Category: New Zealand

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Transpacific agreement not right

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Headline: Transpacific agreement not right

 

 

Media Release                                                                   7 March 2018

President to speak at Wellington TPPA Rally

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation objects to the New Zealand government’s intention to sign the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement tomorrow. NZNO asserts that although some improvements have been made, the CPTPP is not ready to be signed.

As part of the week of action, NZNO President Grant Brookes will address the Wellington rally against the signing on parliament grounds tomorrow and will urge the rally to sign the petition ‘don’t do it’. 

Nationwide Day of Action against the TPPA-11

“Trade Minister David Parker rates the deal as seven out of ten for New Zealand. Nurses would not agree that tinkering around the edges meant that was a good job done, no more than the government should think they have finished making a deal that is good for all New Zealanders,” he said.

“Nurses promote optimal health status for all peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite improvements, the intellectual property provisions which are likely to delay access to affordable new medicines are still present in the text.

“In reality there is no way of knowing how well the CPTPP scores.

“Until there is an independent health impact assessment of the deal, which Labour campaigned for while in opposition, then nurses say, ‘Don’t sign!’.”

Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says:

“We are not satisfied that the Treaty of Waitangi aspect of this agreement is robust enough to protect indigenous rights as was found by the Waitangi Tribunal.”

“The Investor State Dispute Settlement provisions which privilege multinational corporate interests above our sovereign and indigenous interests have been suspended but not removed and this is too risky for us,” she said.

 

https://www.nzno.org.nz/get_involved/campaigns

 

Media enquiries to: Karen Coltman 027 431 2617

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Serious crash in New Lynn

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Serious crash in New Lynn


Location:

Waitemata

Police are in attendance at a serious crash involving a motorcycle and a car in New Lynn.

Police were called around 5:45pm to the crash on the corner of Parker Ave and Titirangi Road.

The motorcyclist has been taken to Auckland Hospital with serious injuries.

Police are urging motorists to avoid the area if possible. 

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Eminent Asian Honorary Advisers to provide insights into NZ-Asia relations

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Eminent Asian Honorary Advisers to provide insights into NZ-Asia relations

What are the trends in Asia that could have an impact on New Zealand? And how is New Zealand perceived in the region?  

Ten influential Asian dignitaries will share their perspectives on those questions and others with New Zealand counterparts at a meeting of the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Honorary Advisers Network in Auckland from March 11 to 13.

Asia New Zealand Foundation executive director Simon Draper says the Asia Honorary Advisers are highly distinguished individuals who can offer insights into developments in Asia. Many have long-standing ties with New Zealand.

“These people are very well-connected in their home countries and open doors for the Asia New Zealand Foundation and other agencies,” he says.

“As New Zealand’s links to Asia deepen and diversify, it is important to have advocates who can provide their viewpoints on New Zealand’s relationships in the region.”

Mr Draper says the Foundation’s activities also benefit from advice and support from its New Zealand Honorary Advisers – eminent New Zealanders from a range of sectors. “The New Zealand Honorary Advisers will help us update our guests on social, political and economic developments in New Zealand.

The meeting is also an opportunity to talk about geopolitical changes in Asia, security issues, the overall trade and economic direction, business opportunities for New Zealand, and people-to-people links. 

“We know from our research that New Zealanders need to understand Asia better so they can feel more confident about interacting with its countries and peoples.  It’s important for us to bring together our Asia and New Zealand-based Honorary Advisers to talk about how they can contribute towards the Foundation’s goal of equipping New Zealanders to thrive in Asia.”

The Honorary Advisers Network is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, who is hosting them for dinner in Auckland on Sunday evening.

Brief descriptions of the Honorary Advisers follow; please contact us if you would like full bios or to interview any of the Honorary Advisers.

Mark Russell
Director Strategic Communications and Media
027 297 0178
mrussell@asianz.org.nz

Rebecca Inoue-Palmer
Media Centre Manager
027 226 8707
rpalmer@asianz.org.nz

Asia Honorary Advisers

  • Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, non-executive independent chair, AirAsiaX and former Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia
  • Ms Pham Thi My Le, founder of Le and Associates (L&A), Vietnam
  • Mme Li Xiaolin, president, People’s Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries, China
  • Mr Guillermo M. Luz, private sector co-chairman, National Competitiveness Council, Philippines
  • Ms Heekyung Jo Min, executive vice president, CJ Corporation, South Korea
  • Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence, Singapore
  • Mr Stanley Tan, ONZM, chief executive officer of Global Yellow Pages, Singapore
  • Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi, former Director General of the World Trade Organisation and former Secretary General of UNCTAD, Thailand
  • Dr Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director, Institute of Security and International Studies and professor of international relations at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
  • Dr Raghupati Singhania, chairman and managing director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd, India

