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Christmas – Making sure all of the presents get through

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Santa’s elves may be busy making goodies around the world, but it’s New Zealand’s truckies that are a key link in getting them out where they belong in time for Christmas.
A case in point is Deb O’Brien and her happy team of 14 at Debz Transport in the Hutt Valley.
She looks after the deliveries from Temu, Shein, Booktopia, and a whole range of goods coming through Wellington Airport.
Christmas comes after the onslaught of Black Friday and Cyber Monday so it’s a big month of scanning thousands and thousands of items ordered by keen Kiwi shoppers.
The parcels come off the planes in large air containers, sometimes three at a time, with up to a thousand items in each one. These go to a secure site in Lyall Bay where every package is scanned by hand.
Deb says if a parcel scans green and goes “beep”, it’s good to go, but if they’re come up red, the scanning app “makes a hell of a racket”. Those parcels are put aside for checking by New Zealand Customs Service.
And then it’s the turn of NZ Couriers or Aramex to get involved, with each driver collecting the parcels, sorting them into bins and scanning everything again.
It’s nothing if not thorough. And Deb’s gotten pretty good at it, as all her team are.
“I can scan an air container of a thousand items in an hour and a quarter,” she says.
The only problem for her is that when she’s getting down to the bottom of the air container, she’s on her hands and knees. She’s built more like a centre than a goal shoot, but it’s still a bit of work to empty them out.
“I’ve got to watch myself because I’ve banged my head a couple of times!”
A former board member of Transporting New Zealand, and current member of the General Freight Sector Group, Deb is also going all out for her staff and other truckies they deal with this year.
The usual day at Debz is from 5am till 6pm and somehow she’s made time to make massive amounts of rocky road sweets for the Christmas goodie bag everyone gets. There’s also Christmas pudding, and a ham.
The 250 hand-made Christmas cards for customers and clients are just another way to make sure she hasn’t got a spare hour of the day left. But it will be a Merry Christmas for all!
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Emergency Management – NEMA urges Kiwis to get summer ready – wherever you are!

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Whether you’re at the beach, deep in the bush or just chilling at home – the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) wants you to be ready for anything.

“Emergencies don’t take a holiday but we can all enjoy ours when we know we’re prepared for anything,” John Price, NEMA Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management says.

“Prepare ahead of time. It could be the best gift for yourself and your family. “

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere – but here’s five simple things you can do to get summer ready:

  • Know your zone – check out your tsunami evacuation route at getready.govt.nz/tsunami-evacuation-zones
  • Stay informed – follow the local Civil Defence group on Facebook, keep up to date with MetService and NZTA, and tune into local radio stations.
  • Pack your car with everything you need in case you get stuck in your car – food, water, medication, warm blankets.
  • Prepare your property – if you’re heading away, make sure your property is prepared for severe weather and wildfires.
  • Have supplies ready – pack grab bags and emergency water for everyone in your whānau.

Summer brings increased temperatures and increased fire risk. Use Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s “Check It’s Alright” tool to see if it’s safe to light a fire and whether you’ll need a permit.

For many New Zealanders, summer means heading to the beach – and that means being tsunami smart as well as sun smart.

“When you’re near the coast, remember – Long or Strong, Get Gone. That means, if you feel an earthquake that is long – longer than a minute, or strong – it’s hard to stand up, get gone – evacuate as soon as the shaking stops,” John Price says.

“For a local tsunami, the first waves could arrive in minutes. There won’t be time for an official warning. It’s important we all recognise the natural warning signs and act quickly.

“You can check NEMA’s tsunami evacuation map to find out if you live, work, play or holiday in a tsunami zone.

“It’s also important to know how you can stay informed during an emergency – especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Find local radio frequencies, know where you can get local Civil Defence information, and remember that some places won’t have mobile coverage.

“One of the best ways to get yourself and your loved ones prepared for an emergency have a ‘prep talk’ – discuss what might happen and what you will do so that everyone in your whānau knows the plan.”

Now is the best time to prepare and update your plan to keep you and your whānau safe over the summer period and beyond. Get summer ready at www.getready.govt.nz/summer

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Health – Community Voices Needed to Challenge Legislative Threats to Māori Wellbeing

