Category: MIL-Submissions

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Transport Sector – Tolling reform essential in resolving the transport deficit

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Tolling law reform announcement
National road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand says the Minister of Transport’s announcement on tolling reform shows the Government is committed to delivering a modern, safe and efficient roading network.
The Government has announced it will introduce legislation to enable NZTA to raise more roading revenue through use of road tolling. This includes enabling tolling of existing roads that gain capacity or are extended by new projects, linking toll prices to inflation, and requiring heavy vehicles to use tolled roads where they are designed to divert traffic from built-up areas.
Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says while the reforms will be controversial, greater use of road tolling and other revenue tools are essential to delivering a roading system that delivers for all Kiwis.
“Nobody enjoys stumping up for road tolls, particularly when motorists are already contributing to road construction and maintenance through Fuel Excise Duty or Road User Charges. This is particularly the case for road freight companies, who pay the greatest proportion of their public sector costs of any vehicle type.”
“Despite understandable hesitation, users warm to tolling once they experience the convenience, safety and efficiency the roads offer. A recent Post/Freshwater poll showed that motorists who regularly used toll roads were more likely to prefer highways be funded by private companies who toll road users, compared to road users who didn’t use them.”
“We also need to acknowledge that New Zealand’s road transport funding model is approaching a crisis point. NZTA’s forecasting shows a growing revenue deficit, reaching $6b per year by 2030.
“The current revenue system won’t deliver the safe, efficient transport system the country needs – including the Roads of National Significance programme.”
Kalasih says that Transporting New Zealand will work through the details of the proposed changes with their road freight members, particularly those impacting heavy vehicles, with a focus on limiting cost increases for business and consumers.
Three new toll roads
Transporting New Zealand says that the Government has made the right decision in refusing to toll the Manawatū Tararua Highway.
“Tolling proposals should be well-signalled, offer viable alternative routes, and be supported by a strong business case. Manawatū Tararua Highway didn’t meet any of these criteria, and we’re pleased the Government won’t proceed with tolling.”
Transporting New Zealand submitted in support of two stronger tolling proposals that the Government has approved: Ōtaki to North of Levin Highway and Takitimu North Link.
Kalasih says when consultation was undertaken nearly two years ago on Penlink “we were hesitant”.
“At that stage the revenue collected was not tightly linked to the new road, and we were concerned that the revenue could be spent on new cycleways and rail rather than essential road construction.
“Provided the Coalition Government can address these concerns, we’re much happier with tolling proceeding.”
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Transporting New Zealand is a national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Their members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country. 
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion. 
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Appointments – NEW GUARDIANS BOARD MEMBER APPOINTED

Source: Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation

Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Chair John Williamson has welcomed the appointment of Sue Brake to the Guardians board, saying her experience would be a great asset to the Guardians, manager of the $80 billion New Zealand Superannuation Fund.

“Sue’s career as a senior investment professional with the NZ Super Fund and former Chief Investment Officer of the Australian Future Fund, and as an advisor to organisations including the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the IMF, has given her a clear understanding of the philosophy and practices necessary for success as a long-term investor,” said Mr Williamson.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis also announced Mr Williamson’s term as Chair, which had been due to end in September 2025, had been extended until 30 September 2026.

Read Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s announcement in full here: https://nzsuperfund.cmail20.com/t/d-l-seirjt-hujkdust-n/

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First Responders – Burnham Fire Update #5

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Additional firefighters have been brought in to continue the work of extinguishing the Burnham fire near the Selwyn River in Canterbury.
Incident Commander Dave Berry says that the rural crews are systematically digging out deep-seated hotspots, where the roots of gorse plants and other vegetation are burning underground and can reignite surface fires.
Career firefighters have also been at the scene today, extinguishing hotspots within farm sheds and associated structures.
There has been no rain on the fireground today and temperatures have been hot, but so far conditions have been relatively calm.
Dave Berry says Fire and Emergency will have firefighters on the fireground overnight and fresh crews will be back tomorrow.
Fire and Emergency are also continuing to monitor the site of a second roadside fire on SH1 a few km to the south near Dunsandel, which is associated with the main fire. Firefighters were dealing with hotspots there this morning.
Two fire trucks and two tankers are currently at the site of another vegetation fire on Pound Rd, which was reported at 1.40pm.
A restricted fire season is in place for Canterbury, Mid-South Canterbury, meaning that a permit is required to light outdoor fires.
Fire and Emergency also asks people planning activities like grinding, welding or anything else that could generate a spark to take some simple precautions that will reduce the risk of starting a fire. That includes planning activities for early in the day when conditions are generally cooler and calmer, staying away from long grass, and having water at hand to extinguish any sparks.
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Appointments – GenPro adds new board member, confirms leadership roles for coming year

Source: GenPro

Following GenPro’s annual meeting on December 11, GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers Is pleased to announce the following appointments to the GenPro Board.

GenPro members re-elected two valued board members at the AGM. In addition the board co-opted a new board member and confirmed the Chair and Deputy Chair for the coming year.  
 
Re-elected Board Members

Michelle Te Kira is General Manager of Three Rivers Medical in Gisborne, which is an owner-operated Very Low Cost Access general practice.

Of Ngāti Porou descent, Michelle has worked in the health sector since 2005, and her experience is extensive and diverse.  Michelle is passionate about reducing inequalities in health care and working with very high needs and Māori populations.
Michelle was first elected to the GenPro board in 2021 and stood for re-election in accordance with GenPro’s constitution.

Bethan Rajwer  is the Practice Manager, Takapuna Health. She represents owner-operator general practice business owners. Bethan is a strong advocate for GenPro and has knowledge and direct experience in the primary health sector.
 
Bethan brings a broad perspective to the board with 20 years’ experience in medical administration, an in-depth knowledge of systems and processes, and passion for continuous improvement and strategic development.
Bethan was elected to the GenPro Board in 2023 and stood for re-election.
 
Chair Dr Angus Chambers said: “I’m delighted that GenPro members have re-elected Michelle and Bethan, who are both of the highest calibre. Their contributions will continue to shape and support our work as we strive to make a positive impact in primary health care.”

New Co-Opted Board Member

Dr Hiria Nielsen  is a General Practitioner and part-owner of Three Rivers Medical in Turanganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne), and also a GP at Queen St Practice in Te Wairoa.
From Māhia, Hiria is of Rongomaiwhanie, Ngāti Porou and Ngai Tāmanuhiri descent.
She looks forward to bringing a Te Ao Māori lens to the important work carried out by GenPro.
 
Dr Chambers said: “We are thrilled to have Hiria join the board as a co-opted member.  Her obvious belief in general practice and her standing in Te Ao Māori will provide an invaluable perspective as we continue to drive toward our goals.  We look forward to Hiria’s contributions in strengthening our impact and advancing our vision.”

Chair and Deputy Chair Re-appointed By Board

Re-appointed as Chair of the board, Dr Chambers has a wealth of expertise in advocacy, primary care politics and as a representative on PSAAP, the PHO Services Agreement Amendment Protocol Group.  As Chair he will continue to guide the board in fulfilling its mission and overseeing strategic direction.

Dr Stephanie Taylor, re-appointed as Deputy Chair, will continue to work closely with the Chair and board members to drive effective governance and support organisational objectives.

“I’m delighted to confirm these arrangements and look forward to working alongside the high-performing GenPro board – which also includes Dr Mary English, Dr Vicky Jones, and Dr Mark Peterson – and with our hard-working Chief Executive, Mark Liddle, in the year ahead,” Dr Chambers said.

