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Secondary teachers have decided that if there is still no satisfactory progress with their collective agreement negotiations over the next five weeks, they will hold a national one-day strike on Thursday 16 March.
Last modified on Wednesday, 17 May 2023 08:23
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Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Broadcasting, Tākuta Ferris, and MP for Tāmaki Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, are demanding the Government significantly increase its investment in Whakaata Māori in Budget 2025.
The call comes following the release of the network’s 2025 Social Value Report at an event today, attended by MP Kemp, highlighting more than $114 million in measured impact across Aotearoa.
“Whakaata Māori is not just a broadcaster — it is a cornerstone of cultural survival, education, and national identity,” said Tākuta Ferris.
“This latest report proves what our people have known all along: kaupapa Māori media changes lives, strengthens whānau, and brings te reo Māori into the hearts of homes across the motu.”
The report, independently developed by Social Ventures Australia, affirms that Whakaata Māori’s work is delivering more than double its operating budget in social value — from improved reo Māori use to stronger cultural identity and cross-cultural understanding.
“With 78% of Māori viewers feeling more connected to their identity and 69% of parents saying their tamariki are speaking more reo and practising tikanga at home, this Government must now future-proof these outcomes with targeted investment,” says Takutai Tarsh Kemp.
Ferris and Kemp are calling on the Government to urgently prioritise a meaningful funding boost for Whakaata Māori in Budget 2025, following 17 years without an increase to the network’s baseline operational funding.
“For too long, successive Governments – and especially this one – have paid lip service to te reo Māori and Māori development, while refusing to back it with resources,” said Kemp.
“The network has not received a baseline funding increase since 2008. The numbers presented today speak for themselves – Whakaata Māori delivers where it matters most: to the people. Budget 2025 must reflect that,” concluded Ferris.
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Today’s confirmed closure of the North Shore Women’s Centre after losing government funding is a huge loss for women in Auckland.
“It’s heartbreaking to see a centre which has done so much for women close following the Government’s funding cuts,” Auckland issues and women’s spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said
“While Karen Chhour is busy accusing these frontline services of using Oranga Tamariki as a ‘cash cow,’ we continue to see just how out of touch she is as the consequences of her reckless choices become clear.
“As reports of concern about at-risk children surge, now is not the time to cut funding for prevention services.
“My thoughts are with our many frontline services in Tāmaki Makaurau which do an amazing job and are struggling to stay afloat as the Government takes their services backwards,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
“I want to acknowledge the Centre’s incredible 38 years of service to the community and send my aroha to Tracy and her passionate team as they make this difficult decision,” North Shore-based MP, Shanan Halbert said
“Each year, the Centre has helped hundreds of women and children and I now worry about the huge gap left behind in the North Shore for those who need this safe space.”
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After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people in New Zealand to register as foundation members. Foundation members are free to join the post and podcast social platform.
The Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.
Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”
Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).
MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.
And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.
About PodTalk.Live:
PodTalk.live was designed to be an alternative platform to other social media platforms. PodTalk has all the functions that most social media platforms have but has placed the user-experience at the centre of its backend design and engineering.
PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.
“We ourselves became annoyed at how social media giants use algorithms to drive what content their users see and experience. And, we also were appalled at how some social media companies trade user data, and were unresponsive to user-concerns” Selwyn Manning said.
“So we decided to create a platform that focuses on ‘discussion and debate’ communities, and we have engineered PodTalk to ensure the content that users see is what they choose – rather than some obscure algorithm making that decision for them.
“PodTalk.live is independent from other social media platforms, and at best will become an alternative choice for people who seek a community where they are the centre of a platform’s core purpose.
“And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.
PodTalk.live provides:
In addition, PodTalk.live will host:
Security Safety Moderation:
Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.
“With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn Manning said.
“Along with a strong focus on security, and guidance on how to remain anonymous when necessary, we have built robust member-moderation into the core of PodTalk to ensure users are in control of their experience.”
“PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.
And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.
