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August 2011
The aftersocks family is grow-ing
Profits to the Christchurch Mayoral Fund.
Childrens, womens & mens sizes.
Visit page 68 to find out more.
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Bulletin Aotearoa may be copied in full or individual items
reproduced, providing the source is acknowledged.
Paddy & CraigBulletin Aotearoa Editors
A Rural Women NZ Production
-
Subsidies for Aged Residential Care Up
............................. 19Consultation Study of Oz-Kiwi
Stroke Victims .......................................... 20
Changes to Rules About Medicines
................................. 20Vulnerable Children:
Governments Green Paper .................. 4 & Care of
Medicines in Rest Homes ............................... 20New Rules
for Incorporated Societies ................................ 4NZ
Universal List of Medicines Released ............................
20 Review of Trust Law
...................................................... 5New
Requirements for Teeth Whiteners ............................. 21
& Review of Credit Repossession Laws
............................ 5Developing Cultural Competency in
Health ......................... 21Welfare Code: Llamas &
Alpacas .......................................... 5Self Help For
When Times are Tough ................................. 21Adventure
Tourism Review Regulations ................................
5Skylight: A Resource for Bullies
.......................................... 21Regulating Traditional
Chinese Medicines ............................. 6Movember: Raising
Awareness of Mens Health ................. 22ACC Worker/Business
Levy Reductions ................................ 6Synthetic
Cannabis Products: 12-Month Ban ...................... 22Raw Milk
Regulations
............................................................
6Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Guidelines
.............................. 22Early Childhood Education
Taskforces Report ...................... 6Communication Services
for People with Disabilities .......... 22Business Green Growth
...................................................... 7Increase in
Breastfeeding ...................................................
22More Transparency in Takeover Bids
................................ 7Two Cancer Drugs Funded
................................................. 23 &
Transparency & Accountability of Regulation Makers .... 7Health
of Older People Strategy: Report ..........................
23Productivity Commission & Freight Costs
.............................. 8ACCs Injury Limit & Age
Deduction: HRC Action ............... 23Unpackaged Meats: Country
of Origin Labelling? .................. 8UN: More Graphic
Anti-Smoking Labelling .......................... 23Hedging NZ
Electricity Prices ................................................
8
Ministry of Fisheries Consultations
........................................ 8
Education/TrainingEnvironmental Protection Authority Consultations
................. 9LINZ: The Poplars Tenure Review
......................................... 9 Teacher Mentoring:
Guidelines & Workshops ..................... 24
Tenure Review
...................................................................
9 Helping Schools Tackle Autism
........................................... 24PHARMAC Consultation
........................................................ 9 Learn
More About Dairy Farming ........................................
24Department of Conservation Consultations
......................... 10 Password - For New Readers of English
.......................... 24Primary Health Providers Working
Together: Survey .......... 10 Tertiary Education & Refugee
Students: Research ............. 25Maori in Oz: Voting Habits
Survey ....................................... 10 UNESCOs Literacy
Awards ................................................
25Participants Wanted for Antidepressants Study ...................
11
EmploymentHelp Trace the Chinese Knotweed Plant
............................. 11Rotorua Government Gardens: A
Special Place? ................ 11 Benefits Decrease
...............................................................
26North Canterbury Highway
Investigation.............................. 11 Employment Market
Grows ................................................. 26
Steady Growth in Online Job Vacancies
............................. 26Rural Skills in Demand Update
.............................................. 26Review of Animal
Welfare Strategy ..................................... 12 &
Soft Skills In Demand
............................................... 26Quad Bike Farm
Licence Launched ..................................... 12 Why So
Much Frustration at Work? ....................................
27New Online Walking Access Maps
...................................... 12 All about Work in NZ:
Four DoL Reports ............................. 27Regional Dairy
Effluent Compliance Improving ................ 13 Temporary Visas
for Religious Workers .............................. 28 & More
Stream Fencing ..................................................
13
Housing/BuildingForestry Exports Up
.............................................................
13Rural Sales Volumes Rise, Prices Ease
.............................. 13 Leaky Homes Assistance Now
Available ............................ 29No Milk Price Control
Inquiry ............................................... 13 June
National House Prices Up .......................................
29Farmers Markets Cooking Demos
...................................... 14 but June Home Consents
Down ...................................... 29Ag-Hub: Best of the
Best ................................................... 14 Rental
Property Supply Surge Eases ..................................
29RWNZ: Adverse Event Activities Funding
............................ 14 More Community Housing Part-funded
............................... 29Reminder: Livestock & Trains
Dont Mix .............................. 14Access to EU for NZs
Grain-Fed Beef ............................. 15 Energy& More
Fonterra Expansion in China ............................... 15 All
About NZ Energy
............................................................ 30
Proposed Changes to Electricity Distribution Pricing ..........
30EnvironmentEnergy Management Standard for Business
....................... 31
E-waste Report Released
.................................................... 15Making the
Boardroom Green .............................................. 15
Transport & TravelAustralias Carbon Credit Plans
........................................... 16 Good News: Road Toll
Down .............................................. 31Other Global
Environmental Stories .................................... 16 Land
Transport Funding Policy Released ...........................
31
Young Drivers: Licensing Changes
................................. 31Tourism & New Young-Driver
Training Website ........................... 32
Volcanic Ash Disrupts June Travel
...................................... 17 Electric Vehicles
Publicly Available in NZ ........................... 32Domestic
Tourism Steady in March Year............................. 17
Trans-Tasman SmartGate
Trial........................................... 32Auckland Lifts
Guest Nights in May ..................................... 17
Security Cameras for All Taxis
............................................ 32Holiday Parks Awards
.......................................................... 18
Nelson Older Drivers Offered Free CarFit ........................