New Zealand Honorary Advisers

  • Dr Alan Bollard, CNZM, executive director of the APEC Secretariat based in Singapore
  • Hon Philip Burdon, former National cabinet minister and former Asia New Zealand Foundation chairman
  • Ms Trish Carter, founding editor and bureau chief for Al Jazeera English in Kuala Lumpur
  • Mr Peter Chin, CNZM, former Mayor of Dunedin
  • Mr Rob Fyfe, non-executive chairman of Icebreaker
  • Ms Traci Houpapa, CNZM, Federation of Māori Authorities chairwoman
  • Mr Raymond Huo, Member of Parliament for the Labour Party
  • Professor Manying Ip, CNZM, Emeritus Professor in Asian Studies, University of Auckland
  • Mr Ian Kennedy, chairman of the Japan New Zealand Business Council and former Ambassador to Japan
  • Ms Melissa Lee, Member of Parliament for the National Party
  • Mr Richard Long, ONZM, former editor of The Dominion
  • Rt Hon Sir Don McKinnon, ONZ, GCVO, chairman of Regional Facilities Auckland, chairman of the New Zealand China Council and former Deputy Prime Minister
  • Mr Peter Miskimmin, chief executive of Sport NZ and two-time Olympian
  • Mr Mitchell Pham, co-founder of Augen Software Group
  • Hon Simon Power, QSO, general manager, consumer banking and wealth at Westpac New Zealand, and former National cabinet minister
  • Sir Anand Satyanand, GNZM, QSO, KStJ, New Zealand’s 19th Governor-General (2006-2011)
  • Dr Farib Sos, MNZM, executive chairman of Asia Forum

About the Asia New Zealand Foundation

The Asia New Zealand Foundation is the leading non-profit, non-partisan organisation focussed on New Zealand-Asia relations. The Foundation’s job is to equip New Zealanders to thrive in Asia. 

The Foundation works in partnership with influential individuals and organisations in New Zealand and in Asia to provide high-level forums, cultural events, international collaborations, school programmes and professional development opportunities.  Its activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through seven programmes.

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New Zealand to host World Conference on Women in Sport

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand to host World Conference on Women in Sport

Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson and Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter today welcomed New Zealand’s successful bid to host the 8th International Working Group on Women in Sport secretariat from 2018 to 2022.
The honour will culminate with New Zealand hosting the 8th World Conference of the International Working Group on Women in Sport (IWG) in Auckland in 2022. The bid was a joint effort by Sport NZ, Women in Sport Aotearoa (WISPA), the NZ Olympic Committee and Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED).
“The vision of the IWG is sustainable sporting culture that enables and values the full involvement of women in every aspect of sport – a vision our Government shares,” Grant Robertson says.
“Hosting this influential event will provide an opportunity to connect New Zealand with the global conversation, highlight our achievements and focus our efforts and aspirations on achieving much more.”
“Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the immense achievements of women, and is a call to action to accelerate gender equity around the world,” says Julie Anne Genter.
“The hosting of the IWG World Conference and work of the Wonderful Group are reminders of the important role sport can play in this.”
Grant Robertson was in Auckland today to help launch the newly formed Wonderful Group’s ‘It Takes Two’ mentoring programme. The programme helps young women with ambitions to work in sport media by drawing on the experience of women already in the industry, in turn empowering these mentors to strive for leadership roles.
“Increasing the profile, participation and leadership contribution of women across our sporting sector is a key priority for the Sport and Recreation and Women’s portfolios,” Grant Robertson and Julie Anne Genter say.

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World-class canoe training centre opens in South Auckland

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: World-class canoe training centre opens in South Auckland

Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson today officially opened the Canoe Slalom New Zealand High Performance Training Centre at the Vector Wero White Water Park in Manukau, Auckland.
“This Centre is a world-class training environment for New Zealand. It was constructed as an add-on conversion to the existing Vector Wero White Water Park, opened in 2016,” Grant Robertson says.
“As well as its high performance aspect, the facility allows people of all ages and abilities to ‘give it a go’, aiming to cater for 15,000 children each year through kayaking, rafting and water safety sessions. These are important and valuable skills for our young people to learn.”
The opening celebrations included a pōwhiri with Tainui representatives, before Rio Olympic silver medallist Luuka Jones and World Championship bronze medallist Mike Dawson did a run of the course. A school group then took part in a Tamariki Rafting course. 
“The shared facilities approach will allow for a strong focus on activities for young people wishing to pursue white water sport through the Momentum Hub at Wero,” Grant Robertson says.
The project is a collaboration between Canoe Slalom New Zealand, Sport New Zealand, High Performance Sport New Zealand and Wero operator Second Nature Charitable Trust. In late January, the Park hosted the Canoe Slalom Oceania Championship. Sport NZ invested $250,000 in the fit-out to upgrade the course.

