Woman in NZ killed after power disconnection

by Seamus Sat Jun 02, 2007 04:51

Go on there lad. No doubt you've been campaigning all the way and this is the terrible tragedy at the end of your campaign? Or are you now just coming into the picture and using the tragedy of a family for your own wafer-thin ideological ends?

Please supply full details of everything so that we can develop our own perspective on this tragedy.

My uncle died this week in Mayo. He lived in a shite little house, no running water, weak and inconsistent electricity, relied on electricity for his medicinal requirements, etc. He was also a (bollix/cunt), and has unfortunately left an undesirable legacy for his family to contend with. But thats besides the point. We'll do the cursing.

I've seen no trace of SWP/PBP, or any other political party, flying his issues on their flag mast, but that’s more to do with ideological positions in that part of Connacht than the activities of political groups. But great to see Ireland represented in New Zealand.

Yes I believe situations like this, where they are permitted to get to this state, are wholly linked to our current social/political/economic etc systems.

But I vehemently refuse to use his death as a recruitment mechanism for my political affiliation.

To the writer of this article, I feel that you are simply attempting to manipulate readers by using the tragedy of peoples' lives for your own ends. You are no better than Goal/Concern etc who use the tragedy of people's experience of radical inequality to make money for their activities. No doubt you will tell me its in the name of....................

Please respond to such tragedies at a level of humanity that leaves your paper-selling logic to the privacy of your own dealings.

If you think someone as detached from your position as I feel I am should engage with your position then please do me the favour of respecting my intelligence by supplying the information I need to make up my own mind.

by Joe C - Solidarity Union Sat Jun 02, 2007 07:47

IN response to Seamus's requests, here is more information on the case.
This issue was brought up by Folole's niece, Brendan Sheehan, a trade unionist with the PSA union, who also spoke at the protest at Mercury Energy.

The union I work for has many people of different opinions and beliefs, not only my own brand of political affiliation. Organisers and volunteers came from across the political spectrum to support the Maliaga family- your attempt to generate a redscare here serves what purpose?

This case has exposed the poverty at the heart of the image of clean, green New Zealand, and has become a huge issue for the poor of South Auckland, who we work with day to day. People in Ireland might want to extend their solidarity to the Maliaga family-

Donations the Muliaga family:

Should you wish to donate, you can do so via direct credit into the following account:
* Lopaayea Muliaga
Westpac Bank
030173 0419547 27

Mercury Energy apologises to family, suspends cutting power
http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/209/article....aspx

Power cut death: Mother said - Just give us a chance
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=150121...42847

Call for justice as grieving begins
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/488120/1161321

Condolence book opened for Folole Muliaga
http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/CondolencebookopenedforFolole....aspx

FOLOLE MULIAGA'S HUSBAND MAKES EMOTIONAL THANK YOU TO SUPPORTERS
http://www.niufm.com/?t=3&View=FullStory&newsID=2038

Contracting and low wages are killer combination
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0706/S00016.htm

Auckland market holds minute's silence for power-cut victim
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&ob...43307

(no papers were sold on the Union stall today, that collected koha for the family and brought it to them this evening with a book of condolences signed by hundreds of people)

by joeC Sat Jun 02, 2007 09:08

A Wellington disputes lawyer says it could be difficult for Folole Muliaga's family to seek compensation for her death.

The South Auckland woman died on Tuesday after Mercury Energy cut power to her home, preventing her from using her oxygen machine.

Family members say they will continue looking at the prospect of legal action for compensation.

Roger Chapman, a partner at Johnston and Lawrence, says the relatives would probably have to prove Mercury's actions caused them psychological damage.

Mr Chapman says payouts usually amount to less than $80,000.

Family spokesperson Brenden Sheehan says the family are thinking of pursuing a civil case. Auckland lawyer Olinda Woodroffe has been hired.

Mr Sheehan says the family is distressed by comments made by Mighty River Power chief executive Doug Heffernan, who maintains the corporation is not to blame. Mr Sheehan is calling for Mr Heffernan to be sacked, saying he is not fit to run the company.

