Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Local Government Minister has announced cost cutting measures for wastewater aimed at boosting savings for ratepayers.

New national wastewater environmental performances standards hope to save up to $830 million over the next 35 years by streamlining wastewater consents.

Minister Simon Watts said 60 percent of treatment plants needed new consents within the next decade, and many were already operating on expired consents.

“These standards that we’re announcing today will make sure consenting keeps pace with the needs for upgrades, avoids wasteful spending, and reduces the risk of wastewater overflows into rivers, lakes, and the sea,” he said.

Watts said the change removes unnecessary delays and costly over-engineering.

Councils would have a nationally consistent framework for renewing wastewater consents for the first time, Watts said.

The standards applied to over 330 publicly owned treatment plants across the country, and would immediately reduce the need for expensive, duplicated technical assessments.

Watts described the standards as a major step forward.

Reducing consenting costs by up to 40 percent per plant meant a potential saving of $300,000 to $600,000, and up to 60 percent for smaller plants, he said.

Speaking to media, Watts said the nationally consistent standards meant there was now a national minimum standard to uphold.

“There’s been a significant process of engagement across the broad sectors, as I outlined, in order to set these standards,” he said.

“The Water Services Authority is taking a leadership in regards to this, to ensure that we balance the needs in regards to environmental protection.”

The new standards come into effect on 19 December.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Health NZ has failed in bid to get the Employment Relations Authority to force senior doctors into a contract and end repeated strike action.

Health NZ asked the authority in September to “fix” the terms of the collective contract after collective negotiation with the senior doctors’ union repeatedly broke down.

That would effectively imposed a contract on both sides.

But the authority said on Friday it would not do that.

In its decision, authority member Nicola Craig said that would have required a high bar – and there had been no serious and sustained breaches of good faith.

“The parties are a distance apart but it is not unusual in bargaining for a lot of progress to be made in a short time, even after a long period of little progress,” she said.

The union, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, had provided a list of subjects that it considered were still up for negotiation, she said.

There was still room for more bargaining.

“The parties are encouraged to participate fully, openly and in good faith to work together to reach a resolution,” Craig said.

In response to the decision, the union’s executive director Sarah Dalton said the litigation had been “a waste of money” and Health NZ should never have taken it.

It was time to get back to bargaining, she said.

“We are at serious risk of losing significant numbers of senior doctors and dentists due to HNZ’s intractable approach to recruitment, retention and remuneration. In the end it will be patients who continue to miss out on healthcare.”

Dalton said they had lost ten weeks of negotiation waiting for the finding.

She hoped it helped other unions when it came to having good faith negotiations with public sector employers.

Health NZ’s executive national director of people and culture, Robyn Shearer, said Health NZ acknowledged the ERA’s decision and were committed to resuming negotiations as soon as possible.

“Our focus remains on reaching a fair and affordable agreement for senior medical staff and for the wider health system.

“Our application to fix was made in recognition of our desire to settle the agreement and avoid disruption to patients.”

Shearer said Health NZ remained committed to avoiding disruption and reaching a settlement.

“We will continue to work with ASMS in good faith with the goal of reaching a swift resolution.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Organised backyard fights are nothing new, having returned to the spotlight in recent months since UFC star Dan “The Hangman” Hooker hosted the inaugural “King of the Streets”.

The 32-man, one minute fist-fight tournament in Auckland prompted New Zealand’s Boxing Coaches Association president Billy Meehan to call the event “straight-out thuggery”.

But during production of her TVNZ series Backyard Gang Wars, 1 News In Depth reporter Indira Stewart says what she found at most backyard fight events were police being actively engaged by organisers, medics, referees, nurses on hand – and a clear effort to make sure they were as safe as possible.

The two-part series is an investigation into the many fight clubs that have occurred across the country, often involving gang members and mired by controversy.

Speaking to Checkpoint earlier this year on one of Hooker’s backyard fights, Police Minister Mark Mitchell said, “gang members tend to be violent, and they tend to not want to stick to the rules”.

But Jon Paul “Fight Dog” Te Rito – known as JP – had organised his own event called Fight for Life and said they were actually about healing, connecting, and role modelling a better way for the following generations.

“If we keep doing what we’ve always done we’re always going to keep getting what we’ve got, which is prison and a cycle of negativity. So the only thing we can do is roll more positive change,” he told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

Ngā Kete Wānanga

The seed was planted after Stewart was invited to visit a tikanga Māori-based rehab programme by Matilda Kahotea, someone she had interviewed for a previous series Gang Mums and the person behind Ngā Kete Wānanga Solutions.

