Category: 24/7

Posted on

$1 billion of drug harm stopped at the border

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: $1 billion of drug harm stopped at the border

Customs seizures  at our border in 2017 prevented at least a $1 billion of potential harm to New Zealand communities, says the Minister of Customs Hon Meka Whaitiri. 
Methamphetamine and its precursor ephedrine made up the bulk of the seizures at nearly 897kg. Other interceptions included cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, LSD, Class C analogues, psychoactive substances, plus over 238,000 ‘items’ such as tabs and pills.  
“I congratulate Customs for stopping over a tonne of illicit drugs entering the country preventing potential harm to New Zealanders. This is fantastic work. 
“When I started in my role as Minister, I was clear to my officials that keeping methamphetamine off our streets and away from communities should be a big priority.  
“These destructive drugs would have been worth hundreds of millions of dollars on the streets – it’s pleasing to know these seizures would have stopped many criminals in their tracks. 
“More importantly, these seizures have protected our families, whānau and the wider community from a considerable amount of potential harm.  
“As Minister of Customs, it is so heartening to know the passion and commitment that our Customs officers share to protect this  country. I commend Customs and the great job they are doing,” says Meka Whaitiri.

Posted on

Turkey

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Turkey

State of Emergency
Following an unsuccessful military coup attempt on 15-16 July 2016, the Turkish government declared a state of emergency to allow for additional security measures to be implemented. The state of emergency remains in place, meaning authorities have increased powers and there is an increased security presence in public places. Conditions remain volatile and the situation can change rapidly. Security has been enhanced in large cities such as Instanbul, busy areas and at airports.

—

Posted on

Time for Government to act on freedom camping

Source: National Party – Headline: Time for Government to act on freedom camping

It is time for the Government to stop setting up working groups and take some actual decisions to improve the behaviour of freedom campers, National Party Tourism Spokesperson Jacqui Dean says.

“Labour have been casting around for ideas on Freedom Camping for far too long,” Ms Dean says. “There are some ready-made steps that can be taken and they should get on and take them.”

National today released a new Private Members’ Bill from East Coast MP Anne Tolley which will put into law the freedom camping policy announced by the Party at the last election.

“This Bill contains serious practical steps which have already been road-tested with councils and agencies around the country,” Ms Tolley says.

“It will prohibit Freedom Camping more than 200 metres from public toilet facilities, provide more organisations with the right to restrict freedom camping, and provide for instant fines that have been issued to be collected by rental car companies.

“Passing this bill through parliament would have an immediate positive impact on the behaviour of freedom campers. It will also give local authorities, NZTA and LINZ an easier way to collect instant fines.”

Ms Dean says freedom camping is an important part of New Zealand’s tourism industry but it must be managed well.

“The onus is on the Government to take decisions here, but like in many other areas, they are showing their inexperience,” Ms Dean says. “It seems their answer to everything is to set up another working group.

“National is happy to help. We’ve done this work already and we know it will curb some of the worst behaviour of freedom campers.

“Mr Davis should stop just talking about doing something, and pick up this bill immediately as a Government initiative. He should also guarantee that the $100 million Tourism Infrastructure Fund will continue to support local tourism infrastructure and will not be rolled into New Zealand First’s Provincial Growth Fund.

“We don’t hold much hope for him to grapple successfully with the issues. In the meantime we’ll be placing this bill in the next ballot for private members while we wait for them to pick it up.”

Posted on

Mexico

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Mexico

On 7 September 2017 there was an earthquake of magnitude 8.2 off the coast of Chiapas. On 19 September 2017 a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck in the state of Puebla, which caused significant damage to Mexico City and five other regions. On 23 September 2017 there was an earthquake of magnitude 6.1 in Oaxaca.

—

Posted on

What do a nurse, an early childhood teacher and a medical transcriptionist have in common?

Source: Council Of Trade Unions (CTU) – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: What do a nurse, an early childhood teacher and a medical transcriptionist have in common?

They are all waiting on equal pay. And today, early childhood teacher Chloe Lundie-Hodge, neonatal intensive care nurse Emma Morgan and medical transcriptionist Anne Shanks presented the signatures of over eight and a half thousand other equal pay supporters to Dr Jackie Blue in Wellington.

“On International Women’s Day, it’s heartening to know that so many other New Zealanders want to see equal pay for all women now,” New Zealand Educational Institute member Chloe said. “I also really appreciated that the Human Rights Commission has held an open forum for women to tell their stories for a submission to the United Nations. There are many steps to full equality for women in New Zealand, but getting the pay equity principles into law and better funding education roles like mine needs to happen this year.”

New Zealand Nurses Organisation member Emma told Dr Blue that because nursing has been seen as ‘women’s work’ the intense responsibility of her role is not reflected in her pay. “Our skill literally means the difference between life and death for very fragile premature or ill babies. My job can be emotionally intense, and we put in long hours, but we do it because we change families’ lives for the better. All we are asking is for society to take another look at the value nurses bring, and whether that’s fairly recognised.”

Medical transcriptionist Anne thanked her union, the Public Service Association for taking up an equal pay claim on behalf of admin and clerical workers. “The funny thing is, health administrative roles used to be paid more and seen as a ‘specialist’ skill several decades ago when it was done mostly by men. The PSA is willing to unpick the complex history of our pay and bargain on our behalf, and I’m grateful for them standing up for us. But the principle of our claim is very simple. In 2018, we shouldn’t be paid less just because mostly women now tend to do admin. That’s been the law for over forty years.”

The Council of Trade Unions is campaigning for a better equal pay law for all women to be able to take claims, within the next 250 days.

To download photos: www.dropbox.com/sh/4u72c67f6t5r0e3/AAABl8g4L_1VBrrvEM5-Y5nWa?dl=0

To see video of the presentation: www.facebook.com/togetherunionnz/videos/1821476914569309/

– –

Posted on

Working group to develop solutions to freedom camping

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Working group to develop solutions to freedom camping

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis has announced the establishment of a working group to develop solutions to freedom camping issues.
This morning Mr Davis met with 32 mayors and deputy mayors from across the country about freedom camping.
“The meeting was very productive and I want to thank the mayors and deputy mayors for sharing their views and experiences. It was really valuable. The issues with freedom camping are not insurmountable and there is a clear willingness from everyone to work together and find solutions.
“Freedom camping is a complex area. Freedom campers bring economic benefits to our regions, but the behaviour of a small percentage and the sheer increase in volume of freedom campers is causing real problems for some councils.
“The mayors talked about the need for a more consistent approach, including around enforcement and signage, more infrastructure needed in some areas, and the need to look at the Freedom Camping Act. 
“The mayors fully supported the establishment of a working group – made up of central and local government, the tourism industry, and other stakeholders – to discuss and work through the issues. 
“I am keen to get the working group established as quickly as possible. We need to come up with some solutions in time for the next summer peak season. Other issues, such as looking at the Freedom Camping Act, will take more time.” 
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has welcomed the establishment of the working group.  
“This is a significant issue for many local authorities who face significant stress and challenges to respond to seasonal influx of freedom camping.
“The Government recognises that tourism is an important industry – it’s our biggest export earner – but it’s also important that councils have the necessary tools and powers to respond when their communities are feeling the impact of high visitor numbers. 
“Collaboration is key in this situation and it’s great to see central and local government are committed to working together, with the tourism industry and other stakeholders.”
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, in consultation with other agencies, will develop a terms of reference for the working group.
  
Additional information:  
Over the last two years, international visitors who did some freedom camping spent an average of around $4,700 and stayed around 51 days in New Zealand, compared with the average for all visitors of $3,200 and 18 days. 
Over the last three years, international visitors who did some freedom camping spent an average of around $526 million a year in New Zealand. 
Over the past ten years, the number of international visitors doing at least some freedom camping during their stay has risen from around 30,000 to 115,000 annually.
In December the Government announced $14 million funding for 32 infrastructure projects through the Tourism Infrastructure Fund. The next $10 million round of the fund will be launched soon.  
Mayors were invited from Buller District, Central Otago District, Christchurch City, Clutha District, Dunedin City, Far North District, Gisborne District, Grey District, Hauraki District, Hurunui District, Kaikōura District, Mackenzie District, Marlborough District, Napier City, Nelson City, New Plymouth District, Queenstown Lakes District, Rotorua Lake District, Ruapehu District, Selwyn District, Southland District, Tasman District, Taupō District, Timaru District, Wairoa District, Waitaki District, Waitomo District, Wellington City, Western Bay of Plenty District, Whanganui District, Whakatanē District, and Whangarei District.  

Posted on

Detours to be in place at busy Rotorua roundabout

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Detours to be in place at busy Rotorua roundabout

Detours will be place on Froude Street to Tryon Street and also Trigg Avenue to Ward Avenue.

The NZ Transport Agency says people should avoid the area if possible, but if they have to travel they should take extra care and expect delays.

The work is subject to weather conditions and may need to be postponed.

People can stay up to date by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or checking the website www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/

We are also on Twitter and Facebook:

—

Posted on

Palmerston North man appears in court in relation to assaults

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Palmerston North man appears in court in relation to assaults


Location:

Central

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Jonny Oram, Manawatu CIB:

A 28-year-old Palmerston North man has appeared in court today [March 8] in relation to a series of assaults at two Palmerston North bars on February 25, 2018.

The man, who is a senior member of the Central chapter of the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Gang, faces seven charges of assault, including two of assault with intent to injure. He is due to reappear in Palmerston North District Court on March 26, 2018.

Posted on

Roads closed around Central North Island after heavy rain and wind

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Roads closed around Central North Island after heavy rain and wind

The NZ Transport Agency says people can expect delays and should drive with extra care.

It says people should check the website, the NZTA regional social media pages or call us on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS before leaving for their journey.

Current closures – check www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic for latest information.

  •  State Highway 45 between New Plymouth and Omata is closed due to a fallen tree. The road is expected to open this afternoon.

  • State Highway 43 between Taumarunui and Whangamomona is closed due to slips. The detour is via State Highway 3 and 4. It is not yet known when this road will open but crews are working where it is currently safe to do so.

  • State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo is closed due to slips and flooding. A detour route for travellers is to go south from Taupo via Palmerston North on State Highway 1 and 2. This will add 4 to 5 hours to the journey. A second but longer detour is to go north from Taupo on SH5 to Rotorua, take SH30 and SH2 to Gisborne and on to Napier. It is not yet known when this road will open but crews are working where it is currently safe to do so. Given the length of the detours people should consider if their travel is necessary.

Check the Transport Agency’s website for the latest highway information or check www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz  for up-to-date information on what is happening on the route you plan to travel. Freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.

We are also on social media.

—

Posted on

Government to work with Mayoral Housing Taskforce

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Government to work with Mayoral Housing Taskforce

The Government today committed to working with the Auckland Mayor’s Housing Taskforce aimed at ramping up the pace and scale of housing building in our largest city, Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford and Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa says.
The Taskforce is a multi-sector group made up of private sector housing organisations and public sector agencies. It will be a key forum for reviewing and developing housing policy to better address shortages and unaffordability in Auckland.
Phil Twyford says there is a strong overlap between the Taskforce’s objectives and the Government’s own reform projects.
“It’s great that Auckland Council is taking the lead on this work. Government officials will be doing all they can to work with the Taskforce to implement the necessary reforms.
“Fixing Auckland’s housing issues is the key to addressing the national housing crisis. Central government can’t do this alone; we must partner with Council, the community, business and iwi.
“The social cost of the housing crisis on Auckland’s most vulnerable – and especially its children – means this work must be a priority,” Phil Twyford says.
Jenny Salesa says Council and the private sector have stressed the need for standardised solutions that can accelerate house building.
“A key priority for me is developing a skills strategy for the construction sector. We have ambitious house building targets and need the right people with the right skills to help deliver it.
“For this to be successful, the sector and government must work together to make sure immigration, training and education are matched by the construction sector’s efforts to be seen as an attractive career to a diverse range of Kiwis,” Jenny Salesa says.