision to deny a trial by jury for the 18 people arrested during the Urewera "terror" raids

Disappointment from a political activist over the decision to deny a trial by jury for the 18 people arrested during the Urewera "terror" raids.

The Court of Appeal says it will uphold an earlier High Court ruling that the case should be heard by a judge only.

The 18 accused, including Tuhoe activist Tame Iti, face various charges under the Arms Act as a result of the 2007 raids.

Political activist John Minto says the decision is dangerous, leaving big question marks over this case.

He says a group of citizens independent of the state should decide, and a judge's decision is dangerous in terms of public confidence.

The trials are due to take place in Auckland in May and are expected to run for 12 weeks



Acknowledgements: © 2011 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

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Recognition for NZ climate change anbassador...

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Recognition for NZ climate change ambassador...



New Zealand's Climate Change Ambassador, Adrian Macey, has been appointed Vice-Chair of the Kyoto Protocol Negotiations process.



International Climate Change Negotiations Minister Tim Groser says it is an "impressive achievement" for Macey and New Zealand and reflects the esteem in which Macey is held internationally.



"It also shows that New Zealand is a highly regarded, constructive player in the international climate change negotiations," says Groser.



Macey has been in the position since it was established in 2006. His election to vice chair was by consensus of the 191 parties to the Kyoto Protocol, at a meeting in Bonn, Germany yesterday, despite some countries objecting to a New Zealander.



Greenpeace New Zealand has also congratulated Macey on the appointment.



"This is a significant international endorsement of Adrian Macey's skills and experience as a diplomat," New Zealand's political advisor in Bonn, Geoff Keey, says.



"Ambassador Macey has a huge challenge ahead of him to help shepherd developed countries through the process of adopting new commitments under the Kyoto Protocol."



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New Zealand's new Climate Change Ambassador is Joanne Tyndall.



"Ms Tyndall will bring significant expertise and negotiating experience to this role," Groser says.



Tyndall was part of the New Zealand negotiating team to the GATT Uruguay Round.



The Climate Change Ambassador's primary role is to lead New Zealand's international climate change negotiations. Negotiations are currently underway to secure a comprehensive global agreement as a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

Acknowledgements: One News

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