Tuesday 16th of December 2025 02:47:31 PM
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US astronauts step out on spacewalk

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MIL OSI –

Source: China State Council Information Office – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: US astronauts step out on spacewalk

US astronauts step out on spacewalk [NASA] Two American astronauts yesterday stepped out on the second of three spacewalks to prepare the International Space Station for the arrival of commercial capsules ferrying astronauts in the coming years.

Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and flight engineer Terry Virts emerged from the station airlock after placing their suits on internal battery power at 6:51am, NASA said.
The astronauts are both wearing helmet cameras that allow viewers on Earth to experience the spacewalkers’ perspective, as part of a live broadcast on NASA television and on its website.
The team’s goal for the six-and-a-half hour spacewalk is to route two bundles of cable, lubricate parts of the space station’s robotic arm and prepare for another operation later this year to move modules around at the orbiting outpost.
The lubrication of the end of the Canadian-made robotic arm, called Canadarm, will take about three hours, said NASA commentator Rob Navias.
The work aims to set up additional docking ports, which are essentially parking spots for space taxis, at the ISS for the arrival of more crew-carrying spacecraft.
Boeing plans to send its first astronaut to space aboard the CST-100 spaceship in late 2017, followed by SpaceX soon after.
During the first outing by Wilmore and Virts on Saturday, the pair routed 110 meters of cable, with goal of setting up 213 meters by the end of the final spacewalk of this series on Sunday.
Several more spacewalks in the coming months will help get the station ready for the arrival of a pair of international docking adapters that will be delivered later this year. Traffic to the ISS is expected to increase once private industries like SpaceX and Boeing get their crew capsules up and running.
The flights will restore US access to the orbiting lab where global crews of astronauts live together for six months at a time. The retirement of the 30-year space shuttle program in 2011 left the United States without a spaceship that could send astronauts to low-Earth orbit.

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Trio of quakes shake New Zealand

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Headline: Trio of quakes shake New Zealand

A trio of earthquakes have shaken parts of New Zealand this morning.

A magnitude 4.8 quake struck 105 kilometres north of White Island in the Bay of Plenty, at a depth of 30km just after 8.30am, GeoNet said.

GeoNet It described the quake’s intensity as “moderate” and 30 minutes after the jolt 20 people reported to GeoNet’s website that they had felt it.

It followed a 4.7 quake at almost exactly the same spot on Monday.

Earlier this morning, two quakes struck the South Island.

At 1.29am, there was a 4.8 earthquake 75 km west of Te Anau, Fiordland, at a depth of 14km. Fourteen people said they felt that one.

Then at 1.40am, a 4.6 earthquake was detected 45km east of St Arnaud, in the Tasman District, at a depth of 24km. More than 100 people said they felt this quake, with the majority in Nelson/Marlborough.

[View the stuff website news page]

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NZ Super Fund performing well, breaks $28 billion mark

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Headline: NZ Super Fund performing well, breaks $28 billion mark

Comments from Mr Gavin Walker, Chairman, and Adrian Orr, Chief Executive of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, during today’s regular scheduled appearance before the Commerce Select Committee.

Gavin Walker, the Chairman of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, the Crown entity that manages the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, today told the Commerce Select Committee that the Fund was continuing to perform well.

Mr Walker said that as at 20 February the Fund stood at $28.8 billion, and had gained $4.4 billion (pre NZ tax) over the past 12 months, a gain that includes the precautionary write-down of the US$150 million Oak Finance loan.

“The Fund’s 17.47% return over the last twelve months is exceptional,” said Mr Walker.

Noting that returns over the last few years had been very strong, 18.72% p.a. over the three years to 20 February 2015, Mr Walker said the Guardians remained confident that the Fund would continue to exceed its performance benchmarks.

“However, it’s important to note that future returns are likely to be more modest,” said Mr Walker. “Over the long term the Fund is expected to generate average returns of 8% – 9% a year, based on current portfolio settings.”

Mr Walker commended to the Committee a statutory independent review of the Guardians and Fund by Promontory Financial Group, which was completed during 2014. Promontory’s overall assessment is that “the Guardians run a very professional operation. The Board is strong and the quality of professional staff is impressive, especially for a small market such as New Zealand. The Guardians’ approach to investing the Fund is intellectually sophisticated, consistent and disciplined.”

The report noted that “the Guardians were among a minority of fund managers globally who had been successful in adding substantial value above their benchmarks over a sustained period of time.”

Promontory also confirmed that “the Guardians has implemented appropriate investment systems and controls to manage risk and reduce costs.”

Chief Executive Adrian Orr addressed a range of operational issues.

In regards to Oak Finance, he said: “We are energetically pursuing all appropriate steps to recover the money that we strongly believe is legally owed to the Fund.”

Mr Orr noted that while the sum of money involved is substantial, the Fund was well-diversified and the impact on total Fund performance was minor.

“The strategy of which this investment is part has contributed $900 million to the Fund since it commenced in mid-2009, even after our conservative, precautionary, Oak Finance write-down.”

ENDS

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Seven arrested in drugs operation

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Headline: Seven arrested in drugs operation

Thursday, 26 February 2015 – 3:57pm

Seven people have been arrested during the termination of a drugs operation in Taupo and Tokoroa.

Operation Duet began approximately two months ago and culminated this week in a series of search warrants.

Five searches were carried out at properties in Taupo yesterday (Wednesday, 25 February). A small amount of cash, stolen property, drugs and ammunition was located. Three local men aged 28, 29 and 40 have appeared in court on a number of charges of supplying methamphetamine and have been remanded in custody.

A further five searches were carried out today in Tokoroa where more cash, drugs and ammunition were located. One man aged 44 will appear in court tomorrow charged with offering to supply methamphetamine and supply of cannabis. Two women aged 27 and 28, and one man aged 26 will appear in court next week on drugs charges relating to methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis.

Approximately 20 officers were involved from across the District on each of the two days. Police have not ruled out further arrests.

Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Perks said: “More often than not these operations are made possible by the public providing us with information about illegal activity. This shows that the majority of people do not want their children and families living in communities blighted by the harm that drugs cause. We will continue to look for opportunities to minimise that harm and to play our role in nurturing safer families and safer communities.”

If you have information about any drug activity you should contact your local police. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.

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iPredict Update: Kiwi Dollar To Reach Parity With Aussie Dollar In 2015

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MIL OSI –

IPREDICT LTD

NEW ZEALAND WEEKLY ECONOMIC & POLITICAL UPDATE

Thursday 26 February 2015

www.ipredict.co.nz

 

KIWI DOLLAR TO REACH PARITY WITH AUSSIE DOLLAR IN 2015 

The New Zealand dollar will reach parity with the Australian dollar in 2015 and there is just over a 50% probability it will do so by the end of June, according to the combined wisdom of the 8000+ registered traders on New Zealand’s predictions market, iPredict.  It is again more likely than not there will be a cut in the New Zealand Official Cash Rate in 2015.  Greece is now more strongly expected to stay in the Euro through 2015.  The next Australian Federal Election is 50:50, but is expected to be between Labor’s Bill Shorten and the Liberals’ Malcolm Turnbull.  Winston Peters is not expected to stand in the Northland by-election, which is strongly expected to be won by National.  Kevin Hague is overwhelmingly picked to be the next male co-leader of the New Zealand Greens.

Northland By-election:

·       Winston Peters is not expected to be the NZ First candidate for the Northland by-election (only a 40% probability he will be, up from 33% last week)

·       Labour candidate expected to win more than 25.89% of the vote in the Northland by-election (60% probability Labour will beat this score, down from 87% last week)

·       Coin toss over whether National candidate will win more than 50% of the vote in the Northland by-election (50% probability National candidate will beat this score, down from 70% last week)

·       Only 5% probability a candidate from other National or Labour will win Northland by-election (down from 5% last week) 

New Zealand Politics:

·       Kevin Hague overwhelmingly favoured to be next Green Party co-leader (95% probability)

·       John Key is expected to remain National leader until at least the end of 2016 (80% probability, up from 79% last week) and has a 49% probability of remaining National leader until at least the end of 2017 (steady compared with last week)

·       Steven Joyce remains favourite to become National Party leader if a vacancy arises (29%, up from 27% last week), followed by Paula Bennett (26%, up from 24%) and Amy Adams (12%, up from 11%)

·       Stocks on Andrew Little’s longevity as leader of the Labour Party will be launched in the near future

·       Judith Collins expected to be appointed to Cabinet before next election (60% probability, down from 62% last week)

·       Next election expected in 2017 (92% probability, steady compared with last week)

·       Forecast party vote shares at next election:

o   National                              45.2% (steady compared with last week)

o   Labour                                32.1% (up from 32.0%)

o   Greens                               11.1% (steady)

o   NZ First                                6.9% (steady)

o   Others                                  4.7% (down from 4.8%)

·       National expected to win 2017 General Election (55% probability, down from 57% last week)

·       Wellington councils not expected to be amalgamated by end of 2015 (only 43% probability they will be) 

New Zealand Economics:

·       New Zealand dollar expected to reach parity with Australian dollar by the end of 2015 (75% probability) and may reach parity by end of June 2015 (53% probability)

·       Quarterly GDP growth expected to be:

o   0.7% in the March quarter (steady compared with last week)

o   1.1% in the June quarter (steady)

o   1.1% in the September quarter (steady)

o   1.1% in the December quarter (steady)

·       Annual growth expected to be 4.0% in the 2015 calendar year (steady compared with last week)