32
Health Justice/The LawChild Abuse: How Can I Tell
.............................................. 18 Debt Collecting
Bill Passed .................................................
33Residents Views of Retirement Village Act ......................
18 Criminal Procedure (Reform & Modernisation) Bill
.............. 33.. & Aged Residential Care Confidence Survey
................... 19 Supporting Children in Court Proceedings
.......................... 34Older peoples Home-based Support
Services Assessed.... 19
1 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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Addressing Drivers of Crime: Report
................................. 34 & Watch for Rugby World
Cup Scammers ..................... 47Womens Access to Justice
................................................. 34 Re-Mix &
Mash-Up Competition ..........................................
47
TUANZ Awards 2011
..........................................................
48Parliament Tech Withdrawal is Tough
................................................... 48
Structural Separation of Telecom
........................................ 48Democracy - Everyday
Concepts ......................................
35Telecommunications Groups to Merge
............................... 49The Foundations of Democratic
Society: .......................... 35
A Handful of Websites
..................................................... 49Popular
Control and Political Equality:..............................
35Free and Fair Elections:
................................................... 35 Treaty
MattersPolitical Choice:
................................................................
35Representative Democracy:
............................................. 35 Deed of Settlement
with Rongowhakaata ........................... 50
Human Rights Dimensions of Te Tiriti
................................. 50Public Service/Local
Authorities
Arts & CultureLocal Authorities Reduce Operating Deficit
......................... 36The Customs Service: OAG Report
..................................... 36 NZ Post Book Awards
......................................................... 51Govt
Investigates Inter-agency Radio System ..................... 36 New
NZers: Got a Good Story? ..........................................
51
No More TVNZ Charter
.......................................................
51Not-For-Profits NZ Film Popular in US
........................................................ 51
Self Taught Artists
Exhibition.............................................. 52Snapshot
of NZs Charitable Sector. ....................................
37Communitymatters: DIAs New Website ..............................
37 Fish & ShipsNeed a Volunteer?
...............................................................
37Local Non-commercial FM Radio Frequencies Available..... 38
Foreign Charter Vessels: Ministerial Inquiry
........................ 52NZ Sign Language: Online Dictionary
.................................. 38 Check up on Marine Baddies
.............................................. 52Registering Marae
as Charities ............................................ 38
Science/TechnologyYouth Mentoring Network: Mentoring Factsheets
................ 38KiwiNet Launched
...............................................................
53Business New Technology Voucher Scheme
..................................... 53
Dairy, Meat Lead Export Increase
....................................... 39 National Research to
Minimise Tobacco Use ..................... 53Steady as She Goes for
Manufacturing ............................... 39
GeneralBusiness Mentoring Demand High
...................................... 39Social Media Influence on
Consumer Buying ...................... 39 Seasonal Climate Outlook:
August October 2011 ............ 53Businesses Take Longer to Pay
.......................................... 40 NZs Coldest &
Hottest Recorded Temperatures ................ 54NZ: Speaking the
Customers Language ............................. 40 Shape of an
Earthquake Recovery Strategy ....................... 54Tougher
Rules for Non-Bank Finance Firms? ...................... 40
Community wellbeing
.......................................................
54Indonesia: Opportunities for Trade
...................................... 40 Culture and heritage
........................................................ 55
Built environment
.............................................................
55Money Matters Economy
..........................................................................
55Economy Grew Strongly Last Quarter
................................. 41 Natural environment
........................................................ 55June
Retail Card Spending Up
............................................ 41 Review of Privacy
Law: Recommendations ........................ 55Consumers Price
Index: June 2011 Quarter .................... 41 Global Wellbeing
Study: NZers Doing Well ......................... 56 & Review
of Consumers Price Index ............................... 41 Join
the Study
..................................................................
56Seasonal Rise in Vegetable Prices
...................................... 42 & Addressing Young
Peoples Inequality: Proposals ....... 56Low Income Family Budgets
Hard Hit .................................. 42 Ethnic Communities
Handbook Expanded .......................... 57NBRs Rich List
....................................................................
42 Rights to an Interpreter Factsheets
..................................... 57Making Financial Statements
Meaningful ............................ 42 2011 NZ Supreme Pie
Award Winners ............................... 57Review of Govt
Super Fund Authority .................................. 43 Tongan
Language Week .....................................................
58Child Support Scheme Consultation Submissions ........... 43
Disability Survey to Follow 2013 Census
............................ 58 & IRD Report on Compliance
.......................................... 43 Some
Conferences/Events
................................................. 58NZ Cities
Attractive for Expats .............................................
44 2011 Suicide Prevention Information NZ Conference ......
58Gaming Machine Spend Lifts Again
..................................... 44 Storylines Festival of NZ
Children's Writers & Illustrators 58NZ-Samoa: Development
Agreement .................................. 44 Live Below the Line
Global Poverty Project ................... 58Commerce Commission
Gets a Rise ................................... 44 Workplace
Culture in a Tiny Country: HRINZ .................. 59
Child Rights Advocacy Training
................................... 59Internet/ICT & Education
Advocacy Training .................................. 59
Spring into Spring! AKTESOL Expo 2011 ........................
59Broadband Services Improving
............................................ 45Partnering with
Clients to Make Services Effective, Accountable & Just
.......................................................... 59
Some Broadband Terms
.................................................. 45NZ Businesses
with Websites Profit ................................. 45
Mental Health Law Conferences: Buddle Findlay ............
