NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Raising speed limits will cost our communities

    Source: Green Party

    The Government’s move to disregard all evidence and increase speed limits will result in serious harm. 

    “The science is conclusive and the evidence is overwhelming: safe speeds save lives,” says the Green Party’s Transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter.

    “Our kids should be free to walk and cycle to school without worry. Our streets should enable everyone to access their communities safely and sustainably.

    “But the Government is trying to force councils and communities to adopt unsafe speeds on dangerous rural roads, in areas with lots of pedestrians and around schools for most of the day. 

    “Local councils, health professionals and road safety experts from here and around the world have spoken out opposing this senseless policy, outlining the serious harm it will cause.

    “In Auckland, safer speeds were shown to increase trip times by less than 20 seconds on the average 20-minute car journey, but massively reduced deaths and serious injuries. Is 20 seconds worth the risk of a loved one being lost?

    “The reality is that people won’t notice getting to their destination seconds earlier, but will notice a family member not making it home. 

    “Simeon Brown is dangerously uninformed, and is going against public opinion, expert advice, and even the coalition agreement to reverse speed limit reductions ‘where it safe to do so’. 

    “People did not vote for this. National’s election policy promised it would not return higher speeds ‘where it would be unsafe to do so’, yet in Government they are doing the exact opposite despite the warnings of experts and councils. 

    “We are dealing with people’s lives here. Failing to follow the evidence and ignoring basic physics will have real-world consequences,” says Julie Anne Genter.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greens stand in solidarity with Buller community

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party stands in solidarity with the Buller community in its silent protest for better healthcare. 

    “Healthcare is a human right that we cannot afford to see our communities miss out on,” says the Green Party’s Health spokesperson, Hūhana Lyndon.

    “Our country has enough to ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need, whenever they need it, wherever they need it – it comes down to choices. This Government is choosing to underinvest in our health system at the expense of our communities. 

    “What the Buller community is experiencing is sadly something many communities are having to endure. This is a symptom of the complete and utter disregard this Government has for the health of our people.  

    “Needing to travel 100km to get to the nearest hospital is something that if left unaddressed will come with fatal consequences. 

    “Buller deserves better. It’s nothing short of a crisis when staffing shortages at the local hospital, which has barely been open a year, result in it having to be closed for a month. 

    “What’s more, emergency services are almost non-existent in Buller. The one ambulance in the West Coast region is focused more on transferring patients from Westport to Greymouth. To top it off, as of today, all urgent and after-hours clinics for the entire region will be closing. 

    “We stand with the Buller community in their call to action and support their demands on the Government. 

    “The Green Party will continue to fight for a health system that is resourced to cater to the needs of all,” says Hūhana Lyndon.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment – Nurses to join Buller march to fix the health system

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Concerns over patient safety on the West Coast have prompted the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki O Aotearoa to join a march in Buller on Saturday to raise awareness of the dire state of the health system.
    West Coast urgent GPs clinics end this weekend. From 1 October Ka Ora Telehealth will be providing after hours primary care and patient will need their referral to see a doctor.
    NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says the closure of the West Coast urgent care GP clinic will put more pressure on Buller Hospital, which is already stretched. 
    “Relying on telehealth services out of hours jeopardises patient safety.
    “Aotearoa’s health system is in crisis and the understaffing in our hospitals and health care settings continues unabated with this Government’s obsession with cutting costs.
    “There is a chronic shortage of thousands of nurses throughout the country which is contributing to increased wait times in Emergency Departments and compromising the quality of patient care.
    “That’s why NZNO will stand proudly alongside our fellow health care organisations on Saturday and urge the Government to better fund health care. Nursing care is an investment, not a cost,” Ms Nuku says.
    Ms Nuku will speak at the march which has been organised by Buller Health Action Group and Patient Voice Aotearoa. Other speakers include Malcolm Mulholland of Patient Voice Aotearoa, and Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
    Media are invited to attend Saturday’s march:
    When: Midday, Saturday 28 September
    Where: Victoria Square, Westport
    There will be a silent march from the grandstand via Brougham and Palmerston streets to the clock tower

