NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Zero Waste Champions lead the way at the 2024 Tāmaki Makaurau Awards

    Source: Auckland Council

    Wonky cherries transformed into cola, discarded fishing nets repurposed into kitchen panels, a waste waka cleaning the streets, and community composting efforts were all celebrated at the 2024 Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards.

    The awards night, held on Thursday 24 October, honoured outstanding contributions to zero waste initiatives from people right across Auckland. Among the guests were the 170 individuals, groups, schools, marae, businesses, and social enterprises that were nominated for their dedication to reducing waste and championing sustainability across the region.

    “We celebrate the work and success of Zero Waste Award winners and nominees in reducing waste and supporting a circular economy. We had a record number of nominations this year which is testament to the ingenuity and aspirations of every Aucklander working in this space. Auckland Council congratulates the winners and thanks everyone who is striving for a Zero-Waste future,” says Parul Sood, Deputy Director Resilience and Infrastructure at Auckland Council.

    Judges Charmaine Bailie (Uru Whakaaro), Ngarimu Blair (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), Parul Sood (Auckland Council) and Carla Gee (EcoMatters) selected winners as well as highly commending several other entries in each of the six categories.

    Rangatahi Leadership Award – Rangatahi, rangawhenua, rangatangata

    The winner is Pacific Vision Aotearoa’s Food Hub Gang. The self-named trio of young volunteers – Nazihah Buksh, Ayla Brockes, and Alena Lui – collects food scraps from New World supermarket to create compost at the Papatoetoe Food Hub. Despite their busy schedules, they contribute weekly with dedication, diverting 1.5 tonnes of waste from landfills. Each member has a unique role, with their efforts supporting community gardens and highlighting the importance of reducing waste.

    Growing the Movement Award – Whakakanohi i te kaupapa para kore

    The winner is Brigitte Sistig, co-founder of Repair Cafe Aotearoa NZ and a key figure since 2013. She launched the Repair Café in 2016 with Auckland Council funding, delivering 18 events with 12 community partners across Tāmaki Makaurau. Now largely volunteering, she helps manage 22 regular Repair Cafes in Auckland, at both permanent and pop-up locations, with the first Repair Festival having taken place in September 2024. Brigitte also leads the Right to Repair Aotearoa Coalition, advocating for the Consumer Guarantees (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill Campaign.

    Community Collaboration Award – Hā ora, Hāpori

    The winner is Junk2Go, a rubbish collection business in Avondale that focuses on diverting usable items to people in need instead of sending them to landfill. Collected items like furniture, clothing, appliances, and e-waste are sorted and donated through the “Junk2Go turning Junk2Good” initiative. Nothing is sold. Their depot opens weekly to charity partners, allowing them and the families they support to freely take what they need, helping to turn houses into homes.

    Cultural Connection Award – Whīria te ahurea, whīria te kaitīakitanga

    The winner is PlanetFM, a not-for-profit community radio station, that amplifies the voices of Tāmaki Makaurau’s minority and special interest groups. It has supported the zero waste campaign by broadcasting programmes and ads in multiple languages, including Arabic, Nepali, and Tamil, to reach ethnically diverse communities. Volunteers were trained to promote zero waste and used their networks to extend the campaign’s impact, delivering messages in culturally relevant ways through trusted community leaders.

    Innovation Award – Anga whakamua

    The winner is Clevaco. Clevaco created New Zealand’s first circular building foundation with its CLEVA POD® system, made from 100% recycled plastic. This system replaces polystyrene pods and can be fully recovered during demolition, avoiding landfill waste. CLEVA POD® offers the building industry an easy, sustainable alternative. Clevaco partners with companies committed to environmental practices, helping them adopt circular construction and sustainable building methods.

    Community Engagement – Food Scraps Service Rollout – Rukenga kai

    The joint winners are A Fool’s Company and the EcoMatters Food Scraps team.

    A Fool’s Company helped roll out the food scraps service with an interactive theatre show for primary schools in Tāmaki Makaurau. “Freddie’s Food Scraps Quest: A Rukenga Kai Story” is a 45-minute performance combining storytelling, comedy, music, and audience participation. Teaching children the importance of rukenga kai, 75 shows have reached over 11,000 children and 500 adults since August 2023. The success has led to renewed funding, allowing free performances across the region and expansion into recycling education.

    The EcoMatters Food Scraps team received six individual nominations. They spent 10 months educating Tāmaki Makaurau residents on using the rukenga kai service. A team of 25 canvassers held over 35,000 conversations across 98 areas, putting in 3000 hours. They engaged the public at community events, door-knocking, and even beside sports fields.

    This year’s awards were organised by EcoMatters Environment Trust, in partnership with Auckland Council, as part of its aspirational goal for Tāmaki Makaurau to be zero waste by 2040.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: China and New Zealand strengthen organic trade

    Source: New Zealand Government

    An uplift to New Zealand’s organic product trade is expected through a new upgraded arrangement with China, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.

    “The upgraded Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products will deliver opportunities for our organic export sector.”

    The upgraded MRA was signed in Central Otago today by Andrew Hoggard and Mr Luo Wen, China’s Minister for State Administration for Market Regulation.

    “It will see New Zealand and China develop and undertake a joint work programme to strengthen trade and focus on boosting exports of New Zealand organic bulk food service ingredients and streamlining the certification process.”

    According to industry figures, organic exports to China were worth more than $81 million in 2021/22.

    “The MRA, in place since 2022, formally recognises that both New Zealand’s and China’s organic production and certification systems achieve equivalent outcomes. The upgraded MRA recognises the confidence we have in each other’s organic systems, a shared commitment towards boosting two-way trade, and the strength of our bilateral relationship.” 

    “Strengthening our organic exports to China will also help deliver the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of our exports in the next 10 years. This will drive more value for our growers and rural communities across New Zealand.” 

    “Government is committed to supporting the success of Kiwi businesses and the upgraded MRA sets the foundations for a long and successful export market for our hardworking organic growers, manufacturers, and exporters,” Andrew Hoggard says.

    The new upgraded MRA takes effect from today, with the development of the New Zealand and China joint work programme expected to start this year.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government funds helicopter replacements

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is investing in eight new emergency helicopters to replace some of New Zealand’s ageing air ambulance fleet, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and ACC Minister Matt Doocey announced today. 

    “Our air ambulance helicopters play a vital role in saving lives around New Zealand,” Casey Costello says. “This is particularly true for those living in remote, rural or regional areas. 

    “The replacement helicopters, which will be both new and second-hand, will be bought or leased and deployed to parts of the country where they are most needed.

    “As well as improved safety, the new helicopters will provide more reliable service, a better capacity to respond in bad weather conditions with new Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability, reduced maintenance costs, greater fuel efficiency and better operational performance.”

    An additional $14.7 million is being invested in the year to July 2025, $8.2 million by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and $6.5 million by ACC, to enable New Zealand’s air ambulance helicopter service providers to replace ageing helicopters with newer aircraft.

