Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The early entry into force of the New Zealand–European Union Trade Agreement (FTA) is paying off, with Kiwi goods exports to the EU surging by 28 per cent during the first year. 
“In the last 12 months our goods exports to the EU surged from $3.8 billion to over $4.8 billion,” Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.
“This is good news for all New Zealanders, especially our sheep farmers, kiwifruit growers and machinery exporters. Sheep meat was up 29 per cent adding an additional $216 million, kiwifruit has increased by 69 per cent contributing a further $316 million, and machinery was up an impressive 104 per cent providing $173 million more compared to the previous year.
“Strengthening ties with trading partners is crucial to growing the New Zealand economy and driving up incomes for Kiwis. Better market access, lower costs, and fewer trade barriers with the EU are key to delivering the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports in 10 years.”
The NZ-EU FTA removed 91 per cent of duties on New Zealand exports immediately, climbing to 97 per cent after seven years. Wine, seafood, and a range of other products are also benefiting from significant tariff reductions.
“Our growing network of trade agreements means exporters now have more choices about where to sell their world-class products,” Mr McClay says.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Now is the time for Kiwis to give New Zealand Sign Language a go as we take a week to celebrate the language, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says.
This week is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) week. The theme is that “anyone can sign anywhere”.
“NZSL is an official language of this country, used by almost 25,000 people and the primary language for many Deaf New Zealanders.
“The Government, through the NZSL Board, invests $1.25 million each year to support initiatives promoting and maintaining NZSL. Included in that investment is the NZSL dictionary which is a great resource for learning new words,” Louise Upston says.
“This Government is committed to better public services, delivering services and support that meet the needs of the Deaf community.
“The NZSL Board is now consulting on a draft NZSL strategy which will drive its work for the next five years and I am encouraging all New Zealanders with an interest to submit on the strategy and have their say.
“I encourage New Zealanders to learn some everyday signs this week, such as ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ or ‘thank you’.”
There are resources and activities on the New Zealand Sign Week website to inspire everyone to learn the language.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

New investment in advanced technology research will boost high-tech exports, strengthen connections between research and industry and generate high value jobs, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. 
“Advanced technology research leads to life-changing innovation,” says Dr Reti. 
“The breakthroughs that can be achieved through areas like cryogenic and quantum science are hugely significant. 
“From developing portable MRI machines, to building smaller and faster engines, this investment will enable innovation that has the potential to improve our daily lives, while boosting economic growth in sectors like health, transport, energy and our space industry.” 
The Government is investing $71 million over seven years into a new advanced technology science platform hosted by the Robinson Research Institute, who are based out of Victoria University of Wellington. 
Dr Reti says this funding will not only support innovation that can be turned into economic gains but also maintain critical staff and develop young scientists into world-class innovators.
“Through this new science platform, the Government is investing in the materials and engineering expertise needed to achieve technological breakthroughs and turn innovative ideas into real-world products and services right here in New Zealand,” says Dr Reti. 
“This research platform aims to grow New Zealand’s hi-tech exports based on cryogenics, superconductors, magnets and processed materials.
“Robinson Research Institute are known for world-leading expertise in superconductors, magnets and materials technologies and proven experience in commercialisation.
“The team will develop workforce capability through internships and postgraduate study and encourage early career researchers to take their ideas beyond the laboratory. 
“Projects from the platform will also enhance local and international research and commercial partnerships and encourage international investment into the New Zealand research and development sector.
“I look forward to the contribution this platform will make to growing and diversifying our economy, supporting the development of world-class scientists and innovators and the creation of high-quality jobs for people in New Zealand.”  
This investment is part of the Government’s work to drive economic growth by reforming and refocusing New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system for the future. It is the first step in establishing the new Advanced Technology Public Research Organisation. 

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  05 May 2025

DOC says the incident is a reminder for people to check their gear for wildlife before setting off, to prevent spreading them into new places where they could impact the local ecosystem.

Kim Ranger and her partner Ian were parked at Berlins campsite in the Buller Gorge on the West Coast over Easter weekend. As they packed up their camping gear and put it in their two vehicles, the weka took advantage of an open door and climbed into their Ford Ranger ute hiding in dog blankets.

Kim says Ian drove their ute the whole way home, including making a couple of stops, without realising the weka was a passenger in his vehicle.

“He didn’t hear it, didn’t see it, nothing. He got home to Christchurch and hopped out and didn’t notice the weka,” Kim says.

“When I got home, I opened the back door of the Ranger to get something there it was in the rear passenger footwell.

“I couldn’t stop laughing and then I came the realisation, what on earth do you do with a weka in Christchurch?”

Kim says they called the afterhours vets, the SPCA and DOC who all said to wait until the next morning. The couple gave the weka food and water and left it in the ute.

“The weka didn’t show any signs of being distressed, when you opened the door he just stood on the centre console and pooped – though he did set off the car alarm at 7 in the morning. The inside of the ute was literally covered in weka poop.”

Kim says they called the weka ‘Ranger’ given its temporary home and her last name.

DOC staff picked up the weka took it to the South Island Wildlife Hospital for a thorough check over. It was in good health apart from being a little bit dehydrated, so it was given some fluids.

DOC Biodiversity supervisor Craig Alexander says it’s a reminder to people to check their vehicles for any wildlife when camping or in the outdoors.

“We were able to get it back over to the West Coast in a small carrier cage on a bus and it was released near the area it had hitched a ride from.

“There are no wild weka in Christchurch so we wouldn’t want to see them accidentally introduced here. It’s a good reminder for people to be mindful about unintentionally transporting animals in their equipment.

“In the last few months, we also had someone accidentally bring two wētā over from the West Coast in their wetsuits. They did the right thing by calling DOC and we were able to take them back over to the Coast for release.

“Our native species are unique but, in many places, they’re doing it tough because of things like introduced predators and habitat loss. We don’t want to accidentally introduce new species – even native ones – into places they don’t belong as they could have unexpected impacts on our ecosystems. Every person, business and community has a role in protecting and restoring nature.

“If you do find a native animal has snuck into some of your gear and hitched a ride somewhere it shouldn’t have, please contact DOC on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) for advice on what to do next.”

Kim Ranger also echoes that message and is keen for people to know who to call if they have a surprise hitchhiker like she and Ian did.

In the meantime, she says it’s been a big job getting the ute clean.

“It was such a funny end to our camping trip. I’m just glad Ranger is back where he belongs.”

Contact

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  05 May 2025 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation

“Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is releasing two discussion documents for public consultation, and I encourage all New Zealanders to read them and share their views.

“Our beloved biodiversity provides a world-class wealth of environmental and economic benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand. However, more than 4,000 of our precious species are threatened or at risk of extinction so we must work harder and smarter to protect biodiversity.”

Proposed actions to progress the Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 cover four themes:

• Prioritising species and habitats for action;
• Increasing revenue and non-government funding for biodiversity;
• Improving evidence and knowledge for effective decision making; and
• Growing capability by developing the right skills.

“Feedback will help central, regional and local government create and deliver an implementation plan to 2030 that reflects New Zealanders’ aspirations for conservation action,” Mr Potaka says.

“We’re also consulting on next steps toward our ambitious goal of a predator free New Zealand by 2050, which was first launched by National nine years ago.

“Predator Free 2050 is one of the Department of Conservation’s key biodiversity programmes addressing the threat of introduced predators to our unique nature.”

Key areas for public feedback on the Predator Free 2050 strategy are:

• New goals to achieve by 2030; and
• The list of target predators.

“The rapid development of new eradication tools and methods and impressive community trapping efforts across the motu are delivering significant results.

“It’s time to take stock and ensure we are focussed on achieving the right things together for the next five years,” Mr Potaka says.

The discussion documents are available on the Department of Conservation website. Consultation closes on 30 June 2025.

Give your feedback on two important plans for nature

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Kua tukuna ngā kaupapa kōrero mō te whakapakari i te rerenga rauropi

Toitū te taiao

E whiriwhiri ana te Kāwanatanga i ngā marohitanga e whai nei ki te whakapakari i te whakahaumarutanga o te rerenga rauropi me ōna painga mō ngā uri whakaheke te take, hei tā te Minita Whāomoomo, hei tā Tama Potaka.

“Nō te rangi nei, ka tukuna atu e Te Papa Atawhai ētahi puka kōrero e rua hei whiriwhiri mā te marea, ā, e akiaki ana ahau i ngā tāngata katoa o Aotearoa ki te pānui i ēnei puka, ki te tuku mai hoki i ō rātou whakaaro.

“Ko tā te rerenga rauropi he whāngai i te nui taioreore o ngā painga ā-taiao, ā-ohaoha hoki ki Aotearoa nei. Engari, ka nui ake i te 4,000 o ā tātou momo kararehe me ngā momo tipu e noho whakaraerae ana, ko ētahi kua tata korehāhā, nā reira me whakapakari tātou i ā tātou mahi me ā tātou rautaki kia pai ake ai te whakahaumaru i te rerenga rauropi.”

E whā ngā kaupapa matua e kitea ana i ngā mahi e whakaarotia ana hei whakatinana i Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020, arā:

• Ko te whakaarotau i ngā momo me ngā nōhanga hei whakamahinga;
• Ko te whakanui ake i te moniwhiwhi me te pūtea kāore e whakahaerehia ana e te kāwanatanga mō te rerenga rauropi;
• Ko te whakapakari i te taunaki me te mōhiotanga kia pai ake ai te mahi whakatau; ka mutu
• Ko te whakatupu i te āheitanga mā te whakawhanake i ngā pūkenga e tika ana.

“Mā te whakahoki kōrero ka āwhinatia te kāwanatanga ā-motu, ā-rohe, ā-hapori ki te waihanga, ki te whakatū hoki i tētahi mahere whakatinana mō te tau 2030 e whakaatu atu ana i ngā wawata o ngā tāngata o Aotearoa mō te mahi whāomoomo,” hei tā Potaka.

“Kei te whiriwhiri hoki mātou i ngā mahi e whai ake nei kia tata atu rā tātou ki tō tātou whāinga matua ki tētahi Aotearoa e noho kaikonihi-kore ana i mua i te tau 2050, nā Nāhinara i whakarewa i te tuatahi i te iwa tau ki muri.

“Ko Kaikonihi-Kore 2050 tētahi o ngā kaupapa matua mō te rerenga rauropi a Te Papa Atawhai e aro atu ana ki te whakamōreareatanga a ngā kaikonihi kua kawea mai rā ki tō tātou taiao motuhake nei.”

Ko ngā aronga matua hei whakahoki kōrero mā te marea i roto i te rautaki o Kaikonihi-Kore 2050 ko:

• Ngā whāinga hou hei whakatutuki i mua i te 2030; ka mutu
• Ko tētahi rārangi o ngā kaikonihi matua.

“Nā runga i te tere o te whakarite i ngā taputapu me ngā tukanga whakamōtī e hou ana me te whakamīharo o ngā mahi whakarite rore ā-hapori huri noa i te motu, e kitea ana te nui o ngā putanga pai.

“Kua tae ki te wā e aro atu ai tātou ki te mahi, ki te whakatutuki ngātahi i ngā mahi e tika ana kia kawea i ngā tau e rima e tū mai nei,” hei tā Potaka.

Kei runga ngā puka kōrero i te pae tukutuku a Te Papa Atawhai. Ka kati te whiriwhiri hei te Mane, te 30 o Hune, 2025.

Give your feedback on two important plans for nature

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  05 May 2025

DOC Coromandel Senior Ranger Matt Flynn says the conifers are invasive weeds that threaten to permanently alter the unique landscapes only found in New Zealand.

Conifers were introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s. Since then they have spread across the country from forests, shelterbelts and erosion plantings.

Matt says there are five large wilding conifers dotted across Mautohe Cathedral Cove to be removed, and if left unchecked they are likely to spread the invasive species further across the reserve.

“Removing the wilding conifers supports our weed management and biodiversity restoration goals – enabling native flora and fauna to regenerate at Mautohe Cathedral Cove,” he says.

Contract arborists will be conducting the work, which will focus on areas above the rock archway and near the beach, on 8 and 9 May weather permitting.

The closure of the track is to ensure public safety, and visitors should stay out of the reserve while the arborists carry out their work.

People are discouraged from landing on the beach when the conifer removal is underway, and any visitors will be guided by contractors to a safe area away from the worksite.

The walking track is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, 10 May 2025.

Invasive species, over-exploitation, habitat loss, pollution and climate change are putting immense pressure on our ecosystems.

What we do makes a difference. We have proven in many parts of the country that when we remove or manage the threats, restore habitats or modify how we use or interact with nature, it comes back.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

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Source: Argument for Lifting NZ Super Age

Autumn is a time to celebrate the harvest at the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project, following a golden construction season.

With piling on the project now 96 percent complete, the highway is really on solid ground,” says Manager of Infrastructure Delivery, Darryl Coalter.

“Interest in the project is extremely high with 370 people turning up to meet the team and see the progress at our Open Day recently, followed by a visit by the Minister of Transport, Chris Bishop, who declared the project ‘amazing’ and said he couldn’t wait to see it open.

“With 11 culverts now complete (out of 19), 72 percent of the utility work finished and over 163,000 hours of machinery work under our belt, we’re heading into the winter months in a strong position to continue to build our structures,” says Mr Coalter.

There are 6 bridges currently in construction, so while earthworks wind down for the cooler months, the site will still be a hive of activity, keeping the 275 people working on the project very busy.

“We’ve commenced trials for the first section of pavements at Te Mete, and we’ve already got 2km of drainage in, so it’s all happening both above the ground and below.

“And as the seasons turn, the 2025 planting season will see 164,000 plants go in the ground, adding to the 70,000 already in, so there’s heaps to look forward to.”

But don’t just take Mr Coalter or Mr Bishop’s word for how epic things are looking – check out the progress on this fly through video:

Watch video on Youtube(external link)

Fast facts

• 275 people currently working on the project
• More than 2478 people inducted and worked on various aspects of the project to date
• Over 22.5 million hours worked since project started
• 90 subcontractor staff engaged, with half of those local businesses
• 4 bridges built 6 under construction
• 2.3 million cubic metres of dirt moved (of total 3 million cubes)
• 8.84km of piles on the project, 96 percent complete
• 800,000 linear metres of wick drains installed, to reduce settlement time
• 70,000 plants in the ground, of more than 900,000 required in total
• 11 out of 19 culverts completed
• 2km of network drainage installed out of 13km
• 72 percent complete of utility work (includes Power, Gas, Fibre, Telecommunications, Water, Sewer)
• Total machine hours 163,149 (up until end of March 2025)
• 35 dump trucks, 10 bulldozers and 20 excavators on site
• Commenced first section of pavement trials at Te Mete.

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Auckland Transport (AT) is asking for feedback to change the operating hours of Dominion Road’s southbound bus lane by one hour, to help improve congestion and keep your city moving.

AT is also proposing to install a peak time right hand turn ban at certain bottleneck intersections to improve traffic flow.

“Dominion Road is long, but quite narrow, and we simply can’t fit any more vehicles down it – it’s reached its peak,” Chris Martin, AT’s Road Network Optimisation Manager says.

“More Aucklanders are on the move earlier in the afternoon, and this, combined with school traffic, means the peak travel time home on Dominion Road now starts at 3pm rather than 4pm. We need to keep pace with this, and make the appropriate amendments to keep it moving,” Mr Martin says.

“The only things we can do to speed up travel is to make the most of the space already on the road, and this means using the existing bus lane more, and to restrict right hand turns at key intersections.

“We believe this change will save the average bus passenger up to three minutes in travel time between 3pm-4pm along Dominion Road. That’s up to 15 minutes every week,” he says.

People who travel along Dominion Road will know all too well that it is often congested in peak times.

It’s been this way for more than a decade. While Auckland’s population has grown rapidly since, the number of vehicles that can fit down the road, around 25,000, has remained the same.

“Making better use of the existing bus lane is one of our most effective ways of beating congestion, helping more Aucklanders travel to and along the road,” Mr Martin says.

“By increasing the operating hours of the bus lane, we can increase the number of people who are able to travel down Dominion Road by bus.

“One double-decker bus can hold up to 100 people. If more people experience a faster bus journey, that’s potentially up to 100 fewer vehicles squeezing their way down this road.”

Feedback on intersection changes

AT wants to make other changes to Dominion Road to improve congestion, including restricting right hand turns at two specific intersections in peak time traffic.

“Balmoral is especially prone to congestion on Dominion Road in peak times, and part of the problem is the number of motorists turning right down Wiremu Street looking for a park,” Mr Martin says.

“This turning traffic must wait a while for northbound traffic to clear and means other southbound vehicles on Dominion Road back up behind causing big delays down through to the intersection with Balmoral Road, and beyond.”

AT is proposing to restrict right-hand turns from Dominion Road onto Wiremu Street and also Memorial Drive in peak hour traffic between 7am–10am and 3pm-7pm on weekdays.

We are also proposing to implement a permanent no right turn ban onto George Street.

“Restricting right turns at these bottlenecks during the peak period will help to unclog the busy through traffic approaching major intersections and reduce delays, as well as reducing turning crash risks,” Mr Martin says.

AT invites you to provide feedback on the proposed changes for Dominion Road at haveyoursay.at.govt.nz. Feedback is open until 25 May 2025. 

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

In the wake of a spate of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, including the most recent at Abilities’ North Shore recycling plant, Auckland Council supports the ruling by the Auckland District Court in the matter of Auckland Council v Sims Metal Industries Limited, following a significant fire at the Sims Metal scrap metal yard in Favona in July 2023.

The incident, caused by the ignition of a lithium-ion battery within a large scrap metal stockpile released toxic smoke across parts of Auckland and highlighted a growing national and international issue surrounding battery disposal and fire risk.

Judge Smith, in his decision, recognised the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries, noting there is currently no available technology capable of reliably identifying or detecting them within scrap material.

The judge described the situation as “a new and emerging issue,” which has led to fires not only in New Zealand but around the globe.

While acknowledging Sims Metal’s cooperation and the absence of any intentional wrongdoing, Judge Smith imposed a fine of $30,000, reduced from an initial starting point of $50,000, to reflect an early guilty plea, meaningful cooperation, and the agreement to enforcement orders.

Fire at the Sims Metal Scrapyard.

The enforcement orders issued require Sims Metal to implement several improvements at the James Fletcher Drive, Favona site.

These include the completion of a secondary access point to the site by May 2025, the development of a certified Fire Risk Management Plan and a Stockpile Management Plan. The orders are registered with the Environment Court and will remain in place unless superseded by conditions with a new resource consent.

Judge Smith noted, “There has been considerable difficulty in finding a technical solution to the problems with batteries catching on fire.

“This is not only a national problem but an international one; these orders form a workaround solution until more technical solutions, particularly for bulk disposal, are available.”

Auckland Council’s Field Operations Manager for Compliance, David Pawson, emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant despite the novelty of the issue.

“We recognise this is a new issue and we’re all finding our way with lithium-ion batteries and those handling them.

“But businesses still need to take responsibility for their disposal – this is their business. While we’re all working on solutions, consent conditions still need to be met.”

The council views this case as an important precedent in balancing empathy for emerging challenges with the necessity of regulatory compliance.

It also highlights the importance of proactive risk management and industry-wide collaboration to adapt to evolving environmental risks.