Source: Hapai Te Hauora

Hāpai Te Hauora is urging Māori communities to extend their engagement beyond the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill to two other critical bills: the Regulatory Standards Bill and the Oranga Tamariki: Responding to Serious Youth Offending Bill.
The Regulatory Standards Bill and the Oranga Tamariki Bill are both open for public submissions, yet the urgency of these proposed laws remains largely under the radar for many. These bills, aim to make significant changes that carry the potential to deepen the social and health inequities already faced by Māori.
The overwhelming response to the Treaty Bill, including well over 3,000 submissions through Hāpai Te Hauora’s Treaty Principles Bill Submission Builder alone, reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding Māori rights. Hāpai Te Hauora’s Treaty Principles Bill Submission Builder has been an invaluable resource for those seeking to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about Māori rights and the protection of the Treaty’s principles. However, Hāpai Te Hauora warns that the other two bills could have equally significant and damaging effects on Māori governance, rights, and the wellbeing of future generations.
Submission Information:
Regulatory Standards Bill: This bill proposes changes that could weaken Māori influence in decision-making processes affecting land, resources, and community wellbeing, risking the erosion of Māori governance and the ability to protect cultural and environmental interests. Feedback can be submitted through the Ministry for Regulation’s engagement hub here
Oranga Tamariki Bill: This bill amongst other things will entrench military-style boot camps for youth offenders, potentially perpetuating harm to Māori tamariki while failing to address systemic issues such as poverty and racism. Submissions can be made through the New Zealand Parliament website here
Hāpai Te Hauora CEO, Jacqui Harema, acknowledges the efforts of whānau who have engaged with the Treaty Bill and calls for the same energy to address these pressing threats:
“The response to the Treaty Bill has been incredible, showing the power of our communities when they come together. But now, we need that same focus on the Regulatory Standards and Oranga Tamariki Bills. These laws could exacerbate harm to our tamariki, our whenua, and our tino rangatiratanga”
Hāpai Te Hauora encourages whānau and communities to act now to protect the rights, wellbeing, and future of Māori.
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Northland News – Water watch as summer continues

Source: Northland Regional Council

The Northland Regional Council is keeping a close eye on water levels around the north as summer heats up and parts of the region are already under initial water restrictions.
Council Chair Geoff Crawford says in the Far North district, Level 2 water restrictions (which ban the use of outdoor sprinklers or irrigation systems) are already being applied to households in Kawakawa-Moerewa, Ōmanaia-Rāwene and Ōpononi-Ōmāpere to help preserve water sources that are vulnerable to fluctuating rainfall.
Similarly, in the Kaipara district, Level 2 water restrictions have been in place for Baylys Beach and Dargaville since early December.
Chair Crawford says the NRC’s last Hydrology Climate Report advised that Northland is already in a moderate level of ‘meteorological drought’ (low rainfall) and a low level of hydrological drought (low river flows, groundwater levels, and reservoir levels etc.).
“We’ll be ramping up our monitoring and will keep the public updated, but in the meantime, we’re urging people to be ‘waterwise’ and mindful of how you use your water over summer.”
He says the rainfall Northland received recently has done little to relieve the situation and things would need to be reviewed shortly after the Christmas-New Year period should Northland receive little rainfall over that period.
“There is a risk that, if extended periods of low rainfall continue, Northland could experience an increasing level of hydrological drought (lower river flows, groundwater levels and water reservoirs etc) over the next three months.”
Chair Crawford says pressure on the north’s water supplies typically goes up over the holidays due to Northland being a tourist destination.
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Property Development – GUARDIANS WELCOMES AUCKLAND COUNCIL APPROVAL FOR BEACHLANDS REZONING

Source: New Zealand Superannuation Fund

A decision by Auckland Council’s Policy & Planning Committee to give final approval to a private plan change that will rezone 307 hectares of land south of Beachlands, paving the way for the future development of a master-planned community, has been welcomed by the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, manager of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund.

The Super Fund is one of several partners in Beachlands South Limited Partnership, which also includes Russell Property Group and partners, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, and Hāpai Development Property LP.

Independent Commissioners acting on behalf of Auckland Council approved the plan change in April 2024, but that decision was appealed. Issues raised by the appellants have now been resolved, following negotiations between them and project manager Russell Property Group.

Guardians Acting Head of Direct Investment Hishaam Mirza says the project to effect the plan change gave the Super Fund a chance to employ the competitive advantages that come with being a genuine long-term investor in a local context.

“Large-scale investment opportunities that satisfy our financial and environmental impact criteria and also create lasting benefits for our community are relatively rare,” said Mr Mirza.

“This has been a lengthy process, but a very satisfying conclusion.”

To learn more about the proposed development, and the long-term vision of how it will enhance the natural environment, support the local community, and contribute to the wider Auckland region, visit the Beachlands South website: https://nzsuperfund.cmail20.com/t/d-l-swgll-hujkdust-h/

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Sweet season for kiwifruit exports – Stats NZ media and information release: Overseas merchandise trade: November 2024

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Sweet season for kiwifruit exports – 20 December 2024 – Kiwifruit exports were valued at $3.5 billion for the 2024 season, according to data released by Stats NZ today.

The value of kiwifruit exports in the 2024 season has increased by $1 billion (44 percent), compared with 2023. The kiwifruit season is typically from March to November.

