Category: New Zealand

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What do a nurse, an early childhood teacher and a medical transcriptionist have in common?

Source: Council Of Trade Unions (CTU) – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: What do a nurse, an early childhood teacher and a medical transcriptionist have in common?

They are all waiting on equal pay. And today, early childhood teacher Chloe Lundie-Hodge, neonatal intensive care nurse Emma Morgan and medical transcriptionist Anne Shanks presented the signatures of over eight and a half thousand other equal pay supporters to Dr Jackie Blue in Wellington.

“On International Women’s Day, it’s heartening to know that so many other New Zealanders want to see equal pay for all women now,” New Zealand Educational Institute member Chloe said. “I also really appreciated that the Human Rights Commission has held an open forum for women to tell their stories for a submission to the United Nations. There are many steps to full equality for women in New Zealand, but getting the pay equity principles into law and better funding education roles like mine needs to happen this year.”

New Zealand Nurses Organisation member Emma told Dr Blue that because nursing has been seen as ‘women’s work’ the intense responsibility of her role is not reflected in her pay. “Our skill literally means the difference between life and death for very fragile premature or ill babies. My job can be emotionally intense, and we put in long hours, but we do it because we change families’ lives for the better. All we are asking is for society to take another look at the value nurses bring, and whether that’s fairly recognised.”

Medical transcriptionist Anne thanked her union, the Public Service Association for taking up an equal pay claim on behalf of admin and clerical workers. “The funny thing is, health administrative roles used to be paid more and seen as a ‘specialist’ skill several decades ago when it was done mostly by men. The PSA is willing to unpick the complex history of our pay and bargain on our behalf, and I’m grateful for them standing up for us. But the principle of our claim is very simple. In 2018, we shouldn’t be paid less just because mostly women now tend to do admin. That’s been the law for over forty years.”

The Council of Trade Unions is campaigning for a better equal pay law for all women to be able to take claims, within the next 250 days.

To download photos: www.dropbox.com/sh/4u72c67f6t5r0e3/AAABl8g4L_1VBrrvEM5-Y5nWa?dl=0

To see video of the presentation: www.facebook.com/togetherunionnz/videos/1821476914569309/

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Working group to develop solutions to freedom camping

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Working group to develop solutions to freedom camping

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis has announced the establishment of a working group to develop solutions to freedom camping issues.
This morning Mr Davis met with 32 mayors and deputy mayors from across the country about freedom camping.
“The meeting was very productive and I want to thank the mayors and deputy mayors for sharing their views and experiences. It was really valuable. The issues with freedom camping are not insurmountable and there is a clear willingness from everyone to work together and find solutions.
“Freedom camping is a complex area. Freedom campers bring economic benefits to our regions, but the behaviour of a small percentage and the sheer increase in volume of freedom campers is causing real problems for some councils.
“The mayors talked about the need for a more consistent approach, including around enforcement and signage, more infrastructure needed in some areas, and the need to look at the Freedom Camping Act. 
“The mayors fully supported the establishment of a working group – made up of central and local government, the tourism industry, and other stakeholders – to discuss and work through the issues. 
“I am keen to get the working group established as quickly as possible. We need to come up with some solutions in time for the next summer peak season. Other issues, such as looking at the Freedom Camping Act, will take more time.” 
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has welcomed the establishment of the working group.  
“This is a significant issue for many local authorities who face significant stress and challenges to respond to seasonal influx of freedom camping.
“The Government recognises that tourism is an important industry – it’s our biggest export earner – but it’s also important that councils have the necessary tools and powers to respond when their communities are feeling the impact of high visitor numbers. 
“Collaboration is key in this situation and it’s great to see central and local government are committed to working together, with the tourism industry and other stakeholders.”
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, in consultation with other agencies, will develop a terms of reference for the working group.
  
