Author: MIL OSI Publisher

Posted on

Administration of the Mycoplasma bovis Eradication Programme

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

ADVANCE NOTICE OF CONSULTATION  

Submissions do not open until 14 August 2023

We are publishing background information on this consultation, which opens on August 14. The consultation documents and instructions on how to make submissions will be issued on that date.

Proposed changes to the M. bovis programme

A proposal is being made to change to how the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) Eradication Programme is administered.

The key changes of the proposal include:

  • moving management of the programme from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to OSPRI
  • establishing a new framework – a National Pest Management Plan – to enable OSPRI to administer the programme and manage disease
  • recalculation of the farmer levy to finance the programme.

Full details will be in the consultation documents that will be published on 14 August. Submissions will close at 5pm on 25 September 2023.

Background to the proposed changes

The programme is currently managed and funded under a Government Industry Agreement (GIA) between programme partners MPI, DairyNZ Incorporated (DairyNZ) and Beef+Lamb New Zealand Limited (B+LNZ). It was set up shortly after M. bovis was first detected in New Zealand in 2017 when it was assessed that eradication was possible. During this phase of eradication, it was appropriate for the GIA partners to mount a timely response for disease management to be primarily delivered by MPI.

Now half-way through an estimated 10-year programme, the eradication effort is entering a phase where it is expected to find fewer cases of infection. The success to date means the work in coming years will centre on surveillance of the national herd through continued milk and abattoir testing.

The proposal will ensure the programme continues to adapt to the work that remains ahead and make the most of the significant gains made to date. It is also intended to strengthen the national biosecurity system.

The programme partners support a change from the current GIA framework to a National Pest Management Plan. It will enable an agency to carry out eradication of M. bovis, and put in place measures for public transparency.

A National Pest Management Plan or national plan is a regulatory approach under the Biosecurity Act 1993 designed to provide coordinated, long-term management, and eradication of pests and disease.

While this is a new framework for M. bovis, it is a familiar approach for farmers in that it has been used to manage and fund the bovine tuberculosis (TB) eradication for several decades.

Making a submission

Details of how to make a submission will be published on this page on 14 August 2023.

What will happen after you submit feedback

All feedback will be analysed and considered by the M. bovis Programme partners MPI, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ. The draft proposal for the national plan will be updated as appropriate.

All feedback, including the analysis and how this has been considered will be published and it is expected the final proposal will be submitted to the Minister for Biosecurity in late 2023 for review.

If satisfied with the proposal, the minister may then approve the preparation of the national plan consistent with the proposal. Once satisfied that the new plan meets the requirements of the Biosecurity Act, the minister would need to seek Cabinet approval for the national plan to take effect.

Posted on

Police appeal for information following firearms incident – Tairāwhiti

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Tairāwhiti Police would like to appeal for information to identify people on or around Totara Street, Gisborne on Friday 4 August around 10:30pm.

Around that time a woman and her children were in their home when their window was broken.

Police are investigating shotgun pellets fired towards the house in what police believe was a gang-related event.

Police urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information to contact Police.

It is important that Police have every opportunity to hold people engaging in dangerous behaviour involving firearms to account.

Enquiries are continuing and there will be an increased presence in the area over the coming days as the scene is examined.

Information can be given to Police by contacting 105 and referencing file number 230806/0818.

Alternatively, information can be given to Crime Stoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Posted on

Local News – Porirua’s inspiring young leaders honoured

Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua’s inspiring young students were celebrated today for their outstanding leadership and service to their schools and the community.
The Rotary Clubs of Porirua, Plimmerton and Tawa, together with Porirua City Council presented Primary School Leadership Awards to 60 local school children at a ceremony at Elim Church.
“The Primary School Leadership Awards have been in place for several years and celebrate real kids doing real things in ways that demonstrate they are leaders in their places,” said Rotarian Philip Reidy.
“Rotary is proud to recognise leaders of our future and the extraordinary things that they do every day.”
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, who co-presented the awards with Rotary District Governor Wayne Gordon, was impressed at the way the students lead by example to make positive change.
“Our tamariki are not just future leaders, they’re leading the way right now by being such positive role models. Listening to the ways these 60 students give their time and talents to care for others is truly inspirational.”
The award recipients are selected by principals from primary schools throughout Porirua. Two senior students from each school were chosen based on leadership, service above self, and being role models.
Rotarian and 2023 event organiser Colin Whyte said the events, now in their ninth year, align perfectly with Rotary’s official motto, ‘service above self’.
“Rotary and Porirua City Council are proud to recognise these emerging leaders of the future and their actions that make a difference to their school and local communities.”
Full list of recipients below. For more information contact Colin Whyte 021 624 565 or email montrose30a@gmail.com
Adventure School – Kaylee Burrows
Adventure School – Angus McIntosh
Bishop Viard College – Miriam Siave
Bishop Viard College – Rosary Teburea
Brandon Intermediate – Kupa Lihone
Brandon Intermediate – Faaalo Williams
Cannons Creek School – Kymaniah Austin-Lapana
Cannons Creek School – Sera Vai Nuuletau
Corinna School – Chris Feaveai
Corinna School – Mailene Afamasaga Finai
Discovery School – Urban Rorason
Discovery School – Max Yarrall
Hampton Hill School – Mila Benfell
Hampton Hill School – Otis O’Carroll
Holy Family School, Porirua – Kalando Liuvaie
Holy Family School, Porirua – Faustina Anamani
Linden – Brookie Wawatai
Linden – Ayas Gangwar
Maraeroa School – Sia Gaualofa
Maraeroa School – Elizabeth Eddie
Natone Park School – Keziiyah Haua
Natone Park School – Forever Johnson
Ngati Toa – Te Ariki Law
Ngati Toa – Joshua Tutonu
Papakōwhai School – Iris Chen
Papakōwhai School – Sophie Lee
Paremata – Logan Procter
Paremata – Johanna Pokkinen
Plimmerton School – Cristen James
Plimmerton School – Maisey Suter
Porirua East School – Maia Lewis
Porirua East School – Fuarosa Williams
Porirua School – Kaipoho Taylor
Porirua School – Ruby Moka
Postgate School – Zephaniah Telea
Postgate School – Stella Luijken
Pukerua Bay – Piata Gargiulo
Pukerua Bay – Cole Harriss
Rangikura – Auavao Paulo
Rangikura – Jax Wickenden
Russell School – Poasa Faraimo-Selave
Russell School – Taufa Tuangalu
St Pius X, Titahi Bay – Dallas-Milz Seu
St Theresa’s Catholic School – Mila Robinson
St Theresa’s Catholic School – Isaac Duncan
Tawa School – Emma Smart-Balwin
Tawa School – Olivia Brookes
Te Kura Maori o Porirua – Liam Neal
Te Kura Maori o Porirua – Dayle De Har
Titahi Bay Intermediate – Cassidy Misky
Titahi Bay Intermediate – Gia-Jodi Bishop
Titahi Bay North School – Elliot Kerr
Titahi Bay North School – Aliviah Rauhihi
Titahi Bay School – Caelyn Faalua
Titahi Bay School – Mason Hutchinson
Wellington SDA School – Lorsnia Ah Kau
Wellington SDA School – Mianté Visser
Whitby Collegiate – Gabriel Anthony
Whitby Collegiate – Caleb Whelan
Windley School – Rori Pemberton-Higgs
Windley School – Manaaki Sangcap
Posted on

Precision health: exploring opportunities and challenges to predict, prevent, diagnose, and treat health needs more precisely in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Summary

The Public Service Act 2020 requires all government departments to produce a LTIB at least once every three years. LTIBs contribute to future decision-making by improving public sector thinking around opportunities and challenges and put such opportunities into the public domain for discussion and debate. LTIBs are independent of Ministers and are not government policy.

Manatū Hauora has published its inaugural Long-term Insights Briefing – Precision health: Exploring opportunities and challenges to predict, prevent, diagnose, and treat health needs more precisely in Aotearoa New Zealand.

‘Precision health’ is an umbrella term for the use of technology and information to develop more precise ways of keeping people healthy. The briefing explores precision health opportunities and challenges through two examples: genomics and artificial intelligence. It also considers areas where changes might be needed to realise the opportunities offered by precision health and to mitigate risks over the next 10 years and beyond.

This document elevates conversations about precision health in Aotearoa New Zealand, with the insights gathered throughout the LTIB’s development providing guidance on what is most important to consider and discuss further. It is also part of a much larger conversation to understand the actions we need to take to ensure all New Zealanders live healthy lives.

Posted on

Offsite manufacturing delivers 42 homes in Rotorua

Source: New Zealand Government

Housing Minister Hon Dr Megan Woods opened the largest public housing development completed in Rotorua to date today, holding true to the Government’s commitments in the Rotorua Housing Accord.

Getting whānau into warm dry homes as quickly as possible in Rotorua has been the driver behind the completion of the 42 newly completed public housing homes, with people moving in from next week. 

“We made a commitment late last year to our Accord partners Te Arawa Iwi, Ngāti Whakaue and Rotorua Lakes Council to build a better housing and urban future for whānau in Rotorua, and these 42 homes are testament to that.

“Most moving into these warm dry and modern homes will be coming from emergency and transitional housing, and these homes will offer them stability, opportunity and a better life for their whānau. 

“The innovative use of offsite manufacturing has meant these homes have been delivered more quickly in around 18 months from when the subdivision was bought in late 2021.

“The scale and pace at which new homes are being delivered here in Rotorua, and with more on the way, is how we are going to get whānau into more suitable housing and out of motels and other emergency housing situations.

“We’ve come a long way since National ended its term in government with 42 fewer public homes in Rotorua. So far, we’ve added 351 public homes and we are planning hundreds more, Megan Woods said.

The homes are a mix of two, three and four-bedroom single storey homes, and will suit a range of whānau, with most expected to be smaller and larger families given the size of the homes.

The Government continues to explore a range of other housing opportunities with iwi, build and developer partners and others to bring on more housing in Rotorua for those most in need.

Editors notes:

  • Since November 2017 over 270 public and supported homes have been delivered in Rotorua by Kāinga Ora, including 25 earlier this year at the Ranolf Street and Malfroy Road development. Currently Kāinga Ora has around 500 homes in planning or under construction for the city.
  • The Rotorua Housing Accord was established in December 2022 between the Government, Rotorua Lakes Council and Te Arawa Iwi to work together, with a focus on care, wellbeing and management of emergency housing, and increasing housing supply.
  • Kāinga Ora is piloting a new build procurement and materials supply programme in Rotorua for 100 of the public housing homes planned for building in the next 18 months. This pilot programme aims to drive faster housing delivery and reduced time and cost through the use of a dedicated building materials supplier, allowing build partners to focus on their expertise in building and construction.
Posted on

Weather News – Wintry Week Ahead – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 7 – Thursday 10 August – MetService is predicting a fittingly wintry feel to the weather this week – with snow, frosts and low temperatures. An unsettled southwesterly flow is expected across the country with a succession of fronts bringing a continuous influx of cold air from the south.

The cold air will keep temperatures low right through the week with Thursday looking to be the coldest. MetService Meteorologist Jessie Owen says, “Overnight low temperatures are expected to take a tumble. Sub-zero lows are expected for much of the South Island, while large parts of the North Island can expect lows in the range of -2 to 3 °C. This will make for some frosty mornings so ensure you rug up warm for your morning commutes, and remember to take some extra time to defrost your windscreens before heading out.”

Daytime temperatures are also relatively low with Auckland forecast to reach 13 °C on Thursday, Hamilton 12 °C, and Wellington only 9 °C. For the South Island; Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill are all expected to reach 8 °C  on Thursday, with Queenstown only warming up to a chilly 6 °C. With this southwesterly flow covering the country, there will definitely be an extra nip in the air.

Along with the cold comes the snow. A pair of fronts moving up the country today (Monday) have ushered in cold showery conditions to the lower South Island. Southland and Clutha can expect snow as low as 300-400 metres, while Dunedin, Otago, and the Queenstown Lakes District are forecast to see snow above 400-600 metres. Road snowfall warnings are in force for Milford Road, Crown Range Road, Lindis Pass, the Dunedin to Waitati Highway, Arthur’s Pass, and Porters Pass http://bit.ly/AllWarnings.

Another cold front is expected to move northwards over the South Island late Tuesday and Wednesday, and the North Island early Thursday. This will bring a period of rain, with snow falling to low levels in the south and east of the South Island, as well as central and southern parts of the North Island. Good news for ski fields, but make sure to check the road conditions before heading out as snow is likely to affect high country roads.

For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with one of our meteorologists please call 04 4700 848 or email metcomms@metservice.com

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:

This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan

Posted on

Fishing News – Nothing transformational about Fishing Industry Plan, says Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is slamming the government’s Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan released today, calling it anything but transformational – as it allows destructive bottom trawling to continue.
“Bottom trawling is the worst of the worst methods of fishing. It destroys seafloor habitats and indiscriminately kills ocean life, and this new plan does nothing meaningful to stop the destruction”, says Greenpeace oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper.
“Despite its name there is very little that is transformative about this plan with no timeline to phase out destructive bottom trawling and an over reliance on mythical ‘techno fixes’ to address the impact commercial fishing has on ocean life.
“We see this plan as a missed opportunity to protect the ocean from the ravages of bottom trawling and truly transform commercial fishing in Aotearoa.”The science is clear – bottom trawling destroys marine habitats and life. The public knows this and are fully onside with a ban. Almost 80% of people surveyed want a ban on bottom trawling and that same sentiment shined through in submissions.”
The vast majority of submitters on the Plan – almost all of the 2,790 email submitters – called for a time-bound transition away from bottom trawling – yet the final plan has ignored these voices.
“It’s very clear who has been listened to in this process, and who hasn’t. The government has ensured the commercial fishing industry can continue kicking the can down the road, avoiding meaningful changes and continuing ocean destruction. Everyone else who wants to see the ocean protected and full of life – has been ignored.”
In June, a report from the Department of Conservation revealed that 200 tonnes of coral has been observed being trawled up by bottom trawlers over the last 13 years. Weeks later, a sustainability review showed serious concerns for a key bottom trawled fish – orange roughy.
“The Government already has enough data to act,” says Hooper.
“We know the harm bottom trawling causes and we know what needs to be done to rectify it. We cannot afford more delays in transitioning away from this method, that will only mean more destruction.
“We are in a biodiversity crisis and it’s time to get real about what it’s going to take to reverse that.
“With the government currently considering bottom trawling restrictions for both seamounts and the Hauraki Gulf, we sincerely hope they will do what‘s right for the ocean, and what the vast majority of people want to see – and ban bottom trawling from these areas.
“We can have a thriving ocean and a commercial fishing industry we are proud of, but to get to that future we need urgent commitments to move away from bottom trawling.”
Posted on

Health News – Big Tobacco’s last ditch campaign – cynical and dangerous

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) says a dangerous and cynical “save our stores” campaign paid for by tobacco companies is designed to undermine legislation which will save thousands of lives.
The campaign by British American Tobacco New Zealand and Imperial Brands includes a website, Facebook ads and a petition to stop legislation limiting retailers of smoked tobacco from about 6000 to 600 from mid-2024.
Radio New Zealand reported the campaign appeared to be driven by dairy owners but was in fact “proudly supported” by tobacco companies – a fact that was not obvious to readers.
The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill, which came into effect on Jan 1 aims to achieve the Smoke-free 2025 goal of fewer than 5 per cent of people smoking.
Other measures in the amendment include de-nicotisation of cigarettes and a ban on sale to people born on or before 2009, with all measures to be rolled out over the next four years.
HCA co-chair Lisa Te Morenga said the campaign showed tobacco companies could never be trusted to put health – and lives – ahead of profits.
“These companies have claimed they support efforts towards Smoke-free 2025 and yet here they are quietly undermining all that work.”
HCA Smoke-free Expert Panel member Catherine Manning manages a smoking cessation service for Takiri mai te Ata Whanau Ora Collective and said the campaign was advocating for harm to Māori.
“Tupeka Kore (tobacco free) is the goal Māori set as a direct result of the inquiry into the devastating impact that tobacco products have had on Māori.”
“As a Whānau Ora provider, we are working daily to support whānau to quit smoking and this latest ploy by the tobacco industry is about keeping our people addicted to a product that kills or harms them.”
HCA Smoke-free Expert Panel member Professor Janet Hoek, co-Director of the ASPIRE Aotearoa Centre at the University of Otago Wellington said
tobacco companies have a long history of corporate duplicity and, this campaign was just another example.
“The campaign website sets out a doomsday narrative that has no empirical basis and does nothing other than reveal the depths to which tobacco companies will fall to continue selling their products, which kill 5000 New Zealanders every year.”
HCA is calling on all political parties to commit to the full implementation of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill measures, and not be swayed by the duplicitous tactics of Big Tobacco.
Posted on

Health News – NZNO’s Te Whatu Ora nurses accept offer in close vote

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

In a ballot closing at noon today, members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) voted to accept the latest collective agreement proposed settlement from Te Whatu Ora.
As a result a 24-hour strike by NZNO’s roughly 35,000 Te Whatu Ora members planned to start 7am on Wednesday 9 August will not go ahead.
NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter said there was a high level of member participation in the ballot, but that the result, while still clear, was reasonably close.
“While a majority of members accepted the offer, the closeness of the vote shows there remains a serious level of concern and discontent amongst members.
“Many members see the offer as not helping address the shortage of nurses that is severely impacting on the quality of care they can provide for their unwell patients. It is pretty light on important issues such as health and safety at work and minimum staff to patient ratios.
“It doesn’t provide a wage rise that meets the cost of living either.”
Paul Goulter said it was clear that members strongly believe a lot still needed to change.
“Bargaining for the next collective agreement will start early next year and we will continue making health and safety, safe staffing, nurse-to-patient ratios and cost of living increases our focus. These issues remain vitally important to our members, and we will come out fighting on them.”
He said the ratification ballot on the proposed collective agreement settlement should not be confused with the Pay Equity settlement which was accepted by members last week.
“Pay Equity is a one-time adjustment to wage levels meant to address historic sex-based discrimination against people who work in a female-dominated profession. Collective agreements are re-negotiated every few years and are focused on ongoing pay and working conditions.”
Paul Goulter said the public can show their support for nurses by signing NZNO’s ‘We need nurses’ petition and participating in NZNO’s #thenurseweneed campaign activities as they occur. 
Posted on

Health Investigation – Two registered midwives and Nelson Marlborough DHB breach Code for failing to provide appropriate maternity services C20HDC00496

Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

Two registered midwives (RMs) and Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (DHB) (now Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough) breached the Code of Health & Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) for failing to provide a woman and her baby with services that complied with relevant standards.
The woman, in her late teens at the time of events, had a growth scan at 33 weeks and three days’ gestation, which showed that her baby was measuring large for gestational age. An obstetrician recommended that the pregnancy not go beyond 41 weeks. At 40 weeks and 1 day, the woman was admitted to Wairau Hospital and induced that afternoon.
During the labour, a recording of the fetal heart rate showed possible fetal distress. The two midwives caring for the woman did not recognise the signs of fetal distress for an hour and a half. Specialist support was then sought and one of the midwives attempted to deliver the baby, whose shoulders were stuck.
When the obstetrician arrived and took over care, the baby was born in poor condition, requiring resuscitation. The infant was diagnosed with severe HIE (a brain injury caused by insufficient oxygen delivery to the brain that can cause severe complications).
Deputy Commissioner Rose Wall acknowledged the impact of these events for the woman, her daughter and her whānau.
“This was a young woman having her first baby, and she relied on her care team to monitor her baby’s wellbeing adequately, to collaborate effectively, and to escalate care promptly when indicated. Unfortunately, this did not occur and, as a result, the baby suffered serious complications, which potentially will have a profound impact on her future wellbeing.”
Ms Wall found that the woman’s lead maternity carer (LMC) midwife breached Right 4(2) of the Code which states, “Every consumer has the right to have services provided that comply with legal, professional, ethical, and other relevant standards.”
The LMC failed to provide the woman with services that complied with professional and other relevant standards, including Nelson Marlborough DHB’s internal induction of labour guidelines and fetal monitoring guidelines.
Ms Wall also found the second midwife breached Right 4(2) of the Code for failing to comply with professional and other relevant standards, including advocating for appropriate monitoring of contractions; appropriately responding to the signs of fetal distress; and appropriately using the emergency call system.
Ms Wall was critical of the working environment at Wairau Hospital, which meant staff members felt stressed and unsupported, and, as a result, unable to work together effectively. There were a number of concerning features in the way the woman was cared for by multiple staff at Wairau Hospital.
Ms Wall found Nelson Marlborough DHB in breach of Right 4(2) of the Code for failing to ensure the service provided to the woman was managed in an efficient and effective manner that ensured the provision of timely, appropriate and safe services.
Since the events, the LMC has made changes to her practice, including obtaining support from a midwifery mentor and undergoing a competency review by the New Zealand Midwifery Council.
Nelson Marlborough DHB advised that changes have been made following the events to better support staff and improve staffing levels. The DHB has also updated its fetal monitoring guidelines.
Taking into account the changes made, Ms Wall’s recommendations included that both midwives and the DHB each provide a written apology to the woman for the failings identified in the report, and that Nelson Marlborough DHB conduct a review of the effectiveness of the changes made.