Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Attendance dashboard shows early insights into term 2

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that new up-to-date attendance data is helping provide fresh insights into student attendance. For example, data for the first week of term 2 shows the effect of wild weather and which regions were standouts.
The average attendance across week 1 is 87.1 per cent.
“The daily school attendance dashboard kicked off this year. It facilitates the daily recording and publication of student attendance, meaning data for week one of term 2 is already available,” says Mr Seymour.
“It’s pretty clear that areas hit worst by the stormy weather had significant drop offs towards the end of the week. For example, Canterbury and Chatham Islands recorded 90.2% on the first two days of term but dropped to 76.9% on Thursday when the storm hit. I expect attendance to increase again with better forecasts next week.
“The dashboard provides region-specific data and insights. Over the school holidays I wrote to all mayors across New Zealand urging them to check out their region’s statistics so they can help raise awareness and spark local action.
“My letter didn’t ask them to spend money, or hire more bureaucrats, or make more rules. All it asked was for community leaders to play a positive role encouraging young people to get to school. 
“My goal is that all of us take ownership of the attendance problem, because in the long term, all of us will pay for it if children aren’t educated and prepared for the 21st century.
“I congratulate students in the Otago region, who were the most eager to return to school. On Monday, the first day of term 2, 91.7% of students were at school. The Nelson region wasn’t far behind them on 91.5%. 
“Thanks to the daily data, we can finally start to see trends in attendance as they occur. This is going to help educators, parents, community leaders, and the Government target areas in need and more effectively support students back to school.
“Green shoots are present, and we need to keep building on them. In every term in 2024 attendance improved on the same term in 2023. The Government will work with students, parents and educators to build on this.
“There is still more work to do. The Government’s attendance target is 80 per cent of students present for more than 90 per cent of the term. To reach this goal, daily attendance rates of 94 per cent are required. No region achieved this on any day this week. I will be announcing more on how we can help progress further towards our target in weeks to come. 
“It will be mandatory for schools to have their own attendance management plan, such as the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) in place by Term 1 of 2026. 
“The basic premise of our flagship STAR is that no child is left behind.  
This means every day at school is important, and interventions will follow if absences build up. This could mean consequences for the most uncooperative parents. I would like to acknowledge the work of the 67 per cent of schools who have already in engaged in some form of STAR.
“Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive educational outcomes. Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves.”
Attendance data can be found here Attendance | Education Counts 

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Healthy school lunch programme pays off

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At Bishop Viard College in Porirua, noticeably calmer classes in the afternoon are one of the key benefits of Ka Ora Ka Ako, the Healthy School Lunches programme.

“We used to have a spike in issues with boys at the end of lunch and first period after lunch and that spike has gone down since the programme began in Term 2 this year,” says Chris Theobald, Principal of Bishop Viard College.  “We would see significant increases in behaviour entries into our student management system during lunch and after lunch but there have been noticeably fewer entries since the programme started.”

Meeting children’s and young people’s needs

The New Zealand Healthy School Lunch pilot was announced in 2019 and delivered throughout 2020 as part of the Government’s Child Youth and Wellbeing Strategy, aiming to ensure children and young people have what they need, and are happy and healthy.

The programme targets schools and Kura with the highest concentration of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing lunches to all learners within the school free of cost on a daily basis.

There are now 960 schools with around 215,000 students receiving free and healthy lunches.

Interim evaluation

An interim evaluation of the programme, carried out among primary and intermediate schools in the Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty regions, has found:

  • Large benefits for all learners in respect of the types of food available and consumed
  • Large gains in fullness for learners who previously had insufficient food, with these learners, on average, feeling 20% fuller after lunch than before the programme
  • Large gains in mental wellbeing by the most disadvantaged learners who showed greater feelings of cheer, calm, vigour, restfulness and interest in activities
  • A statistically significant reduction in the proportion of learners with low health quality of life
  • Small but significant improvements for learners, on average, in terms of their overall health quality of life, as well as in their physical and emotional functioning.

The report notes that the pilot programme ‘often achieved more than what was expected in the initial two to three months, and that benefits were greater for the most disadvantaged learners.

