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Teaching Council says appointing board member Tom Gott as acting CEO isn’t against the rules

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Teaching Council’s governing board says appointing one of its members as interim chief executive isn’t against the rules. RNZ / Alexander Robertson

The Teaching Council’s governing board says appointing one of its members as interim chief executive does not breach a rule prohibiting board members from serving as CEO.

In a statement, the council said the interim chief executive Tom Gott had stepped away from his governance role and it had double-checked the legality of the move with the Education Ministry.

Gott was appointed because the council’s chief executive Lesley Hoskin was on agreed leave while the Public Service Commission investigated the council’s handling of conflicts of interest and procurement.

Sensitivity over the Teaching Council is running high because of the investigation and because of the government’s recent decision to strip the council of responsibility for initial teacher education and teachers’ practising standards, and to reconstitute its board next year so that a majority of members would be ministerial appointees.

Gott was one of six ministerial appointees on the now-12-member board and the issue of his appointment was raised with RNZ anonymously by people concerned the council was acting unlawfully.

The Education and Training Act 2020 said the council may appoint a chief executive but that person “may not be a member of the Teaching Council”.

Council chair David Fisher told RNZ it made sure Gott’s appointment was legal.

“Out of an abundance of caution and to satisfy any concerns that our decision was unlawful, prior to Mr Gott being appointed as interim CEO, the Teaching Council consulted with the Ministry of Education about the interim arrangements,” he said.

“The Ministry guided us that, in the circumstances, it was appropriate for Mr Gott to act as CEO while remaining on the Board, provided he steps back from all governance work during this time, which he has.”

Fisher said there was no co-mingling of executive and governance functions.

“Mr Gott is not attending any Governing Council meetings (other than in his capacity as interim CEO), receiving any Governing Council emails (other than emails that the CEO would receive), nor being paid for his position on the Council.

“Mr Gott will not participate in any governance decision making and has no voting rights. Mr Gott is very clear, as are we, that he is Acting CEO of the Council and as such has stepped away from his governance role.”

The Post Primary Teachers Association said it believed the appointment breached the rules and the ministry’s interpretation was incorrect.

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

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Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill passes third reading

Source: New Zealand Government

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed the passing of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill.

“The Bill will help streamline the Fast-track process, making it more efficient in delivering important projects that will grow the economy, while also promoting greater competition in the supermarket sector,” Ms Willis says.

“We have heard that standard resource consent processes can hold supermarkets back and tie them up in red tape for years. The Fast-track process will shorten the time required to gain consent to just a few months.

“To make it clearer how supermarkets qualify for this express treatment, we are issuing a Government Policy Statement on grocery competition, which accompanies the Bill passed today.

“Making it easier for new supermarkets to set up shop is part of our plan to make groceries more affordable for Kiwis.”

“The Fast-track Approvals Act is generally working well, with six projects already consented and three more expected to have decisions before Christmas,” Mr Bishop says.

“Over the last few months, expert panels and panel conveners, applicants, government officials, and councils have identified areas where improvements could be made to the Fast-track regime, many of which are reflected in the Bill.

“Officials estimate the amendments introduced in this Bill could reduce the combined processing and consideration times by six weeks or more.” 

Mr Jones says the changes will help Fast-track unlock regional development faster.

“Applicants are committing considerable time and resources to projects that will boost regional prosperity. They need to be confident the system is fine-tuned and their applications will progress rapidly and fairly. These changes will help turbo-charge the Fast-track process at a time the regions desperately need jobs and  economic growth.”

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Special Olympics kicks off in Christchurch with inclusion being the main theme

Source: Radio New Zealand

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger with the Special Olympics mascot Kaha the Kiwi RNZ / Adam Burns

Being yourself, and giving your all.

That is what the Special Olympics is all about, according to one of the national summer games’ “athlete leaders”.

Tauranga track and field competitor Hayley Little was one of 1200 athletes set to compete at this year’s national summer games in Christchurch.

The games were officially set in motion during Wednesday’s opening ceremony at Wolfbrook Arena.

For Little, this was her second Special Olympics event having previously competed at the Berlin World Summer Games in 2023.

Hayley Little RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Although she did not reap the rewards she was gunning for at that event, she was philosophical about her debut games showing.

“So I came fifth in my [400 metre event] and disqualified in my [800 metre event] because my foot came out of the line and I came into the lane too soon,” she said.

“It was a learning curve for me because I learnt how to be courageous and smile in defeat and be happy for my team-mates who got medals and it was just an amazing experience just to be running in a different country.”

The 33-year-old was one of 10 competitors chosen as an athlete leader for the games, which returns to Ōtautahi for the first time in 20 years.

Little had also overcome immense obstacles, virtually since she was born.

She has both spina bifida occulta and hydrocephalus which means water on the brain.

At only a week old, she underwent her first round of brain surgery.

“I was in and out of hospital until I was about two. And one time when I was in hospital I caught a virus and I ended up on life support. The doctor said they can’t do anything about it.”

“[They talked to mum] and said ‘you’re going to take the tubes out’. So they took the tubes out and I started breathing and here I am.”

Little was one of 10 competitors picked as an athlete leader for the latest instalment of the national summer games.

She saw her role as making a difference for her peers, the same way the Special Olympics had made in hers.

“It’s helping other athletes to recognise their dreams and help them become the best version of themselves.

“I never thought I’d be an athlete leader. I never thought I would go to Berlin. I never thought a lot of things, actually. And Special Olympics has helped me achieve those goals.”

A crowd of over 5000 was expected at Wednesday’s opening ceremony before competition begins Thursday.

Special Olympics NZ chief executive Fran Scholey told RNZ the event was about inclusion

Special Olympics NZ chief executive Fran Scholey RNZ / Adam Burns

“We want every single athlete to be able to shine. We’ve got families that are coming that have never seen their child participate,” she said.

“So when we take a step back and look at what we’re providing, we’re providing an opportunity for more than just that sport.

“And we’re using sport as that vehicle for them to grow confidence, meet new friends, and take on any challenge that they see in front of them.”

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

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IKEA delays won’t stop customers from coming back

Source: Radio New Zealand

The first shoppers enter IKEA’s new Auckland store. Marika Khabazi / RNZ

People shopping from IKEA are having to wait for their orders – but one marketing expert says it probably won’t stop them going back for more.

The home furnishings giant opened its first New Zealand shop in Auckland last week, with online deliveries around the country.

A spokesperson said it had been “bowled over” by the response from New Zealanders.

“The sales and orders secured over the first few days have surpassed our expectations, but as a result our fulfilment operations are taking longer than anticipated to meet these orders.

“As a brand new team, we are learning quickly and adapting our operations to meet this incredible level of demand, and we are working around the clock to secure optimal operations as soon as possible. Customers who have placed delivery or click and collect orders will be contacted by our customer service team in the coming days to agree on a convenient time for delivery or collection.

“Thank you for bearing with us during these busy opening days and rest assured, we are committed to getting all orders to customers as quickly as possible.”

Bodo Lang, a marketing expert from Massey University, said a delayed delivery would take some of the shine off the fascination that New Zealand shoppers had with Ikea.

“But it won’t stop them from shopping there again. If IKEA responds to these delays it is an opportunity for IKEA to turn these slightly disappointed shoppers into IKEA loyalists. Adding a voucher or even a personalised note can turn a slight disappointment around.”

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

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Black Caps v West Indies second test – day one

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand bowler Michael Rae celebrates his first test wicket. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

The Black Caps have ripped through the West Indies on the first day of the second test in Wellington, but it’s come at a cost.

Late on day one the West Indies were dismissed for just 205, with a top score of just 48 from Shai Hope to put the Kiwis well in the ascendancy at 24 without loss.

However, after taking four wickets in the first innings, seamer Blair Tickner was forced from the field with a serious looking shoulder injury after landing awkwardly attempting to save a boundary.

Tickner joins Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Kyle Jameison, Mitch Santner and Tom Blundell on the Black Caps injury list.

Blair Tickner was forced from the field after landing awkwardly. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Opting to bowl first on a green looking surface, Tickner struck twice in the first session, removing Brandon King for 33 before trapping first drop Kavem Hodge in front for a duck.

Michael Rae picked up his maiden test wicket, removing opener John Campbell for 44 while Shai Hope carried his strong form into the capital but held out to Kane Williamson off the bowling of Tickner with his half century in sight.

Skipper Roston Chase played Tickner onto the stumps for his fourth before he debutants combined to remove the hero from the first test Justin Greaves as he edged Rae behind for Mitch Hay.

Rae had his third when Kemar Roach played all around a straight one which replays showed was clattering into his middle peg.

Glen Phillips came into the attack and sent one through the gate of Tevin Imlach, but the celebrations were short lived as Tickner was taken to hospital for treatment.

There would be no wag of the Windie’s tail, Devon Conway running out Anderson Phillip while Jacob Duffy sent Jayden Seales to the sheds for a duck as the visitors were all out shortly before the end of the days play.

Skipper Tom Latham (7*) and Devon Conway (16*) survived to stumps with the Black Caps 181 runs behind.

Play resumes at 11am.

As it happened on day one:

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

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Fire kills 12 in south China residential building

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. RNZ

A fire that broke out in a residential building in southern China killed 12 people, state media reported Wednesday.

The blaze at the four-storey building in Shantou, Guangdong province, erupted around 9.20pm local time on Tuesday, and was extinguished just after 10pm, the local fire department said in a statement.

It comes after a huge blaze last month engulfed several high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong, neighbouring Guangdong, killing 160 people.

“The building on fire was a four-storey self-built reinforced concrete structure,” the Chaonan District Fire and Rescue Team said, adding that the blaze had affected an area of 150 square metres.

“Investigations into the cause of the fire and aftermath handling work are being conducted in an orderly manner,” it said.

Initial reports on Wednesday morning had said eight were killed, with four injured taken to hospital.

State media outlet Xinhua later said a total of 12 people had been killed.

The deaths come after China launched a campaign against fire hazards in high-rise buildings following the Hong Kong blaze last month.

– AFP

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

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Revealed: The most complained about New Zealand TV ads for 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has revealed the television ads that New Zealanders complained most about in 2025.

From burnouts to bare bottoms, Kiwis had a gutful of a few well-known businesses on their screens.

Topping this year’s list for the most complained about ad was KFC’s “Colonel Hacker” with 65 considered.

The campaign included footage of the ‘Colonel’ explaining his appearance on screen.

“Hello New Zealand, I am the Colonel Hacker. I’ve intercepted your ad break, but don’t panic, this isn’t a ggglitch, it’s a gift, and hacking the prices on the KFC menu, here’s a taste of what I’ve uploaded….”

One version of the advertisement (the “splash screen”) appeared when the TVNZ OnDemand app was opened. The Colonel Hacker figure appeared and said “Hello, this is just a taste of things to come.”

Complaints ranged from that it gave the impression consumers were being hacked, it was placed inappropriately in the OnDemand app, scary for children, caused fear and glorified hacking.

The advertisers removed it after the complaints were accepted to be considered by the Complaints Board.

Next was Lotto’s “A Promise is a Promise” ad, with 48 complaints considered.

The ad begins with a man at the top of a ski run. As the camera pans out, the viewer sees the man is skiing naked. The ad then moves to a group of friends discussing how they might celebrate if they win Lotto and joking about nude skiing.

Lotto’s “A Promise is a Promise” ad received 48 initial complaints. Screenshot / YouTube

Complainants said the portrayal of a man skiing naked, with images of his bare buttocks clearly visible, was indecent, offensive, and inappropriate for younger viewers.

But the board said the nudity in the advertisement was brief and not close-up or gratuitous, and it was relevant to the story in the advertisement.

The complaints were not upheld, but that didn’t stop a further 70 people from raising similar issues.

Rexona’s “Whole Body Deodorant” received the next most with eight complaints.

Its campaign tackled the taboo of full body sweat and odour, highlighting that only a small percentage of sweat comes from the underarms.

Complaints said it was not appropriate for peak viewing time and some of the scenes were crude, sexual and in poor taste. A further complaint raised concerns the ad did not use proper terminology for body parts.

It was deemed that it did not meet the threshold to breach the Advertising Standards Code, and no further action was taken.

Rounding out the top five were BNZ’s “Payap” and Turners Group’s ad featuring Tina from Turners with complaints ranging from misleading over surcharges to offensive song lyrics.

The board did uphold a complaint about a scene showing an illegal burnout in the Turners ad, requiring that section of the ad to be removed.

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

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Police appeal for information after robbery at Quinns Post bar in Upper Hutt

Source: Radio New Zealand

Hutt Valley Police investigating the armed robbery of an Upper Hutt bar. AFP / Andri Tambunan

Police received a call just after midnight on Wednesday morning reporting that a masked offender brandishing a firearm approached bar staff at Quinns Post bar on Ward Street and demanded cash.

“The offender then fled on foot along Ward Street towards Heretaunga College,” Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd said

“Bar staff involved were shaken, but not injured, and are being provided Victim Support. There were no patrons in the bar at the time.”

Hutt Valley Police investigating the armed robbery of an Upper Hutt bar are seeking help from the public.

Police are asking for anyone who was in the Ward Street and Fergusson Drive areas of Upper Hutt at the time (before and after midnight) and saw any suspicious people or vehicles, or who has any information relating to the robbery, to come forward.

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

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New Plymouth lake to be drained in fight against invasive clams

Source: Radio New Zealand

The invasive gold clam. NIWA

Lake Rotomanu in New Plymouth will be emptied this week to allow scientists to get a full picture of the extent of a freshwater gold clam infestation.

The invasive clam Corbicula fluminea was found in the lake on 8 November, the first discovery in New Zealand outside the Waikato River.

The lake was closed to motorised watercraft days later.

The Taranaki Regional Council said the Lake Rotomanu outlet would be opened 11 December and it would take about four days for the lake to drain.

During this time the fish population would be harvested in partnership with local hapū, who would utilise as many fish recovered as possible.

Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) leads the newly established Regional Corbicula Coordination Group (RCCG) alongside New Plymouth District Council (NPDC), Ngāti Te Whiti hapū, Biosecurity New Zealand, Fish & Game, Earth Sciences NZ and others.

TRC Environment Services Manager Steve Ellis said before draining the lake the RCCG had to ensure the clams would not spread to the Waiwhakaiho River.

“Over the last few weeks we’ve carried out testing and obtained advice on the salinity and flow of the river. We are confident any clams or larvae will be quickly washed the short distance out to sea.

“Given that assurance the RCCG has asked lake owners NPDC to now empty the lake so we can get a good look at exactly what we are dealing with.”

A team from Earth Sciences NZ would next week carry out a detailed survey of the whole lakebed to determine where and how widespread the clams were, how deep they had burrowed and estimate the age of the clams present.

That information would help inform the next steps in the response. In particular, whether an elimination attempt was feasible and if so, what the treatment options were and how much they would cost.

Ellis said the financial cost of elimination was likely to be significant and at this point it was unclear how it would be funded and by whom.

“To be clear, there is no guarantee we will attempt to treat or eliminate the clams, even if it is technically feasible.

“We all want the best for the region and we’re all aware of the massive economic damage these clams can do, so we’re having those conversations as a matter of urgency. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to seeing what the lakebed survey uncovers.”

The recreational lake would need to stay empty for the summer, which Ellis said was not a decision made lightly.

“We know it’s a popular summer spot and that locals and visitors will be disappointed, but we hope they understand the reasons for it.

“The invasive clam Corbicula is a massive threat to our infrastructure, economy, ecosystems and recreational use of all the region’s waterways, so we need to act now to give ourselves the best chance of preventing long-term damage or recreational restrictions.”

Ellis said testing at Lakes Rotokare, Ratapiko, Rotorangi and the Waiwhakaiho River had not found any clams, while eDNA testing of the water had also been clear. While encouraging, that did not mean they were not present.

Boaties, jet skiers, kayakers and other lake users were asked to be extra vigilant this summer, so as not to unknowingly spread the clam or other freshwater pests. Juvenile clams produced an invisible sticky thread of mucus which attached to surfaces, like boats and recreational gear.

Lake users were encouraged to always follow the Check, Clean, Dry procedure when moving between waterways and if possible, wake boats should be kept to just one lake.

A washdown trailer was on its way to Taranaki, courtesy of Biosecurity New Zealand, and would be set up at popular lakes over the summer.

Two dedicated Check, Clean, Dry ambassadors would also be in the region to spread the message, supported by new signage, direct education with clubs and organisations and a social media campaign.

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

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Todd McClay heads to India for trade negotiations

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has departed for New Delhi today to lead the next round of ministerial-level negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India.

The visit follows Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s successful trip to New Zealand in November, during which substantive talks were held in Rotorua, and Minister McClay’s own visit to Mumbai later in November.

“Since Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and I formally launched negotiations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 March this year, momentum has been growing,” Mr McClay says.

“This will be my seventh visit to India since the election – including leading a forestry trade mission – and my fifteenth face-to-face meeting with Minister Goyal and other senior Indian Ministers. The Rt Hon Winston Peters has visited India twice in that time, and the Prime Minister led New Zealand’s largest-ever business delegation there in March.

“In return we have welcomed the President of India to New Zealand in 2024 and two Indian ministerial visits this year, including Minister Goyal heading a large business delegation.”

Mr McClay says a high-quality FTA with India is strongly in New Zealand’s national interest.

“Without an agreement we are rapidly losing ground to competitors. Australia and the UK already have FTAs and the EU is deep in negotiations. This puts our exporters at a significant disadvantage and we are losing market share as a result,” Mr McClay says.

“Before Australia signed its FTA with India in 2022, New Zealand supplied almost 90 per cent of India’s lamb imports. Today that has collapsed to around 8 per cent, while Australia now supplies over 90 per cent. That is the direct result of New Zealand sheep farmers facing a 33 per cent tariff while Australian product enters duty-free.

“A comprehensive deal will create thousands of jobs and generate billions in new export revenue by giving our world-class producers fairer access to a market of 1.4 billion people that is growing fast.

“We still have work to do, but we are pushing hard for an ‘Australia-plus’ outcome that delivers genuine preferential advantage for New Zealand exporters.

“I back hard-working New Zealand farmers, growers and businesses to not only compete with, but outperform, the Australians in this market.

“This Government is focused on rebuilding the economy, lifting wages and improving living standards. Securing better access to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies is a key part of that plan – while fully protecting New Zealand’s right to make our own laws in the future.

“Many countries are increasing tariffs and putting up trade barriers. As the world does deals with India we are missing out,” Mr McClay says.