·       Unemployment expected to be:

o   5.4% in the March quarter (steady compared with last week)

o   5.3% in the June quarter (steady)

o   5.2% in the September quarter (steady)

o   5.3% in the December quarter (steady)

·       Current account deficit expected to be 3.5% of GDP in the December quarter (steady compared with last week) and 3.4% in the March quarter (steady)

·       Annual inflation expected to be:

o   0.3% to end of March 2015 quarter (steady compared with last week)

o   0.6% to end of June 2015 quarter (steady)

o   0.8% to end of September 2015 quarter (steady)

o   1.0% to end of December 2015 quarter (steady)

·       Official Cash Rate priced to be:

o   3.495% on 12 March (up from 3.491%)

o   3.488% on 30 April (up from 3.486%)

o   3.450% on 11 June (down from 3.451%)

o   3.424% on 23 July (up from 3.421%)

o   3.386% on 10 September (down from 3.395%)

o   3.367% on 29 October (down from 3.376%)

o   3.372% on 10 December 2015 (down from 3.380%)

o   This implies the OCR is more likely than not to be cut on 29 October (compared with it being more likely than not to remain at 3.50% throughout the calendar year last week)

o   OCR stocks out to June 2016 will be launched in the near future

·       Only 17% probability of a fiscal surplus in 2014/15 (down from 18% last week)

·       Fiscal balance expected to be:

o   -0.17% of GDP in 2014/15 (steady compared with last week)

o   0.85% of GDP in 2015/16 (up from 0.75%)

o   1.98% of GDP in 2016/17 (steady)

o   2.38% of GDP in 2017/18 (steady)

·       There is only a 55% probability Fonterra’s payout in 2015/16 will be above $6.00 (before retentions)

Foreign Affairs/Constitution:

·       Next UK Parliament expected to consist of:

o   Conservatives                               37.9% of seats in the House of Commons (steady compared with last week)

o   Labour                                          37.1% of seats (steady)

o   Nationalist parties                            6.6% of seats (steady)

o   UKIP and similar                              5.7% of seats (steady)

o   Liberal Democrats                            4.9% of seats (steady)

o   Unionist parties                                2.1% of seats (steady

o   Green and similar                             1.9% of seats (steady)

o   Independents and Speaker      1.9% of seats (steady)

o   All others                                         2.0% of seats (steady)

·       David Cameron expected to be prime minister after next UK election (57% probability, up from 55% last week)

·       Boris Johnson expected to be elected to UK House of Commons this year (92% probability, down from 95% last week)

·       Socialist Workers’ Party expected to defeat People’s Party in next Spanish election (60% probability, steady compared with last week)

·       All Eurozone countries, including Greece, expected to remain in Euro in 2015 (only 13% probability of an announcement of a departure this year, down from 29% last week)

·       Tony Abbott is expected to remain leader of the Australian Liberal Party until 1 July 2015 (only 23% probability of departing before then, up from 20% last week) but be replaced by Malcolm Turnbull as leader of the Australian Liberal Party by nomination day (69% probability Turnbull will be leader on that day, up from 60% last week)

·       Bill Shorten expected to be Labor leader at next Australian federal election (90% probability)

·       Coin toss between Liberals and Labor for next Australian Federal election in 2016 (both on 50%, steady compared with last week)

·       Hillary Clinton is favoured to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for US president in 2016 and to be elected to that office (48% probability, up form 46% last week).  Jeb Bush has a 39% probability of being the Republican nominee (steady compared with last week) followed by Scott Walker (20% probability, down from 25% last week)

·       There is only a 31% probability New Zealand will sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership this year (up from 25% last week), and the Trans-Pacific Partnership is not expected to be ratified by the US Congress before 1 July 2017 (only 31% probability it will be, steady compared with last week)

·       Helen Clark’s prospects of being the next UN Secretary General are 25% (down from 27% last week)

·       There is a 13% probability New Zealand will become a republic by 2020 (down from 15% last week) 

Notes:

·       iPredict Ltd is owned by Victoria University of Wellington.  Details on the company and its stocks can be found at www.ipredict.co.nz.

·       The weekly economic and political update is prepared by Exceltium Ltd on a pro bono basis and is based on a snapshot taken at a random time each week.  This week’s was taken at 10.46 am today. 

pdf icon 150226-1046-Economic-and-Political-Update-FINAL.pdf

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Export values fall despite higher meat and dairy quantities

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MIL OSI –

Source: Statistics New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Export values fall despite higher meat and dairy quantities

Total goods exports were down $371 million (9.1 percent) to $3.7 billion in January 2015 compared with January 2014, Statistics New Zealand said today.

Milk powder, butter, and cheese exports drove the fall, down 30 percent, led by lower prices. The quantity of dairy products exported rose 2.9 percent, led by cheese and butter, however the quantity of milk powder exported fell 3.1 percent.

“Lower milk powder prices in the last five months, compared with the same months a year earlier, are the main reason exports have been falling,” international statistics manager Jason Attewell said. “Although export values fell, we saw record quantities of dairy and meat exports for a January month.”

A 20 percent rise in meat exports partly offset the fall in monthly exports, led by frozen beef, up 53 percent.

Imports fell $142 million (3.8 percent), to $3.6 billion. The fall was led by intermediate goods (such as crude oil and automotive diesel), down 9.8 percent. The monthly trade balance for January was a surplus of $56 million (1.5 percent of exports).

Seasonally adjusted exports rose 2.7 percent in January 2015, led by increases in fruit and wine exports, compared with December 2014. Seasonally adjusted imports fell 8.5 percent.

Ends

For media enquiries contact: Jason Attewell, Wellington 04 931 4600, info@stats.govt.nz

Authorised by Liz MacPherson, Government Statistician, 26 February 2015

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Australia drives record visitor arrivals

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Headline: Australia drives record visitor arrivals

Visitor arrivals to New Zealand were up 3 percent in January 2015 (302,400), compared with January 2014, Statistics New Zealand said today. 

“Arrivals from Australia drove the increase in visitor numbers, with more holidaymakers, people visiting friends and relatives, and business travellers,” population statistics manager Vina Cullum said. “In comparison, the number of visitors arriving from China fell relative to January last year because of a change in timing of the Chinese New Year.”

Australia, our biggest source of visitors, also contributed the biggest annual increase in visitors, up 31,100 to 1.26 million in the January 2015 year. China, the United States, and the United Kingdom were our next biggest sources of visitors in the January 2015 year.

New Zealand-resident travellers departed on 133,800 overseas trips in January 2015, up 5 percent from January 2014. The biggest increases were in departures to the United States (up 1,700) and Fiji (up 1,400). The annual increase was 4 percent, with New Zealand residents taking 2.28 million overseas trips in the January 2015 year, mostly to Australia (1.09 million trips).

Net inflow of migrants increases to a new peak in January

New Zealand had a seasonally adjusted net gain (more arrivals than departures) of 5,500 migrants in January 2015. This was a new all-time high, surpassing the October 2014 peak of 5,200. This was the third time in the last six months that the previous record net gain of migrants (4,700 in February 2003) has been surpassed.

The annual net gain of migrants in the January 2015 year (53,800) was up significantly on the January 2014 year (25,700). This was the sixth month in a row that the annual record for a net gain of migrants has been broken. The new annual record was driven by both more arrivals (with a new high of 111,500) and fewer departures.

New Zealand’s biggest net gain of migrants in the January 2015 year was from India (10,800). Most of the 12,000 migrants arriving from India came on student visas (9,100). The other biggest net gains in migrants were from China (7,600), the United Kingdom (5,100), and the Philippines (3,800).

Ends

For media enquiries contact: Nicholas Thomson, Christchurch 03 964 8700, info@stats.govt.nz

Authorised by Liz MacPherson, Government Statistician, 26 February 2015

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Global response to atrocities by states and armed groups ‘shameful and ineffective’

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Headline: Global response to atrocities by states and armed groups ‘shameful and ineffective’

Amnesty International has released its 2014/15 Annual Report on The State of the World’s Human Rights detailing a catastrophic year for millions caught up in violence.

The human rights organisation has found that governments’ response to conflict and abuses by states and armed groups has been shameful and ineffective.

While people suffered an escalation in barbarous attacks and repression, the international community failed to find workable solutions to the most pressing human needs of our time.

This is a trend set to continue in 2015 unless world leaders act urgently to confront the changing nature of conflict, and address the enormous refugee crisis caused by the mass violence the world saw in 2014.

Amnesty International’s Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of human rights in 160 countries during 2014 and makes calls for global action including:

  • the renouncement of veto rights by five permanent members of the UN Security Council in situations of mass atrocities
  • for all states to ratify and adhere to the Arms Trade Treaty
  • to restrict the use of explosive weapons
  • for all countries to ensure their response to security threats do not undermine fundamental rights or fuel further violence
  • governments take action to protect and assist those fleeing conflict and persecution, and resettle the most vulnerable refugees

New Zealand starts 2015 in its two year seat on the UN Security Council with strong calls for reform of the Council and support for addressing the root causes of conflict.

Amnesty International welcomes Foreign Minister Murray McCully’s strong words at his first appearance at the Security Council but is encouraging the Government to ensure they don’t simply pay lip service to the importance of protecting civilians but put their words into action.

2015/16 forecast

Unless the world’s leaders act immediately to confront the changing nature of conflict and address other shortcomings identified in the report, the human rights outlook for the coming year is bleak:

  • More civilian populations forced to live under the quasi-state control of brutal armed groups, subject to attacks, persecution, and discrimination.
  • Deepening threats to freedom of expression and other rights, including violations caused by new draconian anti-terror laws and unjustified mass surveillance.
  • A worsening humanitarian and refugee crisis with even more people displaced by conflict as governments continue to block borders and the international community fails to provide assistance and protection.

Of particular concern is the rising power of non­-state armed groups, including the group which calls itself Islamic State (IS).

Armed groups committed abuses in at least 35 countries in 2014, more than 1 in 5 of the countries that Amnesty International investigated.

“Governments must stop pretending the protection of civilians is beyond their power, leaders must embrace a fundamental change in the way they respond to crises and do their utmost to protect human rights around the world,” said Grant Bayldon, Amnesty International’s Executive Director in New Zealand.

UN Security Council veto

In Syria, Iraq, Gaza, Israel and Ukraine, the UN Security Council (UNSC) has failed to deal with crises and conflict, even in situations where horrific crimes are being committed against civilians by states or by armed groups, based on vested interests or political expediency.

The use of vetoes by permanent UNSC members in 2014 against a resolution to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court has effectively enabled a situation which has resulted in the deaths of more than 190,000 civilians, millions of refugees and other gross human rights violations.

Amnesty International is now calling for the five permanent UNSC members to renounce their veto rights in situations of genocide and other mass atrocities.

“This could be a game changer for the international community and the tools it has at its disposal to help protect civilian lives. By renouncing their veto rights the five permanent members of the Security Council would give the UN more scope to take action to protect civilians when lives are at grave risk and send a powerful signal to perpetrators that the world will not sit idly by while mass atrocities take place,” said Grant Bayldon.

Arms trade

The bloody legacy of the flooding of weapons into countries where they are used for grave abuses by states and armed groups claimed tens of thousands of civilian lives in 2014.

Amnesty International is calling for all states—including the US, China, Canada, India, Israel and Russia – to ratify or accede, and adhere, to the Arms Trade Treaty which came into force last year after decades of campaigning by Amnesty International and others.

“Huge arms shipments were delivered to Iraq, Israel, South Sudan and Syria in 2014 despite the very high likelihood that these weapons would be used against civilian populations trapped in conflict. When IS took control of large parts of Iraq, it found large arsenals, ripe for the picking. The irresponsible flow of weapons to human rights abusers must stop now,” said Grant Bayldon.

Draconian responses

Amnesty International is urging governments to ensure their response to security threats do not undermine fundamental human rights or fuel further violence.

The Annual Report details how many governments in 2014 reacted to security threats with draconian and repressive tactics.

“Around the world government leaders have attempted to justify human rights violations by talking of the need to keep the world ‘safe’,” said Grant Bayldon.

“We are seeing worrying signs that leaders will continue to introduce draconian anti-terror laws and use unjustified mass surveillance techniques in response to security threats. But knee-jerk reactions do not work. Instead they create an environment of repression in which extremism can thrive.”

Refugees

A tragic consequence of the international community’s inability to protect civilians caught in conflict has helped create one of the worst refugee crisis the world has ever seen, as millions of people – including 4 million from Syria alone – continue to flee violence and persecution.

“The global refugee crisis is only likely to get worse, unless urgent measures are taken,” said Grant Bayldon.

“New Zealand, along with other world leaders, has the means and a responsibility to do their bit to alleviate the suffering of millions – by committing further political and financial resources to assist and protect those fleeing danger, delivering humanitarian aid generously, and resettling the most vulnerable.

New Zealand must step up and show leadership in the face of this growing refugee crisis, increase its refugee intake and do more to protect the people fleeing violence in places like Syria.”

New Zealand’s response to the refugee crisis

“To date New Zealand’s response has been inadequate,” said Grant Bayldon.

“While countries like Jordan and Lebanon have opened up their doors and are providing
support to millions fleeing violence in Syria, the New Zealand government’s intake pledge stands at just 100 Syrian refugees. This number is from within, and not in addition to, our current humanitarian quota of just 750 places.”

The way forward

“The global outlook on the state of human rights is bleak, but there are solutions. World leaders must take immediate and decisive action to avert an impending global crisis and take us one step closer to a safer world in which rights and freedoms are prote cted,” said Grant Bayldon.

“Never has there been a more vital time for New Zealand to step up and continue to show human rights leadership on international stage. In its role on the UN Security Council New Zealand is in a prime position to have an impact when it comes to addressing the global state of human rights.”

New Zealand’s entry in the Annual Report

Meanwhile in its own backyard New Zealand still has much work to do on some fundamental issues.

In 2014 New Zealand rejected international recommendations to address inequality, and to rule out the transferal of asylum seekers to detention centres in third countries.

The right to privacy and freedom of movement was threatened with the passing of the Countering Terrorist Fighters Legislation (Foreign Fighters) in October, without adequate time to conduct a robust assessment of compliance with international human rights standards.  

Disparities remained in the quality of services provided to refugees who arrived under the humanitarian intake of UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, and those arriving in the country spontaneously and whose refugee claims were accepted by the government.

Economic, social and cultural rights lacked equal protection to civil and political rights while levels of child poverty remained high. 

 

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Whangarei homicide investigation continues

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MIL OSI –

Source: New Zealand Police – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Whangarei homicide investigation continues

Northland

Police are continuing their inquiries following the discovery of the bodies of a man and woman at a Riverside house in Whangarei early this morning.

The 32-year-old woman and 52-year-old man were found about 12.30am at a Dundas Road address.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths, but are speaking to a number of witnesses.
The deceased were known to each other.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have heard or seen anything in the Dundas Road area between 11pm and 12.30am last night
Anyone with information can call the Whangarei Police on 09 430 4500 or if they want to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A scene examination with be undertaken with the assistance of specialists today.
A post mortem will be carried out on the deceased in Auckland tomorrow.

For media inquiries contact Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett on 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099.
 

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Five AA Australia: Manning & Godfrey on Christchurch Quake + Cricket World Cup Australia V New Zealand

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[caption id="attachment_1642" align="alignleft" width="300"]Peter Godfrey and Selwyn Manning. Peter Godfrey and Selwyn Manning.[/caption] Recorded on 26/02/15: On Across The Ditch this week Selwyn Manning and Peter Godfrey discuss the fourth anniversary since the Christchurch earthquake. Also discussed, the looming game of Cricket between Australia and New Zealand. ITEM ONE: This week New Zealand remembered the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and the impact it had on the Canterbury region and the country. Last night TVNZ broadcast a graphic documentary of footage taken at the time of the 6.3 magnitude quake and during the ensuring hours. It was a reminder of the utter devastation that befell Christchurch, of the disaster that caused the deaths of 185 people and injured several thousand others. In some ways it seems much longer than just four years since the quake. Each year, since it struck, people quietly commemorate those who showed courage, those who brought comfort to others trapped under concrete, iron girders, and rubble, and to people who brought hope and rescue to those who survived. The quake struck on Tuesday February 22 2011 at 12.51 p.m. It couldn’t have struck at a worse time. It was lunchtime, thousands of people were on the move, in the streets. New Zealand History website records is as follows: “More than 110 fatalities were caused by the collapse of two multi-storey office buildings – the Canterbury Television and Pyne Gould Corporation buildings. Falling bricks and masonry on Manchester St and in Cashel Mall killed 11 people, and six died in two city buses crushed by crumbling walls. Rock cliffs behind houses collapsed in the Sumner and Redcliffs area, and boulders tumbled down the Port Hills, with five people killed by falling rocks.” The Canterbury region is slowly rebuilding, returning to a normality that people once took for granted. But Cantabrians speak of how people remain affected. Some remain traumatised. One young teenager still cannot sleep without the lights on. People tend to avoid the CBD which is now mostly flattened, where central city buildings once stood, and much of the land to the east of the city is damaged, unable to be built on. Life goes on, but the heart of Christchurch City barely has a pulse. It is recovering, but it has a long long way to go. ITEM TWO: The Cricket World Cup matches may not get any better than this… Australia V New Zealand… The two in-form teams square off tomorrow (Saturday) at Eden Park here in Auckland at 2pm NZ Time… And the pre-match sledging has begun! This week Aussie’s opener David Warner was told Eden Park will be a pressure cooker atmosphere… He said: ”Perfect. I hope they come out and boo us and give us crap like they always do… That’s what’s going to happen. We love it, it gets us up and going, gets the adrenaline going for sure.” Warner says he will let his bat do the talking. The Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said, when on the field, the Kiwis will focus on doing the business. About sledging, he said his team would “soak it up as best we can”. One things for sure, it’s going to be a cracker! Across The Ditch broadcasts live on Five AA Australia and webcasts on LiveNews.co.nz and ForeignAffairs.co.nz. –]]>

Christchurch earthquakes demonstrates people were caught by surprise

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MIL OSI –

Christchurch earthquakes demonstrates people were caught by surprise

February 26, 2015

Christchurch earthquakes demonstrate that people generally do not take any notice of the likely occurrence of rare events, University of Canterbury natural hazards researcher Professor Tim Davies says.

The February 2011 earthquake was a one in a many thousands of years’ event and there were many more important things to worry about prior to the September 4 2010 earthquake, he says.

Professor Davies is attending and speaking at the United Nations world conference on disaster risk reduction in Sendai, Japan, from March 14 to 18.

               

The conference hopes to produce countermeasures to climate-related disasters, which are worsening in some parts of the world. Japanese organisers will draw on its experiences of the March 2011 quake and tsunami and help stress the importance of preparation.

“Before the Christchurch earthquakes, large in our minds was an Alpine fault earthquake. We started preparing for that potential event in the 1990s and 2000s, because it had a much greater probability of occurring than anything else we knew about. The lesson here is that probabilities do not tell us everything future about disaster events – especially the ones we don’t have much information about.

“The most important disaster for any community is the next one, and probabilities can tell us nothing about that. We cannot know far in advance its type, its intensity or its time of occurrence. What any community needs to know is what the next disaster can do, and prepare by altering its behaviour so that when any disaster happens, the effects will be reduced.

“A community could, for example, anticipate that any disaster can cut off its food supply, and maintain emergency stocks; it can arrange that all the major professionals such as doctors, police and fire crew do not work in the same building, so that all don’t get wiped out by the same event.

“It can purchase and maintain satellite phones, anticipating that a range of events can knock out mobile and landline communication. None of these requires that the nature and probability of the next disaster are known.

“It is legitimate to use methods to devise risk-based strategies for dealing with the cumulative effects of large numbers of disasters, because the statistics will in that case be close to what actually occurs. However, such large scale strategies cannot be effective at reducing local disasters, because these are all different. If local disasters aren’t reduced, no large-scale disaster reduction strategy can be effective.

“Communities need to develop, in collaboration with scientists and officials, their own views on what the next disaster can do to them, and how they can become less vulnerable to it. The community itself knows how it functions; scientists can tell them how nature behaves; and officials can if necessary alter rules to allow resilience to be improved.

“There is much we do not know about natural hazards, and disasters will always be to some extent unexpected. Therefore risk management methodologies will always need to be supplemented with resilience methodologies if we are ever going to be able to reduce the impacts of future disasters – bearing in mind that rapid increases in population, development and commerce render society ever more vulnerable to nature’s challenges,” Professor Davies says.

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FONTERRA MAINTAINS CURRENT 2014/15 FORECAST FARMGATE MILK PRICE

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MIL OSI –

Fonterra MAINTAINS current 2014/15 forecast Farmgate milk price

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited today maintained its current forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2014/15 season at $4.70 per kgMS. Along with the previously announced estimated dividend range, this amounts to a forecast Cash Payout of $4.95 – $5.05 for the current season.

Chairman John Wilson said that although dairy commodity prices had gone up, the increase was not sufficient to raise the forecast Farmgate Milk Price at this time.

“Since December, GDT prices for Whole Milk Powder have increased 45 per cent and Skim Milk Powder prices have increased 13 per cent,” Mr Wilson said.

“There continues to be significant volatility in international commodity prices. New Zealand volumes are down, with continued uncertainty in milk production due to climatic conditions in New Zealand with droughts in Canterbury, Marlborough, Central Otago and North Otago.

“Today’s forecast reflects the Board and management’s best estimates at this time. We are advising farmers to continue to be cautious with budgeting and we will update them as the season progresses.”

Chief Executive Theo Spierings said Fonterra was sticking to its strategy, with confidence in the long-term fundamentals of dairy demand.

“We will provide a full business update when we report our Interim Result on 25 March,” Mr Spierings said.

Fonterra is required to consider its forecast Farmgate Milk Price every quarter as a condition of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA).

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Myanmar ‘needs urgently to get back on track’ – UN rights chief

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MIL OSI –

Source: United Nations 3 – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Myanmar ‘needs urgently to get back on track’ – UN rights chief


25 February 2015 – United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, today warned that Myanmar “seems headed in the wrong direction and needs urgently to get back on track” in a crucial year for the country’s democratic transition and long-term reconciliation.

“The international community has seen the transition in Myanmar as a story of promise and hope,” the High Commissioner said in a statement. “But recent developments relating to the human rights of minorities, the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest are calling into question the direction of that reform, and even threatening to set it back.”

Zeid cited a number of recent cases in which the new space for freedom of expression and peaceful protest has been curtailed by regressive application of the law.

“In the latest in a long line of similar cases, last week 14 members of the Michaungkan community were jailed for peacefully protesting the alleged confiscation of their land by the military. Last year, we saw the jailing of 10 journalists under outdated defamation, trespassing and national security laws. And U Htin Lin Oo remains in detention for speaking out against the use of Buddhism as a tool for extremism,” Zeid said.

“Myanmar had promised to end the era of political prisoners, but now seems intent on creating a new generation by jailing people who seek to enjoy the democratic freedoms they have been promised,” the High Commissioner continued, stressing that ensuring democratic space will be critically important for the upcoming constitutional referendum and elections.

On 11 February, Myanmar’s President issued a notification announcing the expiry by the end of March of temporary ‘white cards’, held mainly by ethnic minorities who do not have citizenship under the discriminatory 1982 Citizenship Law. The decision appears designed to prevent ‘white card’ holders – the majority believed to be members of Myanmar’s stateless Rohingya Muslim minority – from being eligible to vote in the upcoming constitutional referendum and possibly in the General Election later this year. On 16 February, the Constitutional Tribunal ruled that it would be unconstitutional for ‘white card’ holders to vote in any upcoming referendum.

The Rohingyas, who number about one million, have lived in Myanmar for generations, but they are denied equal access to citizenship, and many have been victims of violent attacks. Notwithstanding that the Government has made some efforts to improve services, around 140,000 people continue to reside in overcrowded camps, the vast majority of whom are Rohingya, with severe and discriminatory restrictions placed on their freedom of movement. Noting the Government’s official resistance to the use of the term “Rohingya”, Zeid warned the denial of a group’s right to self-identification “should sound a clear warning bell” to the international community.

“During an election year, it will be tempting for some politicians to fan the flames of prejudice for electoral gain,” the High Commissioner said. “But at a time when religious extremism is creating havoc in many parts of the world, the terrible consequences of appealing to or appeasing such sentiments should be all too clear. A new democratic Myanmar should be built on the strength of its diversity.”

High Commissioner Zeid also expressed particular concern about four new laws, currently before Parliament, that are discriminatory against women and religious minorities and breach international standards on freedom of religion. The package of laws would place restrictions upon people who wish to change their religion, control the marriage of Buddhist women to non-Buddhist men, and allow the Government to regulate birth spacing and family planning in certain areas through the designation of special zones for “healthcare”.

The situation in the Kokang self-administered zone in northeastern Shan State, which is fast deteriorating following the escalation of violence between the Myanmar Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and other armed groups, is also cause for alarm, the High Commissioner warned. He added that the two attacks against Red Cross convoys in the space of a week were very disturbing.

Reports suggest tens of thousands have been displaced by the current fighting. On 18 February, a State of Emergency was declared for 90 days in the Kokang self-administered zone, providing wide-ranging executive and judicial powers to the military.

“It will be tragic for Myanmar’s peace process if this violence is allowed to spiral,” Zeid said. “All parties must step back from the brink and ensure full respect for human rights and protection of the civilian population.”

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Press Releases: Second Round of U.S.-Cuba Talks to Re-establish Diplomatic Relations

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MIL OSI –

Source: United States Department of State – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Press Releases: Second Round of U.S.-Cuba Talks to Re-establish Diplomatic Relations

On Friday, February 27, the Department of State will host the second round of talks to re-establish diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.
As with the first round, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta S. Jacobson will lead the U.S. delegation. Josefina Vidal, Director General of the U.S. Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will again head the Cuban delegation.
These talks continue the dialogue initiated by the parties on January 22 in Havana, Cuba, and are a key step in implementing the new direction in U.S.-Cuba relations announced by President Obama on December 17, 2014.
The talks are scheduled for one day, from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m.
There will be a camera spray at the beginning of the talks covered by press pools from each delegation. Press participating in the pool will be informed separately. Video footage and photos will be available.
At the end of the talks, heads of delegations will hold sequential press availabilities — first Cuba, at about 4:00 p.m., then the United States. They are both open to the press. No prior registration is required. The press availabilities will be live-streamed at www.state.gov. Broadcast quality video can be downloaded at www.dvidshub.net/usdos. Online video on-demand will be at www.state.gov.
Pre-set time for video cameras: 3:00 p.m. from the 23rd street entrance.
Final access time for writers and still photographers: 3:30 p.m. from the 23rd street entrance.
Media representatives may attend this briefing upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense, or Foreign Press Center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification (driver’s license or passport).
For further information, please contact WHAPress@state.gov or the Office of Press Relations at (202) 647-2492. Follow @StateDept, @USAenEspanol, and @WHAAsstSecty for more information.

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International police action leads to rescue of 22-month old Romanian sex abuse victim

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MIL OSI – Source: Europol – Press Release/Statement: Headline: International police action leads to rescue of 22-month old Romanian sex abuse victim

The Hague, The Netherlands
Swift international police cooperation has led to the arrest of a Romanian man suspected of sexually-abusing his own two-year-old daughter, filming the abuse and posting the child abuse material (CAM) online. Romanian law enforcement authorities have rescued the child. The case began when the United States National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report of suspected online child sexual abuse, submitted via their CyberTipline1. These reports are continuously triaged to help ensure children in imminent danger get first priority. Analysts at the NCMEC reviewed the report, examining and evaluating the content and, after adding appropriate information for potential law enforcement use, the NCMEC sent the information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Liaison Office at Europol in The Hague. HSI special agents coordinated with Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), who immediately launched an investigation. EC3 cross-checked and analysed all the data, and produced an intelligence package for the Romanian authorities. Romanian law enforcement authorities specialised in combating organised crime, and prosecutors from Sibiu County, were rapidly involved. The lack of harmonised legislation on data retention presented some issues in the initial stages of the operation however, the suspected abuser, his victim and their location were soon identified. On 24 February 2015, Romanian law enforcement officers arrested the suspect and searched his home. Evidence found at the home matched the self-produced child abuse material that the perpetrator had posted online. The victim – the suspect’s own daughter – was safeguarded. Europol’s Deputy Director Operations, Wil van Gemert says: “This serves as an example of how fast and effective international police cooperation can lead to the arrest of child sex offenders and rescue of the child victims, which continues to be a very high priority for Europol and its partners worldwide. We will continue our efforts to fight this horrific crime and to ensure a safe environment for children all around the world.” “This case illustrates law enforcement’s unyielding commitment to protecting our children,” said Brian Davis, HSI Liaison Officer at Europol. “What this man did to this baby is unthinkable. He will now have to account for his actions.” The case was supported by Europol’s (EC3), Romanian law enforcement authorities including the Romanian Intelligence Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). This operation is a direct result of the information flow process Europol initiated in 2014 in cooperation with US ICE, aiming to disseminate NCMEC reports on child sexual exploitation to the EU Member States. Europol implemented this initiative in the framework of the EMPACT priority ‘Cybercrime – Child Sexual Exploitation Online’ and currently involves: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Sweden, plus Norway.   1 The CyberTipline is operated in partnership with the United States FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Postal Inspection Service, Secret Service, military criminal investigative organisations, Department of Justice, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force program, as well as other state and local law enforcement agencies. Reports to the CyberTipline are made by the public and Electronic Service Providers. ESPs are required by law to report apparent child pornography to law enforcement via the CyberTipline. For further information, please contact: Lisanne Kosters, Europol Corporate Communications, +31 70 302 5001 –  ]]>

New UN report urges push to end problem of torture in Afghan detention facilities

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MIL OSI – Source: United Nations 3 – Press Release/Statement: Headline: New UN report urges push to end problem of torture in Afghan detention facilities 25 February 2015 – The Government of Afghanistan’s efforts to prevent torture and ill-treatment have shown some progress over the last two years but much more remains to be done, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed today as it released its latest report on the treatment of conflict-related detainees in Afghan custody. “UNAMA’s finding that torture of conflict-related detainees persists in spite of Government efforts over 2013-14 to address it is a source of serious concern,” said the UNAMA Human Rights Director, Georgette Gagnon, in a press release. “CAccountability – particularly the prosecution of both those who perpetrate and administer torture, and those who order or condone it – is a key means of signalling political commitment at the highest levels to end it.ontinuing impunity for the use of torture allows torture to continue.” The report – the third of its kind, and jointly produced with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – is based on interviews with 790 conflict-related detainees between February 2013 and December 2014, and highlights ill-treatment and torture during the arrest and interrogation phases in numerous facilities across the country with many alleged members of the Taliban and other anti-Government groups subjected to “severe pain and suffering, aimed mainly at obtaining a confession or information.” Overall, 16 methods of torture and ill-treatment were described including severe beatings with pipes, cables and sticks, suspension, electric shocks and near-asphyxiation. The report also documents a “persistent lack of accountability” with only one criminal prosecution for torture observed since 2010, despite numerous verified incidents raised with officials over the course of the reporting period. Although torture is prohibited and criminalized under Afghanistan’s Constitution and laws and under international law, UNAMA’s findings note that the country’s National Directorate of Security and the Ministry of Interior accountability and oversight mechanisms remain “inadequate, lacking independence, authority, transparency and capacity.” “Accountability – particularly the prosecution of both those who perpetrate and administer torture, and those who order or condone it – is a key means of signalling political commitment at the highest levels to end it,” Ms. Gagnon continued. Twenty out of 71 interviewed detainees reported having experienced torture or ill-treatment following their transfer to Afghan custody in 2013-14, including in Afghan facilities the International Security Assistance Force had certified as not using torture. Moreover, the report points out that many Afghan security and police officials interviewed appeared not to accept that torture is illegal, instead viewing it as an appropriate method by which to extract valuable information. “Torture is a very serious crime, for which there can be no justification. The international prohibition is absolute,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein stressed in the press release. “We have seen many examples showing how its use undermines national security and proves counter-productive.” In addition, he pointed out that both the Afghan Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code include due process guarantees to protect detainees from the use of torture and ill-treatment, including the prohibition of using evidence gained through torture. Nevertheless, the report also shows a 14 per cent decrease in the number of detainees tortured or ill-treated compared to the previous reporting period. Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, confirmed the Mission’s steadfast willingness to assist the authorities in improving accountability mechanisms in an effort to further reduce the instance of torture across the country. “UNAMA welcomes the incoming Government’s commitment to implement a new national plan on elimination of torture,” he said. “We support – and can assist as requested – this comprehensive approach to eliminate torture and ill-treatment in Government of Afghanistan facilities.” – –]]>

Press Releases: Recent Attacks on Civilians in Syria

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MIL OSI – Source: United States Department of State – Press Release/Statement: Headline: Press Releases: Recent Attacks on Civilians in Syria The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms ISIL’s attacks yesterday on predominantly Assyrian Christian villages in the northeast Syrian province of Hasakeh, where they kidnapped dozens of civilians, including women, children, priests, and the elderly. Hundreds of other civilians remain trapped in villages surrounded by ISIL fighters, and clashes continue between ISIL and local forces defending their communities. ISIL burned and destroyed homes and churches, and the violence has reportedly displaced more than 3,000 people. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of the civilians taken captive yesterday and of all those held by ISIL. ISIL’s latest targeting of a religious minority is only further testament to its brutal and inhumane treatment of all those who disagree with its divisive goals and toxic beliefs. ISIL continues to exact its evil upon innocents of all faiths, and the majority of its victims have been Muslims. People of all faiths and many religious leaders throughout the region have united in condemning ISIL’s depravity, including its mass killings, rape, sexual enslavement, lashing, stoning, crucifixion, torture, and public murders of hostages. Tragically, Syrians are threatened not only by ISIL’s grotesque violence and repressive ideology, but also by the Assad regime’s unrelenting campaign of terror. The regime has recently intensified its airstrikes and barrel bombing of Aleppo and continues to besiege the Damascus suburbs of Eastern Ghouta and Douma, cutting off humanitarian aid from those in need. The UN Commission of Inquiry reaffirmed the deteriorating situation last week, noting in its latest report that the Syrian people continue to suffer from the Assad regime’s airstrikes, barrel bombings, arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, and murder. Like ISIL, the Assad regime is showing its complete disregard for human life through these crimes. To bring an end to these daily horrors, we remain committed to leading the international coalition to degrade and defeat ISIL and to working towards a negotiated political solution that stops the bloodshed and secures a future of freedom, justice, and dignity for all Syrians. – –]]>

Australians move on offshore speculators

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Headline: Australians move on offshore speculators

John Key might want to have a quiet word with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott about Canberra’s just-announced crack down on offshore speculators when he visits New Zealand this week, Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford says.

“Tony Abbott’s centre right government has announced a tax on foreign buyers, a register of foreign land and property ownership, and tough penalties for those who break the rules, following on from the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry.

“Contrast that with John Key’s government who deny offshore speculators are a problem, despite KPMG warning today that bankers believe foreign buyers are inflating property prices and putting the economy at risk.

“KPMG think offshore speculators are a problem. The bankers think they are a problem. The Australian Government clearly thinks they are a problem. The National Government is increasingly isolated on this issue.

“National needs to decide whether it is on the side of offshore property speculators, or on the side of young New Zealand first home buyers.”

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Old Reefton mines to be cleaned up

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Headline: Old Reefton mines to be cleaned up

New Zealand’s most toxic contaminated site located near Reefton in two old mines are to be cleaned up in a joint funding agreement between the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Conservation totalling $3 million, Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith announced today in Reefton.

“The Prohibition and Alexander mine sites are acutely toxic and a blight on New Zealand’s clean, green reputation. The levels of arsenic are among the highest recorded anywhere in the world at 400,000 parts per million on land, or 500 times the safe level, and in water at 300 parts per million, or 33,000 times the safe limit for drinking water,” Dr Smith says.

“We need to clean up this site so as to prevent ongoing contamination to the surrounding environment and make the site safe for future generations.

“The Prohibition mine site was contaminated from the operation of a roasting plant from 1935 to 1951, when arsenic bearing ore was roasted to release gold. The sites also have high levels of mercury and cyanide. The mining company has long gone and the Department of Conservation inherited the site in 1987. The site has been fenced off to prevent public access and harm.

“The Ministry for the Environment is providing $1.5 million from the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund to assist the Department of Conservation with the $3 million clean-up. The Prohibition and Alexander sites currently rank numbers one and two on the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund Priority List.

“The remediation of the site will involve cleaning the condensing tower, removing arsenic contaminated soil, securing the soil in sealed barrels in a water-tight pit and capping of the surface around the pit and tower. The remediation will also include a water treatment plant to protect surrounding natural water bodies from contaminants from the site.

“This contaminated site is the legacy of inadequate oversight and requirements of previous mining activities on the West Coast. We need to repair the environmental damage and clean up this site, but also ensure that we properly regulate mining activities today so as not to create more problems of this sort in the future,” Dr Smith concluded.

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Population trends have implications for health care

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Headline: Population trends have implications for health care

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PUBLISHED: 25 February 2015

Board meeting

Board meeting

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Finalists announced for NZ Sport and Recreation Awards

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Headline: Finalists announced for NZ Sport and Recreation Awards

Back

Finalists announced for NZ Sport and Recreation Awards

Celebrating sporting sector excellence in commercial partnerships, communications, community impact, events and innovation.

The winners will be announced at the Awards dinner on 13 April 2015. The judging panel were Peter Dale (Chair), Sir John Wells, Jennifer Gill, Selwyn Maister, and Peter Miskimmin. 

Congratulations to the finalists. 

The finalists are (in alphabetical order):

Commercial Partnership

  • NZ Rugby League and DB Breweries
  • Taranaki Secondary Schools Sports’ Association and Shell Todd Partnership
  • Yachting NZ and Aon NZ

Communication Excellence

  • Harbour Sport 2014 Events Communications Programme
  • Sport Bay of Plenty 2014 Communications Programme
  • Waka Ama Social Media Programme

Community Impact

  • Northland Swim for Life Programme – Sport Northland
  • Pathway 16-20 – Sport Bay of Plenty
  • Softball strikes back in Tairawhiti – Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti

Event Excellence

  • 2014 Panasonic Pan Pacific Youth Water Polo Festival – NZ Water Polo Association
  • AMI Round the Bays Fun Run/Walk – Sport Wellington 
  • NZCT AIMS GAMES International Sporting Championships – AIMS GAMES TRUST 

Innovation Excellence

  • Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines – ATEED
  • Fast5 Netball World Series – Netball NZ
  • Gender Equal Grading System – Squash NZ

C.K. Doig Leadership Award

No finalists named – winner to be revealed at the New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards.

The judging panel were impressed with the variety, quality, and impact of the many projects and programmes taking place across the country. Thank you to all entrants for participating in this year’s awards and for your continuing service to New Zealand sport and recreation. 

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Missing 70 year old man located outside a vacant property in Riccarton

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Headline: Missing 70 year old man located outside a vacant property in Riccarton

Wednesday, 25 February 2015 – 2:23pm

Canterbury Police SAR can confirm that 70 year old Noel Noonan has been located in the grounds to the rear of Antonio Hall on Riccarton Road shortly before 1.15pm this afternoon (25 February 2015). 

Canterbury Police SAR Coordinator, Sergeant Phil Simmonds said “This is a great result for the family and everyone involved in the search for Mr Noonan.  We had teams from Police, LandSAR, Christchurch City Council and University of Canterbury Urban Search and members of the public involved in the SAR operation to locate him.  Members of the Christchurch City Council Urban Search located Mr Noonan when they searched the grounds of the vacant Antonio House on Riccarton Road this lunchtime.”

“He was found conscious, confused and immobile on the ground at the rear of the property close to the edge of a steep drainage ditch, so wasn’t visible from the road.  He is now surrounded by his family and is being checked by medical professionals.  We would like to thank the followers of the Canterbury Police Facebook and Twitter feeds, the media and members of the public for their help in reporting possible sightings.  We’d also like to thank those who gave up their time to take part in the Police led search” explained Sergeant Simmonds.

This is a great illustration of what can be achieved when organisations pull together with the community.

A spokesperson from Mr Noonan’s family said “We are overwhelmed at the support of Canterbury Police, LandSAR, Urban Search, volunteers, our friends and the community who all helped reunite us with our beloved father.  He has been taken to Christchurch Hospital for assessment and we hope to have him home soon.  Some of our friends have been driving and walking around the area where he went missing and the parks and open spaces in Christchurch.  Their unwavering support leaves us speechless.”

Approximately 50 people (including Police staff) were involved in the search this morning, with a further 20 Police officers searching the area yesterday afternoon and overnight.

NZSAR, LandSAR and Police encourage the use of products such as Wandatrak pendants which can allow individuals, with medical conditions such as dementia, who are prone to wandering to be located using bespoke tracking equipment. 

ENDS

Issued by:  Lisa-Marie Brooks, District communications Manager, Canterbury District Police. Mobile 021 942 404.
 

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More one on one time for mental health patients

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Headline: More one on one time for mental health patients

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says patients in mental health wards are the latest to benefit from an innovative programme that frees up staff to spend more time looking after patients.

“The success of the Productive Ward programme in hospitals is being extended to some of our largest mental health units,” says Dr Coleman.

“The Productive Series programmes guide staff to streamline systems so they can spend more time in direct contact with patients.

“Staff in a Waikato DHB mental health ward improved time spent on direct patient care as a result of a range of changes, including ensuring equipment is conveniently located and patient information is easily accessible.”

17 DHBs are implementing one or more of the Productive Series programmes including the Productive Ward, the Productive Mental Health Ward, the Productive Community Services, and the Productive Operating Theatre.

“These programmes guide staff to review and change the way they work, and help to deliver cost and time savings, improved quality of care, and improved staff morale,” says Dr Coleman.

“The Productive Series is making a quantifiable difference. For example, in a Hawke’s Bay specialist surgery unit, a new more focused user-friendly nursing admission form is expected to save 267 hours of nursing time a year.”

The Ministry of Health is supporting uptake of the Productive Series, including providing financial support to DHBs to access training materials. A national workshop will be held in Wellington in March to share learnings and encourage expansion of the programmes.

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PM saddened at passing of Dame Thea Muldoon

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Headline: PM saddened at passing of Dame Thea Muldoon

Prime Minister John Key today expressed his sadness at the passing of Dame Thea Muldoon.

Mr Key says he met Dame Thea on a number of occasions.

“She made a significant contribution to her community and the country – something she was recognised for when she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire and awarded the Queen’s Service Order for Community Service.

“She was also a huge supporter of her husband, the late former Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon, and as Prime Minister today I recognise how important that is,” says Mr Key.

“I thank her for her contribution to New Zealand. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”

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Minimum wage background papers

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Headline: Minimum wage background papers

Minimum wage review papers for 2014 for rate changes effective from April 2015.

Minimum Wage Review 2014 and Minimum Wage Order 2015: Cabinet paper

This paper recommends that the Cabinet Legislation Committee authorise the submission of the Minimum Wage Order 2014 to the Executive Council.

Cabinet order: [PDF 8 pages, 89KB]

Minimum Wage Review 2014: Officials’ Report

This report fulfils the Minister of Labour’s statutory obligation under the Minimum Wage Act 1983 (the Act) to review the minimum wage rates by 31 December each year.

Officials’ Report: [PDF 35 pages, 768KB]

Minimum Wage Review 2014: Regulatory Impact Statement

This paper provides an analysis of options for the Minister of Labour’s annual statutory review of the minimum wage rates.

Regulatory Impact Statement: [PDF 31 Pages, 568kB]

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Amazing photographs from Antarctica’s Terra Nova Bay

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These images have been captured onboard NIWA’s Research Vessel Tangaroa during the New Zealand-Antarctica Ecosystems Voyage 2015. Favourable weather has provided excellent photographic conditions for NIWA’s photographer Dave Allen, who has accompanied the 6 week voyage.

Access the full voyage image gallery Visit the New Zealand-Australia Antarctic Ecosystems Voyage 2015 homepage

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Tangaroa transits through pancake ice on its way to Terra Nova Bay. Photograph taken by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Terra Nova Bay as seen from the bridge of RV Tangaroa. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Approaching Terra Nova Bay. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Passing Cape Washington on the way to Terra Nova Bay. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Approaching Terra Nova Bay. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Terra Nova Bay. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Terra Nova Bay. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Terra Nova Bay, a supply ship sits off the coast of Inexpressible Island. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Terra Nova Bay. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Terra Nova Bay, Mount Melbourne. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.

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Terra Nova Bay, Mount Melbourne at sunset. Photograph by Dave Allen on 21 February 2015.
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Minimum wage to increase to $14.75

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Headline: Minimum wage to increase to $14.75

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse today announced the adult minimum wage will increase from $14.25 to $14.75 an hour from 1 April.

The starting-out and training hourly minimum wages will increase by 40 cents to $11.80 an hour, as this is set at 80 per cent of the adult minimum wage.

“The Government has taken great care in setting these wage rates to ensure we maintain the balance between protecting our lowest paid workers and ensuring jobs are not lost,” says Mr Woodhouse.

“$14.75 per hour is an appropriate increase given current economic and labour market conditions. It balances the needs of both businesses and workers whilst having minimal impact on the wider labour market.

“While annual inflation is currently at 0.8 per cent, we are increasing the minimum wage by 3.5 per cent which will directly benefit 115,100 workers and increase wages throughout the economy by $60 million per year.

“An increase of the minimum wage to $14.75 ensures there is no restraint on jobs while still increasing the incomes of the lowest paid. A higher increase to even $15.50 would constrain employment growth by up to 5,000 jobs per year. 

“The Government’s annual increases to the minimum wage reflect our commitment to growing the economy, boosting incomes, and ensuring there are opportunities to help grow more jobs for all in New Zealand.”

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Minimum wage now the maximum wage for thousands

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Headline: Minimum wage now the maximum wage for thousands

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“The announcement today of a fifty cent per hour increase for the thousands of workers now completely reliant on it as the pay setting mechanism shows a disrespect for the families of this country,” says CTU President Helen Kelly.

“The increase comes in on 1 April, and will barely cover the loss of the two ten minute tea breaks that occurs on 6 March across NZ workplaces. That means people could be working 4.3% longer in an 8 hour day for the same pay.”

“Over 300,000 workers are now on or near the minimum wage as collective bargaining rights have been decimated, insecure work arrangements have become widespread and unfettered migration has been allowed to flood low paid, low skill work areas.  What Government is clearly saying today is – expect more of this.”

“The Government’s own press release wrongly suggests higher minimum wages in NZ will cost jobs when a large body of research suggests this is a false link, but regardless its own statement that a rate of $15.50 would cost 5000 jobs suggests they should have at least moved to this rate.  Last year 22,000 foreign student visas and 15,000 working holiday visas were issued with all of these workers being able to take low paid jobs in this country. If a small reduction in these numbers meant real relief in wages for the low paid, this should happen immediately.”

“Yesterday new figures were released for a living wage, with the rate identified at $19.25. The mean-spirited increase announced today means thousands of hard working families facing another year of struggling to make ends meet.  The economy can afford higher pay increases. From the bottom of the recession in 2009 to 2013, productivity rose 10.1% but real wages rose only 1.5%. Workers are due a big catch-up.”
 

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John Key wrong about Labour’s war vote

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Headline: John Key wrong about Labour’s war vote

John Key’s desperate claims that the former Labour Government didn’t put combat troop deployment to a Parliamentary vote are simply wrong, Labour’s Defence spokesperson Phil Goff says.

“It was disgraceful that the Prime Minister ran rough shod over democracy and denied Parliament a vote on sending soldiers to Iraq.

“Former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark sought Parliament’s approval in October 2001 to send the SAS to Afghanistan. She was not technically required to do so.

“There needs to be sound reason to put Kiwi soldiers in harm’s way and Parliament must vote on those.

“Labour has always carefully weighed up the pros and cons of such grave decisions. We made our own judgement rather than doing what bigger countries wanted us to do. We did it for the right reason, not to kowtow to ‘the club’,” Phil Goff says.

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How to develop new antibiotics

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Headline: How to develop new antibiotics

Antibiotic

The bacteria are winning, reports Ezekiel J. Emanuel, an oncologist and vice-provost at the University of Pennsylvania, writing in The New York Times.   Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least two million people are infected with bacteria that can’t be wiped out with antibiotics and, as a result, 23,000 people die.  Direct health costs from these illnesses are estimated to be as high as $20 billion annually.  Ezekiel Emanuel argues that the development of antibiotics has been glacial, and that a completely new approach is needed.  His article can be read here.

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New Zealand designers and craft/object makers to exhibit in Munich

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Headline: New Zealand designers and craft/object makers to exhibit in Munich

Creative New Zealand is supporting talented designers, makers and curators to attend two major exhibitions in Munich next month.

Six New Zealanders have been selected to showcase their work over 11-17 March at Schmuck and Talente – two long-standing exhibitions that are part of the annual International Trade Fair for the Skilled Trades in Munich. Schmuck and Talente attract the world’s top makers, curators, gallerists and collectors to see new work and to meet up-and-coming talents.

“This is the seventh year that Creative New Zealand has supported New Zealand artists and makers at these events.  We are pleased to see that our ongoing investment is creating opportunities for our people,” says Creative New Zealand Senior Manager International Cath Cardiff.

Schmuck is the world’s premier exhibition for contemporary jewellery. This year two Wellington jewellers, Rebecca Bliss and Neke Moa, have been invited to present their work. They will be among 63 jewellers selected from 23 countries to exhibit.

“Rebecca and Neke are no strangers to Munich, having participated in the Handshake mentoring programme created by Peter Deckers and exhibiting in the Wunderruma exhibition in Munich last year,” says Ms Cardiff.

Talente is one of Europe’s most prestigious showcases for emerging talent in design, technology and craft/object art. Now in its 34th year, it is a platform for young craft/object makers and designers to launch their careers to the wider European market. This year, four young New Zealanders have been invited to present their work:

  • Chelsea Johnson – textiles (Dunedin)
  • Emma Creighton – textiles/paper (Auckland)
  • Melanie Bosma – graphic design/plastics (Auckland)
  • Dr Witehira Johnson – graphic design/paper (Auckland).

The young New Zealanders will be among 99 artists, designers and craftspeople from 32 countries. Creative New Zealand has recruited Auckland-based contemporary jeweller Renee Bevan to be a mentor for the artists selected for Talente.

“Renee brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, as well as first-hand experience of these events, having previously exhibited at both Talente and Schmuck,” says Ms Cardiff.

Creative New Zealand is also supporting curators Sian van Dyk and Karl Fritsch to attend Schmuck and Talente. Sian is acting senior curator at The Dowse Art Museum.  Trained in Munich, Karl is a highly respected jeweller and curator. In 2014 he co-curated the Wunderruma exhibition and will use this opportunity to negotiate new exhibitions in Europe.

Raewyn Walsh and Sharron Fitness, of the Jewellers’ Guild of Greater Sandringham, are also being supported to attend Schmuck. They will contribute to a working party of international curators and writers developing public programmes for Schmuck in 2016.

Creative New Zealand will also donate to the archives of Munich’s Pinakothek Museums in March. A comprehensive commissioned catalogue of contemporary New Zealand jewellery will acknowledge the strength of New Zealand’s ongoing relationship with Talente and Schmuck. This will be assembled by curator Damian Skinner and artist Warwick Freeman.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Jasmyne Chung
Senior Communications Adviser, Creative New Zealand
M +64 27 838 8868 | jasmyne.chung@creativenz.govt.nz

Further information

International Trade Fair for the Skilled Trades

The 67th International Trade Fair for the Skilled Trades (Internationalen Handwerksmesse München) is taking place 11-17 March 2015 at the Gallery Handwerk in Munich, Germany. Schmuck and Talente are two of the exhibitions that are part of this annual event.

Schmuck and Talente

Schmuck is the oldest international jewellery exhibition in the world, having taken place since 1959.

Talente includes traditional applied arts such as ceramics and textiles, through to graphic design and typography, and even cutting-edge technological design.  Exhibitors must be less than 33 years of age to apply, or less than 35 years of age for the technology section of the competition.

Creative New Zealand support for New Zealanders to attend Schmuck and Talente 2015

All six selected makers and designers for Schmuck and Talente are being supported with international airfares to, and accommodation in, Munich. The Talente artists will also have the services of mentor Renee Bevan. This initiative is part of Creative New Zealand’s International Programme.

Raewyn Walsh and Sharron Fitness of the Jewellers’ Guild of Greater Sandringham successfully applied for a Quick Response Grant to attend Schmuck.

Creative New Zealand support for curators to attend Talente and Schmuck

Creative New Zealand offers support to curators to travel to Munich to build their curatorial practice, increase their understanding of the European market and explore possibilities for exchange, projects and exhibitions.

Wunderruma

In 2014 Munich hosted Wunderruma – the largest exhibition of New Zealand contemporary jewellery ever to travel to Europe. Curated by New Zealand jewellers Warwick Freeman and Karl Fritsch, with the assistance of Fran Allison, the exhibition featured more than 200 pieces by more than 75 jewellers and artists. As part of Wunderruma, Auckland-based artist Niki Hastings McFall created a large site-specific work Polynisation to provide a Pacific welcome to the exhibition.  Creative New Zealand helped fund the Wunderruma exhibition, as well as the Polynisation work.

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New Composer-in-Residence at Victoria University

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Creative New Zealand Review of Opera

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How do I give my feedback? 1. You can give feedback through our online questionnaire https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Opera-Review 2. You can complete a hard copy questionnaire and email it to opera-review@creativenz.govt.nz or send it in the mail to: Creative New Zealand Opera Review PO Box 3806 Wellington 6140 Please be sure to get your submission to us by 17 March 2015. —  ]]>

Hearing date announced for Rena Resource Consent

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Headline: Hearing date announced for Rena Resource Consent

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has set the date for the hearing of the application for consent to leave part of the MV Rena on Astrolabe (Otaiti) Reef to begin in Tauranga on 23 June, 2015 and run for approximately three weeks.

A venue for the Hearing is yet to be decided, Chairman Gordon Whiting said in a statement today. The timeline for the process is:

  • 7 April: Survey, video imaging data, ecological characterisation report, most recent sampling results and copper recovery report sent to Regional Council and submitters.
  • 7 – 30 April: Parties’ experts meet to discuss the issues in a facilitated session.
  • 4 May: Applicant provides evidence from its technical experts
  • 21 May: Regional Council and submitter experts file technical experts’ briefs of evidence.
  • 8 June: Applicant’s rebuttal evidence provided.
  • 23 June: Hearing begins.

The Hearing Commissioners’ panel held a pre-Hearing conference last week to determine an appropriate timeline and procedure, and heard applications on the timing from five parties.

Mr Whiting said the decision on the timeline enabled the parties to progress the Hearing in a “logical and timeous manner which enables all parties to be involved and to present their cases to the Hearing Panel”.

Factors to be considered at the Hearing include Maori culture, salvage, contaminants and ecology, planning, natural character and landscape, dive safety and navigation and social and recreation.

The full Memorandum, all information on the process, submissions and all material for the Hearing can be found on www.renaresourceconsent.org.nz.

Background:

  • The Hearing panel is chaired by retired Environment Court judge Gordon Whiting, with Cultural Commissioner Rauru Kirikiri, marine engineer John Lumsden and environmental scientist Dr Shane Kelly.
  • The 37,000 tonne cargo ship MV Rena grounded on Otaiti (Astrolabe) reef on Wednesday, 5 October 2011 with 1368 containers and about 1,700 tonnes of oil on board. A massive clean-up operation was undertaken, with more than 8000 volunteers assisting. The salvage operation is now being handed over to a local firm to continue clearing the debris.
  • Most containers have been recovered, and much of the rest has been reduced to scrap by the sea. A total of more than 1,970 tonnes of debris has been recovered, including container parts, scrap cargo, aluminium ingots, tyres, fibreboard and wire.
  • In May 2014 the Rena’s owner lodged resource consent applications to leave sections of the wreck on Otaiti (Astrolabe) Reef, and to provide for any future discharges of contaminants. The Applicant originally indicated that it intended to seek a direct referral to the Environment Court, but decided to proceed to a Regional Council hearing in December last year. 
Mount waves lowres

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Less beer available despite growth for craft beer

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Headline: Less beer available despite growth for craft beer

The total volume of alcoholic beverage available for consumption in New Zealand fell 9.4 million litres (2.0 percent) to 457 million litres in 2014, Statistics New Zealand said today. This follows an 8.9 million litre rise in 2013.

The decrease was due to falls in the volume of beer (down 6.5 million litres) and spirit-based drinks available (down 4.3 million litres).

“Although beer fell in 2014, this was due to mid-strength beers, with both low-strength and high-strength beers up on 2013,” international statistics manager Jason Attewell said. “The volume of high-strength beer has almost doubled since 2009, reflecting the growing demand for craft beers.”

“In 2014, the volume of low-strength beer available for consumption was two-thirds higher than in 2013. This rise may well have been due to the industry gearing up for the new blood-alcohol limits introduced at the end of 2014,” Mr Attewell said.

The volume of pure alcohol available fell 94,000 litres (0.3 percent) in 2014. Beer, spirits, and spirit-based drinks all decreased, but were partly offset by the volume of pure alcohol available from wine, which was up 620,000 litres (5.7 percent). Beer made up just over one-third of the total alcohol volume available.

The volume of pure alcohol available per person aged 18 years and over (18+) was 9.6 litres in 2014 – down from 9.7 litres in 2013. This is equivalent to an average of 2.1 standard drinks per person (aged 18+) per day, unchanged from 2013.

Alcohol statistics are compiled from figures on alcoholic beverages produced for local consumption, on which duty is paid, and imports less re-exports. Alcohol statistics provide information on the volume of alcoholic beverages released to the market, and therefore available for consumption, rather than actual consumption.

Ends

For media enquiries contact: Jason Attewell, Wellington 04 931 4600, info@stats.govt.nz
Authorised by Liz MacPherson, Government Statistician, 25 February 2015

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New appointments to Marsden Fund Council

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Headline: New appointments to Marsden Fund Council

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce today announced the appointment of three new members to the Marsden Fund Council.

Professor Gillian Dobbie, Professor David Bilkey and Professor Roger Nokes will join the Council for three years from 1 March.

“All three appointees are highly regarded researchers, both domestically and internationally. Their roles on the Marsden Fund Council will involve assessing and recommending funding for research proposals each year, providing strategic direction, and ensuring the relevance and importance of Marsden-funded research is clearly understood,” says Mr Joyce.

Gillian Dobbie, of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Auckland, is a researcher in data management, database systems and software engineering.  Professor Dobbie will convene the Mathematical and Information Sciences panel.

David Bilkey is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Otago. His general research area is systems neuroscience, with a particular focus on the role of the temporal cortex regions of the brain in memory and learning processes. Professor Bilkey will convene the Economics and Human and Behavioural Sciences panel.

Roger Nokes, from the University of Canterbury, is a Professor of Environmental Fluid Mechanics in the Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering. His fields of research include tsunami generation, jets and plumes, gravity currents, and mixing in stratified flows. Professor Nokes will convene the Engineering and Interdisciplinary Sciences panel.

Mr Joyce has also announced the reappointment of Professor Juliet Gerrard as Chair of the Marsden Fund Council, Dr Ian Ferguson as Convenor of the Cellular, Molecular and Physiological Biology panel, and Professor Robert Hannah as Convenor of the Humanities panel.

The reappointments are for three-year terms from 1 March.

“I welcome the contribution these top researchers can make to New Zealand’s science and innovation system,” says Mr Joyce.

“The Marsden Fund supports excellent investigator-initiated research and has been instrumental in building advanced research skills, as well as attracting and retaining top research talent.  This is essential for a high-performing science and innovation system.”

About the Marsden Fund

The Marsden Fund is administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand on behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. It is overseen by a Marsden Fund Council appointed by the Minister.

The Marsden Fund Council comprises 11 eminent researchers – a Chair, and 10 other members. Each member leads a panel in their academic field.  Proposals are assessed by the 10 specialist panels covering the range of research disciplines.

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Fund with $56m invested in 101 new projects. 

More information is available at: http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/programmes/funds/marsden/about/council/

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Better compliance with dairy effluent rules

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Headline: Better compliance with dairy effluent rules

Bay of Plenty farmers are doing better in complying with dairy effluent rules, a report to Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Regional Direction and Delivery says.

A 2014 survey of compliance on dairy farms showed improved compliance levels, and no incidents were considered serious enough to warrant taking a prosecution.

The Council issued seven abatement notices or formal instructions to take action, and 11 infringement notices or fines for serious offences. These are normally $750 for most dairy-related offences.

The pleasing result meant only one dairy prosecution had been taken in the last three seasons of monitoring, Pollution Prevention Team Leader Steve Pickles said.

The Council monitored 290 dairy discharge consents during late 2014, with three quarters complying and another 17 percent with low-risk non-compliance. Fewer than 10 percent of consents monitored breached conditions related to environmental effects or best practice.

“The top three issues were poorly managed ponds, poorly managed effluent irrigation and poorly managed stormwater diversion systems,” he said.

Staff inspected all aspects of the effluent treatment and disposal systems, and also checked runoff where the property had feedpads or standoff pads.

“It’s great to see overall compliance has improved from the previous season,” he said.

Regional Council staff will be at next month’s Effluent Expo at Mystery Creek on March 17.

“The Expo is a great place to see the latest innovations in effluent management, as well as speak to a wide range of effluent specialists and industry experts. It would be great to see some Bay of Plenty farmers attend the St Patrick’s day event,” he said.

Cow highres

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Search for missing 70 year old man continuing today

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Headline: Search for missing 70 year old man continuing today

Wednesday, 25 February 2015 – 10:21am

Please call 111 if you see 70 year old Noel Noonan who was last seen wearing navy blue track pants, a stripped polo shirt (as shown in the picture attached) and black/grey velcro sneakers yesterday afternoon.

He is reliant on regular medication for his mobility so is likely to be sitting or laying down or possibly walking/shuffling very slowly.

His family say he is not known to be aggressive and may be confused or disorientated.

If anyone sees him please phone 111 straight away before approaching him to check he is ok.

Canterbury Police SAR Incident Controller, Sergeant Phil Simmonds, says “we encourage residents and business owners in the Riccarton area and surrounds to check their properties, outbuildings and grounds for any sign that Mr Noonan may have been there. A team of Police SAR officers, dogs and handlers will be joined by a number of urban search and rescue volunteers to conduct a thorough search of the area he was last seen in. We have received a number of calls from the public with potential sightings and are working to verify these.”

“We would like to thank the public for their help so far and know that a number of our Facebook followers and friends of his family are also out looking for him” said Sergeant Simmonds.

He is likely to be disorientated and confused and Police and his family have concerns for his safety.

Media – there will be an opportunity for interviews in the next couple of hours – if you would like to have an interview please text Canterbury Police district Communication manager on 021942 404

ENDS

Issued by:  Lisa-Marie Brooks, District communications Manager, Canterbury District Police. Mobile 021 942 404. 

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Mobile Service Centre diverted to Tropical Cyclone Marcia-affected communities

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MIL OSI – Source: Australian Minister for Social Services – Press Release/Statement: Headline: Mobile Service Centre diverted to Tropical Cyclone Marcia-affected communities

25 February 2015

Senator the Hon Marise Payne Minister for Human Services

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre Kangaroo Paw has been diverted to the Fitzroy region of Queensland this week to provide emergency on-the-ground support for tropical cyclone Marcia-affected communities. The Mobile Service Centre will visit:
  • Duaringa, on Wednesday 25 February, from 9 am to 4:30 pm, adjacent to the Community Building Corner Elizabeth and Williams Street
  • Dululu, on Thursday 26 February, from 9 am to 4:30 pm, opposite the Dululu Hotel on Main Street
  • Goovigen, on Friday 27 February, 9 am to 4:30 pm – address will be advised on the department’s website
  • Baralaba, on Saturday 28 February, from 9 am to 4:30 pm – address will be advised on the department’s website
  • Byfield, on Sunday 1 March, from 9 am to 4:30 pm – address will be advised on the department’s website
Minister for Human Services Senator the Hon Marise Payne highlighted that staff on board the Mobile Service Centre can help people lodge applications for Disaster Recovery Payment (DRP), as well as obtain access to other Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support assistance. “DRP is a one-off payment available to those people within the Fitzroy district whose homes have been destroyed or suffered major damage, or who have been severely injured,” Minister Payne said. “Adults may be eligible for $1,000 and each child under 16 may be eligible for $400 in assistance.” For more information about the Disaster Recovery Payment – including full eligibility criteria – go to humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call the Australian Government Information Hotline on 180 22 66 from 8 am to 8 pm (local time), seven days. For more information about the Mobile Service Centre and to view upcoming service schedules, visit humanservices.gov.au/rural or call 132 316. – –]]>

USA DoS: New Zealand Defence Force Training Contribution to the Counter-ISIL Coalition

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MIL OSI – Source: United States Department of State – Press Release/Statement: Headline: Press Releases: New Zealand Defence Force Training Contribution to the Counter-ISIL Coalition We welcome New Zealand’s decision to contribute New Zealand Defence Force personnel to a Building Partner Capacity training mission in Iraq as part of the Counter-ISIL Coalition. As one of our partners in the coalition, New Zealand has already provided substantial humanitarian assistance to Iraq and Syria. We value the contributions and efforts of all partners in the mission as we work together on a multifaceted and long-term strategy to degrade and defeat ISIL. – –]]>

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