Category: MIL-OSI

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Embedding academic support improves learner outcomes

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 10 June 2025
Last updated 10 June 2025

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Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT’s) Te Mātāpuna Library & Learning Services share their approach to embedding academic support services that enable better outcomes for learners.
Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT’s) Te Mātāpuna Library & Learning Services share their approach to embedding academic support services that enable better outcomes for learners.

Te Mātāpuna Library & Learning Services are getting their library workshops and resources in front of thousands of AUT students, which is making a positive impact on learner success.  
Kate Absolum, Senior Manager Learning and Academic Engagement at Auckland University of Technology’s Te Mātāpuna Library & Learning Services, covers three key initiatives in this Learner Success Community of Practice lightning session.  
First, Kate shares how AUT’s library services have embedded learning support into academic courses and how this has helped enable better learner outcomes. She then covers the asynchronous learning materials available through their library, and how they support students to use generative AI ethically and productively.  
Kate has over 20 years of experience teaching, writing and designing learning materials across diverse educational settings in New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. Her areas of interest and expertise include curriculum development, assessment and materials design, academic integrity, generative AI and academic literacy education. 
To watch Kate’s 12-minute lightning session, visit the Learner Success Community of Practice. 
Learner Success Community of Practice sessions 
The Tertiary Education Commission hosts online and pre-recorded online Community of Practice sessions in partnership with the tertiary sector. The aim is to connect tertiary education organisations to share knowledge, collaborate, and promote individual, group and organisational development to improve the success of their learners. 
To find out about upcoming sessions, please contact 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz with the subject line [EDUMIS # Learner Success Community of Practice]. 
To view recordings of previous sessions, visit Learner Success Community of Practice. 

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Concerns about ongoing Cook Strait ferry issues

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand says the Cook Strait ferry service is struggling, with the entire Interislander fleet currently either suffering breakdowns, wave damage or being taken out of service for audit.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the vital transport link is hanging by a thread, with ongoing disruption.

He says the Aratere has once again experienced technical issues, following engine shaft problems in Picton on Wednesday evening that caused several hours of delays. Crew members and passengers had to remain on board before being able to disembark in Wellington.

Over the previous weekend, Kaiarahi had its bow door damaged in rough seas, which will be welded shut to allow it to continue to operate until a scheduled dry dock in Singapore in July.

Kaitaki is being pulled from service this weekend for a Maritime NZ audit.

KiwiRail announced in May 2025 it would remove the rail-enabled Aratere ferry from service in August 2025, and is now seeking to cut 70 jobs for MUNZ members in the deck and catering departments on the Aratere.

Mr Findlay says the Union had flagged the dangers of removing a key vessel from service, and the current situation showed that KiwiRail needed to rethink their plan.

He says technical problems with Cook Strait ferries extended to the private operator Strait Shipping, and had their roots in a failure to invest in modern shipping and infrastructure by the Government and private operators.

Mr Findlay says the cancellation of the iRex project by Finance Minister Nicola Willis was going to cause years of disruption as the iRex ferries would have been entering into service over the next year or two.

New ferries announced by Minister of Rail Winston Peters are now not expected until at least 2029.

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Road Closed – Wakapuaka Road, Nelson

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are attending a crash on Wakapuaka Road, Nelson.

The crash involved two vehicles and was reported at around 6.30pm.

The road is currently blocked both ways.

Motorists are advised to expect delays, avoid the area and take alternative routes where possible.

ENDS

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Soil conservation strengthens future for hill country farms

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

After the Kaikōura earthquakes in November 2016, we applied for Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) funding to help set up the SCAR project.

In 2019, $4.1 million was granted for the initial four years, following the immediate clean-up work from the Post Quake-Farming project, which was led by Beef and Lamb New Zealand and MPI.

Now, with another $2 million of funding granted, the SCAR team continues to work with MPI to build meaningful relationships with farmers and ultimately improve the health of our environment.

North Canterbury SCAR programme successes

The SCAR project has meant farmers like Ian can look after their soil by preventing erosion and avoiding sediment entering our waterways.

For the last five years, Ian has received nearly 150 poplars each year from the SCAR fund to plant in and around at-risk areas, creating a stable landscape.

If the spacing and area of the poles planted met the criteria for MPI’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), then landowners could claim carbon credits for the poles as they grew over time. This helps to offset the cost and maintenance of planting the poles.

Ian said the best part about working with the SCAR team had been the advice and connections.

“It’s invaluable to have a technical team rubbing shoulders with farmers, getting their hands dirty and being a port of call if we have concerns or don’t understand something.

“We’re not always going to see eye to eye, but having the SCAR team there providing advice is a great stepping stone for creating long-term trust and collaboration with Environment Canterbury,” Ian said.

North Canterbury sheep and beef farmer Ian Knowles and his son Victor checking a poplar plant

Building trust in North Canterbury

Senior land management and biodiversity advisor, Sam Thompson, said that initially, there was a lot of distrust and a lack of confidence in us from the North Canterbury community.

“Gates were being shut, and a strong movement around banning access.”

But the SCAR programme had been a leading engagement tool to start conversations in the community with the support to follow.

“The project has dramatically improved the community’s confidence in us to help find solutions rather than setting regulations and telling them what not to do,” Sam said.

As well as building positive relationships, we’ve provided landowners with access to environmental experts like ecologists, biodiversity advisors and consent advisors.

“Gates have been opened both ways,” Sam said.

Landowners appreciate the simplicity of the process to apply for funding from SCAR.

Strong endorsements

Andrew Arps, North Canterbury water and land team leader:

Andrew said the SCAR programme had been a game changer for building trust and achieving results despite wider challenges.

“The combination of a clear approach, the right team, and consistent follow-through has opened farm gates and opened minds, leading to new opportunities and genuine partnerships with landowners.”

Louise Askin, MPI senior adviser for the Hill Country Erosion Programme:

Louise said they were pleased with how we had grown the SCAR project over the past six years.

“The Council’s strong advisory support and financial assistance are helping North Canterbury farmers address the unique challenges in protecting their farms’ most vulnerable land.” 

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Update: Search for missing person in Taranaki

Source: New Zealand Police

The search is continuing for missing New Plymouth woman Jan, with Police, LandSAR and other volunteers out searching around the Thomason Road and Lake Mangamahoe areas today.

We’re asking anyone out along the mountain bike and walking tracks to keep an eye out for Jan.

In addition to this, if any farmers or residents in the surrounding areas of Alfred Road and Albert Road could check their paddocks, backyards, sheds, sleepouts and under anything where a person could seek shelter.

Jan was last seen walking north along State Highway 3 near the intersection of Thomason Road, between Egmont Village and New Plymouth at around 11am on Tuesday 10 June.

She was last seen wearing long pants and a green jacket.

If you have seen Jan, or have any information that could help, please contact Police via our 105 service, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

Please reference the file number 250611/5626.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Recycling to curb tyre dumping in Kaikōura

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Date:

A big leap has been made to end the practice of dumping and illegally stockpiling end-of-life tyres, thanks to Tyrewise, a regulated product stewardship scheme that ensures tyres are recycled across Aotearoa, free of charge.

Tyres dumped or improperly stockpiled outdoors release harmful contaminants into the environment, significantly impacting our air, soil and water quality.

After a series of incidents around the Kaikōura district, we’re reminding residents that the Tyrewise scheme is available at their local Innovative Waste Kaikōura (IWK) Resource Recovery Centre.

Uptick in dumping incidents reported

Our local compliance staff recently discovered a number of tyres down the deep gullies next to State Highway 1 (SH1) in Kaikōura, and in the coastal marine area at Goose Bay.  

We also know that there are likely other legacy dumping sites and unauthorised stockpiles in the area.           

Removing tyres dumped in hard-to-reach locations, like these gulleys, is both difficult and costly, and ratepayers foot the bill.

Tyre dumping is illegal under the Resource Management Act 1992 (RMA). If caught dumping tyre waste, you risk compliance action like fines and abatement notices from the regional council.

Local resource management officer Garry Husband says that we’re remediating the issue, but under the new scheme, there’s no good reason to pollute our environment with tyres.

“We’ve now got a free way to get rid of those old end-of-life tyres that’s local and easy to use. It doesn’t make sense to break the law and pay the hefty cost.”

“Our staff are working alongside community service workers from the Department of Corrections, who are providing manpower to remediate this tricky site.

“We hope to see less of this non-compliant dumping activity in the future.”

Tyrewise scheme

Prior to 2024, the cost of end-of-life tyre disposal was falling on communities, local government and the environment.

There were few collection sites available that would accept unwanted tyres, and the associated costs or travel required made this system inaccessible for many.

As a result, significant amounts of tyres were ending up as discarded waste in our region.

From 1 March 2021, new national regulations from the Ministry of the Environment introduced a stewardship fee to be collected on all regulated tyres when they enter the New Zealand market.

This scheme, known as Tyrewise, ensures that producers take responsibility to minimise the waste and harm caused by tyres at the end of their usual useful life.

Need to recycle your tyres visit Innovative Waste Kaikōura (IWK) Resource Recovery Centre.

How it works

Nationally and across Waitaha/Canterbury, Tyrewise has a network of registered partners and collection sites that take worn out tyres. No disposal charges apply.

In Kaikōura, residents can take up to five end-of-life tyres to their local registered public collection site, IWK Resource Recovery Centre.

Find out more about how this scheme is repurposing old tyres in Aotearoa.

Impact of tyre dumping on the environment

Tyre dumping is an unsightly issue with nasty environmental impacts.

Tyres contain a variety of hazardous substances like heavy metals, organic compounds and microplastics.

Decomposing and sun exposed tyres can produce a toxic leachate that can seep into soil and groundwater, polluting the environment and affecting our precious ecosystems.

Unconsented tyre stockpiles also pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from tyre fires contains harmful chemicals that can contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems for people.

Report dumped or stockpiled tyres: If you come across a tyre dump site or unauthorised stockpile,

report it as an environmental incident by calling us on 0800 765 588 (24 hours), or via the Snap Send Solve app.

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Biodiversity credit won’t fix damage done by Luxon Govt

Source: Green Party

The Green Party says the Government’s newly announced Biodiversity Credit scheme is a tiny positive that doesn’t undo the biodiversity harm caused by the Luxon Government.

“This is a bandaid on a gaping wound which does nothing to address a deepening crisis and runs the risk of being mere greenwashing,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Agriculture Steve Abel.

“While credit schemes and covenants are an important pathway to protecting vital biodiversity on farmland, these alone are not nearly enough to address the biodiversity crisis in Aotearoa. 

“One tiny step in the right direction does not make up for the significant damage this Government is doing to the environment in many ways including through cuts to the Predator Free programme, Department of Conservation funding, significant natural area identification, and Jobs for Nature.

“You cannot pretend to care for biodiversity while openly making policy that destroys it, targeting wetlands as a cash cow through tax deductibility, weakening or removing protections for freshwater, and allowing significant pollution to be permitted in our most vulnerable waterways.

“Furthermore, market and corporate driven biodiversity credits can be little more than a greenwashing tool – and there’s proven to be very little demand without regulatory requirements for them.

“Protecting biodiversity is in everyone’s interests, especially farmers. Our Green Budget proposed significant investment in supporting landowners to protect and restore their environments, rather than leaving it to the corporate world to pick up the slack in light of extensive government cuts,” says Steve Abel.

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Arrests: Aggravated Robbery, Pukekohe

Source: New Zealand Police

Three offenders will appear in court over an aggravated robbery at a Pukekohe jewellery store last Friday.

Counties Manukau Police have been investigating after a group allegedly entered the Michael Hill Jewellers King Street branch at around 5.45pm on 6 June.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright, of Counties Manukau CIB, says a vehicle of interest was identified at a Henderson petrol station at around midnight last night.

“West Auckland police responded quickly to Lincoln Road and with the assistance of the Police Eagle helicopter stopped the vehicle,” she says.

“Three occupants of the vehicle aged between 15 and 20 were arrested.”

Detective Inspector Bright acknowledges the careful coordination of all Police staff involved in last night’s operation.

“We’re incredibly pleased with the progress made by the enquiry team over the past six days.

“Police take this sort of aggravated offending seriously and work to hold offenders to account as swiftly as possible.”

Police acknowledge the community for information provided to the enquiry team in the past week.

Those arrested, aged 15, 17 and 20, will appear in the Manukau Youth Court today, charged with aggravated robbery and unlawful takes motor vehicle.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

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Backing New Zealand’s native forest champions

Source: New Zealand Government

Forestry Minister Todd McClay today congratulated the winners of the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards for driving real progress in native forest establishment and land use innovation.

“This is what good land management looks like — native forests that support both the environment and the rural economy,” Mr McClay says.

“This is practical, long-term investment in our land that delivers environmental and economic benefits while supporting farm profitability.”

With 59 entries this year, the awards show what’s possible when innovation meets local knowledge — from farmers and lifestyle block owners to iwi and forestry companies.

“Native forests and farming go hand in hand. We can farm the best land and plant natives on the most vulnerable, stabilising hillsides and safeguarding waterways.

“These winners prove native planting can work alongside other productive land uses to deliver real results.”

Award Winners:

  • Lifestyle Block Owner: Paul and Katherina Quinlan, Northland — pioneers of sustainable tōtara timber management.
  • Mana Whenua: Kapenga M Trust, Bay of Plenty — blending mātauranga Māori and science to grow native forests and create jobs.
  • Trees on Farms: Ian Brennan, Waikato — integrating natives for ecosystem health and income through continuous cover forestry.
  • Forestry Company: Tasman Pine Forests, Nelson/Tasman — restoring native forests, controlling wilding pines, and protecting native species.
  • Catchment/Community: Wai Kōkopu, Bay of Plenty — retiring erodible land and improving estuary health while supporting profitable farming.

Each winner received a handcrafted trophy made from native timbers — a symbol of their commitment to New Zealand’s land and future.

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Businessman Aaron Coupe sentenced to a further 3 years

Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

Businessman Aaron Coupe:

  • was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months for managing companies while prohibited under the Companies Act and concealing property worth more than $1.7 million from the Official Assignee.
  • during his second bankruptcy, breached restrictions and took part in the management of businesses through actively managing several construction projects.

Jailed businessman Aaron Coupe was further sentenced at Auckland District Court on Friday 6 June 2025 to 3 years and 9 months for taking part in the management of businesses while bankrupt and concealing property worth more than $1.7 million from the Official Assignee.

Mr Coupe was jailed for 4 years and 5 months in January 2025 for managing companies while prohibited under the Companies Act and the latest sentencing will see him serve up to 8 years and 2 months in total.

During his second bankruptcy in 2022, Mr Coupe breached the restrictions imposed on him by taking part in the management of businesses through actively managing construction projects in Tuakau, Wiri and Auckland.

Under the alias ‘Aaron McGregor’, his birth name, Mr Coupe overtly sought out projects to manage and directed payments for these projects into an account under his mother’s name. Mr Coupe did not disclose an interest in this account to the Official Assignee.

In court, Judge Kathryn Maxwell said Mr Coupe’s “arrogance is incomprehensible”.

“We’re also dealing with a maximum penalty that is arguably inadequate,” Judge Maxwell said.

“You have barely taken a breath since you started offending in 2013.”

This is the most recent prosecution taken against Mr Coupe by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), following original charges that were laid in 2014 for offending that arose from his conduct during his first bankruptcy in 2010.

He was sentenced in 2016 to 12 months’ home detention, 200 hours’ community work, and $75,100.68 reparation. The convictions also meant he was banned from being a director of or involved in the management of a company for 5 years.

Despite his prohibition, and without seeking an exemption to the imposed prohibition from the Court, Mr Coupe took part in the management of 5 companies causing substantial financial losses and significant emotional distress to his business partners, stakeholders, and creditors.

Business Registries Investigations and Compliance Team Manager Vanessa Cook says it was important that Mr Coupe was held to account for his ongoing offending.

“The sentence reflects the harm that Mr Coupe caused through his failure to comply with conditions imposed on him, not only by being adjudicated bankrupt, but also by the Court,” Ms Cook says.

“By intentionally evading the measures that were put in place to protect the public, Mr Coupe was able to deceive people into engaging in business with him, enabling him to conceal $1.7 million that could have been paid to his creditors.

“It’s important that responsibility is accepted by those whose behaviour causes significant harm to the community and MBIE would like to thank all the witnesses who came forward to assist in ensuring that Mr Coupe’s unscrupulous behaviour was stopped.”

Prohibited directors can be found by searching on the Companies register:
Searching the Companies Register(external link) – New Zealand Companies Office

Individuals who are currently adjudicated bankrupt can found by searching on the insolvency register:
Search the insolvency register(external link) – New Zealand Insolvency and Trustee