Additional information:  
Over the last two years, international visitors who did some freedom camping spent an average of around $4,700 and stayed around 51 days in New Zealand, compared with the average for all visitors of $3,200 and 18 days. 
Over the last three years, international visitors who did some freedom camping spent an average of around $526 million a year in New Zealand. 
Over the past ten years, the number of international visitors doing at least some freedom camping during their stay has risen from around 30,000 to 115,000 annually.
In December the Government announced $14 million funding for 32 infrastructure projects through the Tourism Infrastructure Fund. The next $10 million round of the fund will be launched soon.  
Mayors were invited from Buller District, Central Otago District, Christchurch City, Clutha District, Dunedin City, Far North District, Gisborne District, Grey District, Hauraki District, Hurunui District, Kaikōura District, Mackenzie District, Marlborough District, Napier City, Nelson City, New Plymouth District, Queenstown Lakes District, Rotorua Lake District, Ruapehu District, Selwyn District, Southland District, Tasman District, Taupō District, Timaru District, Wairoa District, Waitaki District, Waitomo District, Wellington City, Western Bay of Plenty District, Whanganui District, Whakatanē District, and Whangarei District.  

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Detours to be in place at busy Rotorua roundabout

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Detours to be in place at busy Rotorua roundabout

Detours will be place on Froude Street to Tryon Street and also Trigg Avenue to Ward Avenue.

The NZ Transport Agency says people should avoid the area if possible, but if they have to travel they should take extra care and expect delays.

The work is subject to weather conditions and may need to be postponed.

People can stay up to date by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or checking the website www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/

We are also on Twitter and Facebook:

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Palmerston North man appears in court in relation to assaults

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Palmerston North man appears in court in relation to assaults


Location:

Central

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Jonny Oram, Manawatu CIB:

A 28-year-old Palmerston North man has appeared in court today [March 8] in relation to a series of assaults at two Palmerston North bars on February 25, 2018.

The man, who is a senior member of the Central chapter of the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Gang, faces seven charges of assault, including two of assault with intent to injure. He is due to reappear in Palmerston North District Court on March 26, 2018.

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Roads closed around Central North Island after heavy rain and wind

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Roads closed around Central North Island after heavy rain and wind

The NZ Transport Agency says people can expect delays and should drive with extra care.

It says people should check the website, the NZTA regional social media pages or call us on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS before leaving for their journey.

Current closures – check www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic for latest information.

  •  State Highway 45 between New Plymouth and Omata is closed due to a fallen tree. The road is expected to open this afternoon.

  • State Highway 43 between Taumarunui and Whangamomona is closed due to slips. The detour is via State Highway 3 and 4. It is not yet known when this road will open but crews are working where it is currently safe to do so.

  • State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo is closed due to slips and flooding. A detour route for travellers is to go south from Taupo via Palmerston North on State Highway 1 and 2. This will add 4 to 5 hours to the journey. A second but longer detour is to go north from Taupo on SH5 to Rotorua, take SH30 and SH2 to Gisborne and on to Napier. It is not yet known when this road will open but crews are working where it is currently safe to do so. Given the length of the detours people should consider if their travel is necessary.

Check the Transport Agency’s website for the latest highway information or check www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz  for up-to-date information on what is happening on the route you plan to travel. Freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.

We are also on social media.

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Government to work with Mayoral Housing Taskforce

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Government to work with Mayoral Housing Taskforce

The Government today committed to working with the Auckland Mayor’s Housing Taskforce aimed at ramping up the pace and scale of housing building in our largest city, Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford and Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa says.
The Taskforce is a multi-sector group made up of private sector housing organisations and public sector agencies. It will be a key forum for reviewing and developing housing policy to better address shortages and unaffordability in Auckland.
Phil Twyford says there is a strong overlap between the Taskforce’s objectives and the Government’s own reform projects.
“It’s great that Auckland Council is taking the lead on this work. Government officials will be doing all they can to work with the Taskforce to implement the necessary reforms.
“Fixing Auckland’s housing issues is the key to addressing the national housing crisis. Central government can’t do this alone; we must partner with Council, the community, business and iwi.
“The social cost of the housing crisis on Auckland’s most vulnerable – and especially its children – means this work must be a priority,” Phil Twyford says.
Jenny Salesa says Council and the private sector have stressed the need for standardised solutions that can accelerate house building.
“A key priority for me is developing a skills strategy for the construction sector. We have ambitious house building targets and need the right people with the right skills to help deliver it.
“For this to be successful, the sector and government must work together to make sure immigration, training and education are matched by the construction sector’s efforts to be seen as an attractive career to a diverse range of Kiwis,” Jenny Salesa says.

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New city hockey turf to soon be developed

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: New city hockey turf to soon be developed

Mr Smith, Professor Thomas and Hockey Manawatu general manager Kevin Nicholson stand at the future site of the hockey turf

The development a new international level hockey turf is soon to commence following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Palmerston North City Council, Massey University and Hockey Manawatu.

Massey University and Palmerston North City Council has agreed to provide up to $500,000 each towards to cost the turf which is to be located at Massey University alongside the Sport and Rugby Institute and existing tennis and netball courts.

Currently the city has twin turfs at Fitzherbert Park, but with the growth in the popularity of hockey, they are operating at maximum capacity.

“Having an additional turf, with great proximity to our existing turfs in Fitzherbert Park will allow for the increase in hockey competitions and for the city to play host to significant tournaments and competitions,” says Grant Smith, Palmerston North City Mayor. “Council encourages and supports physical activity, sports and recreational activities and this location also adds value to Massey University personnel and students. It’s a win for the city for many reasons.”

The artificial turf is a dual community/university facility that will fill a gap in local hockey facility provision. It will also be available to Massey University for teaching and research, and help attract aspiring hockey playing students to study in Palmerston North.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says she is pleased to partner with the council and Hockey Manawatu on a facility that will greatly benefit the community.

“Hockey is extremely strong in the Manawatū region and this new facility will help Massey create New Zealand’s pre-eminent hockey development centre. It also provides students and staff with yet another recreation facility on campus, alongside the existing Recreation Centre, the Equestrian Centre, the Manawatū Athletics Track, the Sport and Rugby Institute and numerous outdoor courts and playing fields,” she says.

Andrew Bethwaite, Chair of Hockey Manawatu says, “We are very much looking forward to having the Massey turf available to accommodate the large growth in player numbers we have experienced over the last few years across both the summer and winter competitions.”

“Having a third turf in the area will provide opportunities to attract larger national tournaments to the region and we are excited by Massey’s aim of creating a high performing athlete development centre which will continue to strengthen hockey in the region.”

Design work is underway, and Massey University, Hockey Manawatu, and Council will work on fundraising for the balance of the costs. 

Ownership and the daily operation of the turf will remain with Massey University with agreed availability for Hockey Manawatu.

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NZ to host world conference on women in sport

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: NZ to host world conference on women in sport

New Zealand will host the 8th International Working Group on Women in Sport (IWG) secretariat from 2018-2022.

One year on from its launch on International Women’s Day in 2017, Women in Sport Aotearoa has been instrumental in successfully bidding to host the 8th International Working Group on Women in Sport (IWG) secretariat from 2018-2022.

The announcement was made by Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson and Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter.

Women in Sport Aotearoa foundation board member Professor Sarah Leberman says the achievement reflects New Zealand’s strong commitment to gender equality, and will see the sport sector playing an important role both in New Zealand and internationally to lead positive change for women and girls.

The host flag will be handed over to New Zealand during the upcoming 7th IWG World Conference on Women and Sport in Gaborone, Botswana from the 17th to the 20th of May. Recently appointed New Zealand co-chair of the IWG, Raewyn Lovett, will accept the hand-over on behalf of New Zealand.

Women in Sport Aotearoa will be the lead delivery agent and will be responsible for meeting the IWG’s vision of ‘a sustainable sporting culture based on gender equality that enables and values the full involvement of girls and women in every aspect of sport and physical activity’. This will be undertaken in partnership with the steering group for the bid, including New Zealand Olympic Committee, Sport New Zealand, and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

The four year secretariat will culminate in the 8th World Conference on Women in Sport to be held in Auckland in 2022 in collaboration with IWG.

Women in Sport Aotearoa launched in March 2017 and is the first national New Zealand advocacy network devoted to bringing about positive change for women and girls in sport. Co-chairs Julie Paterson, chief executive of Tennis New Zealand, and Professor Sarah Leberman, Dean Academic, Massey University, both credit their time with women’s sport organisations in the USA as pivotal in the establishment of the entity.

“We both agree that the impact of Women in Sport Aotearoa has been far more than we could have hoped for in the short time since we launched on International Women’s Day, in 2017,” Ms Paterson. “To have the mandate internationally is an incredible privilege. We are continuing on our path to ensure women and girls are visible, valued and influential in sport.” 

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Massey staff appointed to Marsden Fund Council

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Massey staff appointed to Marsden Fund Council

Distinguished Professor Spoonley (left) and Professor White have been appointed to the Marsden Fund Council

Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Humanities and Social Sciences Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley and the college’s research director Professor Cynthia White have been appointed to the Marsden Fund Council.

The council is responsible for developing the strategic direction of the Marsden Fund that provides funding for investigator-initiated research in the fields of science, engineering, maths, social sciences and the humanities.

In making the announcement, research, science and innovation minister Dr Megan Woods said all the appointees were highly regarded researchers domestically and internationally and had a wide range of expertise that complemented the strengths of existing members.

Professor Spoonley, who has been appointed convenor of the council’s social sciences panel, is also a principal investigator on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-funded programme, Capturing the Diversity Dividend of Aotearoa New Zealand (2014-2020). He is a fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and of the Auckland War Memorial Museum and a research fellow of the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity.

Professor White will be the new convenor of the humanities panel. She has also held an honorary research fellow from the University of New England since 2012. She is currently a member on the humanities panel and is on numerous editorial boards and advisory panels, both in New Zealand and overseas.

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Farming activity taking the best of NZ to the world

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Farming activity taking the best of NZ to the world

Professor Julian Heyes, Dr Janet Reid, Professor Steve Morriss, Mr Graham Robinson and Professor Chris Anderson with one of IFSCA’s village cattle farmer groups on Sumbawa island.

Massey University is helping farmers and educators in Indonesia to build a more sustainable and successful agriculture sector through an innovative aid programme.

The East Indonesia Innovative Farm Systems and Capability in Agribusiness Activity (IFSCA) project, which is funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme, focuses on building human capability on farms and in classrooms through the University of Mataram in Indonesia, as well as infrastructure on the ground.

A delegation of Massey University staff has been in Indonesia discussing the future of the project and the success of the collaboration to date.

The project has seen the installation of important infrastructure, with structures such as cattle feeding units already built on the island Sumbawa. This visit saw Massey’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor Operations, International and University Registrar Stuart Morriss and the Bupati (mayor) of North Lombok District Dr Najmul Akhyar lay the foundation stones for a village-level grading shed for fresh fruit and vegetables. This will assist villagers to supply high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables to high-end hotels on Lombok’s tourism coast, including lettuce, capsicum, tomatoes, chilli, cucumbers and basil.

Through the IFSCA programme, farmers in North Lombok are being trained in both horticultural production and agribusiness skills. The relationship between the universities has led to postgraduate students for Massey, joint publications and the current programme, which matches expertise between the two universities in agriculture, extension, animal science and food technology.

Massey’s Professor Chris Anderson says the programme has been gaining momentum each year.

“It has been great to get the people working on both sides of this project together as they mostly work thousands of kilometres apart. The collaboration between universities and farmers has exceeded our wildest dreams and we are starting to see real changes that will benefit everyone involved,” he said.

A key sustainability target of the programme is to build capability within the agricultural extension system operating in North Lombok. This work is led by the College of Sciences’ Dr Janet Reid. Professor Julian Heyes is leading the horticultural technical programme and Professor Steve Morris is leading the animal science technical programme, with Mr Graham Robinson of the Massey Projects Office providing project management support to the team.

While in Indonesia this week, Mr Morriss chaired the fourth advisory board meeting for the project, which reflected on achievements and lessons learned over the past 12 months, and reviewed immediate and longer-term plans.

The project is part of larger university effort known as Massey University Worldwide that aims to develop the international education market as a major export earner for New Zealand and expand Massey teaching and research activity internationally. It works within agriculture, humanities and social sciences, aviation, business, emergency management, environment, health and veterinary medicine.

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