To do so, simply go to: https://PodTalk.Live and register. Once on the platform, members can familiarise themselves with what PodTalk.Live has to offer, and begin to create their own online community experience.
“We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.
The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.
PodTalk.live is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.
Register free as a founder. Check out the platform. See you there…
– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com
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Itasca, Illinois – June 3, 2024 – Robertshaw, a global leader in control components for the appliance industry, announced a significant milestone today – expanding their reach into the New Zealand market through a partnership with System Control Engineering, a leading provider of industrial automation and control solutions.
Paul Rimes, Executive General Manager of System Control Engineering, says this milestone is significant because it allows them to offer a wider range of best-in-class solutions to their customers, including popular Robertshaw products like the 7000 Series Gas Valve, M Series infinite switches for electric cooking equipment, and ST Thermostats for water heaters.
“We are thrilled to partner with Robertshaw to bring their industry-respected products to New Zealand,” says Rimes. “Our customers can now access a comprehensive selection of control components from one trusted supplier, streamlining their procurement process and ensuring they receive the best possible solutions for their needs.”
This partnership also benefits Robertshaw by expanding their reach into the New Zealand market through a well-established and respected distributor.
“System Control Engineering’s strong reputation and technical expertise make them the ideal partner for Robertshaw in New Zealand,” says Marc Speigel, VP of Sales at Robertshaw. “We are confident that this partnership will allow us to better serve our customers in the region and provide them with the exceptional support they deserve.”
The availability of Robertshaw products in New Zealand through System Control Engineering is effective June 1, 2024.
About Robertshaw
Robertshaw is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of control components for the appliance industry. Robertshaw delivers advanced flow control components and systems for water, gas, and other fluids to help build extraordinary products that improve safety, comfort, health, and happiness. Browse Robertshaw’s complete line of products on System Control Engineering’s website: www.systemcontrol.co.nz/robertshaw
Contact: sales@systemcontrol.co.nz
– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com
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Police can confirm one person has died following an earlier crash on State Highway 3 at Awakino, in the Waitomo District.
The two vehicle crash happened at around 9:50am.
State Highway 3 at Awakino remains closed.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
Minister for Rail Winston Peters says the decision by the KiwiRail board to retire the Aratere from service is about the next 60 years of rail on the Cook Strait. Ferry Holdings supports this decision.
“We will not waste one tax dollar on shuffling infrastructure to keep the vessel in service for the sake of it or add any infrastructure risk to our objective of completion in 2029. That would have cost $120 million.
“Building marine infrastructure while ferries are berthing there can’t be done.
“The Aratere berth in Wellington requires work to be done on it, saving the taxpayer considerable money compared to iReX’s brand new infrastructure,” Mr Peters says.
The Aratere berth in Picton will be demolished and a new, double lane linkspan will be built in its place to serve road and rail for the next 60 years.
“Under iReX, a whole temporary operation was to be built at taxpayers’ expense only to knock it down when permanent infrastructure was built, plus ‘Taj Mahal’ terminal buildings and expensive works across the wider yards in Wellington and Picton. That is not good use of funds, and we are getting the taxpayer a superior deal.
“KiwiRail has briefed us on their plans to serve the market in the interim. Goods will still get from A to B by shifting freight on to the Kaitaki and Kaiārahi, making use of coastal shipping for some heavy freight such as grain, and adapting their rail and ferry schedules to best suit the market.
“Passengers will still have capacity, and we may see some evening sailings being busier than normal around Christmas and Easter.
“We know that job losses are hard. KiwiRail advise us that voluntary redundancy will be offered across the wider Interislander team, and they will be seeking redeployment opportunities where possible,” Mr Peters says.
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
The Government is backing four new community-based Whānau Ora commissioning agencies to ensure whānau with significant needs continue to benefit from the best possible support services.
Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka today announced the following agencies will take-over the commissioning of services from July 2025:
National Hauora Coalition, Te Tiratū and Ngaa Pou Hauora o Taamaki Makaurau Consortium operating as Rangitāmiro, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the North Island, north of Taupō.
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the North Island, south of Taupō.
Te Tauraki Limited, a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the South Island.
The Cause Collective, operating as The Tātou Collective, which will commission Whānau Ora services for Pasifika families across Aotearoa.
“These agencies will ensure Whānau Ora care and support continues for thousands of whānau across the country whether it’s help accessing better healthcare, improving home budgeting to help ease the cost of living, or getting on top of household maintenance.
“Since Whānau Ora was launched in 2010, the model has grown to provide a strong foundation to now further improve services. National backed the development of Whānau Ora in last year’s Budget with a $182 million investment.
“Te Puni Kōkiri has carefully selected these agencies to deliver on the Government’s focus on providing better public services. The agencies will:
Introduce greater participation from local communities in decision-making.
Expand the reach of Whānau Ora to engage with more whānau most in need across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Gather data to strengthen evidence of positive outcomes for whānau and targeted support for whānau in greatest need.
Invest in the workforce to develop the capability and retention of Navigator kaimahi working with whānau.
“I also welcome the recent Court of Appeal decision – Te Pou Matakana Limited v Secretary for Māori Development and others 2025 – which cleared the way for this progress,” Mr Potaka says.
“The case unsuccessfully challenged aspects of the procurement process – it wasted time and created uncertainty for whānau and service providers. The delay means that the move to new commissioning agencies will be more complex than necessary but, with the Court’s decision now made, we can move forward with certainty.
“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing commissioning agencies: Te Pou Matakana, Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, and Pasifika Futures for their mahi over the past decade to implement the important kaupapa of Whānau Ora,” Mr Potaka says.
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
Chris Swasbrook has been appointed as Chair of the Te Papa Board says Chris Bishop, Acting Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.
“Chris Swasbrook is a prominent New Zealand investor with more than 25 years’ experience working in finance. He has an extensive resume in executive and governance roles in many large-scale New Zealand businesses and organisations,” Mr Bishop says.
“Born in Auckland, he has been a long-time supporter of local business and arts communities. Chris is Chair of the Auckland Future Fund and an Inaugural Member and current Chair of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Advisory Committee – roles which have shown his commitment to thriving arts infrastructure in New Zealand.
“Chris will bring valuable commercial, financial and investment governance experience to Te Papa. His strategic insights and international perspective will undoubtedly prove valuable to our national museum.
“I would like to thank Jackie Lloyd who has stepped up as acting Chair following the departure of Hon Dame Fran Wilde. Both Jackie and Dame Fran have made immense contributions to the leadership of Te Papa which have enhanced the museum’s standing on the world stage.”
Media contact: Mikaela Bossley Clark: +64 21 275 0454
Biography:
Chris Swasbrook has more than 25 years’ experience in stockbroking and funds management. He is currently Managing Director of Elevation Capital and Co-Founder and Director of NZX-listed New Zealand Rural Land Company. He is also Chair of the Auckland Future Fund, Executive Chair of McCashin’s Brewery, a board member of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and member of the NZX Listing Sub-Committee.
Mr Swasbrook is also an Inaugural Member and current Chair of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Advisory Committee.
He was previously a partner at Goldman Sachs, JBWere, and was Chair of Allied Farmers, Chair of Bethunes Investments, Director of NZX-listed Mowbray Collectables, Director of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and Director of NZX-listed Satara Co-Operative Group.
Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Date: 30 April 2025
The concession gives WHL the ability to operate the ski field, as well as use six buildings in Whakapapa village for staff accommodation and a water pipeline easement. DOC will be closely monitoring the ski field activity to ensure everything is running smoothly.
“I know how important the area is for all New Zealanders, especially the iwi and hapū who whakapapa to the maunga,” says Penny.
“Giving the rights to use such valuable public conservation land is something I considered carefully, taking into account the feedback through the concession process, including from iwi engagement, public notification and hearings.
“We understand it’s been a long road to get here and want to thank everyone for their patience,” says Penny.
The previous ski field concession held by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) will be surrendered to allow the new WHL concession to come into effect.
The decision letter and concession documents are now available: Application for a concession by Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Limited.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz