Tech boot camps grow young entrepreneurs

March 13, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – Tech boot camps grow young entrepreneurs Young technology entrepreneurs in the Waikato region will benefit from $60,000 of funding for Online Education Limited, announced today by Youth Minister Nikki Kaye.

“This is about helping to grow the next generation of software developers and technology innovators,” says Ms Kaye.

“The funding will help around 400 young people take part in technology-related challenges and product development exercises.

“The young people will practise core skills such as coding, which is how you instruct a computer to create software, apps and websites.

“But they’ll also practise working as a team, coming up with new ideas and building business prototypes.

“Tomorrow’s world will rely even more on technology, so this is an important way to support young people to develop both the skills and the attitude needed to succeed in that world.”

Ms Kaye was joined by local MP David Bennett at the University of Waikato this morning to announce the funding to Online Education Limited, and congratulate everyone behind the initiative.

Notes for editors:

the funding announced today for Online Education Limited is part of the $2 million Youth Enterprise Fund
around $900,000 has already been announced this year to support business enterprise initiatives under this fund, and another $830,000 for social enterprise initiatives
Hamilton-based Online Education Limited delivers its ‘3Coding’ and ‘Tech Entrepreneurship’ boot camps in partnership with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Wintec and/or the University of Waikato and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

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Kiwi global entrepreneur to speak at University of Waikato

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

MIL OSI – >Source: University of Waikato – Kiwi global entrepreneur to speak at University of Waikato

Successful global technology entrepreneur: Claudia Batten.

Members of the public have an opportunity to hear from Kiwi entrepreneur extraordinaire Claudia Batten at a free public talk being held at the University of Waikato on Friday, 13 March.

Global technology entrepreneur

Ms Batten, a globally successful technology entrepreneur who has lived in the United States for the past 13 years, will be the guest speaker at an event organised by Waikato Management School’s Alumni Board.

A regular speaker on digital innovations and building businesses for the future, she will discuss emerging trends in robotics, e-commerce, gamification, crowdsourcing and data.

Ms Batten was recently appointed as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s regional director for North America, where she is tasked with the challenge of helping Kiwi businesses to break into the highly competitive markets of the US, Canada and Mexico. She is also a director of The Icehouse, an Auckland-based
incubator company that helps small-to-medium-enterprises to grow.

The free talk will be held at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts from 6-9pm. Parking available from Gate 2B, Knighton Road, Hamilton. Following the talk, the public is also invited to attend a dinner with Claudia Batten, at a cost of $60 per person. If you’d like to attend the talk and/or dinner,
email
nwalm@waikato.ac.nz or phone 07 838 4477 by Tuesday, 10 March.

Successful start-ups

Ms Batten brings a wealth of experience to her new role at NZTE, having achieved great commercial success with many of her own start-up technology businesses over the past 15 years.

In 2014, she received a World Class New Zealand Supreme Award from the Kea New Zealand global business network, whose annual awards celebrate our most inspirational Kiwis living at home and abroad.

She was part of the founding team of Massive, a first-of-its kind network for delivering online advertisements to video games, which was later sold to Microsoft in 2006 for an estimated $400 million.

In 2009, Ms Batten used crowdsourcing principles to start the creative advertising agency Victors & Spoils in Auckland. A majority interest in the agency was sold three years later to the French company Havas.

More recently she has been working on a free social networking app called Broadli, which aims to “digitise serendipity” by helping people tap into their networks to help advance their projects.

You can read more about Claudia Batten www.squigglylife.com, or follow her on Twitter @claudiabatten

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Tropical cyclone Pam ‘Bigger than Bola’

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Earthquake Commission – Tropical cyclone Pam ‘Bigger than Bola’ [Reprinted from Stuff.co.nz] Cyclone Pam has slammed into the Solomon Islands, destroying homes and plantations and forcing people to hide in caves. While Vanuatu prepares for the arrival on Friday night of Pam, the cyclone has already directly hit the remote Solomon islands of Tikopia and the Reef Islands. State owned Solomons Broadcasting says residents of Temotu Province were appealing for “urgent assessment and assistance”. One of the worst affected areas was the remote island of Tikopia. On Thursday Pam’s eye passed over the island and the broadcaster said three people had been injured and several villages evacuated. People are waiting out the cyclone in caves, churches and schools. Two other islands, Duff and Anuta, are completely cut off with no word. Pam has affected a wide area of the Solomons including the heavily populated Malaita Island. Solomons Broadcasting quoted Ezekiel Nodua of Tuwo on Reef Island as saying the wind has been consistent and “very strong”. People’s gardens which provide food and fruit trees have been uprooted and destroyed. Former diplomat Robert Sisilo said buildings had been destroyed.

“But the worst impact has been the inundation of food gardens by flood waters due to continuous heavy rain.”

He said at the moment people’s only hope was for a vessel to bring them food supplies and officials from the National Disaster Management Office to assess their current situation. VANUATU WAITS As Tropical Cyclone Pam bears down on Vanuatu, New Zealand is sitting tight to see where the super storm will head next. All eyes are on the potentially devastating weather system, which was upgraded to a category 5 super-cyclone early Friday morning, causing Vanuatu to activate its emergency plans. Category 5 is the strongest in a five-point scale for storms – with winds of 250kmh or more. MetService has issued a severe weather watch for northern and eastern parts of the country as the storm nears New Zealand. The watch was for the possibility of severe gales in Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula, the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, and heavy rain in Eastern Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and Northern Hawke’s Bay. Gale force winds were expected to develop in the north on Sunday evening, moving down the east of the North Island before easing Tuesday morning. In Northland and the Coromandel, rainfall could exceed 80mm in 18 hours starting from Sunday evening, while in Gisborne and the Hawke’s Bay rain would become heavy from early Monday, possibly exceeding 100mm in 24 hours. “There is some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the eventual cyclone track will be,” MetService said. “However, it has the potential to be a significant event, with strong south to southeast winds and rain expected over much of the North Island during Monday.” Local authorities and Civil Defence groups in the North Island have been put on alert for the storm, which is expected to track towards the East Cape on Sunday. It will transform into an ex-tropical cyclone as it nears New Zealand, but the storm’s power could still be even greater than that of Cyclone Bola, which caused more than $82 million in damage in 1988. “At the moment it’s bigger than Bola, and it looks like when it reaches here the barometric pressures will be even lower than what Bola was,” Gisborne Civil Defence manager Richard Steele said. “The lower that goes, the bigger the potential for more storm surges.” The exact path of the storm was still unknown, Steele said. “The uncertainty’s a pain in the bum. We’re preparing as if it’s going to have a significant impact on us, we can’t do anything less.” Gisborne and Bay of Plenty Civil Defence on Thursday issued warnings urging residents to be prepared for high winds, large sea swells, rain, coastal erosion, road closures and power loss from late Sunday. Meanwhile the fifth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race from Auckland to Itajai in Brazil was due to start on Sunday, but organisers decided to delay the departure race until Tuesday because of the storm. A final decision on on whether the yachts will depart on Tuesday afternoon or evening is yet to be made by organisers. An ICC spokesman said while Cricket World Cup organisers were keeping an eye on the forecast for this weekend’s matches in Auckland and Napier, there were no concerns about the cyclone at this stage. VANUATU PROVINCES ON RED ALERT Pam was on Friday morning moving southwest at 15kmh, with winds at the centre estimated at 220kmh, the Fiji Meteorological Service said. Residents in Vanuatu’s Torba, Sanma, Penama and Malampa provinces have been put on “red alert” by the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office, which means they must seek shelter immediately. READ MORE: Metservice Cyclone Pam blog

Above: Animated images show the recent path of Cyclone Pam. Source: NOAA Shefa and Tafea provinces have been put on yellow alert. Vanuatu Meteorological Services has warned of damaging gale-force winds of up to 160kmh over Penama, Malampa and Shefa provinces within the next 12 hours as the system tracks south and intensifies. Very rough to “phenomenal” seas with heavy swells were also expected. Residents have been told to prepare for heavy to torrential rain and flash flooding over low-lying areas, as well as coastal flooding. There was also a risk of landslides.

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1426184315/512/11371512.jpg

United Nations agency UNICEF said it was on standby and ready to respond with emergency supplies and personnel. About 260,000 people were in the potential disaster zone. The system was forecast to pass just to the east of New Zealand’s East Cape on Monday, by which time it will have downgraded to an ex-tropical cyclone. While the exact path of the cyclone was still uncertain, severe weather was likely to affect parts of New Zealand, especially the northeast of the North Island, MetService said.

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Above: A Nasa satellite image of Pam from Thursday. WHAT TO DO IN A STORM Source: Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management Before a storm: – Develop a household emergency plan. Assemble and maintain emergency survival items for your home as well as a portable getaway kit. – Prepare your property for high winds. Secure large heavy objects or remove any item which can become a deadly or damaging missile. Get your roof checked regularly to make sure it is secure. List items that may need to be secured or moved indoors when strong winds are forecast. – Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape. – If farming, know which paddocks are safe to move livestock away from floodwaters, landslides and power lines. When a warning is issued and during a storm: – Stay informed on weather updates. Listen to your local radio stations as civil defence authorities will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation. – Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry. – Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about and cause harm in strong winds. – Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas to prevent injury from shattered or flying glass. – If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter further inside the house. – Water supplies can be affected so it is a good idea to store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks with water. – Don’t walk around outside and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. – Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored. – At home, check fuel supplies for woodburners, gas heaters, barbecues and generators. – Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you. After a storm: – Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation. – Check for injuries and help others if you can, especially people who require special assistance. – Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. – Contact your local council if your house or building has been severely damaged. – If your property or contents are damaged take notes and photographs and contact your insurance company. Inform your landlord if there is damage to the rental property. – Ask your council for advice on how to clean up debris safely. – -]]>

Crown reviewing Supreme Court Quake Outcasts ruling

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) – Crown reviewing Supreme Court ruling Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the Crown is reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision, released this morning, on the appeal taken by a group of vacant, commercial and uninsured Christchurch landowners calling themselves the ‘Quake Outcasts,’ and commercial property developer Fowler Developments Limited.

“Crown Law and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) will need to review today’s judgment and assess what steps are required.

“In December 2013 the Court of Appeal directed the CERA chief executive to make new offers to the owners of vacant, commercial and uninsured land in the residential red zone with specific reference to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011, and the chief executive was in the process of considering what those offers would be when the plaintiffs appealed to the Supreme Court.

“The Supreme Court has today reinforced the Appeal Court’s view that the CERA chief executive must reconsider the offers, and that in doing so a number of issues must be considered.

“I won’t be making any further comment on this matter until the Supreme Court’s judgment has been considered and advice is received,” Mr Brownlee says.

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Keep an eye on cyclone progress; Civil Defence

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Northland Regional Council – Keep an eye on cyclone progress; Civil Defence Keep an eye on Cyclone Pam’s progress over the weekend and be sensibly prepared for rough weather, but keep things in perspective, is the advice today to Northlanders from the region’s Civil Defence team. Cyclone Pam, currently located near Vanuatu, is forecast to track south over the next few days and pass east of New Zealand, including Northland, during Monday and Tuesday.

MetService forecasters today confirmed that at this stage there’s still some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the cyclone will track – and what sort of punch it might still pack by then – but say it has the potential to be a significant event.

Given that, the MetService today issued severe weather watches for both wind and rain in Northland, saying there’s the possibility of south to south-east gales – possibly severe for a time – on Sunday night and early Monday morning.

Rain is expected to become heavy for eastern Northland from Sunday evening, then ease late Monday morning with the possibility of more than 80mm falling over 18 hours.

Graeme MacDonald, spokesman for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says given the worst of the predicted weather is still a couple of days away, Northlanders are being advised to keep a close eye on MetService forecasts as they’re issued.

He says rain and winds of the type currently being forecast mean it would be prudent for Northlanders to take the usual precautions for strong winds and rain, including securing large heavy objects or anything that could be potentially dangerous.

Similarly, it would be sensible for motorists to postpone any unnecessary plans for travel over the period the worst of the weather is expected and – with some potentially big seas possible – for yachties to check their moorings and ensure vessels are properly secured ahead of any storm.

However, Mr MacDonald urges Northlanders to keep things in perspective.

“At this stage, again probably the most sensible thing people can do is to remain calm and ensure they keep abreast of the latest forecasts, because things can obviously change for the worse.”

He says Civil Defence will be monitoring the situation closely over the early part of the weekend and will update the public as required, including through the Northland CDEM Group’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland

General Civil Defence information is also available from the Northland Regional Council’s website www.nrc.govt.nz/civildefence

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Auckland Council to act on plastic bags

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Auckland Council – Auckland Council to act on plastic bags

Auckland Council is set to lead the way on sustainability after it agreed to establish a working group to minimise the usage of single-use plastic bags in the Auckland region.

The decision, made by the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee, provides a basis for the development of an accord on how to minimise plastic bag and packaging waste. The group will be made up of interested retailers, consumer groups, industry representatives and communities.

It followed a report that investigated the options available to the council to reduce single-use plastic bags in the Auckland region. In addition, council will work internally to reduce use of the bags among council departments, and will also build on existing community initiatives.

Committee Chair Councillor Wayne Walker says that this is an important first step towards helping make Auckland more environmentally friendly.

“Single-use plastic bags are a well-known source of environmental pollution in our region. What we wanted to do was to look at ways to reduce their use in Auckland.

“The council is already making great strides tackling waste problems through the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, and this working group will focus on the use of plastic bags and packaging within the region.

“We should be leading the way on this issue and I am also delighted that the committee agreed to look at ways council can reduce its use of plastic bags.

“We will now look to retailers and the communities around us to help get this group off the ground and help take even greater care of our precious environment.”

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Second South Island town now fully fibred

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – Second South Island town now fully fibred

Ashburton now has access to faster, more reliable broadband thanks to the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) network, says Communications Minister Amy Adams.

Ashburton has become the second town in the South Island completed under the UFB initiative following the Oamaru build completion late last year.

Ms Adams said in Ashburton today that more than 8600 local households, schools, businesses and medical centres can now connect to the network.

“The Government has invested $9 million to bring fibre to the people of Ashburton since the build started in the town in 2012. The new network means better speeds, capacity and reliability for this community,” says Ms Adams.

More than ten per cent of eligible users in Ashburton have already signed up for fibre and the rate of uptake has almost doubled in the past six months. Customers have a choice of six retail providers that are active in the area.

Fibre is also being rolled out to state and state integrated schools in and around Ashburton, with 17 out of 24 now connected to the Government’s Network for Learning.

Seven towns in New Zealand are now fully fibred: Whangarei, Te Awamutu, Oamaru, Cambridge, Tokoroa, Hawera and Ashburton.

“The Government is committed to building world-class fibre infrastructure in regional towns around New Zealand because of the long-term gains it brings. Faster broadband is critical to growing the economy, driving innovation and improving outcomes in education, health and the not-for-profit sector,” says Ms Adams.

“With stage one of the UFB build well advanced, the Government is now progressing the extension of the programme to a further 200,000 New Zealanders, meaning the overall reach of UFB will move from 75 per cent to 80 per cent of all New Zealanders.”

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Love of Education and Sport Leads to Scholarship

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Bay Of Plenty Polytechnic – Love of Education and Sport Leads to Scholarship

Blending a desire to organise ‘massive’ events with a love of chasing the ball on the beautiful Mount beach has led to a High Performance Sports scholarship for emerging volleyball star Beniece Douch.

Beniece, a Diploma in Tourism (Event Management) student, is one of eight recipients for the 2015 Bay of Plenty Polytechnic High Performance Academy scholarships. The scholarship winners will be recognised and honoured at an awards ceremony this Thursday, 26 March at which former Silver Ferns netballer Jodi Tod-Elliott will be the guest speaker.

The winners of the 2015 scholarships are Abby Goldie (track sprinter), Alex Hawthorne (kayak), Amy Robinson (hockey), Beniece Douch (volleyball), Lauren Clarke (squash), Max Schroder (volleyball), Nik Ansorge (cycling), and Thomas MacRury (cricket).

The scholarships allow athletes to balance both career and sporting aspirations. “It just takes a load off,” said Beniece. “I don’t have to worry about working too much knowing that I have financial and sporting support. I can focus on studying and improving my sporting performance.”

All scholarship winners receive their year’s tertiary fees paid, access to the Polytechnic’s sport and fitness centre, including performance sport testing, as well as education, sporting and lifestyle support services provided by a High Performance Manager.

The scholarships are open to all students studying any full-time programme at the Polytechnic who are competing at a national or international level in their sporting code. This year saw more than 30 applicants vie for the scholarships.

While Beniece’s immediate sporting focus is on beach volleyball and finding a team partner with similar passion and goals as her own, she also has a dream of one day running her own wedding planning business or working in the event management sector.

Previous winners of the scholarship include NZ Beach Volleyball champion Sam O’Dea, World Champion Surf LifeSaver Natalie Peat and New Zealand’s fastest man – Joseph Millar.

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Police continue to progress homicide investigation

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

07 378 6060. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Police will not be facilitating media interviews. Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256. –]]>

Cyclone Pam intensifies into category five storm off Vanuatu

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

Headline: Cyclone Pam intensifies into category five storm off Vanuatu

Oxfam is ready to respond to Cyclone Pam after the storm was upgraded to a severe Category 5 tropical cyclone overnight, triggering evacuations to emergency shelters across Vanuatu’s southern provinces. Forecasts predict the storm will pass close to Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila, the city recently named as the most exposed to natural disasters in the world.

Oxfam New Zealand’s Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier said if the cyclone followed its current predicted path, the results could be devastating for Vanuatu.

“Even if Tropical Cyclone Pam does not strike the city directly there is potential for major damage,” Ms Le Mesurier said.

“Under normal circumstances Port Vila is prone to flash flooding, which makes roads impassable, so flooding from this cyclone is expected to be much worse.

“People have started evacuating to emergency centres established in schools and churches where they are available. Communities in low lying informal settlements are most vulnerable and these people are urgently being asked to move to higher ground.”

“Oxfam and other humanitarian agencies are ready to respond with emergency stocks available to be moved into stricken areas if required,” Ms Le Mesurier said.

Vanuatu Country Director Colin Collett van Rooyen said the areas of greatest concern were SHEFA province in the country’s south, where the capital is located, and TAFEA province in the far south.

“Tropical Cyclone Pam is now forecast to pass within 145km of by Port Vila about 8pm on Friday night, bringing with it potential winds speeds of up to 280km/h,” Mr Collett van Rooyen said.

Warnings have been issued for high seas, coastal flooding and destructive winds already seen in the north of the country. There are major concerns for the health system, with the hospital in Port Vila prone to flash flooding in much less severe conditions.

“Port Vila was recently named in the Natural Hazards Risk Atlas and is known as the city most exposed to natural disasters in the world because it faces a combination of risks including earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding and tropical cyclones such as Cyclone Pam,” Mr Collett van Rooyen said.

“The SHEFA Province has a population of around 80,000 people and TAFEA a further 32,000. If the current path predictions are correct the impact on these people could severe.”

Oxfam is leading the coordination of the Vanuatu Humanitarian Team, a network of non-government humanitarian agencies, in preparing for the storm, and will also support any response effort, working alongside the Vanuatu Government. Residents on remote islands have been alerted to the storm by text messages sent by Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office.

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Emergency services at the scene of collision between tourists’ car and logging truck

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

Headline: Emergency services at the scene of collision between tourists' car and logging truck

Friday, 13 March 2015 – 2:56pm

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious vehicle crash between a rental car and a logging truck on a busy rural Waikato highway.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Jeff Penno, said first responders were called to the collision on SH27 at Kaihere shortly before 1pm.

“The crash scene is currently being assessed and the Serious Crash Unit have just arrived.

“Initial indications are the incident involved a northbound car losing control on a down hill bend that has collided with a southbound logging truck. The male driver of the car has suffered critical injuries in the crash and a female passenger in the car also suffered life threatening injuries.”

Mr Penno said fire fighters cut out one of the injured parties from the car and the couple are being airlifted to Waikato Hospital.

“At this stage it appears that while the occupants of the car are very seriously injured their situation could have been worse had the logging truck not been going slow up the hill and the driver not quickly reacted to what he saw unfolding.

“The investigation is in its early stages at this point but we can confirm it appears the occupants of the car were visitors from overseas but we need to confirm this with consular officials before we can comment on nationalities.”

Mr Penno said New Zealand road policing staff are striving to implement the safe system approach to road safety.

“We accept that we are all human and that mistakes on our roads will be made but the other parts of the system need to compensate for this, in short, a mistake on our roads should not seriously injure or kill you.

“This is the vision and we are continually working as collaborative partners across the roading sector to achieve this. It has been a bad week on our roads, and Police feel this more than anyone”.

End

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Evening Report Weekly Roundup Multimedia Reports, Episodes, Analysis and Debate

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

Here is a playlist roundup of the week’s main multimedia reports, analysis, debate, and episodes of Evening Report.]]>

Five AA Australia: New Zealand Report – Cyclone Pam Tracks Toward NZ + Kauri Tree Spared

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

Recorded Live on 13/03/15 – Evening Report editor Selwyn Manning delivers his weekly bulletin New Zealand Report on Five AA Australia with David Penberthy, Mark Aiston and Jane Reilly. This week, Super-Storm Cyclone Pam tracks toward New Zealand + People Power spares 500 year-old Kauri tree. ITEM ONE: Cyclone Pam, a category 4-5 tropical cyclone is baring down on New Zealand’s North Island. The cyclone, currently graded a category 4, is expected to intensify as it tracks south-eastward drawing its energy from the warm humid waters south of Fiji, according to the New Zealand Metservice. Storm warnings have been lodged for the North-Eastern parts of the North Island, but particular the Pacific eastern side of Northland, Coromandel through the Bay of Plenty, East Cape to the coastal areas of Hawke’s Bay. There are fears that if the cyclone tracks close to New Zealand’s eastern coast, the Hawke’s Bay and Gasbourne wine growing areas may suffer losses of late harvest grapes and stone fruit. Back in the 1980s Cyclone Bola descended on New Zealand and cut a path down this Coast, ripping out forests and radiate pine plantations, and devastating the eastern areas, leaving thousands of square kilometres of land bare of topsoil. Weather forecasters are saying this Cyclone Pam, may end up being degraded once it reaches the cooler waters of New Zealand. Or, it could head further Eastward and miss New Zealand all together. Either way, we North Islanders are in for a rough Sunday and Monday. ITEM TWO: And there’s been a win for people power this week. After the National-led Government eased protections for ancient trees and the environment, a protest group mobilised to save a 500 year old native Kauri tree from being chopped down. A property developer wanted to have the ancient tree removed to make way for two town houses to be built on a section of land in Titirangi – a suburb in west Auckland. One man abseiled high up the Kauri, and tied himself to the tree. His supporters sustained the protest and gained huge support from the public. Even the head of the United Nations Development Programme, former Prime Minister Helen Clark said the tree must stay! The stoush concluded yesterday (Thursday) after the property developer conceded defeat. But really it is a win win situation… the tree gets to survive Sunday’s cyclone, and the property developer is positioning to sue for compensation… New Zealand Report broadcasts live each Friday on FiveAA.com.au and webcasts on EveningReport.nz. –]]>

PMC Audio Report: Why Pacific Journalists Find It Difficult Reporting on Climate Change

By Selwyn Manning -

March 13, 2015

PMC: Alistar Kata audio report.

AUCKLAND: A clear message about climate change in the Micronesian nation of Kiribati…..a people who are uncertain of their future on an island affected by rising sea levels…and it is getting worse…

A seminar hosted by the Pacific Media Centre at AUT University on March 11, 2015, addressed the challenges and ethics of climate change reporting in the Pacific and the role that media play.

The Kiribati Independent journalist and one of two guest speakers, Taberannang Korauaba, says Pacific people are linked to their land in a cultural and spiritual way…that makes news of climate change hard to report.

“When the media is trying to work to cover the story, people don’t want to hear that because they don’t want to hear stories about, ‘they’re sinking, they’re going to die’, so that’s one reason that is causing the breaking down of communication.

Former science journalist and now communication specialist Dr Jan Sinclair says local media focus more on the politics… but in NZ and Australia they’re allowing politicians to define the problem and politicians say that’s it’s a big international problem but its not our problem…

Audio report: Pacific Media Watch editor Alistar Kata

Opening music: “Climate Change”, Brian Taki, Kiribati

Audio report: Pacific Media Centre, School of Communication Studies, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. www.pmc.aut.ac.nz

Story link: http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-medi…

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On visit to Syria, senior UN official appeals for more support for humanitarian work

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: United Nations – On visit to Syria, senior UN official appeals for more support for humanitarian work 11 March 2015 Wrapping up a three-day visit to Syria, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations agency mandated to assist Palestinian refugees across the Middle East requested more support for work being carried out across the country, stressing that in Yarmouk “safe, uninterrupted, substantial humanitarian distributions must become the norm.” As well as advocating for expanded humanitarian access, Pierre Krähenbühl, who heads the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), used the visit to stress solidarity with Palestine refugees and the Agency’s staff, who have endured extreme suffering during four years of conflict. “The extreme hardship faced by Palestine refugees in Yarmouk, but also in other locations in Syria as a result of the armed conflict is, from a human point of view, unacceptable,” said Mr. Krähenbühl. “I reiterate my call on all relevant parties to support us in this effort by facilitating unhindered humanitarian assistance and access.” In meetings with Syrian Government officials, the Commissioner-General acknowledged facilitation by Government authorities in enabling UNRWA to provide humanitarian assistance to crisis-affected Palestine refugees across Syria and emphasized that the continuation of regular UNRWA services, such as health and education services, and humanitarian assistance, adapted to the current conflict situation, is vital to protect the resilience of Palestine refugees in Syria. “There has been too much suffering,” he said. “We have to remember that we are dealing with yet another generation of Palestine refugees facing the trauma of dispossession and displacement.” On a visit to Yarmouk, he welcomed the resumption since 4 March of UNRWA humanitarian assistance to trapped civilians, thanks to a new distribution point established with the facilitation of the Syrian authorities. Distributions had been halted for over three months from early December 2014 to early March 2015, with reports of widespread deprivation and malnutrition among Yarmouk residents. Calling on the Government to build on this support extended to Yarmouk’s civilian population, Mr. Krähenbühl requested that no limits be imposed on the number of days for distributions or on the number of families who may receive assistance on each day of distribution. He urged armed groups within the camp to actively ensure the safety of Palestine refugees and other civilians, and not to interfere with distributions. “Despite progress in the assistance to civilians in Yarmouk, we remain deeply conscious that far more needs to be done to meaningfully address the needs and dignity of Palestine refugees,” he said. The Commissioner-General, who underlined how crucial it was to find a political solution to the conflict affecting Palestinians and Syrians, visited the re-opened UNRWA Alma-Yarmouk School and other rehabilitated facilities in the camp, and went on to visit Qabr Essit, a Palestine refugee camp to which UNRWA recently regained access, as well as Husseiniyeh, from which the entire population had been displaced due to hostilities. “I wish to express deep admiration for the courage and determination of Palestine refugees to whom I reaffirm UNRWA’s commitment to provide support and protection,” Mr. Krähenbühl said. –]]>

RACS establishes expert advisory group to combat bullying and harassment

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

MIL OSI – RACS establishes expert advisory group

to combat bullying and harassment

Thursday 12 March 2015 The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has moved swiftly to establish an expert advisory group to deal with concerns of bullying, harassment and discrimination in the health sector. RACS President Michael Grigg said there was no denying that bullying and harassment occurred within the health workforce and the College of Surgeons had zero tolerance for this behaviour. “The expert advisory group’s charter will include reviewing the College’s current policies and procedures, establishing a reporting framework to measure progress in dealing with bullying and harassment, addressing the College’s gender balance and acting as a medium between the College and the hospitals/health departments to provide a way forward to eliminating bullying and harassment,” Prof Grigg said. Professor Grigg said that the new group would be chaired by former Victorian Health Minister and current Chair of the Royal Children’s Hospital, the Hon Rob Knowles AO. “Dr Helen Szoke, the current CEO of Oxfam, but previously Australia’s Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner following seven years as the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, has agreed to be Deputy Chair,” the RACS President said. Dr Joanna Flynn AM, Chair of the Medical Board of Australia and Mr Ken Lay APM, former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police have also agreed to act on the group as have Mr Graeme Campbell, the College’s incoming Vice President and Dr Cathy Ferguson, the incoming Chair of the College’s Professional Standards. “This group will comprise of individuals with substantial experience in equal opportunity, racial discrimination and regulatory issues,” Prof Grigg said. “Bullying and harassment must be notified and must be investigated. This is fundamental to correcting behaviour and ensuring inappropriate decisions or actions are addressed. Professor Grigg said that the issue of harassment and bullying was much bigger than any one hospital and the College had already written to all Ministers of Health across Australia and New Zealand seeking to engage positively with them to improve the culture of hospitals and the health care sector. The College recognises there are problems but is determined to be part of the solution. About the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 7000 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and International Medical Graduates. RACS also supports healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region and is a substantial funder of surgical research. There are nine surgical specialties in Australasia being: Cardiothoracic surgery, General surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic surgery, Otolaryngology Head-and-Neck surgery, Paediatric surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Urology and Vascular surgery. www.surgeons.org ]]>

GCSB Targeted Ops Damaging to NZ’s International Reputation – Buchanan

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

[caption id="attachment_1282" align="alignleft" width="300"] Dr Paul Buchanan, founder of 36th Parallel Assessments.[/caption] In episode 2 of Evening Report Paul Buchanan of 36th Parallel Assessments says the New Zealand Government’s GCSB signals spy agency has damaged the country’s international reputation as an honest broker. In this extended interview with Evening Report editor Selwyn Manning, Buchanan is highly critical of the short sightedness of the GCSB’s targeted operations against New Zealand’s largest trade partners. The targeted nations include China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, in fact most of the ASEAN nations. Paul Buchanan believes the United States is using the NZ based GCSB to carry out surveillance operations that are too sensitive for it to do itself. That New Zealand has virtually no oversight of its intelligence agencies and as such is vulnerable to exploitation by the superpower. –]]>

Climate change, environmental journalism and better media ethics

By David Robie -

March 12, 2015

Café Pacific Headline: Climate change, environmental journalism and better media ethics [caption id="attachment_1212" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Pacific Media Watch editor Alistar Kata interviewing Kiribati Independent editor Taberannang Korauaba
about his climate change research in Micronesia at last night’s seminar. Photo: Del Abcede/PMC.[/caption] FIVE YEARS ago, as an environmental journalist and journalism educator, I attended “Oceans, Islands and Skies” – the Oceanic Conference of Creativity and Climate Change – at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. I found this a very moving, stimulating and inspiring experience. Until then, I had largely worked on the global and Pacific political dimensions of climate change. [caption id="attachment_1213" align="alignright" width="300"] There Once Was An Island.[/caption] At that conference I found myself thrust among a tremendously talented group of people from all over the globe. And it was where I first encountered Briar March’s remarkable documentary There Once Was An Island: Te Henua e Nnoho about the plight of the people of Takuu, a tiny Polynesian atoll in Papua New Guinea, also known as Takuu Mortlock. The islanders were confronted with the harsh reality of rising seas and climate change and were forced to make a decision about whether to abandon their traditional Pacific homeland for the coast of Bougainville. In many ways this is an iconic storytelling of the reality of climate change told by the islanders themselves. Conservation issues, loss of land, enforced location and culture and language erosion are a few of the worries troubling low-lying Pacific communities. For indigenous communities, relocation will ultimately lead to culture and language loss. At the Islands, Oceans and Skies conference, one of the statements by Fiji-based artist Cresantia Frances Koya really struck me: “In the absence of land, all we have is each other.” The Pacific Media Centre collaborated with the University of the South Pacific and the Pacific Writing Forum to produce a book called Dreadlocks: Islands, Oceans and Skies. Why the name “Dreadlocks”? This was the title of the innovative literary journal at USP that was the co-publisher. Ironically, the role of some Pacific government offices and how they project the climate change story globally contrasts with how they are framed and packaged locally – or not at all, with the local media often left out of the picture completely. Last night two complementary speakers gave very refreshing insights into the issues at an AUT University seminar on ethical reporting of environmental risks. One is a very experienced journalist writing on and analysing science issues and the challenges of communicating complex stories and policy and empowerment, and the other is prominent Kiribati journalist researching what it is like at Ground Zero, if you like, on low-lying atolls and islands of Micronesia. Science communication specialist Dr Jan Sinclair of Massey University, began reporting on climate change in 1987 for The Dominion newspaper, and in the early 1990s for The Observer and New Scientist in the United Kingdom. Her extensive science communication expertise has included drafting popular versions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate change impacts reports for the United Nations Environment Programme, and working with Pacific Island countries to reduce climate change risks. Sinclair spoke on the theme: “Dangerously political: News framings of the risks of climate change.” “People get most of their information about science from the news media. With climate change and sea level rise, the news media have not adequately informed people of real risks to life, health, property and economic security,” Sinclair argues. “Nor have they passed on readily available scientific advice about how to reduce or prevent these risks. Instead, climate change has been represented as an issue which is political but not physical, and global therefore not local.” Kiribati Independent editor Taberannang Korauaba of AUT University and the Pacific Media Centre recently completed a field trip to Micronesia. He spoke on the theme: “Media and climate change in small island nations in the Pacific.” He calls for better training in the Pacific, training that is geared for the countries themselves and by their own in-country trainers, especially the low-lying countries of Micronesia that are in the front line of climate change. Their recommendations: • Professional, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and national and international aid organisations should work with journalists, scientific experts and communities to devise training for the primary communicators of risk information: the news media. • This training should focus both on journalists in the developed countries of Australia and New Zealand, and on journalists in the front-line atoll nations of Micronesia where climate change and sea level rise are already endangering populations and environments. • Pacific Islands training should take into account the needs of news media in Micronesia’s atoll nations. Journalists in these nations have different needs compared with media based in Polynesia and Melanesia. • In Micronesia, training of journalists should include community representatives, and should take place on the islands or villages where climate change and sea level rise are already affecting communities and their environment. • This training should use the local language and work with the equipment which is available to local journalists trying to adequately inform their communities. • Journalists in low lying islands need training in using social media to communicate how climate change and sea level rise are affecting local communities. Such training would help local journalists get stories to their own people and to the outside world. • Universities in the Pacific region should design undergraduate courses in reporting on climate change risks. These courses should target the region’s journalists, with the aim of improving the quality of information about climate change risks which reaches Pacific island communities. Such courses would most benefit journalists and communities if they were delivered at central campuses on the islands most affected. [caption id="attachment_1214" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Science communication specialist Dr Jan Sinclair speaking at last night’s climate change media seminar.
Photo: Del Abcede/PMC.[/caption] – – ]]>

Lear a King hit for local theatre-goers

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Massey University – Lear a King hit for local theatre-goers King Lear (Ralph Johnson) and his daughters Goneril (Hannah Pratt) and Regan (Cassandra Cleland), on opening night.

King Lear clings to his dying daughter Cordelia at the end of the play

This year’s Summer Shakespeare freak show rendition of King Lear in Palmerston North has been described as “clever and courageous.” Writing for the New Zealand Performing Arts Review and Directory website, John Ross complimented Jaime Dörner for his “clever and courageous directing.” He described the production, which several Massey University students are taking part in, as “one of the most successful recent Summer Shakespeares I’ve seen.” With three nights left in the season, Manawatū theatre lovers are being urged not to miss out, following packed audiences at last week’s three performances at the Victoria Esplanade Gardens. Theatre lecturer Associate Professor Angie Farrow, from the School of English and Media Studies – the main sponsor for Summer Shakespeare, says it is “probably the most ambitious of Summer Shakespeare productions I’ve seen. The metaphor of the freak show is beautifully sustained both in the visual design of the production and in the playing. “Costumes and prosthetics work together brilliantly to create characters from circus, and Jaime’s direction calls for physical, sometimes animal-like, performances from his actors that are high energy and hugely entertaining,” she says. Dr Farrow, who has been pivotal in organising the 13-year series of Summer Shakespeare plays in Palmerston North, says the standard of acting in King Lear is very high. “There is a good mix of emerging and established actors and Jaime has a way of bringing out the truth of the characters while maintaining their immediacy and theatricality,” she says. Reviewer John Ross concurs, commenting on how the production is “clever in its quirkiness.” “Sure, Lear is played as both a king and a circus ringmaster. Kent becomes a kind of maybe-Indian, or maybe Egyptian, servant clown; the Fool not one but three scampering-around clowns; Goneril a bearded lady; Regan a fairground vamp; Cordelia maybe a horse-back dancer; Albany a Strong Man … and others vaguely Edwardian circus functionaries, or patrons. “The effect oddly is to distance the action, to slide in some meta-theatrical game-playing, and to bring the play down to a manageable scale,” he writes. Dr Farrow says there are greater challenges in performing tragedy in an outdoor setting. “The gravity and depth of psychology needed is much easier to achieve in an indoor environment. Jaime [Dörner] compensates for this by creating an intense choreography and visual spectacle that enables even the youngest of audience members to follow.” Read the review by John Ross on the New Zealand Performing Arts Review and Directory website here. The production is Dörner’s final work as a director in Palmerston North. He is heading to Monash University in Melbourne to do a PhD on the cathartic and healing powers of theatre. Show details: Dates: March 12,13, and 14 Time: 7.30pm Entry: Free Where: Victoria Esplanade Gardens, Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North

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Flag Referendums Bill passes first reading

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

FAQs New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill If I want to have a say in the flag designs do I make a submission on the bill? No. If you have a flag design that you would like to suggest, you should send this to the Flag Consideration Panel during the public engagement phase which will be advertised in mid-2015. The select committee process to consider the bill is separate. The bill is about the referendums themselves. Will this referendum process be binding? Yes. The New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill includes mechanisms that make the decision of voters binding. If the current flag wins in the second referendum, it will remain our flag. If the alternative flag wins, that decision will trigger the necessary legal amendments to make this the new New Zealand flag. This will occur six months after the referendum or earlier by Order in Council. What will be the status of the current flag if there’s a vote to change it? Will people still be able to fly it? Yes, members of the public are free to fly flags as they choose. The only rules about flying the flag apply to the Government and to New Zealand-registered ships. If the flag changes, the current flag will have its historical significance recognised in law. If the flag changes, will other flags or symbols (such as the Coat of Arms) need to change as well? No. The bill would change only the New Zealand Flag, and there is no requirement for other symbols to change. My business currently uses the New Zealand Flag in advertising, packaging or branding. If there is a change, will I have to change anything? There would be no legal requirement to change – it would be up to you. How have other parties been involved in the development of this bill? All parties were invited to join a cross-party group of MPs. All parliamentary parties were represented in this group with the exception of New Zealand First which declined to participate. The cross-party group had input into the development of this bill including the voting system and number of alternative flag designs to be included in the first referendum, the advertising rules and the planned timing of the second referendum. What is the benefit of a two-stage referendum process? A two stage process means that the most-preferred alternative flag can be found before voters decide between changing to a new flag, or keeping the current one. Why is the preferential voting system being used in the first referendum? With preferential voting, voters rank the options presented. This gives people more opportunity to indicate their preferences amongst the alternative flags. This ranking system means that, for example, if a voter’s first choice is eliminated then their second choice could be taken into account. Information will be provided to ensure voters clearly understand how to rank the flag designs. Voters will not have to rank all four flags for their vote to count. If I support the current New Zealand flag should I vote in the first referendum? All New Zealanders who are on the electoral roll are encouraged to vote in both referendums. While you can choose to vote for the current flag in the second referendum, the first referendum allows you to have your say about which alternative flag you prefer if the flag was to change. Why aren’t there rules or limits on spending on referendum advertising? In the context of a national discussion of our flag the Government decided, in consultation with the cross-party group, that only light regulation was necessary. Earlier press release and FAQs: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/first-steps-taken-towards-flag-referendum Flag Consideration Panel press release and FAQs: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/flag-consideration-panel-members-announced — ]]>

Government vetoes Labour’s call for trees inquiry

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Labour Party – Press Release/Statement

Headline: Government vetoes Labour’s call for trees inquiry

National Party members today rejected a petition by Labour’s MP for New Lynn David Cunliffe for an urgent Parliamentary inquiry into the proposed felling of an ancient Kauri tree in Titirangi.

“It beggars belief that National MPs would block this work when their own ministers say there is a problem to be fixed,” David Cunliffe says.

The petition to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee was defeated by six votes to five with Labour, Green and New Zealand First members supporting the proposal.

“Auckland Council’s hands are tied by three legislative issues that only central government can sort out.

“These include National’s removal of tree protections under the 2009 and 2013 Resource Management Amendment Acts.

“National is blocking common sense progress to resolve a problem that most Kiwis think is a no-brainer,” David Cunliffe says.

—

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Burst Water Main Oteha Valley Road Auckland

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Police – Oteha Valley Road Auckland Waitemata

Burst Water Mains Oteha Valley Road Auckland. Police advise major traffic delays around Oteha Valley Road and the intersection with Fairview Ave due to a burst water main. The southern end of Fairveiw Ave is completely closed. Police says diversions are in place. The area should be avoided if possible.

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Goldman Sachs Statement on Proposed Capital Actions

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Goldman Sachs – Goldman Sachs Issues Statement on Proposed Capital Actions NEW YORK, March 11, 2015 — The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) today announced that the Federal Reserve Board did not object to its revised 2015 capital plan, which includes the repurchase of outstanding common stock, an increase to its quarterly common stock dividend and the possible issuance and redemption of other capital securities. The firm intends to increase its quarterly common stock dividend by five cents a share to $0.65 per share, effective in the second quarter of 2015, subject to its Board of Directors’ approval. “We remain focused on managing our resources dynamically, growing our client franchise, and generating superior returns for our shareholders while remaining well capitalized,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd Blankfein. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world. — ]]>

WHO and World Food Programme join forces to reach zero Ebola cases

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Africa Press Organization – WHO and World Food Programme join forces to reach zero Ebola cases WHO and World Food Programme join forces to reach zero Ebola cases GENEVA, Switzerland, March 11, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — WHO and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) are combining their forces in a new partnership in the Ebola-affected countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The arrangement combines the logistics strength of WFP with WHO’s public health expertise to help get the current Ebola outbreak down to zero cases in West Africa. The platform also establishes an alert and response infrastructure for future crises. WHO and WFP combine their expertise in the 3 most Ebola-affected countries “This partnership increases both agencies’ abilities to reach, monitor and respond to the needs of all people touched by Ebola,” says Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. “It helps us deploy and maintain technical teams with expertise in infection prevention and control, epidemiology, and contact tracing, enabling dedicated health workers in the deep field to do their best work. The partnership is also a learning opportunity for the future, informing our capacities to launch joint operations during large scale emergencies.” “Over the past seven months, partnerships have been crucial in fighting this devastating outbreak. WFP has worked with our partners to respond to communities’ most basic needs — making sure food is reaching everywhere that the Ebola virus has hit. Our logistical support to WHO and the wider humanitarian community has enabled affected people to receive the urgent care and support they need,” says WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin. “We are making progress, however we must remain vigilant. The Ebola crisis will not end until we identify, reach and successfully treat every last case. Recognizing this goal, the WHO-WFP partnership – a joint technical and operational force – will continue providing the support required to achieve zero cases.” Using a joint operations approach, the two agencies agreed to combine their expertise in more than 60 priority districts and prefectures on the ground in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, the three most Ebola-affected countries. Today, more WHO employees are working at the community level on Ebola in West Africa than at any other point in the epidemic. Over 700 people are currently deployed in the Ebola affected countries. In districts with ongoing Ebola transmission, WFP is ensuring that WHO disease detectives have the resources they need — computer equipment, phones and stable internet connectivity — to share information critical to tracking and stopping the virus. WFP is also managing the fleet of rugged vehicles carrying WHO social anthropologists and epidemiologists to isolated villages, where they will continue gaining the trust of communities to find and follow contacts of Ebola patients until all cases are resolved. The joint partnership responds to the directive of WHO’s Executive Board Special Session on Ebola, to develop new ways to strengthen health emergency operations and provides a model for collaboration in future response to emergencies with health impact. – -]]>

Côte d’Ivoire: Justice for victims of human rights violations “long overdue” – Zeid

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: Africa Press Organization – Côte d’Ivoire: Justice for victims of human rights violations “long overdue” – Zeid Côte d’Ivoire: Justice for victims of human rights violations “long overdue” – Zeid GENEVA, Switzerland, March 11, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In the wake of the guilty verdicts against numerous supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo charged with offences against the state and its institutions, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Wednesday urged the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to now focus on justice for victims of serious human rights violations and abuses that occurred prior to and during the 2011 conflict in the country. “Victims of gross human rights violations, some of which may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, have yet to see justice almost four years since the end of the conflict in Côte d’Ivoire,” the High Commissioner said. “Perpetrators of killings, rapes and other serious breaches of international law – no matter what their background or affiliations – must be promptly prosecuted.” “It is unacceptable that not a single individual has so far been convicted in a civilian court in Côte d’Ivoire on conflict-related human rights violations. And it is deplorable that some of the alleged perpetrators continue to hold official positions of responsibility,” Zeid said. “While I understand that the case which has just ended was of great significance to the Government, I urge it to now turn its attention to these extremely important human rights cases, without further delay.” Zeid pointed out that Tuesday’s verdict in the case against 83 alleged supporters and relatives of former president Laurent Gbagbo laid bare structural deficiencies in the judicial system in Côte d’Ivoire that need to be urgently addressed. “While important measures have already been taken to bring the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code in conformity with Côte d’Ivoire’s obligations under the Rome Statute, it is essential that the authorities take prompt measures to ensure the adoption of the draft law on victim and witness protection in judicial proceedings, to shorten pre-trial detention periods and to develop an effective appeals process,” High Commissioner Zeid said. “All of these will be important when the human rights cases start to come before the courts.” “For the peace gains to be secured and sustainable, Côte d’Ivoire must prioritize equitable justice, truth and reconciliation, particularly ahead of the presidential elections later this year,” he added. SOURCE United Nations – Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – -]]>

IMF Bails Out Ukraine

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

MIL OSI – Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF Bails Out Ukraine The International Monetary Fund has bailed out war-stressed Ukraine. A IMF chief said the bailout will help cushion the impact of economic adjustment, especially for Ukraine’s poorest groups. The IMF is initiating other measures to strengthen and better target the social safety net Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today in Berlin, Germany: “I am pleased to announce that the IMF Executive Board today approved an Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of SDR 12.348 billion (about $17.5 billion, €15.5 billion) for Ukraine, based on a comprehensive economic reform program supported by the Fund as well as by additional resources from the international community. Building on the actions taken under the earlier stand-by arrangement, this new four-year extended arrangement will support immediate economic stabilization in Ukraine and a set of deep and wide-ranging policy reforms aimed at restoring robust growth over the medium term and improving living standards for the Ukrainian people. “The change in the IMF-supported program from Stand-By Arrangement to Extended Arrangement under the EFF, which is consistent with the more protracted nature of Ukraine’s balance-of-payment needs, will provide more funding, more time, more flexibility, and better financing terms for Ukraine. Other bilateral and multilateral financing is also being made available to support the reforms. In addition, the Ukrainian government has taken actions toward consultations with the holders of their public sector debt with a view to improving medium-term sustainability. “The Ukrainian authorities continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to reform. They have maintained fiscal discipline in very difficult conditions; allowed the exchange rate to adjust; and have increased retail end-user prices for gas. Many key measures are front-loaded under the new program—including further sizable energy tariff increases; bank restructuring; governance reforms of state-owned enterprises; and legal changes aimed at combating corruption and strengthening the rule of law. “To help cushion the impact of adjustment, especially for the poorest groups, measures are being taken to strengthen and better target the social safety net.” “The program is ambitious and involves risks, notably those stemming from the conflict in the east of the country. I am heartened that the cease-fire agreed last month in Minsk seems to be largely holding for now, and hope that a further loss of life can be avoided. “I wish the authorities well as they embark on this new economic reform program. With continued firm implementation, there is reasonably strong prospect of success.” – ]]>

Auckland Council Tries To Make Sense of Kauri Tree Issue

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

Agreed to undertake a review of processes involved in assessing and granting the consent applications to undertake development on the sites at 40 and 42 Paturoa Road, with the specific and sole purpose of identifying matters that could be improved in future council processes and to be included in Auckland Council’s submissions to central government on its current view of the RMA and report back to the Auckland Development Committee.

Directed the Chief Planning Officer of Auckland Council to lead the review to be undertaken on process

Agreed that council will continue to work with the land owners to seek a resolution to current concerns.

Committee Chair and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse said: “This recommendation means we can take a look at our processes to see what we can do better, particularly in how we communicate with local boards and mana whenua. It also means we can continue to pursue best practice to serve our communities.” The results of the review will be reported back to the Auckland Development Committee on Thursday 16 April 2015. — ]]>

Kayaker who died on the Kaituna River had competed internationally in her sport

By Selwyn Manning -

March 12, 2015

Thursday, 12 March 2015 – 3:32pm

The kayaker who died on the Kaituna River near Rotorua can now be identified as 26-year-old Louise Jull. Louise was living in Rotorua and was teacher at Western Heights High School. She was also a committed sportswoman who had competed at an international level in white water kayaking. Her parents, Adrian and Liz Jull, and her older siblings Malcolm, Heather and Isobelle, have issued the following tribute. “Louise was a white water and extreme kayaker of international reputation. The 2015 Kaituna and Wairoa extreme kayaking women’s section was won by Louise and a second place was gained in the Citreon race in Otago just recently. Louise lived at Okere Falls and enjoyed the opportunities for kayaking that Lake Rotoiti and the Kaituna River provided. Louise was a well respected integral part of the Okere Falls, and indeed New Zealand, kayak community. Early kayaking days were focussed on white water slalom kayaking in which Louise represented New Zealand internationally. A positive role model for women in sport and a strong advocate for women in kayaking. Louise had started on a career in secondary teaching at a local Rotorua high school this year. Teaching young paddlers was an extra activity that Louise took great pleasure in; this will be one of her legacies to kayaking. Yesterday Louise was paddling a lower section of the Kaituna River that she had paddled a number of times without mishap. The incident was a chance accident involving a highly skilled paddler practicing her sport. The two paddlers with her were very experienced, but despite their efforts they were unable to retrieve the situation. The family acknowledges a deep gratitude to the two other paddlers and to the wider community who turned out to assist in the search and rescue this morning.” The Jull family request privacy at this difficult time, and media are asked to direct any enquiries through Police. The death of Louise Jull has been referred to the Coroner. —

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