No stigma, no embarrassment

Universality is a great feature of the programme, says Chris Theobald. “It doesn’t draw a line between who needs food and who doesn’t; we all need food. It means that everyone is able to get lunch and there’s no stigma attached, no embarrassment if you do or don’t get the lunch. Students don’t feel embarrassed about coming up for seconds and if there are any meals leftover, some students will take a few lunches home – they’ll quite happily walk down the drive taking two or three lunch boxes with them. There’s no division or stigma attached with getting a helping hand.”

Less stress and more local employment

As well as calmer afternoon classes, many students’ homes are calmer in the morning thanks to the programme. “Several of our families have commented on how the programme has taken away the stress of making lunches in the mornings,  as well as the financial implications.  But we’ve received more comments about the reduction in stress.”

Another very positive aspect of the programme for Bishop Viard College is that it has provided employment for people in the local community. “The programme is provided internally at Viard and one of the main reasons we decided to do it that way was because we wanted to employ people from our own community. We’ve got three staff members, one full time on 40 hours a week and two part-timers on 25 hours a week and two of them are parents of ours.”

Last modified on Wednesday, 17 May 2023 09:11

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Health – RACS calls on all levels of government for reform

Source: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) today issued an urgent call to governments across Australia to engage in genuine negotiations to resolve the pressing issues facing the NSW Health surgical workforce.

Australians are now waiting almost twice as long on average for elective surgery than they were 20 years ago. Workforce pressures and chronic understaffing have contributed to a decline in performance across the country, putting immense strain on both clinicians and patients.

“Our surgeons are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for patients across NSW Health public hospitals, however, they cannot continue to do so under the current conditions,” said outgoing RACS President, Associate Professor Kerin Fielding.

“We are increasingly seeing bureaucratic overreach and planning without senior clinician input, which has escalated over the past year. This has significantly impacted surgeon work practices, workforce wellbeing, surgical training, and most importantly, patient safety.”

Associate Professor Fielding warned that the current conditions have led to resignations and industrial action across multiple jurisdictions, exemplified by recent strikes in NSW and the resignations in ACT.

“The industrial action reflects the consequences of chronic understaffing, unmanageable workloads, and poor working conditions. These issues threaten the quality of patient care and jeopardise the sustainability of our healthcare system both in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand,” Associate Professor Fielding said.

In addition to advocating for systemic reform, surgeons will come together this weekend at the College’s Annual Scientific Congress to discuss strategies for working with governments to reduce elective surgery waiting lists. The gathering aims to foster collaborative solutions to improve access and reduce delays for patients awaiting vital procedures.

The College’s concerns are backed by a recent national survey conducted by the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation, which revealed mounting fears of a widespread exodus of medical professionals from public hospitals across Australia.

“Without meaningful reform and collaboration, the system is under serious threat, many surgeons will leave the public sector, costing the government millions in training and support. We must work together now to turn this situation around before it’s too late.”

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons urges all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and action to ensure a sustainable, safe, and high-quality surgical care system across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

About the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 8000 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates. RACS also supports healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region and is a substantial funder of surgical research. There are nine surgical specialties in Australasia being: Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology and Vascular Surgery. www.surgeons.org

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Africa – Turkey Strengthens Global Energy Influence with Strategic African Partnerships

SOURCE: African Energy Chamber

Turkey is deepening its energy ties across Africa, launching new projects in Libya, Somalia and Senegal as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its role in the continent’s evolving energy landscape.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 2, 2025/ — Turkey is making bold strides in expanding its energy footprint, with a series of strategic moves aimed at securing long-term energy resources and boosting its global influence. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), the country’s state-owned energy giant, is set to launch oil and gas exploration projects in Libya, aligning with Turkey’s broader strategy to diversify its energy supplies and tap into Africa’s vast resources. Turkey, which currently imports over 90% of its energy, is actively working to reduce its energy import bill by tapping into new domestic and international resources – making markets like Libya a key part of its long-term energy security agenda.

Turkey’s energy diplomacy is also gaining momentum in other parts of Africa, with recent agreements signed in Somalia and Senegal. As Africa continues to build stronger energy ties with G20 nations, Turkey is positioning itself as a reliable partner and growing pillar of energy security. The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, set to take place in Cape Town later this year, offers a key platform  for Turkey to expand its engagement with African energy markets and foster collaboration on exploration, infrastructure and investment.

