Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Warning about Class B drug GBL/GHB, Taranaki

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Taranaki Police are aware of a number of people overdosing on what is suspected to be the class B controlled drug GHB or GBL or 1,4-BD, commonly referred to as “Wazz”. The overdoses resulted in admissions to Taranaki Base Hospital and have placed undue pressure on the public health system.

The Taranaki District Health Board advise that any person who has taken this drug, and notices symptoms such as loss of consciousness, seizures, increased heart rate, high blood pressure or strange-feeling muscles, are encouraged to present at the hospital emergency department.

You can report drug offending to Police through the crime reporting line by calling 105. Possession of class B controlled drugs is an offence.

New Zealand’s drug early warning system High Alert say while no use is the safest drug use, there are some steps that can help reduce the risks from taking GBL-type substances. These substances all have different potency and onset times which makes it very easy to overdose. Smaller doses pose less risk. Avoid re-dosing, and steer clear of mixing GBL with other substances, especially alcohol and other depressants like ketamine. Find out more about 1,4-and GBL here through High Alert: https://highalert.org.nz/articles/what-is-14-bd/

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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New News Surprising discovery: parrots, pigeons and penguins Share Surprising Chlamydia Strain Connections Across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

Source: ESR

Surprising discovery: parrots, pigeons and penguins share surprising chlamydia strain connections across Australia and New Zealand

In an innovative collaboration, a team of scientists from a range of institutions – including the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), Massey University, Ministry for Primary Industries, NSW Department of Primary Industries, University of Amsterdam, and the University of the Sunshine Coast (lead) – has unveiled unexpected findings in the epidemiology of chlamydial infections.

Their research, published with open access in the journal Microbial Genomics, showcases the use of whole-genome sequencing to unravel the DNA sequence of Chlamydia psittaci, a pathogen commonly found in parrots and pigeons, from various bird species in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (1).

Chlamydia trachomatis, a type of bacteria, is commonly recognised as a sexually transmitted infection in humans. However, there is another species known as Chlamydia psittaci, which is responsible for causing psittacosis (also known as parrot fever and ornithosis), a disease affecting birds. In humans, psittacosis can manifest in different ways, ranging from asymptomatic infection or a mild flu-like illness to a more severe systemic condition, which may include atypical pneumonia.

Chlamydia psittaci was first identified in New Zealand in 1953 in recently imported Australian parrots and the keepers who cared for them (2). In a series of sporadic reports following the initial identification in 1953, Chlamydia psittaci has been detected in various exotic species of parrots (3,4) and feral pigeons (5).

Alarmingly, it has been linked to a mortality cluster among wild Malay doves in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau (6). Notably, asymptomatic infections have been reported in native New Zealand birds like the Hihi (4) and Kea (7), even after their export to an overseas zoo. However, there are only a few studies in New Zealand that investigate Chlamydia psittaci in native and introduced birds. This is mainly because Chlamydia psittaci resides inside cells, making it challenging to study. The process of culturing and isolating Chlamydia psittaci is difficult and time-consuming, leading to limited amounts of chlamydial genetic material, which is often mixed with host DNA and contaminated.

The open access research paper ‘Whole-genome sequencing of Chlamydia psittaci from Australasian avian hosts: A genomics approach to a pathogen that still ruffles feathers’ sheds light on the presence of a specific Chlamydia psittaci type, known as sequence type (ST)24, in New Zealand parrots. Meanwhile, New Zealand pigeons exhibited a more diverse range of strains, aptly called the “pigeon clade” or “pigeon-type” strains. Molecular epidemiology reveals that these “pigeon-type” strains exist in various hosts across New Zealand. Surprisingly, these strains have been identified not only in pigeons themselves but also in other avian species, including a captive Zebra Finch, Diamond Dove, Superb Parrot, and our beloved Little Blue Penguin/Kororā.

To advance our understanding of the distribution of this pathogen amidst vulnerable populations in an ever-changing world, the researchers aim to study various avian environments throughout New Zealand, ranging from the open ocean to urban areas. Such research holds the potential to bolster our preparedness against infectious diseases in the country. However, this endeavour requires funding to investigate the prevalence and burden of Chlamydia psittaci in New Zealand.

With financial support, the researchers can embark on an ambitious journey to gather crucial information that will have substantial implications for public health, disease management, and avian conservation efforts – enabling us to develop effective strategies to protect the health of Aotearoa’s beloved birds.

This study was funded by Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Research Award (DECRA) awarded to Dr Martina Jelocnik from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

References

  1. Kasimov V, White RT, Foxwell J, Jenkins C, Gedye K, Pannekoek Y, Jelocnik M. Whole-genome sequencing of Chlamydia psittaci from Australasian avian hosts: A genomics approach to a pathogen that still ruffles feathers. Microbial Genomics 2023;9:001072.
  2. Fastier LB, Austin FJ. Psittacosis among Australian parrots imported into New Zealand. The New Zealand Medical Journal 1954;53:373-379.
  3. McCausland IP, Carter ME, O’Hara PJ. Clinical ornithosis in a New Zealand aviary. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1972;20:53-54.
  4. Gartrell BD, French NP, Howe L, Nelson NJ, Houston M, Burrows EA, Russell JC, Anderson SH. First detection of Chlamydia psittaci from a wild native passerine bird in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 2013;61:174-176.
  5. Motha J, Reed C, Gibbons A. The prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci in feral pigeons and native psittacines. Surveillance 1995;22:20-22.
  6. Rawdon TG, Potter JS, Harvey CJ, Westera BF. Chlamydiosis (psittacosis) in Malay spotted doves Streptopelia chinesis. Kokako 2009;16:54–56.
  7. Johnson FW, Lyon DG, Wilkinson R, Bloomfield P, Philips HL. Isolation of Chlamydia psittaci from newly imported Keas (Nestor notabilis). The Veterinary Record 1984;114:298-299.
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Search underway in Mount Holdsworth area, Wairarapa

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A search is underway in the Mount Holdsworth area after a person failed to return from a walk in the area yesterday.

Michael MacGregor was last seen at the Rocky Lookout in the Mount Holdsworth area at around 12.20pm yesterday, Monday 31 July. He was wearing shorts and a hoody and may have been wearing a hat.

Police would like to speak with anyone who was walking in the area or at Rocky Lookout at around midday yesterday who may have seen Michael and may be able to help us with our search. 

In particular, there was a person wearing orange sitting at the Lookout who appears in the back of a video Michael posted on social media at the time.  Police would like to speak with this person to see if they can assist.

Anyone who has seen Michael or has information on his whereabouts is urged to call Police on 111, quoting event number P055522968.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

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Pregnancy warning labels required on alcoholic drinks

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Packaged alcoholic drinks sold in stores will now need to carry labels warning that alcohol can cause harm to unborn babies.

“New Zealand Food Safety wants to support pregnant people to be able to make the right health choice for themselves and their babies,” said New Zealand Food Safety deputy-director general Vincent Arbuckle.

“Pregnant people and those supporting them need to be aware of the risk that alcohol presents for their unborn child, and the potentially life-changing consequences drinking while pregnant can have.”

Food Standards Australia New Zealand developed the new labelling requirement, which will be monitored in New Zealand by New Zealand Food Safety. Manatū Hauora/the Ministry of Health supports the new requirement.

Manatū Hauora deputy director of public health Dr Harriette Carr says: “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can have a major impact on someone’s quality of life but it’s completely preventable.”

Each year, between 1,800 and 3,000 babies are born with FASD in New Zealand, which can result in heart defects, behavioural problems, and intellectual disability. There is no cure for FASD.

“Warning labels on alcohol can support increasing public awareness and understanding of risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant,” Dr Carr says.

The new warning label is required on any packaged drink for retail sale that contains more than 1.15% alc/vol.

“The mandatory warning label is just one way to convey the message about the risk to unborn children from consuming alcohol while pregnant,” said Mr Arbuckle.

“The label supports advice from doctors, midwives, Manatū Hauora, and many other groups that there is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed while pregnant. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can have lifelong consequences for unborn babies.”

The date when the labels become mandatory, 1 August 2023, was announced in 2020. Many businesses have chosen to add the warning labels to their products well in advance of this date, so consumers may be accustomed to seeing them on alcoholic drinks already.

Alcoholic beverages packaged and labelled before the transition period ends on 31 July 2023 can be sold after the transition period without a pregnancy warning label.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand has detailed requirements and examples of the warning label for businesses on its website.

Pregnancy warning labels downloadable files – Food Standards Australia New Zealand

Anyone who is pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant, should not drink any alcohol. They should talk to their doctor or midwife if they have any questions about keeping their baby healthy while pregnant. You can also contact the Alcohol Drug Helpline for free, confidential information and support via their website, on 0800 787 797 or free text 8681.

Alcohol Drug Helpline

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What are Auckland Council rates spent on?

Source: Auckland Council

Rates are an essential part of the funding that allows Auckland Council to maintain a vibrant and sustainable Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s how we fund the services and facilities that matter and helps creates a city where all Aucklanders can thrive. 

Rates support vital services like waste management, maintaining community buildings and playgrounds, emergency management, as well as public transport, pools, public art, and libraries. 

Auckland Council is an $8-billion enterprise, managing its finances to ensure essential services and infrastructure are provided for the ongoing wellbeing of our community. 

Council’s financial decisions balance the needs of today with the demands of the future.  

Just like a household budget, Council budgets are how we allocate where the money that comes in gets spent. Rates and other fees and charges are like household income on a large scale, providing the necessary funds for maintaining and improving the region. 

The Annual Budget 2023/2024 includes an overall rate increase of 7.7% for the average-value residential property and an average general rates increase of 11 per cent (or $4.87 a week). 

What is the purpose of rates? 

Rates are property owners’ contributions to a shared investment in our community’s well-being. Rates help maintain and enhance the infrastructure, parks, facilities and services that make Tāmaki Makaurau a great place to live. 

Council’s assets such as parks, roads, libraries, community centres, and other public facilities provide value to the community and enhance our quality of life. 

Auckland Council acts as a responsible steward of community assets, ensuring they are well-maintained and utilised efficiently. Just as you take care of your home and its value, council manages assets to preserve their long-term worth for the benefit of the community. 

We’re continuing to support the region’s long-term future by investing a record $3.2 billion in new assets or replacing old ones in the 2023/2024 financial year. Libraries, pools, leisure centres, community buildings and many other the services loved and well-used by Aucklanders are maintained and run by rates funding.  

It also includes work on some of the most complex projects ever undertaken in New Zealand, like the City Rail Link and Central Interceptor for wastewater, and continuing to invest in sports fields, urban regeneration, new parks and open spaces, local facility upgrades and better public transport.  

Rates are how we share, between property owners, a portion of the cost of services the council provides across the region. 

Aucklanders share access to all the services the council provides across Tāmaki Makaurau. Rates are not calculated by individual service, nor are they a fee for service. They fund all council activities not fully funded by other funding sources like fees and charges or central government funding.  

Individual ratepayers might not use every council asset or service either by choice or other circumstances. However, the principle is that they are made available across the region and create an Auckland we can be proud of.

How do Auckland Council’s rates compare to other cities? 

Many other councils generate between 60 and 74 per cent of their income from rates; for us that figure is around 40 per cent.  

However, comparative analysis of council rates should always be treated with caution as service provision and funding policies vary from council to council. 

In Auckland, water supply and wastewater services are provided separately and invoiced by Watercare Services Limited (WSL). Other councils recover the cost of these services through rates.  

Another example is that one council may fund rubbish collection from rates whereas a different council may fund it from the sale of rubbish bags.  

One council may have a significant investment in tourist attraction whereas another council may only provide a minimum service.  

Auckland Council rates also cover the services previously delivered by the former Auckland Regional Council, whereas non-unitary councils do not include the rates for regional council services. 

How can I have my say on how rates are spent? 

We ask for Aucklanders’ feedback on the proposed spending for the region and for their local board areas through our Annual Budget and 10-year Budget processes. 

More than 40,000 Aucklanders gave their feedback on Auckland Council’s proposed Annual Budget 2023/2024, the most feedback received for any public consultation by the council. 

So, how does Auckland Council spend your rates? 

For any given year council prepares an Annual Report where you can see exactly where the money was spent as well as the services provided for that. 

Rates support services we all think of like waste management, libraries, public transport, parks, and community facilities. 

However, it is so much more than that – rates are your contribution to creating a city that all Aucklanders can thrive in and be proud of. 

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60,000 apprentices earning and learning

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s successful Apprenticeship Boost Initiative has supported a whopping 60,000 apprentices stay in or take up an apprenticeship, since it was introduced in August 2020.

“The scheme continues to prove its worth, let alone deliver win-win outcomes for Kiwis looking for work and businesses,” Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni said.

“Following the global financial crisis, the National Party sat on their laurels and let the apprenticeship numbers plummet downwards. We’ve continued to take action to support people into jobs, providing targeted support right where it’s needed most.

“The scheme is helping people wanting to earn while they work and learn. It’s also a boost for the employers who take them on, providing jobs that ultimately help put more money into the pockets of whānau and households, and the wider New Zealand economy,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

“The Apprenticeship Boost Initiative is playing a crucial role in making sure we’re supporting Kiwis into careers and meeting the needs of employers,” Minister of Education Jan Tinetti said.

“Continuing to support people to become highly skilled practitioners helps not just these learners, but their whānau and households, their employers, and the wider community.

“The initiative also gives apprentices certainty about their future with their employer while they complete their training. Apprentices are significant investments for employers, particularly in their first two years. The financial support provided through the scheme ensures they can stay with their employers, even during challenging economic times,” Jan Tinetti said.

“Apprenticeship Boost has been paid to nearly 20,000 employers so far and is a tangible way to build skills and expertise for the jobs that are needed to support our Government’s bold and ambitious infrastructure programme. This is important now more than ever, as we rebuild following the devastating effects of the extreme North Island weather events.

“There also continues to be a focus on supporting Māori and Pacific people to get skilled jobs in key growth areas. Nearly 11,000 Māori and nearly 5,000 Pacific people have been supported by Apprenticeship Boost.

“Alongside Apprenticeship Boost, programmes like Mana in Mahi, and Mayors Taskforce for Jobs have also seen over 11,000 people supported into work respectively. Our extensive suite of employment programmes have all been pivotal in keeping people in jobs and supporting employers to invest in job seekers. These investments continue to be key to unlocking the potential of Kiwis and bolstering the workforce and our economy,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

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Parliament Hansard Report – Tuesday, 1 August 2023 – Volume 769 – 001177

Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

Question No. 2—Prime Minister

2. DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government’s statements and policies?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Prime Minister): Yes, particularly the further $567 million we announced yesterday for immediate works on State highways in regions that are affected by the North Island weather events. That includes State highways in Tairāwhiti, Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay, Coromandel, and Northland. The funding for these roads is coming from the $6 billion National Resilience Plan that the Government allocated funding for in this year’s Budget. It’ll go to replacing or strengthening and rebuilding damaged bridges and improving road surfaces on major stretches of roads. This, of course, comes on top of the $525 million already provided for roading infrastructure to get those regions back on their feet after Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods.

David Seymour: Is the Prime Minister aware that Cyclone Gabrielle hit Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti in February, and how is it possibly his go-to boast policy that he has managed, after six months, to announce they’re going to fund rebuilding the roads that were damaged?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I note the member clearly didn’t listen to the entirety of the answer. We’ve already given them $525 million for the road rebuilding; that was done within weeks of the events happening. We’re now adding another $567 million, because we don’t think they should have to put up with Bailey bridges indefinitely.

David Seymour: Does he stand by his statement that “we don’t have a … money tree in the backyard that means we can continue to indefinitely increase government spending”, and if that’s the case, how does he explain the last six Budgets, where his Government has increased expenditure by 70 percent for no measurable outcome improvements?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Well, yes, I do stand by my comments, in the first part of that question, and I utterly reject the second.

David Seymour: Can he, then, explain to New Zealanders in tangible, relatable terms, what actual outcomes have improved—not examples of where the Government spent more, but where the outcomes achieved have got better; 70 percent better?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In fact, I could go on and on about it, but I’ll give the member a few just to get him started. How about 77,000 fewer children living in poverty under this Government? How about an economy that’s grown 6.7 percent under this Government? How about the 12,000 additional public homes that have been put in place under this Government, after the number of public homes went down under the last National-ACT Government? We could talk about the share of renewable electricity being the highest in a very long time—in fact, possibly for ever. We could talk about the fact that we’ve increased paid parental leave entitlements—that is thousands more Kiwi families enjoying extra paid parental leave. And if the member thinks that that’s not leading to better outcomes for those babies, then perhaps he needs to think again about how he measures the value of things.

David Seymour: Does the Prime Minister understand that he just explained the economy grew at a smidgen over 1 percent a year and he built 2,000 houses a year for six years in return for a 70 percent increase in public expenditure—is that what this Government calls success, and is that what they’re taking into the election?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Of course, the population has grown and incomes have grown during that time as well.

David Seymour: Is the Prime Minister now claiming that the population has grown because Government expenditure’s increased, or is he really saying that he’d like to hide from the fact that after inflation and after population growth, the amount spent in real terms per capita is up 28 percent and he’s got nothing tangible to show for it?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: No.

David Seymour: Does he stand by his various statements praising police, and will they receive a 14.5 percent increase in pay this year?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In answer the first part of the question, I believe the police do an exceptional job on behalf of New Zealanders. In answer to the second part of the question, I don’t intend to get into bargaining in question time—no Prime Minister or Minister would ever do that.

David Seymour: What does it say for this Government’s economic management that they have borrowed an additional $121 billion over the last six Budgets and are now struggling to meet the arbitration recommended offer to pay teachers more?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: With regard to arbitration, of course, the teachers would not be asking for such big pay increases had they had pay increases during the time of the nine years that the National Party was in Government, when their salaries actually went backwards in real terms. But in terms of the Government’s overall level of borrowing, I would note that one of the big contributors to that was supporting New Zealanders through a once-in-a-generation economic shock caused by a global pandemic, and during that time the members opposite, including the member himself, were arguing we should’ve been spending more.

David Seymour: Does the Prime Minister also want to take the credit for spending $100,000 a day to store $531 million—that’s over half a billion bucks—of expired rapid antigen tests (RATs) after the Government, for months and months, in fact over a year, banned anyone else from importing them?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Well, the member can’t seem to get his story straight. He keeps complaining that we didn’t have enough RAT tests; now he’s complaining we’ve got too many of them.

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Parliament Hansard Report – Karakia/Prayers – 001176

Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

TUESDAY, 1 AUGUST 2023

The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.

KARAKIA/PRAYERS

SPEAKER: Members, in celebration of Cook Islands Language Week, I’ve asked the Hon Poto Williams to say the prayer in te reo Māori Kuki Airani.

Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Assistant Speaker—Labour): Te Atua Mana, te akameitaki atu nei matou iakoe no toou takinga meitaki taau i riringi mai ki runga ia matou. Te akaruke nei matou i to matou tu tangata, te akamaara nei matou i te Ariki, e te pure nei matou kia arataki koe i ta matou uriuri anga manako, kia rave matou i ta matou angaanga i roto i teia ngutuare na roto i te pakari, te tuatua tika e te akaaka no te meitaki e te au o to matou basileia Aotearoa. Amene.

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1 August 2023 New Kāinga Ora housing complex offers unique solar technology Kāinga Ora has completed a new 20-unit development in Christchurch that features world-first solar technology expected to result in significantly lower power bills for people living there.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Construction of the new three-storey public housing complex on Riccarton Road began in June 2022 and took a year to complete.

Liz Krause, Regional Director Canterbury, says customers living in the new one-bedroom units will benefit from the first Allume SolShare unit system to be installed in New Zealand. This is a world-first technology that will take electricity generated by solar panels on the complex’s roof and share it equally among everyone living in the complex.

“This technology monitors when a resident is using energy and will direct solar power to their unit to reduce electricity bills as much as possible,” she says.

“This can increase the amount of solar used in the building by up to 50%, meaning there’s less reliance on expensive grid power, and higher savings for residents. We’re expecting this system to reduce customers’ power bills by around $350-$400 per year.”

The new 20-unit public housing complex on Riccarton Road in Christchurch.

The complex also includes a heat recovery system, which will help to reduce heatpump costs in each unit, and has an 8-Homestar rating, which means it has been built to be warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.

Liz says this development will also provide a boost to accessible housing stock in Christchurch. It is the first high-density Full Universal Design complex Kāinga Ora has built in the city. This means the units are more accessible, with features such as wider doors and level entryways, and can be made more accessible in the future if needed.

Five of the new units on Riccarton Road also have another room for a carer, and two have additional accessibility features such as a larger wet area shower and a lowered bench in the kitchen. All the units are serviced by a lift.

Residents will also enjoy living in a well-connected area of the city, Liz says. “We’re aiming to provide more homes for people in need in areas such as Riccarton that are close to transport routes, shops and other amenities.  By building up, more people can enjoy living in a prime location that connects easily to all the services they may need,” she says.

Greta Bond, Age Concern Canterbury Chief Executive, says the complex is a “game changer” for Christchurch people on low incomes who need accessible housing.

“We often find that people need accessible housing but don’t necessarily need to be in residential care. It’s beautifully designed, warm, very accessible, high-quality housing in a great location….it’s just delightful,” she says.