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Dairy News – FONTERRA REVISES FY24 FORECAST FARMGATE MILK PRICE

Source: Fonterra

Fonterra Co-operative Group has today reduced its 2023/24 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price range from $6.25 – $7.75 per kgMS, with a midpoint of $7.00 per kgMS, to $6.00 – $7.50 per kgMS with a midpoint of $6.75 per kgMS.

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says Global Dairy Trade (GDT) prices have continued to fall since it revised its Farmgate Milk Price earlier this month, requiring the Co-op to reduce its midpoint by a further 25 cents.

“GDT prices have fallen sharply since we released our opening forecast for the season in May, with the overall index down 16% over that period.  

“While our wide forecast range assumed movement in GDT prices, whole milk powder prices fell 10.9% in the most recent trading event requiring us to revise our position again.

“Reduced demand from key importing regions for whole milk powder is continuing to weigh on prices. While indications are demand will start to return over the second half of FY24, we do expect the pace of demand growth to be subdued relative to initial expectations.    

“In the meantime, we will continue to respond to market signals and adjust our forecast Farmgate Milk Price to ensure that the impact of current prices and currency movements is transparent.

“This is a challenging time for New Zealand’s dairy farmers and the Co-op is doing all it can to support its farmers,” says Mr Hurrell.

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Tech News – Kiwis have the 4th highest global score in terms of cybersecurity knowledge

Source: NORDVPN

The study shows that the world’s online privacy and cybersecurity awareness is declining

The majority of Kiwis know how to create strong passwords.
People in New Zealand know nothing about online tools that protect digital privacy.
Around 15% of New Zealand’s population are Cyber Stars (very knowledgeable in the field).

Kiwis are 4th in the world in terms of cybersecurity and internet privacy knowledge, according to new research by the cybersecurity company NordVPN. They performed best in recognizing various online risks and how to avoid them (73%), and worst in questions related to practices and tools to stay safe online (49%).

The annual National Privacy Test (NPT) is a global survey aimed to evaluate people’s cybersecurity, online privacy awareness, and educate the general public about cyber threats and the importance of data and information security in the digital age. It gathered 26,174 responses from 175 countries this year.

“By engaging in the National Privacy Test, we aim to cultivate a community of privacy-conscious individuals who actively champion data protection. This initiative aligns with our vision to build a safer, more resilient digital landscape for now and future generations,” says Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer (CTO) at NordVPN.

Here are the countries in the top 3 spots with the best internet privacy and cybersecurity awareness:

Poland and Singapore (64/100)
Germany and the United States (63/100)
The United Kingdom, Austria, and Portugal (62/100)

However, results show that the world’s online privacy and cybersecurity awareness is declining every year.

“With the growing complexity of online threats, it is not that surprising that the world’s online privacy and cybersecurity awareness has been on the decline. Paradoxically, the more security solutions there are out there, the worse the results get every year. Raising awareness about the potential risks and educating users about best practices should be at the forefront of our efforts,” says Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN.

Kiwis create strong passwords but fail with tools that protect digital privacy

Research shows that Kiwis are good at creating strong passwords (92%) and know how to deal with suspicious streaming service offers (95%). They also know what kind of sensitive data they should avoid sharing on social media (93%), or how devices get infected with malware (89%).

However, only 2% of Aussies are knowledgeable about online tools that protect digital privacy, and only 12% know what data ISPs collect as part of the metadata. It seems that the “Joan is Awful” episode from Netflix’s show Black Mirror didn’t have the intended effect — only a third of Kiwis know the importance of reading terms of service for apps and online services. On the other hand, this year, participants are more aware of the importance of reading terms of service. Only 19% saw it as important in 2021, with 34% reading them this year.

Among the New Zealand people, 1% of them are Cyber Wanderers (barely know anything about internet privacy and cybersecurity), while 15% scored 75-100 points and were identified as knowledgeable Cyber Stars.

How have New Zealand’s results changed since 2021?

Globally, more participants consider reading terms of service important this year. However, in New Zealand, this understanding increased significantly from 19% in 2021 to 34% in 2023.

However, compared to 2021, fewer participants are aware of Facebook’s ability to collect data on people who don’t have Facebook (64% in 2021 vs. 54% in 2023).

New Zealand participants know better than most countries how cybercriminals make fake URLs appear legitimate. They also know the digital security risks associated with working remotely. They had the best scores among English-speaking countries for this question.

However, New Zealand participants are not quick to update their apps. Delaying important updates poses several security risks and is not a good habit.

Australia performed similarly to New Zealand

Australian participants, along with Belgium, have the best knowledge about the types of data ISPs collect as part of the metadata. However Australia’s total NPT score is 61%, same as in New Zealand.

Compared to 2021, more people in Australia understand the importance of reading the terms of service (22% in 2021 vs. 30% in 2023).

Australian respondents also know better what to do if their data is exposed following a data breach. 46% answered correctly in 2021, with 54% getting it right this year.

Global internet privacy awareness is decreasing

The global NPT score hit 61% this year, which shows the decrease in the world’s online privacy and cybersecurity awareness, compared to 2022 (64%) and 2021 (66%).

Among the key global takeaways:

People aged 30-54 have the best cybersecurity skills, with most Cyber Stars in this age group.
Besides the IT sector, respondents from the finance and government industries got slightly higher NPT scores than others.
People still underestimate the importance of reading terms of service. However, this metric is improving faster than others.

“I think there are a few reasons why cybersecurity knowledge is declining globally. The first and the most important one might be the sheer volume of online activities and digital interactions that people engage in daily. Our previous research showed that people spend more than 27 years of their lifetime online. Secondly, as technology continues to advance, cybercriminals also adapt their tactics, making it challenging for the average user to keep up. Also, there is a common misconception that cybersecurity is solely the responsibility of service providers,“ says Briedis.

Online security and privacy can be improved

To commemorate the approaching International VPN day (August 19), Briedis from NordVPN provides a list of steps people should follow in order to increase the privacy and safety of their online presence:

  • Use strong and unique passwords. Create strong passwords for each of your online accounts and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
  • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). Implementing multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a one-time code sent to their phone, along with their password.
  • Update your software regularly. Keeping software, operating systems, and applications up to date is crucial for fixing known vulnerabilities. Regular updates ensure that security patches are applied promptly, reducing the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals.
  • Always use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection and helps protect your personal information from prying eyes. It is especially crucial when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Review and adjust privacy settings on social media platforms, mobile apps, and other online services. Limiting access to personal data and choosing the minimum required permissions can help protect privacy.

Methodology: The National Privacy Test is an open-access survey, allowing anyone from around the world to take the test and compare their own results with the global ones. In 2023, 26,174 respondents from 175 countries answered 22 questions that evaluated their online privacy skills and knowledge. The 2023 data is analyzed as of 07/19/2023 and presented in the report. If there is a difference with the webpage results, it means more people participated since July 19 and the result has slightly changed.

ABOUT NORDVPN

NordVPN is the world’s most advanced VPN service provider, used by millions of internet users worldwide. NordVPN provides double VPN encryption and Onion Over VPN and guarantees privacy with no tracking of users activities. One of the key features of the product is Threat Protection, which blocks malicious websites, malware during downloads, trackers, and ads. NordVPN is very user friendly, offers one of the best prices on the market, and has over 5,000 servers in 60 countries worldwide. For more information: http://nordvpn.com.

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Awards – Manaia is the IHC Art Awards People’s Choice

Source: IHC

Paraparaumu artist Manaia Matakatea (Muaūpoko, Ngāti Raukawa – Ngāti Huia) has won the 2023 IHC Art Awards L’affare People’s Choice Award and $2,000 for his work, Grocery List.

Grocery List was selected as the favourite from the 30 finalists in this year’s IHC Art Awards, receiving 5,347 votes from the public.

Manaia’s work was inspired by his love of making lists to organise his world and help him feel safe. Putting together shopping lists is one of the things he does in his Supported Living home.

He finished school at 17 and recently started voluntary work at the Salvation Army on Monday afternoons.

Manaia (20) did his artwork at the Shed Project in Paraparaumu which overall Art Awards winner, Max Hinds-Brown, also goes to.

The Shed Project Kāpiti provides training and employment opportunities for local disabled and disadvantaged people. It’s also an Arts Access Aotearoa creative space and provides a wide range of creative programmes.

Denis Wood, founder and owner of the Shed Project, says Manaia has been coming along to the Shed for a couple of years and is a wonderful young man.

“He’s a fantastic guy and it’s quite a privilege to work with him.”

Manaia was presented with the L’affare People’s Choice Award on Thursday 17 August at Cafe L’affare in Wellington.

About the IHC Art Awards

The IHC Art Awards is an annual showcase of the talent and achievements of people with intellectual disabilities. Entries are open to New Zealanders aged 13 or over with an intellectual disability or an intellectual disability and autism.

This year all artist entries had the opportunity to sell their artwork in the pop-up gallery in wellington and if it didn’t sell, it will be listed on Trade Me. The artists receive 100 percent of the sale proceeds.

Further information on the IHC Art Awards is available on the IHC website. https://communications.cmail19.com/t/i-l-aydykkl-tjiltkjdiu-y/

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

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Politics News – 1000-page RMA replacement not worth the paper it’s written on – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers are slamming the Government’s cynical decision to rush their fatally flawed 1000-page RMA replacement Bills through the House in the final sitting days of this Government.
“This is a nightmare for farmers and rural communities that will add nothing but cost and complexity to their lives,” Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says.
“Federated Farmers have repeatedly raised serious concerns about this legislation on behalf of our membership, and those concerns remain completely unresolved.
“Local communities are to be stripped of their democratic decision-making ability, which will be passed off to new Regional Planning Committees, and the legislation still includes a long list of vague and uncertain terms that will simply lead to endless and expensive litigation.”
The only thing worse than the content of the Bills is the process they’ve followed to get here. This isn’t the way good laws are made, Hooper said.
“Thousands of pages of amendments have been rushed through Parliament at breakneck speed to try and pass the reforms before the upcoming election.
“It’s hard to believe all MP’s have had the time or capacity to properly read the law and understand the implications of the changes that are being made, particularly as they prepare for an election campaign.
“Given the contentious nature of this reform the Government should have taken it to the election to seek a mandate from New Zealanders,” Hooper concluded.
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Environment News – Govt’s Land Transport Plan a “missed opportunity” – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

The Labour Government today announced its new Land Transport Plan, with a list of transport projects which include a range of new roads as well as potential public transport developments.
Greenpeace Aotearoa has labelled the wishlist “a missed opportunity for real climate action.”
“With vision, investment and political will, our towns and cities could be transformed to work for people instead of cars, with accessible and sustainable transport options that work for everyone,” says Greenpeace spokesperson Christine Rose.
“This plan is a long list of policies, but ultimately fails to address the climate crisis. The Government must cut climate pollution by shifting the country’s transport system away from new roads and private cars, towards public transport, walking, and cycling.”
“All political parties must prioritise transformative action on the climate crisis, and this plan does not do that. While it’s good to see some public transport development included, ultimately we expect to see much more from Labour in the lead-up to the 2023 election, with strong policy that places emphasis on cutting climate pollution from the biggest emitters: cows and cars.
“From the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle here in Aotearoa to the devastating fires in Maui, Hawai’i, it’s clear that the climate crisis is already here,” says Rose. “We need resilient and future-proofed transport networks, which are built for people, not cars.”
Greenpeace, alongside more than forty other organisations, is calling on all political parties to adopt ten key actions for a safe and stable climate and healthy environment – including action on sustainable transport. These are outlined in a plan known as Climate Shift. More than 13,000 New Zealanders have signed on in support of the plan since it launched in June.
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Business News – RMA Reform Just the Start – EMA

Source: EMA

Last night’s passing of two of the Bills to replace the current Resource Management Act (RMA) marks a significant milestone for the Employers and Manufacturers Association’s (EMA) ongoing campaign for reform in an area that affects all its members.
“Six years ago, we started a campaign alongside two of our partners to reform the old RMA and we were told its would probably never happen,” said EMA CEO Brett O’Riley.
“Our work alongside Infrastructure NZ and Property Council New Zealand, and the partnership that developed from the work we commissioned with the Environmental Defence Society, proved the sceptics wrong.”
“Our four organisations and later BusinessNZ joined forces to help convince the current Government to push ahead with those reforms in an area that is critical to the future nation building of New Zealand.”
Mr. O’Riley said the passing of the Spatial Planning Act (SPA) and the Natural and Built Environments Act (NBEA) marked a significant success for the lobbying of these organisations and many others but also marked the start of another process in the future of economic and social development in New Zealand.
“As with any new laws the proof will be in the implementation. We were very pleased to secure a voice at the table for the business and development sectors in developing new spatial plans and support having just 16 plans instead of the many more we have now.
“But the new system also has its complexities and a number of new terminologies and concepts that will almost certainly require testing in the courts – something we’d all rather avoid.
“The legislation also faces political uncertainty if there was to be a change of Government so the 7-to-10-year timeframe for implementation may be well and truly tested.”
About the EMA:
The EMA is New Zealand’s largest business service organisation dedicated to helping people and businesses grow. It offers advice, learning, advocacy and support for more than 7,600 businesses as members of the EMA, ExportNZ and The EMA’s Manufacturers Network. The EMA is part of the BusinessNZ network and its territory spans the upper North Island. The EMA also offers many of its services nationally to member businesses, and through its partners.
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Business and Healthfoods – NZ plant-based food brand Angel Food adds Dairy-Free Feta to its range

Source: Rochester Group  

New Zealand’s number one plant-based cheese brand, Angel Food, has announced that it has added a Dairy-Free Feta to its range of vegan cheeses.  

Made without gluten, nuts, or soy, Angel Food Dairy-Free Feta is suitable for plant-based diets,while providing all the flavour of traditional feta, making it ideal for all feta lovers to enjoy.  It has a similar creamy, crumbly texture and moreish salty, savoury, flavour profile as traditional feta (which is made with sheep’s milk) and is also environmentally friendly – a win for health and the planet.  

Alice Shopland, Founder of Angel Food, said:

“We’re passionate about making allergen-free vegan cheeses that make it easier for consumers to choose plant-based products that are better for the environment. We’ve strived to create a vegan friendly feta that is as close as possible to the original – without compromising on taste or texture.We’re confident that feta lovers will adore this versatile feta, which is great on its own or added to recipes.”

Since 2006, Alice and the Angel Food team has been striving to make plant-based food mainstream via its range of delicious NZ-made vegan foods that are suitable for all diets, whether that be vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian – without having to forgo favourite foods. With a range of vegan foods that are very close to their dairy-based alternatives, it makes it easier for everyone to choose plant-based meals more often and eat more sustainably.

Angel Food Dairy-Free Feta is available nationwide across New Zealand from Countdown and selected New World stores, as well as independent retailers. RRP $8.50 (220g).

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Weather News – Widespread wet and windy weekend – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 August – The fine weather of today and Friday is set to change this weekend. MetService is forecasting a Tasman Sea low to bring widespread wet and windy weather this weekend.

MetService meteorologist Andrew James say, “With high pressure taking hold of the steering wheel through into the weekend, we’ve got a cracking end to the working week for most of the country – Thursday sees showers gradually clear, with just a pesky few remaining in the far south of the South Island, and Friday is looking similar.”

The weekend, however, is a different story. A broad area of low pressure is expected to cross Aotearoa New Zealand during Saturday and Sunday, bringing with it significant and widespread rain and wind.  

Severe Weather Watches for heavy rain are already in place for parts of Westland and Tasman while there is a Strong Wind Watch for Fiordland. Central North Island areas are likely to be added tomorrow. Some of these could be upgraded to warnings if required.

