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Chartered Accountants dislike current domestic tax transparency legislation

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  • The domestic tax transparency measures impact all large companies: they make no distinction between those with domestic and international activities, public or private. Reports that private companies may be excluded are therefore welcome. The publication of private company tax data raises legitimate concerns about shareholder rights to privacy and the differential treatment of private companies vis-a-vis other business structures, such as partnership and trusts.
  • The disclosure does not convey the various tax adjustments – legally available under the law to all companies large and small – relevant in arriving at taxable income. There is therefore great potential for misunderstanding and damage to a company’s brand and reputation.  For reporting entities, the tax note in the published accounts already provides more detailed information.
  • Companies are developing differing responses to the measure: at one extreme, some are developing a detailed communication strategy to convey information about their total tax contribution to Australian society, whilst others are doing nothing, relying instead on the right that every taxpayer has to keep their tax affairs confidential. These diverse outcomes reflect a policy whose objectives were never carefully thought through.
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    New Gallipoli app launched

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    Voluntary out-of-home care to be reviewed – Government

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    Big reduction in young mums on benefit – Government

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    Young mothers receiving a main benefit, at end of December 2009, 2013 and 2014

    Young mothers receiving a main benefit, at end of December 2009, 2013 and 2014Young mothers receiving a main benefit, at end of December 2009, 2013 and 2014
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    Elderly and sick aboriginal group turned away from essential services during tropical cyclone

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    MIL OSI – Australian Green Party – Elderly and sick aboriginal group turned away from essential services during tropical cyclone Greens MLC Robin Chapple and Senator Rachel Siewert have condemned emerging news that five mostly elderly Aboriginal people with medical conditions were declined access for up to seven hours from the Carnarvon cyclone shelter and hospital, ahead of the impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Olwyn. The group included four elderly people on dialysis, and one younger person suffering severe personal health issues. “I’m very distressed to hear that Aboriginal people were denied access to the hospital and the shelter, these two essential services should not be denied to anyone. “We must ask how could this happen? There continues to be ill treatment and discrimination of Aboriginal people in this country. “The approach of both the State and Federal Governments are not helping to stymy instances like this. “Inappropriate remarks by the Prime Minister, proposals to close remote communities, and special measures that discriminate against Aboriginal people such as income management all worsen Aboriginal standard of living. “We must be doing more, I call on the Federal Government to act on a motion supported in the Senate yesterday that calls on Federal Funding to be reinstated for communities. “During a moment of crisis this group struggled to access essential services much more than they should have”, said Greens MLC, Robin Chapple. “It is alarming that no one else appears to have been declined entry to these services. “There is anecdotal evidence that European backpackers were allowed to stroll in and seek help, this signals systemic issues in rural and remote Western Australia that must be addressed immediately”. –]]>

    Thousands of pregnant women require care in cyclone-slammed Vanuatu

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    MIL OSI – Source: United Nations Population Fund – Thousands of pregnant women require care in cyclone-slammed Vanuatu SUVA, Fiji/UNITED NATIONS, New York – Four days after Cyclone Pam cut a path of destruction across Vanuatu, the full scale of the devastation has yet to be determined. The Category Five storm damaged an estimated 90 per cent of structures on the main island of Efate, and Shefa Province has declared a state of emergency. Some 3,300 people are sheltering in 37 evacuation centres, and 11 people have been confirmed dead. UNFPA estimates some 6,700 women in the country are pregnant and in need of maternal care services. There are about 56,000 women and girls of childbearing age in Vanuatu, according to the country’s 2013 Demographic Health Survey. These women and girls will require reproductive health services, hygiene supplies and other support.

    Extensive damage

    Of the women estimated to be pregnant, 100 are projected to experience dangerous complications in the coming month, and 900 will face complications in the next nine months. But medical facilities have sustained heavy damage, United Nations officials report. “The Vila Central Hospital requires urgent repairs,” said UNFPA Programme Analyst Gideon Mael from Port-Vila, the capital. The hospital continues to function “despite extensive damage,” but medical supplies and additional wards are needed.

    Emergency response

    UNFPA has provided radios and dignity kits, which contain hygiene supplies and other essential materials for women and girls of reproductive age. The Fund is also providing emergency reproductive health supplies, including kits for safe delivery and management of miscarriage. Working closely with the Ministry of Health and UN humanitarian coordinators, UNFPA is performing a needs assessment to determine the full extent of the response required. Protection services may also be required, as crisis conditions often exacerbate the vulnerability of women and girls to abuse and exploitation. –]]>

    New UN report highlights ‘terrifying’ impact of Ebola on nine million children

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    MIL OSI – Source: United Nations – New UN report highlights ‘terrifying’ impact of Ebola on nine million children 17 March 2015 – Some nine million children have seen “death and suffering beyond their comprehension,” and protecting them and their communities is critical in the fight against Ebola in West Africa, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a report released today. UNICEF said the report, which was released in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, Geneva, and New York, “looks at the dramatic impact Ebola has had on children as it hit some of the most vulnerable communities in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries.” Of the more than 24,000 people infected, some 5,000 are children, while more than 16,000 children have lost one or both parents or their primary caregiver, according to UNICEF. “For many of the nine million children living in affected areas, Ebola has been terrifying,” the agency said. “These children have seen death and suffering beyond their comprehension.” The report also points to the central role communities are playing in the response and shows encouraging trends in safe behaviours. “In Liberia, for example, a survey indicates that 72 per cent of people believe anyone with Ebola symptoms will get better care at a treatment centre, which is significant because many used to keep Ebola victims at home, spreading infection in the community,” according to the agency. The report’s release comes days after the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said Liberia reported no new confirmed cases for the second consecutive week from the disease that has affected more than 24,000 people with more than 10,000 deaths. “The outbreak will not be over until there are zero cases, and every single contact has been traced and monitored. We cannot afford to let our guard down,” Barbara Bentein, UNICEF’s Global Emergency Coordinator for Ebola, said in a press release. “At the same time, basic services need to be re-established safely and responsibly, using the assets of the response,” she added. UNICEF, which helped minimize the risk of Ebola infections when schools reopened following months of closures that left 5 million children out of school, noted that investing in improving health care systems in Ebola-affected countries will help tackle other diseases such as measles, pneumonia and diarrhoea, which take a heavy toll on children. –]]>

    NZ On Air celebrates 25 years

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    MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – NZ On Air celebrates 25 years Broadcasting Minister Amy Adams has congratulated NZ On Air on its success in providing Kiwi content to New Zealanders for the past 25 years. In a speech at Parliament tonight, Ms Adams said NZ On Air had played a significant role in New Zealand’s rapidly changing media environment. “Much has changed since Parliament first enacted the Broadcasting Act 1989 which established NZ On Air,” says Ms Adams. “Back then, the first international Internet connection had only just arrived at our shores, TV3 had only just begun broadcasting and only 2000 hours of local content were making it on to our screens every year. “Fast-forward 25 years and not only are we generating 13,000 hours of local content to represent New Zealanders on screen but the way we tell these stories has also changed. “In 1989, a TV set was a piece of furniture rather than a screen attached to a wall, and nobody would have envisioned watching a programme you missed last night on your mobile phone on the bus ride to work.” Ms Adams says NZ On Air was a unique model to the world when it was first created and it remains so today. “NZ On Air continues to look at new ways extend audience engagement across multiple platforms. It is constantly refreshing its investment strategies to ensure it is going where the audiences are. “In this way NZ On Air will ensure relevant Kiwi content continues to be provided in new and innovative ways,” says Ms Adams. – -]]>

    More European countries to join China-proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

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    MIL OSI – Source: China State Council Information Office – More European countries to join China-proposed AIIB Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei (C) signs with guests at the signing ceremony of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct 24, 2014. [File photo]The membership of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is set to expand further, with France, Germany and Italy reported to have all agreed to join the China-proposed institution. The decision of the three European countries, which was revealed by British newspaper The Financial Times and yet to be officially announced, came in the wake of Britain’s application last week to be a founding member of the 50-billion-U.S.-dollar bank. Meanwhile, Australian leaders have been lining up in the past few days to voice support for joining the AIIB, which marks a conspicuous U-turn from the cabinet’s previous stance. “Our position all along has been that we are happy to be part of some thing which is a genuine multilateral institution such as the World Bank, such as the Asia Development Bank,” Prime Minister Tony Abbott said during an interview with Sky News over the weekend. In addition, South Korea, Switzerland and Luxembourg have reportedly been pondering whether to join the new international initiative. As regards Japan, Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei said earlier this month that the chance to be an AIIB founding member is available for all Asian countries including Japan by March 31, and the ball is in Japan’s court. “They told us they are considering. Whether Japan will join, we do not know. It is Japan’s own decision,” Lou said. Nearly 30 countries have confirmed their participation in the AIIB, which is aimed at helping finance infrastructure projects across Asia and expected to come into being within 2015. In response to U.S. concerns about the standards of the AIIB, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said last week that the AIIB’s operation and governance will be open, transparent, inclusive and responsible. “It will draw experiences from other multilateral development banks and avoid their detours so as to be more cost-effective and efficient,” he told a press conference. “The AIIB will complement existing multilateral development banks and support the infrastructure and economic development in Asia,” he added. –  ]]>

    Australia Provides Additional Support to Vanuatu

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    MIL OSI – Source: Australian Government – Australia Provides Additional Support to Vanuatu Minister for Foreign Affairs The Hon Julie Bishop MP Minister for Health The Hon Sussan Ley MP 17 March 2015 Today we announce Australia will provide additional medical assistance and urban search and rescue capability in response to the devastation resulting from tropical Cyclone Pam. “Today’s announcement follows substantial work Australian teams have been doing in Port Vila over the last 36 hours and assessments from the aerial reconnaissance flights carried out in Vanuatu yesterday,” Minister Bishop said. “Australia will be deploying an additional Australian Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team of 54 personnel, arriving in Port Vila today to clean-up and repair the Port Vila Hospital Complex. “The USAR team will assist the Government of Vanuatu to assess the damage and potential recovery needs of other major infrastructure in Port Vila. This deployment will bring the total number of USAR personnel in-country to 56,” Minister Bishop said. An additional Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) of 20 personnel will also be deployed, which is scheduled to arrive in Port Vila tomorrow. “AUSMAT will provide urgent medical assistance and help to establish a temporary ward at the hospital. We are working closely with the New Zealand Government to coordinate our medical assistance to the Vanuatu Government and those affected by the disaster,” Minister Ley said. “The arrival of additional personnel will bring the AUSMAT team to a total of 27, including 1 team leader, 5 doctors, 9 nurses, 2 paramedics, 1 radiologist, 1 pharmacist, 5 logisticians, and the 3 member initial assessment team,” Minister Ley said. An additional four government personnel will also be deployed to coordinate the health and urban rescue effort. We would like to thank Emergency Management Australia, and the State Governments of New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory for supporting these critical deployments. We will continue to work with the Government of Vanuatu to monitor the situation closely and consider further assistance subject to ongoing assessments. –]]>

    The missing ingredient in the Iran and P5+1 negotiations

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    MIL OSI Analysis – Common Ground News – The missing ingredient in the Iran and P5+1 negotiations by The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane D.D. Iran_nuclear-programmeWashington, DC – A missing voice in negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 is that of the global interreligious community. It is astounding that this voice has either been intentionally muted by the American media or even worse discredited by our own government as a comparatively unimportant interference in negotiations. According to a Pew religious poll published in 2010, eight out of ten people in the world identified with a religious group. There are approximately 1.8 billion who profess to be Muslim and over two billion professing to be Christian. Within these numbers are significant groupings of Muslim and Christian clerics, scholars, and faith leaders who have been meeting quietly since the beginning of the new millennium to address common concerns threatening the very future of the human race and the ecological sustainability of the planet. A major focus of these meetings has been theological condemnation of production and use of nuclear weapons. Today, at least nine nations are known to possess nuclear weapons, with the lion’s share held by the US and Russia. Humankind now has the ability to destroy almost every living thing on the planet in a few short moments. Since 2000, there have been scores of meetings between Muslim and Christian religious leaders. Participants in these meetings carry a significant leadership role within the broad base of their respective communities. These meetings have been occurring quietly in many European countries as well as in the United States and Iran. Governments in these countries have been aware of these meetings and have followed them closely. As the retired Episcopal Bishop of Washington, DC, I can affirm that I had encouraging conversations about my meetings in Iran with President George W. Bush and with US State Department officials. The Bush White House made it possible for President Mohammad Khatami of Iran to come to Washington, DC and preach at the National Cathedral in 2006 while I was bishop. The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, has issued several fatwas unequivocally stating that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons. In Iran’s Shi’a Islam, a fatwa issued by the Supreme Leader is binding on state policy. In February 2012 Ayatollah Khamenei publicly stated, “The Islamic Republic of Iran regards the possession of nuclear weapons as a great sin, in terms of thought, theory, and religious edict and also believes that holding such weapons is useless, costly, and dangerous.” Iran’s Supreme Leader holds dual authority as the head of state and paramount religious authority for Iran’s Shi’a Islam. Not acknowledging his fatwa is to disrespect his religious standing in Iran and to disrespect his standing as the nation’s political leader. This disrespect along with a failure to trust has led to cynicism, blaming, and exacting in negotiations with an eye-for-an-eye and a tooth-for-a-tooth mentality from both sides of the table. This fatwa is particularly noteworthy because it is in parallel with declarations made by almost every major Christian denomination. The Episcopal Church has passed eight such resolutions. The Lambeth Conference of the Anglican Communion with 75 million members issued a 1998 resolution calling on all governments and the UN to sign a treaty ending production, testing, stockpiling, and use of nuclear weapons. The Vatican and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops both issued similar calls in 2010. Other major global Christian denominations, including the United Presbyterian Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the United Methodist Church, the American Baptist Church, the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches, have issued parallel resolutions and statements. Still, the authority of Christian faith leaders is quite different from that of their Iranian counterpart. There are those in government and those engaged in the P5+1 negotiation who dismiss the parallel between Ayatollah Khamenei’s nuclear fatwa and the nuclear condemnations of Christian faith traditions simply because of the separation of church and state practiced in the West. Nevertheless, as negotiations approach the eleventh hour, Christianity and Islam can be bridge builders. They can help build trust while the negotiators also insist on verification. At the same time, however, this requires that the negotiators have the courage to place importance on interreligious relationships – not instead of but in addition to nation-state diplomacy. ### * John Bryson Chane was Eighth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC and Senior Advisor for Interreligious Dialogue for Washington National Cathedral. Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), 16 March 2015,www.commongroundnews.org Copyright permission is granted for publication. –]]>

    Child hit by car in Palmerston North – Police Seek Witnesses

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    The incident happened at about 3.00pm this afternoon on the corner of Freyberg Street and Featherston Street.  Police are investigating the matter and will interview the child and the driver of the vehicle tomorrow. Witnesses to the incident can contact the Palmerston North Police on (06) 351 3600.

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    Oxfam: Growing concern for Kiribati, Tuvalu and for Vanuatu’s outer islands

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    MIL OSI – Source: Oxfam New Zealand – Growing concern for Kiribati, Tuvalu and for Vanuatu’s outer islands As the death toll from Cyclone Pam begins to rise reports are now coming out of the small southern Vanuatu island of Tanna that there is almost no food or clean water and very little medical assistance for the 30,000 people who live there. Tanna, which took the full force of the 250kmh Cyclone Pam, is one of the small outer islands of the Vanuatu archipelago which is extremely hard to reach with aid supplies because of logistical challenges. Oxfam New Zealand’s Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier said the agency was deeply concerned for people on Tanna and other harder to reach outer islands. “Through Oxfam’s Livelihoods programme, and Water and Sanitation projects we work closely alongside communities across Vanuatu, in particular on Tanna Island.  These islands have much less infrastructure than the capital of Port Vila and are extremely remote and hard to reach in the best of times”. Oxfam Country Director in Port Vila, Colin Collett van Rooyen, said as Port Vila began the long clean up after Cyclone Pam there were grave concerns for people in the outer islands. “It could take between three days to a week to reach people in these more remote communities and every day counts in a situation like this for people who are injured and without food and clean water. A lack of enough clean water, temporary toilets, water purification tablets and hygiene kits in all areas damaged by the cyclone needed to be addressed rapidly’ he said. Ms Le Mesurier also expressed concern for other nations hit by Cyclone Pam. “In particular we are concerned about the lack of information coming out of places such as Kiribati and Tuvalu” “These nations are small and vulnerable and we fully expect that Cyclone Pam will have had significant impact. We are currently making contact with partners and other NGO’s on the ground to get a greater understanding of the need in these countries and how Oxfam can help”. “We know that a state of emergency has been declared in Tuvalu, where the average land elevation is just 1m above sea level and where tidal storm surges caused by Cyclone Pam have washed away houses and crops”. In addition, current reports suggest that flooding has resulted in toilet facilities becoming unusable, damage to essential rain water collection tanks, power black outs, and food becoming scarce. We have even less information about Kiribati said Ms Le Mesurier. Kiribati is a remote island nation with few points that measure over 2m above sea level, with the impact of Cyclone Pam and the expected King tide later this week we are especially concerned”. Oxfam New Zealand has launched a full scale appeal to help the many thousands of people affected by the devastating cyclone.   “Oxfam is committed to helping Vanuatu and other affected nations for as long as it takes,” said Ms Le Mesurier said. Donate to Oxfam’s Cyclone Pam response –]]>

    Sikh community deserves fair consideration

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    MIL OSI – Source: Labour Party – Sikh community deserves fair consideration The Government must clarify where and when Sikhs can wear a kirpan – a ceremonial dagger which their religion requires them to always carry, Labour’s spokesperson for Ethnic Communities Phil Goff says. “While I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to ensure that Sikhs are not discriminated against in being prevented from wearing the kirpan in public, clearly more weight will attach to legislation allowing this than a statement at a press conference. “In other countries, such as India, Canada, the United Kingdom and some Australian states, legislation has been passed recognising this right. “This would prevent the situation which occurred at the Cricket World Cup on Saturday where some Sikhs were able to enter the ground wearing the kirpan and some were prohibited. “Safety considerations, of course, have to be taken into account but the experience in other jurisdictions appears to have been that the right by law to carry the kirpan has not caused problems. “If the Prime Minister is serious about what he has said, he should instruct his Justice Minister to draft legislation accordingly. A select committee can then hear submissions from all parties to determine what, if any, restrictions are needed. “The policy should be to allow maximum freedom of Sikhs to practise their religious beliefs, consistent with the safety of the community,” Phil Goff says. –]]>

    Kauri Politics: People power the winner on the day – Greenpeace

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    MIL OSI – Source: Greenpeace New Zealand – People power the winner on the day – Greenpeace

    Kauri Tree savedThe battle to save an ancient kauri tree from execution-by -property developer is over: Something is still standing…and it’s certainly not the leg of the Auckland City Council.

    For several days the nation has been transfixed on the epic David and Goliath story of one community’s revolt over consent given to chop down a native kauri and rimu tree thought to be hundreds of years old.

    The consent – ticked off by the council for the land owners, a couple of architects who wanted to build a home there – had not been publicly notified.

    But when it all eventually came out, people living both nearby the site in Auckland’s western suburb of Titirangi and far further afield, decided to go out on a limb.

    Enter Michael Tavares, a well-spoken Waiheke Island local, who upon hearing about the trees’ impending doom jumped on the first ferry over and promptly scaled the kauri, refusing to come down until he felt it was safe.

    For almost a week he stayed up there – trespass order and all – supported by a large and growing group of people on the ground who simply would not accept the notion that these majestic residents of the forest could be so carelessly cut from our history.

    A petition was launched on the Greenpeace-hosted online petition platform TOKO, which soared to a record 26,500 signatures in just a few days. The document was later presented to the council by a crowd that had gathered outside Auckland’s Town Hall.

    Mud was slung: The council blamed the government for what it did to the Resource Management Act (RMA) in 2013, relaxing it – some would go as far as to say “gutting” it – so much that chopping down trees estimated as being close to 500 years in age appears to be even easier than ever.

    On other side of the smoking gun, members of the government voiced surprise at the council’s decision to not notify the public of its plan to allow the trees to be destroyed.

    And then the architect-owners of the site relented. It was their 20th wedding anniversary they said, and they wanted to enjoy it in peace.

    They’d had threats made against them, been thrown into the media spotlight – and dammit, they had a whole bunch of angry Kiwis with placards protesting on their land.

    They would not be cutting down either the kauri or the rimu tree, but – among other conditions – expected to be compensated for their troubles.

    In the end, although worrying flaws in the current RMA have now been exposed to the New Zealand public, the myriad of moral wrongs that were legitimised through clever paperwork aren’t anything particularly surprising.

    But what is extraordinary was the way in which normal New Zealanders dropped everything and joined the fight to keep the roots of our history alive.

    Without even blinking, they blocked out all their normal noise and daily routines and came together to form a united front that took on higher powers. And they won.

    It’s yet another example of just how powerful the ordinary can be when it comes to doing the extraordinary.

    Keep it up and we can really start to change some things around here. – -]]>

    Waitemata Police appeal to public for info on alleged sexual assaults

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    MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Police – Waitemata Police appealing for further information following alleged sexual assaults Waitemata Police investigating alleged sexual assaults against teenage boys by a 35 year-old Security Guard are appealing to the public for further information.

    Mikaele Sipiti, who also uses the first name Mike, has been charged with two charges of sexual violation and five charges of indecent assault. The charges relate to alleged offending against two 13 year-old boys and another 14 year-old boy, between March 2014 and February of this year. The accused has held a security licence since March 2013 and has been employed as a security guard. He has been employed by a number of different security companies and has been deployed to various events and patrols across the Auckland area, including as a static guard at the Ranui and Sturges Road train stations. Sipiti has been remanded in custody and will reappear in the Waitakere District Court on Friday 27 March. The investigation into the alleged offending is ongoing, and Police would like to hear from anyone with information that may assist the enquiry. Anyone with information should call Detective Kelly Farrant at the Waitemata Police on 021 191 4375. —
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    Celebrate St Patrick’s Day by being a good mate – Police

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    MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Police – Celebrate St Patrick’s Day by being a good mate Canterbury Police staff patrolling in Christchurch City this morning and over lunchtime reported there was a happy family atmosphere in the city with a few people enjoying an Irish themed breakfast and entertainment at licensed premises.

    Inspector Paul Fremaux, who is overseeing today’s District-wide Operation, says “This is the first St Patrick’s Day with the lower alcohol limit and we urge revellers to drink responsibly and think about how they are going to get home if they are intending on drinking alcohol.  We have additional prevention and road policing staff rostered on to undertake high-visibility patrols in the entertainment areas to make sure everyone has a good reason to remember their St Patrick’s Day celebrations” “We are expecting tonight to be almost as busy as a typical Saturday night in some of the licensed premises in the District.  Alcohol is a major contributor to crimes such as disorder, violence and sexual assaults with a third of all recorded offences in New Zealand committed after an offender has consumed alcohol.  An intoxicated person is at risk of making poor decisions and ending up becoming an offender or victim of crime or crashes” explained Inspector Fremaux. Additional staff will be deployed from 12 noon until early tomorrow morning and checkpoints will be in operation across the District to target drink-driving. Canterbury Police take an anytime anywhere approach to breath testing and every driver stopped will be breath-tested, enforcing the new lower alcohol limits of 250mg of alcohol per litre of breath that came into effect last year.  There is still a zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20 years old and this will also be enforced. “No matter where you celebrate St Patrick’s Day, rurally or in the city, don’t think you can ‘get away’ with another alcoholic drink if you’re driving.  You are not only putting yourself at risk but other road users and members of your community.  If you plan on leaving your vehicle parked up overnight, park in a safe area and make sure you secure any valuables out of sight and lock doors and windows” said Inspector Fremaux. Stay safe and don’t become one of our statistics. “The two most effective ways to control the effects of alcohol, without moderating your drinking, is to eat food and drink water regularly.  We want St Patrick’s Day 2015 to be remembered for the right reasons in the District.  Be a good mate, look out for others in your community and take one for the team by being a sober driver” —
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    Motorists advised to postpone all non-essential travel on SH35 around East Cape due to Tropical Cyclone Pam

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    MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Motorists advised to postpone all non-essential travel on SH35 around East Cape due to Tropical Cyclone Pam

    Rain and strong winds continue to hit the area and are making conditions potentially dangerous for all road users.

    Storm surges have thrown driftwood and other debris, including rocks from a sea wall, onto sections of State Highway 35 (SH35) between Hawai to east of Waihau Bay.

    High surf continues to break on the highways in some areas and the situation is expected to worsen at 3pm today due to the high tide and expected high winds.

    Areas previously cleared may be inundated with driftwood and other debris as sea swells increase.

    Contractors have worked hard to clear the highway up to Raukokore, removing trees and other debris.

    They are currently working their way through to the Gisborne boundary where there are unconfirmed reports of multiple trees on the road between Hicks bay and just north of the town.

    The Transport Agency is working with local authorities and emergency services to keep roads open and safe for travellers.

    Electronic signs will be used to keep road users informed of conditions ahead.

    Road maintenance and other works scheduled for this week have been postponed due to the weather. The Transport Agency will provide updates on these works when possible.

    For real time information on highway conditions and incidents visit www.nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or follow @nztawaibop on twitter.

    For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move at www.onthemove.govt.nz

    For more information please contact:

    Natalie Dixon
    Waikato / Bay of Plenty Media Manager

    T: 07 928 7908
    M: 021 928 413
    E: natalie.dixon@nzta.govt.nz

    The NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.

    —

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    NZ Super Fund performance improving – Report

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    MIL OSI – NZ Super Fund performance improving – Report The New Zealand Superannuation Fund has released its monthly performance and portfolio report for February 2015. Key points:

    • Fund size: $28.98 billion (record high for month end and up from $27.78 billion at end January)
    • February return:  3.91%
    • Return since inception:10.30% p.a.
    • Last 12 months: 18.23%
    Performance returns are unaudited and provided after costs, before NZ tax. Full Performance Report. –]]>

    PM to attend Gallipoli Anzac Day commemorations

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    MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – PM to attend Gallipoli Anzac Day commemorations Prime Minister John Key is to lead a New Zealand delegation at the centenary commemorations of the ANZAC landings in Gallipoli, Turkey. “On 25 April 2015, we mark 100 years since the first New Zealand troops came ashore at Gallipoli,” says Mr Key. Gallipoli was the first major combat role for New Zealand forces in the First World War and was where 2721 New Zealanders were killed, representing a quarter of the total New Zealand forces sent to the peninsula. “At these commemorations we’ll be honouring their sacrifice and remembering all New Zealand veterans of conflict. “The significance of this event is of course felt strongly by New Zealanders, with 2,000 Kiwis expected to travel to Gallipoli through the ballot system,” says Mr Key. Mr Key will attend a number of commemorative services on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 24 and 25 April, including the Dawn Service, the New Zealand Service at Chunuk Bair and the Australian Service at Lone Pine. Prime Minister Key and Australian Prime Minister Abbott will jointly attend the Anzac Day services on 25 April. “We are delighted the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, will also be attending Gallipoli services in Turkey on the 24th and 25th of April.” The Prime Minister’s official delegation includes Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss, Opposition Leader Andrew Little, Chief of Defence Force Lt Gen Tim Keating and other senior Defence personnel and RSA President Barry Clarke. Also in the official party will be 25 youth ambassadors, highly decorated New Zealand veteran Brigadier Neville Reilly and historian Dr Chris Pugsley. “Gallipoli is hugely significant for New Zealand, Australia and Turkey. It’s where the Anzac relationship was cemented and it also a very important chapter in Turkey’s history. “The Anzac spirit lives on in the way that New Zealand works collaboratively and respectfully with Australia, together with our Turkish hosts to hold the Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli every year. “Turkey commits significant resources to ensuring these important commemorations are undertaken safely and respectfully, and we are grateful for their hospitality.” Throughout the week there will be a number of significant events culminating in Anzac day services around New Zealand. –]]>

    Prince Harry to visit New Zealand

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    MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – Prince Harry to visit New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has welcomed the news of a planned official visit to New Zealand by Prince Harry, the grandson and fourth-in-line to Queen Elizabeth II. “I am thrilled New Zealand will have the opportunity to welcome the Prince, who today confirmed he will visit New Zealand in May, after a four-week secondment with the Australian Defence Force,” says Mr Key. “This is Prince Harry’s first visit to New Zealand and we are very keen to show him as much of the country as possible.” The Prince’s visit follows a very successful tour by his father, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in 2012 and the latest visit by his brother, Prince William in 2014. Prince William was accompanied by the Duchess of Cambridge and their son, Prince George on their first trip to New Zealand. The visit is still in the planning stage and further details regarding dates and regions to be visited will be released closer to his arrival. –]]>

    Inequality is not ‘flat to falling’, Minister

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    MIL OSI – Source: Council Of Trade Unions – Inequality is not ‘flat to falling’, Minister – CTU Assertions by the Finance Minister about inequality are not borne out by the facts, the CTU said today. Bill English told TVNZ’s Q+A programme on Sunday that inequality in New Zealand is ‘flat to falling’. Yet an analysis by the CTU on the incomes of those at the very highest shows that rather than falling, it is skyrocketing.  Income data recently released by Inland Revenue shows that in the two years to March 2013 (the latest available data) shows a sharp rise in inequality due to rapid rises in high incomes.“ The average income of the top 1% has risen steeply since 2011,” said CTU Secretary Sam Huggard. “For this group, the average income rose from $298,000 in the year to March 2011 to $382,000 in the year to March 2013.” “This is an increase from 8.5 times the average income to 9.7 times.” “The average income of the top 0.1% is estimated to have risen from $665,000 to $892,000 over the same period, from 19 times the average income to 23 times.” “How this can be described as ‘flat or falling’ beggars belief.” “Unions will continue to push for a more equal society and lifting wages is the single most effective way to achieve this.” “Across the country workers will be making their case for a decent payrise this year. They are due for a catch-up after several years of low increases which were below what the economy can afford.  That is especially true for workers such as those in health care whose pay went up by only 0.7% on average in the last year,” Huggard said. –]]>

    10 year plan for Wellington region released for consultation

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    MIL OSI – Source: Greater Wellington Regional Council – 10 year plan for Wellington region released for consultation Residents from the greater Wellington region are being urged to have their say about what major projects should be funded in their communities over the next 10years. Open days are being held around the region through March and April where Councillors and staff will help the public understand what is included in Greater Wellington Regional Council’s draft 10 Year Plan 2015-25. Visitors to the open days will have the opportunity to identify the projects they think should be prioritised through a novel voting system set up for the occasion. There are currently six main projects in the draft plan and council Chair Fran Wilde says it’s important that these ideas are tested with the public before they are locked into place. “We’ve identified what we believe are the priorities, locally and regionally, and included them in the draft 10 Year Plan. Now we need our communities to tell us what they think,” she says. The six main projects are:

    • Investing in public transport infrastructure to improve service levels
    • Implementing major initiatives to increase the number of public transport users
    • Increasing programmes aimed at getting more people walking, cycling, carpooling and using public transport
    • Taking a strong leadership role in ensuring improved water quality across the region
    • Investing in flood protection infrastructure to protect the community from flood risk
    • Increasing the region’s ability to withstand an emergency, particularly through a number of projects to provide emergency water following a major event.
    To pay for the initiatives included in the draft 10 year plan, the regional council is proposing an average annual rates increase of about $38 for the average residential home in the 2015/16 financial year. That’s 9.8% and equates to 73 cents a week for the average home. Included within this is a 1.1% proposed rates increase to maintain its “business as usual” or existing services. The council has also proposed freezing public transport fares for another year as part of the 10 Year Plan. This has been made possible in part due to savings made through more people using trains following the introduction of the Matangi train fleet on the Hutt Valley, Kapiti and Johnsonville lines. “By keeping fares at the same price, we’re hoping to help get more people onto trains, buses and the harbour ferry,” Ms Wilde says. “Public transport not only frees up the roads, it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is critical given the challenges the region faces from climate change. “We’ve also just released our Draft Strategy on Climate Change and we’d like people to think about things like reducing greenhouse gas emissions when making submissions on the 10 Year Plan.” A “Shape Your Region” brochure will be mailed this week to Wellington region residents with details about the open day events and how to make sure they have their say. Submissions are open from 16 March to 20 April and the council will use the feedback to develop its final 10 Year Plan for the region. The council is also consulting on its draft Revenue and Financing Policy, Rates Remission and Postponement Policies and proposed amendments to the Resource Management Charging Policy. These policies can be viewed on the GWRC website. For more information visit www.gw.govt.nz/have-your-say Note
    Open Days
    Kapiti Coast: Coastlands, Wednesday 18 March, 11am-2pm Upper Hutt: March Madness Fair, Saturday 21 March, 10am-1pm Porirua: North City Plaza, Tuesday 24 March, 11am-2pm Wellington: Harbourside Market, Sunday 29 March, 9am-12pm and Johnsonville Mall, Tuesday 14 April, 11am-2pm Lower Hutt: 274b Jackson Street, Petone, Thursday 9 April, 11am-2pm Wairarapa: Greytown Library, Saturday 18 April, 10am-1pm –]]>

    VANUATU: Cyclone Pam leaves 24 dead, thousands displaced in wake

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    PMC-logoMIL OSI Analysis – PMC – Vanuatu blames tropical cyclone Pam devastation on climate change.

    Interview with Alex Mathieson, former Vanuatu country director for the aid group Oxfam. Video: DemocracyNow

    Tuesday, March 17, 2015

    Item: 9161

    PORT VILA (SBS/Pacific Media Watch): Twenty-four people have been confirmed dead days after a massive tropical cyclone lashed the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. “There are 24 confirmed fatalities, 11 from Tafea, eight from Efate and five from Tanna,” the UN’s Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a situation report. SBS correspondent Stefan Armbruster is in Port Vila and reports here. The storm hit the archipelago on Friday night, damaging up to 90 percent of homes in the capital, with aid agencies warning that conditions were among the most challenging they have faced. “Despite reports of severe and widespread damage, Shefa remains the only province declared an emergency at this stage,” said OCHA, referring to the region that includes Port Vila. More than 3000 people were in 37 evacuation centres, and aerial assessments have been conducted by military aircraft from Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. “Radio and telephone communications with outer islands is yet to be established,” said OCHA. Water restored In Port Vila, access to water has been partially restored, stores have begun reopening and the town’s airport has finally begun accepting flights. Aid workers have started streaming in to take the measure of what many have said might be one of the region’s worst weather disasters. “It lasted for hours, it was endless,” said one taxi driver in the capital, still visibly in shock from the storm that hit the island chain on Friday night. “The cyclone terrified us. I have never seen anything like it,” he said. His house was flooded, but not destroyed like many of the others in the town. Around him, trees, metal roof sheeting and all manner of debris littered the road from Port Vila’s international airport to the town. At the beach, several boats lay on their side. Bigger and more solidly constructed buildings largely remain standing but almost all have suffered some damage. President Baldwin Lonsdale ... cyclone Pam "a monster". Image: DemocracyNowVanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale, currently in Japan for a conference, described the cyclone as “a monster” and appealed for international aid. “This is a very devastating cyclone in Vanuatu. I term it as a monster, a monster,” he said. “It’s a setback for the government and for the people of Vanuatu. After all the development that has taken place, all this development has been wiped out.” He said he could not reach his family due to the breakdown in communications. Vanuatu blames global warming

    Creative Commons Licence

    This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 New Zealand Licence.

     ]]>

    Joan Withers appointed new chair of TVNZ

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    MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – Joan Withers appointed new chair of TVNZ

    Broadcasting Minister Amy Adams today announced the appointment of Joan Withers as the Chair of Television New Zealand (TVNZ).

    “Ms Withers is a highly experienced director, having held several challenging and high profile positions in some of New Zealand’s most iconic companies,” says Ms Adams.

    “Her background and expertise in media positions her well to take the helm of TVNZ at a time when it’s growing its online presence.

    “As Deputy Chair of the TVNZ Board since 2009, Ms Withers brings continuity, solid industry knowledge and significant governance leadership experience to the role.”

    Currently the Chair of Mighty River Power, Ms Withers sits on the board of the ANZ.  She formerly chaired Auckland International Airport and was previously Chief Executive of Fairfax Media New Zealand.

    Her term runs from 1 May 2015 to 30 April 2016.

    Ms Adams thanked the retiring chair, Wayne Walden, for his stewardship of TVNZ over the last four years.

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    First hand storm experience for visiting Solomons Harbour Master

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    Solomon Islands Harbour Master Billy Bobby (left. Solomon Islands Harbour Master Billy Bobby (left.[/caption]Solomon Islands Harbour Master Billy Bobby has had a bit more than he bargained for when he arrived in Tauranga for his two week experience in New Zealand waters. His visit, organised by Maritime NZ as part of a regular programme to increase knowledge and capability for our Pacific neighbours, has come in the midst of Cyclone Pam, and it means he’s been able to see how our maritime services operate during a major storm. Mr Bobby’s job back in Honiara is a one man band – he’s the Harbour Master, pilots the tug and works for the Port Authority. Last month he was delivering a ship to Japan. While the Solomons were not affected by Cyclone Pam, he’s seen the destruction in Vanuatu and other island nations. He’s been a seaman for 20 years and has always loved the sea. It’s all he’s ever wanted to do since he was a boy. The visit will allow him to observe and learn operations in New Zealand coastal waters. The Pacific mentoring programme is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is administered by Skills NZ. It allows a Pacific-based maritime officer to be attached to the Tauranga Harbour Master’s Office and the Port of Tauranga. Mr Bobby works with the Harbour Master’s office for a few days, as an understudy for Port of Tauranga pilots and tug masters for ship navigation and berthing. The programme will show the Honiara Harbour Master Port operations, practices and procedures in a busy New Zealand port. He will be piloting and berthing vessels in and out of the Port by day and night, as well as learning plenty from his counterparts in Tauranga. At the end of his secondment he’ll have more awareness of port operations, practices and processes that he can adapt for Honiara.  This knowledge will be invaluable in increasing safety at his home port, as well as developing valuable networks for the future. Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Regional Harbour Master Peter Buell said the programme was invaluable in boosting the skills of Pacific-based staff. Last year the participant was the Harbour Master for the Port of Avatiu, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. “As well as showing him the work we do here in Tauranga we will also be taking him to Rotorua Lakes and looking at the differences there, and to Whakatane. And getting here during a storm will be useful learning.” – –  ]]>

    RNZAF personnel load the C-130 Hercules bound for Vanuatu

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    MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Defence Force – RNZAF personnel load the C-130 Hercules bound for Vanuatu

    15 March 2015 A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130 Hercules from 40 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland has arrived in Vanuatu with a first consignment of aid for the stricken country in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Pam. The consignment included first aids kits, tarpaulins for emergency shelter, water containers, chainsaw packs and generators. Specialist personnel from New Zealand Government agencies and the New Zealand Red Cross were also aboard the Hercules, to assist in providing advice to the High Commission and to help carry out a needs assessment which will shape further assistance. Head of Air Force operations Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy said that the Air Force is well trained and equipped for such missions. “Pacific nations such as Vanuatu are our friends and neighbours and we’re happy we can help at times of need. The C-130 Hercules is an ideal platform for operating into areas that may not be accessible to commercial aircraft. With the main airport being closed to civilian transport, a Hercules load makes a real difference in situations like this. “The work we do with other agencies in exercises and training pays off at times like these, getting equipment and personnel to where they are most needed as quickly as possible, and the whole-of-government planning has gone well,” he said. “Aerial reconnaissance is another unique capability we provide at times like this and an RNZAF P-3K2 Orion has returned home today after providing reconnaissance support at the request of the Tuvaluan Government to assist with their disaster needs assessment. The aircraft was already in the Pacific Islands after successfully locating a vessel in distress and assisting with its rescue off Tonga on Friday.”

    —

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    Documentary: Tokelau Still Afloat on the High Seas

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    DOCUMENTARY: Tokelau – Still Afloat on the High Seas, remains relevant today. Here, the people of Tokelau speak of how climate change has impacted on their atolls, on their homes, and lifestyle. They speak of how when cyclones hit, the storms are now stronger in their intensity, and the cyclones track through their remote area of the Pacific more frequently. Tokelau’s message is common among the people of the Pacific. They are determined to be an example of climate change adaptation rather than become an example of catastrophe.

        Genre: Documentary
     
        Director/Producer: Selwyn Manning
     
      Date: November 2007.
    –]]>

    Cyclone Pam – National Crisis Management Centre has been activated

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    MIL OSI – Source: Civil Defence Emergency Management – Cyclone Pam – National Crisis Management Centre has been activated Cyclone Pam is still moving south east and is expected to maintain its intensity, or may even intensify slightly, reaching the Chatham Islands around midday Tuesday. A warning is now in place for severe gales, heavy rain and heavy swells for the Chatham Islands. Also, the Mayor of the Chatham Islands, Alfred Preece, has declared a state of local emergency on the Islands at 1:35pm Chatham Islands Time, 16 March 2015. The reason for the declaration is the imminent arrival of Cyclone Pam combined with rural fires on the Islands. The declaration will be used to protect public safety and coordinate the emergency response. Updates 16 Mar 2015 05:45 PM Cyclone Pam is still moving south east and is expected to maintain its intensity, or may even intensify slightly, reaching the Chatham Islands around midday Tuesday. A warning is now in place for severe gales, heavy rain and heavy swells for the Chatham Islands. Update at 5.45pm, Monday 16 March 2015 Cyclone Pam is still moving south east and is expected to maintain its intensity, or may even intensify slightly, reaching the Chatham Islands around midday Tuesday. A warning is now in place for severe gales, heavy rain and heavy swells for the Chatham Islands. The National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) was activated at 6am today to support affected Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups. National agencies, including the emergency services and Government departments continue to monitor the situation. The weather system has passed Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions and has caused only minor damage. However, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Chatham Islands are still forecast to experience severe weather conditions until Wednesday. In Gisborne, more than 100 people in total have now moved out of their homes at Te Araroa, Waima (Tokomaru Bay) and Anaura Bay as rain, high winds and large swells continue to affect the district. Hawke’s Bay is continuing to monitor the situation, with large swells possibly coinciding with high tide overnight. A state of local emergency was declared at the Chatham Islands this afternoon to protect public safety and coordinate the emergency response to Cyclone Pam combined with a number of rural fires. People in low lying areas have been evacuated to the welfare centre at Kopinga Marae and Chatham Islands Civil Defence is continuing to monitor the situation. The Council is providing updates via VHF Channels 60 and 62. Large, possibly damaging waves and strong winds are being experienced on the east coast of the North Island, especially from Hawkes Bay to Cape Reinga, and on the Chatham Islands. Detailed local information will be provided by local and regional Civil Defence authorities, and broadcast and published by news media. –]]>

    Britain sends relief supplies to Vanuatu

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    MIL OSI – Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments – Britain sends relief supplies to Vanuatu

    Britain has sent vital shelter and relief supplies to help people whose lives have been devastated by Cyclone Pam, International Development Secretary Justine Greening announced. A Royal Air Force C-17 transport plane departed from RAF Brize Norton early on Monday 16 March and will travel to the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley in Australia, where it will join the international relief effort. The plane is carrying 1,640 shelter kits for use by families of five people and more than 1900 solar lanterns with inbuilt mobile phone chargers. These supplies will help to provide protection to some of the most vulnerable people affected by the cyclone, especially women and children. A humanitarian expert from the Department for International Development has also been deployed to advise on distribution of the supplies and assist with field assessments as part of the international relief effort. The C-17 and its crew will remain in Australia for several days to undertake further support flights between Australia and affected areas as required. Justine Greening said:
    The terrible effects of Cyclone Pam are now clear and many people are in urgent need of relief. The Royal Air Force’s swift and invaluable support will ensure victims of the cyclone get the help they need to start putting their lives back together.

    Families’ homes have been destroyed and power supplies are down. Our emergency shelter kits and solar lanterns will help meet people’s basic needs and Britain stands ready to assist further.

    All commercial flights in and out of Port Vila have been grounded, with only military planes able to land. On Saturday 14 March, following a request from the Government of Vanuatu, Britain made up to £1 million available to UN organisations and international aid agencies in the region. The UK will also send an additional £1 million through the UK’s Rapid Response Facility, which provides emergency support via pre-approved organisations in the event of a humanitarian disaster overseas.
    –  ]]>

    Fonterra Completes Beingmate Partial Tender Offer

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    MIL OSI – Fonterra Completes Beingmate Partial Tender Offer

    Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited today confirmed that it has completed the partial tender offer and will acquire 18.8 per cent of leading Chinese infant formula manufacturer, Beingmate Baby & Child Food Company Ltd. The transaction will be closed in the next few days.

    Chief Financial Officer Lukas Paravicini said the companies had earlier made provision for the possibility of the Partial Tender Offer reaching slightly less than 20 per cent.

    “Our goal was to acquire up to 20 per cent.  We are extremely satisfied and confident that the partnership can and should proceed on the basis of the 18.8 per cent stake.  It is a good result.

    “Over the next few weeks, Fonterra and Beingmate will now move ahead with the next phase of our partnership, which includes establishing a joint venture to purchase the Darnum plant in Australia and finalising a distribution agreement making Beingmate Fonterra’s exclusive Anmum™ distributor in mainland China,” said Mr Paravicini.

    Number of Beingmate Baby & Child Food Company Ltd shares on issue (rounded)

    1,022 Million

    Number of shares acquired by Fonterra  (rounded)

    192.4 Million

    Cost per share

    RMB18./ share

    Total cost excluding transaction fees  (rounded)

    RMB 3,464 million

    Percentage of Beingmate Baby & Child Food Company Ltd shares gained by Fonterra (rounded)

    18.8%

    Last August, Fonterra and Beingmate announced that they intended to form a global partnership to help meet China’s growing demand for infant formula. The partnership will create a fully integrated global supply chain from the farm gate direct to China’s consumers, using Fonterra’s milk pools and manufacturing sites in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. It is intended to increase the volume and value of Fonterra’s ingredients and branded products exported to China.

    —

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    Building Bridges: PM to visit Korea and Japan

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    Building Bridges: PM welcomes visit of Viet Nam Prime Minister

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    21 Year-Old Man Charged With Virginia Ford’s Murder

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    The 21-year-old man charged in relation to the death of 20-year-old Virginia Ford has now been charged with murder. He will appear in the Palmerston North District Court at approximately 10am tomorrow (Tuesday 17 March, 2015). The Ford family have asked for privacy at this time and Police seek the support of media in respecting their request for privacy. As the matter is before the court police will be making no further comment. —

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    Magna Carta essay competition launched

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    th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta. “The fundamental values embodied by Magna Carta, such as rule of law, are as relevant today as they were in 1215,” Mr Finlayson said. “As one part of a broad programme of events being organised by the Magna Carta 800 NZ Committee, this competition provides New Zealand students with an opportunity to express what this historic document means to them and to New Zealand,” Mr Finlayson said. The competition has both a High School and University category and is open to all current New Zealand secondary and tertiary students. Essays must be submitted by Friday 1 May 2015. – –  ]]>

    Importers and labs advised of extra 1080 controls

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    16 March 2015

    Importers, laboratories and other workplaces holding 1080 are being advised by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on how to comply with the extra controls introduced by the Government last week.

    Tighter controls on the high purity forms of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) have been introduced in response to the criminal threat to use 1080 to contaminate infant and other formula. The new controls apply to all workplaces and all laboratories, including those operating under the Hazardous Substances Exempt Laboratories Regulations.

    After 10 April 2015 it will be unlawful for any laboratory or place of work to hold 1080 without having notified the EPA (for current stocks), or having requested an import certificate (for each new import of 1080). This information will enable the EPA to better track the importation, distribution and use of high purity 1080, and to ensure it is always securely contained.

    The extra requirements are:

    • All laboratories and places of work holding 1080 as at 12 March 2015 are required to notify the EPA of the quantity held and the supplier of the 1080. This notification must be made by 10 April 2015.

    • Any new imports of 1080 must be notified to the EPA and an import certificate must be obtained and provided to the New Zealand Customs Service before the imported 1080 can be uplifted. This requirement is effective immediately.

    • All laboratories and places of work holding stocks of 1080 at any time in a calendar year, must provide an annual report to the EPA by 31 March of the following year. The annual report for the 2015 calendar year must be provided by 31 March 2016 and must cover the period from 12 March to 31 December 2015.  Users of 1080 are urged to review their tracking and recording procedures now to ensure that you are able to meet the annual reporting requirements.

    • Additional storage requirements apply to laboratories operating under the Exempt Laboratories regulations – the laboratory manager must ensure that any 1080 held in the laboratory must be securely locked up when not in use. This requirement already applies to laboratories and other places of work operating under the HSNO Act and Regulations.

    The EPA has published forms and information on its website for helping importers, laboratories and other workplaces to comply with the new requirements.

    Connect with us:

    Media enquiries

    General enquiries

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    Radio New Zealand: a matter of urgency?

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    RADIO NEW ZEALAND (RNZ) comes in for some criticism, but it has a solid following among sections of the New Zealand public, and has a significant impact beyond the people who regularly listen to it live. With so much digital content available across online platforms, public media services, such as those of RNZ, need to be innovative and continually undergoing development. The current government has been rather sluggish in the way it has fulfilled its statutory role as owners of RNZ. This is the only New Zealand government owned broadcaster with a public service remit: one that is essential to a well-functioning democracy [ Briefing for the Incoming Minister of Broadcasting: October 2014: p5]. [caption id="attachment_1556" align="alignleft" width="242"]RNZ-2 Radio NZ building, Auckland: Photo Carolyn Skelton[/caption] The New Zealand Government has frozen the level of funding for RNZ since 2008. The required 5 yearly review of the RNZ charter was begun in 2006.  The RNZ Amendment Bill, which will finalise the outcomes of the review, is only now coming up for its second reading in Parliament. In this context, it is worrying that RNZ has recently seen a drop off in the number of listeners. It is essential to a democracy that the public have access to media services that operate in the public interest, enable critique and debate of significant issues, and are free from commercial or state influence.  It is a healthy sign is that RNZ content is used in online debates, as for instance, in responses to programmes like Morning Report. RNZ National’s flagship programme, Morning Report In the political arena fair amount of attention is paid to Radio New Zealand Nationals’ flagship programme, Morning Report.  For instance, some of Guyon Espiner and Susie Ferguson’s interviews come in for much debate on blogs and social media. Keith Ng blogged, in Sept 2014

    “Asking the hard questions” is a means, not an end. People hold up Guyon Espiner’s interview with Key as a fantastic piece of political journalism. It was certainly engaging. But (to borrow a phrase) at the end of the day, it was just Espiner yelling at Key for not answering any goddamn questions. And while Key sounded like a dick, he won – no amount of yelling could make Key say anything apart from his scripted lines.
    Alastair Thompson on Scoop: “Transcript of Guyon Espiner RNZ Morning Report interview with John Key, March 9, 2015” Bryce Edwards roundup of debates on the issue: “Should John Key resign over mass surveillance?”, includes a reference and link to an Espiner interview. Discussion on Reddit New Zealand, about “Ratings disappointment for RNZ” It is hard for public service radio news, politics and current events journalists, hosts and producers to establish an appropriate style and approach. They operate in a wider, highly commercialised context of celebrity news, drama, conflict and soundbites, and strongly PR managed politicians. Radio audiences &  website reach The latest Nielsen RNZ audience research showed that RNZ stations have lost listeners in the last quarter of 2014.  John Drinnan reported:
    The survey shows Radio New Zealand lost around 70,000 listeners or 13 per cent of the annualised audience for RNZ National and RNZ Concert combined.
    However, less obvious from the headlines, is that other evidence shows there has also been an increase in people visiting the Radio New Zealand website.   Dinnan states:
    RNZ says that there has been a significant increase in the uptake for its digital services.
    It is crucial that RNZ adapt to the fast changing digital environment, in which online media provides a crucial way through which many people can be informed, educated and entertained. For many New Zealanders, especially many young people, it is simply ignored when there is a vast arrays of engaging media content available. RNZ has started to address its low level of support from young people with its Wireless website. This does perform an important service.  However, it does not engage the interest and following in the same way that the Australian Broadcasting Services TripleJ station has achieved for young Australians. It must be hard to achieve such a following on a shoestring budget. This requires a concerted effort and an innovative approach. RNZ, the Government, and public service remit The recent drop in live broadcast ratings has occurred in a context where the government seems to be rather sluggish in fulfilling its statutory role with respect to RNZ. According to the Coalition for Better Broadcasting,
    Seven years ago Radio NZ was already struggling financially. A 2007 independent audit by KPMG concluded the organisation was seriously under-funded, under-staffed and under-resourced. It recommended immediate funding increases of $6.7m. But the following year, in 2008 the newly elected National government imposed a freeze that has effectively cut Radio NZ’s funding by 9%.
    The RNZ Amendment Bill had its first reading in 2009, and was supported by opposition parties.  However, the Labour and Green Party speakers expressed concern about the underfunding of RNZ and the funding freeze. Pita Sharples was critical of the lack of mention of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the RNZ Charter [The Charter is part of the RNZ Act].. The Briefing for the Incoming Minister of Broadcasting, October 2014, states that the value of public broadcasting “is cultural and informational rather than economic.” [p4] Yet, for the last 5 years, the current government seems to be prioritising funding restraints over the high quality provisions required by the public service remit. In the above linked briefing to the incoming government last year, it claimed that the Bill had been delayed to ensure they could provide funding that is “commercial-free “ [p11] Hopefully this means that the government has discounted adding advertising or sponsorship to RNZ, as that would undermine the public service remit. While the RNZ Act makes it illegal for the government to interfere in the day to day running of RNZ and its content, there are some indirect ways the government can have an impact of the state broadcaster: in the Minister of Broadcasting’s selection of RNZ Governor, and in the funding provisions. Hopefully the RNZ Amendment Bill will now proceed through the House in a timely way, ensuring RNZ provides the high quality, public service provisions that are an essential part of our democracy – and has an adequate level of funding to achieve this. By Carolyn Skelton.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: Carolyn Skelton specialises in writing about politics, gender equality, film and media studies. This is her first article for Evening Report.

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    UN relief agencies ramp up support to cyclone-hit Vanuatu as country&#39s President appeals for assistance

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    MIL OSI – Source: United Nations – UN relief agencies ramp up support to cyclone-hit Vanuatu as country&#39s President appeals for assistance 15 March 2015 – Amid reports that powerful Cyclone Pam has impacted at least half the population of Vanuatu, the country’s President, attending a United Nations conference under way in Japan aiming to reduce disaster risk, appealed for international support in anticipation of large-scale needs. “Vanuatu is used to disasters but the indications are that Cyclone Pam has caused unprecedented damages, said President Baldwin Lonsdale in a press release issued on his behalf by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). The leader of the island nation noted that following a direct hit from the Category 5 storm on Friday, at least two deaths have been confirmed and over 30 injured people are being treated in the Central Hospital in the capital, Port Vila where many people are now homeless and torrential rain has led to severe flooding. He also said bridges which link the capital with the rest of the island have been destroyed. Mr. Lonsdale made his appeal from Sendai, Japan, where he has been attending since Sunday the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. The Conference has drawn thousands of Government and civil society delegations to craft a new framework for managing disaster risk which will reduce mortality and curb economic losses. In opening remarks to the Conference over the weekend, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that while the impact and scope of the disaster in Vanuatu is not yet clear, he feared the damage and destruction could be widespread. Mr. Lonsdale reported through UNISDR that Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office is coordinating an aerial survey today of the affected areas the Government would then have a better idea of what has happened in the outlying islands. “We are particularly concerned about the province of Tafea. However, I can say from past experience that there will be severe damage to schools, health facilities, roads and public utilities,” he said, adding that there will also be significant humanitarian needs as large numbers of people have lost their homes in the capital Port Vila. “This is a major calamity for our country. Every year we lose 6 per cent our GDP (gross domestic product) to disasters. Calling the cyclone “a huge setback” for the country’s development, Mr. Lonsdale added that it would also have severe impacts for all sectors of economic activity including tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. The country is already threatened by coastal erosion and rising sea levels in addition to five active volcanoes and earthquakes. “This is why I am attending this Conference and why Vanuatu wants to see a strong new framework on disaster risk reduction which will support us in tackling the drivers of disaster risk such as climate change.” Meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that perhaps half the population of Vanuatu, It is estimated that at least half the population of Vanuatu has been affected by cyclone Pam. Of these, at least 54,000 are children. Many homes in Vanuatu have likely been destroyed as they are built with natural and local materials such as thatched and corrugated roofs that are vulnerable to strong winds and floods. UNICEF also reports that schools, churches and community halls are being used as emergency shelters. Many of these buildings are likely to have suffered structural damage. Lifeline facilities like hospitals, electrical utilities, water supply and telephone systems are most likely severely damaged. Other Pacific Island countries have been severely impact as well, including the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati. In Vanuatu, health centres have likely sustained severe damage and will need rebuilding and restocking with medical and nutrition supplies. Plans are under way to support the Government to do a major measles immunization campaign, given recent cases. Schools are being used as evacuation centres, and UNICEF will be supporting children’s education, including providing school in a box kits. Child friendly spaces will be set up in evacuation centres to provide children with psycho-social assistance. UNICEF’s immediate needs to assist the affected countries is at least $2 million, initially covering support to water, sanitation, hygiene, health, education, nutrition and protection services, and including support for the high costs of logistics across this vast geographic area. Just yesterday, Sune Gudnitz, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Regional Office for the Pacific said Vanuatu had accepted OCHA’s offer to deploy staff to support the coordination of the response.P> A UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team was expected arrive in Port Vila late yesterday. OCHA was also expected to deploy three staff with information management, public information and humanitarian coordination as well. –]]>

    Northland largely unscathed in Pam’s wake

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    MIL OSI – Source: Northland Regional Council – Northland largely unscathed in Pam’s wake

    Northland appears to have escaped the aftermath of Cyclone Pam largely unscathed.

    Tony Phipps, Group Controller for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says as of 7.15am today officials had no reports of serious damage or injury linked to the arrival of the cyclone yesterday. Mr Phipps says Northland Regional Council figures showed the highest rainfall between yesterday afternoon and early this morning had been 67.5mm at Glenbervie, just east of Whangarei while the maximum wind gust recorded at Cape Reinga yesterday had been 118.5kph. “Emergency services have reported a quiet night with few storm-related incidents although daylight may reveal some damage that we are as-yet unaware of given the heavy seas off Northland’s east coast overnight.” Mr Phipps says given the devastation and misery Pam had caused in the Pacific, Northland – which often bears the initial brunt of tropical cyclones that reach New Zealand – had been fortunate it had eased as predicted as it drew closer. “Our thoughts are now with those in the Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty areas which are expected to feel Pam’s effects a bit more severely.”
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    Civil Defence Warning: Be Careful As Cyclone Pam Arrives This Evening

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    MIL OSI – Source: Civil Defence Emergency Management – Be Careful Cyclone Pam Arrives This Evening

    Sunday 15 March 2015 03:54 PM

    Current Situation

    The north-east coast of Auckland and Great Barrier will be hit by severe weather this evening and general disruption is expected across the region.

    Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley says Aucklanders are advised to exercise extreme caution.

    “Areas north of Whangaparaoa and Great Barrier have a good chance of river and stream flooding, strong winds, large swells, waves and coastal erosion.”

    “If possible Aucklanders should reconsider their travel plans and work from home or delay their travel time to avoid expected traffic disruption tomorrow morning.”

    “Surface flooding and slips is likely to make driving difficult from tonight until Tuesday.”

    “There may also be local power cuts.”

    Coastal erosion is expected in low-lying communities north of Whangaparaoa at high tide at 4am and 4.15pm on Monday. Communities with the highest risk include Orewa, Leigh, Omaha, Point Wells, Whangateau and Waiwera. Coastal roads on the Whangaparaoa peninsula may get flooded at Arkles, Matakatia and Hobbs bays.

    “People in affected areas should have a battery-powered torch, radio, food, water and other essentials,” Mr Manley says.

    “If you live in a low-lying area prone to flooding, you should have a getaway kit ready in case you need to move to higher ground.”

    Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Coordination Centre will continue to coordinate work with the emergency services, transport, telecommunications and energy providers as required.

    Detailed impacts

    Great Barrier Island

    – Between 11pm and 6am, mean southeast winds are expected to be 110km/hr with localised gusts of 140km/hr possible. These should ease throughout Monday.

    – The heaviest rainfall is expected between 8pm tonight and 10am tomorrow; up to 75mm may fall in 15 hours.

    – The northeast swell will rise to between 6m and 8m overnight, then ease to between 4m and 6m on Monday afternoon. Combined waves are likely to peak between 8m and 10m for a short time around dawn on Monday.

    Northeastern Auckland (north of Whangaparaoa)

    – Can expect periods of heavy rainfall between 7pm tonight and 9am tomorrow where up to 75mm in 15 hours may accumulate.

    – From this evening, southeast mean winds are expected to be 70km/h gusting to 90km/h rising to 90km/h gusting 120km/h until about dawn on Monday.

    – The northeast swell will rise to between 5m and 6m Monday morning and ease in the afternoon. Combined waves likely to peak between 5.5m and 7m briefly overnight.

    Rest of Auckland

    – Periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely to affect the entire Auckland region overnight and into tomorrow.

    – Rainfall totals are likely to be higher in the Hunua and Waitakere ranges.

    Tides

    High tides are forecast for 3.59am and 4.17pm at 3m on Monday (Auckland east coast). Forecast low pressures will increase these tides to around 3.4m plus the effect of combined seas.

    If the severe weather hits:

    – Stay at home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

    – Power and phone services may be disrupted. Have a torch and battery-powered radio (or car radio) so you can listen to weather alerts. You also may want to have a gas cooker handy.

    On the road drivers are urged to exercise caution:

    – Headlights on.

    – Drive to the conditions.

    – Keep a safe distance from the car in front.

    Advice

    Before severe weather hits you should:

    – Check drains and spouting to make sure they are clear of blockages.

    – Pick up debris around your house that could become airborne.

    – Bring rubbish bins to shelter.

    – Bring pets inside.

    – Boaties should check moorings.

    – Stay up to date with weather forecasts on TV, radio and online.

    – Check on your neighbours.

    If the severe weather hits we recommend:

    – Stay at home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

    – Power and phone services may be disrupted. Have a torch and battery-powered radio (or car radio) so you can listen to weather alerts. You also may want to have a gas cooker handy.

    On the road drivers are urged to exercise caution:

    – Headlights on.

    – Drive to the conditions.

    – Keep a safe distance from the car in front.

    An emergency survival kit should have:

    – Food and water for three days or more

    – Battery powered torch and radio

    – First aid kit/medication

    – Supplies for pets.

    Your getaway kit should have:

    – Essential items from your emergency survival kit

    – Family documents e.g. passports and driver?s license

    – Personal items e.g. medication and toiletries.

    If you have to travel drive to the conditions.

    Links

    MetService

    Auckland Council

    Auckland Civil Defence

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