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Aotearoa Clinical Trials Expands to New Site in Botany, East Auckland, Strengthening Community Access to Clinical Trials

Source: Aotearoa Clinical Trials

Auckland, New Zealand – February 10, 2025 – Aotearoa Clinical Trials is pleased to announce the opening of a new, third site in Botany, East Auckland, expanding its reach and further cementing its commitment to the local community. This new standalone site will allow the clinical trial organisation to provide enhanced access to a diverse range of participants, while strategically supporting the Counties Manukau region’s rapidly growing population.
Why are clinical trials important to this community?
“Research is incredibly important as it provides pathways to addressing current health challenges. In Māoridom, research is akin to the role of a tohunga (expert or healer)-it represents foresight in the face of illness. As Māori, we all possess the taonga (treasure) of rangatiratanga (sovereignty and leadership); we have this foresight. I believe that my living data today is far more valuable to helping prevent disease than data collected after my death. You can’t solve a problem by only knowing that I died in my 50s from diabetes. It could have been prevented if I had been tested earlier. I believe that if I give the system my blood today, it will help them develop interventions, because prevention is better than cure”. Kaumaatua Robert Clark.
With significant growth in housing developments, infrastructure projects, and shopping centres, Botany is one of Auckland’s most thriving and dynamic areas. It is home to a vibrant, ethnically diverse community, making it an ideal location for Aotearoa Clinical Trials to continue its mission of bringing essential clinical research closer to the people it serves.
“We are excited to announce the expansion of our clinical trials into the Botany region,” said Ed Watson, CEO of Aotearoa Clinical Trials. “As we build our presence in East Auckland, we are not only responding to a clear need in the community but also aligning with our broader strategy to reach more individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially within Counties Manukau, one of New Zealand’s most multicultural regions. This site will play a crucial role in improving access to medical research for communities that need it the most.”
The Botany site will be staffed by a dedicated team of clinical investigators, who bring extensive experience in conducting high-quality clinical trials across various therapeutic areas. By offering increased access to a wide range of participants, the Botany location will help accelerate advancements in medical research while improving healthcare outcomes for local communities.
Aotearoa Clinical Trials’ expansion to Botany is part of a larger strategy to build deeper connections within the community through decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) and thereby providing access to participants in their communities. The organisation has plans to also collaborate with Pukekohe Hospital, extending its reach even further across the Counties Manukau area.
The addition of the Botany site brings a new level of convenience and access to East Auckland, which, in turn, will further strengthen the network of clinical trials available to the surrounding regions.
About Aotearoa Clinical Trials
Aotearoa Clinical Trials is a leading provider of clinical trial services in New Zealand, offering world-class research across many therapeutic areas from Phase I to Phase IV. With a focus on providing greater access to diverse populations, Aotearoa Clinical Trials partners with healthcare providers, sponsors, and local communities to deliver vital research that improves patient outcomes.
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BusinessNZ – Forging international partnerships in energy

Source: BusinessNZ

The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) recently hosted a delegation responsible for India’s electricity market to find a more sustainable energy future, together.
The delegation of commissioners, responsible for regulatory bodies in 26 regions across India, and New Zealand energy sector leaders explored key challenges, opportunities, and areas for potential collaboration in energy transition.
BEC Executive Director Tina Schirr says although New Zealand and India are vastly different in size, we share many of the same energy challenges.
“The conversation reinforced that energy transition is not just a technical challenge – it’s an economic and social one too. Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand, and international cooperation is critical in achieving this balance.
“India has experienced significant economic growth since the turn of the century. There is real opportunity for us to work closer together – particularly in workforce development.
“India produces more than one million engineering graduates each year, with deep expertise across energy-related fields. New Zealand will need a skilled workforce to meet its decarbonisation goals.
“India has the expertise and the capacity. Closer collaboration on workforce solutions could be a win-win for both countries.
“BEC remains committed to fostering international partnerships to support a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy future.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Appointments – New Chair for New Zealand Taiwan Business Council announced

Source: Business Central

Experienced Wellington business and marketing consultant Chris Tse has been elected Chair of the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council.
Chris replaces Charles Finny who stood down from the role at the most recent Council meeting. Charles was elected Chair in 2018.
Chris Tse is the Executive Director of Apexfresh, a business and marketing consultancy with expertise in the food, health and technology sectors. Chris has over 30 years’ experience in doing business with Taiwan, including a period living and working in Taipei. He has been a member of the executive committee of the NZ Taiwan Business Council since 2018.
The New Zealand Taiwan Business Council represents the interests of New Zealand businesses that trade or invest with Taiwan. Taiwan is one of New Zealand’s largest trading partners.
“I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council and follow in the footsteps of Charles Finny, who has been instrumental in developing trade and business linkages between New Zealand and Taiwan over many years. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been laid and creating new opportunities for growth, innovation and collaboration for New Zealand companies looking to do business in Taiwan” Chris Tse said.
Charles Finny says: “I am delighted to be passing the baton to Chris. He and his family have been involved in trading with Taiwan for many years. Seven years is a long time to be performing this role. The relationship with Taiwan is in excellent shape so it is the perfect time for this leadership change.”
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Weather News – Afternoon Thunderstorms and Sunshine – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 10th – Thursday 13th February – MetService is forecasting an active start to the week about the central North Island, with the risk of thunderstorms and showers dwindling through the week as high pressure moving in from the west squashes any further rain that could dampen our dry soils.

 A Severe Thunderstorm Watch, issued this morning (Monday) for the Central North Island, is valid from 3pm-10pm Monday. MetService Meteorologist Katie Hillyer warns “While the dry grounds will welcome some rain, falling all at once isn’t ideal and poses a greater risk of surface flooding and hazardous driving conditions.”

These thunderstorms are expected to be slow moving, meaning they sit over an area for longer and pose a risk of localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h.

For tomorrow (Tuesday), showers and thunderstorms are on the menu again, this time reaching up into the upper North Island, but are currently at a lower risk of being severe. However, MetService advises to keep an eye on the forecast as we get closer to the time.  

Eastern areas of both islands are continuing to see the cooler temperatures they have seen for much of the summer already, with some showers associated with a weak front moving northwards.  

“Even with the return of high pressure, southerly winds will keep the east coast cloudier and cooler until later this week. However, for spots like Central Otago temperatures are set to creep back towards 30°C for the end of the week” says Hillyer.  
 
During Wednesday and into Thursday we start to see the scattered showers clear and temperatures warm as this high pressure system really takes hold of New Zealand, giving very little respite to the areas that need some watering. Looking forward to the weekend, this settled weather likely continues as this high pressure digs its heels in.

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Obituaries – In Loving Memory – the passing of Raymond Thompson MNZM

Source: Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment Group

Message: 9th February 2025 – Beloved, respected and cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, confidante, mentor, motivator, inspiration and guiding light, Ray passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep in Australia on January 15th, 2025.
Ray had great respect and esteem for his friends and colleagues in the music, film & television entertainment industries, as well as the New Zealand wine industry (through Tirohana Estate), and a deep appreciation and love for the many fans around the world who were touched by his creative endeavours.
A force of nature and larger than life, Ray’s passing is a catastrophic loss to his family and they respectfully ask for ongoing privacy during this very difficult time.
A private family service has been held but it would mean a great deal if in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the non-profitable charity founded by Ray in New Zealand, the Cloud 9 Children’s Foundation ( https://withyoueverystepoftheway.com) which supports and assists children and teenagers (and their families) touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A writer, musician, producer, creator, viticulturist, philanthropist and dreamer, Ray’s legacy lives on in us all and his music, works and projects will live on. Ray’s beloved Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment will continue, as will Tirohana Estate in Martinborough.
‘You cannot ignore the whisper of mortality that inhabits every fading sunset’.
Keep the Dream Alive.
BIOGRAPHY AND OBITUARY – RAYMOND THOMPSON MNZM
Raymond was a veteran of the television and film industries, where he began as a writer (having also had a career as a songwriter and musician). His first novel, The Number To Call Is… was a bestseller and achieved critical acclaim in 1979.
As lead writer/script consultant he worked on several motion pictures and television series. His credits range from Hotshot to Squadron (for the BBC), Trainer to the icon series Howards Way (also for the BBC), which is regarded by many as one of Britain’s best loved drama series (and which regularly achieved the highest ratings during its six-year run).
From 1989-1994 Raymond was also Head of Development for BBC Television Drama, and also retained as a consultant to the Controller of BBC Television Drama Series, where he had a production/creative liaison on a wide range of successful BBC titles – many of which are still being broadcast today.
In 1994 Raymond founded the Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment Group in association with the Sanctuary Group PLC.
Cloud 9 evolved to be of the most prolific independent production companies (with its titles being show in over 100 countries around the world) and helped contribute to the revitalisation of the Wellington entertainment industry (‘Wellywood’) by supporting and ushering in a new generation of talent in the Wellington and New Zealand television and film communities.
In addition to being Chief Executive of the Cloud 9 Group, Raymond has also Executive produced Cloud 9’s portfolio of titles from inception to the current day- many of which Raymond also created.
Credits include The Adventures of Swiss Family Robinson, Return to Treasure Island, William Shatner’s A Twist in the Tale, The Enid Blyton Adventure Series, The Enid Blyton Secret Series, The Legend of William Tell, within Cloud 9’s Classic Collection in association with CLT-UFA.
His numerous other credits include the iconic series The Tribe (5 seasons of 260 episodes), Atlantis High, Revelations -The Initial Journey, and The New Tomorrow (all created by Raymond).
In 2000, Ray was the Founder and Chairman of The Cloud 9 Children’s Foundation, a non-profit charity which supports and assists families touched by Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder..
In 2001 Raymond returned to his musical roots and composed the Spirit Symphony, which premiered at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington via a performance by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Kenneth Young). The symphony is performed in other parts of the world and has been released on CD (and digital release) worldwide. Raymond also composed many of the soundtracks of Cloud 9’s programming.
In December 2002 Raymond was appointed an Adjunct Professor by Queensland University of Technology in the Creative Industries Faculty as a vehicle for guest lecturing, mentoring and to consult in both the private and public sector on the television and motion picture industries.
In 2003 Raymond was honoured (along with Ray Bradbury) for the cult series, The Tribe, at the Dragoncon Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.
In recognition of Raymond’s achievements, he was appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2003 Honours List in recognition of his services to television and entertainment.
Raymond adjudicated at many festivals including BAFTA and was a member of the jury for the 2004 Emmy finalists.
In 2005, Raymond acquired Tirohana Estate ( www.tirohanaestate.com) to pursue his hobby and love of premium wine and was a regular visitor to Martinborough in New Zealand and could often be found participating in each vintage, driving the tractor or ute, and enjoying a chat with diners and clients having a glass of Tirohana Estate’s wines.
In 2011, Raymond released his memoir book ‘Keeping The Dream Alive’. Raymond was active in bringing together and overseeing the ‘continuing story’ of The Tribe through the official series of tie-in novels released by A.J. Penn from 2012 and the audiobooks (narrated by several members of the original cast of The Tribe). Raymond wrote and Executive Produced The Tribe video game that was released in 2022 (and has since been released in 2024 as an Apple iOS mobile version). ‘The Tribe Collector’s Edition Screenplay’ was released as a book (and eBook) in December 2022.
Raymond was still heavily involved in philanthropy including his charity The Cloud 9 Children’s Foundation and as well as continuing to oversee Cloud 9’s ongoing activity with its catalogue of titles, was also busy writing original screenplays which he was actively developing in line with Cloud 9’s expansion into the motion picture industries.
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Tech and Security – Ingram Micro to Distribute Avast Small Business Solutions in New Zealand

Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners for Avast

AUCKLAND, 10 February 2025 – Avast, a leader in digital security and privacy and part of Gen™, has announced that Avast Small Business Solutions will now be available in New Zealand through local distributor Ingram Micro New Zealand. This increases the range of cybersecurity solutions available to small businesses in the market.

Ingram Micro has been the local distributor for Norton, another consumer brand of Gen, in this market for more than 20 years.  It will launch Avast Essential Business Security, Avast Premium Business Security and Avast Ultimate Business Security next quarter, giving New Zealand resellers access to a greater portfolio of robust cybersecurity solutions.  

Mark Gorrie, Managing Director Gen APAC says that the collaboration with Ingram Micro New Zealand is a testament to Gen’s commitment to Powering Digital Freedom for people and businesses across the world.  

“Our joint expertise and support will provide Kiwi resellers with the tools they need to enable their small business customers to thrive in an increasingly complex digital landscape. We have a long history of working successfully together and are confident that Ingram Micro is the right company to support our strategic growth in the region,” says Mark. “We’ll have a full programme of education, training, events and roadshows to ensure that resellers and retailers are able to confidently offer Avast Small Business Solutions to their customers.”

Gorrie continues, “Avast Business customers in New Zealand will benefit from the combined technical capabilities of the full Gen family of brands including Avast, Norton, AVG and Avira as well as our extensive threat intelligence network of 500 million users of Gen technology. This significant global and local footprint helps keep our small business customers one step ahead of emerging threats.”

Avast Business has a range of affordable and award-winning cybersecurity solutions for small and growing businesses. Organisations can easily manage their devices through an easy-to-use centralised dashboard ensuring software, data and devices are protected.

Avast Business product features include:

  • Single management dashboard  
  • Multi-Tenant support 
  • Device and policy management 
  • Import/export of policies 
  • Comprehensive reporting 
  • Alerts and notifications 
  • Master agent 
  • Real-time commands 
  • Network discovery with remote deployment 
  • Business API gateway.

Customers can add additional solutions such as:

  • Avast Business Patch management 
  • Avast Business Premium remote control 
  • Avast Business Cloud backup.

“Making Avast Business products available through Ingram Micro New Zealand aligns with our dedication to supporting the security needs of small businesses in New Zealand,” says Leon De Suza, Managing Director at Ingram Micro New Zealand. “This collaboration bolsters our cybersecurity offerings and will help deliver even more comprehensive solutions to our valued reseller partners and their customers.”

About Avast
Avast is a leader in digital security and privacy, and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Avast protects hundreds of millions of users from online threats, for Mobile, PC or Mac and is top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Avast is a member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom and Internet Watch Foundation. Learn more at Avast.com. Visit: www.avast.com.  

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Activist News – Winston Peters refusal to join 79 countries to protect the International Criminal Court puts New Zealand firmly in Trump’s minority, lawless, hard-right camp – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

 

Winston Peters’ refusal to join other 79 countries trying to protect the International Criminal Court after vicious attacks and sanctions issued by US President Trump is unconscionable.

 

“Endless New Zealand politicians, including the present government, have pointed to our support for a rules-based international system” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “The ICC is a key part of that system but Winston Peters has jettisoned this policy in favour of a US-First approach; rather than a New Zealand-First approach”

 

In fact, we can find no evidence that Peters has ever uttered a word of real criticism of the US in his entire political career.

 

Within the past two weeks Winston Peters has

 

  • Openly welcomed Israeli soldiers and Israeli war criminals coming into New Zealand, with no questions asked, for “rest and recreation” from their genocide in Gaza
  • Refused to condemn Trump’s racist plans for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza so his son-in-law can turn it into a “Riviera of the Middle East’.  This is an intended international crime of epic proportion, and now
  • Refused to join 79 countries supporting the International Criminal Court against Trump’s actions

 

“The countries we are refusing to join in criticising Trump include two other Five Eyes countries, the UK and Canada, as well as Germany, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Greece, Norway, Portugal, Spain etc”

 

“Winston Peters has put New Zealand in the hard-right international minority extremist camp with Trump” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “This is creepy and cowardly complicity with a state whose values we do not share.”

 

“Winston Peters’ ministry has been at great pains over the past year to state how much our government supports the work of the ICC. The MFAT website states “We have also been clear in our support of the International Criminal Court’s mandate in Palestine”

 

“But when the ICC issues arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity, our government goes completely silent.”

 

“Will Winston Peters now copy his master and revoke an immigration ban on 33 Israeli settlers responsible for leading pogroms against Palestinian communities in the Occupied West Bank, as Trump did a few days ago?”

 

“US policy towards Palestine underlines the case for New Zealand to leave the Five Eyes US international spy network.”

 

“An independent foreign policy means making our own decisions and working with the great majority of like-minded countries who support international institutions, such as the ICC and the International Court of Justice.”

 

“Instead, we have a foreign minister who is in the US pocket and blindly working for the interests of Trump and his robber barons.”

 

John Minto

National Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

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PSA seeks Privacy Commissioner investigation into reckless cuts at Health NZ Te Whatu Ora

Source: PSA

Patient information at risk of privacy breach from deep cuts to IT staff
The PSA is asking the Privacy Commissioner to urgently investigate Health NZ’s plan to decimate its IT staff as part of the Government’s plans to cut health costs.
“The PSA is taking the unusual step of asking the Privacy Commissioner to urgently investigate cuts to data and digital teams at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand because of the huge gamble with patient privacy and safety we believe Health NZ is taking with plans to cut almost half of IT staff,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, Acting National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
Health NZ Te Whatu Ora announced in December plans to cut 47% of roles in the Data and Digital Directorate, resulting in the loss of 1120 roles (including vacancies), all to save $100m.
“New Zealanders rightly expect that their private information as patients is held securely, but we don’t believe Health NZ can say hand on heart that will be the case if these cuts go ahead.
“Health NZ has important obligations under the Health Information Privacy Code and the Privacy Act, but we don’t believe the risks of breaching these obligations have been properly analysed in the rush to save money.
“The data and information these teams are responsible for is vital for clinicians to ensure the best possible treatment for patients. IT staff already warned Health NZ leaders late last year that the restructure raised the risks of unplanned outages. This could impact patients through the inability of clinicians to access patient data, as well as through medication and equipment failures.
“The Government is on notice that Health NZ’s IT systems are already under huge pressure and that the directorate is understaffed. The risk of a cyber security breaches is very real as the Waikato Hospital ransomware attack in 2021 showed.
“The Government should be investing in IT upgrades and more, not fewer staff to better protect sensitive patient records and ensure the benefits of centralising computer systems under the health restructure are realised.
“We urge the Privacy Commissioner to use his powers of investigation here before long term damage is done to the health system. We invite him to talk to impacted staff who know well the risks to patients from unplanned outages.
“It’s absolutely critical patient data is accurate, secure and available 24-7 for clinicians.”
– PSA letter to the Privacy Commissioner
– PSA submission to Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora on proposed restructure of the Data and Digital Directorate
Previous statement
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Arts – YOUTH WRITING MENTORSHIPS OPEN FOR 2025

Source: NZSA Youth Mentor Programme

The NZSA Youth Mentor Programme seeks Emerging Young Writers

Four secondary school students will have the opportunity to be mentored by one of New Zealand’s best professional authors in order to develop their craft and hone their writing skills.

The NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme offers aspiring young writers aged 15 -18 a mentorship, from May to November. The intent of the mentor programme is to foster and develop emerging writing talent with the support of established authors. There are 4 places awarded each year in the youth programme, and it is a game-changing opportunity for young writers.

NZSA has been running successful assessment and mentoring programmes since 1999 that aim are to nurture, encourage, inspire and develop emerging writers with the support of established writers through mentoring and assessment.

Deadline for applications: 6 April 2025
Find out about how to apply (ref. https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=26a272c506&e=466373ae7c )

Comments from previous youth mentees
Leo Reid from Hamilton had award-winning author Kyle Mewburn as their mentor in 2024 and had this to say: “Through the NZSA Youth Mentorship Program, I have developed my skills as an author outside of simply writing. My mentor Kyle was endlessly kind and patient with me and I feel I have grown into myself using her help. Kyle offered me the experience of working with a seasoned author as well as providing me with extremely beneficial feedback. I know I can apply these newfound skills to projects outside of the one I had been working on with Kyle. I will look back on this shared time with her as one of immense value to myself, on both a personal level and as a writer.”

“I feel that I improved my skills as a writer and made a great deal of progress in terms of my project — I now have a clear structure, a plan moving forward and many smaller pieces to work with and develop further. Michelle has helped me build confidence in my work and consider things I previously didn’t, such as pacing and specific characterisation, as well as highlighting my strengths,” said Stella Weston who was partnered with writer and editor, Michelle Elvy.

Yiyang Cao of Auckland had award-winning poet Siobhan Harvey for her mentor and said this about her experience, “I feel that I’ve developed significantly as a poet this year, a process that was well aided by the feedback exchanged with my mentor. Her suggestions on form and craft have been intriguing and helpful to me as I worked towards finding my own poetic voice. I’ve also achieved the goal I had entering the mentorship, of writing and compiling a personal anthology of 40 of my poems in 2023.”

The Youth Mentor Programme is run by the NZSA, the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa. We offer memberships for writers at all stages of their careers including students. Our assessment and mentorship programmes, such as our annual Youth mentorships, are offered with the support of Creative New Zealand.

About NZSA
The NZSA represents over 1,800 writers in New Zealand. We offer support through advocacy and representation, professional development, information and guidance on publishing and the literary arts, administer prizes and awards and contract and business advice. We work to protect authors incomes and offer memberships for writers at all stages of their careers including students. Our many assessment and mentorship programmes, such as our annual Youth mentorships, are offered with the support of Creative New Zealand. NZSA is affiliated to International PEN, a voice that upholds freedom of speech and protests against writers falsely silenced and imprisoned around the world.  
www.authors.org.nz

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BusinessNZ – New Zealand more attractive to foreign investment

Source: BusinessNZ

Changes to investor visa settings will make New Zealand more attractive as an investment destination, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich.
We welcome the next move in the government’s foreign investment strategy to attract high net wealth individuals and their families. Investors bring international business networks, unique skills and expertise as well as capital to our country, says Mrs Rich.
A broader range of investment opportunities and internationally comparable settings will open the doors for investors that want to call New Zealand home. There is an opportunity for New Zealand businesses to leverage these networks for investment and international trade. We welcome these visa changes and look forward to continued efforts by the government to attract foreign investment and expertise.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.