ISSN: 2230-6986
DECEMBER 2013
Nga mihi mo te wa Kirihimete, me nga mihi mo te Tau Hou. It’s time to celebrate Christmas. Season’s greetings to you all. This is the last issue of Bulletin Aotearoa for 2013. It’s been a big year, both for news and for feedback – a big thank you to everyone got in touch with us: it’s been appreciated. As you are no doubt aware, this your last free issue before the Bulletin Aotearoa changes to a subscription base. And, if we do not get enough people subscribing there will be no Bulletin from next year. If that happens any subscription money will be returned to you. So, if you do appreciate Bulletin sign up and tell your friends! It’s been a great run with the Bulletin over the last 22 years. Let’s hope it can continue. Signing off for now …. Craig Bulletin Aotearoa Editor
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Consultation Proposed Freshwater Reforms ....................................... 3 Ban on Shark Finning Proposed ..................................... 4 Bringing Down Cost of Home Building Materials: Proposals ........................................................................ 4 Human Rights Amendment Bill ....................................... 4 Financial Markets Conduct Act Licence Fees ................. 4 R&D “Black Hole” Expenditure: Tax Proposals ............... 5 Minimum Financial Reporting Requirements for Companies ...................................................................... 5 Parliamentary Submissions............................................. 5 DoC Consultations .......................................................... 6 EPA Consultations .......................................................... 6 Geographic Name Changes: Have Your Say ................. 6 Rural Encouraging Future Rural Health Professionals ............. 7 Nurse Practitioners as Authorised Prescribers: Good News ............................................................................... 7 Sheepmeat & Beef Export Statistics (2012-13) .............. 7 First Commodity Levy for Forestry .................................. 8 Rural Contractors & Transport Law Changes ................. 8 No Longer Low-Cost Milk “Down Under” ........................ 9 More Dairy Farm Inspector-Visits.................................... 9 Farm Sales – Three Months Ended October .................. 9 Environment Land Use Changes & Water Quality: Report ................ 10 Final Threat Management Plan for Dolphins ................ 10 International Panel Eel Report ...................................... 10 More Product Stewardship Scheme Accreditations ...... 10 Impact from “Rena” Oil Spill - Reports .......................... 11 The Costs of Climate Change in the Pacific ................. 11 Health & Welfare Child Poverty Monitor Technical Report ....................... 11 Higher Immunisation Rates: Maori & Pacifica............... 12 Declining Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Rates....... 12 New “Healthy Heart” Food Guide .................................. 12 Rest Home Information Easier to Find Online .............. 13 New App to Help Assess your chances of a Stroke...... 13 Online Therapy Tool to Help People with Pot ............... 13 Updated Guide for Carers... .......................................... 13 ... Ministry of Health Review of Carer Support Subsidy 14 New Funding & New Framework for Dementia............. 14 Prostate Cancer Resources .......................................... 14 Ten tips for Good Mental Health in Later Life ............... 14 Voluntary front-of-pack Food Labelling Research......... 15 Smart IT Use In Health & Disability Sector: Booklet ..... 15 Enabling Good Lives Kicks off in Christchurch ............. 15 Community-led Trial to Improve Health & Social Outcomes ...................................................................... 16 Intellectually Disabled Kiwis: Health Overview Report . 16 Health Literacy Report Identifies Key Barriers .............. 16 1 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Maternity Systems of Different Countries: Report ........ 17 Benefit Sanctions: Impact on Vulnerable Children Report ...................................................................................... 17 Auckland Men Sought For Muscle Aging Study ........... 17 Diabetes Surge Hits Every Nation ................................ 17 Global Health-Care Worker Shortage Forecast ............ 17 Education/Training Green Light for Schools as Digital Community Hubs ... 18 OECD Survey on State of Global Education ................ 18 Fewer Student Loans, But Amount Increases .............. 18 Initiatives in Maths and Science ................................... 18 New “Building on Success” Programme ....................... 19 The “NZ Education Story” …......................................... 19 … International Education Snapshot ............................ 19 Making Connections for Pacific Learners' Success: ERO Report ........................................................................... 20 Employment Medium-Long Term Employment Outlook (To 2021) ... 20 The NZ Medical Workforce: Snapshot... ....................... 21 ... Rural Medical Workforce Snapshot .......................... 21 Housing/Building NZ Housing Policy: Report............................................ 21 Work & Income to Take on Housing Role ..................... 21 Housing Easier to Build on Maori Land ........................ 22 Safer State House Driveways Programme ................... 22 Assisted Home Ownership: Tax Exemptions ................ 22 Building Amendment Act 2013...................................... 22 Port Hills Zoning Review Announced ... ....................... 23 ... EQC’s Management of the Canterbury Home Repair Programme: Report ...................................................... 23 New Housing & Construction Quarterly Report ............ 23 Clarification for Unit Titles & Bodies Corporate ............ 23 Transport & Travel Holiday Road Safety Campaign .................................... 24 WoF Frequency Changes from January 2014 .............. 24 Justice/The Law Anti-Cyber Bully Bill ...................................................... 24 Changes to Evidence Act Proposed ............................. 25 Judicature Modernisation Bill Introduced ...................... 25 Court Scheduling Moves to 12-Monthly ........................ 26 Pool Safety Law Changes ............................................. 26 Emergency 111 Text Service for Speech-Impaired People ........................................................................... 26 Enduring Powers of Attorney: Analysis of Submissions26 Insolvency Practitioners to Be Registered .................... 26 Immigration Advisers’ Regime to be Reviewed ............ 27 Parliament Official Legislation to Go Online from January 2014 .... 27 When Parliament Will Be Sitting in 2014 ...................... 27 Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Public Service/Local Authorities
General
New Government Chief Privacy Officer Role… ............ 28 … Govt Agencies Batter Managing Privacy & Security: New Panel ..................................................................... 28 Te Puni Kōkiri Set For New Direction ........................... 28 MCDEM Shifts From DIA to DPMC .............................. 29
Summer Weather (Dec 2014- Feb 2014) ..................... 41 Census Results Being Released .................................. 42 NZ Tops Transparency Ranking Again ... But .............. 42 Kiwis Leave Home Before They See the Country ........ 43 2013 Plain English Awards Winners ............................. 43 "Learning from Christchurch" Research ....................... 43 Civil Defence Tags for Disability-Assist Dogs ............... 43 Top 10 Trends for World Leaders in 2014 .................... 44 2013 Word of the Year .................................................. 44 Conferences & Events .................................................. 44 Awards & Opportunities ................................................ 45 Appointments ................................................................ 47
Not-For-Profits Kiwi Philanthropy Survived the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) ............................................................................ 29 SDP & ANGOA Plan to Amalgamate ............................ 29 Getting Facebook Likes Translated into Support .......... 29 Business The “NZ Story”: Changing the Nation’s Image .............. 30 New China Toolkit Website for Tourism Sector ............ 30 Financial Reporting Changes for Some Companies ..... 30 Omnibus Tax Bill Introduced ......................................... 31 New Zealand Signing Up to Tax Convention ................ 31 Tourism Sector Report .................................................. 31 2013 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards .......................................................................... 31 Money Matters KiwiSaver Comparison Website Goes Live .................. 32 New Consortium to Improve Financial Literacy ............ 32 Household Expenditure & Income Increases... ............. 32 ... Residential Investment Picks Up in 2013 .................. 33 Fewer Complaints about Electricity & Gas Companies, More Resolved .............................................................. 33 “Money Mule” Scam Warning........................................ 33 Internet, ICT & Media Internet Study ................................................................ 34 NZ Ranked 4th in Global Open Data ............................ 35 Blogs More Influential & Prominent in NZ ..................... 35 Windows XP Users: Time’s Running Out ..................... 35 Websites/Articles of Interest.......................................... 35 Treaty Matters Waitangi Tribunal Report: Tongariro National Park Claims ........................................................................... 37 Arts & Culture Heritage Items Inscripted on UNESCO NZ Register .... 37 Taking WOW to the World ............................................ 38 Science & Technology Native Plant Identification App ...................................... 38 Developing Low-calorie, Low Alcohol Wines ................ 38 PM’s Science Prizes ..................................................... 38 Royal Society of NZ Award Winners ............................. 39 Romance Beats Racism Online .................................... 39 Dogs Likely Originated In Europe ................................. 39 Handy Stats ................................................................... 40
Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524 - 2
Consultation Proposed Freshwater Reforms Proposals for improving freshwater management have been released for public comment. It’s proposed to amend the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2011 (NPS-FM) to: •
require regional councils to account for all water takes and contaminant discharges;
•
include a national framework to support communities setting their own freshwater objectives;
•
give more recognition of tangata whenua values for fresh water;
•
establish ecosystem and human health as compulsory values in regional plans;
•
introduce “bottom lines” for ecosystem and human health that apply throughout NZ; and
•
define grounds for exceptions to these “bottom lines”.
Proposal 1: Accounting for water quality and quantity The proposed changes aim to make sure that regional councils know about all water takes and where contaminants are coming from. The hope is that better information will lead to better freshwater decision-making. This information will also tell us whether there is scope to use more of our freshwater resource, or whether we are already using more than the system can cope with sustainably.
Proposal 2: National Objectives Framework The proposed Framework aims to help councils and communities better provide for the things they value most about fresh water, and to better understand the implications of the choices they make. In addition, the proposed Framework provides, amongst other things: a list of values for communities to choose from to reflect what is important to them (e.g., fishing, irrigation); a list of the attributes that affect water quality (e.g., E. coli bacteria, periphyton [slime] etc.); and a process for setting freshwater objectives.
Proposal 3: Compulsory values It is proposed to make ecosystem health and human health for secondary contact recreation (e.g., boating and wading) “national values” that must be protected across NZ. Communities can choose other values for their waterways too. Note: national values relate to secondary contact but not to direct contact (e.g., swimming).
Proposal 4: National bottom lines The proposed changes add numbers-based “bottom lines” for the national values (ecosystem health and human health) so that everyone knows what level of water quality is needed to provide for them.
Proposal 5: Exceptions to national bottom lines For a few waterways, it will not be possible to meet national bottom lines even over a long timeframe. So, the proposed changes provide a way of deciding on exceptions to the bottom lines. The proposed grounds for exceptions are where a water body breaches a bottom line due to: •
natural conditions of the water body, (e.g., a native bird colony nesting above a river which puts E. coli bacteria in the river);
•
historical activities that have created impacts on water quality that can’t reasonably be fixed, even in the long term, without creating even worse environmental effects; and
•
significant existing infrastructure (e.g., a dam) that affects a water body.
Submissions close 4 February 2014. You can provide a submission by emailing watersubmissions@mfe.govt.nz or writing to Water Submissions, Ministry for the Environment, PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143. You can access all the material at http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/water/freshwater/nps-freshwater-management-amendment-proposals.html
3 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Ban on Shark Finning Proposed It’s proposed to ban the removal of shark fins and the dumping of the shark carcass at sea. Seven species of shark are absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act: great whites, basking shark, deep water nurse shark, spine-tailed devil ray, manta ray, whale shark, and oceanic whitetip shark. It is already an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to fin a shark and return it to sea alive. However, it is quite lawful to catch a shark, kill it, remove its fins and dump the carcass at sea. The shark fins are valuable for making shark fin soup which is a delicacy in Asia, and for the production of many traditional Asian medicines. There is a draft National Plan of Action on Sharks for you to comment on. It is a plan to maintain the biodiversity and the long-term viability of all New Zealand shark populations. Submissions on the plan close on 8 December 2013. You can email your submission to NPOA-Sharks@mpi.govt.nz r you can post it to Fisheries Management, Ministry for Primary Industries, P O Box 2526, Wellington 6140. The draft National Plan of Action on Sharks can be viewed at http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Consultations/npoa+sharks+2013/default.htm Back to top
Bringing Down Cost of Home Building Materials: Proposals It is believed that the cost of building materials is too high in this country (e.g., costs are thought to be about 30 percent higher than in Australia)/ So, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released an options paper proposing ways to increase transparency, simplify compliance, change anti-dumping duties and tariff concessions. The options paper identifies a range of barriers that appear to lead to a bias towards the continued use of “tried and true” brands, products, methods, and systems. This makes it harder for new firms to enter the market and for existing firms to innovate. Submissions to the options paper close on Wednesday 18 December 2013. You can email your submission to constructionstudy@mbie.govt.nz or post it to Residential Construction Sector Market Study, c/o Sharon Corbett, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 56 The Terrace, Wellington. The options paper can be viewed at http://www.mbie.govt.nz/about-us/consultation/consultation-on-residentialconstruction-sector-market-study Back to top
Human Rights Amendment Bill This Bill has been referred to Parliament’s Justice and Electoral Select Committee. The Human Rights Amendment Bill amends the Human Rights Act 1993 to change the composition, governance arrangements, functions and powers of the Human Rights Commission. Briefly, the Bill would: •
replace the current mix of full-time and part-time commissioners with full-time commissioners only;
•
provide that a commissioner, other than the Chief Commissioner, be appointed to lead work in the following priority areas: race relations, equal employment opportunities and disability rights, and other specialised priority areas of human rights (as designated by the Chief Commissioner, after consultation with the Minister of Justice and the Commission); and
•
revise the Commission’s functions to better reflect that race relations, equal employment opportunities, and disability rights generate the most inquiries and complaints to the Commission.
Submissions close on 19 December 2013. The Committee will require two copies if your submission is made in writing. More is at http://www.parliament.nz/ennz/pb/legislation/bills/00DBHOH_BILL11154_1/human-rights-amendment-bill and more about making a submission is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/sc/makesubmission/50SCJE_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL11154_1/human-rights-amendment-bill Back to top
Financial Markets Conduct Act Licence Fees Feedback is sought on proposed licence fees for market services providers under the Financial Markets Conduct (FMC) Act 2013. The Act introduces a licensing regime, which will be administered by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and will start to come into effect on 1 April 2014. Feedback is also being sought on an increased rate for some of the existing FMA fees.
Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
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Submissions close on 21 January 2014. To view the discussion documents, visit http://www.med.govt.nz/business/business-law/current-business-law-work/financial-markets-conduct-act/consultation-fees. You may use a submission template supplied by the FMA, and your submission should be emailed to investment@mbie.govt.nz. For more information on the timeline for the two phases for the Financial Markets Conduct Act implementation, visit www.fma.govt.nz/keep-updated/the-future-of-financial-markets Back to top
R&D “Black Hole” Expenditure: Tax Proposals A recently released consultation document, “Black hole R&D expenditure”, looks at proposals to resolve problems around the tax deductibility of certain types of business-related research and development expenditure. It is thought that the current tax rules can discourage businesses from investing in research and development because they may not be able to claim a deduction for all their expenditure. Black hole expenditure refers to costs a business incurs for which no tax deduction is available. This can result in investors putting their money into less productive areas of the economy because of a perceived tax disadvantage with some research and development ventures. Submissions close 17 December 2013. You can email your submission to email policy.webmaster@ird.govt.nz with “Black hole R&D expenditure proposals” in the subject line. The consultation document can be found at http://taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/publications/year/2013 Back to top
Minimum Financial Reporting Requirements for Companies The Financial Reporting Act 1993 is currently being rewritten so that most companies will no longer be required to prepare general-purpose financial statements. This paper discusses the consequences of this development from a taxation perspective. The paper discusses which companies will be required to prepare financial statements and the minimum degree of detail that they will need to provide. Initial thinking on how this might be extended to non-corporate business taxpayers is also discussed, but formal consultation will take place during 2014. Submissions are invited on: •
the proposal to exclude non-trading companies that are presently not required to file tax returns from the preparation requirement; and
•
the level of detail that is suggested for the financial statements.
Submissions close on 20 December 2013. Your submission can be emailed to policy.webmaster@ird.govt.nz with “Financial reporting” in the subject line. They can also be posted to: Financial reporting, C/Deputy Commissioner, Policy and Strategy Division, Inland Revenue Department, P O Box 2198, Wellington 6140. You can access the discussion paper at http://taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/publications/2013-ip-financialreporting-requirements/overview Back to top
Parliamentary Submissions There are a number (closing dates are in brackets), including: •
A proposal that NZ should sign up to Minamata Convention on Mercury, the purpose of which is to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic (man-made) releases of mercury and mercury compounds (21 January 2014) – more is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/sc/makesubmission/50SCFDT_SCF_00DBSCH_ITR_12846_1/international-treaty-examination-of-the-minamata-convention
•
Parole Amendment Bill, the purpose of which is to increase the maximum interval between parole hearings, where a postponement order has not been made, from 12 months to 2 years (17 January 2014) – more is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/sc/make-submission/50SCLO_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL11805_1/parole-amendmentbill
•
Harmful Digital Communications Bill, the purpose of which is to address the problems caused by harmful digital communications (22 January 2014) – more is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/sc/makesubmission/50SCJE_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL12843_1/harmful-digital-communications-bill
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Objectionable Publications and Indecency Legislation Bill, the purpose of which is to increase the penalties for producing, trading, or possessing child pornography. (22 January 2014) – more is at http://www.parliament.nz/ennz/pb/sc/make-submission/50SCJE_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL12234_1/objectionable-publications-and-indecencylegislation-bill
5 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
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Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2), the purpose of which is to address gaps in the compliance regime, to respond to opportunities provided by new technology, and to introduce measures to address the exploitation of migrant workers (7 February 2014) – more is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/sc/makesubmission/50SCTIR_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL12786_1/immigration-amendment-bill-no-2
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Land Transport Amendment Bill, the purpose of which is to lower the adults legal alcohol limits from 400 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath to 250mcg, and from 80 milligrams (mg) of alcohol per 100 Millilitres (ml) of blood to 50mg (14 February 2014) – more is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/sc/makesubmission/50SCTIR_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL12874_1/land-transport-amendment-bill
•
Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 3), the purpose of which is to put into action the Government's second phase of legislative reform relating to the operation of local government (14 February 2014) – more is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/sc/make-submission/50SCLGE_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL12831_1/local-governmentact-2002-amendment-bill-no-3
You can make your submission either online using Parliament’s website or in writing (2 copies required) to the relevant select committee Back to top
DoC Consultations There are several (closing dates in brackets): •
intention to grant concessions for commercial use of the Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve (19 December) - http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/all-consultations/2013/commercial-use-of-the-abeltasman-foreshore-scenic-reserve/
•
Intention to grant concession licences for aircraft landings in Mount Aspiring National Park and other sites in Western Otago (14 February 2014) – more is at http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/allconsultations/2013/concession-licences-for-western-otago-aircraft-landings/
•
Proposed Aotea (Great Barrier Island) Conservation Park (28 February 2014) – more is at http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/all-consultations/2013/proposed-aotea-conservation-park/
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EPA Consultations There are several Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consultations (closing dates in brackets): •
an application to release a new type of predatory insect, which tomato growers want to use to keep greenhouse whitefly in check (7 February 2014) – more is at http://www.epa.govt.nz/consultations/neworganisms/Pages/tomato_biocontrol.aspx
•
an application by Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd for a marine consent to undertake an iron sand mining project in the South Taranaki Bight (19 December 2013) – more is at http://www.epa.govt.nz/consultations/EEZ/Pages/TTR_marine_consent.aspx
•
an application to allow the release of a non-toxic Neotyphodium fungus that lives within rye corn and other cereal crops (24 January 2014) – more is at http://www.epa.govt.nz/consultations/neworganisms/Pages/Submissions_fungi.aspx
•
a proposal to build a new road from Pūhoi to Warkworth (13 December 2013) – more is at http://www.epa.govt.nz/consultations/rm/Pages/Puhoi_submissions.aspx
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Geographic Name Changes: Have Your Say The NZ Geographic Board (NZGB) Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa is consulting on four new proposals to assign new, or to alter existing, geographic names around the country: •
Hohi: proposal to adopt the traditional Māori name for an unnamed feature at the historic locality of the first mission station at Rangihoua Bay, in the Bay of Islands;
•
Stokes Beach: proposal to name an unnamed beach within Tauranga Harbour, located on the northern shores of the suburb of Otumoetai and extending east from Tilby Point to the reclaimed part of Kulim Park;
Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
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•
Norman Creek: proposal to name an unnamed creek that flows into Lake Wanaka, opposite Ruby Island; and
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Codfish Island / Whenua Hou: proposal to alter an island referred to on maps and charts variously as “Codfish Island (Whenuahou)”, “Codfish (Whenuahau) Island”, “Codfish Island”, “Whenua hōu”, “Codfish Island / Whenuahou”, and “Codfish Island / Whenua Hou”.
Submissions close on 14 February 2014. Submissions can be made in writing to the Secretary for the NZ Geographic Board, c/o Land Information New Zealand, PO Box 5501, Wellington 6145; via the online forms; or to nzgbsubmissions@linz.govt.nz Back to top
Rural Encouraging Future Rural Health Professionals Encouraging the next generation of rural health professionals is the goal of a ground-breaking project being run in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The Rural Health Inter-professional Immersion Project (RHIIP) has been developed collaboratively, by Auckland and Otago Universities, as a response to the growing issue of healthcare shortages in NZ’s rural communities. RHIP aims to help students appreciate the benefits of a rural healthcare career, learn together with other disciplines, and give greater exposure to working with Māori patients. Over six-week periods, eight students from wide-ranging healthcare backgrounds – including medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pharmacy - live and work together in a rural setting near Whakatane. More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1311/S00076/benefits-of-rural-life-revealed.htm Back to top
Nurse Practitioners as Authorised Prescribers: Good News The passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill allowing Nurse Practitioners to prescribe certain types of medicine is being seen as good news for patients in rural communities - especially because it’s often difficult to attract health professionals to rural areas. Nurse Practitioners are expert nurses who have undertaken a clinical Master’s degree and passed a further examination to be registered with the Nursing Council of NZ as Nurse Practitioners. More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1311/S00154/bills-amendment-good-news-for-rural-communities.htm Back to top
Sheepmeat & Beef Export Statistics (2012-13) Exports to China have grown rapidly – from less than 1% of total volume in 2010–11, to 10% in 2012–13. However, traditional markets remain the dominant source of revenue for NZ sheep and beef farmers. The EU and US remain NZ largest meat markets overall.
Sheepmeat In 2012–13, China became NZ’s largest single lamb market and largest single mutton market – and, therefore, the largest single sheepmeat market – importing 131,000 tonnes, compared with 74,000 tonnes into Great Britain. China accounted for 28% of lamb exports, 52% of mutton exports and 33% of sheepmeat (lamb and mutton). Though increasing, the average value of lamb exports to China trails well behind returns achieved from EU markets. This reflects the product mix exported to the different countries. Exports to developed markets include a higher proportion of cuts that are ready for immediate selling. Cuts exported to China will generally be further processed before being consumed.
7 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Lamb In 2012–13, total NZ lamb exports increased by 18% (to 313,000 tonnes shipped weight), but the increase in volume was offset by a 16% decrease in average value. At 40% of export volumes, the EU remained NZ’s largest market region by volume, followed by North Asia.
Beef & veal Total exports of beef and veal increased 4.6% to 367,000 tonnes shipped weight, and the total value of beef and veal exports increased by 2%. While beef and veal exports to China have grown rapidly, the US remains NZ’s largest beef and veal market, accounting for 48% of total beef and veal exports in 2012–13. North Asia was the next largest market. More is at http://beeflambnz.com/news-events/media-releases/2013/november/sheepmeat-and-beef-export-statistics-for-2012-13/ Back to top
First Commodity Levy for Forestry A new commodity levy on all harvested wood material (including logs) from NZ plantation forests has been announced. The Forest Growers Levy Trust (FGLT) will collect levies to invest in industry activities such as research and development, forest biosecurity, and industry training and education to support the success of forestry. The levy order will come into force on 1 January 2014. The levy rate will 27c/tonne in the first year and a maximum levy rate for the six-year levy term of 30c/tonne. More is at http://www.forestvoice.org.nz/levy.aspx Back to top
Rural Contractors & Transport Law Changes Rural contractors are being urged to get themselves up-to-date with changes to transport regulations around the use of agricultural machinery. A number of new rules came into force on 1 June this year – with more coming on-stream from 11 November. However, not all the proposed changes will be in place until late 2014. So it can be quite confusing at the moment with some of the old regulations still applying. One of the more important changes, which is now in force, relates to how tractors are registered. A two-tier system for agricultural vehicles has been established based on a 40km/h operating speed. Vehicles operating below this speed will have no compliance other than they must be roadworthy. Tractor owners have to decide if they want to register their tractors as being able to travel at over 40km/h on public roads or not. If you opt for the former, then in effect your vehicle has to comply with rules and regulations which apply to other road legal vehicles. Meanwhile, the new licence endorsement now allows for a greater range of agricultural vehicles to be driven by the holder of a Class 1 (car) licence- once they prove they have the skills to do so. Drivers will need a wheels endorsement on their driver's licence if driving a tractor over 40 kph or any other powered agricultural vehicle under 40 kph. Other changes have improved and simplified the rules on pilot vehicles, work time variation schemes, hazard identification and vehicle visibility. And from now, agricultural motor vehicles - regardless of age - that operate at speeds exceeding 40km/h will now undergo an annual WoF inspection. Changes to the registration classes for agricultural vehicles, exemptions for special vehicles and the application of RUC (road user charges) will be finalised in mid 2014. Any contractors who are unsure of the changes, or which regulations have been changed and which have yet to change, should contact Rural Contractors NZ or go to its website: www.ruralcontractors.org.nz to get help with the correct information Back to top
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No Longer Low-Cost Milk “Down Under” According to a recently-released industry report from Rabobank, the traditionally low-cost pasture-based dairying regions, such as NZ, have lost their traditional cost advantage. They now compete on the global market with a similar cost of production to producers with more intensive farming systems. Traditional low-cost producers have lost their edge because the cost of producing milk in typically low-cost extensive pastoral production systems, such as those found in countries in the Southern Hemisphere, has increased since 2002. The report notes that the NZ dairy industry has moved, perhaps irrevocably, to a higher cost farming system. Rabobank says the increase in milk prices globally and locally has driven the quest for increased production, almost at any cost. New Zealand producers are likely to experience upward pressure on milk production costs over the coming years as they are confronted by a rising interest rate market and the likely impact of future environmental regulations on farming systems and milk production levels. More is at http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/20034961/no-longer-low-cost-milk-down-under-report/ Back to top
More Dairy Farm Inspector-Visits The Labour Inspectorate is extending its dairy farm visits to regions across NZ to check compliance with minimum employment rights. Labour Inspectors began visiting dairy farms in Southland in August, and inspections now underway in the Waikato, Hawkes Bay, and Taranaki. The visits are part of a long-term operation to identify breaches of employment law, with particular focus on a practice called seasonal averaging and the failure to keep accurate time and wage records. Inspectors will be gathering information on the business practices of dairy farms and also any impacts on migrant labour. More is at http://www.mbie.govt.nz/news-and-media/news-from-around-mbie/labour-inspectorate-extending-dairy-farm-visits-to-regions Back to top
Farm Sales – Three Months Ended October Recent Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) shows there were 93 more farm sales (+36.3%) for the three months ended October 2013 than for the three months ended October 2012. Overall, there were 349 farm sales in the three months to end of October 2013, compared to 342 farm sales for the three months ended September 2013 (+2.0%). 1,629 farms were sold in the year to October 2013, 15.6% more than were sold in the year to October 2012, and the first time the annual number of sales has passed 1,600 since April 2009. Nine regions recorded increases in sales volume for the three months ended October 2013 (and four regions recorded decreased sales volumes). More is at https://www.reinz.co.nz/reinz/index.cfm?1CC3D519-18FE-7E88-4249-4CE523B4D44B&obj_uuid=109E3D1F-D78E-2AE1-EC1B-11EAFED414AD Back to top
9 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
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Environment Land Use Changes & Water Quality: Report The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) has released her latest report, “Water quality in New Zealand: Land use and nutrient pollution”. The report looks at how NZers are changing the way they use land and the pressure this puts on water quality. The report is focused on the two nutrient pollutants – nitrogen and phosphorus. On land they are valuable nutrients, helping plants to grow. But when there is too much of them in water, they become pollutants, and can lead to excessive growth of weeds, slime and algae. The main conclusion is that it is almost inevitable that without much more intervention, there will continue to be an ongoing deterioration in water quality in many catchments across the country, particularly in Canterbury and Southland. More is at http://www.pce.parliament.nz/media/media-releases/large-scale-change-in-land-use-putting-pressure-on-water-quality-environment-commissioner/ Back to top
Final Threat Management Plan for Dolphins The final Threat Management Plan for dolphins which confirms additional protections for the Maui’s dolphin in Taranaki. The greatest threat to the Maui’s dolphin is set-netting, with two confirmed and three likely deaths since 2000. The Government is proceeding with its September proposal to extend the set net fishing ban by 350 square kilometers from Pariokariwa Point and Waiwhakaiho River in Taranaki and between two and seven nautical miles offshore. New population estimates for the for Hector’s dolphins on the East Coast of the South Island were released at the same time as the Plan. The estimated population of that dolphin has increased from 1,800 to about 9,000. More information – including several background documents and maps – can be accessed at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/additional-protections-and-survey-results-good-news-dolphins Back to top
International Panel Eel Report The report of the International Panel on monitoring trends for freshwater eels in NZ has been released. The panel concluded that the population of longfin eels* is much lower than it was - “there is a high probability that the longfin eel population has been substantially reduced”. Like the Commissioner, the panel concluded that the indicators used by officials are far from adequate, and assessments should be broader and use all available data. The panel of three international experts was established following a recommendation from the Commissioner in her report on the status and management of longfin eels released in April this year. In her report, Dr Wright recommended that commercial fishing of longfin eels be stopped, at least for a time. *Longfin eels are found only in this country. They are the top freshwater predator, can grow as long as two metres and live more than a century, but are far less numerous than they once were. More is at http://www.pce.parliament.nz/media/media-releases/environment-commissioner-welcomes-international-panel-eel-report/?utm-source=HEADS-UP+6+-+12+December+2013&utmcampaign=SMC+Heads-Up&utm-medium=email Back to top
More Product Stewardship Scheme Accreditations Two more product stewardship schemes* have been government-accredited. The Fonterra Milk for Schools product stewardship scheme covers the collection of used packaging generated through its nationwide programme. The Public Place Recycling product stewardship scheme funds projects to promote and influence the recycling of plastic, paper, aluminium and glass containers in public places. *Product stewardship schemes help reduce the environmental impact of manufactured products. When a product stewardship scheme is introduced anyone involved in the product life cycle such as producers, brand owners, importers, retailers, and consumers accepts responsibility for its environmental effects. There are now 11 voluntary product stewardship schemes accredited in this country. Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
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For more information on product stewardship, go to http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/waste/product-stewardship/index.html Back to top
Impact from “Rena” Oil Spill - Reports Two years of monitoring show few signs of long-term environmental damage from the grounding of the Rena. Initial results from a long-term programme of environmental monitoring in the Bay of Plenty region following the Rena oil spill were released recently, alongside a separate independent review into Maritime NZ’s response in the wake of the disaster. Comprehensive monitoring of environmental effects in the first two years following the Rena grounding and oil spill in October 2011 has found little evidence of long-term, negative impact on beaches, reefs and fisheries. However the environment has not yet returned to its “pre-Rena state”, the report says. A second report detailed the findings of an independent review into the effectiveness of Maritime NZ’s response to the disaster. It highlights several shortcomings in response to the unprecedented scale of incident, and recommends increased resourcing of the agency to allow a more coordinated response and better preparation for a future major maritime disaster. Subsequently, the Government announced more resources were going to go to Maritime NZ More on the monitoring report is at http://www.boprc.govt.nz/news-centre/media-releases/december-2013/monitoring-shows-little-long-lasting-effect-from-rena-grounding/ and more on the maritime response to the grounding can be found at http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Environmental/Responding-to-spills-and-pollution/Past-spill-responses/Rena-response.asp and more about the additional resources going to Maritime NZ can be found at http://beehive.govt.nz/release/2m-boost-maritime-incident-preparedness Back to top
The Costs of Climate Change in the Pacific The economic loss suffered by the Pacific region could range from 2.9% to as high as 12.7% of annual GDP by 2100, according to a new study from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The “Economics of Climate Change in the Pacific” report includes modeling of future climate over the Pacific region, assessments of the potential impacts on agriculture, fisheries, tourism, coral reefs, and human health, and predictions of the potential economic impact of climate change for specific sectors and economies under various emissions scenarios. According to the report, the most significant economic losses (mostly due to negative effects on agriculture) would be felt in Papua New Guinea (PNG), where climate change impacts could trigger a loss of up to 15.2% of its GDP by 2100. Timor-Leste’s GDP is predicted to drop by up to 10%, followed by Vanuatu at 6.2%, Solomon Islands at 4.7%, Fiji at 4.0% and Samoa at 3.8%. Download the report at http://www.adb.org/publications/economics-climate-change-pacific Back to top
Health & Welfare Child Poverty Monitor Technical Report This Technical Report marks a new step in monitoring child poverty and social health indicators in NZ. It began with a partnership being established between the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, the University of Otago’s NZ Child and Youth Epidemiology Service (NZCYES) and the J R McKenzie Trust. This partnership saw a gap in publicly-available child poverty measures, and is addressing this gap by compiling, publishing and disseminating annual measurements on child poverty in this country. This new Technical Report builds on the Children’s Social Health Monitor (CSHM) produced by the NZCYES since 2009. Additional indicators that enable us to monitor child poverty in NZ have been added.
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Findings (in relation to income related poverty measures) are: •
in 2012, 265,000 children aged 0–17 years lived in poverty (that’s 25% of all NZ children);
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during 2010 to 2012, around 30% of Māori and 30% of Pacific children lived in poor households, as compared to 15% of European children; and
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child poverty rates were also higher for younger children (0–6 years and 7–11 years vs.12–17 years), larger households (3+ children vs. 1–2 children), sole parent households (vs. two parent households) and for those in households where no adults were in paid work or where none worked full time (vs. self-employed or 1+ full time).
Other indicators are also looked at in more detail, for instance: Material hardship, Poverty severity, poverty persistence (how long children are living in poverty), Children reliant on adults who get benefits, Hospitalisations & mortality, and Assault, neglect and maltreatment of children Aged 0–14 Years. See the report at http://www.nzchildren.co.nz/ Back to top
Higher Immunisation Rates: Maori & Pacifica End of financial year data from the Ministry of Health shows 90% of Maori children and 95% of Pacific children were fully immunised by their second birthday. In 2007, only 59% of Maori children and 63% of Pacific children were fully immunised. Immunisation rates for Pacific children are equal to or better than rates for NZ European children in 17 DHBs. In addition, in eight of these DHBs every single Pacific child was fully immunised at two years of age. Immunisation rates for two-year-old Maori children are now equal to or better than the NZ European rate in more than half of the country’s district health boards (DHBs). More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/immunisation-rates-better-all Back to top
Declining Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Rates There has a decline in sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). In 2012 there were 36 SUDI cases, down from 55 in 2008. Research has found the risk of SUDI can be decreased with safe sleep practices, including: •
putting babies to sleep on their backs so they can breathe unobstructed, and making sure there is no bedding nearby that might cover their faces;
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avoid using pillows or loose blankets, remove any cords from bedding, and ensure there are no gaps in their bed in which they might become wedged;
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make sure babies sleep in a smokefree environment and that the room is not too hot, so they will not overheat while sleeping;
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babies are safest when sleeping in their own cot or bassinette, in the same room as their parents for the first six months of their lives; and
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ensure the person looking after a baby is sober and alert to their needs.
More is at http://www.hqsc.govt.nz/our-programmes/mrc/cymrc/publications-and-resources/sudi/ Back to top
New “Healthy Heart” Food Guide The Heart Foundation’s new healthy heart food guide aims to encourage Kiwis to take simple steps towards eating better for their heart. The campaign is supported by the introduction of a modern and up-to-date take on the old food pyramid. The “Healthy Heart” is similar to the traditional food pyramid many of us remember from when we were kids. Research showed that Kiwi’s liked the food pyramid and wanted a new, easy-to-follow guide to help their eating decisions. So, the Foundation swapped out the pyramid for a heart that shows, at a glance, the balance of foods to eat most of, eat some of, and cut back on to look after our hearts and overall wellbeing.
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Apart from the new shape, the biggest change is that vegetables and fruit are at the top and claim the biggest proportion of the heart to show we should “eat most” of them. If you were to compare your shopping trolley to the proportions of foods in the “Healthy Heart”, ideally they’d look similar. More is at www.heartfoundation.org.nz/healthyheart Back to top
Rest Home Information Easier to Find Online A new website - www.health.govt.nz/resthomes - offers easy-to-access information on more than 650 aged-care providers nationwide. This information includes the types of rest home care, number of beds, and length of time the provider is certified for. Where available, current and previous audit summaries are also provided. In the future the website will show corrective actions as identified in their most recent audit and tracking of progress against these actions. In addition, full rest home audits are also being made available online at www.health.govt.nz/fullaudits as part of a sixmonth trial. More is at http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/certified-providers/aged-care Back to top
New App to Help Assess your chances of a Stroke The Stroke Riskometer application developed by an AUT researcher assesses the chance of suffering a stroke using a number of health and lifestyle factors. The result is presented as a percentage chance of suffering a stroke in the next five and ten years and compared with someone of the same age and sex without contributing risk factors. This provides a relative risk of having a stroke for the person concerned. The Stroke Riskometer (there are free and paid-for versions) is available on Apple App and Google Play stores for the android version Back to top
Online Therapy Tool to Help People with Pot An innovative online therapy to help people reduce or stop their use of cannabis was launched today in Auckland. PotHelp.org.nz - produced by the NZ Drug Foundation and funded by the Ministry of Health - is an online resource for people looking to address the impact that their cannabis use has on them and the people around them. The site features compelling stories from people about the highs and lows of their cannabis use and their journey through treatment. A press release is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1311/S00155/online-therapy-tool-to-help-people-with-pot.htm Back to top
Updated Guide for Carers... The Government Guide for Carers booklet was recently updated and covers topics of interest to family carers including financial help, needs assessment, equipment, taking care of yourself, help with managing bowel and bladder issues, and much more. To order free copies of the Guide phone the National Carer Resource Centre 0800 777 797 during office hours, or send an email to sara@carers.net.nz Back to top
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... Ministry of Health Review of Carer Support Subsidy As part of a review of the adequacy and flexibility of the Carer Support Subsidy, the Ministry of Health is seeking the views of unpaid carers of people with disability who currently receive the CSS. The Ministry wants to better understand how carers use the subsidy, how it might be supplemented, and the difference the subsidy makes to a carer. This is a high level review with KPMG leading the work. The survey closes on 20 December 2013. The survey can be accessed at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/78B2DP3 Back to top
New Funding & New Framework for Dementia Originally signalled in Budget 2013, details have been released of funding support early diagnosis of dementia, and a framework to guide DHBs on how best to support people with dementia. Over the next three years the money will be allocated as follows: •
$1.25 million for a public awareness campaign by Alzheimers NZ;
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$750,000 for clinical education, coordinated by DHBs, to improve awareness and responsiveness of dementia in primary care; and
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$1.2 million for dementia training for healthcare workers, coordinated by Careerforce NZ.
About 48,000 NZers currently have dementia. By 2050 this is expected to have risen to nearly 150,000 people. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-funding-and-new-framework-dementia Back to top
Prostate Cancer Resources Men and their families now have information resources to help them talk more confidently with their GP about prostate cancer. The resources include leaflets, detailed booklets and posters about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer tests and treatment. For example, one of the resources is a leaflet which includes a checklist to help men decide if they need a prostate check. It asks nine simple yes or no questions, to get men thinking about their prostate health. It’s also known that many GPs want more support and guidance around who to test for prostate cancer, who not to test, and who to refer to a specialist. A range of resources are being developed for health professionals to help achieve greater consistency in the advice men receive. Next year a group of clinicians and experts, including GPs and nurses, will oversee the development of guidelines and standards so men have equal access to specialist services for assessing and treating prostate cancer. An electronic copy of the resources are available on the Ministry of Health website at www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/cancer/prostate-cancer Back to top
Ten tips for Good Mental Health in Later Life The ten tips are; •
Maintaining a positive attitude towards ageing is vital, accept the inevitable and harness your strengths.
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Optimistic people live longer and humour is one of the most effective coping strategies.
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Avoid prolonged exposure to stress and if unavoidable, reach out for help.
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Maintain social networks; spend time with people and foster altruism and meaning in your life.
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Try and learn novel things, even a new language or game. Remember the brain still has a remarkable degree of plasticity in older age.
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Stretch every day, engage in regular aerobic exercise and do strength-building activities. Take up dancing!
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Keep a healthy weight for height, enjoy the morning sun and keep up your fluids.
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Follow the research on dietary supplements, the evidence is evolving all the time.
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Practice good sleep hygiene, avoid tobacco products and minimise alcohol intake.
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Follow recommendations for disease screening and keep a healthy skepticism about claims regarding anti-aging products.
For more information visit www.ranzcp.org Back to top
Voluntary front-of-pack Food Labelling Research The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is commissioning research about how a health star rating system (a type of nutrition labelling system) might be perceived and understood in this country. The aim of nutrition labelling on the front of food packaging is to give consumers greater choice in identifying healthy food. The star system gives consumers at-a-glance nutrition information about the food they are buying using a five-star rating scale. A higher star rating means better nutritional value. The system also includes nutritional information icons for energy, saturated fat, sodium, and sugars. It can include one positive nutrient such as calcium or fibre. It is anticipated that the research will be completed by the end of the year. This is an example of a front of pack star rating system:
More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/research-underway-voluntary-front-pack-food-labelling Back to top
Smart IT Use In Health & Disability Sector: Booklet The Ministry of Health has released a publication showcasing examples of information technology (IT) innovation and use within the health and disability sector. It looks at the increasing use of connected electronic systems which provide clinicians and consumers with relevant information when it is needed at the point of care. For example, the booklet looks at a patient’s experience of using an online portal, and how clinicians are benefitting from improvements to the way patient information and radiology images are shared. More is at http://www.ithealthboard.health.nz/sites/all/files/sharing-health-information-toward-better-safer-care%28Nov13%29.pdf Back to top
Enabling Good Lives Kicks off in Christchurch A group of disabled Christchurch school leavers are the first to benefit from the new Enabling Good Lives approach to supporting people with disabilities. Enabling Good Lives brings health, education and social development funding together in a single package that can be used flexibly, whether it is for the school leaver’s employment, education, recreation or to create community networks. An Enabling Good Lives navigator will also work with young people and their whanau to make plans for their future and to build connections within their communities. 15 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
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For more information on Enabling Good Lives, and to meet the newly created Christchurch team, go to the newly launched Enabling Good Lives newsletter, at: www.odi.govt.nz/what-we-do/improving-disabilitysupports/enabling-good-lives/newsletter/newsletter-01-october-2013.html Back to top
Community-led Trial to Improve Health & Social Outcomes The recently launched Porirua Social Sector Trial aims to reduce the number of Porirua people using Wellington Hospital’s emergency department or being admitted for preventable conditions, by addressing the causes. Porirua is one of 16 trials aimed at improving the effectiveness of social services in communities by giving a local lead the ability to better coordinate and direct cross-agency and NGO activities. They are trialing ways of delivering local solutions to local issues. Other trials were announced in 2011 and earlier in 2013. The trial’s two-year action plan focuses on two age groups initially (children aged under 9 years old, and older people aged between 55 and 64). It has five areas of focus: improved self-management, resilience and wellbeing; a well start to life for children; improved access to appropriate primary care in Porirua East and Titahi Bay; an aligned interagency response to targeted communities; and supportive environments. Specific activities include: improving hygiene and skin care in schools; increasing numbers of school children receiving free dental care; improving health literacy so people can better manage their own health; improving housing ventilation; reducing overcrowding; and reducing alcohol availability and alcohol-related injuries. For more information, go to http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/social-sector-trials Back to top
Intellectually Disabled Kiwis: Health Overview Report For the first time in this country, health authorities have comprehensive, accurate data on the health of Kiwis with an intellectual disability. Special Olympics NZ has launched its report “Athlete Health Overview”, which provides information on the visual, audiological, dental, and podiatric health and mobility of more than 2000 individuals with an intellectual disability. The data was gathered from Healthy Athletes® Screening at Special Olympics NZ’s National Summer Games in 2005 and 2009.Some of the findings include: •
nine out of 10 athletes failed one of the Opening Eyes screening tests (and one in five athletes at the 2009 Summer Games presented with an internal eye problem);
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serious, undetected, and untreated ear conditions were also discovered;
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two in three athletes had poor oral health while four in five athletes over the age of 50 had missing teeth;
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eight out of 10 athletes had a biomechanical abnormality in their feet and legs; and
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one out of five athletes was wearing a shoe that was more than two sizes too big or too small for their feet.
You an download the report at http://www.specialolympics.org.nz. Back to top
Health Literacy Report Identifies Key Barriers A Ministry of Health report focusing on health literacy* and its relationship to the prevalence of skin infections (particularly for Maori children under the age of 15) has identified a number of barriers preventing the effective treatment and management of skin infections. The report highlighted difficulty in reading and understanding health information, poor communication between health professionals and their patients, and information overload as the key health literacy barriers. *Health Literacy refers to the degree to which people are able to access and understand essential health information in order to make informed and appropriate health decisions. Over 1.5 million NZers are thought to have low levels of health literacy. The report and its resources are available via www.healthliteracy.org.nz Back to top
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Maternity Systems of Different Countries: Report This report provides an overview of maternity systems and maternity outcomes for mothers and babies in NZ compared to six other countries. Overall, the study confirms that NZ maternity services are of a high standard, although there are opportunities for further improvement, in particular, improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. The report notes that NZ has high rates of some risk factors, notably high rates of teenage pregnancy and obesity. These risk factors are over-represented in vulnerable populations. More is at http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/comparative-study-maternity-systems Back to top
Benefit Sanctions: Impact on Vulnerable Children Report The Child Poverty Action group (CPAG) has released a new report on “Benefit Sanctions and the Impact on Vulnerable Children”. It says that benefit sanctions are “creating a new class of economically vulnerable, invisible and unequal children”. The report notes official data on the impact of benefit sanctions is not readily available, and the report itself relied on limited information derived from an Official Information Act request. The information that is available says that 13,000 parents with dependent children have had their benefits cut for failing work tests in the first two and a quarter years of the new rules. However, official data remain silent on the impact of the sanctions on affected children. More is at http://www.cpag.org.nz/assets/Backgrounders/2-0%2028509%20Benefit%20Sanctions%20Report%20Sept%202013.pdf Back to top
Auckland Men Sought For Muscle Aging Study The University of Auckland’s Human Nutrition Unit and Liggins Institute is looking for middle-aged men to participate in a study looking at the potential positive effects of dairy products on muscle health. During the study, participants will undergo several different types of body scans to assess muscle, bone and fat. Participants will also complete a muscle strength test normally done by professional athletes. During the final part of the study, a metabolic tracer will be intravenously infused for several hours and participants will be given one of four different dairy products to consume. Then muscle and blood samples will be taken to assess changes in blood amino acid levels and muscle metabolism. To find out more information visi twww.hnu.auckland.ac.nz/muscleaging or email the research team at muscleaging@gmail.com Back to top
Diabetes Surge Hits Every Nation By the end of 2013, 5.1 million people throughout the world will have died from diabetes related complications. With 175 million undiagnosed cases many people are progressing towards complications unawares. It’s predicted that one in ten of the world's population will have diabetes by 2035 (that’s 592 million people). These figures come from the latest International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) latest Diabetes Atlas. In some Pacific Island nations there has been an alarming surge in diabetes prevalence (for example, one adult in three has the disease on the Pacific Island of Tokelau). For more information on country and region specific data check out the IDF Atlas websitehttp://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas. Back to top
Global Health-Care Worker Shortage Forecast A recent WHO report says the world will be short of 12.9 million health-care workers by 2035; today, that figure stands at 7.2 million. The report identifies several main causes: •
an ageing health workforce with staff retiring or leaving for better paid jobs without being replaced;
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not enough young people are entering the profession or being adequately trained;
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increasing demands from a growing world population with risks of non-communicable diseases (e.g., cancer, heart disease, stroke etc.) increasing; and
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internal and international migration of health workers (this makes regional imbalances even worse).
More is at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2013/health-workforce-shortage/en/ Back to top
Education/Training Green Light for Schools as Digital Community Hubs Schools with ultra-fast broadband will soon be able to share their fibre connections with their local communities. This will be especially important in areas with poor internet connectivity, typically rural and remote areas. Some schools may become the digital hubs in their communities. Schools could choose to provide adult education courses in digital literacy and/or expanding education opportunities for students outside school hours and beyond school grounds. More is at http://www.minedu.govt.nz/theMinistry/EducationInitiatives/UFBInSchools.aspx Back to top
OECD Survey on State of Global Education Asian countries outperform the rest of the world in the OECD’s latest PISA survey, which evaluates the knowledge and skills of the world’s 15-year-olds. More than 510,000 students in 65 countries and economies on maths, reading and science were tested. In the 2013 rankings, NZ slipped from seventh to 13th in reading, seventh to 18th in science and from 13th to 23rd in maths. The report, together with country analysis, summaries and data, is available at www.oecd.org/pisa/keyfindings/pisa-2012-results.htm Back to top
Fewer Student Loans, But Amount Increases Fewer students enrolled in tertiary study in 2012, and fewer of them are taking out student loans. For the first time since interest-free student loans were introduced in 2006, the proportion of tertiary students taking out a student loan has decreased, and in 2012 was just below 48%. The average amount borrowed in a year continued to increase (to $7,820). While the number of students enrolled in tertiary education fell in 2012, the proportion of students receiving financial support via the Student Allowances Scheme remained unchanged at 22.5%. The 94,953 students receiving the student allowance in 2012 received an average of $6,830. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/education_and_training/Tertiary%20education/StudentLoansandAllowances_MR12.aspx Back to top
Initiatives in Maths and Science The Government recently announced two initiatives around the teaching of science and maths. One is the “Science and Society” project. The objectives of this project is to: •
increase science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills of young people; and
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improve science literacy across the population.
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The project has started with a stocktake of existing programs, and will be developing a strategic plan and a list of key initiatives. The draft plan will be publicly consulted on and the final project plan is expected to be published and adopted by June next year. Secondly, an additional $10.5 million is being spent for schools to raise student achievement in maths and science. An extra $7 million (over the next four years) is being put into two existing programmes, “Accelerated Learning in Mathematics” and “BES Exemplar 1” (these programmes are to up-skill teachers). Another $3 million is being spent over the next two years to boost learning and teacher support across the science curriculum. In addition, about $500,000 is going into the development of more than 60 science learning resources to assist teachers in encouraging more young NZers to succeed in science. More about he science and society project is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/science-amp-society-project-lift-achievement-maths-amp-science and more about the funding boost is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/105m-funding-boost-maths-amp-science-schools Back to top
New “Building on Success” Programme The new Building on Success programme aims to accelerate Māori secondary school student achievement. The programme will support school leaders and teachers to develop professional, culturally responsive leadership and schooling practices, and to deliver the curriculum effectively. Building on Success combines the best from Te Kotahitanga and He Kākano, as well other initiatives such as Starpath, and secondary literacy and numeracy programmes. About a quarter of all secondary schools will be in the programme at any one time. The University of Waikato, the University of Auckland, and Te Wānanga o te Awanuiārangi, are to work together to deliver the programme nationally. In Whanganui, Te Puna Mātauranga o Whanganui and Cognition Education will deliver a local Building on Success programme in partnership with Whanganui iwi. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-31-million-building-success Back to top
The “NZ Education Story” … This “story” aims to provide a clear, consistent view of NZ’s international education industry for prospective students and their families. It is based on the “New Zealand Story” global NZ branding toolkit (see elsewhere in this issue). The NZ Education Story comprises a two-minute video, complemented by a marketing toolkit containing photographs, logos, branded templates and presentations that industry participants can use when marketing their education sector, institution or business. International education is the country’s fifth largest export earner, contributing $2.6 billion to NZ’s economy every year and supporting 28,000 jobs. To view the video visit :http://educationnz.govt.nz/news/education-story Back to top
… International Education Snapshot The latest International Education Snapshot report shows 84,150 international students enrolled with NZ schools and tertiary providers as at 31 August 2013, a 3% decline (about 2,400 students) when compared with the same period in 2012. The overall decline in numbers is being put down to two factors: a decline in primary school students from South Korea, and fewer English language schools in the Private Training Establishment (PTE) sector. Other findings include: •
institutes of technology (ITP) and universities each experienced growth of 4% in international students;
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secondary schools also experienced growth of 2% (secondary schools in Wellington and Canterbury experienced the strongest growth);
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demand for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) courses continue to increase in line with global trends; and
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post graduate enrolments continued to trend upward (Masters-level enrolments grew by 17% and PhDs by 7% in the university sector).
The international education snapshot report: January to August 2013 is available at:http://educationnz.govt.nz/markets-research/general-research/international-education-snapshot-jan-aug-2013 Back to top
Making Connections for Pacific Learners' Success: ERO Report In this report ERO (the Education Review Office) looks at the success of 25 secondary schools in catering for their Pacific students. The report includes details of initiatives and good practice that get great results. Those schools that were strong in terms of catering for their Pacific students were found to have strengths identified in, amongst other things: •
leadership that focused on improvement;
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review and improvement practices that relied on good data to assist in decisions;
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a curriculum that was relevant and tailored to the needs and aspirations of Pacific learners and their parents; and
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relationships with Pacific families and the community that were capitalised to best support learners and make their learning relevant.
More is at http://www.ero.govt.nz/National-Reports/Making-Connections-for-Pacific-Learners-Success-November-2013 Back to top
Employment Medium-Long Term Employment Outlook (To 2021) The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released its annual Medium-Long Term Employment Outlook for the 2011-21 March year period. The main points include: •
total employment is expected to increase by 180,300 over the 2011-16 period (growth of 1.6% per year), and by about 174,500 (growth of 1.4% per year) over the subsequent five years to 2021;
•
the unemployment rate over the projection period is expected to trend down to 4.8% by 2016 and 4.0% by 2021;
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annual productivity growth is expected to rise by more than one-third from 2016 to 2021, compared with the previous 5 years;
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strong employment growth is expected in the primary sector, primary processing, certain manufacturing industries such as machinery and equipment, metal products and in construction-related activities;
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service industries, including the health and cultural and personal services sectors, will also experience modest to strong employment growth;
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opportunities for lower-skilled workers are expected to account for about one-third of employment growth over the 2011-16 period; and
•
the number of workers retiring is expected to rise from about 50,000 per year during 2011-16 to about 70,000 per year during 2016-21, as a result of the ageing population (this is despite participation rates by the older workers rising further).
More is at http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/research/medium-long-term-employment-outlook-2021/
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The NZ Medical Workforce: Snapshot... The NZ Medical Workforce in 2012 survey results show that the number of active doctors increased by 2.5%, from 14,333 in 2011 to 14,686 in 2012. This change compares with increases of 3.2 % in 2011 and 3.5% in 2010. As in previous years, the medical workforce increasingly comprises females. Forty five percent of females in the workforce are under the age of 40, compared to 28% of males. Only 5% of females in the workforce are over the age of 60, compared to 19% of males. This reflects that although male doctors have historically outnumbered female doctors, and still make up 59% of the medical workforce, this gap is decreasing. Doctors identifying as NZ European/Pakeha made up 52.7% of all doctors, but were more highly represented amongst specialists (63.1%) and GPs (56.6%). On average, 84% of NZ graduates are retained two years after graduation and by the third year, 78% are retained, rising to 79% five years after graduation. Retention rates level out to between 61% and 70% in years 8 to 14 after graduation. More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1311/S00134/nz-medical-workforce-in-2012-workforce-survey-results.htm Back to top
... Rural Medical Workforce Snapshot The latest NZ Medical Workforce Survey (see previous story) also highlights data about the rural medical workforce. For instance, there is a higher proportion of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in rural areas compared with urban areas – 54% of doctors in rural areas are IMGs compared to 38.7% in main urban areas. The survey also shows there is a higher proportion of female doctors in urban areas compared with rural areas – 42.3% of doctors in main urban areas are female compared with 36.1% of doctors in rural areas. And, overall, doctors working in rural areas are on average older than those working in urban areas – the average age is 48.3 in rural areas compared with 44.8 in main urban areas. More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1311/S00164/medical-workforce-survey-shows-rural-still-the-poor-relation.htm Back to top
Housing/Building NZ Housing Policy: Report The latest report on housing from the Salvation Army, “Give Me Shelter”, looks at the two main housing assistance programmes – the accommodation supplement and subsidies paid by the state to Housing New Zealand. The report suggests housing policy has, for the past two decades, lacked a guiding philosophy or even an understanding of future housing needs or what housing programmes are supposed to achieve. A significant concern is that there is scant evidence of planning for social housing demand over the next 10-20 years. The report goes on to say that housing is closely tied to people’s wellbeing and therefore the health of our communities and nation. Consequently, there is a fundamental and urgent need to review policy and once and for all develop a vision of how housing might contribute to people’s and society’s wellbeing. More is at http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/research-media/social-policy-and-parliamentary-unit/latest-report/give-me-shelter Back to top
Work & Income to Take on Housing Role From April next year, MSD’s Work and Income will assess and manage the social housing needs of low income NZers. Work and Income will carry out screening, assessment and eligibility reviews and manage the waitlist as well as referrals to housing providers. It will calculate and administer income related rent subsidies, contract and pay housing providers, investigate fraud and recover debt.
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More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/work-and-income-take-housing-role Back to top
Housing Easier to Build on Maori Land More Maori will now have the opportunity to build on ancestral land following changes to the Kainga Whenua Loan and Kainga Whenua Infrastructure Grants system. The changes allow a wider group of Maori to access loans. The new changes also mean that grants and loans which apply to designated Maori land will now also include land that hapu and iwi receive from their Treaty settlements. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/housing-maori-land-now-more-accessible Back to top
Safer State House Driveways Programme New Zealand has one of the highest rates of child driveway safety accidents in the world. A nationwide programme which, will see 13,000 driveways at state houses made safer for children, was recently launched. This programme focuses on separating driveways from play areas and installing things such as fencing, self-closing gates, speed restriction signs, speed humps, and convex mirrors to prevent driveway safety accidents from occurring. Work has now begun nationally to make driveways safer at more than 4,000 high priority properties by June next year. The full programme is expected to be completed within four years. See www.mysafekids.org.nz for and http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/state-house-driveway-safety-initiative-launched more information Back to top
Assisted Home Ownership: Tax Exemptions Legislation has been introduced to Parliament to give community housing providers (like Habitat for Humanity) and donors certainty that assisting low-income families into home ownership will be exempt from income tax. The law change is necessary after the former Charities Commission decided that although assisting low-income people with renting a house was charitable, assisting people into home ownership was not. This decision was confirmed by the High Court. One trust was deregistered and a number of others were left uncertain about their tax status, giving rise to significant anxiety in the community social housing sector. The Government will also be providing transitional assistance to some community housing providers facing tax liabilities before the new law comes into effect on 14 April 2014. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tax-exemption-help-community-organisations-assist-home-ownership Back to top
Building Amendment Act 2013 This Act introduces measures to protect consumers and encourage the building and construction sector to “build right first time�. There is also changes to the types of work that don’t require a building consent, higher penalties for building work without the appropriate consents, and additional powers for councils to restrict entry to buildings that may be located near dangerous buildings. Further changes will come into force in 2014. These include requirements for builders to provide clients with information about their credentials and to enter into a written contract for work over a specified amount. The new Act will also change the way dams are defined and measured to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the dam safety scheme. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/law-changed-improve-building-process Back to top
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Port Hills Zoning Review Announced ... The outcome of the review of all zoned properties in the Port Hills means a change of zoning for 270 properties – with 237 going from green zone to red zone, and 33 going from red to green. Zoning in the Port Hills is based on life risk from rock roll or cliff collapse. Owners of eligible properties in the Residential Red Zone may decide to accept a Crown offer to purchase the affected properties. CERA has produced specific information for the 44 different areas in the Port Hills that have zoning implications to make it easier for property owners to understand their own situation. Each of the 44 areas and their zoning implications are detailed at www.cera.govt.nz/port-hills with videos to explain the outcome in each of these areas. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/port-hills-zoning-review-announced Back to top
... EQC’s Management of the Canterbury Home Repair Programme: Report This report from the Auditor-General is about how EQC (Earthquake Commission) has performed in managing the homerepair programme. In the Auditor-General’s view, EQC's performance to date has been mixed. It has performed well in managing repair costs and setting the home-repair programme up quickly, but has not performed as well in dealing with homeowners. More is at http://oag.govt.nz/2013/eqc Back to top
New Housing & Construction Quarterly Report The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recently released the first edition of the “NZ Housing and Construction Quarterly”. In this edition of the report, insights into the issue of diverging house values and rents in Auckland are analysed. The edition also features discussion of the issue of rising house prices and rents in Christchurch since the February 2011 earthquake. Future editions of the quarterly will be released in February, May, August, and November each year. More is at http://www.dbh.govt.nz/nz-housing-and-construction-quarterly Back to top
Clarification for Unit Titles & Bodies Corporate The recently passed Unit Titles Amendment Bill strengthens the Tenancy Tribunal’s ability to make orders to address unit title disputes and enables it to recover unpaid levies for body corporates. The Act also reduces costs for prospective buyers accessing body corporate documents as part of the sale and purchase process. It will enable buyers to select only those documents they require rather than receiving a stack of standardised documents. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/law-clarified-unit-titles-and-bodies-corporate Back to top
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Transport & Travel Holiday Road Safety Campaign This summer’s road safety campaign will focus on preventing deaths and injuries by reducing speed. For the first time, the reduced speed tolerance is being extended beyond an official holiday period. A 4km/h speed threshold will be enforced by Police throughout the whole of December and January. Police will also be increasing their visibility to raise awareness of road safety, with a nationwide trial of red and orange highway patrol cars. Twenty-eight coloured cars will be rolled out across the country over the next year, as existing vehicles come up for replacement. The first orange car will be going to the Tasman district, with a red vehicle on patrol in Northland. The next three coloured cars will be going to Eastern, Waikato, and Canterbury districts before Christmas. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/ministers-launch-holiday-road-safety-campaign Back to top
WoF Frequency Changes from January 2014 From 1 January 2014, light vehicles first registered anywhere between 2004 and 2008 will be required to have an annual, rather than the current six-monthly warrant of fitness inspection. From 1 July 2014, annual inspections will be extended to include all light vehicles first registered anywhere on or after 1 January 2000. Also from this date new vehicles will receive an initial inspection, another one when they’re three years old, then annual inspections for their lifetime. Vehicles first registered anywhere before 1 January 2000 will remain on six-monthly inspections for their lifetime. Motorists won’t have to do anything different in relation to getting their Warrant of Fitness. When they take their vehicle in for inspection at its next due date, the inspection agent will assign the appropriate date for its subsequent inspection. The changes also include extending the variable frequency range of certificate of fitness inspections. From 1 July 2014, well-maintained heavy vehicles will be eligible to have a certificate of fitness applied from a range of 3 to 12 months, increased from the current 3 to 9 months. The default frequency will remain at 6 months. More is at www.nzta.govt.nz/wof Back to top
Justice/The Law Anti-Cyber Bully Bill The Harmful Digital Communications* Bill, that is aimed at cyber bullies, recently passed its first reading. Research shows one in five NZ high school students has experienced some sort of cyber bullying or harassment. Proposals in the Bill include: •
creating a new civil enforcement regime that includes setting up or appointing an approved agency as the first port of call for complaints;
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allowing people to take serious complaints to the District Court, which will be able to issue remedies such as takedown orders and cease-and-desist notices;
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providing a legal mechanism for people to easily and quickly request the removal of harmful content from websites;
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making it an offence to send messages and post material online with intent to cause harm, punishable by up to three months imprisonment or a $2,000 fine; and
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•
creating a new offence of incitement to commit suicide, even in situations when a person does not attempt to take their own life, punishable by up to three years imprisonment.
Relevant criminal and civil law will cover all forms of harmful communications, regardless of whether tormentors use “online” or “offline” means. It also future-proofs the laws against technological advances, to ensure they remain relevant. *Harmful digital communications, cyber bullying, and digital harassment can take a variety of forms. Examples include sending or publishing threatening or offensive material and messages, spreading damaging or degrading rumours, publishing invasive and distressing photographs, and harassing and intimidating people. Common digital communications methods include emails, texts, phone messages, blog sites, forums, and social media sites like Facebook or Twitter. There is an FAQ about the Bill at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/FAQs%20-%20Harmful%20Digital%20Communications%20Bill.pdf Back to top
Changes to Evidence Act Proposed Proposed changes to the Evidence Act are aimed at making appearing in court less traumatic for victims of sexual violence and child witnesses. Among the proposed changes is a requirement that the defence in sexual violence cases gives notice before a trial begins of their intention to use evidence about a victim’s previous sexual experiences. Currently, permission to introduce this evidence can be sought from the judge at any time during the trial. There are proposed changes relating to child witnesses and how they give evidence in court. Changes include giving child witnesses the automatic right to a support person in court, providing extra guidance and training for lawyers and judges dealing with child witnesses, and creating a new presumption about the way child witnesses give evidence. There will now be a presumption that child witnesses will give their main evidence through the video of their police interview. If such a video cannot be used, child witnesses will be able to give evidence via closed-circuit TV or from behind a screen. An amendment bill bringing the changes into effect is expected to be introduced next year. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/reforms-protect-sexual-assault-victims-child-witnesses Back to top
Judicature Modernisation Bill Introduced The main changes this bill would bring about include: •
introducing a presumption that all written judgments will be published online, unless there is a good reason not to;
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enabling (but not requiring) technology to be used in courts and tribunals, e.g., allowing court documents to be filed, held and issued electronically;
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introducing a presumption that audio-visual links will be used in criminal procedural matters (so participants in proceedings to appear via video link rather than in person);
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combining the District Courts into one unified entity – from 59 separately mandated courts;
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requiring the head judge of each court to publish information about the process by which parties can obtain information about the status of a reserved judgment (a case that has been heard but the judgment has yet to be delivered);
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establishing a specialist judicial panel for High Court commercial proceedings; and
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introducing a more efficient process for appointing arbitrators where parties are unable to agree on an appointment.
The Environment, Employment, and Māori Land Courts will continue as standalone specialist courts. But some changes are going to be made; including: •
new requirements to publish information about the process for appointing judges, guidance on when it is inappropriate for a judge to hear a case, and guidance on what activities are compatible with judicial office; and
•
giving the court more flexibility to limit persons from undertaking further litigation if they have previously brought proceedings that are totally without merit.
There is an FAQ at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/FAQs_2.pdf
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Court Scheduling Moves to 12-Monthly The Ministry of Justice is moving to set district court schedules twelve months in advance nationwide. Current practice sees schedules set court by court ranging from three to six months out. However, this can lead to delays because court case can’t proceed without everyone present – lawyers, defendants, witnesses and a judge). By moving to a 12-month schedule, the idea is that everyone working in the justice sector - whether judges, lawyers or Police - will know well in advance when they are needed in court, and will then be able to fit their leave, professional and learning commitments around their court duties. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/court-scheduling-changes-will-speed-justice Back to top
Pool Safety Law Changes Amendments to the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 include the following changes: •
clearer requirements for restricting access to swimming pools;
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requiring councils to inspect swimming pools at least every five years;
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child-resistant spa pools will no longer require an additional means of restricting access;
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requiring pool retailers to inform buyers of their safety obligations;
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exempting portable pools shallower than 300mm; and
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exempting garden ponds and stormwater detention ponds.
More is at www.dbh.govt.nz/fospa-index Back to top
Emergency 111 Text Service for Speech-Impaired People Deaf and hearing impaired people, and now people with speech impairments, who have difficulty using a phone can register with Police to join the 111 TXT service. This is an emergency text service that enables people who have difficulty hearing or talking on the phone to contact Fire services, Ambulance or Police in an emergency. More is at http://www.police.govt.nz/111-txt Back to top
Enduring Powers of Attorney: Analysis of Submissions The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has completed analysis of submissions from its consultation on the effectiveness of the 2007 amendments to the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988. This consultation focused on enduring powers of attorney. More is at www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/whats-happening/2013/review-of-the-2007-amendments-to-enduring-powers-of-attorney.html Back to top
Insolvency Practitioners to Be Registered Under the Insolvency Practitioners Bill (which has passed its second reading in Parliament) all insolvency practitioners would be required to be registered. In addition, the Registrar of Companies would have greater oversight and enforcement mechanisms including the power to deregister practitioners who do not meet key requirements. The Bill is set to come into force nine months after it is passed and insolvency practitioners have up to three months after this to register. More is at www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/legislation/bills/00DBHOH_BILL9865_1/insolvency-practitioners-bill
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Immigration Advisers’ Regime to be Reviewed The Immigration Advisers Licensing (IAL) Act 2007, which regulates immigration advice and created the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) and the Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal, is to be reviewed. Partly the review is about how the reputation of this industry can continue to be improved. The review will also be looking at the appropriateness of current penalties for breaching the IAL Act, and the process for approving an applicant’s license. Findings from the review are due to be presented to the Minister in June 2014. More is at www.mbie.govt.nz/about-us/publications/terms-of-reference/review-of-the-regulation-of-immigration-advice Back to top
Parliament Official Legislation to Go Online from January 2014 From 6 January 2014, the NZ Legislation website will become a source of official legislation. At present, only legislation printed and published by the Parliamentary Counsel Office or the NZ Government is official. In the courts, official legislation is taken to correctly state the law unless the contrary is shown. Not all legislation on the website will be official. It will apply only to legislation in PDF format, and only to PDFs that display the NZ Coat of Arms on the first page. However, this will include the latest versions of all principal legislation enacted or made since 1931 (plus a few earlier Acts), and many other point-in-time versions. The NZ Legislation website will also introduce print on demand, a shopping-cart-type system allowing users to select legislation for printing, and order it through a commercial printer. Users will still be able to print their own copies of legislation free of charge. These changes mean that the Parliamentary Counsel Office will cease publication of annual bound volumes of legislation after the 2013 volumes are printed, and traditional hard-copy reprints after the current programme is completed. The Parliamentary Counsel Office will continue to publish booklet versions of legislation, available from Legislation Direct and from some bookshops. For more information about these changes, see legislation.govt.nz/news.aspx#official Back to top
When Parliament Will Be Sitting in 2014 Dates for the recommended parliamentary sitting programme are: •
January 28, 29, and 30;
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February 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20;
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March 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20;
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April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17;
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May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29;
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June 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26;
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July 1, 2, 3, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31;
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August 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28;
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September 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25;
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October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23;
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November 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20; and
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December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11.
More is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/features/00NZPHomeNews201311201/recommended-house-sitting-dates-for-2014 Back to top
Public Service/Local Authorities New Government Chief Privacy Officer Role… A new role of Government Chief Privacy Officer (GCPO) is being created. The GCPO role will lead an all-of-government approach to privacy and will be responsible for providing leadership, assurance and advice on privacy issues, support to agencies to meet their privacy responsibilities, and co-ordinated communication with the Privacy Commissioner. State sector chief executives remain accountable for privacy in their agencies, and the Ministry of Justice continues to manage privacy policy. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-government-chief-privacy-officer Back to top
… Govt Agencies Batter Managing Privacy & Security: New Panel A new panel of 21 security service providers to help government agencies manage privacy and security issues effectively. Amongst other things, agencies will use the services of a company on the panel to obtain external expertise and advice on the strength and suitability of their ICT security processes, or to test the security of their ICT systems. The companies on the panel are: Asterisk, Aura, Axenic, Confide, Datacom, Deloitte, Detica, Ernst & Young, Fronde, Grant Thornton, Hewlett Packard, Insomnia, Intuisec, Integration QA, Johnson Partners, KPMG, Lateral, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Resultex, Security Assessment, and Starfish. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/panel-lift-privacy-and-security-standards Back to top
Te Puni Kōkiri Set For New Direction Te Puni Kōkiri’s (TPK’s) core functions are to be refocused. These changes reflect the belief that TPK’s work has become too thinly spread. So, TPK will focus its efforts on: •
Ārahitanga: providing strategic leadership and guidance to Ministers and the state sector on the Crown’s on-going and evolving partnerships and relationships with iwi, hapū and whānau Māori;
•
Whakamaherehere: advising Ministers and agencies on achieving better results for whānau Māori; and
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Auahatanga: testing policy and programme models that promote better results for whānau Māori.
TPK is to set up a strategic policy unit, and will be required to publish (every four years), a long-term report forecasting trends for Māori. TPK will also publish and update (every two years) a Treaty of Waitangi-based framework for providing advice by the state sector. Alongside maintaining its regional presence, Te Puni Kōkiri will also establish “Te Pā Whakawairua”, a group of iwi and Māori Leaders to regularly advise the Chief Executive. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/te-puni-k%C5%8Dkiri-set-new-direction Back to top
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MCDEM Shifts From DIA to DPMC The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) is being transferred to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). Up to now, it’s been a relatively independent unit within the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). A step-by-step transition from DIA to DPMC will begin by 1 April 2014. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/mcdem-shift-will-strengthen-emergency-management-and-resilience Back to top
Not-For-Profits Kiwi Philanthropy Survived the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) More than three quarters of respondents in the first national survey of grantmakers say they have either not changed the amount of money they award, or they have slightly increased it. The survey, “Grantmaking in New Zealand: Giving That Works”, was completed by 40 NZ grantmaking organisations completed the survey; and in-depth interviews with 12 of them were carried out. One issue the survey has highlighted is that the philanthropy sector in this country is dominated by a few very large grantmakers. The 40 organisations that took part in the survey have philanthropic assets of $5 billion; however, 75% of those assets are owned by just six organisations. The researchers say this raises the question of how people who are involved in philanthropy can support the smaller philanthropic organisations. What are their needs, and how can it be ensured they have a voice nationally? More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1311/S00969/nz-philanthropy-has-survived-the-global-financial-crisis.htm Back to top
SDP & ANGOA Plan to Amalgamate Social Development Partners and ANGOA (Association of Non-Governmental Organisations of Aotearoa) are proposing to become one organisation. They have decided to jointly explore creating one amalgamated entity – nicknamed “Working Title Aotearoa” for the moment. The two organisations will be developing a more detailed project plan to map out the process and milestones for 2014. More is at http://www.socialdevelopment.org.nz/featured/sdp-angoa-to-amalgamate/ Back to top
Getting Facebook Likes Translated into Support There’s no doubt it’s a good thing having loads of “likes” on your charity or association Facebook page and having a good profile. But this has to be translated into donations or membership – in other words, getting a return on your online investment. Your opportunity is to supplement your online strategy with traditional communications tools which is, in the authors’ opinion, vital to maximizing your success. Many non-profits face the challenge of ensuring the efforts they put into developing an online presence translate into return on investment. Some really practical ways of getting action beyond just a Facebook “like” can be as simple as: •
be clear about what you want your audience to do – have a clear proposition about “what’s in it for them” and tell what it is you want them to do next;
•
ensure that other methods of promotion are in line with your Facebook strategy and that there are other methods of communication i.e., newsletters, donation devices etc.;
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measure how successful Facebook is with achieving your objectives - especially if it ties in with a campaign; and
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provide regular updates about a campaign or specific drive by regularly posting about results on Facebook as they come to hand – this will re-engage and inform at the same time.
More – including a link to further tips – at http://www.associations.org.nz/_blog/NZARC_Blog/post/facebook-likes-translating-into-support/ Back to top
Business The “NZ Story”: Changing the Nation’s Image The “New Zealand Story” aims to build a strong, consistent profile for NZ exporters in international markets. The New Zealand Story package will include video, key messages, photos, music, and guidelines for use. The theme of the broader new story is “open spaces, open hearts, open minds”. A New Zealand Story Group has also been appointed. The Group (composed of private- and public-sector representatives) will be responsible for promoting and protecting the Story. To view the video visit: http://story.newzealand.com/ and more will be available at story.newzealand.com Back to top
New China Toolkit Website for Tourism Sector A new website, the China Toolkit, is now available to help the NZ tourism sector deliver quality experiences to Chinese visitors. The website is split into four compartments, each with their own “tool drawers”: •
About China: learn the basics about China, its people, culture and how to do business;
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Getting ready: making sure you are prepared for Chinese visitors: language, etiquette, food and other services;
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Market intelligence: tap into the wealth of information available to help with your business planning; and
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Info for visitors: access material, much of it in Chinese, to provide to your Chinese visitors.
The website is at: www.chinatoolkit.co.nz Back to top
Financial Reporting Changes for Some Companies A Bill removing the requirement for small- and medium-sized companies to produce complex financial statements has passed its third reading. The Financial Reporting Bill allows shareholders of small- and medium-sized companies (revenue between $2 and $30 million a year) to decide whether the company must prepare financial statements. The Bill will also allow the External Reporting Board to issue accounting standards for registered charities. The Bill clarifies what is expected of charities, aims to improve the quality of financial reporting, and allows easier comparisons between charities. More is at www.med.govt.nz/business/business-law/financial-reporting-framework-review Back to top
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Omnibus Tax Bill Introduced The Taxation (Annual Rates, Employee Allowances, and Remedial Matters) Bill proposes changes to bring greater clarity to the tax rules and make them easier for businesses and other taxpayers to understand and comply with. Amongst many other things, the Bill introduces proposed changes to clarify the tax treatment of allowances and other reimbursement payments paid by employers to their employees, and employer-provided accommodation. Under proposed new rules, businesses will no longer have to lodge a patent or resource consent application before they can receive a deduction for expenditure incurred on an aborted or unsuccessful application. There are also new rules to clarify the tax treatment of agreements for the sale and purchase of property and services and the GST treatment of immigration and other services. The Bill also sets out new tax rules for charities that have been removed from the register of charitable entities. Finally, the Bill sets the annual rates for income tax for the 2014–15 tax year, and makes minor changes to the child support and Working for Families rules. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tax-bill-gives-greater-clarity-tax-rules and more information on the bill is at www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz Back to top
New Zealand Signing Up to Tax Convention NZ is signing up to the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. The Convention, which for NZ will come into force on 1 March 2014, will help Inland Revenue chase down evaders by requesting information from other tax authorities. Inland Revenue will also be able to seek assistance in collecting outstanding tax debts from absconding taxpayers who move overseas. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-zealand-ratifies-multilateral-tax-convention Back to top
Tourism Sector Report The Tourism Sector Report is the fifth in a series of seven that make up the NZ Sector Reports Series. The report shows tourism generates $9.8 billion year in exports to the NZ economy, with more than 2.6 million international visitors last year. Though visitor numbers are increasing, there have been significant changes to NZ’s international visitor markets. There has been steady growth in visitor arrivals from Australia and China. Australian visitors have almost doubled in the 10 years to 2013 to 1.2 million, while visitors from China grew by 31% from 2012-2013 to reach 210,000. This year has also seen a recovery in US visitor numbers. The report highlights the fundamental shift in the type of visitor coming to NZ, both in terms of the country they are coming from and the purpose of their visit. Visitors are no longer content with observing; they find more value in experiencing Kiwi culture and interacting with it. The key challenge facing NZ tourism firms is how to generate higher returns. Industry feedback suggests that this will (in part) involve developing products that are more relevant and attractive for a range of markets, segmented by country and culture, by demographic, by purpose of visit and by visitor expectations of experience. More is at http://www.mbie.govt.nz/what-we-do/business-growth-agenda/sectors-reports-series/tourism-report Back to top
2013 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards Kiwibank and Nga Tangata Microfinance Trust have been named the overall winner of the 2013 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards. Kiwibank in collaboration with Nga Tangata Microfinance Trust won the Community Innovation Award and also won the overall award for “Greatest Contribution to a Sustainable New Zealand” by addressing a critical issue about breaking the poverty cycle. Other Award winners are: •
Sustainability Champion Award Winner: Sam Judd, Sustainable Coastlines;
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Communicating Sustainability Award Winner: The Nappy Lady; Commendation: Wanaka Wastebusters;
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Community Innovation Award Winner: Kiwibank / Nga Tangata Microfinance Trust;
31 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
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Community Impact Award Winner: Turning Trash into Treasure;
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Mega Efficiency Innovation Award Winner: New World Supermarket, Newlands & Foodstuffs NZ; Commendation: Ooooby;
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Mega Efficiency Impact Award Winner: Auckland University of Technology; Commendation: Soar Printing;
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Renewables Innovation Award Winner: Vector Ltd; Commendation: Progressive Group – Wood Weta;
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Renewables Impact Award Winner: Yealands Estate Wines; Commendation: EnaSolar;
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Restorative Innovation Award Winner: BioBrew Ltd;
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Restorative Impact Award Winner: The Farm Butchery; and
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Energy Management Award Winner: Yealands Estate Wines; Commendations: Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland University of Technology.
More is at http://www.sustainableawards.org.nz/news-media/winners-announced-nzi-national-sustainable-business-network-awards Back to top
Money Matters KiwiSaver Comparison Website Goes Live The recently launched Sorted KiwiSaver Fund Finder website allows users to compare fees, past performance, and service levels of different KiwiSaver funds. The aim is to help people make better decisions about which fund best suits their individual circumstances. The Sorted KiwiSaver Fund Finder has been created by the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income. To view the Sorted KiwiSaver Fund Finder visit www.sorted.org.nz/fundfinder Back to top
New Consortium to Improve Financial Literacy “The Exchange”, a newly launched consortium, has the aim of improving financial literacy in this country. Major financial institutions will make up The Exchange’s membership. These members will meet to share information about financial literacy projects and allocate resources. The Exchange will cooperate with the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income with their on-going financial literacy strategy. More is at www.cflri.org.nz/financial-literacy/hub/exchange/introducing-exchange Back to top
Household Expenditure & Income Increases... Results from Statistics NZ’s latest three-yearly Household Economic Survey (HES) show that average weekly household expenditure increased 9.1%, to $1,111, between 30 June 2010 and 30 June 2013. Over this three-year period, there was an 11.5% rise in average annual household income, up from $76,733 to reach $85,588 in 2013. Average weekly household expenditure on: •
transport rose – from $131 to $158, with higher spending on petrol;
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housing and household utilities rose – from $252 to $273, including an increase in spending on rates; and
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food rose – from $178 to $193, including more spending on fruit and vegetables.
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More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/people_and_communities/Households/HouseholdEconomicSurvey_MRYeJun13.aspx Back to top
... Residential Investment Picks Up in 2013 Household spending and investment activity were the main domestic drivers of growth in the NZ economy in the March 2013 year, Statistics NZ says. In current prices (inflation not removed) household spending was up $3.5 billion (2.9%) and investment increased $3.0 billion (7.7%) from 2012. Overall, investment in fixed assets (mainly houses) was $41.8 billion in 2013 – returning to almost the same level as in 2008. The same statistics also showed that the size of the NZ economy (gross domestic product - GDP) rose to $211.6 billion in the March 2013 year. GDP in current prices was up 2.0% from the previous year. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/economic_indicators/NationalAccounts/NationalAccountsIncomeExpenditure_MRYeMar13.aspx Back to top
Fewer Complaints about Electricity & Gas Companies, More Resolved In the six months to 30 September 2013 the office of the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner Scheme (EGCC) received 986 complaints about electricity and gas companies. This is down from 1,209 in the same period last year. The issues have not changed, with billing, customer service, disconnection, and meters the most common issues in the past 18 months. About 90% of the complaints the EGCC received in the period were settled between the parties, up from 88% in the same period last year. The EGCC is the approved resolution scheme for complaints about electricity and gas companies. All electricity and gas companies must belong to the EGCC, and tell customers they are members. The EGCC can consider complaints up to $50,000, or up to $100,000 with the agreement of the member company. More is at http://www.egcomplaints.co.nz/ Back to top
“Money Mule” Scam Warning People should be wary of transferring money on behalf of people they don’t know. The warning was issued by the NZ Bankers’ Association in response to a new banking scam. In the latest scam people are contacted by strangers, by email, telephone or through social media sites, claiming they have accidently paid funds into their bank account. They ask that the funds be returned by using a money remittance service. In such cases, the unsuspecting NZ bank customer is being used as a “mule” to transfer stolen funds as part of a type of money laundering operation. The funds deposited in their account will have been stolen from another victim’s account, usually from a “phishing” scam where people have unwittingly provided the scammer access to their account. The mule is then asked to withdraw the funds in cash and use a money remittance service to “return” the funds. More is at http://www.nzba.org.nz/news-media-releases-and-opinions/media-releases/money-mule-scam-warning/ and more information about phishing can be found at http://www.nzba.org.nz/news-mediareleases-and-opinions/media-releases/don-t-get-caught-by-phishing-scams-this-summer/ Back to top
33 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Internet, ICT & Media Internet Study The World Internet Project NZ is a major, long-term survey investigating NZs' usage of, and attitudes towards, the internet. It is part of an international project that compares the uptake and social impacts of ICT in more than 30 partner countries and tracks the trends that occur. The first survey was run in 2007, and it’s been repeated every two years since. Results from the latest such survey were released recently.
Key findings •
Overall use: 92% currently use the internet, with more than a third (38%) making up “next-generation users”, those who use multiple, mobile devices and have a high level of online engagement.
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Everyday importance: 73% of NZers feel that the internet is important or very important in their everyday life.
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Internet confidence: Most NZers feel confident about their ability to use the internet, with 67% giving themselves 4 or 5 out of 5.
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Time online: 4 out of 5 users spend an hour or more online at home every day.
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Source of information: Overall, 81% of respondents rate the internet as an important or very important source of information - compared to media in their offline forms: television (47%), radio (37%) and newspapers (37%).
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Source of entertainment: Overall 56% of respondents value the internet as an important or very important source of entertainment. Young respondents place the most importance on the internet as a source of entertainment (80% for 16-29 year olds).
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Consumer decisions: The internet is used as a tool for consumer decision-making (94% look for information about products online and 85% compare prices).
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Social networking: A quarter of users access Facebook or another social networking site several times a day. While Facebook is the most frequently used networking site for all age groups, for those aged 30 and over Facebook is more popular with women, while LinkedIn is substantially more popular with men aged over 40 years.
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Online phone calls: 64 % of users make or receive phone calls online.
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Music streaming: Maori and Pasifika users, especially those in lower - income households are leading the way with subscriptions to music streaming services like Spotify.
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Cloud computing: Just over a third of users say they use the cloud (store or share files on a remote server maintained by a third party).
Those Who Are Missing Out Not everyone is on the right side of the “digital divide”, however. Five percent have never used the internet at all, and three percent have done in the past but don't any longer. Some of the findings in this area are: •
Income had a clear impact on whether people used the internet, with those earning below $35,000 least likely to be online (the effect was most pronounced among those aged over 65, with 39% of low-income elderly having no internet access).
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Maori and Pacific people were also less likely to have access than NZ Europeans or Asians.
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Small-town residents had lower internet use than those in cities, and slightly lower use than rural dwellers (in rural areas, 4% are restricted to dial-up connections, compared to 2% in other areas).
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The main reason for not accessing the internet was not being interested, followed by not having a computer or connection, and not knowing how to use the technology.
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Non-internet users were more likely to stay connected by phoning or writing to their friends and family, but were only slightly more likely to meet people in person.
More is at http://www.aut.ac.nz/research/research-institutes/icdc/projects/world-internet-project
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NZ Ranked 4th in Global Open Data New Zealand has been ranked 4th in the 2013 Global Open Data Barometer. The Barometer is the first survey of global trends which ranks 77 countries on how they release their public data and the benefits those initiatives have for citizens and the economy. New Zealand was commended for its Declaration on Open and Transparent Government, its release of open data (in particular, maps, land ownership and census data) and for regular reporting to Ministers. More is at http://www.opendataresearch.org/dl/odb2013/Open-Data-Barometer-2013-Global-Report.pdf Back to top
Blogs More Influential & Prominent in NZ New Zealand blogs became more prominent and influential during 2013, finds the JMAD New Zealand Media Ownership Report 2013. The researchers say it’s not surprising that citizen journalists and bloggers have started to take a more active role. The blogosphere is thriving right now because it provides an alternative to commercially focused media. In addition, controversial stories in 2013, like the Len Brown scandal, the Andrea Vance phone records issue, and the passage of legislation expanding the powers of the GCSB, have also contributed to active blogging culture. The 2013 New Zealand Media Ownership Report can be found at http://aut.ac/JMADMediaOwnershipReport2013 Back to top
Windows XP Users: Time’s Running Out Microsoft New Zealand would like customers using Windows XP “to get a move on” upgrading their operating systems. That’s support for the 12-year old operating system ends next April. From then customers will no longer get upgrades or security fixes. Normal technical support will also cease on that day, although there are expensive alternative options. Microsoft says companies and users who don't upgrade will place their systems at risk. One reason is because online crooks will view people and companies running XP as an easy target. More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1311/S00042/microsoft-warns-windows-xp-holdouts-on-security-risks.htm Back to top
Websites/Articles of Interest The latest “Indicators and Progress Report for the Government’s Methamphetamine Action Plan”. shows the number of people using P has continued to decrease but the issue of demand and supply remains a complex one. Go to http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/dpmc/publications/methamphetamine From the Ministry of Health’s library: “Grey Matter”. This is a collection of recent NGO, think-tank, and international government reports. The goal of this newsletter is to give people access to material that may be more difficult to locate (in contrast to journal articles and the news media). Go to http://ngo.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/NGOGreyMatter_November2013_Final.docx Brilliant. Carlagannis recreates Hieronymus Bosch’s “Garden of Earthly Delights” replacing all the tortured souls with tortured emoji characters! Go to http://museumnerd.tumblr.com/post/68191332210/brilliant-carlagannis-recreateshieronymus Forty-seven projects will benefit from the Ministry of Youth Development’s Youth Fund 2014. A list of successful applicants can be found at http://www.myd.govt.nz/documents/funding/youth-fund-2014-approved-applicants.pdf A new Government Chief Talent Officer will be appointed to drive a new public service talent and leadership programme. Go to http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/developing-leadership-across-public-service A research report shows that Maori women experience inequalities in access to maternity care and report lower levels of satisfaction with maternity services than most other women from other ethnic groups. Go to http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/hapu-ora-wellbeing-early-stages-life The Westpac NZ Franchise Awards is the annual showcase for outstanding performers in franchising and suppliers to the franchising sector. For the second year in a row, The Coffee Club won the supreme award. To found out more about all the winners go to http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1311/S00636/coffee-serves-up-a-double-again-franchise-awards.htm 35 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
If you are a retailer or service based business gearing up for a bumper Christmas season, now’s a great time to polish up on your knowledge of your responsibilities under the Fair Trading and Consumer Guarantees Acts. Go to http://www.business.govt.nz/news-and-features/fair-holiday-trading-what-you-need-to-know Ten new oil and gas exploration permits have been awarded as a result of Block Offer 2013. The permits include five onshore permits across Taranaki and the East Coast and five offshore permits across the Reinga-Northland, Taranaki, and Great South-Canterbury Basins. More the permits awarded and the Block Offer 2013 process is available at http://www.nzpam.govt.nz/cms/petroleum/block-offer/2013-awards I kid you not: Paid Friends - weary of genuine relationships, rich New Yorkers hire stand-ins. Go to http://observer.com/2013/11/paid-friends/ A deadly disease could travel at jet speed around the world. How do we stop it in time? Go to http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/nov/12/deadly-disease-modern-global-epidemic The global transportation energy and climate roadmap evaluates the historical and potential impact of transportation policies on global oil consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Go to http://www.theicct.org/globaltransportation-energy-and-climate-roadmap 30 projects commemorating the centenary of the First World War have been granted $2.7 million in funding by the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board. Go to http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/diverse-funding-world-war-one-centenary New Zealand holidaymakers might see Thailand as a relaxing tropical destination, but Kiwi exporters should carefully consider its significant benefits as a manufacturing hub that can be part of the NZ supply chain, and a staging point for doing business in the ASEAN region. More is at http://www.nzte.govt.nz/en/news-and-media/blogs-andcommentary/2013/11/19/tapping-into-thailand/ Are you worried whether your mother-in-law will like the expensive present you plan to buy her for Christmas? What are her or your rights for getting a refund from the shop if she doesn’t like your present? Find out more at http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/news-1/word-of-advice/2013/refunds-for-those-unwanted-christmas-gifts/view Solar cell efficiency can get a boost from some good old rock 'n' roll, according to UK researchers. Scientists attached a layer of zinc oxide to a polymer solar cell and exposed it to noise, as well as light, finding that it generated more current than with just light alone. The energetic beat of rock and pop music gave the cell the biggest burst of power, scientists said. Go to http://news.discovery.com/tech/alternative-power-sources/power-chords-pump-up-solar-cell-efficiency131106.htm The State Services Commission’s Performance Improvement Framework (PIF) is a review of an agency's fitness-forpurpose today and for the future. It looks at the current state of an agency, then how well placed it is to deal with the issues that confront it in the medium-term future. It looks at the areas where the agency needs to do the most work to make itself fit-for-purpose. The PIF for Careers NZ has been released, and it can be found at http://www.ssc.govt.nz/pifreports-announcements US research suggests that 90 companies across the world are the top emitters of harmful greenhouse gases. The list includes oil companies Chevron, Exxon and British Petroleum and coal producers such as British Coal Corp, Peabody Energy, and BHP Billiton. All but seven of the 90 companies were energy producers, and the balance were cement producing companies. Go to http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Blog/2013/11/20/90-companies-account-for-two-thirds-ofglobal-man-made-emissions/1481384972407/#ixzz2lbd7Tlo7 According to Atlantic Magazine, these are the 50 greatest breakthroughs since the wheel (number 1: the printing press). Go to http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/11/innovations-list/309536/ Back to top
Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524 - 36
Treaty Matters Waitangi Tribunal Report: Tongariro National Park Claims The Waitangi Tribunal has released its final report on 41 Treaty claims of ngā iwi and hapū of te kāhui maunga, the cluster of mountains, which include Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, Ruapehu, Pīhanga, Hauhungatahi, and Kakaramea. The Tribunal’s report addresses two central issues: the creation and management of the Tongariro National Park; and the establishment and operation of the Tongariro power development scheme. Regarding the first issue: in 1887, Tūwharetoa paramount chief Horonuku Te Heuheu agreed to tuku (transfer) the mountains – te kāhui maunga – into joint trusteeship with the Crown. The same year, the Crown established NZ’s first national park. The Tribunal says Maori have gained little from the tuku. The Crown did not provide compensation for lands compulsorily acquired for Tongariro National Park. Nor did it consult with Whanganui iwi over the establishment and subsequent governance of the park, despite its awareness of their interests in the southern area of the park. Subsequently, in managing the park the Crown made no clear provision in its policy and legislation for ngā iwi o te kāhui maunga to exercise rangatiratanga over their taonga. The Tribunal recommended that the Crown honour its obligations and restore the partnership intended by the 1887 tuku of the mountains. It recommended that Tongariro National Park should be made inalienable and held jointly by the Crown and ngā iwi o te kāhui maunga under a new Treaty of Waitangi title; and that the park be transferred from Department of Conservation control to co-management by a statutory authority comprising Crown and iwi representatives. The other main issue in the inquiry was the Tongariro power development scheme. The Tribunal found that when the Crown set up the scheme, it met with Ngāti Tūwharetoa, but did not consult the Lake Rotoaira trustees or Whanganui iwi.The Crown’s 1972 agreement with the trustees, which denied the lake’s owners any commercial benefit, was itself a significant Treaty breach. In operation, the scheme’s impact on lakes and rivers has resulted in a loss of water quality, habitat, and food and fish resources, particularly at Lake Rotoaira. The Tribunal found that the Crown did not compensate the owners for the detrimental impacts of the scheme or for the use of Lake Rotoaira for hydropower storage. It recommended significant compensation to remedy these breaches and that the residual property rights of ngā iwi o te kāhui maunga in their waterways be given due recognition. More is at http://www.waitangi-tribunal.govt.nz/news/media/tekahuimaunga.asp Back to top
Arts & Culture Heritage Items Inscripted on UNESCO NZ Register The Sir Edmund Hillary Archive, the original score and lyrics of “God Defend New Zealand”, and the personal and literary papers of Charles Brasch (a poet, editor, and arts patron) take their place on the UNESCO Memory of the World NZ register of documentary heritage. UNESCO launched the Memory of the World Programme in 1992, and it sits alongside UNESCO’s Heritage List and Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Memory of the World register is the Programme’s flagship and promotes the nation’s heritage stories to the wider community. The NZ Programme was established in 2010. More information about Memory of the World and the inscriptions on the register can be viewed on www.unescomow.org.nz Back to top
37 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Taking WOW to the World The World of Wearable Art (WOW) event will receive $900,000 (covering from now until 2016) from the Government’s $10 million Major Events Fund to help raise its international profile. The funding will be used for: •
three international touring exhibitions, to be staged at museums in Asia, Europe, and North America;
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an international education programme, including opportunities for international design students to participate in the event and a focus on attracting international students to study in this country; and
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opportunities for international business representatives to be hosted, both at the main event in Wellington and at the touring exhibitions.
More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt-boost-take-wow-international Back to top
Science & Technology Native Plant Identification App Identifying NZ’s unique native flora is set to become much easier with the launch of Flora Finder, a smart phone app developed by the University of Otago and MEA Mobile. The app will quickly identify 87 of the most common native trees and shrubs. There is a brief write-up on each of the plants contained in the app's library. The app allows you to add the plants you identify to a collection on your phone. It also uses GPS to show where you found them. So far, versions have been developed for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and iTouch, but development of an Android version is underway. It costs $4.19. There’s a video of the app at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzK8Bj5SAAg Back to top
Developing Low-calorie, Low Alcohol Wines A new $17 million research and development project to produce low-calorie, low-alcohol wine has been announced. The project is called “Lifestyle wines”, and is the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) newest Primary Growth Partnership (PGP). It is being done in partnership with the NZ wine industry. Another focus of the project is using natural production techniques for the wine. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-funding-programme-develop-low-calorie-low-alcohol-wines Back to top
PM’s Science Prizes The 2013 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes recognise the impact of science of NZs’ lives, celebrate the achievements of current scientists, and encourage those of the future. The main prize winners are: •
The Prime Minister’s Science Prize ($500,000): to Professor John Boys and Professor Grant Covic of the University of Auckland’s Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) team;
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The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize ($200,000): to Dr Benjamin O’Brien;
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The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize ($150,000): to Fenella Colyer, Head of Physics at South Auckland’s Manurewa High School;
Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
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The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize ($50,000): to Thomas Morgan of Marlborough Boys’ College, Blenheim; and
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The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize ($100,000): to Dr Siouxsie Wiles, a microbiologist at the University of Auckland.
More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC1311/S00038/prime-ministers-1-million-science-prizes-presented.htm Back to top
Royal Society of NZ Award Winners Outstanding NZ researchers have been awarded prestigious medals at the Royal Society of NZ 2013 Research Honours event. The award winners are: •
the Callaghan Medal for outstanding contribution to science communication - Dr Siouxsie Wiles;
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the Pickering Medal (the top award for achievement in technology) - to Emeritus Professor Sir Harold Marshall;
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the Thomson Medal for the management and application of research – to Dr Peter Lee;
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the Mason Durie Medal for advancing the frontiers of social science - to criminologist Professor John Pratt;
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the Hutton Medal for plant science – to Professor Dave Kelly;
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the Hector Medal for the advancement of physical sciences – to Professor Richard Blaikie;
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the T.K. Sidey Medal for outstanding scientific research in the field of electromagnetic radiation - to Professor Jim McQuillan;
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the R.J. Scott Medal for engineering sciences and technologies – to Professor Andrew Buchanan;
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the MacDiarmid Medal for advances for human benefit – to Professor Neil Broom; and
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the Liley Medal (for his outstanding contribution to the health and medical sciences in the field of public health) – to Professor Michael Baker.
More is at http://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2013/11/28/research-honours-recognise-achievment/ Back to top
Romance Beats Racism Online Receiving a romantic overture from someone of a different race seems to be all that is needed to overcome a bias against interracial exchanges on online dating sites, suggests US research analysing over 125,000 users of dating site OKCupid. Although users were initially unlikely to interact with users from a different racial background, they were happy to reciprocate romantic overtures across racial boundaries then went on to initiate further interracial exchanges than they would have done otherwise. More is at http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2013/10/30/1308501110?utm_source=HEADS-UP+8-14+November+2013&utm_campaign=SMC+Heads-Up&utm_medium=email Back to top
Dogs Likely Originated In Europe Recently published research reveals that wolves likely were domesticated by European hunter-gatherers more than 18,000 years ago and gradually evolved into dogs that became household pets. The researchers found that instead of recent wolves being closest to domestic dogs, ancient European wolves were directly related to domestic dogs. This brings the genetic record into agreement with the archaeological record. Europe is where the oldest dogs are found. More is at http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/dogs-likely-originated-in-europe-249325.aspx Back to top
39 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Handy Stats Recent information from Statistics NZ and other organisations includes: •
manufacturing up for September quarter - total manufacturing sales rose 0.5% over the September 2013 quarter, despite a 2.7% drop in meat and dairy product manufacturing. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/industry_sectors/manufacturing_and_production/EconomicSurveyofManufacturin g_MRSep13qtr.aspx
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CRIs show small surplus - Crown research institutes’ (CRIs’) operating surplus was $24.1 million in the year ended 30 June 2013. This surplus was $6.1 million smaller than in the year ended June 2012, when income exceeded spending by $30.2 million. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/government_finance/crown_research_institutes/CrownResearchInstituteStatistics _MRYe30Jun13.aspx
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quarterly labour market report for the September quarter - the data indicate that a recovering economy is translating into an improving labour market situation. More is at http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/lmr/labour-marketreport/labour-market-report-nov-2013.pdf
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latest market rents for houses – published by the Department of Building and Housing (DBH). More is at http://www.dbh.govt.nz/market-rent
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latest Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claims statistics – more is at http://www.dbh.govt.nz/wsclaims
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terms of trade highest since 1973 – the country’s merchandise terms of trade rose 7.5% in the September 2013 quarter. The latest increase was due to export prices for goods rising more than import prices. Terms of trade is a measure of the purchasing power of NZ’s exports abroad. An increase means NZ can buy more imports for the same amount of exports. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/economic_indicators/prices_indexes/OverseasTradeIndexesPrices_MRSep13qtr .aspx
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trend for new houses easing - the trend for new houses is at its highest level in over five years, but the rate of increase is easing. In October, 1,758 new houses were consented, as well as 133 apartments. In seasonally adjusted terms, the number of new houses fell 2.3%, following a 2.7 % rise in September. Strong growth in Canterbury though. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/industry_sectors/Construction/BuildingConsentsIssued_MROct13.aspx
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overseas merchandise trade (October 2013) - the trade balance for the month was a deficit of $168 million. This is the lowest deficit for an October month since the mid-1990s. October months historically have trade deficits. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/industry_sectors/imports_and_exports/OverseasMerchandiseTrade_MROct13.as px
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visitors from China stay longer, but fewer of them - the number of visitor arrivals from China went down by 12% in October 2013, compared with October 2012. This decrease coincides with the introduction of a new tourism law in China, which has increased the price of many overseas tours. Total visitors numbered 195,000 in October 2013, up 6% from October 2012. In the October 2013 year, visitor arrivals rose 5% from the previous year. More visitors came from Australia (up 48,000), China (up 43,100), and the United States (up 13,100). More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/population/Migration/IntTravelAndMigration_MROct13.aspx
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monthly net gain of migrants continues – NZ gained 3000 migrants in October (the highest figure in a decade). In the latest year, NZ’s net loss to Australia dropped to 23,500 migrants, compared with 39,300 a year earlier. Net gains were recorded from most other countries, led by the United Kingdom (5,900), China (5,500), and India (5,200). More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/population/Migration/IntTravelAndMigration_MROct13.aspx
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online job vacancies have increased for two consecutive months – this is according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE’s) latest Jobs Online report. More is at http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/jol/index.asp
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good October for services sector - according to the BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI), the PSI for October was 58.2. This was the highest level of activity since November 2007 (A PSI reading above 50.0 indicates that the service sector is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining). More is at http://www.businessnz.org.nz/file/2553/October%202013%20PSI%20Release%20-%20complete.pdf
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lower food prices influenced by seasonally cheaper veges - food prices fell 1.0% in October 2013 but were up 0.8% on a year earlier. The fall in food prices was largely influenced by lower prices for seasonal fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumber. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/economic_indicators/prices_indexes/FoodPriceIndex_MROct13.aspx
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spending on durables pushes up core retail - Electronic card spending in the core retail industries rose 1.8% in October. Durables (items with an expected usage of three years or more, for example, appliances, furniture) accounted for most of the extra spending, although shoppers did spend more in all six of the retail industries. More is at http://www.stats.govt.nz/searchresults.aspx?q=durables%20definition
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same sex marriage statistics - 117 same-sex couples (61 female couples, 56 male couples) were married in the September quarter. The first same-sex marriages in NZ took place on 19 August this year. More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/same-sex-marriage-statistics-released
Back to top
General Summer Weather (Dec 2014- Feb 2014) Temperatures over the December–February period as a whole are equally likely to be near average or above average in the north and east of the North Island and the east of the South Island, while above average temperatures are the most likely outcome for the remaining regions of the NZ. Rainfall totals over the December–February period as a whole are most likely to be near normal in all regions except for the north of the North Island, where rainfall is equally likely to be near normal or above normal. Regional prediction for the next three months are: •
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty - temperatures and rainfall totals are equally likely to be in the near average or above average range; soil moisture levels are most likely to be in the near normal range; and river flows are equally likely to be in the below normal or near normal range.
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Central North Island, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wellington - temperatures are most likely to be in the above average range; rainfall totals and soil moisture levels are most likely to be in the normal range; and river flows are almost equally likely to be in the near normal or below normal range.
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Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa - temperatures are equally likely to be in the near average or above average range; and rainfall totals, soil moisture levels, and river flows are most likely to be in the near normal range.
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Nelson, Marlborough, Buller - temperatures are most likely to be in the above average range; rainfall and soil moisture are most likely to be in the near normal range; river flows are almost equally likely to be in the near normal or below normal range.
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West Coast, Alps and foothills, inland Otago, Southland - temperatures are most likely to be in the above average range; rainfall and soil moisture are most likely to be in the near normal range; and river flows are almost equally likely to be in the near normal or below normal range.
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Coastal Canterbury, east Otago - temperatures are almost equally likely to be in the above average or near average range; rainfall is most likely to be in the near normal range; soil moisture levels are equally likely to be in the near normal or below normal range; and river flows are most likely to be in the below normal range.
More is at http://www.niwa.co.nz/node/109697 Back to top
41 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Census Results Being Released Statistics NZ is releasing a lot of its material gained from this year’s Census. There is a part of the Stats NZ website where you can access this information, but here’s a snapshot of some of the highlights (along with URLS): •
NZ population ageing and becoming more ethnically diverse - the median age of the population is 38 years, just over two years older than at the last census seven years ago. Although the overall population was higher in 2013, at 4,242,048 people (up 214,101), there were fewer children (under 15 years) than in 2006. Meanwhile, the number of people aged 50–69 years showed a large increase. Almost 1 out of 8 people living in are Asian, up from about 1 in 11 in 2006. Nearly two-thirds of Asian people (307,233) live in the Auckland region, where over 1 in 5 people are of Asian ethnicity. Hindi is now the fourth most common language in NZ, after English, Māori, and Samoan. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/profile-and-summary-reports/qstats-about-national-highlights-mr.aspx
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Maori - the Māori population is growing, is youthful although getting older, and has better education outcomes than at the last census, seven years ago. 598,605 people of Māori ethnicity were living in NZ on census night in 2013, which is 33,276 (5.9%) more than at the 2006 Census. More is at http://stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/profile-andsummary-reports/qstats-about-maori-english-mr.aspx
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Dwellings - the total number of dwellings (occupied and unoccupied) increased by just over 118,000 since 2006, to reach over 1.7 million. Nearly 30% of this increase was in the Auckland region. While there are more dwellings, a lower proportion of households own their homes (to just under 65% from 67%). The number of unoccupied dwellings increased sharply since 2006 (almost 40% of this increase was in Canterbury, probably because of people leaving their dwellings after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes). More is at http://stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/profile-andsummary-reports/qstats-about-maori-english-mr.aspx
As Stats NZ puts it, if NZ were a village of 100 people: 51 would be female, 49 male; 70 would be European, 14 Maori, and 11 Asian; 24 would be have been born overseas; 21 would have a tertiary qualification; 4 would be unemployed; and 4 would earn over $100,000. The findings can all be found at http://stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census.aspx Back to top
NZ Tops Transparency Ranking Again ... But Transparency International says that 2013 Denmark and NZ tie for first place in their Global Corruption Perceptions Index due to perceptions that their public sectors have the lowest levels of corruption. Subsequently, the local chapter of Transparency International released its “Integrity Plus 2013 NZ National Integrity System (NIS) Assessment”. A nation’s NIS is "the institutions, laws, procedures, practices and attitudes that encourage and support integrity in the exercise of power". Beyond restraining the abuse of power, integrity systems should also be designed to ensure power is exercised in a manner that is true to the values, purposes, and duties for which that power is entrusted to or held by institutions and individual office-holders, whether in the public sector, the private sector, or civil society organisations. There are 12 “pillars” which support an NIS (for instance, the media, the judiciary, civil society, law enforcement etc.). Overall, NZ's NIS remains fundamentally strong, and we are rated highly against a broad range of cross-country transparency and good governance indicators. However, says the report, the country’s NIS faces increasing challenges. In key areas, passivity and complacency continue. The assessment found that the strongest pillars in the NIS are the Office of the Auditor General, the judiciary, the Electoral Commission, and the Ombudsman. The pillar that raises issues of most concern is the political parties pillar. Four main weaknesses are identified: •
the interface between political party finances and public funding (basically, a lack of transparency);
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Parliamentary oversight of the executive (e.g., concerns around excessive use of Parliamentary urgency);
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the interface between the political executive and public officials (for instance, an erosion of the convention that public servants provide the government of the day with free and frank advice, and an apparent weakening over the last decade of the quality of policy advice that public servants provide); and
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the interface between central government and local government (mainly to do with central interventions in local government).
Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
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More is at http://www.transparency.org.nz/2013/http:/transparency/2013/Integrity-Plus-2013-New-Zealand-National-Integrity-System-Assessment Back to top
Kiwis Leave Home Before They See the Country Results of a Facebook survey of 6,000 NZers show that Kiwis are far more likely to have visited Australia or the USA than our own iconic National Parks. Survey results reveal that although almost two thirds (62%) of NZers have visited Australia and one third (33%) have been to the US, only one quarter (25%) have been to Fiordland National Park, and 31% have been to Abel Tasman National Park. The Facebook survey also revealed that Kiwis may fly routinely to Australia, the US or elsewhere but few North Islanders have visited the South Island’s national parks and fewer still South Islanders head north to Tongariro National Park and beyond. More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1311/S00560/new-zealanders-leave-home-before-they-see-the-country.htm Back to top
2013 Plain English Awards Winners The Ministry of Social Development was the big winner at the 2013 Plain English Awards. The Ministry won the supreme award for Plain English Champion - Best Organisation. Awards newcomer, ANZ, scooped a win in four categories, showing that plain language can triumph over financial - speak in even the most complex of documents. ANZ was also a finalist in three other categories. The Best Plain English Turnaround award was won by Inland Revenue, who achieved their goal of making the new tax guides “relevant and readable”. The State Services Commission had the dubious honour of winning the Worst “Brainstrain” communication. More is at http://plainenglishawards.org.nz/ Back to top
"Learning from Christchurch" Research A new webpage brings together research and reflections on how communities coped, changed and collaborated in the wake of the earthquakes in Christchurch in 2010 and 2011. Topics covered are: Child and Youth, Community Resilience, Demographics, Disability, Elderly & Retirement, Emergency Services & Disaster Relief, Grants, Funding, Contracts & Fundraising, Health/ Wellbeing, Housing & Homelessness, Immigrants, Refugees & Migrants, Māori, News & Media Coverage, Non-profit organizations, Volunteering & Mahi Aroha, Women. More is at http://www.communityresearch.org.nz/learning-from-christchurch/ Back to top
Civil Defence Tags for Disability-Assist Dogs The first civil defence identification tags for disability-assist dogs have been launched. The tags means that in an emergency, it will be much easier for certified disability-assist dogs to be identified and remain with their owners or, if they become separated, to be quickly reunited. Disability-assist dogs provide vital assistance with seeing and hearing; autism spectrum disorder; neurological disabilities; psychiatric disabilities; seizure alert; and seizure response. More is at http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.NSF/wpg_URL/Resource-material-Dog-Control-Index?OpenDocument Back to top
43 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Top 10 Trends for World Leaders in 2014 According to the World Economic Forum’s Outlook on the Global Agenda report, the top things on the minds of the world’s leaders next year will be: •
Societal tension in the Middle East and North Africa: war in Syria, political instability and unemployment in North Africa;
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Widening income gap: ramifications for health, education and social mobility across all regions of the world;
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Structural unemployment: a global issue demanding a global solution;
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Intensifying cyber threats: electronic armies and government agencies are threatening the fabric of the Internet;
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Inaction on climate change: extreme weather events may be occurring more frequently, but there has been no breakthrough on action to tackle the problem;
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Diminishing confidence in economic policies: the scale of the global downturn and the pace of recovery have left deep scars, particularly among the young;
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Lack of values in leadership: this has led to a crisis of legitimacy in governments and other institutions;
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Asia’s expanding middle class: greater hope for increased prosperity – but also environmental and resource challenges;
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Growing importance of megacities: these original social networks are home to more and more people, yet we still understand very little about how they grow and evolve; and
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Rapid spread of misinformation online: the speed of social media – and the scale of big data – is making it harder for people to know that information received is real.
In addition to ranking the top trends for leaders in 2014, the Outlook also highlights emerging trends that experts believe will grow in the coming 12 months. These include the implications of shale gas extraction, the failure or inadequacy of democratic institutions, the rise of emerging market multinational companies, and the role of space in improving our world. More is at http://reports.weforum.org/outlook-14/top-ten-trends-category-page/ Back to top
2013 Word of the Year Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year for 2013 is “selfie”. It means "a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website." According to Oxford research, the use of the word selfie has increased by 17,000% since this time last year. Other words that were shortlisted this year include bedroom tax, binge-watch, bitcoin, olinguito, shmeat, showrooming, and twerk. More is at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/18/word-of-the-year-2013_n_4296009.html?utm_hp_ref=books and http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2013/11/word-of-the-year-2013-winner/ Back to top
Conferences & Events Women in Leadership Summit 2014 This conference is being held19/20 February 2014, in Auckland (Rydges Hotel). An engaging learning and networking platform to enhance your effectiveness as a female leader in a changing business environment. More is at http://liquidlearning.com.au/documents/WIL0214z/WIL0214z_W.pdf
Tobacco Control Seminars: February 2014 These seminars will provide national and regional perspectives on emerging issues and innovative ideas as we continue our work towards Smokefree 2025. More updates on the programme and speakers will be available soon. Venues and dates are: Auckland (Feb 11th, Rotorua (Feb12th), Wellington (Feb 19th), and Christchurch (Feb 20th).
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More is at http://www.hpa.org.nz/what-we-do/tobacco-control/sector-seminars-2014
World Business & Economics Research Conference 24/25 February 2014, in Auckland (Rendezvous Hotel). This annual meeting in Auckland is sponsored by the World Business Institute, Business Care Australia and American Research and Publication International, New York plus eight refereed international journals. More is at http://www.newzealandconfo.com/
Second National Conference on Biological Farming Systems This national conference is being held on 13-14 February 2014 in Rotorua. The conference theme is “Biological farming under different land uses”. The conference will provide a forum for discussion of a wide range of topics for current and future biological farming systems research. The programme will include two days of technical sessions of oral and poster presentations, panel discussions and scientist-farmer interaction. In addition to a two-day science conference, an open day has been planned for 15th February. The open day is to promote biological farming systems to the community, and to develop links with sustainability groups, and educators. More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1310/S00296/second-national-conference-on-biological-farming-systems.htm
10th Asia-Pacific Conference on Conceptual Modelling This conference is being held 20-23rd January 2014, in Auckland. Conceptual modelling is fundamental to the development of up-to-date information and knowledge-based systems. The conference series aims to bring together experts from all areas of computer science and information systems with a common interest in the subject. More is at http://2014.apccm.org/
2014 National Not-For-Profit Conference This conference is being held 13/14 February 2014, in Auckland. This year’s conference is about “Getting your Ducks in a Row”, or ensuring that NFPs get the basics right. It will focus on Leadership, Governance, Human Resources, Strategy and Building Revenue Streams. More is at http://grow.co.nz/national-not-for-profit-sector-conference-2014/
Digital Strategies for the Public Sector, NFPs & NGOs 24-25 February 2014, Amora Hotel, Wellington. This conference will examine the impact of digital strategies on public sector, NFP and NGO organisations and how they can use technology to aid economic development, community engagement and organisational growth. More is at http://www.conferenz.co.nz/conferences/digital-strategies-public-sector-nfps-ngos?utm_source=Social+Dev+Partners&utm_medium=Advertising&utm_campaign=2014+Digital+Strat Back to top
Awards & Opportunities 20th NZ Hi-Tech Awards The Hi-Tech Awards recognise the achievers of the NZ Hi-Tech industry right from pre-commercialisation, start-up and emerging through to the coveted company of the year. In addition the product space is recognised with categories covering software, services, hardware and mobile. NZ’s place globally is also acknowledged through the contribution of companies headquartered overseas as well as those going global and exporting. Individually the awards single-out up and coming talent in the young achiever award. Entries close on 3 March 2014. More is at http://www.hitech.org.nz/
45 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
2014 Contestable Science Investment Round MBIE's Science, Skills and Innovation group is now inviting proposals for the Smart Ideas investment mechanism. The Smart Ideas investment mechanism is intended to support basic discovery of, or applied research into, novel, promising ideas. There are two phases: Phase 1 is investigative while Phase 2 encourages applicants to undertake research, science, or technology or related (RS&T) activities that will help apply the idea to achieve its market potential. Proposals for Smart Ideas Phase 1 are due by 12 noon on 20 February 2014 and proposals for Smart Ideas Phase 2 are due 23 April 2014 by 12 noon, through the MBIE Portal at https://ims.msi.govt.nz/MyFrst/ (if you’ve not used the portal before you will need to register), and other information is available at http://www.msi.govt.nz/get-funded/research-organisations/2014-contestable-science-investment-round/
Working at the 2014 General Election The Electoral Commission needs to recruit, train and equip approximately 18,000 people to help prepare for and conduct the 2014 General Election. The work is important, exciting and satisfying. Find out more at http://www.elections.org.nz/events/2014-general-election/working-2014-general-election
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Calls For Director Nominations Nominations are open to fill two farmer-elected director positions on the Beef + Lamb NZ board. They are for the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island, Nominations to fill these vacancies need to be made to the B+LNZ Returning Officer, Warwick Lampp by 5pm Friday 20 December 2013. Farmers can call him on 0508 666 336 to get information on how to make a nomination.
Search On for NZ’s Most Exciting Energy Projects Entries are open for the 2014 EECA Awards, the biennial celebration of excellence in energy efficiency and renewable energy. From production lines, to truck fleets, to tourism operators – EECA is on the look-out for projects of all types across the country, that are changing how we use energy for the better. The ten categories cover all sectors: Transport, Large Business, Small to Medium Business, Public Sector, Renewable Energy, Innovation, Community, Energy Management, and the Energy Leadership award for individuals. There’s also a Christchurch Energy Champion Award this year, to recognise an organisation or individual promoting positive energy use in the Canterbury rebuild. A Supreme winner is chosen from the category winners. Entries close on 10 February 2014. For more information or to download an entry form see www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/awards-2014
Call for Applications to Community Fund A new funding round for the Community Development Scheme has opened. The fund enables groups to employ a community development project worker to help them identify and respond to local issues. During each funding round, applications for the scheme are invited from community organisations, hapū, and iwi based in specific areas - the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) issues a list of locations where the group’s projects must operate. This year’s funding will be available in: Clutha/Dunedin city, Far North district, Invercargill city, Marlborough, Ruapehu/ Taupo-Turangi, South Taranaki, South Wairarapa, Tararua, Waikato, Westland, and the Whangarei district. To request an application form please call 0800 824 824 or visitwww.communitymatters.govt.nz
Education Excellence Awards The inaugural Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellence in teaching, leadership, community engagement and governance. The Awards will focus on early childhood education, primary and secondary schooling and collaboration amongst secondary schools, tertiary providers, and employers to create pathways for young people. Entries for the Awards are now open and close on 31 March 2014. Information and entry forms are available at www.pmawards.education.govt.nz
Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
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Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Fulbright NZ calls for applications to the new Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching for NZ Teachers. These awards are for highly accomplished NZ teachers in primary and secondary schooling to participate in an intensive professional development programme in the US for four months. These Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching are available to full time primary or secondary school teachers (in any subject) with at least five years of full-time teaching experience; or to primary or secondary library media specialists, guidance counsellors, Special Education coordinators or administrators who work with students at least 50% of the time. Preference will be given to teachers serving in public schools in underserved communities. Applications close on 16 December 2013. More is at www.fulbright.org.nz/awards/nzscholar/distinguishedteaching Back to top
Appointments Rebecca Kitteridge is the new Director of Security, NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS). Rachel Dunningham and Cameron Mander have been appointed as Judges of the High Court. John Bergseng has been appointed as an acting District Court Judge. Wendy McGowan has been elected as the new national president of Rural Women New Zealand. Thirteen top researchers and scholars in basic and applied science and the humanities have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society of NZ: Marti Anderson (Professor in the NZ Institute for Advanced Study at Massey University-Albany), Mark Billinghurst (Director of the Human Interface Technology Laboratory New Zealand and Professor at the University of Canterbury), Antony Braithwaite (Professor in the Department of Pathology, University of Otago), Gregory Cook (Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago), Rod Ellis (Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Applied Language Studies and Linguistics at the University of Auckland), Jörg Frauendiener (Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Otago), Robert Hannah (Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Waikato), Philippa Howden-Chapman (Professor of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington), Philip Hulme (Professor of Plant Biosecurity, Lincoln University), Lisa Matisoo-Smith (Professor of Biological Anthropology, Department of Anatomy, University of Otago), Charles Semple (Professor in the Dept of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Canterbury), Rupert Sutherland, GNS Science, Wellington, who is one of NZ’s leading earth science researchers, and Richard Walter, who holds a Personal Chair in the Anthropology Department, University of Otago. Benjamin Abraham, Hamish Tomlinson and Alice Wang and have been selected as Rhodes Scholars Elect for 2014. The permanent Board of the new workplace health and safety regulator, WorkSafe comprises: Professor Gregor Coster (chair), Paula Rose, Don Stock, Patrick Strange, Kerry Prendergast, Chris Ellis, and Ross Wilson. Professor Gregor Coster has also been appointed to the ACC Board. Gordon MacDonald has been appointed as Chief Executive of Worksafe NZ. Three new members of the Careers NZ Board are Patricia Reade, Steve Day, and John Ombler. Jane Taylor has been reappointed to the Radio NZ board (RNZ) and Alison Gerry has been reappointed to the Television NZ board (TVNZ). Jane Taylor has been a member of the External Reporting Board (XRB). YMCA NZ has appointed a new National Chief Executive Officer, David Gray. Dr Darren Hunt is the new Director of Public Health. Rob Everett is the new chief executive of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Penny Mudford is the new Chair of the NZ Racing Safety Development Fund (RSDF).Professor Craig Johnson and Dr Malcolm Tingle have been appointed to the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee and Dr Karen Booth has been reappointed for a second term. Sir Ian Barker to Chair the new Snapper 1 Strategy Group, which will work on a long term plan to manage the fishery. Professor Vicky Cameron is a new member to the Marsden Fund Council. Catherine Taylor has been appointed an acting member of the Building Practitioners Board. The newly elected Fonterra director is Michael Spaans and the new Fonterra shareholder councillors are Penny Smart, Julie Pirie, Ross Wallis, Vaughn Brophy, Richard Syme, John Gregan, Ad Bekkers, and Ivan Lines. Six new board members of the Pacific Islands Polynesian Education Foundation are: Aolele Su’a Aloese (Chairperson), Maureen Ariki Tukaroa-Betham, Gina Huakau, Tele’a Andrews, Lynsey Talagi, and Everdina Johanna Salapima Fuli. Vicki Caisley has been reappointed as a member of the NZ Fire Service Commission Board.
Cheers, Craig
47 –Bulletin Aotearoa December 2013
Rural Women NZ, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
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Consulting Editor: Paddy Twist
Rural Bulletin/Bulletin AotearoaŠ All rights reserved This publication is entitled to the full protection given by the Copyright Act 1994 and Amendment (new technologies) 2008 to the holders of the copyright. Reproduction of parts of the publication is permitted for purposes of informing and educating individuals and communities and must acknowledge the publisher Rural Women NZ. Copies that are reproduced on other websites or sent through other databases remain the property of Rural Women NZ under the Copyright Act 1994 and Amendment (new technologies) 2008.
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Tech Gadgets Top Christmas Wishlists For Kiwi Kids Tech Gadgets Top Christmas Wishlists For Kiwi Kids Telecom says smartphones, iPads and iPods are among the top items the Christmas wishlists for Kiwi kids this year, along with classic kiwi favourites bikes and Lego. The insight has come to light following more than 130,000 phone calls to the big guy in the North Pole since the opening of the Santaline in October this year. Telecom Chief Operating Officer Jason Paris said children’s Christmas wishlists have vastly changed during the two decades that Telecom has been providing the direct line between Kiwi kids and the North Pole. “When you think back 20 years, no one had even thought of the smartphone - VCRs and Walkmans were the face of technology then. Nowadays most kids wouldn’t even know what those are. With smartphones and tablets now a crucial part of everyday life, it’s no surprise that the digital natives of our country are hoping to receive the latest gadget for Christmas.” However, Mr Paris acknowledges that even though the face of Christmas gifts continues to change there will always be a place for classic kiwi gifts under the Christmas tree. “It’s great to see good old favourites like the bike and Lego make an appearance on Christmas lists again this year.” Mr Paris also says that Telecom has seen a steady change in the way kids connect with Santa, with a growing number emailing this year instead of calling – a change that has been consistent during the past few years. “Increasingly, Kiwi kids are becoming ‘tech savvy’ and because Santa is an early adopter of technology, he welcomes this approach.” “We’ve had assurance from Santa that he’ll be checking his emails regularly in the lead up to Christmas and so kids can continue to email him at santa. claus@telecom.co.nz.” The Santaline continues to stay open and kids across the country can carry on the Christmas tradition and call Santa free from any landline, phonebox, or Telecom mobile on 0800 22 22 22 up until 25 December, 2013.
What else is happening at Telecom this Christmas? The silly season is on and Telecom is encouraging Kiwis to celebrate with us by offering a range of Christmas freebies and activities to get you in the festive spirit. Telecom Retail stores are running a “FREE Christmas” promotion for adults and kids with gift giveaways, including the chance for children to win their wish lists, plus free present wrapping and kids colouringin fun. More grown-up prepaid customers are treated to free talk and text to friends and family on all landlines and Telecom mobiles until the end of January 2014. And of course, that’s all on top of the free upgrade to 4G and free WiFi access (for customers on pay-monthly plans and prepaid packs) we offer all year round. For more information on Christmas with Telecom, go to www.telecom.co.nz and www.santaline.co.nz.
Nurses clock up lots of kilometres The steep, winding roads into the Rimutaka Ranges had made reaching some clients a challenge, but the gift of 25 Toyota Corollas for a year is helping Access Homehealth provide care across the region. Access’s Wellington-based community nurse Tineke Snow says the Corollas have made a big difference to the services provided. “Our clients rely on us being there to help when they need us and we work very hard to make sure they can do just that. While our old vehicles have worked hard for the organisation for a number of years, some are not as well suited to take on the more challenging roads,” she says. Working with clients spanning from Upper Hutt to the Rimutakas and into rural Wainuiomata, Tineke has put more than 10,000km of road behind her new vehicle, and in the process has helped hundreds of clients to enjoy a better quality of life. Toyota New Zealand General Manager of Sales and Operations Steve Prangnell says New Zealand is full of great charities and not-for-profits like Access that devote their time to improving quality of life for many Kiwis. “We’re doing our part to lend a hand by providing cars that make their job easier.” Access chief executive Graeme Titcombe welcomes the enhancement for his fleet. “Having a modern, reliable fleet is essential in ensuring our nurses can carry out their role of helping people live independently in their communities. Our vehicles clock up a reasonably high mileage over a short time. To be able to replace many of them with these not only very smart looking, but also economical vehicles, is a real bonus for us.” Access, a not-for-profit owned by Rural Women New Zealand, has 3,800 staff providing home care to around 14,000 sick, disabled, palliative and injured New Zealanders each year.