Source: Soil & Health Association of New Zealand
Aotearoa New Zealand – Genetically engineered organisms of all kinds must be prevented from being let loose in the environment with no controls, monitoring or public knowledge, says the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand.
The Gene Technology Bill, which is scheduled to have its first reading in Parliament today, would rule a lot of genetic engineering techniques out of scope of regulation. This would mean many GE plants, seeds, microorganisms and animals could be released without any oversight.
“Changing the legal definition of GE doesn’t make these techniques any safer,” said Charles Hyland, chair of the Soil & Health Association. “Gene editing, rather than being precise, has been shown to result in numerous unexpected changes to DNA.”
“Therefore we need a precautionary approach to gene technologies in the outdoor environment, in our food, and for those technologies that involve heritable traits in any species.”
The Bill could mean that GE ryegrass or clover seed, for example, could be sold and sown without the knowledge of farmers, gardeners and their neighbours. It would be almost impossible to prevent the spread of GE plants, which can be spread via wind, insects and other vectors.
“We don’t need GE in food or farming – we already have nature-based solutions to our problems,” said Philippa Jamieson, Organic NZ editor.
“Organic regenerative farming and growing practices result in lower greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner waterways, reduced soil erosion, increased biodiversity and more resilient ecosystems – there’s no need to risk using GE,” she said.
“Our genetic engineering regulations are robust, protective, and must not be loosened.”
Website: www.soilandhealth.org.nz
Chief Ombudsman calls for Corrections to stop the way it is running Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit
Source: Office of the Ombudsman
The Chief Ombudsman says the Department of Corrections must stop the way it’s running the Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit (PERU) because the unit’s prisoners are being ill-treated.
Peter Boshier has released a report that outlines serious concerns about human rights abuses at the unit which is based at Auckland Prison.
“The conditions and treatment in the PERU are cruel, inhuman and degrading and in breach of the United Nations Convention against Torture,” Mr Boshier says.
“I visited the PERU four times over the past 18 months as part of my role in examining and monitoring the treatment of people in prison. Every time I’ve come away with significant concerns about how the prisoners are being treated.
“I acknowledge there are people housed in the PERU who have committed serious crimes, and I know it may be difficult for some to understand why we should care about their treatment and conditions.
“My job is to go into places that are kept under lock and key and shine a light on how human beings are being treated by state institutions like prisons. I strongly believe that if you protect someone’s basic human rights, you are protecting society as a whole.
“In the PERU, I saw the detrimental impact of a state system operating without a clear focus on how it treats people. The treatment and conditions that I observed are not what I expect of our country.
“Corrections is obliged by law to make sure prisoners’ basic human rights are protected and to provide them with rehabilitation opportunities. The vast majority of these men will be re-joining our families, workplaces and communities at the end of their sentences. Ill-treatment in prison does not support their rehabilitation or successful reintegration.”
Mr Boshier says prisoners at the PERU are being subjected to prolonged and potentially indefinite solitary confinement as well as oppressive living conditions including limited access to natural light and fresh air.
“Most people in the PERU have been there for many months, sometimes several years. They routinely spend 24 hours a day locked up alone and are denied meaningful human contact for long periods of time. This is a blatant breach of international human rights conventions.
“I have also found evidence of a disproportionate use of force on prisoners as well as excessive and unjustified instances of search and surveillance.
“At-risk prisoners are constantly watched on CCTV, even in toilet and shower areas and checked on every 15 minutes, day and night. At night, Corrections Officers shine torches through the hatches of these prisoners’ cells every 15 minutes. Conversely, camera footage and record keeping related to incidents where use of force occurs is inadequate.”
Mr Boshier says since the PERU was set up in 2019, it has grown in capacity, scope and purpose.
“The unit has been allowed to develop with seemingly little scrutiny or formal consultation. It is managed by a Directorate made up of a small number of Corrections staff who have inappropriate autonomy and manage the unit at their own discretion.
“Decision-making isn’t transparent and involves the same small group of people. There are insufficient checks and balances in place to ensure appropriate conditions and treatment of the prisoners.
“The PERU placement process categorises all prisoners in the unit as ‘extreme risk’ and all are subjected to maximum security conditions.
“That is despite them having distinct and varying degrees of risk. The unit includes prisoners with extremist ideologies, those involved in transnational crime, and prisoners with a high propensity for violence. It also includes prisoners who are at risk of harm from others or on remand and not yet convicted. Their guilt or innocence has yet to be proven.
“The PERU model fails to differentiate between these groups and the different types of interventions they need. It is entirely inappropriate for Corrections to allow the Directorate to use an oppressive, one-size-fits-all approach.”
Mr Boshier says he has raised his concerns with Corrections on a number of occasions.
“They’ve advised me that some practices have changed or are changing but I’ve seen scant evidence of that and I remain deeply concerned.
“The current operating model at the PERU does not fit with New Zealand’s values as a humane society and it has to stop.
“The fact remains that human rights are universal. These prisoners have basic rights to safe and fair treatment. It is my job is to uphold the dignity and honour of everyone in society and I will continue to expose cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment when I see it.”
The Chief Ombudsman has recommended Corrections stops the way it is currently running the PERU and ends prolonged solitary confinement.
Govt Cuts – New Zealanders be warned – more brutal cuts to public services coming – PSA
Source: PSA
The toll in lives lost will only rise further
The opening of the books today shows the Government is determined to keep making brutal cuts to public services which will cost lives.
“This reckless drive to cut costs shows the Government is prepared to put dollars ahead of the lives of New Zealanders,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, acting National Secretary of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“International evidence proves austerity costs lives.”
Research by Glasgow University shows people dying younger and the poorest areas of the UK being the hardest hit. An additional 335,000 deaths were observed across Scotland, England & Wales between 2012 and 2019 during a time of deep cuts to public spending by the Conservative Government. [1]
“This Government is heading down the same path, decimating Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Health, Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Pacific Peoples, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry for Social Development and the Department of Conservation.
“These agencies have suffered deep cuts that will mean they can’t do their job properly and all New Zealanders will suffer. The impacts of these cuts will be investigated and uncovered by coroners, Ministerial Inquiries and Royal Commissions in the future as we chart back why accidents happened and services were not able to fulfil their role.
“History and now fresh evidence tell us that austerity doesn’t work, but the Government is failing to listen. Today in the Budget Policy Statement it set the stage for further deep and broad cuts which will impact the services New Zealanders need now and in the future.
“Public service workers and the valuable work they do are being sacrificed for this irresponsible obsession. The Government must re-think its approach.”
Background
The Budget Policy Statement today stated that “savings will need to be found, beyond those already identified in the previous Budget. And third, with a small number of exceptions, government departments should expect to receive no additional funding in the Budget”.
Public service job losses and cuts to date include:
– Over 400 staff at Oranga Tamariki and deep funding cuts for community providers like Family Start and the Salvation Army supporting families and children at risk.
– Over 700 staff who ensure our social security system supports those who need help like families doing it tough and the elderly.
– The gutting of Kāinga Ora which has led a successful social housing build programme.
– Around 500 scientists and researchers who are dealing with climate change and helping build a more innovative and productive economy.
– The restructure of hazard watching GeoNet service which helps New Zealand prepare for life-threatening natural hazards like volcanoes and earthquakes.
– The loss of digital harm specialists at the Department of Internal Affairs who keep the internet safe from those who want to harm children.
Immigration Minister delivers changes in time for Christmas – Federated Farmers
Source: Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers say Santa Claus needs to move over, because it’s Immigration Minister Erica Stanford who is really delivering for farmers this Christmas.
Earlier today Stanford announced important immigration reforms that include much-needed changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa requirements.
“These changes are a significant step forward and will be welcome news for many farming families across New Zealand,” Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson Richard McIntyre says.
“It’s been an incredibly tough few seasons, with huge pressure on farmers who have been unable to find the staff they need to run their businesses.
“Federated Farmers have raised concerns directly with the Minister, she’s listened, and now she’s made some changes that will make a real difference on the ground.”
The critical changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa settings include:
- Removing the requirement to pay new migrant staff at least the median wage ($31.61/hour), which made no sense for entry-level positions.
- Streamlining Ministry of Social Development requirements, and removing the 21-day mandatory waiting period, to improve the speed of processing times.
- Extending the duration of visas for ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles to three years, up from two years plus a one-year extension previously.
- Reducing work experience requirements for skilled migrant staff from three years down to two years, increasing the pool of farm workers who qualify.
“These are big changes that will have a meaningful impact for the upcoming farming season, particularly during busy periods like calving and lambing,” McIntyre says.
“It never made any sense to have to pay what are essentially entry-level farming staff the median wage, particularly when that’s more than what a Kiwi in the same role would be earning
“All that did was inflate the wage bill for farmers who were already under huge pressure, desperate to find staff, and couldn’t find any suitable Kiwis who wanted to do the work.”
McIntyre is particularly pleased to see the length of visas for ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles extended to three years – a shift Federated Farmers had specifically requested.
“What this means is a staff member can stay in the country for three years on one single visa, instead of needing two visas by the time you apply for the one-year extension,” he says.
“This will cut thousands of dollars in costs for farmers, but will also mean a lot less stress and uncertainty for both the farmer and the employee who just want to get on with their farming.”
Federated Farmers welcome the changes announced by the Minister and look forward to engaging constructively with her on these issues in the New Year.
Security – Christmas scam warning for travellers and revellers
Source: Master Locksmiths Association
The Master Locksmiths Association has warned of a Christmas holiday spike in people locking themselves out of homes and cars, and urged holidaymakers and partygoers not to fall for scams perpetrated by overseas criminal gangs posing as 24/7 emergency locksmiths.
The association launched a national campaign in November to publicise the scam, that is costing New Zealanders millions of dollars each year, and was then inundated with calls from people who have been ripped off – many by more than $1000 or much more.
But Master Locksmiths president Martin Coote said the criminals haven’t been stopped and, according to law enforcement sources, are still spending more than $150,000 per month on Google ads to be at the top of search results.
Mr Coote says the travellers staying in Airbnb and apartment accommodation should be careful because lockouts rarely happen during times when spare keys can be accessed.
“Real estate agents and Airbnb owners aren’t usually available in the middle of the night and some may not even be located close by, but the criminals will be ready for the callout and are known to target travellers.”
He said Christmas time is also party time when people lose keys and find themselves locked out.
“These criminals quote a small fee – maybe around $40 – to come out and then add fake charges of between $500 and $2000, often wreck the lock and then don’t leave until they are paid on the spot.
“If you’ve had a few drinks, they will detect this and try and charge you even more as they prey on vulnerable people.”
Mr Coote said the only way to protect yourself is to search for a locksmith through the Master Locksmiths website – findamasterlocksmith.co.nz – and search “Find a Master Locksmith.”
“I’d suggest finding a Master Locksmith in your area now and saving it on your phone so if the unexpected happens you won’t be caught by scammers,” Mr Coote said.
How to spot the criminal scam
- Website listing only as 24/7 or emergency locksmiths (no legitimate locksmiths specialise in this).
- Websites that don’t look local – no address or fake address, clearly photos that are all stock images, no “about” section or mention of who runs the company.
- You will be quoted a small amount of money – usually between $35 and $120. Often the person will arrive quickly.
- The fake locksmith will not be wearing a uniform and will be driving an unmarked vehicle (all Master Locksmiths drive marked vans and wear uniforms).
- The fake locksmith will often damage the lock and do a shoddy job. The final invoice will include a multitude of fake charges and be many times higher than originally quoted.
To avoid being scammed
The only way to be sure you are engaging a qualified Master Locksmith is to search https://www.findamasterlocksmith.co.nz
Serious injury outcome indicators: 2000–2023 – Stats NZ information release
Source: Statistics New Zealand
Serious injury outcome indicators: 2000–2023 – 17 December 2024 – Serious injury outcome indicators present the annual number and rate of serious injury outcomes in New Zealand, through a set of indicators for fatal and non-fatal injuries.
Note: We are now publishing the Work-related injury targets at a glance: 2008–2023 Excel file on this page to present the three indicators used for monitoring the Government’s targets to reduce work-related injuries together.
Update to environmental indicator – Stats NZ information release
Source: Statistics New Zealand
Update to environmental indicator – 17 December 2024 – Stats NZ has today updated the following environmental indicator:
We report on total irrigated agricultural land in hectares for 2002, 2017, and 2022, both nationally and by region. We also report it by dominant farm type. The 2017 and 2022 data provide additional breakdowns of irrigated agricultural land by land use and irrigation system.
Business – EMA supports refinements to Accredited Employer Work Visa system
Source: EMA
The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) supports the announcement made today by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford to continue to refine the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
EMA Senior Policy Advisor Joanna Hall says employers need timely access to the skills they need to ensure they stay competitive.
“The EMA supports efforts to streamline the AEWV system and improve its timeliness,” she says.
“In particular, it’s good to see the removal of the median wage threshold, which has contributed to recent inflation challenges.”
“However, the devil is often in the detail when it comes to immigration changes and implementation.
“We’d like to see an AEWV system that is well designed for all users and doesn’t impose undue compliance processes and costs onto employers.”
Hall says that refinements to the AEWV need to enhance New Zealand’s international attractiveness as a country that welcomes talented and qualified migrants.
“These changes are positive steps, and we look forward to further moves by the government to help employers secure the skilled migrants that will increase the country’s economic wellbeing,” she says.
Health and Advocacy – New programme to help protect youth exposed to gambling hidden in online gaming – Drug Foundation
Source: NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri
An increasingly blurred line between gaming and gambling is harming young people, says the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF).
New tools for secondary schools are being produced to help counter the impacts, as part of a partnership between PGF and Tūturu, a secondary schools’ programme run by the NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri.
PGF’s Director of Advocacy and Public Health Andrée Froude says early exposure to gambling behaviours can lead to long-term harm.
“Loot boxes, designed to mimic gambling, are a common feature in many video games such as Counter-Strike, with players paying to receive randomised items, weapons, or upgrades. A 2017 study found that nearly half of loot boxes reviewed were considered gambling-like.” (ref. https://drugfoundation.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=12b1eb03b683b7209e15a8fcb&id=132180d19b&e=19a223383c )
Tūturu works to increase students’ resilience and critical thinking skills, build pastoral care pathways, and improve school environments to keep young people engaged in school. The programme provides curriculum materials and other resources to schools and builds collaboration between secondary schools and local health providers.
Earlier this year Mapu Maia, a charity that supports Pasifika communities in preventing gambling harm, flagged unregulated online gambling as a growing concern. It reported school counsellors and social workers were increasingly seeking help for young people gambling online, with some students spending thousands of dollars of their parents’ money.
The Problem Gambling Foundation has put together a fact sheet to help parents talk to young people about gambling.
Health and Employment – Wellington NZNO members to strike tomorrow
Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation
Wellington NZNO members employed by Te Whatu Ora will tomorrow (Wednesday 18 December) strike for four hours over patient safety concerns following recent collective bargaining with Health NZ.
New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) members fear Te Whatu Ora’s plans to pause a key component of its safe staffing programme put patient and whānau safety and wellbeing at risk.
NZNO Wellington delegate and spokesperson Jinty Graham says understaffing means nurses are under constant stress trying to perform their duties.
“Being continually short-staffed is demoralising for nurses. We are unable to give our patients the level of care and request they need.
“As nurses we come to work every day not knowing if the ward is going to be safe to work on,” Jinty Graham says.
WHEN: Wednesday 18 December 2024
WHERE: Outside Wellington Hospital, 49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
TIME: 1pm-3pm.