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz

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Culture and Heritage – Invitation from Mayor to consider Christchurch for the National Erebus Memorial

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger and the Christchurch City Council has invited Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage to consider Christchurch as the location for the National Erebus Memorial. The Memorial will honour all 257 people who died when flight TE901 crashed into the slopes of Mt Erebus when on an Antarctic sightseeing flight in 1979. It remains New Zealand’s worst disaster in peacetime.
The Mayor wrote to the Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae on Monday with the invitation.
“I am writing to you on behalf of the people of Christchurch to formally invite you to consider our city as the location for the National Erebus Memorial,” said Mayor Mauger.
Manatū Taonga has been working to secure a site for the Memorial over the last 18 months. To date this search has primarily focused on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Given some of the challenges with securing an appropriate site the Ministry recently advised Erebus families and members of Operation Overdue that we would also be exploring options in Wellington and Christchurch.
Christchurch has a strong historical and contemporary relationship with Antarctica, and a strong connection with the flight. Christchurch was to be the initial place of return for TE901 for refueling and a crew change. Some 53 passengers were to disembark there. This makes Christchurch a natural and symbolic home for a Memorial.
“We are delighted and most grateful to have received this invitation from Christchurch. It has always been of utmost importance that wherever a Memorial is built, the memorial and Erebus families are warmly welcomed. Christchurch’s offer is truly heartwarming,” says Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
Christchurch City Council and Manatū Taonga will work closely together to determine next steps and identify suitable sites. 
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Universities – Victoria University of Wellington leading the way with first-of-its-kind chair in generative AI

Source: Victoria University of Wellington

Generously supported by alumnus, finance and tech expert Bob Dykes, the University is poised to further cement its leadership in the AI field with the establishment of the Bob Dykes Chair in Generative Artificial Intelligence.

This pioneering role will provide exceptional leadership in generative AI (Artificial Intelligence), helping to build Aotearoa New Zealand’s capacity in the field. The Chair will mentor future leaders, promote interdisciplinary research, and foster collaborations among researchers, entrepreneurs, and international experts.

By involving students, staff, and startups, the aim of the Chair is to create a dynamic ecosystem that transforms businesses across the globe, while exploring innovative generative AI applications to ensure Aotearoa is positioned at the forefront of global advancements.

Generative AI, a branch of artificial intelligence focused on creating new content by learning patterns in existing data through self-analysis, holds immense potential for innovation. For example, new molecular developments in medical research and developments in energy, such as new battery composition and other energy designs. AI’s rapid advancement has raised critical questions about ethics, intellectual property, and societal impacts, challenges this Chair will be uniquely positioned to address.

Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith says the new Chair marks a significant milestone for both the University and Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Generative AI is reshaping industries and society at an unprecedented pace. The Chair will provide unique leadership in equipping the next generation of researchers and innovators to respond to the rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities AI presents.”

“It is a bold step forward, and a wonderful achievement for the University, New Zealand, and the wider global community.”

The Chair will bring together a multidisciplinary group of expert advisors from government, university, industry, and user communities.

It will foster close collaborations with New Zealand’s AI Forum and other key stakeholders to provide strategic insights and recommendations on AI policy, ensuring that government initiatives align with the latest technological developments.

Dean of Science, Professor Nicola Nelson says this Chair positions the University to guide New Zealand into a future shaped by generative AI.

“Our leadership in the field is already highlighted by a number of experts on staff, as well as our offering of New Zealand’s first undergraduate major in AI.

“The Bob Dykes Chair will provide the critical leadership needed to deepen this expertise, serving as a visionary leader in generative AI and ensuring Aotearoa New Zealand not only harnesses its transformative potential but also emerges as a global frontrunner.”

Bob Dykes says he is pleased to help the University create this opportunity for students and researchers to have a leading position in Generative AI.

“I have benefited immensely from my education at Victoria University and would like to ensure future generations are well grounded in this new technology, which will change so many aspects of our economies and lives in the near future”.

Mr Dykes’ generous donation will fund the Chair’s salary for the next three years. A recruitment process will begin shortly, with the new Chair expected to start in 2025.

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Business – EMA supports simplified calculation for annual leave in Holidays Act reform

Source: EMA

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) supports the Government’s intention to change the proposed direction of Holidays Act reform, by introducing a simplified hours-based accrual model for annual leave.
The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, announced the decision today to more than 300 EMA Members at the EMA Business Hub in Auckland. The presentation was also livestreamed to more than 500 EMA Members throughout the country.
EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald applauded the Minister’s decision to direct her officials to go back to the drawing board.
“It’s important we get this right. Our Members have told us that the current Act makes it too complicated to calculate annual leave, public holidays, sick days, and bereavement leave. So, we applaud the Minister’s call for a simplified approach,” he says.
In September, the EMA was asked to review the exposure draft of a proposed new Holidays Act and provide feedback. However, after a significant round of consultation with EMA Members, the EMA and BusinessNZ recommended that the existing Act be scrapped entirely.
“Our Members agree that the current legislation is too complicated and costs them time and money,” says McDonald.
“Previous governments have tinkered with the existing legislation, but that hasn’t gone far enough to alleviate the problems faced by employers and businesses around the country.”
The Minister acknowledged that submitters, including the EMA, had called for a more simplified approach to Holidays Act reform.
“In my view, it is not enough to have ‘workable’ legislation, we should also strive to reduce complexity and compliance costs as much as possible,” she says.
“While shifting to hours-based accrual may require drafting a fundamentally different Bill, I believe investing the time and effort to do this will deliver superior improvements to both employers and employees.”
McDonald says that the EMA will keep its Members updated as the proposed changes to the Holidays Act make their way through the consultation process.  
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BusinessNZ – Focus on red tape welcome

Source: BusinessNZ

Advocacy by the NZ hospitality industry is helping move the dial on red tape, BusinessNZ says.
Its survey of the hospitality industry shows the industry’s biggest compliance issues are, in order:
1. Employment law requirements
2. Immigration rules that are complex and restrictive, affecting the ability to find and retain staff
3. Local government regulations including permits, licensing and off-licensing
The hospitality industry’s recommendations include streamlining central and local government application processes, setting fees proportionate to business size, and providing more transparency on how tourism levies are spent.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the hospitality industry’s focus on compliance reduction sets a benchmark for other industries and will help the move towards right-sizing regulations generally.
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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First Responders – Burnham Fire Update #4

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fresh crews of firefighters will be working on the Burnham fireground today to continue the work of fully extinguishing the fire which broke out alongside SH1 near the Selwyn River yesterday afternoon.
Incident Commander Mike Johns says that the crews working overnight dealt with a few flare-ups, which included “candling” – when whole trees were on fire.
This morning heavy machinery will be working to help dig out deep seated hotspots so firefighters can cool them thoroughly. That work will continue all day.
Conditions are relatively cool this morning and light rain is forecast for the area later today.
Fire and Emergency’s Canterbury and Mid-South Canterbury districts are in a restricted fire season, meaning permits are required for outdoor fires. Go to www.checkitsalright.nz to find out the rules about outdoor fires for every part of New Zealand.
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BusinessNZ – Holidays Act change reflects modern work

Source: BusinessNZ

Business New Zealand welcomes today’s announcement on changes to the Holidays Act.
Chief Executive Katherine Rich says a system based on accrued hours for leave better reflects modern ways of working.
“The move to hours-based accrual reflects the fact that the way we work has changed massively since the 1940s, when the current weeks-based approach was introduced.
“Variable patterns of work are the norm in today’s working world, and hours is the basis on which most leave is now administered.
“Changing the Act to reflect this is a sensible move and we applaud the Government for taking time to get it right.
“The BusinessNZ Network looks forward to working closely and constructively with officials to ensure the needs of business owners and their employees are met in the finished product.”
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.