Gold kiwifruit tend to have a higher unit price than green. 

“While the prices for kiwifruit remained relatively stable, the volume of kiwifruit produced this season has driven the overall increase in exports,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

“This is a great recovery for the industry after last year’s weather events, and a return to historic highs.”

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Fire Safety – Rain prompts Gisborne to move back to restricted fire season

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving the Kōpūtūtea area in Tairawhiti back to a restricted fire season as of 4pm Friday 20 December, until further notice.
The Fire and Emergency Kōpūtūtea fire zone is Gisborne and the surrounding areas of Ormond, Pātūtahi, Ngātapa, Manutūkē, Muriwai, and out to Makarori
A restricted fire season means people lighting open-air fires must have a permit authorised by Fire and Emergency.
Declaring the fire season change, District Manager Peter Clark says the area has experienced a week of heavy rain.
“This has significantly reduced the fire danger in the area, and we are expecting more rain over the weekend,” he says.
” People considering burning open-air fires should go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check the conditions and find fire safety advice. They can also apply for a fire permit from there,” he says.
Peter Clark says while recent rainfall has brought some relief, it’s important to remember that it is summer.
“Rain can give a false sense of security, but it doesn’t take long for grass and scrub to dry out under the summer sun,” he says.
“We’re urging everyone to remain vigilant and continue practicing fire safety.” 
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Health – King Living partners for healthier Kiwi homes

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

Creating a healthy home isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential.
This is especially true for families living with asthma and allergies.
With people spending as much as 90% of their time indoors, reducing exposure to common triggers – such as mould, dust mites, and other allergens – is crucial for respiratory well-being.
King Living is committed to creating furniture that enhances everyday living and contributes to better health and well-being, and it is one of the reasons they have chosen to become a Gold partner of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ’s Friends of the Foundation programme.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation CEO Letitia Harding says too many New Zealand homes fail to meet basic standards and are often cold, damp, and filled with allergens that can worsen respiratory conditions.
“With over one million New Zealanders affected by respiratory disease, improving indoor air quality can make a world of difference.
“We’re proud to partner with a company like King Living, whose commitment to well-being aligns perfectly with our mission to improve health outcomes for all.”
King Living Founder David King says he is thrilled to partner with the Foundation.
“The core of our vision is to improve the quality of life for all.
“Partnering with the Foundation lets us extend this commitment directly to New Zealand communities to make a real impact on respiratory health.”
Since 1977, the family-owned business has been at the forefront of Australian furniture design, built on a foundation of innovation, quality, design, and comfort. The company has two showrooms in Auckland.
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Activist News – While New Zealand politicians reach for a cold beer, wine or champagne… – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

 

New Zealanders will protest their callous complicity in Gaza’s genocide.

 

According to the United Nations, amongst the death toll of more than 45,000, almost 70% of those killed are women and children with another 11,000 unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble. Over 106,000 have been injured.

 

The impact on children is harrowing.

 

Over 17,000 children have been confirmed killed in Israeli bombings and sniper fire with tens of thousands more injured or maimed. Another 17,000 children are “unaccompanied” having lost their families. 

 

It’s small wonder that a new survey of vulnerable children in Gaza has found that 96% feel death is imminent, 87% display extreme fear, 79% suffer from nightmares and 49% wish to die because of the war.

 

United Nations officials, international experts, the International Court of Justice and now Amnesty International have all used the term genocide to describe the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza.  

 

Last month the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

 

All the red flags for genocide have been visible for over a year now but our coalition government is unmoved. 

 

It’s not just Israeli leaders who are to blame for war crimes. New Zealand politicians stand in the dock alongside them for complicity through silence. Deafening silence.

 

John Minto

National Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

 

Nationwide rallies/marches/MP protests/vigils this week

 

These are on the PSNA Facebook events page here with the basic details listed below.

 

North Island
Opononi – Gathering for Palestine
No Rally this week
 
Kerikeri – Rally
No Rally this week. First Saturday of the month
 
Whangarei – Rally
No more Rallies until the new year
 
Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!
Every Saturday
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ostend Market, Waiheke Island
 
Auckland – Picket the UK Consulate
Wednesday 18 December
12:00 noon
UK Consulate – 151 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
 
Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau
Every Saturday
This week
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
“Westfield Newmarket” on Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
Text John on 021 899 659 for more details
 
Auckland – Raise Your Voice for Palestine
Saturday 21 December
2:00 pm
Te Komititanga – Britomart Square, Tamaki Makaurau
 
Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
(Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)
No Rally this weekend. First Saturday of the month
  
Tauranga – Flags
Sunday 22 December
11:00 am
Coronation Park, Mt Manganui
 
Whakatane
Rallies are starting to be organised – Watch this space
 
Hamilton – Flag Waving for Palestine
Saturday 21 December
1:00 pm
Flynn Park, Cnr Wairere Drive & Naylor, Hamilton
 
Hamilton – BDS Action for Palestine
Saturday 21 December
1:00 pm
The Base – cnr Wairere Drive & Te Rapa Road
 
Raglan – Art Auction
Wednesday 18 – Saturday 21
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Raglan Old School Arts Centre
Open Auction is on Saturday at 6:00 pm
 
Cambridge – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:00 am
Cambridge Town Hall
 
Rotorua – Rally for Palestine
Every Thursday
4:30 pm
National MP Todd McClays Office – Cnr Amohau and Ranolf St lights, Rotorua
 
Gisborne – Farmers Market – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
Every Saturday
9:30 – 11:30 am
Gisborne Farmers Market
 
Napier – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 21 December
11:30 am
Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout
 
Hastings – Rally for Palestine
Sunday 22 December
1:00 pm
Hastings Town Clock – Hastings CBD
 
Palmerston North – Rally
Sunday November 22
2:00 pm
The Square, Palmerston North
 
New Plymouth – Flags at the Council
Thursday 19 December
4:30 – 5:30 pm
In front of the Council Building
 
New Plymouth – Flags on the Bridge
Friday 20 December
No flags this week, see above event
 
New Plymouth – March for Gaza
Saturday 21 December
1:00 PM
The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth
 
Whanganui – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 21 December
11:00 am
Riverside Market, Whanganui
 
Carterton – Gathering for Gaza
Every Tuesday
12:00 midday
Memorial Square.
 
Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine
Every Wednesday
11:00 am
The square at the top of Kitchener St, Martinborough
 
Masterton – Gathering for Gaza
Every Sunday
9:30 am
Town Hall Lawn, Masterton
 
Featherston – Gathering for Gaza
Every Saturday
11:00 am
The Squircle (opposite the op shop).
 
Wellington – Flags on the Bridge
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Every Friday
7:15 – 8:15 am
Hill Street bridge Overbridge, Wellington
 
Wellington – Vigil for Palestine
(hosted by Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine)
Every Friday
6:00 pm
In front of Wellington Hospital, 49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
 
Wellington – Rally 
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Saturday 21 December
1:00 pm
Corner of Hunter St and Lambton Quay under the Protoplasm statue
 
South Island
Nelson – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 21 December
10:30 am
1903 Square, Upper Trafalgar Street, Nelson
 
Blenheim – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 21 December
11:00 am
Blenheim Railway Station
 
Christchurch – Flag Waving for Palestine
Friday 20 December
4:00 – 6:00 pm
Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch
 
Christchurch – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 21 December
1:00 pm
Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch
 
Timaru
No Rally this weekend
 
Dunedin – Rally
No rally this week
 
Queenstown
No rally this weekend
 
Invercargill – Rally for Palestine
Sunday 22 December
1:00 pm
Wachner place Invercargill.

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Disasters – ANZ announces relief package following Vanuatu earthquake

Source: ANZ

ANZ has announced a financial relief package for those affected by the Vanuatu earthquake. The bank will also make donations to some registered charities to support recovery efforts.

A 

state of emergency has been declared in Vanuatu for seven days following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake which struck approximately 30km off the coast of Port Vila on Tuesday.

ANZ Regional Executive for the Pacific Sarah Stubbings says: “Our thoughts are with all who were impacted by this week’s devastating earthquake in Vanuatu, where ANZ has a deep history dating back to 1971.

“While we are grateful no one in our team was hurt, we are thinking of those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured.

“With the effects of this likely to be felt for some time, we want to reassure our customers we are here to help and there is a range of financial relief options available to them.

“To help those in the broader community, we are putting in place a range of relief options and waivers on a number of fees. ANZ will also put in place support payments for our staff.”

The relief measures available for home and personal loan customers, valid until March 2025, include:

  • Up to three months Interest Only
  • A three-month Loan Repayment Pause
  • A Loan Repayment Break (Up to 3 months Principal & Interest suspended)
  • A Loan Term Extension.

We also have a range of relief measures available for commercial customers, including:

  • Short term funding through temporary overdraft facilities to assist with unexpected costs.
  • Hardship assistance for existing lending which may include payment holidays or interest only for up to three months.
  • Waive fees associated with restructuring business loans.
  • Waive merchant service fees for businesses on a case-by-case basis.
  • Provide early access to term deposits at no cost.


Effective today, ANZ will also waive a range of fees, further information can be found here at anz.com/vanuatu/en/fees-and-charges/.

Each customers situation is unique, and we encourage people to get in contact with us so we can discuss the best option available to them.

ANZ’s branch in Port Vila is temporarily closed. If you require help with your banking, please call us on +679 331 6644 at any time. Toll charges may apply.