“I went over there. They welcomed me over to their rehabilitation programme centre with a powhiri. I sat down, they gave us food.

“I was just blown away … there were so many elements of surprise when I first met them.”

She said she felt totally safe, and despite the preconceptions people might have given their criminal past, described the men as “soft gentlemen”.

“The way they communicated their stories, their journeys, their paths, was surprising to me, and the types of things they said in terms of practising mindfulness. I didn’t think I would ever sit with a gang member who would talk to me about the practice of mindfulness.

“You try and go into these spaces with an open mind. You know the narratives that exist everywhere and … it’s not a community that I’ve always been around, but you go in with an open mind to learn, and try and understand the perspectives and experiences of people in worlds that are different to yours.”

JP said the rehabilitation programme had helped to make him more self-aware and more mindful.

“Since I’ve been at Ngā Kete I’ve actually started doing a whole lot of soul searching and realigning myself with my whakapapa, which has been really empowering – especially with the guidance of our rangatira, Whaea Matilda Kahotea, just helping me … reconnect with my tikanga.

“Being gifted this space, this safe space to be able to heal and realign has been a gift in itself at Ngā Kete Wānanga.”

‘Keep it in the ring’

Backyard fights between gang members were not a recent thing, tracing their heritage back to the Far North in 2017, Stewart said.

There had been several gang killings in the region, and rival gang members came together for a hui to try to work out how to keep their whānau safe, she said.

“One member, Herbert Rata – who is in the documentary – said, ‘why don’t we have a fight night and just, keep it in the ring’.

“And so that’s what it became, Keep it in the Ring, and it evolved over the years into Backyard Wars, and lots of other people began doing their own fight clubs too.”

Through the documentary process, it became clear to her that the kaupapa of the backyard fights “was healing some of those relationships and healing in communities”.

“One of the things that, I suppose, was surprising to us, was seeing rival gang members, gangs that have been historically rivals for generations, in the same room, cheering for their different opponents, but also cheering for each other.

“There are hugs, fist bumps, high fives between Head Hunters, Black Powers, Mongrel Mobs, it’s such a different story to what we’ve known and heard for so many years.”

There was never any indication that the fights could have spilled out of the ring, she said.

‘We still carry him with mana’

The name of his competition, Fight for Light, was inspired by a brother of his, who took his own life earlier in the year, JP said.

“He was a real nurturing brother, he was a rangatira of our whānau.

“He was once there in my life where he helped me fight for my light, and because I wasn’t able to be there to help him fight for his light, you know, we still carry him with mana.”

JP said he was inspired to start organising his own backyard fights after he was invited to one of Herbert Rata’s fights up in Takahiwai.

“To be a part of it, and then to feel the empowered by it, and then to take the connection element of it, bring it back down to Ngā Kete, and then create our own healing environment through way of expression.”

The fact that gang members had to live side by side when they were in prison showed them all that perhaps they could get along after all, JP said.

“We’re connected in prison, and so because we’ve lived with each other in prison for long periods of time, now we’ve come out and, you know, if we can do it in there, we can do it out here.”

However, it was important to break that cycle, he said.

“If we want our kids to do it out here, live out here, rather than going in there and having to connect, we have to role model that.”

Beyond the connection, fighting also helped with mental heath, JP said.

“My normal is totally different to to, you know, maybe your normal … what I think is normal, you might think is outrageous.

“And because I’m trying to stick to what, you know, your normal may be, it’s actually quite hard for me. So, that’s the built-up energy that I’m talking about.

“It’s a positive thing, you know, because if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”

Waking up each day to those challenges was a beautiful thing, and he was trying to role model that for his rangatahi, he said.

Even after her documentary was complete, there were still questions and concerns with the safety of some events, Stewart said.

“There was one particular event that we filmed out in South Auckland and there were quite a few knockouts in those rounds. And, some of the pairings of particular fighters, some were very, very experienced with someone that was not experienced or, 15 kgs heavier with someone that was, a lot lighter and not, not as fit.”

Hooker’s events could be particularly dangerous because of the high prize money, she said.

“Heimuli is a 10 time world champion MMA coach. And one thing he said is that when you put a carrot like that in front of some of these people, you might get some people who are just not ready to be in that space, and it can be very dangerous.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Riddled with anxiety, no sleep and no answers – some parents are worrying about about what the long-term impact of exposure to asbestos-contaminated children’s coloured play sand could be.

Over the past two weeks, there’s been rolling recalls of the magic sand used by children and schools across the country, raising concerns about imported children’s products.

Parents said they’re worried about the long-term impacts of exposure and the costs of testing and removal.

They’ve also raised concerns about the lack of safety checks in imported children’s products.

As Amber Nordmeyer picked up her remote, switched on her TV and flicked on the news, pictures of Kmart play-sand flashed across her screen.

To Nordmeyer’s horror, the recall numbers on her TV screen matched those on the buckets of green Kmart sand, that she purchased five years ago.

“It’s been really difficult; I haven’t been able to sleep for over a week.

“The shock of seeing the recalled product numbers that I had in my home on the news was extreme I felt sick to my stomach and went into a complete panic.”

Nordmeyer sent a bucket of the sand for testing, costing her $287.

She’s worried other parts of her house are contaminated too.

Lower Hutt parent Keren Lee said two years ago she bought coloured Kmart play sand for her 10-month-old and 3-year-old.

She was waiting anxiously to hear the results of tests, whether she’ll have to get her whole house tested and how much it will cost.

The tests have come back positive for asbestos.

“I think for people like me who have had it in the house, it’s been played with for a while, it’s been vacuumed up, we haven’t really had clear guidance on how worried we should be about the longer-term exposure.

“[Also] it being spread through the rest of our house and whether we should be getting professionals in fast.”

Lee said it’s made her think twice about buying imported toys again.

“If it’s come into the country, surely it’s safe. I never thought I’d have to question a product for something with such a serious substance.

“[I’m] being more careful about things like slime, sand and anything sensory, I’m obviously questioning a lot more than I used to.”

Wellington parent Matt Newman-Hall said his children’s two-year-old Kmart unicorn sand kits tested positive for asbestos.

He wanted answers and to see the retailers who sold the contaminated sand held to account.

“I’ve been in touch with Kmart, hopefully getting the product noted as an official recall, but also I’ve asked them to pay the invoice for the testing.

“I’ve also asked them what else they’re planning on doing. I haven’t had a response to that email yet, but I think there’s a pretty big responsibility and moral obligation that should fall on the retailer.”

Newman-Hall said he’s worried his children’s health would be impacted long-term.

“Is this going to impact people’s ability to get health insurance, or is it going to impact life insurance levies?”

Waikato parent Jessica Jordan said both she and her neighbour were first quoted $3000 for asbestos testing in their homes.

But luckily one of Jordan’s tests came back negative and after shopping around, her neighbour got their price down to $1000.

Jordan said a group of parents are talking about taking a class action lawsuit if they aren’t reimbursed.

“I’ve looked and can see that it’s probably a very expensive process, unless we can get litigation funding, or some hot shot lawyer that wants to represent the families.”

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act if a product isn’t safe, buyers are entitled to a refund of the money as well as the cost of testing and cleaning.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment also said it’s the retailer’s responsibility to sell products that are safe.

It said products containing asbestos aren’t allowed to be imported, unless they have a permit.

Checkpoint contacted Kmart for comment but had not received a response.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The family of a man who died after being pepper sprayed in prison says properly funded specialised training is needed for all Corrections staff.

The second phase of a Coronial Inquest into the death of Caleb Moefa’auo has concluded in the Auckland District Court.

Its focus was on the circumstances of his death, how his mental health contributed to what happened and whether the officers involved adequately took this into account.

Moefa’auo had been previously diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, and was staying at a residential unit to support people with mental health issues – after pleading guilty to aggravated assault and shoplifting in June, 2021.

He was moved to Mt Eden Corrections Facility in December 2021 after allegedly assaulting a fellow patient at the residential unit.

Moefa’auo was later placed in the prison’s Intervention and Support Unit, after being found to be at risk of self-harm.

The 26-year-old had a cardiac arrest after being pepper sprayed in 2022, in an altercation over returning towels following a shower.

Moefa’auo’s family gave a statement to the Coroner’s Court, saying they thought often about his final moments, and how frightened he must have been.

“It brings us sadness knowing he was in distress, and we simply wish he could have been met with more patience and understanding in that moment,” they said.

The Moefa’auo family wanted to highlught the need for specialised training for all staff in the Department of Corrections.

They hoped that in future, when someone is clearly struggling, those around them feel supported and able to respond with care and patients.

“It hurts us deeply that Caleb’s dignity was not upheld in those moments. He deserved humanity and protection, especially when he was at his most vulnerable.”

In phase one of the inquest, which took place in July, Counsel assisting the Coroner, Rebekah Jordan, outlined the series of events leading up to Moefa’auo’s death.

He had taken a shower that day, and used three towels to dry himself.

After taking a fourth, an acting senior corrections officer approached him, holding a can of pepper spray.

Moefa’auo was told to pass the towel to another officer, which he did, before being directed to get on his knees.

When Moefa’auo began to rise, the acting senior officer shouted at him, before spraying him.

He was taken back to his cell were stopped responding.

His family recognised the Corrections officers who gave evidence throughout the week of phase two.

“Their words do not lessen our loss, but we recognise the courage it takes to front painful events, and we received their acknowledgements with sincerity.”

Moefa’auo’s family wanted stronger, more specific information sharing when it came to mentally unwell inmates, so staff knew how to support them while still keeping themselves safe.

“Alongside this, we hope to see safer processes and the consistent application of de-escalation and wellbeing-focused responses, so staff feel confident in their roles and those in their care are treated with understanding and dignity.

“While nothing can change what has happened to our son, we hope that by sharing our pain and experience, meaningful improvements will follow improvements that prioritise safety, dignity, and humane decision-making,” they said.

The officer who sprayed Moefa’auo, who cannot be named, gave evidence at the Inquest on Thursday, saying what happened haunted them.

“I have replayed those moments many times in my mind and have reflected deeply on what happened that day, what began as a situation I believed I needed to manage for safety reasons ended in the outcome that none of us could have foreseen or wanted.”

Moefa’auo’s family were hopeful for a change.

“If those changes can protect even one more life, then Caleb’s memory will help guide something better for others.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

“Just walk up and get a tattoo,” that’s the advice the organiser of the Bepanthen New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival is giving to New Zealanders this weekend.

Between 4000 and 6000 people weer expected to cram into the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth over the weekend for the festival.

Now in its 13th iteration over 15 years, more than 250 tattoo artists – many of them from overseas – will be taking bookings at the festival, while Head Like A Hole tops the music bill and world-class freestyle motocross and BMX riders pull backfilps outside.

Event organiser Brent Taylor said staging the festival during tough economic times was a challenge, but that might work in the favour of people considering getting inked.

“I think with the economy being tighter worldwide tattooing because it’s a luxury item it is harder which means this weekend probably it will be a great chance to get tattooed.

“There’s lots of artists with bookings available and heaps of them are doing just walkups only as well, so you can walkup and get a tattoo on the day. You don’t have to pre-book, you don’t have to do any emailing, none of that. Just walk up and get tattooed.”

He said international names to look out for this year included Grace Neutral, from the United Kingdom – who was famed for her hand-poked tattoos – and United States exponents of black and grey realism – Carlos Torres and Stefano Alcantara.

“Grace just has her needles attached to a little stick and taps them in by hand, so every design is by hand. No machine at all, so that’s kind of a bit different.

“We’ve got a few of those here this weekend and we’ve got the hand-tap of Brent McCown from up north who does everything the traditional Samoan or Māori way of tapping it in as well.”

Taylor was also looking forward to catching up with Auckland artist Steve Butcher, who’d been working out of the States for several years.

Australian artist Kyle Pearson – who was returning to the festival – reckoned now was the perfect time to get tattooed.

“Tattooing is not recession proof, but it is one of those things that maybe we won’t be doing larger tattoos but smaller tattoos.

“In a recession lipstick is actually one of the big sellers because it’s a small treat that you can give yourself and tattooing is quite a cheap gift you can give yourself. It’s something you will keep for the rest of your days and take with you.”

Melbourne artist Snow was visiting the festival for the first time.

“I do a lot of dark illustrative, so lots of peppering and sharp lines quite gothically inclined, so yeah, predominantly black and grey tattoo work. There’s a lot of it in Melbourne so it will be interesting to see how much of it will be over here.”

Meanwhile, Taylor said the festival was also great fun for everyone, including those with no tattoos.

“You’ll be fine, you’ll be comfortable as. Everyone has a good time, it has a great vibe and if you are going to get tattooed just make sure you put a bit of thought into what you are going to get if you haven’t got one yet.

“That’s my advice because it’s there for ever, so you’ve got to make sure it’s something you really want, but in terms of coming up we have heaps of people who come along with no tattoos and they have a great time.”

Meanwhile, Kyle Pearson and friends were happy to look after anyone ready to take the leap.

“You can come and see me at booth D10 where my friends Bobbie Dazzler, Ink Snowflake, Paul Rapley and Odey will steer you in the right direction.”

The Bepanthen New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival runs Saturday from 11am to 10pm, and Sunday 11am to 7pm.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand