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Monthly E-News – March 2018

Source: Green Party

Headline: Monthly E-News – March 2018

Welcome to our first e-news of 2018. Wahoo! We’ve got big plans about how to keep you up to date with what’s been happening in, both in our work and the wider world. This newsletter is one of the ways we will bring the important issues straight to you.

We’re so excited to have Green Ministers for the very first time. We’re throwing everything we’ve got at delivering wins in our Ministerial areas. Wins for the climate, our native species, and for women.

While working as part of Government, we are also holding strong to our Green values. We are always committed to human rights, fair trade, and ending inequality

So, while the name may have changed, our position hasn’t. The Green Party remains opposed to the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership).

Sometimes the best way for our MPs to get the change we need is to take a trip to the part of the world where the real impacts are being felt. For Eugenie, this meant a 760km trip south-east of Aotearoa New Zealand to Antipodes Island, aboard HMNZS Wellington.

Eugenie accompanied DOC’s ‘Million Dollar Mouse’ monitoring team to the island group where they have begun a month-long assessment of pest eradication efforts. In 2016, they began the gargantuan task of eradicating the 200,000-strong mouse population on the subantarctic World Heritage site. If successful, it will be one of the largest mouse eradications in the world. We’re all waiting hopefully as the team does their work.

Mice weren’t the only species Eugenie went searching for. The critically endangered wandering albatross breeds almost exclusively on Antipodes Island. Numbers are declining, probably due to being killed as by-catch of fisheries.

We’re celebrating a profound win with the Government’s response to a Green-led select committee inquiry into the management of tūpāpaku (deceased bodies).

In 2015, Metiria initiated this inquiry because of the huge problems and concerns many Māori share when it comes to access and care of the tūpāpaku of their loved ones. Marama took over to lead the inquiry in the Māori Affairs Select Committee.

The Committee heard from whānau about the hurt and grief they experience when they are kept from staying with their loved one’s tūpāpaku and making the decisions about how they are treated and managed.

Thankfully, the Government has adopted almost all of the recommendations including codes of best practice and formal communication processes for relevant agencies such as the Police, coronial services and funeral homes so that whānau can grieve their loved ones in the right way for them.

Waitangi Day 2018

A strong contingent of Green MPs were welcomed onto the treaty grounds at Waitangi this year. Even though it was a month ago, we are all still feeling the energy. The atmosphere was truly electric and the chance to spend a few days up north, listening, was a breath of fresh air. Iwi really get that the challenges our country faces, including climate change, are long-term. That’s the way Greens think and if we work together, it promises much for our future.

Check out Chlöe’s photo essay for a sense of the occasion. In my remarks this year I spoke about tino rangatiratanga, how a recent finding from the Waitangi Tribunal confirms what we have always known – hapū and iwi Māori did not cede sovereignty over their lands, peoples and resources in 1840.

I also spoke about Greens’ interpretation of that finding. For us, Te Tiriti is not a thing to be ‘settled’ but to be truly honoured and implemented at all levels of Government. Now that the Greens are in government for the first time, we have a weighty responsibility to act as Treaty partners and, in particular, to apply Te Tiriti in areas we hold Ministerial portfolios.

I hope you’re enjoying our first newsletter of 2018. The year has begun extremely well and I’m certain there this year will see positive change for kiwis around the country.

Watch

Dairy, an out of control machine

Election Access Fund Bill pulled from biscuit tin

Climate Change causing weather havoc

Read

Fixing health and the climate

The post Monthly E-News – March 2018 appeared first on Blog | Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.

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And the OSCA goes to…

Source: University of Waikato – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: And the OSCA goes to…

The University of Waikato has just purchased an industrial composter – the first unit of its kind in New Zealand. The OSCA Bite Size 200 can process 200kg of mixed organic waste per day, significantly reducing the University’s waste to landfill.

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Building a team in the Bay

Source: University of Waikato – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Building a team in the Bay

Construction of the University’s new home in Tauranga’s CBD is well underway, and behind the scenes we’re also busy building a team to support our growing presence in the Bay of Plenty. The team is comprised of both academic staff who will deliver our programmes to students and also general staff who are integral to supporting our students. Here, we introduce you to some of our key people, starting with Student Recruitment and Student Service team members.

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Stats Minister MIA as Census day dawns

Source: National Party – Headline: Stats Minister MIA as Census day dawns

Census day has dawned with a Minister missing in action as the raft of unresolved issues pile up, National’s former Minister of Statistics Scott Simpson says.

“James Shaw is new to Government and he needs to get his priorities right,” Mr Simpson says.

“The Census is the most important public interaction that Statistics NZ carry out.

“It’s unbelievable that in light of the multitude of problems being reported by those grappling with the country’s first online census, he has chosen to be swanning around the Pacific on a junket while his officials at Statistics NZ are left to carry the can.

“There are real concerns around New Zealanders not receiving their code letters, some are struggling with online access and many are reporting a lack of response to queries and calls for help.

“It’s obvious that officials are really struggling to land a credible result for the 2018 Census and, so far, the most interest their Minister has shown was to berate them for not asking more questions about gender and the LGBTQI community.

“It is deeply ironic that the Minister, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister are all overseas this evening, and won’t be counted in this important snapshot of our society,” Mr Simpson says.

National’s disabilities spokesperson Nicky Wagner says reports that Kiwis with disabilities are especially struggling to complete this year’s Census online are extremely disappointing.

“Not only does it exclude them from the opportunity to take part, but it’s likely the results will be skewed because so many people from this sector of society won’t be represented.

“It would be good to see the Minister step up and take a lead on this issue – even at the 11th hour – instead of focussing on his other interests,” Mrs Wagner says.

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HMNZS Te Kaha arrives in Canada for major systems upgrade

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: HMNZS Te Kaha arrives in Canada for major systems upgrade

Minister of Defence Ron Mark announced today the arrival of HMNZS Te Kaha in Canada, where a major upgrade of its sensor and weapons systems will be undertaken.
Focused on the frigates’ surveillance, combat and self-defence capabilities, this upgrade is the latest in a series of projects that will extend the vessels’ operational life to around 2030. Earlier projects delivered a refit of the frigates’ propulsion, heating and air-conditioning systems, and the close-in weapon system. 
“There is a significant programme of work to upgrade or replace New Zealand’s defence equipment that aims to maintain the safety of our military personnel and the country’s ability and readiness to deploy when needed, both in this country and overseas,” says Mr Mark.
An additional $148 million was approved by Cabinet to ensure the upgrade could proceed, bringing the total project budget to $639 million. To fund the cost overrun, and consistent with the Coalition’s commitment to fiscal prudence, Cabinet agreed to reallocate a portion of the money that was provisioned in Budget 2017 for the Littoral Operations Support Capability project.
“The Government’s decision reflects the value placed on our frigates and their ability to operate across and support a wide range of operations.
“In the time the frigates have been operational New Zealanders have come to expect their involvement in constabulary and humanitarian, to combat roles as part of a multinational coalition. These contributions are valued by our international partners.”
When completed, the frigate will have updated equipment and systems including the combat management system, radar and underwater sonar.
Following an international tendering process, the contract for the work was awarded to Lockheed Martin Canada. The company’s design for the systems upgrade of 12 Royal Canadian Navy Halifax Class frigates has been adapted for use in New Zealand’s vessels.
“New Zealand and Canada have a close and enduring partnership based on shared history and common interests. Our cooperation on the Frigate System Upgrade is a demonstration of the maturity of our bilateral relationship, which continues to strengthen in 2018,” says Mr Mark.
The 25-day passage to Esquimalt in British Columbia, where the upgrade will take place, was marked by a brief port visit in Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor where Te Kaha and her crew represented New Zealand as part of the United States’ commemoration of Presidents’ Day.
For the final leg of the voyage, the crew was supplemented by a group of 10 Royal Canadian Naval Reserve personnel who had an opportunity to experience working life on board the frigate.
The upgrade of the second frigate, HMNZS Te Mana, is scheduled to take place in 2019.

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Memorial bursary continues supporting student success

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Memorial bursary continues supporting student success

Hilary Kitt and Bruce Gallie from Colliers International present Scott Larcombe with his award.

This year’s Marcus Kitt Memorial Bursary has been awarded to final-year business student Scott Larcombe at a special presentation at Massey University’s Albany campus.

The former Rangitoto College student, who is studying for a Bachelor of Business with a double major in economics and property valuation, was chosen to receive the $5,000 bursary established by global real estate services company Colliers International.

The firm partnered with the Massey Business School to create the bursary in memory of long-serving staff member and Massey alumnus Marcus Kitt, who died in 2015 after developing a brain tumour. The father of two children had worked for Colliers for eight years in Auckland, London and Jakarta.

The criteria for the bursary included strong academic achievement, good communication and interpersonal skills and the potential to succeed in a real estate career, all characteristics exemplified by Marcus Kitt.

Massey property lecturer Alan Pope said Mr Larcombe was a worthy recipient of the annual prize.

“Scott is an excellent student with a proven academic record in both his property and economics majors,” Mr Pope said. “He also stands out in his class as a great communicator, working well with fellow students and staff alike.”

Bursary reduces financial burden

Mr Larcombe said he was “overjoyed to be recognised for all of the hard work that I have put into my studies”.

“I am currently working nightshifts to cover the cost of my study,” he said. “This bursary will take some of the financial stress off my shoulders. The bursary is also an affirmation of my choice to study property and  has really helped to grow my passion for the subject – and I hope that this will show in my future grades.”

Mr Larcombe believes the bursary will also enhance his employability when he graduates.

“I hope the contacts that I have made here at university, and through the bursary, will help me to start a long and successful career,” he said.

Marcus Kitt’s widow, Hilary Kitt, and Colliers’ chief operating officer in New Zealand, Bruce Gallie, were on hand to present Mr Larcombe with his award.

“The bursary is designed to encourage excellence in real estate studies and is an ideal memorial to Marcus,” Mr Gallie said. “We hope it encourages students to consider a commercial property career, assisting them at a financial level to do so.” 

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Update – Flaxmere homicide

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Update – Flaxmere homicide


Location:

Eastern

Hawke’s Bay Police are continuing to investigate the death of a man in Flaxmere late on Sunday 4 March. 
 
A post mortem is being performed today and a formal identification process will take place once that is completed. 
 
A scene examination continued overnight and Police expect to remain at the scene for the remainder of the day and into tonight. 
 
Detective Senior Sergeant Marty James is continuing to appeal for people who have information which could assist the investigation to come forward. 
 

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New Zealand pork granted access to Australia

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries – Headline: New Zealand pork granted access to Australia

New Zealand pork and pork products will soon be served up on dining tables in Australia, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) announced today.

Access and certification for New Zealand pork exports into Australia has been agreed by MPI and Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Department officials visited New Zealand to gain a good understanding of our systems, followed by a series of negotiations and close engagement by officials.

Access has been granted for uncooked New Zealand pork meat and products containing New Zealand pork.  Uncooked pork meat will, however, require further processing once it arrives into Australia.

Pork exports to Australia can start immediately.

“New Zealand has a very strong meat regulatory system, which is held in high regard by our trading partners,” says Jarred Mair, MPI’s deputy director-general policy and trade.

“These have helped towards enabling access to Australia for our pork and pork products.

“We appreciate and would like to acknowledge the support of the New Zealand pork industry in reaching this milestone.”

New Zealand’s pork exports are currently limited to a small number of markets, such as the Pacific Islands and Singapore.  In the year to 30 June 2017, New Zealand exported about 173 tonnes of pork in total valued at around $1 million.

New Zealand Pork Chairman Ian Carter says access to Australia for New Zealand pork will provide a positive boost for New Zealand’s pork industry.

“Commercial pig farmers in New Zealand are passionate about the care and expertise they invest in farming their pigs,” says Ian Carter. 

“We see the granting of access to Australia as an important formative step to explore export markets that value the qualities associated with pork and pork products produced from pigs born and raised in New Zealand, backed by PigCare™ – the industry’s independently managed animal welfare assurance programme – and the sector’s world-leading high health status. 

“We are grateful for MPI’s support in facilitating this first step,” says Mr Carter.

“Australia is already a very important market for New Zealand’s primary products,” says Mr Mair.

“We’re pleased to be able to add pork and pork products to the list.”

For more information, contact:

Ian Carter, New Zealand Pork Chairman 
carteri@xtra.co.nz or 027 420 0026

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Insurance contract law review starts

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Insurance contract law review starts

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi has today released the terms of reference for a review of New Zealand insurance contract law.
 “Insurance plays an important role in the lives of New Zealanders, helping people cope with unforeseen life events and providing businesses with greater certainty.
 “But there are significant problems with New Zealand’s insurance contract law which are undermining the effectiveness of our insurance markets and impacting those who do not receive the support they anticipated from their insurance policies.
 “I have heard, for example, that consumers are sometimes not covered for losses or unable to claim for important needs like health treatment because they innocently did not disclose seemingly unrelated matters to the insurer.
 “This is really tough for people who genuinely believe they have met their requirements and are later unable to rely on benefits of insurance. So onerous disclosure requirements are one of the issues I am keen to look at.”
 Mr Faafoi says the review will also consider whether there is a case for greater regulation and supervision of insurer’s conduct. The International Monetary Fund has identified that New Zealand has room for improvement in this area.
 “Insurance contract law has been significantly updated in comparable markets including Australia and the UK, so this work is long overdue,” Mr Faafoi says.
 “Reform is needed so that all New Zealanders have the protection of a well-functioning insurance market. The sector has been supportive of the need for a review so I am optimistic that stakeholders will be involved in order to make good progress swiftly.”
 The terms of reference outline the review’s scope, process and an indicative timeline.
 “I see this as an important piece of work so I am asking officials to move this forward quickly. With Cabinet approval I hope to release an issues paper for public consultation in mid-2018. If I find that change is warranted I’ll be working towards introducing legislation in the current Parliamentary term,” says Mr Faafoi.
 More information on the review of insurance contract law is available here.

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Landscape specialist to give annual photography lecture

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Landscape specialist to give annual photography lecture

One of Professor Jem Southam’s most renowned images The Pig, the Lamb and the Goat

 

Professor Jem Southam

One of the most respected British photographers of the last 25 years, colour landscape specialist Jem Southam, delivers a public talk organised by Massey University’s Wellington College of Creative Arts on Saturday.

Professor Southam will be delivering the annual Peter Turner Memorial Lecture at Te Papa’s Soundings Theatre on Saturday March 10 at 6.30pm. His lecture titled Landscape Stories: Encounters, Voices and Pictures will address the complexity of the landscape genre in the light of his own career as a photographer, whose work results from the patient observation of singular sites, usually near where he lives, over long periods of time.

Professor Southam’s work has been the subject of many solo exhibitions dating back to the 1980s at venues including the Victoria and Albert Museum and part of international collections featured in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Museum Folkswang, Dusseldorf and the Yale Centre for British Art at New Haven.

As Professor of Photography at Plymouth University, Professor Southam has developed a method of slow accrual of images, which are then presented in structured narratives revealing a complexity of personal, political, literary, psychological and cultural associations.

While now working digitally, much of Professor Southam’s work has been made using a large format camera to produce 8 x 10 inch colour negatives. This is a slowed-down time-consuming image making process that requires patience and precision. When the resulting large format negatives are then enlarged to create c-type prints, the images reveal an extraordinary level of detail and degrees of tonal subtlety rarely matched by contemporary digital means.

The annual Peter Turner Memorial Lecture is hosted by Massey University, and each year brings to New Zealand an international photographer, theorist or historian, to discuss their work in the expanded field of contemporary documentary photography. The lecture was established in memory of the late Peter Turner, author, editor, curator and former teacher at the Wellington School of Design. Whiti o Rehua – The School of Art also offers a Masters scholarship in documentary photography in Peter Turner’s name.

Distinguished Professor Anne Noble from the School of Art says Professor Southam is a notable addition to the list of photographers who have previously headlined the lecture.

“In a world where our experience of time is shaped by the traffic of instant photographic images on social media, Jem Southam’s slowly accrued photographic narratives of singular places as us to stop still and reflect on environmental change within much larger and longer time frames.”

Professor Southam’s lecture is part of Wellington’s biennial Photobook New Zealand Festival that showcases artists’ photobooks published by New Zealand and international small presses at a photobook fair at Te Papa on Friday and Saturday March 10-11. The New Zealand Photobook of the Year Awards will be announced at the Festival launch on March 10 at 7.30pm.

The Peter Turner Memorial Lecture is on at 6.30pm, Saturday March 10, Soundings Theatre, Te Papa, Wellington. Go to www.photobooknz.com for more details

 

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