Category: MIL OSI

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Posted on

Banking News – The Co-operative Bank welcomes proposed focus for banking market study

Source: The Co-operative Bank

CEO of The Co-operative Bank, Mark Wilkshire, has today welcomed the Commerce Commission’s Preliminary Issues paper for its market study into personal banking.

The Co-operative Bank is in a unique position as the only home-grown New Zealand bank that is owned by customers and shares its profits with customers as rebates. It focuses on the banking needs of everyday New Zealanders – which is also the focus of the study – rather than business and corporate banking.  
 
“The focus of the study on personal banking and the products that are most relevant to most people, in particular deposit accounts and home loans, is good news for everyday New Zealanders,” Wilkshire said.  
 
“New Zealanders are increasingly under pressure due to the rising cost of living. For many, a home loan is a significant part of this household expenditure. It is important that New Zealand banking customers are getting a fair deal.”
 
Wilkshire also welcomed the Commission’s focus on the nature of competition in the sector, and the ease of switching between banks.
 
“The Co-operative Bank supports increased competition within the New Zealand banking industry, which will ultimately deliver better outcomes for customers. 
 
Wilkshire says that The Co-operative Bank is built around growing together and sharing the gains with customers, and that more New Zealanders could benefit from a better way to bank.   
 
“Not being overseas owned by shareholders whose main interest is often simply on maximising their own return has enabled The Co-operative Bank to focus on offering fair, competitive rates particularly on our term deposit and mortgage rates, making it possible for our customers to enjoy both award-winning service and a very competitive price.”
 
 The success of The Co-operative Bank is measured across a range of factors including customer satisfaction and people engagement, not just its operating profit.  

About The Co-operative Bank
 
The Co-operative Bank is the only bank in New Zealand to share its profits with its customers. We offer what you’d expect from a bank – accounts, lending, insurances and more but we’re truly different from other banks in that we’re owned by our customers and we were built on the idea of giving back. Since 2013 we have shared $20m with our customers in the form of rebates. We have 25 branches throughout the country, and around 172,000 customers from all over New Zealand.
 
In 2023 The Co-operative Bank has been rated first in the Consumer NZ People’s Choice Awards in banking for the second year running, ranking first in the 13 major satisfaction areas for banking.
 
We’re here to help New Zealanders bank better.

Posted on

Australia Business News – Red Shoots secures partnership with Australian retail giant Coles

Source: Rochester Group

Auckland-based FMCG brand incubator Red Shoots, founded by Rhona Mackenzie and James Sweetbaum, is pleased to announce a $1 Million retail partnership with Australian supermarket, retail and consumer services chain, Coles.

Red Shoot’s Daily Good’s Immunity Shots, which are proudly made in NZ, will be stocked in +700 stores nationwide from mid-September, marking a major milestone for Red Shoots.  

Rhona MacKenzie, Co-Founder of Red Shoots (Daily Good), said:  

“We’re thrilled to have secured a retail partnership with Coles, one of Australia’s largest retailers. We’re confident that Coles’ consumers will love our premium Immunity Shots, which meet the growing demand for ‘food as medicine’ that supports immune health. As a purpose-led brand that was created to ‘do good’, this will further enable us to support our partner farm in Fiji, Ranadi Organics, and the vital women focused impact work that they do.”

Ranadi Organics provides USDA-certified Organic Fijian Turmeric and Ginger for Daily Good’s products.  In turn, the proceeds from Daily Good help to provide a commercially viable source of income for Ranadi Organics, which allows them to continue to drive scale for their impact work, which supports rural Fijian women within their community.    

Formulated with super organic superfoods, Daily Good’s Immunity Shots provide a well-rounded health boost and support immunity naturally. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and have no added fillers, combining Organic Fijian Ginger, premium NZ Manuka Honey, Lemon Juice, and Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in every bottle. The additional flavours are then bolstered with Organic Fijian Turmeric and Organic Blackcurrant.  

Flavours within the range include Daily Good Organic Fiji Turmeric Immunity Shots; Daily Good Organic Blackcurrant Immunity Shots; and Daily Good Organic Fiji Ginger Immunity Shots.  

Daily Good is priced from $19.00 and is available in NZ in the Countdown stores in the Health Food aisle or can be purchased online through HealthPost or dailygood.co.nz. In Australia, Daily Good is available from Woolworths and Coles (from mid-September).

About Daily Good  

Launched in 2020, Daily Good is a purpose-led company that was born during the initial Covid-19 lockdown based on the premise that good ingredients make great products and answering the increased focus on wellbeing that Kiwis and those abroad now had with a new ‘way of life’. Daily Good is developed by Red Shoots, a Kiwi company founded by FMCG entrepreneur Rhona Mackenzie and James Sweetbaum whose family has owned and operated Daily Good’s partner farm in Fiji, Ranadi Organics for over 60 years. Ranadi Organics’ female-focused impact work that provides livelihoods, housing, and education for rural Fijian women.   

Awards  

Since launch Daily Good has won numerous industry awards:  

NZ Artisan Awards 2022 – 3 Golds  
Great Taste – Two Awards  
NZ FMCG Product of the Year – 2022  

NZ Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards  

2021: Gold, Silver, Bronze  
2022: Silver, Silver, Bronze  
2023: Gold, Gold, Silver  

Posted on

Rural News – Updated – Farmer confidence hits a new record low – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

A recent survey of over 1000 dairy, sheep, beef, and arable farmers has found that confidence is at historic lows, says Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford.
“Farmers are dealing with a lot at the moment with high interest rates, huge inflation, and a steep decline in both meat and milk prices they receive for their products,” Langford said. “We’re also facing an unprecedented level of regulatory change that is heaping on costs, undermining profitability, and creating huge uncertainty for farmers.
“Unfortunately, all these challenges have arrived at the same time, which just compounds the pressure farmers are feeling – it’s just not sustainable.
“We have real concerns about farmer wellbeing and what this might mean for farming families, rural communities, and the wider New Zealand economy.
“When farmers aren’t profitable or feeling confident, they stop spending money and try to cut any costs they can from their business, and the implications of that flow right through the economy,” Landford said.
The Farmer Confidence survey was conducted in July 2023. Concerningly, this was prior to Fonterra’s announcement last week that they were slashing $1 from their 2023/24 forecast milk price.
The four biggest concerns for farmers were debt, interest and banks, regulation and compliance costs, and climate change and ETS policy. “This is the second successive farmer confidence survey to set a new record low with a steep decline over the last six months – so we’re sounding the alarm,” Langford said.
“The deterioration in farmer profit has occurred at frightening speed. This time last year, just 3.5% of farmers reported making a loss. That figure jumped to 27% in this survey, which was conducted prior to Fonterra announcing its payout downgrade.
“This should serve as a wake-up call for all political parties, banks, and processors that something needs to urgently change. There needs to be a real focus on reducing the costs and uncertainty farmers are facing.
“Federated Farmers have recently released a roadmap for restoring farmer confidence with 12 policy priorities for the next Government – I’d suggest politicians may want to re-read it,” Langford concluded.
The survey’s findings:
  • 81% of respondents considered current economic to be bad. 1% considered them to be good. This results in a net rating of negative 80% That’s 15 points worse than in the January 2023 survey, when a net negative 65% score.
  • This is the lowest level of confidence in economic conditions recorded in Federated Farmers surveys that have been conducted twice a year since 2009.
  • 29% of respondents reported making a profit, 27% reported making a loss, resulting in a net 1.8% of respondents currently making a profit. This is a sharp decline from July 2022 when 72% were making a profit and only 3.5% were making a loss.
  • Profit was lowest in the Meat & Wool sector. Note this survey was done before the recent forecast downgrade by Fonterra.
  • 3% of respondents thought economic conditions would improve in the next 12 months compared to 73% who thought they would worsen. This results in a net-confidence rating of negative 70%. This is a little better than in January but is only because more people thought it would stay the same rather than any pick-up in those thinking it would improve.
  • Just 4% of respondents expected their profitability to improve over the next 12 months, while 74% expected it to reduce. This results in a net-negative 70% profitability expectations score.
  • Worryingly, 22% of respondents expected to reduce production in the next 12 months while only 14.5% expected it to increase. This results in a net negative 7.5% score for production expectations. It is the third survey in a row where production expectations have been negative.
  • 45% expected to reduce spending in the next 12 months compared to 35% who expected to increase spending. This results in a net negative 11% score for spending expectations.
  • The greatest concerns for  farmers were:
  • Debt, Interest & Banks
  • Regulation & Compliance Costs
  • Climate Change Policy & ETS
  • Farmgate & Commodity Prices
  • The top priorities for  government action were:
  • Economy & Business Environment
  • Fiscal Policy
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Climate Change Policy & ETS
Posted on

Environment News – EPA approves first methane inhibitor in New Zealand

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a feed additive to reduce methane emissions in livestock.
DSM Nutritional Products Ltd (DSM) applied to import or manufacture a substance containing 10-25% of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) – a chemical that is new to Aotearoa New Zealand.
DSM says 3-NOP can reduce methane emissions from ruminant animals, including cows, sheep and goats, by 30 percent.
“Substances for climate change mitigation are still new to New Zealand and are important for meeting New Zealand’s international obligations under climate agreements. This is the country’s first application for a methane inhibitor, so it was important to confirm how 3-NOP would be used and the information we required to carry out an appropriate risk assessment,” says Dr Chris Hill, General Manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms.
“We carry out a comprehensive assessment for every hazardous substance application. Our assessments are focused on scientific data and evidence, economic information, and local information, as well as cultural perspectives to ensure we continue to protect people and our environment.
“To ensure this was a robust assessment, the application was subject to a number of requests for additional information. DSM also put the application on hold for around eight months, so they could compile further information for the risk assessment process.”
In concentrated forms, 3-NOP can pose significant risks to people and the EPA has put in place rules for safely using the substance.
This application does not cover lower concentrations of 3-NOP likely to be added in the final products used in agriculture or by farmers, and some formulations may require separate EPA approval.
The EPA is working closely with MPI on the regulation of methane (and nitrogen) inhibitors, with the aim of streamlining the EPA’s application and assessment process for these substances.
Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, the EPA is responsible for the assessment of risks to human health and the environment.
MPI is responsible for assessing efficacy, animal welfare, the potential for residues in food, and risks to trade in primary produce. They have yet to receive an application from DSM.
Application timeline:
– In February 2021, the EPA formally received an application from DSM for 3-NOP and began working on a risk assessment.
– The EPA determined the initial hazard classifications for multiple concentrations of 3-NOP and this was shared with DSM.
– In April 2021, the EPA held meetings and discussions with the applicant on a range of technical and procedural matters. This produced additional information for assessment.
– In August 2021, DSM put the application on hold while they compiled further information for a lower hazard classification for 3-NOP than the EPA initially recommended.
– In March 2022, the EPA received this information and asked for further clarifications about the application. We also completed a Māori Impact Assessment.
– The applicant subsequently revised the scope of their application, and the EPA included this information in its risk assessment.
– In June 2023, we shared our science memo, staff report, and Māori Impact Assessment with DSM to review and comment on before the application was submitted for consideration by the delegated decision maker.
– The application was decided on 31 July 2023
Posted on

Weather News – Snow gone by the weekend, but the cold temperatures linger

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 August – A cold front, which closed several roads over the South Island this morning (Thursday), is moving over the North Island today, lowering snow to 5-600m over the lower and central North Island. MetService is forecasting settled weather behind the cold front today or tomorrow before another set of weather features moves over the country this weekend.

April Clark, MetService meteorologist, said, “Snow affecting the upper South Island, including the higher suburbs of Christchurch, is on the easing trend, with showers and snow set to gradually clear.”

“As for the North Island, showers and bitter conditions are expected throughout the day, with snow lowering to 5-600m over southern and central regions. Road Snow Warnings are out for the Remutaka Hill Road, Desert Road and Napier-Taupō Road this afternoon and evening” Clark continued.

The settled, but icy, weather, which is already gracing the lower South Island today, is due to a ridge of high pressure which has started to move in behind the cold front. Skies are expected to clear over the rest of the country tomorrow as the ridge moves north.

Clear skies after this polar blast makes a perfect recipe for freezing overnight temperatures. Many inland regions of the South Island are looking to drop more than a couple of degrees below zero overnight tonight. Queenstown is looking to plummet to -5C tomorrow, which could be their coldest temperature this year so far, but well off their all-time low of -12.2C in July 1995 . The coldest temperatures in the North Island will most likely happen Saturday morning with Masterton set to drop to -3C.

“The Women’s World Cup quarter finals in Wellington and Auckland on Friday have picked their weather window well; with today’s wet weather forecast to clear by both kick-offs tomorrow. However, layers will be the key, even if the packed stadiums will help raise the cool temperatures by a degree or two!” Clark commented.  

Over the weekend a couple of fronts moves northwards over both the North and South Islands, though most of the rain associated with each will be contained to western regions, leaving the east mostly fine. Both daytime and overnight temperatures make a slight recovery as these fronts move over.

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

Posted on

Banking News – Preliminary ComCom report confirms NZ banks amongst most profitable in the world

Source: First Union

“On all three measures, New Zealand banks have consistently been above the upper quartile of sampled countries for the last eight years. From 2015 to 2019 NZ banks had the highest return on equity across all sampled countries”, said FIRST Union Researcher and Policy Analyst Edward Miller.
FIRST Union Retail Finance and Commerce Secretary Bill Bradford said the research confirmed what NZ consumers already feel on a daily basis.
“Working people already know they are being taken for a ride by the Big Four banks, that consistently generate record profits off the back of a brutal housing and cost of living crisis”, said Bradford.
“Bank workers are similarly dismayed that after extracting so much wealth from our communities and delivering billions in dividends to their offshore parent companies, they are still offering real wage cuts in collective bargaining”, said Bradford.
“Yesterday, Westpac workers said enough is enough, and began industrial action against this institutional rort. The Commerce Commission’s findings will add further fuel to this fire. NZ banks would be well advised to reconsider how they value their workforce and the communities they rely on.”
Posted on

Tech News – Bitdefender releases macOS Threat Landscape Report

Source: Bitdefender

AUCKLAND – 10 August 2023 – Bitdefender has revealed at Black Hat USA 2023 the macOS Threat Landscape Report, which looks at the top threats and trends targeting Apple’s macOS operating system over the duration of 12 months.

The report aims to dispel the myth that Apple products such as macOS and iOS are free from cybercriminal targeting and campaigns. On the contrary, although targeting is less frequent, findings show that cybercriminals will go to greater lengths to get Mac users to click malicious links to implant malware such as trojans and ransomware.

Key Findings

  • Mac users are targeted by three key threats: Trojans, Adware and Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs)
  • Trojans are the biggest single threat to Macs, accounting for more than half of threat detections followed by PUAs and Adware
  • EvilQuest remains the single most common piece of malware targeting Macs at 52.7%
  • Trojans designed to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities present a real danger to users who typically postpone installing the latest security patches from Apple
  • With a 25.3% share, PUAs represent a quarter of ‘executable’ threats to Macs
  • 8% of PUA detections on Macs are crypto miners and 1% are jailbreak utilities
  • Trojans designed to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities present a real danger to users who typically postpone installing the latest security patches from Apple
  • Threats designed to infect Macs typically require victims to manually run an executable
  • Threat actors put effort into making malware packages look and feel like legitimate applications.

Data gathered annually by Bitdefender shows that Mac users are mainly targeted by three key threats: Trojans, Adware and Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs). While named differently, these hazards share one trait: they require victims to manually run the threat, meaning their authors try hard to make their malware look like legitimate applications.

Trojans

Just like the years prior, Trojans remain the biggest single threat to Macs, accounting for more than half of the threats detected. Threat actors use every trick in the book to infect systems, including socially engineered communications (e.g., spam, phishing, social media); rigged advertisements (malvertising); and tainted file downloads via torrent or warez websites.

Most Trojan families listed in the report are household names in the macOS threat landscape. While some can be considered legacy malware, threat actors still use them, with some degree of success, as many users don’t configure proper security settings and/or deploy a dedicated security solution.

Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs)

PUAs occupy the second spot, with more than a quarter of detections. Walking the thin line between nuisance and threat, PUAs are commonly found as freeware, repackaged applications or utility apps (i.e., system cleaners) with hidden functionality like data tracking and coin mining.

Some PUAs hijack the user’s browser, changing the default search engine and installing plugins without consent. Highly aggressive PUAs can modify third-party apps, download additional (unsolicited) software, and alter system settings. With a 25.3 per cent share, PUAs represent a quarter of ‘executable’ threats to Macs.

Even with Apple keeping close tabs on the ecosystem, developers have flooded the market with ‘shady’ apps, some persuasive enough to get users to disable restrictions and run apps from any source. While most PUA detections are generic in nature, common names still crop up in Bitdefender’s telemetry.

Adware

Adware follows closely, at just over a fifth of threats targeting Mac computers. Adware enables developers to make money out of advertising other products, sometimes in an aggressive way and with spyware-like behaviour. Adware accounts for more than a fifth of threats targeting Macs. Like most file-based threats, adware ends up on computers after users wilfully run freeware programs, fake installers, software downloaded from torrents and wares sites, pirated programs, malicious links, malvertising, and others.

Report Conclusion

“It’s true that Apple’s ecosystem – often touted as a walled garden safe from malware – enjoys a narrower range of threats than Microsoft’s or Google’s ecosystems. However, our research shows that this apparent safety net isn’t impenetrable. In fact, this false sense of protection often means malware tailored to infect Macs is better suited to its goals. Threat actors have less attack surface to exploit, so they are forced to optimise their techniques and procedures to ensure better success.

“In recent years, Apple has issued a multitude of security patches to address critical weaknesses that were said to be ‘actively exploited’ by threat actors. Many of those flaws were found in key components shared by both Macs and iPhones. Many (if not most) users procrastinate updating software and deploying security fixes. And statistics show that the vast majority of Mac owners use older generations of macOS.

“Bitdefender recommends that Mac users stay up to date with the latest OS version and always apply the newest security patches. Equally important, never download software from unofficial sources, like torrents and warez sites. These hubs harbour most of the threats discussed in this report. Our findings send a clear signal that Mac users are becoming more vulnerable to online threats, making it important to deploy a dedicated security solution to keep watch over any potential malicious activity.”

The full report can be accessed here. https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/435/Bitdefender-PR-macOSThreats-report-creat7116-en-EN-interactive.pdf

About Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a cybersecurity leader delivering best-in-class threat prevention, detection, and response solutions worldwide. Guardian over millions of consumer, business, and government environments, Bitdefender is one of the industry’s most trusted experts for eliminating threats, protecting privacy and data, and enabling cyber resilience. With deep investments in research and development, Bitdefender Labs discovers over 400 new threats each minute and validates around 40 billion daily threat queries. The company has pioneered breakthrough innovations in antimalware, IoT security, behavioural analytics, and artificial intelligence, and its technology is licensed by more than 150 of the world’s most recognised technology brands. Launched in 2001, Bitdefender has customers in 170+ countries with offices around the world.

Posted on

Climate and Economy News – RBNZ releases ‘Too Little, Too Late’ climate stress test scenario

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

10 August 2023 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ) has published the stress test scenario that our largest banks are using to test their ability to withstand severe, but plausible long-term climate-related challenges.

Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby says each year we run stress tests to assess banks’ resilience, making sure they have enough capital to withstand severe shocks, while being able to continue supporting the economy. In the case of the climate stress test, the main purpose is to improve banks’ capability to manage climate-related risks.

“Climate change is already impacting the global economy and the risks are expected to intensify. The severe weather events in the North Island this year are examples of climate change playing out locally. Globally we are seeing the extreme climate crises other countries are dealing with,” Mr Hawkesby says.

“As kaitiaki of Aotearoa’s financial system, we have a role to play in helping the financial industry prepare for the growing physical and transition risks that climate change poses, and that’s what this stress test scenario aims to do.”

“We appreciate banks’ willingness to participate in the climate stress test and look forward to collectively building our understanding of how climate risks may playout in the banking sector and building the capability to manage those risks.”
 
The 2023 scenario, titled ‘Too Little Too Late’ was developed in consultation with the participating banks – ANZ, ASB, BNZ, KiwiBank and Westpac – and climate experts. It is based on core components of scenarios developed by the Network for Greening the Financial System, plus New Zealand specific elements. Banks have until the end of this year to determine their exposure to climate-related risks by modelling the effects of the scenario on their balance sheets out to 2050. We will publish an aggregate report on how the banks performed next year.
 
While work by participating banks is progressing, non-participating banks and other financial institutions may find the scenario helpful as they consider and develop their own responses to climate risks.

More information

RBNZ releases ‘Too Little, Too Late’ climate stress test scenario – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=975007c1b0&e=f3c68946f8

Climate Stress Test – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua  https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=6ba698943e&e=f3c68946f8

Stress testing regulated entities – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua  https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=99003f5127&e=f3c68946f8

Posted on

Arts and Education – Not only did his first short story fulfill his goal to write and publish something creative, it also earned Hāmihi Duncan a place in Te Tauihu Short Story Awards

Source: Te Pukenga

Not only did his first short story fulfill his goal to write and publish something creative, it also earned Hāmihi Duncan a place in Te Tauihu Short Story Awards.
Hāmihi is a kaiako at NMIT Te Pūkenga and won the $500 second prize in the Māori option with his story Kua Tau Mai Te Pō.
He says it was inspired by a dream he had in his early twenties, when he was living a long way from home in the north of Italy.
“When I reflect on the dream now, it was like the manifestation of a fear of detachment,” he says. “Feeling like I no longer had my parents to rely on financially or emotionally-it was equally thrilling and frightening.”
Hāmihi says people will read different things into it, but the dream sparked what turned out to be a horror story.
“It’s set in the present, but with archaic buildings, and a backpacker arrives in a piazza in Italy during the off season. He is alone, with little money, and night is falling. When he approaches the only place open to ask for a bed, he is brutally rejected and there is a violent, confrontational response.”
Although this is his first short story, Hāmihi began writing when he travelled outside Aotearoa in 1997.
“When I started writing this story, it seemed to just roll onto the page-the images, characters and events are familiar,” he says. “I wrote it down maybe three or four times in English and twice in te reo Māori.”
He says writing in te reo Māori felt natural – like he was accessing some sort of imaginative main artery.
“Sometimes when you write in te reo Māori you reach for a word and it might not fit, but in this story, I felt like the words came out quite nicely.”
“It has an imaginative quality to it, and you feel like you were there. When I read it, I can feel my heart beating a bit faster.”
The stories submitted in the Māori language section were judged by Stacey Morrison (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu) and she commented on Hāmihi’s story:
‘A short story that takes the reader on an eventful journey, skillfully told and unexpected. He iti te kupu, nui te kōrero. He pārekareka ki ngā karu o te kaipānui.’
The Te Tauihu Short Story Awards attracted entries from established writers nationwide.
Posted on

Environment – Greenpeace rebrands MPI building as ‘Ministry for Destructive Fishing’

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace activists have hung a net full of ‘bycatch’ outside the Ministry for Primary Industries building in Auckland this morning, rebranding the government department ‘The Ministry for Destructive Fishing’.
“Bottom trawling is the worst of the worst, destroying the seafloor and wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems”, says Greenpeace Aotearoa programme director Niamh O’Flynn..
“Clearly the Ministry has been captured by industry interests that put profit above ocean health. This was an opportunity to protect and restore ocean life by banning bottom trawling and they have chosen not to, despite the evidence, and despite the public mandate.”
“It’s as if the Ministry thinks that it works for the fishing industry in the interests of profit even if it means allowing indiscriminately destructive fishing practices to continue.”
“Today activists placed a net over an MPI sign to symbolise that they have been captured, and challenge them to do better.
“We can have a thriving ocean but any government serious about that has got to take action against bottom trawling, and ban it from the places it does the most harm. It’s what people want, and it’s what the ocean needs.”
The decision to allow bottom trawling to continue in areas of the Gulf was made as part of the Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan released yesterday. The plan offers some protective measures but still allows bottom trawl methods including trawling, dredging and Danish seining, to continue in large areas of the marine park euphemistically dubbed “trawl corridors”.
A broad alliance of groups, including Greenpeace Aotearoa, made submissions on the plan calling for a total ban on all bottom trawl methods to protect the marine park which has been pushed to the brink by years of destructive human activity and fishing practices.
Says O’Flynn: “Over 36,000 people have called for a ban on bottom trawling in the Marine Park and in April hundreds showed up on the water and at Mission Bay beach to show their support. It’s time for the government, MPI and the Minister for Oceans & Fisheries Rachel Brooking to listen to these voices and act to ban trawl methods from the Gulf.
“The movement against bottom trawling is strong and it won’t be stopped. Moving away from this method is urgent. We need political leaders with the courage to stand up to industry interests, and start making real gains for ocean protection before it’s too late.”