    “New Zealand’s air ambulance fleet needs upgrading, so it’s exciting to announce this investment in a critically needed service,” says Mr Doocey.

    “The helicopter fleet enables paramedics, doctors and nurses to provide treatment while patients are transported to an appropriate hospital or healthcare facility. This reduces the impacts of illness or injury from delayed care.”

    In the last three years, air ambulance use has increased by 21 percent, with the total fleet flying 13,026 hours in the year to October 2023, an average of more than 35 hours every day.

    New Zealand’s emergency air ambulance helicopter services are currently provided by Northern Rescue Helicopter Limited (for Auckland and Northland), Central Air Ambulance Rescue Limited (for the Central North Island) and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (for the South Island). These service providers own or lease the helicopters.

    Health NZ and ACC are working with the sector to redesign the aeromedical operating model to make the best use of air ambulance resources, including moving to longer term contract arrangements with providers.

    “The first replacement helicopter is already in operation, with the next one due to arrive in New Zealand at the end of the year. I look forward to seeing the upgraded fleet being fully deployed,” Ms Costello says.

    “This long weekend is also the time to remind people to be careful on the roads and to thank everyone working to keep New Zealanders safe including our air and road ambulance crews and emergency responders.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Development – Consent granted for Karori retirement village under COVID-19 fast-track Act – EPA

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    An independent panel has granted resource consent, subject to conditions, to construct a Metlifecare retirement village in Karori, Wellington.
    Metlifecare Retirement Villages Limited applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020.
    The project includes demolishing an existing retirement village and constructing multi-storey buildings at 29 Messines Road, Karori.
    The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.
    The decision comes 190 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
    The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appoints.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  25 October 2024 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation

    “The 60km upgraded track provides the opportunity to do one of New Zealand’s world-class multi-day walks, and will bring conservation, recreation, and economic benefits to the region,” Mr Potaka says. 

    “Located in Te Wāhipounamu, in the south-west corner of the South Island, the trail weaves through diverse landscapes, including, beaches and seascapes, native forest, and an alpine section. It also provides opportunities to spot Hector dolphins and see the southern lights – the Aurora Australis.” 

    Mr Potaka says that the Hump Ridge Track is steeped in cultural and historical significance, and that its Great Walk status will make it more of a drawcard for both New Zealanders and international visitors. 

    “The area has rich stories, and new installations on the trail will tell them. This includes the stories of tangata whenua and the forestry heritage, as well as the viaducts and Port Craig. 

    “A new Waharoa, a gateway, now stands at the entrance to the new track entrance, welcoming visitors. 

    “This will be an exciting moment for everyone who has invested time and energy into this project, along with those who will benefit from the increase it brings to local businesses and the economy.” 

    The upgrades are expected to bring a 10 percent growth in numbers in the next years and return Great Walk visitor numbers nearer to pre-pandemic levels. As well as bringing employment opportunities and revenue to local communities, accommodation providers can also expect an increase in bed nights. 

    The track has received $7.9 million in funding for multiple improvements, including future-proofing sections of the track against climate change and natural hazards, and developing alternative routes 

    Inclines have been eased and new boardwalks have also been installed, as well as new swing bridge. 

    “I am very pleased to know that the track will now offer visitors a view into the area, telling the stories of tangata whenua and the area’s biodiversity,” Mr Potaka says. 

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Picking up the pace to get Waikato Expressway Ngāruawāhia section wrapped for Christmas

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    More closures and detours are coming for the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway as the level of activity picks up to ensure the project is complete by mid-December.

    This means weekday night closures and detours will be required throughout November, with the possibility of further full week 24/7 closures at the end of the month if required.

    Additional contractors are being brought in so that when the closures are in place work will happen on the northbound and southbound lanes at the same time, says Jo Wilton, Senior Manager Project Services at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

    “We’re absolutely determined to get this finished and open to four lanes of traffic by mid-December, ahead of the busy Christmas period, which is why we’re throwing more resources at this.

    “This project to repair and upgrade this section of the Waikato Expressway has caused ongoing disruption for some time and we’re asking for a bit more patience from motorists while we ramp up activity on site to finish the job,” Ms Wilton says.

    The following schedule is listed on the Waikato Expressway surface works project and drivers are encouraged to check this page for the latest information on closures and detours.

    Expressway surface works

    Closure Date

    Closure Hours

    Direction

    Wednesday 30 October

    Overnight (7pm-5am)

    Southbound

    Thursday 31 October

    Overnight (7pm-5am)

    Northbound

    Sunday 3 November to Friday 8 November

    Night closures (7pm-5am) starting Sunday night and finishing Friday morning

    Both directions

    Sunday 10 November to Friday 15 November

    Night closures (7pm-5am) starting Sunday night and finishing Friday morning

    Both directions

    Sunday 17 November to Friday 22 November

    Night closures (7pm-5am) starting Sunday night and finishing Friday morning

    Both directions

    Sunday 24 November to Friday 29 November (If needed – to be confirmed)

    Full road closure from midnight Sunday to midday Friday

    Both directions

    Sunday 1 December to Friday 6 December (If needed – to be confirmed)

    Full closure from midnight Sunday to midday Friday

    Both directions

    Additional night closures may be required in early December. Further information will be released about this closer to the time and the table on the website will be updated.

    When the Ngāruawāhia section is open to traffic a contraflow system will be in place where all vehicles will use either the northbound or southbound lanes to allow work to continue. Drivers are advised to follow the signage around the Lake Road interchange which will manage the connections to SH1 and SH1C at Lake Road and to Horotiu.

    “As always with road works there may be disruption from the weather or other unforeseen circumstances, but by setting aside this amount of time for full closures, we’re confident that we’ve got enough time in reserve to ensure the job is done by our 15 December deadline,” Ms Wilton says. 

    It’s a busy time on the network – so plan ahead before you travel with Journey planner:

    journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, Lake Horowhenua homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson

    Police are continuing enquiries into the death of a man at Muaūpoko Park, Lake Horowhenua.

    A homicide investigation was launched after the man was located deceased in a building on Thursday 17 October.

    The victim can now be named as 56-year-old Horowhenua man Robert Nattie Albert.

    A funeral service for Robert was held on Tuesday 22 October at the Ngāti Huia marae.

    We have heard from a number of members of the public who were in the Lake Horowhenua area on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October. Footage from the surrounding areas has also been obtained and analysed to identify the movements of vehicles and people in the area.

    We would still like to hear from anyone who was in the Lake Horowhenua area that hasn’t yet spoken to us.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241017/7823.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Victim identified in Gulf Harbour homicide case

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Seven months after the discovery of a body in a bag found in Gulf Harbour, Police can now reveal the identity of the victim.

    She was Shulai Wang, 70, of China.

    Police have been investigating the death since she was found in the water in Gulf Harbour on 12 March.

    Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams, Waitematā CIB, says extensive enquiries have been carried out to identify the victim.

    “Detectives from the Operation Parade investigation team recently travelled to China to assist with this process.

    “The investigation team has been working tirelessly in the months since the homicide investigation was launched to piece together who this victim was, and the events leading up to her death.

    Acting Detective Inspector Williams says Mrs Wang came to New Zealand in August 2023 from China.

    “She had no family in New Zealand and had not been reported missing.

    “Mrs Wang’s family back in China have been advised of her death and we are working with them and international authorities to repatriate Mrs Wang and return her to her family.

    “We appreciate there are still many questions the community has in relation to this investigation and we can assure you our team is working around the clock to find those answers.”

    Two people, a man and woman both aged 37, remain before the Court charged with interfering with human remains.

    The investigation into Mrs Wang’s death is ongoing and Police will continue to provide further updates as our investigation allows.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police monitoring gang event in Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are aware of the Tribesman Outlaw Motorcycle Club’s plans to host an event in Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend.

    Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook says Police have a number of teams working hard to target and disrupt unlawful gang-related activity.

    “We will be monitoring the event in Auckland this weekend and there will be an increased Police presence in the Counties Manukau area.

    “Police will be actively ensuring this event is carried out in a safe manner for all involved, including the wider community.”

    Inspector Cook says enforcement action will be taken where appropriate for any unsafe or dangerous behaviour.

    “We continue to encourage the community to report any suspicious or illegal activity that may be taking place, we take these reports seriously and in confidence.”

    If you are concerned about your safety in regards to the group, or witness illegal behaviour happening now, please call 111 immediately.

    To report, or send in any footage of the group causing concern, we encourage you to file a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Board approves Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park plan

    Source: Auckland Council

    Waiheke is about to have a plan in place for the future management of the popular Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park.

    The Waiheke Local Board approved the adoption of the long-awaited draft Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park Management Plan 2024 at a meeting on 10 October 2024.

    As well as being Waiheke’s largest centre for sport and recreational facilities, the park includes important ecological waterways and wetlands. 

    The park and its surrounding landscape have always been a significant cultural site for mana whenua known as Te Rangihoua that includes the maunga (mountain) pā site Te Pūtiki o Kahumatamomoe, and the Rangihoua awa (stream) and their histories and aspirations are captured in the new plan.

    The plan, which has been in development since 2018, has been informed by extensive research and engagement with mana whenua, the local community and key stakeholders to provide a framework for “managing the use, enjoyment, maintenance, protection, preservation and, to the extent that resources permit and as appropriate, the development of part of” the 60-hectare park situated southeast of Waiheke’s Ostend suburb. 

    “It’s been a long road to get to this point, but we are really pleased to have this plan in place to make sure this important area of Waiheke will be managed well for future generations. Huge thanks to the many stakeholders involved whose perseverance and amazing mahi helped create this plan,” says Local Board Chair Cath Handley

    The board is now developing a programme to allocate funds to initiatives in the plan for the 2025/26 financial year.

    You can read the draft Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park Management Plan 2024 here.

    Stay up to date

    Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area? Sign up for the Waiheke Local Board E-News and get the latest direct to your inbox each month.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Temporary restriction on bike rack usage at night to be put in place on buses

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    NZTA has determined that the way some bus models are fitted with bike racks can partially obscure headlights, particularly at night. It has sent an alert to all public transport authorities across the country, asking for operators to check their buses to see which are affected and to resolve any issues accordingly.  

    As an initial response, bike racks on the front of Metro buses will only be able to be used during daylight hours while adequate testing and changes can be made to ensure compliance. The exact timings of restrictions will vary from month to month to maximise the time available to customers that take their bikes on the bus. For November, The restriction will be in place from 8.45pm to 5.45am. 

    Restriction times for the months up to and including in March 2025 can be viewed on the Metro website. Customers that use bike-racks should check this information each month for updates.

    “This directive from NZTA is all about public safety. While we have not encountered any issues with the visibility of our headlights before, we want to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep our customers, drivers and the public safe,” Public Transport operations manager Derek Walsh says. 

    “We ask that our customers travelling with bikes respect this new rule and ensure they board and disembark with their bikes during daylight hours. Staff will work with NZTA and operators to determine the best way to undertake assessments before being able to review the fleet and consider mitigation and funding options. The timeframe for this is not yet known. 

    “We will continue to communicate with our customers affected by this and will let them know when we have a better idea of how long these restrictions could be in place for,” he says. 

    “We thank our customers for their understanding as we work to get this sorted. Our drivers will be tasked with reminding customers of this new rule, please remember they are just doing their jobs and trying their best to keep everyone safe.” 

    Read the industry alert issued by NZTA about bike-racks.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 25 October 2024 The road to Northland’s largest new development A small but significant road that connects 55 new Kāinga Ora homes in Whangārei has been gifted a new name – Papa Totara Loop.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    Pari Walker, a Kaumatua of Northland hapū Te Parawhau, unveiled the name at a recent dawn ceremony for Wanaka Street – the largest Kāinga Ora development in the region – before he led a group to officially open the homes.

    “People call it a blessing but it’s actually a tuwhera,” Pari says. Tuwhera, which can mean ‘opening up’ or ‘to be open’, includes different types of karakia.

    “They revolve around things like the earth – the whenua – the buildings, the materials, Tāne’s realm and where all of that comes from, and it’s clearing the spaces.”

    Named for ‘whakaaro’

    Te Parawhau Kaumatua Pari Walker leads a tuwhera at Wanaka Street in Whangārei.

    As the tuwhera draws to a close, Pari explains how Papa Totara Loop’s name came from the relationship between Te Parawhau, Kāinga Ora and build partner Soho Group during development of the homes.

    “Once we got through the design phase, we went through our uara,” says Pari Walker. “We have an uara ahurea, which is our cultural values, and we looked at a lot of things.”

    Plans originally included the removal of two trees, a tōtara and a pūriri, so mana whenua requested they remain.

    “They altered their plans to save the trees,” Pari says, “and so in acknowledgement to their whakaaro and what they did, we named the road Papa Totara.”

    Homes for ‘how people live’

    The homes here were designed and built by Soho Group for Kāinga Ora customers, and those customers were the focus from the project’s beginning.

    “Soho Group wanted to partner with Kāinga Ora because we see the work that Kāinga Ora does as really vital and important – it works to the same core values that we do,” says General Manager Ben Noone.

    “We think this is going to be a great place for people to come and live, because it’s taken into account how people live.

    “It’s homes built with community gardens, it’s got community space, it’s got greenspace. It’s got the aspect of the sun, and how the weather works, all considered into the development.”

    Room to connect

    Along with each of the 55 new homes, Papa Totara Loop also connects residents with Te Whare o Tukua o Punga – a community room for residents to gather, have a cup of tea and get to know their neighbours.

    Its name was gifted by Northland hapū Ngāti Hau, in honour of the suburb where these homes were built, Tikipunga, and how it was originally known by mana whenua.

    ‘Partnerships built this’

    For Jeff Murray, Kāinga Ora Regional Director – Northland, the development reflects what can be achieved by working together.

    “The development is thoughtfully designed and built, prioritising connection and community,” he says.