Turkey and Somalia Deepen Energy Cooperation

Earlier this month, Turkey and Somalia signed a new hydrocarbon exploration and production agreement covering 16,000 km² of onshore territory. Under the deal, TPAO will conduct 2D and 3D seismic studies across three blocks, followed by drilling activities based on the findings. Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, has described the agreement as a strategic milestone in bilateral cooperation, building on a previous offshore production-sharing agreement signed last year.

In addition, seismic activities in Somalia’s maritime zones are underway, with Turkey’s Oruç Reis vessel having completed 78% of a 3D seismic survey over 15,000 km². The survey is expected to conclude by May 2025, after which drilling decisions will follow. Turkey is also eyeing cooperation in the mining sector, and further collaboration will be discussed at a Natural Resources Summit in Istanbul next month.

Energy Diplomacy Extends to West Africa

Last October, Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Senegal to cooperate on oil and gas exploration, production and trade. The agreement, signed during a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, includes Turkish participation in both onshore and offshore seismic surveys and extends to renewable energy, critical minerals and rare earths. This deal follows similar agreements with Somalia and Niger, as Ankara strengthens its energy ties across the continent.

Ankara’s Growing Influence Across Africa

Through these initiatives, Turkey is positioning itself as a leading partner to Africa, distinguishing itself from traditional Western powers by prioritizing co-development and mutual benefit. Under President Erdoğan, Turkey has quadrupled its diplomatic presence on the continent, expanded defense cooperation with countries including Somalia, Libya, Nigeria and Ethiopia, and boosted trade through major infrastructure investments. In 2023 alone, Turkish contractors completed $85.5 billion worth of projects across Africa. Turkish Airlines now serves 62 destinations on the continent, including Mogadishu, where Turkey has played a pivotal role in rebuilding the capital’s airport.

AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, will serve as a valuable platform for Turkey to strengthen its energy partnerships across the continent. The event convenes African producers, global investors and policymakers to drive new deals and shape Africa’s energy future. As Turkey expands its engagement with African energy markets, AEW 2025 is expected to be a pivotal venue for forging partnerships, launching projects and advancing long-term collaboration.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

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New weekend urgent care service launched in Tairāwhiti

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Access to urgent healthcare on weekends will be restored in Tairāwhiti this Saturday (3 May 2025) with the launch of a new service, Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced.
“Improving access to doctors and nurses is a key priority for this Government. We’re taking action to make sure the people of Tairāwhiti can get the care they need – when and where they need it,” Mr Brown says.
“Urgent care and after-hours services are vital for people with non-life-threatening conditions who still need prompt medical attention but cannot wait until the next day to be seen.
“This new service will both restore and expand access to urgent care on weekends and public holidays in the region, with weekday after-hours services to be added as workforce capacity allows.”
The upgraded service replaces the previous arrangements between general practices with extended weekend hours and the addition of public holidays, and will be delivered from Ngāti Porou Oranga at Puhi Kaiti Medical Centre, 75 Huxley Road. It will include: 

A walk-in or phone-first service with access to a nurse, nurse practitioner, or doctor
A local nurse-led phone line operating during the same hours as the clinic
Health navigation services to help patients access the right care.

As always, those with medical emergencies should go directly to Gisborne Hospital’s Emergency Department or call 111 for an ambulance.
“This service is also about easing pressure on Gisborne Hospital’s emergency department during weekends and public holidays. It allows emergency teams to focus on life-threatening conditions, while people with less urgent needs can get timely care in the community.
“Gisborne Hospital has a relatively high number of presentations that are triaged as lower-acuity categories – four and five – compared to other hospitals across the country. Many of these patients will be better served through this new community-based urgent care option.
“I’m pleased that Health New Zealand, in partnership with the Te Rōpū Matua collective through Ngāti Porou Oranga, is able to provide the people of Tairāwhiti certainty and reassurance that after-hours care will be available now and into the future.
“This is all part of the Government’s plan to ensure New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says.

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Issues and Organising Conference 2022

Source:

Registration for the Issues and Organising conference 2022 is now open.

Issues and Organising 2022 will be held at the Brentwood Hotel, Wellington, on 5-6 March with guest speakers and workshops on issues both professional and industrial.

All Regional Office holders and activists are encouraged to attend.  We encourage you to register as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

(subhead) Full programme planned

Issues and Organising is a grass roots activist weekend where members have the opportunity to make connections with various networks within the organisation and grow their activism by discussing issues and ideas and creating and supporting ways to strengthen public education for all.

The 2022 Conference will be a full programme with many discussions taking place on issues such as Curriculum, NCEA, PLD, the impacts of Covid as well as the claims and negotiations processes.  A full programme will be available in 2022.

We look forward to seeing you there!

More information and registration

Last modified on Wednesday, 17 May 2023 09:11

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Te Kura to celebrate 100 years

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The Correspondence School – with its sole teacher, Janet MacKenzie – started sending out primary school lessons from a small office in the Department of Education almost 100 years ago.

As those first students completed their primary schooling, there were calls for the school to expand into secondary schooling, and in 1929, the first three secondary teachers were appointed to the new division with a total of 50 students on the roll.

However, for a school that was growing at an exponential rate, there were immediate headaches – the school had already had three moves in seven years and finding an office for the first three secondary teachers, Miss Spite, Mr Turner and Mr Mackinlay, wasn’t easy.

Secondary department makes itself at home

At that time, the school’s premises were at 156 The Terrace, sharing an old house with the Government’s Geological Survey Department. When some of the geologists went on the field trip the secondary department moved in.

With the return of the geologists, the secondary staff, now including two typists and some relieving teachers, moved along up The Terrace to number 168, another temporary office.

There were now 1000 on the roll – 800 primary children and 200 in the secondary department.

In 99 years, the school has undergone remarkable transformations. Even its name has changed.

Educating lighthouse and high-country children

But the profound mission of Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) has not deviated since 1922 – to provide education to children and young people who would otherwise miss out.

It has also been called on over the years to supplement learning for New Zealand children during major public health crises – from polio and influenza epidemics to the present COVID-19, and its services were also mobilised after the Christchurch earthquakes.

Originally responsible for the education of “lighthouse and high-country children”, Te Kura now enrols more than 23,000 students a year – a hugely diverse group from early childhood to young adult. More than half the ākonga are Māori.

It’s estimated that at least one and a half million New Zealand students have gained some part of their education at the Correspondence School/Te Kura over the past 99 years.

Re-engaging at-risk students

It teaches New Zealanders who live overseas, young parents, gifted and talented students, prisoners, and ākonga from other schools who take subjects not available in their own schools.

The Correspondence School was the result of families living remotely agitating for schooling. Today thousands of tamariki and rangatahi are referred to Te Kura each year, mainly because “school” has not worked for them.

Te Kura’s curriculum – Te Ara Pounamu – provides personalised and flexible learning encompassing a student’s interests and potential, and offers the ability to learn anywhere, anytime, anyplace.

It is also keenly aware that the relationship between ākonga and kaiako is key – just as in 1922, when its first teacher, Janet MacKenzie, intuitively understood that bond and was at pains to nurture it.

One of Te Kura’s programmes to re-engage at-risk students as part of a Ministry of Education-backed Auckland intervention following COVID-19 lockdowns was recently judged by the Education Review Office as “a phenomenal success”.

* If you have memories of Te Kura to share or would like to be involved in Te Kura’s Centenary celebrations next year, please email centenary@te kura.school.nz.

Last modified on Wednesday, 17 May 2023 09:11

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Opportunity to catch up at Te Kura Summer School

Source:

Registrations for Te Kura’s popular Summer School are now open (8 November 2021).

With the continued disruptions caused by COVID-19, Te Kura is anticipating increasing numbers of students looking to top up their credits for NCEA and University Entrance over the summer break.

Almost 2000 on summer school roll

Chief Executive Mike Hollings acknowledges that students have faced many challenges over the past few months, and maybe feeling some uncertainty about their results at the end of the year. Some have already reached out to Te Kura, and have been relieved to discover that there are backup options available.

Mike says that last year, more than 1900 students took advantage of Te Kura Summer School to complete their studies, enabling them to go on to further study, training or employment.

“Registration is free for most ākonga (students), and we have a range of NCEA internal standards on offer. It’s great to see from the feedback we get that for ākonga, summer study can be life-changing. And our research shows that many ākonga who come to us learn about Summer School from their own schools and kaiako (teachers).”

Learn anywhere, anytime

Te Kura Summer School has benefits for both students and schools. If a student has a 2021 NZQA registration, any credits achieved by the February deadline are transferred to their previous school of enrolment and can count towards their 2021 Record of Achievement. Courses are delivered online, so with access to a device and connectivity, students can learn anywhere, anytime.

“Our qualified kaiako are already gearing up for Summer School and will be available online to support ākonga with their learning. Our intake team is available to answer any queries from ākonga, whānau and schools.”

To learn more about Te Kura Summer School, please phone 0800 65 99 88 option 1, email summerschool@tekura.school.nz or visit www.tekura.school.nz.

Last modified on Wednesday, 17 May 2023 09:11

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Awards – Winners will not know they have won until it is announced at tonight’s awards

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers
Taupō-based apprentice Blake Jones-Downes has been awarded one of three prestigious Plumbing World Scholarships, recognising his initiative, professionalism, and versatility at such an early stage in his career.

The third-year Masterlink apprentice received the Scholarship at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards held on Friday 2 May in Brisbane, Australia.
Blake’s journey has been one of grit, growth, and drive to succeed. From managing his own vehicle to delivering top-tier service and continually finding ways to overcome challenges, he exemplifies everything the industry looks for in its future leaders. His reputation among clients and colleagues alike speaks volumes – he is dependable, skilled, and committed.
Nina Andrews, host employer and Director of McBeth Plumbing & Gas in Taupō, described Blake as a “rising star” in support of his nomination for the scholarship, adding that he is “more than an asset to the business; he’s a shining example of what’s possible when passion, resilience, and innovation come together.”
When asked what achievements and contributions he’s most proud of, Blake says:
“I’m most proud of the work I do that genuinely makes a difference – whether it’s solving a problem for a customer or getting a system back up and running. I’ve always been someone who enjoys problem-solving and figuring out how things work, so being able to do this professionally as part of my trade qualification is something I really love.”
“Blake’s combination of technical expertise, initiative, and work ethic make him an essential part of the business. He goes beyond simply completing tasks – he consistently adds value, demonstrating that he’s not just an apprentice but a future leader in the industry,” says Ms Andrews.
“There is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead, and this award would be a well-earned recognition of his dedication and achievements,” says Ms Andrews.
The Plumbing World Scholarship recognises three Masterlink apprentices each year who demonstrate exceptional commitment, personal growth, and maturity. Recipients receive a $1,000 Plumbing World credit. The overall winner also earns registration, flights, accommodation, and a guest pass for the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Blake was joined by fellow scholarship recipient Rory Van Vroonhoven, while Trent Toomey was honoured as the overall winner of the 2025 Plumbing World Scholarship.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Awards – Wellington Tradesperson Wins Prestigious James Douglas Medallion at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Wellington Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer Andrew Smith has been awarded the prestigious James Douglas Medallion at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards in Brisbane, recognising his exceptional commitment, technical excellence, and leadership within the industry.
Employed by E.G. Glennie & Co, Andrew has demonstrated an outstanding combination of practical skill, technical aptitude, and professionalism since joining the company. According to his nominators, company owners Mike Gooch and Gordon Diggle, Andrew’s natural talent for the trades has been matched by his drive to continually broaden his knowledge and leadership abilities.
“Andrew has become a true all-rounder at E.G. Glennie & Co,” said Mike Gooch. “From tackling technical problem-solving and calculations to working on the tools, he approaches every task with diligence and enthusiasm. His leadership, work ethic, and thirst for improvement set him apart.”
Andrew’s progression within the company has seen him rise to lead projects, price jobs, liaise with clients, and mentor fellow team members. His systematic approach to his work and tenacious attitude have resulted in him passing both his Tradesman and Certifying exams with flying colours.
“Andrew’s willingness to tackle any job – whether it’s designing an installation or unblocking a drain – shows his commitment to both the craft and our clients,” added Gordon Diggle. “He is an integral part of our succession plan and a key leader within our 10-person team.”
Praised for his polite, professional manner and technical expertise, Andrew has a passion for new ideas and technology, particularly in areas such as gas servicing, solar water heating, and problem-solving for complex installations. His initiative in seeking out knowledge and going the extra mile for clients and colleagues alike has earned him widespread respect within the company.
The James Douglas Medallion is one of the highest honours in New Zealand’s plumbing industry, awarded annually since 1948 to recognise outstanding recently qualified tradespersons. As the 2025 recipient, Andrew receives a $500 cash prize and a Career Development Scholarship valued at $2,500 from Skills Group, aimed at further supporting his professional growth. 
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.