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Weather News – Briefly Wet, Briefly Dry – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 14th – Friday 18th August – The week ahead shows spring is not far away, with MetService forecasting westerly winds and wet, thundery weather in the west, and drier conditions in the east. With average weather comes average temperatures, but a chill creeps in ahead of the weekend.

A complex low-pressure system to the south of Te Waipounamu/the South Island throws a series of active rainbands over the country throughout the week, with heavy falls and thunderstorms possible for western areas from Monday right through to Wednesday evening.

MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor offers more detail: “These bands of rain – with embedded thunderstorms – are relatively short-lived, but there are a number of them that pass over, battering the west coasts of both main islands over the next couple of days.”

Out east, everything looks a lot drier. Residents of eastern areas of Aotearoa New Zealand can expect to remain mostly dry until early Wednesday, but remnants of a cold front bring some wet weather to Bay of Plenty and the East Cape Monday evening.

“Wednesday morning brings a shift from a northwesterly flow to southwesterlies. This shift brings more precipitation to that previously dry east and clears up conditions in the west by Wednesday night.” O’Connor details.

A building ridge of high pressure on Thursday will see a respite from the showery weather, however the clearer skies will bring a morning chill that will be missing earlier in the week. The ridge looks to be brief; a new low developing off the east coast of Australia approaches Aotearoa on Friday, and while there is uncertainty about the impacts it will have, a wet weekend looks likely for the west again.

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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International travel: June 2023 – Stats NZ information release

International travel: June 2023 – Information release

14 August 2023

International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

Key facts

Annual arrivals

Overseas visitor arrivals were 2.54 million in the June 2023 year, up 2.23 million from the June 2022 year. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

  • Australia (up 1.03 million)
  • United States (up 253,000)
  • United Kingdom (up 153,000)
  • India (up 57,000)
  • China (up 57,000)
  • Canada (up 50,000)
  • Germany (up 49,000).

Visit our website to read this information release:

CategoriesMIL-OSITagsMIL OSI
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Politics News – Health Coalition says Removing GST from fruit and vegetables not best solution for health equity

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Removing GST from fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables as proposed by NZ Labour Party recognises the crisis in access to healthy food – but is not the most effective solution, Health Coalition Aotearoa says.
For low-income whānau, we know that fresh fruit and vegetables have become prohibitively expensive, while those on middle to high incomes are more likely to continue buying these products.
“If Labour is willing to put half a billion dollars a year on the table, they should invest in policies that will result in less expensive, healthier diets among those families struggling,” HCA Professor Boyd Swinburn said.
HCA co-chair Dr Lisa Te Morenga said prices of fruit and vegetables are so high that removing GST will make a very small difference to our lowest income whānau .
“Maori whanau are disproportionately represented amongst our poorest families and have the lowest ability to buy fruit and vegetables.”
“Labour is arguing that because those on the lowest-incomes spend a greater proportion of their budget on fruit and vegetables – if they can buy them at all – removing GST will make a bigger difference to those families on average.”
“But the limited benefit gained by this measure is set against a context of extreme disadvantage, in comparison to middle to high income-earners,” Te Morenga said.
HCA urges all political parties to increase provision of evidence-based solutions such as the Ka Ora, Ka Ako – Healthy School Lunches programme – to help with the high cost of healthy food and children’s nutrition.
The programme is delivered to 25 per cent of schools in the lowest socio-economic areas at a cost of $320m per year and has many positive impacts on individual students and their whānau, schools, and the local community. HCA wants the programme delivered to at least 50 per cent of schools.
We want to see policies that increase support for alternatives to the supermarket duopoly such as food hubs supplying communities with locally grown and more affordable healthy food – and social supermarkets.
HCA supports Labour’s proposed increase in family tax credits – which will help more families access healthy foods and services. However, more support is needed for those living in poverty, including increased benefits for those who are not eligible for Working for Families tax credits.
In addition to targeted support for access to healthy kai, the Government’s efforts to break the supermarket duopoly should be a priority to achieve fairer prices for healthy kai.
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Business Appointments – New Chief Executive for BRANZ

Source: BRANZ

The BRANZ Board today announced that Acting CEO, Claire Falck has been appointed to the permanent Chief Executive role. BRANZ Chair Nigel Smith said that after an extensive recruitment process, he was delighted to make this appointment.
“In her previous role as GM System Transformation and more recently as Acting CEO, Claire has impressed with her dedication, leadership qualities and commitment to BRANZ. Claire has already contributed significantly to our strategic vision to transform New Zealand’s building system and prepare for the opening of exciting new facilities as BRANZ continues to drive innovative thinking, testing and research,” he said.
Claire has enjoyed a wide-ranging career in both the public and private sectors, specialising in system design and complex transformation assignments. She has held senior roles with Rio Tinto Alcan, New Zealand Police, Ministry of Social Development, and the former Housing New Zealand Corporation. Prior to joining BRANZ, Claire was Practice Lead at MartinJenkins.
Claire has a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (BCA) from Victoria University of Wellington.
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Politics News – Easing Impact of GST Welcome, But More Change Needed –

Source: Better taxes for a Better Future

Easing the cost of living by dropping GST from fruit and vegetables is a welcome step – but better taxes are needed to properly address inequality in Aotearoa, according to the Better taxes for a Better Future campaign.

Labour’s GST policy is an acknowledgement that our tax system disproportionately impacts the less well off, says Better taxes for a Better Future spokesperson Glenn Barclay.

“To see this acknowledgement in the policy of a major party is encouraging,” Glenn Barclay says, “It will provide important help to struggling families.”

“Our campaign calls for better taxes to ease the impact of tax on the less well-off in Aotearoa, and better taxes to promote good health – we’re pleased Labour’s policy embraces both these goals.”

“Other countries like Australia have similar GST exemptions, so we know it can be done,” says Glenn Barclay.

Labour’s tax announcement also signalled a willingness to introduce a digital services tax.

“Initiatives to ensure multinationals pay their fair share of tax are also welcome,” says Glenn Barclay, “A digital services tax has been under consideration through the multi-lateral OECD process, but this is taking a long time.

“It’s great to see Labour express willingness to introduce a digital services tax by 2025 if a multi-lateral solution can’t be found,” says Glenn Barclay.

“We really need significant changes to Aotearoa’s tax system to properly address the challenges we face as a country – including inequality and climate change – and to better fund public services.

“We’re disappointed Labour is not looking at more fundamental reforms of our tax settings – such as moving to properly tax wealth and the returns on wealth, and to grow revenue,” says Glenn Barclay.

“The modest tax-switch proposal they were looking at for Budget 2023 would have been a more meaningful step in the right direction – towards a tax system that asks a little more of those who can afford it and less from those who can’t.”

Better taxes for a Better Future is a Fair Tax Coalition initiative supported by:

Oxfam Aotearoa; Amnesty International; ActionStation NZ; Council of Trade Unions; The Salvation Army; Climate Club; Public Service Association; Council of Christian Social Services; NZ Nurses Organisation; Anglican Advocacy; Child Poverty Action Group; Post Primary Teachers’ Association; Closing the Gap;  Renters United; EcuAction Canterbury; Tax Justice Aotearoa; First Union; Wellbeing Alliance for All Aotearoa.

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Maritime NZ response to TAIC report into the fatal Enchanter capsizing

Source: Maritime New Zealand

The capsizing of the Enchanter, on 20 March 2022, was a tragic incident.
The thoughts of those at Maritime NZ go out to everyone impacted by the events of that evening.
Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett, says this was a complicated response, requiring aircraft to quickly respond from around the top of the North Island, which played a key role in five people being rescued.
“I want to thank everyone who was involved in the response, from our people at RCCNZ, through to those who went out in trying conditions, to undertake rescues and then continue to search for the missing,” Ms Hewlett says.
The report contains several recommendations directed to Maritime NZ. While others, focusing on search and rescue, are connected to the work undertaken by Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre.
“We partially accept the recommendations directed to us by the Commission,” she says.
This report contains recommendations relating to Maritime NZ’s supervision and work with surveyors, who examine commercial vessels to confirm that the condition of their structure, machinery and equipment comply with the applicable maritime and marine protection rules.
We partially accept the recommendations regarding surveyors. This is because we already engage with, and notify, surveyors around rule and regulation changes and provide clarification around the intent of rules.
“This includes running regular conferences, seminars and providing regular industry updates on rule and technology changes. As well as providing technical advice and support where needed. We also work closely with surveyors on the development of new rules and amendment to rules, like we are currently on the 40 series rules.
“We are undertaking work to further strengthen our approach to monitoring surveyors, and are currently out consulting on an increase to our capacity to support this. We appreciate that there are dozens of surveyors working up and down the country, and we know it is important to ensure they are undertaking their roles appropriately and to high standards. We will consider the Commission’s recommendations and observations further as part of this work.” Ms Hewlett says
Maritime NZ is considering the recommendation around requirements for automated identification systems (AIS) to be fitted on passenger vessels outside inshore limits and the stowage of life jackets.
“The matter around AIS systems is already one that is on our regulatory reform programme to explore. Progressing it could improve response times and can accurately give location data. The stowage of life jackets is something new we will look at. Both Rules changes will also need to be considered alongside other priorities. Ultimately, it will be for Ministers to decide whether to approve the development of new rules,” Ms Hewlett says.
The Rescue Coordination Centre will also take interest in the recommendations around search and rescue.
“After the incident, RCCNZ undertook an internal review into its coordination of the response, and has since made several improvements to its procedures.
“We will support any response by Te Manatū Waka and the New Zealand Search and Rescue Secretariat,” Ms Hewlett says.
As the matter is before the courts, we are not in a position to comment further. 
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Defence News – NEW ZEALAND SENDS AID TO AUTONOMOUS REGION OF BOUGAINVILLE AFTER ERUPTION

Source: New Zealand Defence Force 

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130 Hercules has gone to Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, carrying aid supplies following a volcanic eruption which has affected more than 8000 people, the New Zealand Defence Force and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said today.

The deployment follows a request from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape for international partners to support the Autonomous Government of Bougainville and the Government of Papua New Guinea as they assess the damage and respond to emergency needs.

Ash plumes and other volcanic effects have affected surrounding communities. While no deaths or injuries have been reported, ash fall has posed challenges for food and water security.

The PNG National Disaster Centre (NDC) advised that the total number of persons impacted is over 8,000, with approximately 3,500 people displaced to two evacuation camps. The number of displaced people is expected to increase.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour said the NZDF remained committed to supporting Pacific neighbours when called on to help.

The C-130 has just arrived in Buka, Papua New Guinea with approximately 7000kg of supplies on board, after leaving RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai yesterday morning.

“Our C-130 has this morning taken these essential supplies in to Buka which will help meet some of the basic needs of those affected by the volcanic activity. As always we stand ready to provide further assistance if called upon to do so,” Rear Admiral Gilmour said.

The supplies included lighting, generators, hygiene and family kits, water containers, water purification tablets, temporary shelters and tarpaulins.

“Aotearoa New Zealand’s thoughts are with the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, who have been significantly impacted by ongoing volcanic activity on Mt Bagana since July,” Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Chris Seed said.

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Education News – Ara |Te Pūkenga ākonga and tutor to feature at New Zealand Fashion Week

Source: Te Pukenga

It’s not every field of study where the work of ākonga (students) is up against that of one of their tutors – but that was exactly the case on the catwalk at the 2023 Hokonui Fashion Design awards.
Now, the collections of 2023 category winners Sarah Leung, who is in her third year studying fashion design at Ara | Te Pūkenga, and department tutor Denise Mill are set to feature in an emerging talent exhibition at New Zealand Fashion Week.
It’s the first time a selection of prize-winners from the prestigious Gore-based Hokonui awards will be showcased amid the hype and glamour of the country’s biggest fashion event.
Third-year Bachelor of Design (Fashion) student Leung said she felt shocked when she heard her collection was destined for Auckland.
Her Hokonui award entry started as fabric scraps from an internship at premier New Zealand outdoor performance clothing company Earth Sea Sky in February. It ended up winning the O’Connor Richmond Garment with the Most Commercial Potential Award after earlier being recognised with an Open Merit (Upcycled) award.
Leung was thrilled with the win and was looking forward to sharing the excitement with her mentors. “My three-week internship was amazing. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone which is more around creating dresses and formal wear. I learned a lot about their manufacturing process from cutting patterns and working with their sewing team,” Leung said.
Taking the fabric scraps with her when she left, Leung created and entered a collection of four pieces. Her success comes off the back of a Highly Commended in the Avante Garde section last year. “I was inspired by the work at Earth Sea Sky this time, wanting to create clothing that’s good for cold weather but with a street style vibe to it.”
Other Ara students recognised at the acclaimed Hokonui event this year were Morghan Ariki Bradshaw, runner up in the Mackersy Property Open Collections Award, and Oliver Schefer who gained a Highly Commended in the same category. Aksorn Krisnangkura received Highly Commended for her entry in the Mataura Valley Milk Open Upcycled Award. All three had received recognition for their collections in 2022 as well.
But the spoils for Ara | Te Pūkenga didn’t stop with the cohort of talented and hardworking students this year.
The Wools of New Zealand Best Use of Wool award went to Art and Design tutor Denise Mill who crafted a stunning collection of crochet garments during her convalescence from a long illness. Initially noticing a tingling in her face in the classroom two and a half years ago, Mill was later diagnosed with the rare Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
Stemming from the commonly known shingles virus but affecting just five in 100,000 people, the condition caused paralysis on one side of Mill’s face and has left her with ongoing nerve damage, loss of taste and impaired hearing.
“A crocheter since the age of five” and a dab hand at making rugs over the years, Mill said she picked up her hook on the advice of her occupational therapist and began working on garments as part of her therapy.
“With crochet I can’t stop. It takes me to a meditative state which is a healing state, and it keeps me in the present moment. As my work developed, I began to see the Hokonui awards as a focus and an authentic way to get back out there – so crochet has provided professional development as well,” she said.
Currently on a return-to-work programme, Mill is thankful for the support of her family, insurers and employer and is quick to turn the spotlight back on the achievements of the Ara Bachelor of Design students. Most cut their teeth at the Hokonui awards by entering in the second year of their degree.
She said every aspect of their study – from their creative process to pattern making and construction – is applied through the experience and their hard work is subject to intense scrutiny through participating in the event.
Leung remains humble about taking out a significant Hokonui win and being poised to be part of New Zealand’s biggest fashion event. “People say I’m a creative person. I’m just grateful I’ve learned new skills and found ways to realise my potential,” she said.
Whether she directs that potential into outerwear or fine couture is something she’s still discovering as she completes her final portfolio towards her degree.
In between, her on-trend off-cut looks are set to turn heads at New Zealand Fashion Week alongside the stunning therapeutic threads crafted by one of her tutors.
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Horticulture News – Bring prices down by enabling NZ growers to grow more vegetables

Source: Horticulture New Zealand

Being able to grow more vegetables could be one way to bring prices down, improve health outcomes, and support an industry that is vital to New Zealand, according to Vegetables New Zealand Incorporated (VNZI).
‘There’s massive support, particularly in the health and education sectors, for taking steps to make healthy fresh New Zealand vegetables more available to kiwis,’ says VNZI chair, John Murphy.
‘The New Zealand vegetable industry needs fit for purpose regulations that allow vegetable operations to thrive, by encouraging investment in vegetable production and eliminating hurdles that limit productivity.
‘Ultimately, any effort to make it easier for kiwis to eat more locally grown vegetables is good for New Zealand society.’
John says the debate on removing GST from food has been welcomed by the vegetable sector.
‘VNZI applauds any attempt by regulators to increase fresh vegetable consumption and make it easier for growers to be viable because of the health benefits. 
‘If changing tax settings would decrease the cost that consumers and growers face, then we should look seriously at a change.’
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Health News – Vape signals are a call for help from our Tamariki

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

To protect our rangatahi, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ (ARFNZ) and Life Education Trust NZ are calling for a complete stop to any more new Specialist Vape Retailers (SVRs) from setting up, and no front of store advertising or visibility of products.
There are now 1365 SVRs listed on the Health Advisory and Regulatory Platform (HARP), “How can our government sit back and let the next generation become addicted to nicotine?” says Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding.
“We are hearing the cry from our teachers, our students, and parents, that enough is enough. It is heartbreaking to hear from parents and grandparents that their tamariki and mokoupuna are so addicted to their vape that they must leave class to vape; that they take their vape to bed at night, and even into the shower”, adds Ms Harding.
ARFNZ and Life Education Trust NZ want to see urgency placed on quit vaping programmes, with dedicated funding to support rangatahi to quit vaping.
“We know the detrimental effects of nicotine on the developing brain, which is why we created the ‘Behind the Scenes’ theatre-in-education programme for secondary school students, that exposes the health risks of vaping and the influence of social media”, says John O’Connell, Chief Executive of Life Education Trust NZ.
The Foundation is also disappointed that the Government ignored calls for an outright ban on disposable vapes.
“An outright ban on disposables should have been part of the new regulations. We know that there are vaping stores selling disposable vapes with removable batteries and these are marketed as ” Prefilled vape pods – Just like a disposable vape but have a removeable battery.” Ms Harding adds, “Big Tobacco always finds a way to get around these sorts of subtle changes.”
Ms Harding says it is difficult to understand who the Government is taking advice from, “youth vaping is a significant health problem for young New Zealanders, with around 20% of high school students now regularly vaping. We need strong measures if we want to make a meaningful difference, and we need them now.”