    “Partnerships built this development, and we’re already seeing those same values extend to supporting our customers as they move in.

    “Members at HOPE Tikipunga church have prepared welcome baskets for residents. Our Housing Support team will also be here at Te Whare o Tukua o Punga each week, to meet with our customers and help them make the most of this space.”

    With strong foundations set, Wanaka Street is on its way to meet Kaumatua Pari’s final hopes for this place.

    “Well my hopes are that we’re not just building them a house,” he says. “My hopes are that we’re building them a community.”

    Page updated: 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Leave Denniston relics where they lie

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  24 October 2024

    The call comes amid reports of people illegally digging and moving material at the historic site.

    Senior Heritage Advisor Tom Barker says that people travel to Denniston to learn about the history there, and the historic artifacts and relics are all part of the experience. For many decades, Denniston was the largest producing coal mining area in New Zealand, staffed by pioneering people who braved the hilltop and windswept location.

    “The mining history of Denniston is among the premier attractions in our district. It’s an incredible piece of West Coast history that we should be proud to share and must preserve for all visitors to observe and learn about.

    “Denniston is a legally protected Category 1 Historic Place under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. Anyone found taking or disturbing material there risks a fine of up to $300,000.

    “Around 20,000 people visit Denniston each year to marvel at the breathtaking brakehead, ponder on the harsh reality for the inhabitants of the once bustling coal mining township, and take in spectacular coastal views”

    Tom says in the past it was common for local people to remove building material from Denniston and other abandoned sites in the district.

    “A lot of those materials and whole houses were moved to Westport and other Buller settlements off the hill. However, we are in a different time now. Taking items from Denniston is stealing from our West Coast heritage and tourism offering.”

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Navigating monetary policy through the unknown: A speech by RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    24 October 2024 – RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr

    Low and stable inflation is again in sight, as we navigate monetary policy. In New Zealand, consumer price inflation is now at 2.2%, converging on the midpoint of our 1 to 3% target range, Governor Adrian Orr says.  

    “That’s something to celebrate,” he says in a speech delivered at the Peterson Institute in Washington DC, while attending the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, where policymakers are discussing monetary policy.

    “Navigating monetary policy, with a 1 to 2-year lag between policy action and ultimate outcome, is akin to ocean circumnavigation,” Mr Orr says.  

    “When setting monetary policy, we have a clear – unmovable – destination in mind. However, we only have a reasonable sense of where we are currently located, and only partial knowledge of the sturdiness of the economy and the effectiveness of policy instruments.  

    “We must also be cognisant of unanticipated risks ahead, and at times act swiftly to avoid perils. First, stay afloat. For monetary policy makers, peril includes a long and persistent downturn, with monetary policy stuck at the effective lower bound, or an inflationary spiral. Over recent years, global monetary policy navigators have had to act fast to avoid both perils.”

    “It is now pleasing to be able to ease monetary policy in New Zealand, but it’s still at a level we think is restrictive, so as to work against any remaining inflationary tendencies that may linger.”

    A key question now is how long it will take for any lingering inflationary pressures to dissipate?  “The sooner this happens, the sooner we will be able to claim that the inflation caused by COVID-19 – amongst other severe shocks — is behind us.”

    “We are in a situation where we can provide the perspective of an economy returning to low and stable inflation, interest rates becoming less restrictive, and economic activity being revitalised. But that is just the most recent navigational plot on the ocean chart,” he says.

    More information

    Watch the livestream on the PIIE YouTube channel

    https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=86f4fb4d8a&e=f3c68946f8

    Download the speech (PDF, 1MB) https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=6900311933&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police response to IPCA findings

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police acknowledge the IPCA’s findings into a fleeing driver incident in Christchurch last year, where a passenger died after the vehicle crashed.

    Shortly after 2am on 17 September 2023, officers stopped a vehicle in Christchurch and discovered the driver was breaching his licence conditions and the vehicle was not roadworthy.

    The vehicle was issued a pink sticker, ordering it off the road, and the driver was instructed to drive it directly to a specific address.

    The vehicle was instead located a short time later at a meet of antisocial road users.

    Police signalled for the vehicle to stop and, when it didn’t, initiated a pursuit, however the vehicle was lost sight of.

    The vehicle was located crashed into a tree in Rangiora a short time later. A back-seat passenger was found deceased.

    The IPCA has ruled that while certain aspects of Police’s pursuit policy were not followed, the officers’ actions were not responsible for the crash.

    Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill says Police staff make quick decisions in high-pressure, dynamic situations every day.

    “Our staff have been reminded of our policies around fleeing vehicles and pursuits.

    “While some elements of our procedure were not followed in this case, the overall decision-making was sound, and we are pleased the IPCA has agreed with us that our staff did not cause this crash.

    “We implore people who are being signalled to stop – please just stop. It’s not worth risking the lives of yourselves or others, and you are putting everyone in harm’s way when you choose to flee.”

    ENDS 

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – ShakeOut 2024 – 001430

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    lass=”Debatealone”>SHAKEOUT 2024

    SPEAKER: The House is going to suspend to take part in ShakeOut 2024, which is a national earthquake preparedness drill. Members will either get underneath their benches or underneath the galleries on the end; they could move now. Could everyone in the gallery please just pretend you’re on an airplane and you’ve got to do that drill and move forward and hold your knees or something like that, just while we do this.

    Sitting suspended from 9.32 a.m. to 9.33 a.m.

    SPEAKER: The House is resumed. Members might like to take their seat—crisis averted. I’ll just apologise to those in the gallery; we didn’t want to interrupt this important debate, but that exercise was carried out right across the country and it would have been a bit odd if Parliament had decided it didn’t need to be doing what we’re asking of everybody else. Thank you for indulging us, and I call on Dr Parmjeet Parmar.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Restoring Citizenship Removed by Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill — Second Reading – 001431

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    lass=”BeginningOfDay”>WEDNESDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2024

    (continued on Thursday, 24 October 2024)

    RESTORING CITIZENSHIP REMOVED BY CITIZENSHIP (WESTERN SAMOA) ACT 1982 BILL

    Second Reading

    SPEAKER: Members, in accordance with a determination of the Business Committee, I call on members’ order of the day No. 1.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Wednesday, 23 October 2024 (continued on Thursday, 24 October 2024) – Volume 779 – 001432

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    lass=”Debatealone”>SHAKEOUT 2024

    SPEAKER: The House is going to suspend to take part in ShakeOut 2024, which is a national earthquake preparedness drill. Members will either get underneath their benches or underneath the galleries on the end; they could move now. Could everyone in the gallery please just pretend you’re on an airplane and you’ve got to do that drill and move forward and hold your knees or something like that, just while we do this.

    Sitting suspended from 9.32 a.m. to 9.33 a.m.

    SPEAKER: The House is resumed. Members might like to take their seat—crisis averted. I’ll just apologise to those in the gallery; we didn’t want to interrupt this important debate, but that exercise was carried out right across the country and it would have been a bit odd if Parliament had decided it didn’t need to be doing what we’re asking of everybody else. Thank you for indulging us, and I call on Dr Parmjeet Parmar.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Key Council decisions made: cruise ship support, annual report and representation

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Council’s regular meeting took place today (Wednesday 23 October), with several key topics on the agenda.

    Annual Report 2023/24 adopted

    Our Annual Report covering the 2023/24 financial year was adopted at the Council meeting.

    The report highlighted that we achieved 90 per cent of our levels of service, compared to 75 per cent the previous year. Similarly, 95 per cent of targets were achieved compared to 89 per cent in 2022/23.

    Other highlights from the report included:

    • 14.5 million passenger trips on our public transport network – up by nearly 2.9 million on 2022/23 (and the highest patronage levels since the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes)
    • 3,115 labour hours spent controlling sycamore, cotoneaster, wild cherry and wilding conifers in the Rakaia Gorge
    • 63 water and land projects funded by the Canterbury Water Management Strategy zone committees to implement their action plans
    • 1,266 resource consent application decisions
    • As of the end of 2023/24, we have resolved over 50 per cent of legacy applications and expect to clear them all by the end of 2024, meaning we can focus on new applications and processing consents more efficiently for our customers. We are now processing 70 per cent of new applications within the statutory timeframes.

    In adopting the Annual Report, Chair Craig Pauling and the Councillors acknowledged the mahi (work) put in by staff, both during the year and in producing the Annual Report.

    “This reflects all the work that we have done for our community over the last 12 months. It’s been a massive effort on all fronts, and to get an unmodified opinion from Audit New Zealand is a really great result.”

    Representation arrangements stays with status quo

    Following community feedback, the Council agreed to retain a similar representation arrangement to what is currently in place for the 2025 elections.

    The status quo means two Councillors for each of the seven existing constituencies, with some minor boundary adjustments to the Christchurch City constituencies:

    • Aligning the Christchurch constituency boundaries to the current city ward boundaries
    • Altering the boundary of the Christchurch Central/Ōhoko constituency to exclude the Linwood Ward and include the Papanui Ward
    • Altering the boundary of the Christchurch North-East/Ōrei constituency to exclude the Papanui Ward and to include the Linwood Ward.

    This is a change from the initial proposal the Council consulted the community on earlier this year.

    Visit our Have Your Say website for more information on the representation review.

    Support for cruise ships re-introduced

    Councillors have decided to allocate up to $210,000 from the public transport reserves to meet potential demand on the Metro network for the upcoming cruise ship season.

    This will see the extra provision of public transport on Route 8 on eight key days during the cruise ship season to minimise disruption, particularly around school and commuter peaks.

    This would provide on-street ticketing and additional capacity.

    Find out more: Public transport support on its way to help customers this cruise ship season

    Our Waitarakao Strategy adopted

    A strategy to restore the mauri (life force) of Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon catchment, near Timaru, has been approved by two of its four partners this week, following extensive community feedback and the recent endorsement from the project’s joint steering group.

    Both Timaru District Council and we have this week approved the Our Waitarakao: Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon Catchment Strategy at their respective Council meetings. The remaining two project partners, Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua and the Department of Conservation, will now consider approval through their processes.

    Find out more about the Our Waitarakao: Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon Catchment Strategy

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Attorney-General to deliver law lecture in Sydney

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Attorney-General Judith Collins is travelling to Sydney to speak at Western Sydney University on the constitutional and rule of law challenges in the current uncertain global environment.

    “It is timely to take the opportunity to discuss constitutional and rule of law challenges,” Ms Collins says.

    “We find ourselves in increasingly complex times due to such things as an increase in conflict throughout the world, climate change, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and new technologies. This presents new challenges to the rule of law and demonstrates its importance.”

    Ms Collins will also speak to the ways New Zealand’s constitution has developed, and the differences in Australia and New Zealand’s constitutional structures.

    “There is significant value in New Zealand and Australia being aware of and learning from each other’s constitutional experience,” Ms Collins says.

    She will be joined by Western Sydney University Vice Chancellor Professor George Williams and Justice Michael Kirby, a former Justice of the High Court of Australia. 

    Ms Collins leaves New Zealand today and returns tomorrow.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First RMA Amendment Bill passes third reading

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The coalition Government’s Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament, delivering on the Government’s commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to councils and consent applicants, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard say.

    “Our RMA Reform programme is happening in three phases. We repealed the previous government’s excessively complicated reforms through Phase One before Christmas last year. Now in Phase Two we’re implementing a one-stop-shop fast-track consenting regime, legislating for a raft of ‘quick fixes’ to the interim RMA through two Amendment Bills and a suite of changes to national direction, and then in Phase Three we’ll fully replace the RMA with a new regime guided by private property rights,” Mr Bishop says.

    “This first Amendment Bill is focused on targeted changes that can take effect quickly and give certainty to councils and consent applicants, while new legislation to replace the RMA is developed,” Ms Simmonds says.

    “Farming, mining and other primary industries are critical to rebuilding the New Zealand economy. This Bill reduces the regulatory burden on resource consent applicants and supports development in these key sectors,” Mr McClay says.

    The Bill makes several changes to the Resource Management Act and national direction.

    The Bill:

    • clarifies that resource consent applicants no longer need to demonstrate their proposed activities follow the Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations, as set out in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM).
    • amends stock exclusion regulations in relation to sloped land.
    • repeals the permitted and restricted discretionary intensive winter grazing regulations and replaces these with new regulations relating to critical source areas and riparian setbacks
    • aligns the consenting pathway for coal mining with the pathway for other extractive activities across the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB), NPS-FM, and the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-F).
    • suspends the requirement for councils to identify new Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) in accordance with the NPS-IB for three years, to give enough time for a thorough review of how they operate.
    • streamlines the process for preparing national direction under the RMA
    • clarifies councils’ ability to consent discharges where consent conditions will reduce effects over time
    • pauses the roll out of Freshwater Farm Plans across the country
    • restricts councils’ ability to notify new freshwater plans from 22 October 2024 until the gazettal of the replacement National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM).

    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says improving primary sector profitability is key to boosting our largest exporting sector. Regulations need to be fit-for-purpose and not place unnecessary compliance costs on farmers and growers. 

    “By removing the need for resource consent applicants to demonstrate that their activities follow the hierarchy of obligations, we’ve cut an unnecessary compliance burden and are reducing costs faced by farmers and growers,” Mr McClay says.

    “The changes to stock exclusion and winter grazing regulations represent a move to a more risk-based, catchment-focussed approach.

    “We’ve removed the low slope map and will let regional councils and individual farmers determine where stock need to be excluded, based on risk. The focus is on farm-level and regionally suitable solutions. 

    “Regional councils tell us there has been a significant improvement in winter grazing practices, with farmers changing where they plant fodder crops and how they manage winter grazing.

    “Importantly, non-regulatory measures are already in place to support the continued improvement of winter grazing practices going forward.” Mr McClay says.

    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard says freshwater farm plans are an essential for managing freshwater risks. 

    “The intention is that freshwater farm plans will provide an effective way to manage the impacts of farming activities on freshwater, including winter grazing and stock exclusion, in a risk-based and practical way.

    “These changes will help bring efficiencies to a system that was too complex. The Government has worked at pace to simplify and improve the freshwater farm plan system. We have delivered for farmers and growers.”

    The Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill will come into force the day after it receives Royal Assent.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government funds food for additional 10,000 children in ECE

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that KidsCan Charitable Trust will be delivering the new Early Childhood Education (ECE) Food Programme, starting in February 2025. 

    “I would like to acknowledge KidsCan for their amazing work supporting children’s learning since 2005. In 2019 they launched a national early childhood programme which provides healthy lunches to over 6,000 early learners with the highest needs. From 2025 this number will increase to 16,000, with $4 million in additional funding from this government,” says Mr Seymour. 

    “KidsCan are experienced at effectively helping Kiwi children affected by poverty. They are the only large scale, national, not-for-profit, and non-governmental provider of food to ECE services. They already have the systems and relationships in place to supply food to ECE centres who need it, in a way that is cost effective.  

    “Sir Peter Gluckman’s research clearly demonstrates that good nutrition is one of the key factors affecting early brain development. The more we can do to support good nutrition from a young age, the more likely children are to reach their potential. 

    “This was possible because of this government’s financial prudence. The additional funding is realised capital from cost savings in the new healthy school lunch programme, which I announced earlier this week.

    “The first 1,000 days are key to a child’s development. I am proud this government can innovate to provide help for even more children who need it.”

    ECE service eligibility for the programme will be based on a number of factors, including information from the new Early Childhood Education Equity Index. The equity index, which is the most accurate it has been in nearly 20 years, measures the extent to which an ECE service draws its children from low socio-economic communities.  

    KidsCan will contact eligible services over the next couple of months so that the programme can begin early next year. All 2–5-year-olds attending eligible ECE services that opt in will be able to access KidsCan food.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – Voluntas Elevate, New Advisory Firm Targets Underserved Tech Founders

    Source: Voluntas Group

    Give us the tired, the distressed, the huddled founders yearning to break free, the glorious refuse of traditional venture capitalists.

    AUCKLAND – 24 October 2024 – Voluntas Group is launching Voluntas Elevate, a strategic advisory firm that targets underserved tech founders. Voluntas Elevate is designed for early-stage founders, those with momentum and ready to scale, and those stalled between growth phases.

    Voluntas Elevate’s core services are designed for growth and scaling, planning and governance, capital acquisition, and talent development and acquisition. The company already boasts 12 clients and holds an equity stake in three. While its core purpose is advisory services, it also helps raise capital for those within the Voluntas ecosystem. It’s currently raising NZ$11.3m for nine clients with an average raise of $1.25m.

    Voluntas Elevate founding partner, Jason Holdsworth, and partner, Darren Ward.

    “Not every opportunity must be a 10x or 100x unicorn. Our mission is to elevate tech founders who have struggled to access the support they need through the traditional venture capital model. There are a lot of good businesses that are simply overlooked because they may “only” demonstrate triple annual recurring revenue – that’s still a good sustainable business that can potentially scale rapidly,” says Jason Holdsworth, Founding Partner, Voluntas Group.

    Many tech founders face hurdles in accessing capital and the strategic support necessary to achieve long-term growth and value. Voluntas Elevate recognises this gap and bridges it with comprehensive services and a global network, helping founders to strategically build and expand their businesses.

    Voluntas Elevate is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and is dedicated to empowering founders. These are people who tend to fall through the cracks of traditional VC models because they are struggling to manage growth or don’t have an existing track record of entrepreneurial success. Voluntas Elevate is here to provide these founders with an ecosystem of expertise, technology, and capital that propels growth and entry to global markets.

    Voluntas Elevate is an international network with offices in Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, London, and Los Angeles. Using this network and its ecosystem of talent, Voluntas Elevate is launching with an advisory and investment network that includes:

    Anthony Quirk
    Naomi Ballantyne
    John Catarinich
    Brett Roberts
    Brett O’Riley
    David Ding
    Nikolai Elmqvist
    Anthony McNamara

    Globally, Voluntas Elevate plans to onboard about 70 clients and generate over $15m in capital raised for clients in the next financial year, while generating an additional $7 million in revenue for them.

    “We take a holistic approach to supporting founders, starting with strategy execution, sales enablement, talent development, and when required, funding acquisition. The firm is deeply rooted in its core purpose of uplifting founders who may not fit the traditional VC mould. With Voluntas Elevate, founders receive the necessary guidance and resources to achieve rapid, sustainable growth,” says Darren Ward, Partner, Voluntas Group.

    Overcoming the Founders’ Dilemma
    Many entrepreneurs face the “Founders’ Dilemma”. They sacrifice equity early and are left to spend funds on consultancy services that don’t offer the strategic and operational support they need. This model frequently leaves founders with less of their company, less operational capital, and without a roadmap to capitalise on their potential.

    “Voluntas Elevate solves this dilemma by partnering with founders to take a long-term, holistic view of their journey. We place their aspirations at the forefront and minimise the outflow of equity. The firm helps them navigate crucial stages of growth, ensuring that equity is preserved and value is maximised. For our strategic advisory clients, we never seek more than a 10% stake in any venture we support,” adds Darren.

    About Voluntas Elevate
    Voluntas Elevate is a strategic advisory firm dedicated to elevating tech founders who have not found the necessary support within the traditional VC model. With a focus on growth and scaling, planning and governance, capital acquisition, and talent development and acquisition, Voluntas Elevate partners with founders globally to achieve sustainable growth and long-term value. The firm is part of the Voluntas Group, which combines philanthropy, technology, and strategic support to create positive impact across individuals and communities. For more information, visit www.voluntaselevate.com.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace says Luxon rolling in the mud with Fed Farmers lobbyists

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace says Luxon must have been “rolling in the mud” with pro-pollution Federated Farmers lobbyists, as the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passed into law last night.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “With such grievous weakening of freshwater protection in this bill, it’s clear that Luxon has been rolling in the mud with Federated Farmers lobbyists who are terrified of the possibility that the dairy industry will face consequences for polluting rivers and contaminating drinking water.”
    “Everyone, no matter where they live or who they voted for, deserves access to safe drinking water and should be able to go for a swim in their local lakes and rivers. But with the Resource Management Amendment Bill, this Government is taking away some of the only rules that protect fresh water.”
    The Bill will eliminate rules around intensive winter grazing and stock exclusions. It will remove local governments’ ability to use Te Mana o Te Wai – a policy that puts the health of freshwater ecosystems first, the health of people second, and commercial use of water last. In June, a Greenpeace OIA revealed that even the Department of Conservation had advised against the Bill on the grounds that it would make freshwater quality worse.
    This news comes hot on the heels of the Government’s announcement that they would make an additional last-minute amendment to the bill – after public consultation had finished – to prevent local councils from implementing stronger freshwater protections.
    “In his ongoing war on nature, Luxon is putting fresh water at risk and undermining local democracy because local governments are not adhering to his pro-pollution agenda,” says Appelbe.
    “It’s no coincidence that this latest amendment came the day before the Otago Regional Council planned to vote to proceed with their Land and Water Regional Plan, which would have set in place stronger and more ambitious freshwater protections.”
    More than twenty thousand people have signed a Greenpeace petition calling on the Government to leave the current freshwater protections in place, and Greenpeace says more resistance will come.
    “This move happened just a week after community members in the Central Hawke’s Bay gathered to voice their opposition to the Ruataniwha Dam – renamed the Tukituki water storage scheme – which will ruin an incredibly important braided river and flood 22 hectares of conservation land,” says Appelbe.
    “New Zealanders are not new to this fight, and together, we will protect fresh water. We value the lakes, rivers, and drinking water that Luxon’s government seeks to pollute.
    “Luxon is new to this job, and he may find he’s in for more than he’s bargained for. While he was CEO of Air New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay locals, Greenpeace and Forest & Bird campaigned relentlessly over many years to stop version one of the Ruataniwha Dam. That resolve remains even stronger now.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – The Sustainable Business Council celebrates 25 years of ambition and progress

    Source: Sustainable Business Council

    25 years ago, a group of business leaders with bold ambitions got together and put a stake in the ground on sustainability.
    The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) was first conceived in 1999 as a coalition of leading businesses with a mandate that reflected the era and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
    Current SBC Chair, Claire Walker, commented on the value of keeping an eye on the long game.
    “Reaching 25 years is something to celebrate. Over that time SBC has provided a place for business to learn, to forge powerful partnerships and to be challenged and stretch – the role it has played has adapted to different environments,” said Walker.
    Then known as the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development (NZBCSD), the organisation was (and remains) the only NZ-based Global Network Partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, headquartered in Geneva.
    The next significant era involved BusinessNZ, the peak body for New Zealand business, which in 2009 established a Sustainability Forum.
    SBC Executive Director Mike Burrell noted, “The idea was to provide a platform for companies wanting to define and lead sustainable business matters rather than simply respond to government-led initiatives.”
    Two years later, NZBCSD merged with the Sustainability Forum and became SBC.
    “Many current SBC members have been part of the membership since very early days – and the fact that we have stood the test of time is a credit to them,” said Burrell. “This includes Deloitte, Fonterra, Meridian, The Warehouse Group, Toyota NZ, and more.
    “Our focus now is on leadership, action on climate, nature, and thriving people. We support the fundamentals, advocate for change, and help broker large scale projects led by SBC member businesses who include some of the biggest organisations in New Zealand.”
    Significant milestones include the establishment of the Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) – a CEO-led community of around 80 organisations leading the response to climate change. The combined emissions reduction achieved by current CLC signatories between signing up to the Coalition and November 2023 is 3.6 million tCO2e, a cumulative reduction of 29%.
    Another key achievement is the establishment of AgriZeroNZ, which began as an SBC-led collaboration and has gone on to become a world-first public-private partnership helping farmers reduce emissions, while maintaining profitability and productivity.
    “SBC member businesses have made big strides over the years, in terms of how they operate,” said Burrell.
    “The conversation has shifted a lot – from whether climate change is real, to the need to measure and report on an organisation’s operations, to levers for supporting sustainable decision making more broadly.”
    Sir Stephen Tindall, founder of The Warehouse Group and founding member of SBC also noted the shift since its formation.
    “When we set up the Sustainable Business Council we had no idea how much climate change would have advanced,” said Tindall.
    “Business needs to play its part along with bipartisan government to attempt to slow down global warming. We can only do this by working collaboratively with everybody to create a real ‘nationwide ambition’.”
    SBC will formally mark the milestone of 25 years with an Anniversary event at Parliament hosted by Minister of Climate Change, Simon Watts, on 22 October 2024.
    “Not only can businesses lead – it’s in our interests, and will mean New Zealand continues to achieve its potential over the next 25 years and beyond,” said Burrell.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #10

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency crews remain busy at the wetlands fire near Meremere.
    The fire remains contained and controlled. However, following further mapping, the size of the fire has been refined to 1039 hectares, with a 19-kilometre perimeter.
    There are road closures in the area this morning, including Island Block Road from State Highway 1 to the Falls Road intersection, Falls Road and the Bridge on Falls Road.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says several hotspots were identified by the drone crews overnight.
    “We are using air operations to dampen these hotspots down,” he says.
    There are two fire investigators on the ground this morning to investigate the cause of the fire. It is too early to give an indication of cause.
    Mark Tinworth says people near the fire should contact the Environmental Health Officer for advice before using food, feed or water from storage tanks for drinking as these may have been impacted by smoke and ash from the fire.
    “We acknowledge people will be impacted by this fire and have worked hard to limit those impacts.
    “Our crews gave it their all to bring this fire under control as quickly as they did, and I want to thank them for that.”
    The next update will be late afternoon. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government News – Chief Ombudsman issues another stinging criticism of Oranga Tamariki over failure to investigate child assault and violence claims

    Source: Office of the Ombudsman

    The Chief Ombudsman has again issued a stinging criticism of Oranga Tamariki this time over failing to properly investigate reports of assaults and violence against pre-school and primary-aged children.
    “It is deeply concerning to me that I find myself yet again in the position of highlighting some very serious concerns about Oranga Tamariki’s processes and procedures. In this case, the Ministry received multiple reports of abuse against pre-school and primary aged children but didn’t treat them with the seriousness they deserved.”
    Peter Boshier began an investigation after receiving a complaint from a family member of the children about the way Oranga Tamariki responded to reports of concern.
    Mr Boshier found that between January 2022 and July 2023, Oranga Tamariki received nine reports of concern from seven different parties regarding alleged violent and abusive actions towards the children by the mother’s partner. The reports of concern came from both family members and professionals.
    “A thorough investigation of these reports was clearly required for the safety of the children but Oranga Tamariki repeatedly failed to do this. When it did investigate, it didn’t investigate properly,” Mr Boshier says.
    “The Ministry had photographic evidence and corroborative reports from other parties but still took no action.
    “I found a series of failures by Oranga Tamariki from beginning to end. For instance, it closed complaints without assessing them properly in the initial stages, it incorrectly advised the Family Court that there had been no family harm incidents in a period of more than a year, and it did not adhere to its own policy on making and monitoring safety plans. One safety plan included inappropriate requirements for the children to take action to ensure their own safety.
    “Oranga Tamariki failed to ask the children for their views about their safety and made short term assessments which did not take into account broader violence risk factors. The situation left the children at serious risk and culminated in an alleged attempted kidnapping of one child and the alleged kidnapping of another child who was a relative.”
    During his investigation Mr Boshier advised Oranga Tamariki of his provisional opinion and asked for an urgent interim update on the safety of the children. The Ministry told the Ombudsman it had developed a more robust safety plan.
    Mr Boshier made two follow up inquiries. In response to the first inquiry, Oranga Tamariki advised the safety plan was working well. But within a fortnight, after the second inquiry, the Ministry advised that the safety plan was being reconsidered after a breach had occurred. Three days later, there was another breach. The children are now in the care of their father.
    Mr Boshier’s final opinion is that Oranga Tamariki acted unreasonably and contrary to law in the way it responded to repeated reports of concern. He made a number of significant recommendations which Oranga Tamariki accepted. This included Oranga Tamariki undertaking an immediate and thorough assessment of the children’s safety, an apology and financial remedy to the complainant for costs they incurred in seeking to ensure the children’s safety through the Family Court, an audit of similar cases, training for staff, and changes to Oranga Tamariki policy and process.
    “Oranga Tamariki has advised me that the children are now safe and well in their father’s care,” Mr Boshier says.
    “Since I became Chief Ombudsman, Oranga Tamariki has come to my attention for all the wrong reasons.
    “I published a report earlier this year that outlined some of the cases I’ve dealt with, where system and process failures were common. I said then that I could not provide an assurance that Oranga Tamariki is consistently operating in accordance with good administrative practice. I’m afraid I still can’t provide that reassurance.
    “Oranga Tamariki still has a long way to go. I continue to strongly urge the leadership at Oranga Tamariki to prioritise essential improvements and address the fundamental underlying problems. Our children and young people deserve so much better.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: King Charles arrives in Samoa for ‘resilient environment’ CHOGM

    By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific journalist in Apia

    King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla have landed in Apia, Samoa.

    The monarch has been greeted by a guard of honour at the airport before being escorted to his accommodation in Siumu.

    Local villagers have lined the roadsides with lanterns to welcome His Royal Highness.

    King Charles will deliver an address to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Friday.

    The royal office said as well as attending CHOGM, the King’s programme in Samoa would be supportive of one of the meeting’s key themes, “a resilient environment”, and the meeting’s focus on oceans.

    The King and Queen were to be formally welcomed by an ‘Ava Fa’atupu ceremony before meeting people at an engagement to highlight aspects of Samoan traditions and culture.

    Charles will also attend the CHOGM Business Forum to hear about progress on sustainable urbanisation and investment in solutions to tackle climate change.

    He will visit a mangrove forest, a National Park, and Samoa’s Botanical Garden, where he will plant a tree marking the opening of a new area within the site, which will be called ‘The King’s Garden’.

    Queen Camilla’s engagements include visiting an aoga faifeau to see first-hand how pupils are taught to read and write, and will visiting the Samoa Victim Support Group, an organisation which assists survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

    Since 1969, King Charles III has visited 44 of 53 Commonwealth countries, many of them on several occasions.

    His visits to the Pacific — before he was King — included representing his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at Fiji’s independence celebrations in 1970; and visiting Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

    Queen Elizabeth II visited the Pacific multiple times during her reign.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Meremere Wildfire, North Waikato

    Source: Waikato District Health Board

    The large vegetation fire near Meremere, which includes the Whangamarino wetlands is now under control. Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the fire may take some time to fully extinguish due to where it is burning in peat and wetland.

    Although under control, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora says there is potential that people who are sensitive to smoke – such as those with heart or lung conditions, people who are pregnant, young children and the elderly – may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation.

    Dr Richard Wall, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service says exposure to smoke can worsen pre-existing health conditions such as heart and lung disease.

    “People affected by the smoke should close windows and doors and reduce outdoor exercise”.

    Dr Wall said residents on a roof water tank supply were advised to disconnect the pipe to their tank if a lot of ash and debris was falling to avoid water becoming contaminated.

    “Only reconnect the water supply after the next heavy rain (discarding the ‘first flush’), to avoid getting ash in your drinking water.”

    The experience of being exposed to an event like a fire can be distressing and it’s normal to feel anxious in situations like this. If you are feeling anxious or just need someone to talk to, you can call or text 1737 any time and you can speak to (or text) a trained counsellor free of charge or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

    If you see or smell smoke outside, you should stay inside if it is safe to do so.

    Remember to:

    • Keep your windows and doors shut
    • Switch your air conditioning to ‘recirculate’
    • Air out your house when the smoke clears
    • Look out for children, older people, and others at risk
    • Keep pets inside with clean water and food. Keep pets’ bedding inside if possible.
    • Roof water supply: Disconnect the pipe to your tank if there is ash and debris on your roof, and only reconnect after the next heavy rain to avoid getting ash in your drinking water.

    For information about the fire visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website

    Media contact: hnzmedia@health.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Playing a key role in managing cruise ship activity

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Our Harbourmaster’s Office plays a key role in managing cruise ship activity across Waitaha/Canterbury.  

    There are four places in Canterbury that get visits from cruise ship ships during the summer months – they are Kaikōura, Lyttelton, Akaroa and Timaru. 

    Our team in the Harbourmaster’s Office are responsible for several functions including:  

    • granting permissions to enter the Kaikōura and Akaroa anchorage sites
    • enforcing speed and wake requirements
    • maintaining communications with the ship as necessary.  

    We also work closely alongside other agencies to ensure cruise ship operations are completed in a safe and coordinated manner.  

    “This season, we have reduced the number of designated anchorages down to three in Akaroa harbour due to concerns about the environment and seabed,” said Guy Harris, Harbourmaster.  

    “We have also further limited the maximum size of a cruise ships that may enter Akaroa without requiring a resource consent.”  

    Working together to reduce cruise ship impact  

    In partnership with the Department of Conservation, Christchurch City Council, and ChristchurchNZ, we continue to closely monitor cruise ship activity in Akaroa. 

    Cruise ship visits in Akaroa have been a matter of community interest and discussion in recent years, with concerns raised over the number of ships visiting, potential damage to the seabed and safety.  

    The reduction in cruise ship visits to Akaroa is consistent with the intent of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 2021 report, which focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of the tourism industry.   

    Limiting ship length and thruster use 

    Information from a risk assessment in 2019 led us to limit thruster use by ships at anchor, to reduce the potential for seabed disturbance. A survey of the Akaroa Harbour in 2021 led us to close some anchorages and limit the size of ships coming into the Harbour from 260 lengths between perpendiculars (LBP) to 200m LBP. For a larger ship to enter it would need to get resource consent first. 

    “A repeat survey of the open and closed anchorages in Akaroa was undertaken by Southern Hydrographic in 2023 with an additional survey planned for 2025.  

    “This will help us determine the rate of physical recovery of the closed anchorages and inform future operational decisions,” said Guy. 
    A total of 17 cruise ships are scheduled to visit Akaroa this season.  

    Construction of a new Akaroa Wharf 

    Christchurch City Council will soon begin work to rebuild the Akaroa Wharf. Construction is expected to get underway in late 2025 and be completed in 2027.  

    Drummonds Jetty is currently being extended in preparation as a temporary replacement while the main wharf is constructed. The Harbourmaster’s Office team will be installing some channel marker buoys for vessels approaching Drummonds Jetty and have been working with Christchurch City Council on shifting some swing moorings to ensure there is a clear channel.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –