Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)

An award for a New Zealand writer of fiction – $5,000 – The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) announce the 2025 opening of this award, which supports the completion and/or publication of new fiction by a mid-career fiction writer from New Zealand.  

The NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award was established by novelist Tina Shaw to encourage the development of great novels by mid-career fiction writers who are working on a new project. All applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

Want to Apply?

This grant is aimed at mid-career fiction writers who have published at least two standalone novels. While a broad range of fiction and publication models will be considered, please check the guidelines carefully before applying.

First: Read the Terms and Conditions for the NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=a75fcda1fa&e=466373ae7c

Then: Fill in the NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award application form: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=d627ae5562&e=466373ae7c

An award for a New Zealand writer of fiction – $5,000

The NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award opens for applications 16 May 2025, and will close at midnight Sunday 13 July 2025.
 
Submissions must be made online. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised before recipients are announced. Successful recipients will be contacted directly, and we will also publish the announcement on the NZSA websites and social media platforms.

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2024 Winner

The inaugural winner of the NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award was Steph Matuku who said: ‘Being awarded the inaugural NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award was such a thrill. The prize-money was used to buy time – time to write without having to worry about the day-to-day tedium of paying bills! Being a debut author is a heady thing; people fuss over you a lot. And then you head into ‘mid-career’ and suddenly you’re a bit boring. For me, the Shaw award was a tangible validation of my work thus far, and that the judges were confident I could produce something cool in the future. I’ve been working on my first magical realism historical novel, and it’s going very well! Many thanks to the NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award for helping me get some solid work done.’

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About the Award

Tina Shaw says of her award, “It’s true that our New Zealand writers frequently express the feeling that their mid-career progress is slower than that of new writers, who can more readily garner media interest for their publications,” says Shaw.  
 
As a result, the newly created award is intended not only to offer the recipient the freedom that money brings but also to increase the chances of a mid-career writer being recognised as a “good business” prospect to be welcomed by publishers.
 
Applicants will be shortlisted by a judging panel, with the final winner selected by Tina Shaw in consultation with and advised by the shortlist judging panel.

The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) administers the prize. Entries for the NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award must be made on the New Zealand Society of Author’s website (authors.org.nz) by the advertised deadline, with the winner announced after judging has been completed.

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New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc was established in 1934 and is the principal organisation representing writers’ interests in NZ. A national office oversees our branches, administers prizes and awards, offers contract advice and runs professional development programmes among other activities.

Notes:
The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc is the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa. Founded in 1934, it advocates for the right to fair reward and creative rights, administers prizes and awards, works across the literary sector to make Aotearoa New Zealand writers and books more visible, and runs professional development programmes for writers.
authors.org.nz

Source: NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)

Four secondary school students selected for mentorships will each be matched with a professional writer/mentor in their genre, as part of the NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) 2025 Youth Mentorship Programme.

The young writers will hone their writing skills and develop their craft through the year, working on their chosen writing project. We congratulate them on their success.

2025 Youth Mentorships have been awarded to:

• Jayden Cox – Rutherford College (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland)
• Madison Heta – Aparima College (Otautau)
• Isabella Jones – St Catherines (Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington)
• Eleazar Kenese – McAuley High School (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland)

Award-winning writer Tina Shaw, who convened the judging panel along with writer Cristina Schumacher, said that: ‘It was very difficult to choose a shortlist this year from so many talented young writers. The projects ranged from fantasy and dystopic fiction to political poetry, and showed that young writers are thinking seriously about their writing.’

Congratulations also to the highly commended student writers: Samuela Dsouza from Auckland Girls’ Grammar School (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland) and Eassin Wang from St Cuthbert’s College, (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland).

The NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme was established in 2010 to foster and develop emerging writing talent around Aotearoa New Zealand with the support of established authors. NZSA Chief Executive Jenny Nagle says ” Over the last 30 years NZSA’s mentor programmes have proven themselves to be a valuable development pipeline for emerging writers. We wish these writers well with their projects this year.”

Youth Mentorship is one of The New Zealand Society of Authors successful mentoring programmes for writers and is made possible with the support by Creative New Zealand.

Source: IHC

Repealing the Plain Language Act 2022 would mark a major step backwards for people with intellectual disability to easily access important information, says IHC.

In its submission earlier this week to the Governance and Administration Committee, IHC says that people with intellectual disability benefit from plain language, as they are among those most likely to be assessed as having low literacy in reading and writing.

The purpose of the Plain Language Act is to promote the use of plain language among public service agencies and Crown agents to improve the accessibility of public documents. In this Act, plain language means language that is appropriate to the intended audience; and clear, concise, and well organised.

Dr Nicolina Newcombe, IHC’s Inclusion Advisor, says the use of plain language helps people with intellectual disability to understand complex information.

“Plain language also saves time and money. Since the Act was introduced, many agencies have taken positive steps to improve the quality of government communication. To repeal the Act now risks the undoing of all the gains. Experience shows that in a fiscally constrained environment, anything not mandated is at risk of being de-prioritised. If necessary, the Act could be revised, to increase its practical impact.”

Members of an IHC-facilitated Easy Read Advisory Group, made up of people with an intellectual disability, were consulted for their responses to the potential repeal of the Plain Language Act. These are their voices.

“Don’t change it, it needs to be plain language.” Dianne Pelvin

“It makes me feel out of place not to use plain language, otherwise you will be thinking, ‘what on Earth are you talking about’. It’s common sense. Easy English is better, especially for people like us.” Virginia Hika

“They [government workers] do not use plain language [currently], they use big words, they do not understand what is wrong [with the way they talk and write] or what they are saying.” Waata Houia

“It’s not really OK to stop that, how will people like us understand all the jargon? Very hard, hard words and sentences puts us all out.” Kaye McMurray

“Ultimately it is these voices that IHC wants the government to listen to most closely as it considers the repeal of this Act”, says Nicolina. “We implore the government to vote down the Plain Language Act Repeal Bill, then strengthen the Plain Language Act.”

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

16 May 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has published two Analytical Notes;

Estimating Exchange Rate Pass-through in New Zealand (ref. https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=6162da22c5&e=f3c68946f8 )

Key findings

This Note analyses exchange rate pass-through to tradables prices in each step of the transmission channel. Estimating the short-run and long-run impacts of movements in the exchange rate on import prices and tradables prices sheds light on the inflationary impacts of such movements. 

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Minister of Transport Chris Bishop has welcomed funding to proceed with groundwork and geotechnical investigations for the next section of the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance project.

“The expressway is a vital link for the whole region and for road users from neighbouring regions. Progress on the next section of the project – which will better connect Napier to Hastings and increase growth and productivity – is good news for a region with massive economic potential but which is still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle.

“NZ Transport Agency’s board has confirmed $7.65 million for the work, which will enable the project team to begin early ground improvements alongside Ngaruroro River Bridge and geotechnical investigations in section 2 of the project,” Mr Bishop says.

“This funding will make more efficient and reliable travel another step closer.

“When that work begins, crews will repurpose safe, tested silt from the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, provided free by Hastings District Council to raise the level of the land and create a wide, flat surface – just like the work already completed alongside Tutaekuri River Bridge and the Kennedy Road overpass. 

“That silt will then be left to settle for 12 months prior to additional construction work starting, subject to further approvals, consents and funding.

“The latest funding will also allow geotechnical investigations at Ngaruroro River Bridge and other locations. Geotechnical investigations are really important for this project – they help to determine the detailed design.

“Work is well underway onsite within the first section of the project, and on the detailed design work needed for that first section. Section 1 of the project focusses on Taradale Road to Pākōwhai Road, which has been identified as the most congested section of the expressway.

“I’m confident that by starting early groundwork and investigations for the next part of the project soon, we can get section 2 shovel-ready for main works construction, pending further approvals and funding by the NZTA board.  

“I know how important this project is to get commuters and freight moving through the region more quickly and more safely.” 

While this funding allows NZTA to get on with section 2 investigations and ground conditions, an investment case is in development for the remainder of the project (including section 2 improvements), which will determine decisions on next steps.

Notes to Editor:

·                Section 1 of the project spans from the Taradale Road to Pākōwhai Road roundabouts.

·                Section 2 of the project stretches from Pākōwhai Road to York Road roundabouts in the south and Taradale Road to Prebensen Drive roundabouts in the north. 

·                Prebensen Drive to York Road is the busiest stretch of the expressway, with the most problematic intersections, and it connects the main urban areas of Napier and Hastings. 

·                Construction of the main works on section 1 are expected to start in late 2025, subject to consents and funding, and be completed in late 2027.

·                An investment case is in development for the remainder of the project (including section 2 improvements). This Corridor Investment Case will be completed later this year, and a decision will be made on whether to proceed to detailed design

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

When you visit the newly updated Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau | Conservation Auckland website, you’re stepping into more than just a page of information; you’re entering a space where mana whenua provides guidance for community conservation within their rohe (tribal area).

It’s a powerful reminder that protecting the environment in Tāmaki Makaurau isn’t just a technical task, it’s a deeply cultural, ancestral and collaborative journey.

This important addition to the website marks the latest chapter in an evolving partnership between Auckland Council and mana whenua.

An Auckland Council Senior Community Advisor, Sandra Jack, says we’ve always known caring for the environment is about relationships.

“The new content makes it easier for people to connect with mana whenua and understand their role as kaitiaki while supporting our shared conservation goals.

“This journey recognises mātauranga (knowledge), not as an add-on, but as a foundation pillar for environmental stewardship.”

The content wasn’t created in isolation. It was co-designed with the Interim Mana Whenua Engagement Forum, with guidance from representatives Gavin Anderson (Ngaati Whanaunga) and Adrian Pettit (Te Ākitai Waiohua).

The result: a more authentic reflection of iwi values, bringing to life stories of place, practices of care and the wisdom of generations.

“Kua eke te wā, me noho mātāmua ko te whakaaro nui ki te Taiao i ngā mahi katoa.

“No longer will things happen without consideration of the impact within te taiao,” (nā Hokimai-Anahera Rosieur, Ngāti Manuhiri).

Samantha Hill, General Manager of Environmental Services, sees the website as more than a communications tool.

“This project has given us an opportunity to respond to mana whenua aspirations, learn from mana whenua and be trusted to safely share the knowledge with the wider community,” she says.

“This isn’t just about a website—it’s about how we work together,” Sandra adds.

Highlights of the initiative include relevant information on iwi of the region and how to engage with them, new imagery celebrating te taiao (the natural world), the integration of Te Haumanu Taiao tohu (emblem) of restoration and care and richer explanations of kaitiakitanga (the spiritual and cultural environmental practices).

In a world where people are increasingly aware of our environmental impact, this collaboration offers a way forward. It shows what’s possible when relationships are built on trust, respect and a willingness to partner. Mana whenua, council and community are united in care for the whenua and future generations.

For more information visit the Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau website. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A group of offenders were no match for one Sergeant during a foot pursuit in Manukau.

In the process, thousands of dollars in products that had just been stolen was recovered.

Around 4.30pm on Wednesday, the on-duty Sergeant was conducting prevention patrols in the Manukau Westfield carpark, when a group of young people were seen running from the mall carrying handfuls of clothing.

“The officer saw the youths running and being pursued by mall security and a few other people,” Counties Manukau Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Warrick Adkin says.

“He quickly parked his patrol car and started to give chase as well, following the alleged offenders onto Ronwood Ave.”

Once there the group took the opportunity to board a stationary bus in the hopes of making a swift exit, however the pursuing officer was only one step away.

“Our Sergeant has boarded the bus right after them and managed to herd eight or so into the back, preventing their escape,” Inspector Adkin explains.

The officer kept all the alleged offenders contained until back up arrived and could give him a helping hand.

Inspector Adkin says quick thinking and an impressive running pace, resulted in the recovery of over $2500 worth of clothing, and around $300 worth of cosmetics from varying retailers.

The young people, all aged between 10 and 15 years, were all apprehended and the loot was returned to the stores.

All have been referred to Youth Aid.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police