Ms Woodroffe says she is acting for Mr Muliaga, the estate and for the four children. She is considering a number of approaches, including whether the case is suitable for a claim of exemplary damages and issues of negligence.

She says Mercury Energy has been high-handed, and will be targeting it and its parent company, including directors. She is inviting Mercury Energy to front up to to what she says are its legal and ethical responsibilities. She will not say how much compensation they will seek.

Mercury Energy said on Thursday it is standing by its actions and will wait for the outcome of a police investigation.

Ms Woodroffe also says she is concerned at a lack of sensitivity in the police investigation. She says she was disturbed to get a call on Friday from a family spokesperson about the police interview of Ms Muliaga's eldest son.

She says she understands he is a witness but says police are not showing sensitivity in relation to language barriers and the proximity to his mother's death. The children can speak English, but they speak Samoan at home.

Ms Woodroffe says most Samoan children in low socio-economic circumstances in Mangere fear the police and will say anything to please them. She says the investigation team have agreed to her being present for a second interview.
Funeral arrangements

Ms Muliaga's body will be brought home on Sunday before a private family funeral is held on Monday.

Mr Sheehan says a lot of people are expected to visit the family home throughout the weekend and many people are flying over from Samoa. He says a public funeral is planned for Wednesday, but details have yet to be finalised.

Mr Sheehan says the support of people during the past few days has reaffirmed the family's faith in humanity. He says they are grateful for all the financial contributions they have received.
Tighter rules not the answer

The Electricity Complaints Commissioner says tighter rules on disconnecting power may not have saved Ms Muliaga's life.

The Ministry of Economic Development is reviewing industry guidelines to see if they should become mandatory.

Commissioner Judi Jones says the guidelines already stipulate that disconnection should be used only as a last resort, but the rules can work only if companies follow them.

She says she hopes the death of Ms Muliaga, 45, will motivate all energy companies to take the initiative more in helping customers who fall behind with payments.
Protesters at Electricity Commission

About 30 people gathered outside the Electricity Commission in Wellington on Friday afternoon to protest against the decision to cut off Ms Muliaga's power.

She died on Tuesday after Mercury Energy disconnected the electricity supply to her Mangere Bridge home because of an unpaid bill of $168.40, effectively disabling her oxygen machine.

Mercury Energy is the retail arm of the state-owned company Mighty River Power.

Protest organiser Fleur Fitzsimons said they had a clear message for power companies and the Electricity Commission - that they should put people before profit. Ms Fitzsimons says protesters were also there in support of the Muliaga family.

At a rowdy protest outside Mighty River Power's premises in Auckland on Thursday, about 50 people accused the company and the Government of having blood on their hands.

Police have revealed that Mercury Energy and its contractors have since been the subject of threats and abuse from members of the public.
Clark visits family

Prime Minister Helen Clark and two Labour MPs visited the Muliaga family at their home on Friday. Miss Clark says that if she were in their place she would hire a lawyer, saying she is appalled by the family's plight.

Mr Heffernan was also there with James Moulder from Mercury Energy, who said the company is deeply remorseful. They offered their condolences and gave a donation to help with funeral expenses.
Regulation may be necessary - PM

Miss Clark says regulation of the electricity industry may be needed to protect vulnerable customers who struggle to pay their bills.

Miss Clark is taking a personal interest in the case and says people feel embarrassed and devastated over the treatment of Ms Muliaga.

She says Ms Muliaga was not treated in the spirit of guidelines drawn up by the industry and social agencies to help low-income customers.

Although a police investigation is yet to establish what happened, she says Mercury's move to cut the power was clearly wrong.

She says it was intolerable that an incident of heartlessness by a company and a contractor has conveyed an inaccurate image of New Zealand around the world.

Miss Clark said it was unbelievable that the contractor cut the power when he saw Ms Muliaga had a tube coming out of her nose.
Backlash grows

A public backlash is growing against Mercury Energy. Two of Mercury's biggest competitors - Genesis Energy and Contact Energy - have noted an increase in the number of phone calls to their call centres.

Contact Energy says it has received more inquiries than usual and Mercury Energy call centre staff have confirmed that several customers have called to cancel their accounts.