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Senior doctors support Buller march to fix health system

    Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

    West Coast patients deserves more than ‘on call’ health services via a telephone line, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton says.
    Her words come after West Coast Health revealed Buller’s urgent care GP clinics will end and be replaced with a telehealth service.
    “The proposal to cut after hours clinical care has been incredibly rushed and lacks consultation, risk mitigation and proper management,” Dalton says.
    “It is the responsibility of West Coast Health as the primary health organisation to ensure there is sufficient community-based, after-hours care for a community. This is especially important in a community like the West Coast which lacks paramedic services and only has one ambulance.”
    The people of Buller will march in silence from Victoria Square to Westport Clock Tower on October 28 from midday to demonstrate their concern over the dire state of healthcare in the region.
    “We share the concerns of the people of Buller and ask West Coast Health to walk back their decision to cut services and find a solution that benefits the community’s health needs,” Dalton says.
    “What is happening in Buller is happening across the country and communities need to stand together to ensure they get safe, equitable and fit-for-purpose health care not delivered through a telephone line.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – GPs frustrated by funding model which restricts patient access, increases deaths from lung cancer – GenPro

    Source: GenPro

    An urgent need to increase patients’ access to general practice is the clear message from new research on New Zealand’s single biggest cause of cancer deaths, lung cancer.

    A study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal found that surviving lung cancer in New Zealand could depend on access to a GP. (ref. https://nzmj.org.nz/media/pages/journal/vol-137-no-1603/4e8103db3e-1727209620/nzmjv137i1603_27sep2024.pdf )

    “The research clearly shows that patients who are diagnosed with lung cancer after a GP referral tend to have better outcomes than those diagnosed after visiting emergency departments, by which time it’s often too late,” said Dr Angus Chambers, Chair of the General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (GenPro).

    “The study shows that there is health inequity in New Zealand – those who can access and afford to visit a GP are advantaged over those who cannot, which is wrong. We need to ensure everyone can access a GP for an earlier diagnosis which could save lives,” Dr Chambers said.

    While an emergency department is an important part of the healthcare system, especially for red-flag symptoms, visiting a GP when symptoms are less severe can lead to an earlier diagnosis and therefore better treatment options.

    “That patients are choosing not to go to their GP because they cannot get an appointment, cannot enrol in a local GP, or cannot afford to pay for a visit, means they put up with less serious symptoms. But eventually the symptoms get so bad they go to an emergency department. By this time it is often too late.”

    GPs are at the coalface of early detection of highly fatal diseases like lung cancer, and are frustrated by an outdated funding system which is not helping patients access GPs for early diagnosis and optimal outcomes.

    “A recent GenPro survey showed general practices are in crisis, squeezed by rising costs, high patient demand and staff shortages. The key reason is that government funding has not kept pace with the cost of running a general practice,” Dr Chambers said.

    This is a result of Ministers, the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora refusing to invest in general practice despite overwhelming evidence of the health benefits to New Zealanders.

    “The government must as a matter of urgency increase its support of primary healthcare, overhaul the current out-of-date funding model, and help increase the supply of medical professionals into primary healthcare.”
     
    GenPro, which represents more than half of all general practices in Aotearoa, is ready to work with the Minister of Health and the Health NZ Commissioner to develop the solutions needed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Snorkeller located deceased, Kaikōura

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A missing snorkeler has been found deceased by rescue crews at Kaikōura.

    Police were alerted at around 4.50pm yesterday afternoon when the man was about 30 minutes overdue. Sadly, a body was located in the water about 6pm.

    Support is being provided to the man’s whānau at this difficult time.

    Police would like to thank those involved in the search for the person, including Coastguard Kaikōura volunteers.

    The death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS
     

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reforming the building consent system

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is investigating options for a major reform of the building consent system to improve efficiency and consistency across New Zealand, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.  

    “New Zealand has some of the least affordable housing in the world, which has dire social and economic implications. At the heart of the issue is unreasonably high building costs and a cumbersome consenting system which saps productivity and disincentivises growth and development.

    “The building consent system is intended to protect homeowners from defective building work by requiring work to be inspected and consented by a Building Consent Authority (BCA). 

    “There are currently 67 BCAs across the country, each with different practices and approaches. We have a single building code that is supposed to apply consistently to all building work nationally. However, there are many instances of builders submitting the exact same plans to different BCAs and finding considerable additional costs and delays result from differing interpretations of the building code.

    “This is especially challenging for large scale home builders and off-site manufacturers, along with modular and prefab builders, who work across regional boundaries. For example, in a recent survey of Master Builders Association members 80 per cent reported having to deal with multiple BCAs, and 66 per cent experienced delays.

    “The status-quo is not serving New Zealanders well. We need to incentivise innovative solutions that improve productivity and enable building at scale.

    “That’s why we are beginning discussion on options to replace the current BCA system.”

    The aim is to establish a more consistent and streamlined model, with options including:  

    1. Voluntary consolidation – allowing councils to group together to deliver building control functions. There are already a number of councils who are pooling some resources but barriers exist to full integration. This approach focuses on removing these barriers. 
    2. Regional BCAs – establishing a smaller number of relatively large regional BCAs to replace the current 66 district and city council BCAs. This approach focuses on improving consistency and forming entities with the critical mass to drive economies of scale. 
    3. Single point of contact – setting up a single point of contact for builders to submit plans to. Building inspection may be contracted out to existing BCAs or private consenting providers, creating competition and encouraging specialisation.

    “We are looking forward to receiving feedback from the sector and welcome suggestions for additional or hybrid options to deliver the desired outcomes.

    “As part of this work the Government will be looking at liability settings across the whole building system. 

    “Under the current settings, councils and their ratepayers are liable for defective work. Joint and several liability means councils can be ‘the last person standing’ available to foot the bill when things go wrong. This creates a highly conservative and risk averse approach, which contributes cost and draws out deadlines.

    “This work is in addition to reforms already underway to improve the existing building consent process, such as making it easier to build granny flats by removing consent requirements, increasing the uptake of remote inspections and removing barriers for the use of overseas building products.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Conservation and Fisheries – Cut to Orange Roughy catch will see no recovery within five years – DSCC

    Source: Greenpeace

    Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) Statement
    Environmentalists say today’s decision to reduce an orange roughy catch limit is simply the ‘bare minimum’ for the troubled fishery and are calling on the government to ban bottom trawling on seamounts so that populations of the deep sea fish can rebuild.
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has decided to cut the total catch limit for a declining orange roughy stock in the Tasman Sea by 1,221 tonnes (57%). But the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) points out the modelling used to inform the Minister’s decision shows the stock is already below the level we’ve agreed to internationally (1) and none of the options put to the Minister by his officials would see any recovery in the next five years. (2)
    The decision was gazetted on Friday and an announcement is expected today, ahead of the October 1 start of the fishing year.DSCC spokesperson Karli Thomas says the cut is only just enough to stop the decline of a fishery that’s already in a dire state and does nothing to protect the seamounts that orange roughy – and other deep sea creatures like corals and sponges – rely on.
    “The orange roughy fishery is one of the worst in Aotearoa, responsible for more than half the destruction of protected deep-sea corals. The government’s decision today leaves the fish itself – which can live for over 200 years – in serious trouble,” says Thomas.
    “The Minister has chosen to do the bare minimum, just enough to stop the decline, not enough to allow the stock to recover, and nothing at all to address the huge damage caused by bottom trawling on seamounts.”
    The stock assessment is based on survey data more than a decade old (2013) despite more recent stock surveys being carried out in 2018 and 2023. If the recent data is included, the stock could already be as low as 16% of its original population size.
    Greenpeace oceans campaigner Juan Parada says: “If the New Zealand fishing industry had stopped bottom trawling seamounts decades ago, the orange roughy fishery would not be in the diminished state it is today. Trawling the very seamounts where orange roughy go to breed and rebuild their numbers is a reckless way to run a fishery.”
    “New Zealand is the only country still bottom trawling in the South Pacific high seas, and that’s embarrassing. New Zealand should be moving away from this kind of archaic practice that does so much damage to ocean life,” says Parada.
    This fishery is under shared management with the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO), which has a management target of keeping this orange roughy population at or above 40% of its original level over the next five years. It’s already below that level, and Minister Jones is allowing catches that will prevent any recovery in that timeframe.
    “The Minister is out of touch with New Zealanders on this one, close to 100,000 people have signed a joint petition calling for trawling on seamounts to end” said Parada from Greenpeace Aotearoa.
    “It’s time the government listened and protected biodiversity hot spots like seamounts so the ocean, and orange roughy can recover.”
    SPRFMO starts its annual scientific committee meeting today in Lima, Peru. New Zealand’s orange roughy stock assessment is on the agenda, and the committee will advise on how much, if any, orange roughy can be taken from the part of this population in international waters. That will ultimately be decided at the SPRFMO annual meeting in February 2025. New Zealand is the only country still bottom trawling in the SPRFMO area.
    “Eyes at this international meeting are going to be on New Zealand, which is not only trying to walk back on science – discussed and agreed last year – that would have seen additional areas closed to bottom trawling to protect deep-sea life, it’s also going to have to explain a fishery in decline and a catch limit too high for it to recover,” concluded Thomas, from the DSCC.
    Notes(1) Under the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) Conservation and Management Measure CMM 03a-2023, which specifies that this Tasman Sea stock will be managed at or above 40% of its original biomass for the next five years.
    (2) Table 1 of the MPI discussion document on ORH 7A set out the modelled population level under the four options under consideration. Only one option was predicted to halt the decline in the stock, none of the options were predicted to allow any stock recovery in the next five years.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Snapper catch limits up, orange roughy down

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Catch limits for several fisheries will be increased following a review that shows stocks of those species are healthy and abundant.

    The changes are being made as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s biannual sustainability review, which considers catch limits and management settings across New Zealand’s fisheries.

    “Scientific evidence and information about our snapper stocks tells us these fisheries are thriving and abundant,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

    “More of the fish can be sustainably harvested, which is why recreational allowances and commercial catch limits for some snapper stocks will be increased.

    “Making the most of these abundant fisheries benefits those who make a living from our fisheries, and the economy,” Mr Jones says.

    Other changes include increases in the recreational and commercial take in the Kaikōura pāua fishery, but also an increase in the minimum size.

    “The pāua in this fishery continues to become healthier, following its devastation in the Kaikōura earthquakes.

    “To make sure this fishery continues to do well by protecting more spawning pāua, I have increased the minimum size for pāua there from 125mm to 130mm.”

    While some fisheries are doing well, others require reduced catch limits. 

    “A recent assessment of the Challenger Plateau orange roughy stock (ORH 7A) has suggested current harvest is no longer sustainable so the commercial catch limit has been cut.

    “Commercial catch limits and allowances for the Southland blue cod stock (BCO 5) have also been reduced. Blue cod is a popular fish for New Zealanders, and these reductions will help ensure this fishery is sustainable and can be enjoyed in future,” Mr Jones says.

    Decisions are based on the best available scientific information about the stocks, as well as input from iwi and public feedback.

    “I’d like to acknowledge everyone who provided feedback on the proposals. Submissions from tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishers, environmental groups, and the public play an important part in the advice I receive and the decisions made,” Mr Jones says.

    More information can be found on Fisheries New Zealand’s website at: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-sustainability-measures-for-fisheries-october-2024-round/  

    Summary of the stocks with catch limit increases:

    • Snapper (SNA 2, 7 & 8) – west coast North and South Island, top of the South Island, and East Cape to south coast of Wellington
    • Pāua (PAU 3A) – Kaikōura
    • Kina (SUR 3) – east coast South Island
    • Kingfish (KIN 3) – east coast South Island, Southland, and Sub-Antarctic
    • Leatherjacket (LEA 3) – east coast South Island, Southland, and Sub-Antarctic
    • Rig (SPO 2) – East Cape to south coast of Wellington
    • Elephantfish (ELE 7) – West Coast and top of the South Island
    • Jack mackerel (JMA 7) – west coasts North and South Islands
    • Kingfish (KIN 7 & 8) – west coasts North and South Islands
    • Pilchard (PIL 8) – west coast North Island

    Summary of the stocks with catch limit decreases:

    • Orange roughy (ORH 7A) – Challenger Plateau
    • Blue cod (BCO 5) – Southland
    • John dory (JDO 2) – East Cape to Taranaki
    • Flatfish (FLA 7) – West Coast and top of the South Island
    • Pilchard (PIL 7) – West Coast and top of the South Island

    Stocks with adjustments to deemed value rates:

    • Silver warehou (SWA 3 & 4) – east coast South Island, Chatham Islands, Southland, and Sub-Antarctic
    • Snapper (SNA 8) – west coast North Island

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Murder charge laid following Dargaville homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have today charged a man with murder following the discovery of a body in a vehicle on Ripiro Beach, Dargaville earlier this month.

    Jasmaine Corin Reihana, 35, was found dead inside a burnt out vehicle on 9 September.

    Since then, Police have been working to piece together the events leading up to her death and who was responsible.

    Detective Inspector Al Symonds, of Northland CIB, says today, Police have charged a 34-year-old man with murder.

    “Police have conducted an extensive investigation to ensure the person responsible for her murder can be held to account.

    “I would like to acknowledge the investigation team, who have worked tirelessly to get this result, and also those members of our community who have assisted our enquiries.

    “Thank you to everyone who has come forward with information during the course of this investigation.”

    Detective Inspector Symonds says Police are not looking for anyone else.

    “It has been our team’s focus to hold to account the person we will allege is responsible for Jasmine’s murder, and we hope this brings some relief to her whānau.”

    The murder accused will appear in Whangārei District Court on Monday 30 September.

    As this matter is before the Court, Police are unable to make any further comment.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Ara Institute of Canterbury front and centre of Master Joiners conference

    Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

    Master Joiners Conference attendees have been welcomed onto Ara Institute of Canterbury’s trades campus in Woolston to see first-hand where the experts of the future get their start.
    More than 300 delegates have signed up for the three-day conference in Christchurch which started on Thursday and will end with the presentation of industry awards at a Saturday gala.
    The Ara campus tour, led by coordinator and tutor for Ara’s joinery managed apprenticeships, Darren Evans, provided a chance for conference-goers to see Ara’s facilities, speak to tutors and hear updates on Ara programmes.
    “Our offerings are unique. We like to individualise our training, and the apprentice-managed programme concentrates on giving the apprentice a wider range of skills to use in their career,” Evans said.
    Ara currently offers a Level 3 Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry and Joinery) and the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Apprenticeship) at Level 4. The apprenticeship programme is offered in four specialisations including cabinetry, timber doors and windows, timber stairs, and laminate fabrication.
    Joinery will also be part of a newcomer to Ara’s trades offerings for 2025. The Trades Primer is a free course providing students with a taste of a variety of specialties over a half-year of study.
    Designed to help prospective trades students to make informed decisions about their next step, it will cover machining, fabrication, welding, automotive, autobody, carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, electrical, plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying.
    As well as the tour, Ara will have a strong presence throughout the Master Joiners Conference with Darren Evans speaking about training options with a focus on training for female apprentices. Alongside him, current Ara apprentice Arna Ward will be speaking at a Women in Trades sponsored event.
    Evans describes Ward as “one of the best to have come through the programme”, with three awards under her belt including winning apprentice of year twice.
    Ara managed apprentices have also seen success at the recent Canterbury Master Joiners Regional awards. John Williams of Sydenham Joinery won first place and Michael Chambers of Alsop Joinery took second place. Both are in their fourth year of apprentice training.
    More awards are up for grabs as part of this weekend’s conference. Ara has sponsored three national categories with five awards to be handed out at the Saturday night gala event including Highest Judged for Workmanship and Skill, Best Timber Project and Best Fitment.
    Darren Evans said it was great for Ara to be so keenly involved in the conference.
    “Today was a chance to show off our workshops at Ara to the rest of the joinery community. This is the first national conference held in Canterbury since before the earthquakes. It was a great opportunity for us to also hear from employers who were giving plenty of encouraging feedback,” he said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Devastating cuts to Whaakata Māori and Māori Teacher Training funding – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The Government’s decision to cut funding to Māori Television – Whakaata Māori – and Māori Teacher Training is another devastating attack on Māori, says PSA Te Kaihautū Māori Janice Panoho.
    “This is yet another breach of Article 2 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which protects our taonga tuku iho, including the language and cultural heritage of Māori,” Panoho says.
    “This attack on indigenous broadcasting is an affront to our people, and part of an ongoing attack on Māori. We must oppose this government’s agenda to exploit race as a political tool to undermine Te Reo Māori and eliminate Māori news and programmes.
    “It is a fact that Māori tamariki and rangatahi thrive in Kaupapa Māori education environments fare better than in mainstream schooling. We need more Māori teachers to inspire our young ones and to reinforce the importance and future of learning Te Reo Māori.
    “The recent remarks made by Education Minister Erica Stanford, where she claimed that maths achievement take priority over the revitalization of Te Reo Māori, are typical of this government’s disregard for our culture. These comments ignore the reality that both academic and cultural success go hand in hand for Māori students.
    “The loss of $30 million to fund Māori Teachers training and $10.3 million in time-locked funding, provided by the previous government, will have serious consequences for the future of Māori broadcasting and education.
    “Despite the pleas in Parliament yesterday by former Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson, who urged the government to invest in Whakaata Māori, there has been no indication that this coalition government intends to step in and provide the necessary support.
    “This is a direct attack on the future of Te Reo Māori and the Māori voice in media. Māori will not stand by while our language and our identity are diminished. The Government must be held accountable for their actions and their disregard for the commitments of Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Panoho says.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 96,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Minister of Health urged to follow Disability Minister’s lead

    Source: Aged Care Association

    The Minister for Disability Issues, Hon. Louise Upston, has confirmed that there will be no funding increase for disabled adults in aged care, but has asked the Aged Care Association to be involved in a solution for the sector.
    Over 1,000 people with disabilities live in aged residential care facilities. The funding freeze announced recently by the Minister poses challenges for those people and the providers who care for them.
    We expect our members will be seriously considering whether they can continue providing care for adults with disabilities. Aged residential care facilities are already on a knife edge, and this funding freeze makes a difficult environment even worse.
    The more positive news is that Minister Upston has moved swiftly to address our concerns by establishing an internal taskforce to review disability support service funding models and the commitment to developing an engagement program where we will have the opportunity to participate. The ACA is ready to collaborate with the Taskforce to ensure that the voices of our members are heard in this important process.
    We strongly urge the Minister of Health to take similar steps, by establishing a Ministerial Taskforce to work alongside us in addressing broader challenges in the aged care sector. Collaborative solutions are essential for creating a sustainable aged care system that can effectively meet the needs of our communities.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers – Land use change to blame for meat works closure

    Source: Federated Farmers
    Alliance Group’s proposal to close its Timaru meatworks is a symptom of broader issues that will continue undermining the primary sector until fixed, Federated Farmers says.
    Alliance chief executive Willie Wiese has stated the proposed closure is due to a decline in sheep processing numbers as a result of land-use change, which has resulted in surplus capacity in the company’s plant network.
     “Firstly, we want to extend our sympathies to the 600 workers and their families affected by this sad news,” Federated Farmers meat and wool chairperson Toby Williams says.
    “The prospect of the 139-year-old Smithfield plant going, and the loss of such a major employer in Timaru, is a huge blow to South Canterbury and we’re really feeling for them.”
    Williams says while there are multiple macro-economic factors at play behind Alliance’s decision, wrong-headed and skewed policy settings are a key reason the sheep and beef sector is under such strain.
    “We’ve had a decade of policy that has favoured forestry over farming, incentivising planting radiata, particularly for carbon revenue.
    “On top of that, excessive red tape and layers of impractical and poorly consulted-on regulation have strangled farming confidence and investment.
    “This year’s stock count showed sheep numbers slumped by another million or so in the last year, to 23 million.
    “Federated Farmers has always highlighted that when poor regulations stifle farming, the impacts are felt throughout our rural communities and broader national economy.
    “This is sadly coming to play today, and it is the people of South Canterbury who will feel this the hardest.”
    The coalition Government is making progress winding back some of the previous administration’s freshwater and resource management regulations and planning directives.
    “The aim is to continue looking after the environment, but balancing that with ensuring the economic and social wellbeing of communities gets the same prominence.
    “For farmers, and for processors and the wider economy, that re-balancing can’t happen soon enough,” Williams says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emerging Global Church Chairman continues to deliver lectures on “Testimony of the Fulfilment of Revelation” – NewzEngine.com

    Source: NewzEngine.com

    On October 25th Lee Man-Hee, the Chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, conducted internationally broadcasted seminar in regards to the “Testimony of the Fulfilment of Revelation” in Masan, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.

    With over 16,000 participants including 100 pastors and numerous journalists in attendance, this publicized event hosted at Masan Church was held in response to the surprisingly growing public interest towards the doctrines and teachings of the once enigmatic church.

    These seminars were previously held in the regions of Ulsan and Busan in early January this year to similar fanfare.

    Since last month, Shincheonji has reported to have received support in the form of signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from 727 domestic churches in South Korea while internationally it has gained MOU’s from as much as 13,053 churches across 84 countries.

    The church also announced that up to 1671 churches across 43 countries have modified their church signboards to Shincheonji.

    With its continuous support, Shincheonji announced that it will continue to hold and promote said seminars throughout the year in effort to expand it’s influence to the world.

    – Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Make sure your home is fire safe this daylight saving weekend

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    This daylight saving weekend, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is reminding everyone to clean and check their smoke alarms and ensure they have a three-step escape plan in place.
    Tom Ronaldson, Community Education and Behaviour Change Manager, says, “just push the button on each of your smoke alarms. If you hear the beep, you know they are ready to protect you and your household.
    “A fire can be fatal within three minutes and when you are sleeping you can’t smell smoke. Working smoke alarms are the most important way to prepare for the possibility of a fire,” he says.
    “Having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway to alert all members of the household as early as possible, is the critical first step in escaping a house on fire.
    “Fire and Emergency recommends long-life interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms where possible. If a fire is detected in one room of the house, interconnected alarms will trigger all the alarms in your home, so everyone will be alerted to a fire sooner.
    “Lastly, now is the perfect time to give your smoke alarms a spring clean. You can do this by giving them a quick vacuum or dust.”
    Fire and Emergency is also encouraging everyone to take a few minutes this weekend to make sure they have a three-step escape plan in place.
    “Your escape plan should include at least two clear paths out of each area and a safe meeting place away from the house for your household to meet,” says Tom Ronaldson.
    Tips for keeping your smoke alarms maintained
    • Once a month press the test button to sound the alarm
    • If your smoke alarm is beeping periodically, it typically means you need to change the battery or replace your alarm. Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends long-life photoelectric smoke alarms.
    • Clean your smoke alarms with a vacuum cleaner every six months, as dust build up can cause false alarms.
    • Check the expiry date, usually located on the bottom or side of the alarm. If there’s no expiry date, it’s best to replace the alarm.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tax Reform – Petition Calls for Capital Gains Tax

    Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

    27 September 2024 – A petition has been launched today calling on the leaders of all our political parties to consider a capital gains tax in Aotearoa.

    Tax Justice Aotearoa’s petition seeks to level the playing field of the current tax system and highlights the urgent need for more revenue to fund essential services and infrastructure.

    “Our tax system is way out of balance and a capital gains tax (CGT) is a good first step that would help level the playing field between wage earners and those who mainly earn their money through investments,” says Tax Justice Aotearoa chair Glenn Barclay.

    “There has been growing support for a capital gains tax from a range of individuals and organisations in the media in recent weeks and it is timely to give the public of New Zealand the opportunity to express their support too.

    “The additional revenue raised could be used to fund vital services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure and to help address climate change, leading to a better quality of life for all New Zealanders.”

    ActionStation is hosting the petition and Director Kassie Hartendorp agrees it’s time to make capitalgains tax a reality.

    “Just over 72% of the members we talked to support a capital gains tax – including 18% of those people who would benefit from that tax and yet still thought it would have a positive impact.

    “Our country is ready to join many others around the world, and just make it happen.”

    It’s a kaupapa shared across a range of advocacy groups including Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).

    “We welcome a discussion on capital gains tax, especially this week when the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction rejected a $3 billion proposal from officials that would have kept us on track to achieving the goal of halving child poverty by 2028,” says CPAG Executive Officer Sarita Divis.

    “This is at the same time the government is giving tax cuts of $2.9 billion for landlords, allowing them to deduct interest as an expense and receive tax free capital gains on sales of their houses.  

    “Taxes allow us to do the things we want to do as a nation, like ending child poverty,” Sarita Divis says.

    New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) also backed the petition.

    “Fairer taxes would support appropriate levels of health funding and better patient outcomes by enabling safe levels of health care professional to patient ratios,” says Anne Daniels, President of the NZ Nurses Organisation.

    Another organisation supporting the petition was the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.

    “The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi strongly believes that our current tax system isn’t fit for purpose and isn’t delivering the outcomes New Zealanders deserve,” says Craig Renney, NZCTU Economist and Director of Policy.

    “Workers pay tax on every dollar earned, while those who make huge capital gains pay nothing at all.

    “Levelling the playing field through a well-designed CGT would benefit workers, the economy, and the housing market while delivering revenue to invest in underfunded public services.

    “There is a reason why so many other countries have a CGT and continue to do better than Aotearoa,” Craig Renney says.

    It was a message shared by the Public Service Association (PSA).

    “The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi believes we need a fairer tax system that helps properly fund public and community services, so that they are there when we need them,” says Kerry Davies, PSA’s national secretary.

    “A capital gains tax should be part of a fair tax system that generates the revenue the Government needs to do its job of looking after all New Zealanders.”  

    Tax Justice Aotearoa calls on all New Zealanders to sign and share the petition to show their support for a fairer and more equitable tax system:

    https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/it-s-time-for-a-capital-gains-tax

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment indicators: August 2024 release is delayed

    Employment indicators: August 2024 release is delayed

    Employment indicators: August 2024has a new release date of Friday, 4 October 2024. This delay is due to a significant issue processing the data.

    The same data will be used in the employment stocks and flows series on our experimental website – this will also be available on Friday, 4 October 2024.

    We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Sue Chapman, Sue.Chapman@stats.govt.nz.

    Ends

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –