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Decision closer on America’s Cup venue

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Decision closer on America’s Cup venue

Minister for Economic Development David Parker welcomes new developments that bring closer an agreement on the shape of a world class venue for the 36th America’s Cup event in Auckland.
 “I am pleased we are closer to reaching a conclusion that we fought for, which will deliver a cheaper option with a much smaller intrusion into the harbour.
“There are still important details to work through and we are continuing to seek the lowest cost option with the smallest intrusion into the harbour, as has been our stated objective from the start.
 “The greater environmental benefits of a smaller intrusion would be worth tens of millions more if appropriately valued,” Mr Parker says.
 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Mr Parker and Mayor Goff have stated they are committed to limiting the intrusion into the harbour, while achieving a word class venue for the Cup event.
 The new option, known as Point-Halsey, has evolved from suggestions by local residents and interest group. It is the cheapest of the four put forward and envisages only a 9900 square metre extension of the Halsey St Wharf
 Other options would have seen intrusions of 22,800 square metres.
 The option being discussed will also bring forward the removal of tank farms on Wynyard Point and create a legacy Auckland can be proud of.
 Officials are working with Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) on the design and details of this fourth option, as well as other aspects of the overall event.
 The new option has been described as workable by ETNZ.
Mr Parker said that in a face to face meeting in February he had assured ETNZ boss Grant Dalton that ETNZ would not be forced on to Wynyard Point and that he was assured of a prime position, saying “to the victor the spoils”.
 Mr Parker believes the Point-Halsey option meets that pledge.
 The four options that have been discussed are:
) The original Auckland Council option known as Wynyard Basin, for which a plan seeking consent was lodged on January 15. It envisages a base for Emirates Team New Zealand on Hobson Point with 74m extensions to both Hobson and Halsey Street wharfs. It requires 22,800 square metres of wharf extensions into the harbour.
2) The Wynyard Point “hybrid” option presented by the Government and the Council on February 13, which put more bases on Wynyard Point but which reduced from 74m to 35m an extension on Halsey Wharf, while accommodating ETNZ on Hobson. It requires 14,200 sq m of extensions into the harbour.
3) An option proposed by Emirates Team New Zealand which retains the 75m Halsey extension putting more bases on the extended Halsey Wharf, while holding Wynyard Point in reserve, with ETNZ on Hobson. It requires the same 22,800 sq m of extensions as the basin option.
4) Point-Halsey. This design utilises land on Wynyard Point and reduced to 45m the extension to Halsey Street Wharf. There would be no extension to Hobson Wharf. It provides for two double bases on Halsey, one of which will be ETNZ’s base and additional bases on Wynyard wharf as syndicates are confirmed. It requires a 9900 sq m extension into the harbour.
Mr Parker says only four double bases are now needed, rather than the six required at the time the hybrid option was announced, and this gives greater flexibility. 
 A consent application will be lodged for the building of bases on Wynyard Point and the existing Halsey Wharf.
 That will sit alongside the council’s earlier application and ensure maximum flexibility.
Option costings: (Note: All information is approximate and subject to final decisions).
 
 

(1) Wynyard Basin

(2) Wynyard Point

(3) Halsey-Hobson (ETNZ)

(4) Point-Halsey

Costs

Hobson

35

35

35

0

Halsey St Wharf

79

49

79

49

Wynyard Point

40

51

20

66

Other

21

24

17

24

Total

175

160

151

140

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United Nations review an opportunity to improve the rights of disabled people

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: United Nations review an opportunity to improve the rights of disabled people

Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni welcomes a UN announcement that begins the planned review of New Zealand’s implementation of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has today publicly released a ‘List of Issues’ it wants the government to report on,” Carmel Sepuloni said. “I’m looking forward to receiving external feedback on the progress New Zealand has made to date on improving the rights of disabled people.
“The UN review also provides a valuable opportunity to make international comparisons and to seek feedback from our disability community.
“This is New Zealand’s second review since ratifying the Convention in 2008. It’s a robust, nearly two year-long process that starts with this ‘list of issues’ from the UN and ends with its ‘Concluding Observations’, which are their recommendations for further improvement.
“New Zealand was instrumental in the development of the Convention, and a New Zealander is the first person with a learning disability to sit on a UN Committee.
“Since becoming Minister I’ve met with many groups within the disability sector including the Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) – the Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman and Disabled People’s Organisations – to listen and understand the issues that face disabled New Zealanders.
“The ‘list of issues’ for this review is the combined result of the issues raised in our last review and the IMM’s report, and any additional topics of interest from the UN Committee.
“There are 100 issues on the list which relate to each of the Convention articles. These include questions about education, health, employment, accessibility, seclusion, restraint and data.
 “The issues are far ranging, affecting all areas of disabled people’s lives. I encourage any organisation, group, or individual, to provide feedback during the consultation process as it is those with lived experience and working close to the issues whose opinions we want to hear from most,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

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Minister congratulates bronze winning Para athlete Adam Hall

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minister congratulates bronze winning Para athlete Adam Hall

Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni congratulates Kiwi Paralympic alpine skier Adam Hall who has won New Zealand’s second Bronze medal at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang.
“My warmest congratulations goes out to Adam for his outstanding achievement in PyeongChang,” said Carmel Sepuloni.
“Maintaining a place at the top of his sport for more than a decade is an impressive display of both talent and determination. 
“A great presence in the international para alpine skiing scene, and now representing us at his fourth Paralympics, Adam continues to prove he’s a force to be reckoned with.
“Like many New Zealander’s across the country I’m excited at our progress, and proud of our Kiwi team’s efforts.
“There is a huge amount of work that goes into making sure we’re represented at the Paralympics, and everyone involved should be very proud.
“I look forward to meeting our Para athletes to offer my congratulations in person, and thank them for their efforts, when we officially welcome them home later this month,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

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Keen volleyballers head to Massey

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Keen volleyballers head to Massey

Around 1700 secondary school athletes will be at Massey University’s Manawatū campus next week to participate in the New Zealand Secondary School Volleyball Championships.

Now in its 50th year, the annual tournament is being held in Palmerston North with the University’s campus serving as one of several venues.

The country’s largest secondary school sporting tournament will bring 172 teams from 106 schools to take part in the tournament, with 350 coaches accompanying the teams.

A number of tours will be held throughout the tournament for athletes wishing to explore the University’s Manawatū campus.

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Co-director to take the reins of Riddet Institute

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Co-director to take the reins of Riddet Institute

Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh takes up sole directorship of the Riddet Institute. 

There is a change in the leadership of the Riddet Institute with Distinguished Professor Paul Moughan stepping down as co-director and Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh becoming sole director.

The Riddet Institute was established at Massey University in 2003 by Professor Singh and Professor Moughan. Under their leadership the institute has gone from strength to strength. It was selected as a New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) in 2008 and is now one of the leading food research centres in the world. It has secured millions of dollars in research funding from the New Zealand and international food industry for innovative food science and technology programmes. In 2012, Professor Singh and Professor Moughan were jointly awarded the Prime Minister’s Science Prize of $500,000, New Zealand’s most valuable award for scientific achievement.

While Professor Moughan will no longer be co-director, he remains very active in the Institute as one of the Principal Investigators. He will also assume the role of Riddet Institute Fellow Laureate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Institute and to food research in New Zealand.

Professor Singh says, “It has been a privilege and an honour to have worked with Paul as the co-director of Riddet over the last 15 years. Because of his visionary leadership, the Riddet Institute has become one of the premier research centres in the world on a path to sustainable growth. Combining inter-disciplinary and creative thinking, our partnership has set a new vision and direction for food and nutritional sciences research.

“In his new role, we will continue to work together to further strengthen our science leadership and international profile and impact.”

Professor Singh is a world-renowned food scientist, whose research has focused on food colloids, food ingredient functionality, functional foods and food structure-nutrition interface. He has published more than 350 research papers in international journals, has been a co-inventor of 12 patented products/innovations, and has given more than 150 keynote address at international conferences.

In 2013, he was made a Distinguished Professor, the highest academic title the University offers and is normally bestowed on up to 15 professors who have achieved ‘outstanding international eminence in their fields’.

While he has more than proven himself in the academic field, he has also shown great skill as a leader in the scientific community, both in his role leading Riddet, but also heading the School of Food and Nutrition, and the Institute of Food Science and Technology (MIFST) from 2015-2017.

He has been instrumental in brokering important relationships with industry and bringing the best talent to the Centre, such as the recent appointment of Fonterra-Riddet chair in sensory and consumer science. Another highly significant deal has been the establishment of the AgResearch-Massey University Food Science Facility, with an initial investment of $45 million on the Manawatū campus.

Professor Singh has also been instrumental in bringing the world’s best international minds to our shores, including many sabbatical visitors and last year’s International Symposium on the Delivery of Functionality in Complex Food Systems – the first time this high-profile conference was been held in the Southern Hemisphere.

His international standing and outstanding contributions to food science have been recognised by several prestigious awards: the William Haines Dairy Science Award (USA), the Marschall Rhodia International Dairy Science Award (USA), Massey University Research Medal, JC Andrews Award, the Shorland Medal, International Dairy Foods Association Research Award in Dairy Foods (USA). He is an Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, the International Academy of Food Science and Technology, Elected Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology, and Elected Fellow of the United States Institute of Food Technologists.

Assistant Vice-Chancellor Research, Academic and Enterprise Professor Giselle Byrnes says the University is delighted Professor Singh has taken on this important leadership role and she looks forward to working with him.

Chair of the Riddet Board Dr Kevin Marshall says, “The Board is delighted that Massey University has appointed Professor Singh as the sole director of the Institute to continue and enhance the great work that has been undertaken over the last decade. 

“The Board also welcomes the on-going involvement of Professor Moughan in the vital research activities of the Institute. His experience, leadership and world class research will continue to grow the Institute’s prestige both domestically and internationally.

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Two arrests following Tokoroa gunpoint robbery

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Two arrests following Tokoroa gunpoint robbery


Location:

Bay of Plenty

Two youths have been arrested following a gunpoint robbery in Tokoroa yesterday.

Police were called to Stanley Street about 1pm with a report of a woman’s car being stolen at gunpoint.

The youths were arrested in Putaruru this morning.

Police enquiries are continuing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

 

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Call for nominations for three positions on the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee

Source: Health Quality and Safety Commission – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Call for nominations for three positions on the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee

Perinatal & Maternal Mortality Review Committee

Applications close Monday, 9 April 2018

The Health Quality & Safety Commission’s Board is seeking three new members to join the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee. The members will be from perinatal and maternal related disciplines of midwifery, obstetrics, neonatology, or primary care; and those with knowledge and experience in health service provision to Māori. 

The Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee is a mortality review committee established under Section 59e of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000. The Committee is required to review and report on infant (up to 28 days) and maternal mortality and morbidity, as directed by the Board, for the purposes of improving care, quality and safety, and saving lives.

There are three positions available. We are requesting nominations for, and applications from, practitioners with expertise in the areas of maternal and perinatal care, midwifery, and primary care, and with knowledge and experience in health service provision to Māori.

All applicants are required to have the following:

  • wide professional or cultural networks
  • credibility in relevant communities and respect of peers
  • strong personal integrity and ethical behaviour
  • commitment to the issues at the heart of the Committee’s business
  • critical appraisal skills, highly developed written and oral skills, strategic thinking
  • experience in working with Māori and Pacific peoples
  • broad life experience
  • appropriate clinical or professional experience
  • ability to engage with the other members of the committee and contribute constructively.

Collectively, the committee must have the following expertise:

  • quality improvement and risk management; quality assurance in the health sector
  • data and information gathering systems and analysis
  • clinical epidemiology
  • DHB service provision and management
  • clinical experience in neonatal paediatrics, perinatal pathology, obstetrics, midwifery and other clinical expertise relevant to the PMMRC’s function
  • Māori health
  • knowledge of the health of other ethnicities, particularly those at higher risk
  • consumer participation and representation.

If you would like to nominate suitable candidates, please complete the nomination form below and email it to Dez McCormack.

If you would like to apply directly, without nomination, please complete the application form below and provide your current curriculum vitae, by email to Dez McCormack.

Downloadable documents

Application for appointment (472 KB, doc)
Nomination form (435 KB, doc)

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Investigation commences into allegations about Young Labour summer camp

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Investigation commences into allegations about Young Labour summer camp


Location:

National News

Statement – attribute to Assistant Commissioner (Investigations) Richard Chambers:

A police investigation has commenced into allegations regarding a Young Labour summer camp at Waihi in February.

The first step will be to assess information available to police to determine what is required from an investigation perspective.

The investigation will be overseen by Detective Superintendent Chris Page.

We continue to encourage anyone with information they wish to discuss with police, or matters they wish to report, to contact us.

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Eighth biennial Australian and New Zealand falls prevention conference

Source: Health Quality and Safety Commission – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Eighth biennial Australian and New Zealand falls prevention conference

Reducing Harm from Falls

The eighth biennial Australian and New Zealand falls prevention conference is being held on 18–20 November 2018 in Hobart, Tasmania. 

The programme includes plenary lectures by speakers from the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. Topics are related to falls prevention in the community, hospital and aged care settings (and much more). 

For more information download the conference brochure or visit the conference website.

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Indonesian President Joko Widodo to visit

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Indonesian President Joko Widodo to visit

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo will visit New Zealand from 18 to 19 March, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today.
“This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Indonesia. President Widodo’s visit is the centre-piece of a year-long series of engagements to celebrate this significant milestone and strengthen the relationship,” Jacinda Ardern said.
Indonesia has the world’s fourth largest population and is the world’s third largest democracy. It is the largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is a major market for New Zealand meat, dairy and agriculture exports, with total two-way goods trade of NZ$1.76 billion in 2017.
President Widodo will be visiting New Zealand for the first time and will be accompanied by his wife, Ministers and a business delegation.
“President Widodo’s visit is an opportunity to increase trade between New Zealand and Indonesia as well as discuss how we can tackle issues of common interest in the Asia-Pacific region,” Jacinda Ardern said.
Prime Minister Ardern first met President Widodo at the East Asia Summit in November 2017.