Andrew has more detail “Rain gets going along the South Island’s west coast during Saturday morning, then into the afternoon the system moves onto the North Island. Wherever you are, Saturday’s best weather is going to be early in the day.”

During Sunday the rain and wind continues to move eastwards across the country, with places like the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty potentially set to see the wettest weather.  

“The best advice this weekend is to keep up with the latest forecasts at metservice.com,” says James.

The good news is that the weather is set to settle again after the weekend, as a ridge of higher pressure rebuilds across Aotearoa.  

For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with one of our meteorologists please call 04 4700 848 or email metcomms@metservice.com

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:

This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan

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Horticulture News – Food security to be recognised in RMA replacement act

Source: Horticulture New Zealand

The horticulture industry is celebrating the news that the National and Built Environment Act (NBA) will support commercial fruit and vegetable growing in New Zealand.
‘This is a huge step forward for the horticulture industry as well as consumers of New Zealand-grown fruit and vegetables,’ says HortNZ general manager strategy and policy, Michelle Sands.
‘HortNZ has advocated for more than six years to achieve this outcome. Having the NBA specify that the national planning framework must enable the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables is an explicit recognition of the importance of food security. This recognition will ensure that the growing of fruit and vegetables is a key focus in planning decisions across New Zealand.
‘For years, New Zealand has taken food security for granted. However, Covid and more recently, a series of ongoing adverse weather events, have shown the country that we can have supermarket shelves empty of fresh produce.
‘Fresh fruit and vegetables are fundamental to human health and wellbeing. It’s great to see this fact of life reflected in planning legislation that will influence resource decisions across New Zealand for years to come.’
Blenheim garlic and shallot grower and Vegetables NZ chair, John Murphy says vegetable growers welcome any change in regulation that makes it easier for them to grow fresh, healthy vegetables because of the health and wellbeing benefits.
‘The debate on removing GST on fresh vegetables and fruit has highlighted the challenges that an increasing number of New Zealanders face when trying to eat healthy, fresh food,’ says John.
‘Increasing growers’ ability to grow and expand by improving access to land and water would improve food security and help increase supply and therefore, the availability of fresh vegetables across New Zealand.’ 
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Health News – Indigenous nurses going back to their roots – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

The annual Indigenous Nurses Aotearoa Conference will be going back to its roots by “Reclaiming our Whakapapa – Mana o te wai” its theme for this year.
The conference takes place at the Holiday Inn in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland on Friday and Saturday.
New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku said: “Korero, waiata, moteatea haka or whakatuaki shared by whanau, hapu, and Iwi katoa each have their rhythmic expression to describe the timeliness of whakapapa or a celebration of the beauty of their whenua, acknowledgement of their tipuna or other majestic beauties.
“Our whakapapa connects us and grounds us to our turangawaewae our whenua and our culture, and our rights to protect this taonga is imperative.”
Ms Nuku said indigenous nurses have been historically disenfranchised by a system designed to keep them on the sidelines.
“Lower wages, fewer opportunities, lack of respect, passed over for promotions by virtue of being Māori are just some of the acts of prejudice indigenous nurses experienced in the past.
“As a consequence, at just over 4000, only about 7.5 percent of nurses in Aotearoa are Māori. Our nurse numbers continue to lag behind.”
She said making the system more culturally sensitive and more responsive to the needs of Māori communities offered an obvious solution to problems faced by indigenous people in Aotearoa.
“We need to turn this frustration into action and continue the fight of our whakapapa to push for recognition in a system that makes it difficult for us to even remain relevant.”
Also, on the evening of Friday, 18 August, for the sixth year running the Pharmac Tapuhi Kaitiaki Awards – the Māori nurse awards – will be hosted in tandem with the conference.
Ms Nuku said some truly exceptional nurses and tauira have been recognised over the years through these awards, and she was confident this year would be no different.
“Māori nurses are not only dedicated professionals but great innovators. The Kaitiaki Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase their day-to-day mahi for the betterment of their people.”