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Japan

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Japan

Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant
On 11 March 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused significant damage to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. Radiation levels remain a concern in the areas outlined above. A more detailed explanation of the various restrictions in these areas has been provided by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

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Mata Bridges repairs to close SH1 in Northland at night

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

Headline: Mata Bridges repairs to close SH1 in Northland at night

The new work is focused on repairs and resurfacing of the three Mata Bridges between Oakleigh and Ruakaka.

This new work is in addition to the ongoing night-time road repairs at Oakleigh which started in early February. Those works are taking longer than expected because of the wet summer weather and now won’t be finished until after Easter, says the Transport Agency’s System Manager Steve Mutton.

The new Mata Bridges work south of Oakleigh is scheduled to start on Sunday 18 March and take four nights. The work will be done in three stages and is weather dependent meaning they may be postponed at short notice.

The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and understanding as essential maintenance to improve safety and resilience is carried out in this stretch of State Highway 1.

Stage One of the new work will start on the most northern of the three bridges on Sunday night, 18 March.

There will be stop/go traffic management in place from 7pm–9pm and a full road closure from 9pm–5am.

The detour for northbound traffic is via Salmon Road and Springfield Road and back on to State Highway 1. Southbound traffic will travel the same route in reverse.

Stage Two works on the other two bridges will take place on Monday and Tuesday nights. Stop/go traffic management will be in place 7pm–9pm and a full road closure from 9pm–5am each night.

The detour for northbound traffic will start at State Highway 12 to Paparoa and follow Paparoa – Oakleigh Road, Paparoa Road and Mangapai Road before rejoining SH1 north. Southbound traffic travel the same route in reverse.

The detour will add an additional twenty kilometres to journeys between Brynderwyn and Whangarei.

The detour is not suitable for HPMVs which will need to park and wait at the closure point.

Northbound traffic heading to Ruakaka and other destinations south of the closure point will be allowed to continue on State Highway 1.

Stage Three resurfacing work will take place on Wednesday night with stop/go traffic management from 7pm–9pm and a full road closure from 9pm–5am.

There are two options for motorists during the full road closure. Option one is to use the Stage 2 detour via SH12 above.

Option two is to continue on State Highway 1 and park and wait at the closure point instead of using the detour.

Delays of at least an hour and a half can be expected with traffic being let through the area between resurfacing works where possible.

The Transport Agency urges motorists to allow extra time for their journey or reschedule it to avoid the closures.

“Please follow the directions of the road crews, keep to the speed limits, and take extra care on the detour route which may be unfamiliar to regular travellers in the region,” says Mr Mutton.

Stage One detour on the night of Sunday 18 March

Stage 2 & 3 detour on Monday 19 March and Tuesday 20 March

Map shows the location of the three stages of the Mata Bridges repairs and resurfacing

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SH1 Desert Road closure delayed further due to weather

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

Headline: SH1 Desert Road closure delayed further due to weather

The initial closure was scheduled to take place from 7am Wednesday. The road is being closed to enable the concrete deck to be poured and was always weather-dependent.

NZTA Waikato Transport Systems Manager, Karen Boyt, says concrete doesn’t pour well in bad weather and the risk of environmental and safety impacts is high.

“We’d like to apologise for moving this closure again but we need to ensure the job can be done within 36 hours so that it doesn’t cause even more delays to freight and people who need to use the Desert Road.

“The new date is yet to be confirmed so people should check our website or call us before they leave for their journey so they’re aware of what’s ahead of them,” Ms Boyt says.

The work could take place over the weekend or next week, but dates are to be confirmed and still subject to weather.

Another similar 36-hour closure is scheduled for early April, this will also be weather permitting.

Outside of the closure times people can expect the bridge to be down to one lane, with some short closures of around 5 minutes. There is a 30km/h limit in place.

The alternative route is State Highways 46, 47, 4 and 49. This detour is not suitable for vehicles over 46 tonnes, apart from 50MAX which is permitted.

There are also multiple maintenance work sites on the Desert Road during this period and delays are possible at other sites.

High productivity motor vehicles can use the SH3 and SH3A route between Hamilton and Bulls.

Vehicles with over-weight loads or over-dimension loads wider than 3.0 metres are unable to use the Desert Road section of SH1 until the bridge repairs are complete in April.

The closure dates are subject to fine weather. Updates will be posted at the sites below.

People can check all current road closures here:

http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/

We are also on Twitter and Facebook:

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Kaikōura, State Highway 1, update since reopening last Friday

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

Headline: Kaikōura, State Highway 1, update since reopening last Friday

The highway opened last Friday after nearly two weeks of concentrated slip clearance both north and south of the town, including the Hundalee Hills. Sites which had been well sluiced, scaled and strengthened since the 2016 earthquake as well as newly-built infrastructure held up well in the storm.

“Delays are concentrated within the Hundalee area north of Parnassus,” says North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) Network Operations Manager Tresca Forrester. “When traffic is busy, people could face up to 20-minute delays due to the longer work sites and the close proximity of sites. Peak times are between 11am and 4 pm daily.”

She reminded drivers that temporary speed limits are there for their safety and for all drivers to take their time, take care around crews and build in extra time for this journey.

The southern closure point outside of the open hours of 7.30 am to 7.30pm remains the SH1/Leader Rd intersection. Residents living within this soft cordon have access to their homes.

Travel time between Christchurch and Picton has been between four hours and 40 minutes and five hours but summer traffic volumes have dropped off, says Ms Forrester, to around 2,200 – 2,500 vehicles daily.

“Wet weather will still likely affect this route in future so people should check its open/ closed status before setting out.” (See www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic)

The Lewis Pass route via Waipara and Murchison remains a good alternate route to SH1.

Damage on the Hundalees from ex Cyclone Gita

How to stay up to date:

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Takaka Hill, SH60, Riwaka to Golden Bay – Easter update, open hours, repairs going well, dedicated email

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

Headline: Takaka Hill, SH60, Riwaka to Golden Bay – Easter update, open hours, repairs going well, dedicated email

“We know that freight providers and farmers need these truck and trailer units to get across the hill efficiently and that the single trucks’ restriction is adding to costs.”

Although there is no confirmed date at this stage for opening up the highway to trucks with trailer units, and over-dimension vehicles, the Transport Agency is hopeful it could be in two weeks’ time.

“Thanks to everyone for being patient while we work to get Takaka Hill repaired and safe for everyone to use again,” says Mr Porter.

Opening hours – same open hours continue this week

Currently the road open hours are Monday to Saturday inclusive, mornings and nights only, 7-8 am and 5-6 pm. People are encouraged to arrive as close to 7 am and 5 pm to reduce their waiting time and get through as quickly as possible.

On Sundays, people can travel by convoy all day 8 am to 5 pm as the crews have a day off repairs.

  • People should expect to be part of large convoys and to have to wait to get over the hill.
  • People towing caravans, trailers and boats can get over the hill at the end of each day in the last evening convoy in each direction (5-6 pm). On Sundays, they should be at the waiting area from 4 pm.
  • Otherwise the restrictions remain in place for rigid trucks only, with no trailers or over-dimension vehicles allowed on Takaka Hill currently.
  • The road is not generally suitable for motorcyclists in wet conditions, when it will be very slippery, particularly for those on road touring bikes with standard tyres. Motorcyclists will need to take extreme care.

Extending the open hours – soon

The Transport Agency is aiming to offer extended opening hours in coming days ie earlier in the morning and later in the evenings. This will allow more traffic to travel over the hill, but still allow the same time for crews to repair the road during the day.

The Transport Agency will communicate any changes to people as soon as they are confirmed and the Traffic and Travel page information will also be updated.

Easter opening hours   – open each day, all day

  • The Takaka Hill road will be open 8am – 5pm all of Easter, Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive.
  • The Thursday night (29 March) opening from 5 pm is likely to be extended to later so that people know they can travel to/from Golden Bay for their holiday break without the need to rush.

After Easter hours and access – Tuesday, 3 April onwards

The Transport Agency is aiming to open up the road to be used normally, without convoys, outside of the daytime construction work, ie outside of 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, including overnight. “Repairs will be ongoing for some time and they cannot be undertaken safely or efficiently while there is traffic on the road,” says Mr Porter.

This planned timetable to move beyond the convoy system is dependent on good weather in coming weeks, he says.

Try not to make up time, arrive on time for least delays

Frank Porter reiterated the need for people to take care once they are beyond Takaka Hill and not speed up to make up time. “We have had reports from our crews that some people are not driving to the speed limits once they are over the hill. Please, get home safely, and drive to the conditions.”

Mr Porter also reminded drivers that crews are unable to give priority to some people in the queue over others.  “We will work to get everyone waiting over, and our crews are there to get people over as quickly as is safely possible. If it is urgent, arrive on time.”

Traffic and travel pages for convoy information which will be updated when arrangements change: http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/202314

How to stay up to date:

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