59& Small Businesses & Web Investment
........................... 46Raksha Bandhan Hindu Festival
...................................... 60Maori Maps: Finding Tribal
Marae .................................... 46NAVIGATE: 2011 NZ
Youth Mentoring Conference ........ 60& Mapping Te Reo/Language
Services ............................ 46Horticultural Conferences
Coming up .............................. 60Copyright (Infringing
File Sharing) Act.............................. 46Nga Whetu Hei
Whai: Charting Pathways for Maori Industry Futures Conference
........................................... 60
Copyright Act Regulations: charging rights holders for
processing infringement allegations
................................. 46
IT for Non-technical Leaders Workshops .........................
60Beware: Cold-calling Computer Virus Scam ....................
47100% Pure NZ Winter Games
......................................... 60
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 2
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Maori Womens Welfare League 2011 Conference .......... 612011 NZ
Diversity Forum ..................................................
61Pacific Islands Forum 2011
.............................................. 61
Some Funding/Awards/Opportunities
.................................. 61Kiwibank NZer of the Year
Awards 2012 .......................... 61Lottery Grants
...................................................................
61Forum: Managing Energy in Your Business .....................
61Best of Kiwi Food Showcase
............................................ 62The Nation's
Greenest Fingers ......................................... 622011
Water Safety Awards: Entries Open ........................ 62Woman
of the Year Award ...............................................
62The first NZSA Asian Short Story Competition .................
62HRINZ Awards
2011.........................................................
62DOC-CNZ Wild Creations Arts Residency ........................
62Attitude Awards
................................................................
63NZ Mental Health Media Grant
......................................... 63Maori Language Awards
................................................... 63Bruce Jesson
Awards .......................................................
63Anzias Open for Pre-Registrations
................................... 63Women on the Land Writing
Competition ....................... 63Making a Difference Fund
Round Two .......................... 63
Appointments
.......................................................................
64
3 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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Consultation Vulnerable Children: Governments Green Paper A
Government Green Paper* on vulnerable children who have childhoods
that make it unlikely they will thrive, belong, and achieve asks
many questions, amongst which are:
what services and programmes government agencies should consider
in a review of support for parents and caregivers; whether
government agencies have got the balance right in supporting
parents, caregivers, family, and whanau to meet their
responsibilities, while also protecting the needs of vulnerable
children;
when government agencies should step in and intervene with
families and whanau; which barriers need to be removed to allow
communities to take responsibility for the wellbeing of their
vulnerable children; whether legislation should be used to support
a Vulnerable Childrens Action Plan; how the Government might work
in partnership with iwi, Maori organisations, and their leaders to
deliver services for vulnerable
tamariki and their whanau;
how services can be delivered to hard-to-reach Maori whanau;
whether there should be more targeted services for vulnerable
children, and if so, where that funding should be taken from;
whether spending be reprioritized (if so, where from) to provide
more services for younger children and/or services for children
that address problems as they are beginning to surface;
what priority should be given to the families and whanau of
those caring for vulnerable children when allocating services that
impact on the children they are caring for;
how much monitoring of vulnerable children the Government should
allow, and who should be doing that monitoring; how the negative
consequences of increased monitoring could be minimised; what
information that professionals should be able, or required, to
share about vulnerable children; how to improve or promote
collaboration between professionals and services; what principles,
competencies, or quality standards should be included in the
minimum standards for a workforce for children; how frontline
services might better connect vulnerable children and their
families and whanau with the services they need; and whether early
childhood education centres and schools could be better used as
sites for delivery of a wider range of services. *A Green Paper is
a discussion paper outlining ideas a government wants to test with
the public before making decisions.
Submissions close on 28 February 2012. Email them to
[email protected], or post them to The Green
Paper for Vulnerable Children, PO Box 1556, Wellington, 6012 and at
www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz. The Green Paper is at
http://www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz/. Hui, fono and community
meetings will be advertised in local papers
Back to top
New Rules for Incorporated Societies The Law Commission is
consulting on the legal structure and rules of incorporated
societies. Currently the law relating to these is contained in the
Incorporated Societies Act 1908, and the Commission says this Act
is in need of major reform. It says it is critical the law under
which they operated has the right balance of autonomy, flexibility,
and accountability.
The Commission is seeking feedback on a range of issues and
options for reform raised in the paper including:
whether all societies should, as a condition of incorporation,
be subject to certain minimum governance rules that they cannot
vary;
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 4
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whether a new Act ought to provide a code that makes the
obligations of committee members clearer; how the Act should
provide for the resolution of disputes between members and their
societies; what rules societies ought to be required to have in
their constitution, and the nature of those rules; and whether a
new Incorporated Societies Act should also replace the ability to
incorporate under the Charitable Trusts Act.
Submissions close on 30 September 2011. Submissions can be made
online at
http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-incorporated-societies-act-1908?quicktabs_23=submissions#quicktabs-23
The paper is available on the Law Commissions website
http://www.lawcom.govt.nz
Back to top
Review of Trust Law The Law Commission has released another
Issues Paper as part of its review of the law of trusts. This looks
at:
the duties that a trustee owes to the people who benefit from
the trust, in particular their duty to inform beneficiaries about
trust matters;
the duties that should be a requirement, i.e., not be able to be
excluded by a trust deed; and whether there should be limits on
exemption clauses for failing to carry out the duties. The paper
also discusses the appointment, retirement and removal of trustees,
and the powers given to a trustee.
Submissions close on 31 August 2011. Make a submission online at
http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-law-trusts?quicktabs_23=submissions#quicktabs-23,
email [email protected], or post to Law Commission, PO Box
2590, Wellington 6011. The paper is at
http://www.lawcom.govt.nz
Back to top
& Review of Credit Repossession Laws The Law Commission is
seeking public feedback on NZs credit repossession laws - the rules
that apply when consumers default on a credit contract and it has
released a paper called Review of the Credit (Repossession) Act
1997.
Among the questions the Commission is asking the public to
consider is whether there should be a ban on the repossession of
certain basic items, such as childrens belongings and medical
necessities; and whether the law should more clearly state that the
taking of other items is prohibited, such as passports and eftpos
cards.
The closing date for submissions is 19 August 2011. The email
address for submissions is [email protected], or you can
submit online at
http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-credit-repossession-act-1997?quicktabs_23=submissions#quicktabs-23
The paper is at
http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-credit-repossession-act-1997?quicktabs_23=issues_paper#quicktabs-23
Back to top
Welfare Code: Llamas & Alpacas The National Animal Welfare
Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has published a Draft Code of Welfare
for Llamas and Alpacas (which are camelids). This covers the
welfare of all South American camelids held for both commercial and
personal purposes, held for fibre production, kept as companion
animals, used as intensively handled packing animals, or kept for
any other purpose.
Welfare codes advise owners or persons in charge of animals
about minimum standards relating to: stockmanship and animal
handling; mustering and droving; restraint; the provision of food,
water and shelter; housing facilities; behaviour and health; (in
this case) mixing camelids; breeding; emergency slaughter; and
pre-transport requirements.
Submissions close on 9 September 2011. Email them to
[email protected] or post them to NAWAC Secretary, MAF
Animal Welfare Standards, PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140. More is at
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult/draft-code-welfare-llamas-and-alpacas
Back to top
5 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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Adventure Tourism Review Regulations The Department of Labour
(DoL) has developed draft regulations for adventure tourism
operators. These would require the operator to be registered, after
first obtaining a safety audit from an accredited provider. DoL is
seeking feedback on the draft and it has produced a questionnaire
to help with this.
Submissions close on 9 August 2011. A copy of the questionnaire
is at
http://www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/adventure-tourism/regulations/hse-adventure-activities-regulations-consultation-questionnaire.rtf.
Send completed questionnaires to [email protected], or
post it to: D Mulholland, Project Manager, Health and Safety Policy
Unit, Department of Labour, PO Box 3705, Wellington. The draft
regulations are at
http://www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/adventure-tourism/regulations/hse-adventure-activities-regulations-consultation-draft.pdf
Back to top
Regulating Traditional Chinese Medicines Traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM) practitioner groups have applied to the Ministry of
Health to be regulated under the Health Practitioners Competence
Assurance Act 2003. Their proposal paper outlines the reasons for
regulating a profession, gives a brief background on the
profession, and invites comments.
Submissions close on 19 August 2011. A submission booklet is at
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/10760/$File/tcm-proposal-submission-booklet.pdf.
You can either email your submission to [email protected] or make a
hard copy submission and send to: M-L Hannah, Workforce
Intelligence and Planning, Health Workforce NZ, National Health
Board, Ministry of Health, PO Box 5013, Wellington 6145.The
proposal is at
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/10760/$File/traditional-chinese-medicine-regulation-proposal.pdf
Back to top
ACC Worker/Business Levy Reductions ACC provides cover for
personal injuries regardless of where the injury happens. Levy
rates are set each year to cover the costs of personal injury
claims.
This year ACC is proposing levy reductions for employees from
April next year of 17% and employers of 22%. The reduction comes
because ACCs annual claim costs reduced by 15%.
The Earners' Account Levy (paid by wage and salary earners) is
proposed to decrease from $2.04 to $1.70 (including GST) and the
average Work Account Levy (paid by employers and the self employed)
is proposed to decrease from $1.47 to $1.15 (excluding GST) per
$100 of liable earnings from 1 April 2012. Work levies for
individual companies depend on their industry classification and
experience rating. There are no reductions in motor vehicle levies
(of $334.52 excluding GST).
Final levies for 2012/13 will be determined in September.
Submissions close on 16 August 201. They go to Levy
Consultation, ACC, PO Box 242, Wellington 6140, email
[email protected]. More is at Levy consultation
http://www.acc.co.nz/about-acc/consultation-have-your-say/levy-consultation/index.htm
Back to top
Raw Milk Regulations Consultation on the rules by which
independent milk processors can access raw milk from Fonterra is
now underway.
The review of the raw milk rules covers issues such as how much
regulated milk independent processors should have access to, and
for how long, and how much milk in total should be made available
each year.
It does not cover the farm gate milk price, or the design of
regulations around Fonterras Trading Among Farmers proposal (these
are being dealt with separately).
Submissions close on 2 September 2011. They go to Regulation
& Competition Team, Sector Performance Policy, Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140, email
[email protected] . A consultation paper is at
http://www.maf.govt.nz/news-resources/consultations/review-of-raw-milk-regulations
Back to top
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 6
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Early Childhood Education Taskforces Report The Government is
consulting on the recently-released independent Early Childhood
Education Taskforce report. The taskforces recommendations cover
(amongst other things):
a new funding system that directs spending to preschoolers who
will benefit most from participation in early childhood
education;
a ratio in licensed centres of one adult to four children for
children under two years old, and of one adult to ten children for
children aged three to six years;
a percentage of 80% of all early childhood education staff in
early childhood education being registered teachers; a new group of
officials and sector representatives, which would provide advice on
early childhood education for under two-
year-olds and children with special educational needs;
more funding for NZ-based research particularly in respect of
under two-year-olds; and governance/management support in Maori
immersion and Pasifika language settings, set up with
Maori/Pasifika communities.
Submissions close on 8 August 2011. Complete the online
questionnaire, or download it and send it to ECE Taskforce
Consultation Response, Ministry of Education, PO Box 1666,
Wellington 6140, or email completed questionnaires to
[email protected]. The report (which makes
65 recommendations) is at
http://www.childforum.com/news/367-governments-ece-taskforce-report-now-out.html
Back to top
Business Green Growth A Green Growth Advisory Group (made up of
people working in business and science) is exploring issues and
policy options for greener growth and development in NZ, with the
aims of:
helping exporters make the most of a clean, green NZ brand;
making smarter use of technology and innovation; and moving
businesses to a lower-carbon economy. The group has prepared a
discussion paper for comment, and will report to the Government in
December 2011.
Submissions close on 20 September 2011. A feedback form is at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QY5GQLQ, and a discussion paper is
at
http://www.med.govt.nz/upload/76889/Green_Growth_Disscussion_Document_30June.pdf.
More is at
http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/StandardSummary____45925.aspx?epslanguage=EN
Back to top
More Transparency in Takeover Bids In the fourth in its series
of consultation papers released to improve the Takeovers Code
(2001), the Takeovers Panel says it wants more transparency in
takeover bids. The panel would like to see law changes that would
require prospective buyers to give more information to investors
when trying to acquire a company. The panel would also like to see
more information disclosed about what a buyer plans to do with a
company once it buys it (especially in the case of a partial
takeover).
The paper recommends, amongst other things, certain technical
changes to bring the Takeovers Act it in line with other
legislation and tighten up certain definitions.
Submissions close on 26 August 2011. Submissions should be sent
to the Takeovers Panel: by email -
[email protected] or posted to Takeovers Panel,
P.O. Box 1171, Wellington 6011
Back to top
7 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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& Transparency & Accountability of Regulation Makers The
aims of the Regulatory Standards Bill are to increase the
transparency of regulation-making, and the accountability of
regulation makers. The Bill would provide a standard for good
regulation through a set of principles that all laws and
regulations would comply with. It would also require people who
propose and create laws and regulations to state whether the
regulation is compatible with those principles. A certification
process would be monitored via a new role for the courts.
Submissions close on 18 August 2011. You can make your
submission online, or send two copies to the Commerce Committee,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington. The Bill is at
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2011/0277/latest/versions.aspx
Back to top
Productivity Commission & Freight Costs The Productivity
Commission is calling for submissions on its issues paper about
freight costs. Traders crossing NZs borders spend $5 billion a year
transporting their goods and the commission aims to have a report
to the Government by April 2012 with ways to make those costs
cheaper and services easier.
The issues paper is part of a broader inquiry looking at all
parts of the international freight supply chain, including
regulation, port and airport ownership, customs, technology, and
market trends.
The issues paper notes that if transport costs could be trimmed
on freight (including meat, wool and dairy) by 10% a year, this
could have the effect of boosting annual trade by $1.25 billion a
year. It also says every day sliced off transport times for exports
and imports could be worth $670 million a year.
Submissions close on 31 August 2011. To make an electronic
submission you can: use the online form (but you will need to
register on the site see the URL below); upload your submission to
their website in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format (again, you
have to be registered on the site); or email your submission to
[email protected]. More is at
http://www.productivity.govt.nz/issues-paper-engagement/315
Back to top
Unpackaged Meats: Country of Origin Labelling? Food Standards
Australia NZ (FSANZ) is proposing to extend country of origin
labelling (which enables a customer to identify the country of
origin for a particular item) to unpackaged beef, sheep, and
chicken meat. Currently, all packaged foods, including packaged
meat, but only some unpackaged foods (pork, fish, fruit, and
vegetables) require country of origin labelling.
Submissions close on 29 August 2011. You can email your
submission directly to the Standards Management Officer at
[email protected] or you can post it to Food
Standards Australia NZ, PO Box 7186, The Terrace, Wellington 6143.
More is at
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/scienceandeducation/newsroom/mediareleases/mediareleases2011/proposaltoextendcoun5217.cfm
Back to top
Hedging NZ Electricity Prices This Electricity Authority
consultation paper presents and seeks feedback on the Electricity
Authoritys proposals aimed at improving the opportunities to use
financial hedge contracts* to manage the price risks of movements
in NZ electricity prices
Submissions close on 29 August 2011. Email them to
[email protected] with Consultation Paper Improving the
Opportunities to Hedge NZ Electricity Prices in the subject line.
More is at
http://www.ea.govt.nz/our-work/consultations/priority-projects/-improving-opportunities-hedge-electricity-prices/
Hedge contract: a financial instrument to manage the risk
created by price volatility for a commodity (like electricity or
crude oil) on a spot market**. Buyers and sellers of the commodity
may enter into long or short-term contracts that set an agreed
price for the commodity outside the spot market.
Spot market: a market in which a commodity is bought or sold for
immediate delivery or delivery in the very near future Back to
top
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 8
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Ministry of Fisheries Consultations MFish is consulting
on(closing dates and address for submissions are in brackets):
its 2011 Review of sustainability measures and management
controls for Scampi (SCI 2) in the Wairarapa Region: feedback is
sought from stakeholders on these proposals for the 2011/2012
fishing year, which begins 1 October 2011 (12 August 2011 -
submissions to K McKelvey, Ministry of Fisheries, PO Box 1020,
Wellington 6140, email [email protected]); and
Proposed Ministerial Purpose for Issuing a Special Permit: the
special permit would provide for occasions where there is a
specific event or opportunity to showcase NZs seafood but a closed
season is in place for the fish or shellfish (8 August 2011 -
submissions to T Macfarlane, Ministry of Fisheries, PO Box 1020,
Wellington 6140, email [email protected]).
More on both is at
http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Consultations/default.htm
Back to top
Environmental Protection Authority Consultations There are two
EPA consultations:
Pheromones group standard: a proposed Group Standard for
Straight-chained Lepidopteran Sex Pheromone is now open for
consultation. Pheromone-containing products are used for monitoring
insect density, to suppress pest populations, or control damage
through disrupting the behaviour of pests. The proposed group
standard puts restrictions on the emission rate, concentration, and
application rate of the pheromone substance from the
pheromone-containing product. The device used to deliver the
pheromone substance is also restricted; and
an application to import or manufacture Vitis as an insecticide
containing the active ingredient emamectin benzoate for the control
of leafrollers in apples, pears, avocados, kiwifruit, and
grapes.
Submissions on both close on 17 August 2011. You can email them
to [email protected], or post them to PO Box 131, Wellington
6140. More is at
http://www.epa.govt.nz/consultations/Pages/default.aspx More on the
proposed group standard is at Application to import or
mahttp://www.epa.govt.nz/about-us/what/have-your-say/Pages/make-submission.aspxnufacture
Vitis as an insecticide
Back to top
LINZ: The Poplars Tenure Review The Commissioner of Crown Lands
has put a preliminary proposal for tenure review (see box below) to
Run 351 Ltd as the lessee of The Poplars pastoral lease.
Submissions on the proposal close on 16 September 2011. They go
to Darroch Ltd, PO Box 27, Alexandra, email
[email protected]. More is at
http://www.linz.govt.nz/about-linz/news-publications-and-consultations/news-and-notices/the-poplars-tenure-review-notice-of-preliminary-proposal
Tenure Review Large tracts of the South Island high country are
farmed under leases that are perpetually renewable at the
discretion of the lessee. Changes in views about the optimal use of
the high country resulted in the government instituting a tenure
review process in 1989, involving some 20% of the South Island or
10% of the total land area of NZ. Under this process the Crown is
negotiating with the owners of South Island pastoral leases to
redefine the property rights associated with the leases. As a
result of tenure review, the portions of these pastoral estates
that have high conservation and/or low farming value are being
returning to the Crown under management of the Department of
Conservation (DOC), and the portions of the estates that have high
value in farming or other uses are transferred to the freehold
ownership of the former lessee.
More about tenure review is at
http://ips.ac.nz/publications/files/b5d2cc87b3a.pdf
Back to top
9 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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PHARMAC Consultation PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal
to fund a new brand of acitretin capsules (Novatretin) from 1
October 2011 through a provisional agreement with Douglas
Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Submissions close on 9 August 2011. They go to G Williams,
Therapeutic Group Manager, PHARMAC, PO Box 10 254, Wellington 6143,
email [email protected]. More is at
http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/2011/07/25/2011-07-25%20Listing%20Douglas%20Acitretin.pdf
Back to top
Department of Conservation Consultations The Department of
Conservation (DOC) is currently consulting on:
Conservation Management Strategies for the eleven DOC
conservancies covering the country: every 10 years DOC turns to the
public to find out what communities believe should be the
priorities for conservation over the next decade. The consultation
leads to the development of conservation management strategies
(CMS) for all the DOC conservancies. The dates when each
conservancy will start working on the CMS for its area are: April
2011: Auckland, Waikato, Northland, Canterbury (the earthquake may
delay this date), Southland, and Otago; September 2011:
Nelson/Marlborough; December 2011: Wellington/Hawke's Bay, East
Coast/Bay of Plenty, and Tongariro/Whanganui/Taranaki; and February
2012: Chatham Islands.
To find out more about the discussion groups and submission
processes, contact your local DOC office; contact details for each
DOC offices are at
http://www.doc.govt.nz/footer-links/contact-us/office-by-name/
Draft Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Management Plan: DOC
says management of this reserve is critical to achieving the
appropriate experiences for all visitors to it. Public
participation in the planning process is therefore very
important.
Submissions close on 8 August 2011. You can make a submission
online, email one to [email protected], or post one to
Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Management Plan, Tasman
District Council, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050. The draft plan s at
http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/getting-involved/consultations/current-consultations/nelson-marlborough/abel-tasman-foreshore-mp/abel-tasman-foreshore-mp.pdf
Back to top
Primary Health Providers Working Together: Survey The Health and
Disability NGO Working Group is collecting information about the
practical ways that different primary health providers work
together. It wants to find out more about the kinds of
collaboration that really make a difference, and is particularly
interested in identifying what helps or promotes co-operation. It
is also keen to find out about what gets in the way of
collaboration, and how that can be overcome.
The group is asking national, regional and local organisations
to take a short ten question online survey to help it gather
information about relationships with PHOs, GPs/medical centres,
other non-profit health NGOs, non-profits in education, social
services, justice, housing, etc and other primary health care
providers.
The results of the survey will be available in March 2012.
The survey closes 20 August 2011. To participate go to
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J8266JF. For more information, or to
provide information about a possible case study, tel G Aldridge, on
04 233 0178 or e-mail [email protected]
Back to top
Maori in Oz: Voting Habits Survey A survey on the voting habits
of the 110,000 or so Maori living in Australia is underway. It aims
to find out how, where and why Maori in Australia vote, and whether
they are satisfied with these arrangements. The survey, which will
run for three months, will also look at Maori attitudes to the
electoral system, as NZ approaches a referendum on the voting
system.
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 10
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Overseas votes from Maori in general elections has been
increasing in recent elections but was only at a total of 779 valid
overseas party votes in the 2008 election.
People are encouraged to distribute the survey link widely in
Australia.
The link to the survey is:
http://vuw.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6AwjmhsaG5N6ITy
Back to top
Participants Wanted for Antidepressants Study Although its
likely that kiwis are better able to talk about depression than
people in many other countries in the world, finding the right
treatment for someone can be a long and difficult process of
trialling some of the many antidepressant medications available
(this is because different people may respond differently to any
particular antidepressant).
Currently, the University of Auckland is partnering in an
international study to identify physical and psychological signs
that could predict how individuals might respond to a particular
treatment for depression. The findings of this research could help
doctors to select the right medication for someone, and help them
receive the best treatment right away.
The study involves participants making three visits to the
University of Auckland based clinic, receiving an assessment by a
specialist, and taking an antidepressant medication for eight weeks
- at no cost to the participant.
If you believe you have depression, and would be happy to be
assessed and receive treatment as part of this study, find out more
by visiting www.depression.getparticipants.com
Back to top
Help Trace the Chinese Knotweed Plant The Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the Waikato Regional Council are
calling on Hamilton residents to help them trace any infestations
of the invasive weed pest Chinese knotweed - which was recently
found on two residential properties close to each other. Chinese
knotweed plants grow to 70 cm to 1 metre tall in open ground, but
are aggressive climbers that smother trees and other structures.
Stems are pinkish in colour and leaves are generally soft textured,
serrated edged and 4-16cm long. Chinese knotweed flowers in autumn.
Its flowers are cream/pink and grow in clusters at the end of
leafed stems.
To report suspected sightings contact MAF on 0800 80 99 66. Full
information about Chinese knotweed is at:
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/chinese-knotweed Photos of the
plant are available on request
Back to top
Rotorua Government Gardens: A Special Place? The NZ Historic
Places Trust (NZHPT) is seeking feedback on a proposal to register
Rotorua Government Gardens Historic Area on its register.
Submissions close on 26 August 2011. They go to
[email protected] or to Lower Northern Area Manager, NZ
Historic Places Trust, PO Box 13339, Tauranga 3141. More is at
http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/~/media/Corporate/Files/Register/RotoruaGovtGardens.ashx
Back to top
North Canterbury Highway Investigation The Woodend Corridor
Investigation is a consultation on two possible routes SH1 could
take through the Pineacres to Pegasus area in North Canterbury to
cope with increasing traffic volumes. One of them involves making
the existing highway that goes through Woodend four-lane; the other
corridor would involve building a new section of highway that runs
to the east of Woodend. Feedback is sought on both routes.
11 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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Submissions close on 19 August 2011. Use the online form at
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/woodend-corridor/submission-form.html,
or email [email protected]. More is at
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/woodend-corridor/index.html
Back to top
Rural Review of Animal Welfare Strategy The Animal Welfare
Strategy and Legislation is being reviewed. The Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) says that while NZ's animal welfare
system is amongst the best in the world the boundary between
acceptable and unacceptable treatment of animals is always
evolving.
The work will involve strengthening and formalising animal
welfare systems already in place; looking at the roles and
responsibilities of Government and other organisations with animal
welfare interests; and developing a shared "NZ Inc" view of animal
welfare across all sectors, organisations, and people.
Draft strategy documents and/or option papers are expected to be
released for public consultation in the first half of 2012, before
a final strategy and proposal for legislative changes is later in
the same year.
An advisory group drawn from a range of animal welfare
organisations has been convened to act as a sounding board for
proposals as they are developed. The public and animal health and
welfare organisations, such as vets, animal industry groups, and
advocacy groups, will also be consulted.
More is at
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/animal-welfare/strategy-legislation-review.
A press release is at
http://davidcarter.co.nz/index.php?/archives/396-Animal-welfare-strategy-moves-ahead.html
Back to top
Quad Bike Farm Licence Launched Farmsafe and Agriculture ITO
(AgITO) recently launched the Quad Bike Farm Licence. The licence
is gained through practical on-job training that teaches safe quad
bike riding practices. The training also teaches people to
effectively identify, minimise, and isolate potential bike riding
hazards and make safe riding decisions.
AgITO is offering a free approved safety helmet for everybody
who signs up and completes the training (for a limited time only,
until 30 November 2011). To receive a Quad Bike Farm Licence
application pack call AgITO today on 0800 691 111. More is at
http://agito.ac.nz/qualifications/quad-bike-farm-licence
Back to top
New Online Walking Access Maps People who love the outdoors can
now find all publically accessible rivers, mountains, lakes,
forests, beaches, and legal roads through a new online mapping
system from the NZ Walking Access Commission.
The Walking Access Mapping System (WAMS) uses geographic
information system (GIS) technology to allow users to zoom in,
using topographic or aerial views, to investigate publically
accessible land in any part of NZ. It also offers a Tracks and
Access Points view that shows physical tracks and other access
points to the outdoors.
The system includes an information tool you can use to view
information about different access classifications or identify
publically accessible land within up to 3km of any chosen location;
and a Draw tool to measure distances between various points, and
print maps.
People can also make enquiries directly to the Commission about
public access as well.
The mapping system is at www.wams.org.nz. For more information
about walking access email [email protected], tel 04
8158 502, or visit http://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 12
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Back to top
Regional Dairy Effluent Compliance Improving The rate of dairy
effluent consent compliance in Canterbury has continued to improve
over the past year according to preliminary figures from
Environment Canterbury. Sixty-five percent of Canterbury dairy
farms were fully compliant with their effluent discharge consent or
permitted activity conditions, an improvement from 59% compliance
in the previous season.
Waikato compliance levels are also improving. Only 12% of
properties were significantly non-compliant, compared to 27% the
year before. And, 66% of farms were fully compliant with the rules
in 2010-11, up from 51% the year before.
And, Otago compliance is improving too. Of the dairy farms
visited by Otago Regional Council (ORC), 355 (that is, 91.2%) were
found to be compliant with ORCs permitted activity rules and-or
their resource consent conditions. Only 8.8% were found to have one
or more breaches of the permitted activity rule.
More about the Canterbury results is at
http://ecan.govt.nz/news-and-notices/news/pages/Dairyeffluentcompliancecontinuestoimprove.aspx;
more about the Waikato results can be found at
http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/News-and-events/Media-releases/Waikato-farmers-make-gains-for-environment/;
and the Otago results can be found at
http://www.orc.govt.nz/News-and-Notices/Media-Releases/Media-Releases---2011/Dairy-farmers-getting-the-message-on-effluent-compliance/
Back to top
& More Stream Fencing Horizons Regional Council and the
rural community have worked together to improve river and steam
quality, achieving almost twice the amount of stream fencing as
last year (112km of stream banks compared with 62km). They have
also lined up at least another 124km to be fenced in the year
ahead.
Farmers who would like advice about managing waterways on their
properties should contact Horizons Regional Council on 0508 800
800
Back to top
Forestry Exports Up According to the Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry (MAF), the total value of forestry exports for the year to
31 March 2011 was NZ$4.4 billion, NZ$800 million up on the previous
year.
This countrys log exports continue to be dominated by exports to
China, which imported 1.7 million cubic metres of NZ logs in the
March quarter, up 44.5% on the same time the previous year.
India is also emerging as a major destination for NZ logs, with
its demand now approaching that of Korea currently NZs second
largest log export market.
For more, see the March 2011 quarter report at
http://www.maf.govt.nz/news-resources/statistics-forecasting/forestry/forestry-production-and-trade-publications.aspx
Back to top
Rural Sales Volumes Rise, Prices Ease Latest Real Estate
Institute of NZ (REINZ) data shows there were 393 farm sales in the
three months to end of June 2011, compared with 364 sales in the
three months to May 2011 and 302 sales in the three months to June
2010. The average price per hectare for all farms sold is now at
its lowest point since July 2004.
Grazing properties accounted for the largest number of sales
(53.2%), followed by dairy properties (14.8%), then finishing
properties (15.0%) and Horticulture properties (6.1%). More
lifestyle properties sold in the three months to June 2011, with
average prices remaining at the same level compared to May.
More is at
https://www.reinz.co.nz/reinz/index.cfm?1CC3D519-18FE-7E88-4249-4CE523B4D44B&obj_uuid=A0E605A4-941A-8A51-8268-3D5D0CD75D20
Back to top
13 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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No Milk Price Control Inquiry The Commerce Commission has
finished reviewing domestic milk markets, and has concluded that
there is no valid basis for a price control inquiry under Part 4 of
the Commerce Act at this time. A price control inquiry is
undertaken to determine whether the Commission should recommend to
the Government that price control should be imposed.
You can view the report on the Commissions website:
www.comcom.govt.nz/reports-and-judgements
Back to top
Farmers Markets Cooking Demos Outstanding in Their Fields is a
national roadshow of free cooking demonstrations that are shortly
being held at Farmers Markets. This Farmers Markets NZ (FMNZ)
project is part of the REAL NZ Festival, and will showcase the best
of Kiwi cuisine during the Rugby World Cup 2011 with the winner of
MasterChef 2010. Dates for the roadshow are:
Otago/Southland: Saturday, 10 September (Southern details to
come); Sunday, 11 September - Oamaru Farmers' Market; Canterbury:
Friday, 16 September - Ohoka Farmers' Market; Saturday, 17
September - Christchurch Farmers' Market;
Sunday, 18 September - AM - Oxford Farmers' Market and then PM -
Methven Farmers' Market;
Nelson/Marlborough: Sunday, 4 September Marlborough Farmers
Market; Wednesday, 21 September Nelson Farmers Market;
Lower North Island: Saturday, 24 September - Wairarapa Farmers'
Market; Sunday, 25 September - Farmers' Market Taranaki; Friday, 30
September - Feilding Farmers' Market; Saturday, 1 October -
Whanganui Farmers' Market; Sunday, 2 October - Hastings Farmers'
Market;
Central North Island: Saturday, 8 October - Tauranga Farmers'
Market; Sunday, 9 October - Hamilton Farmers' Market; Northland:
Saturday, 15 October - Parnell Farmers' Market; Sunday, 16 October
- Bay of Islands Farmers' Market; and Auckland: Saturday, 22
October - Auckland TBA; Sunday, 23 October - Grey Lynn Farmers
Market. Back to top
Ag-Hub: Best of the Best Agriculture web portal for farmers,
Ag-Hub, has scooped up the Telecommunications Users Association of
NZ (TUANZ) best of the best prize at its 2011 Innovations
Awards.
Ag-Hub enables farmers to get lots information from a very wide
range of sources and use it in a way thats best for their
operation, their management systems, and their production
goals.
More is at http://www.aghub.co.nz/content/default.html and you
can read a press release at
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1107/S00747/ag-hub-is-best-of-the-best.htm
Back to top
RWNZ: Adverse Event Activities Funding Rural Women NZ has
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) funding available for
activities that support NZers affected by earthquake, drought, or
other unforeseen events.
If you are planning an activity or event coming up, or have an
idea for one, email [email protected] or tel N Holt 04
473 5524 to discuss the possibility of funding
Back to top
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 14
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Reminder: Livestock & Trains Dont Mix Kiwirail is asking
farmers to check their fences and gates alongside the 4000km of
rail tracks throughout New Zealand to make sure their animals were
secure.
Kiwirails records showed that in the past three months, there
have been 16 incidents of livestock on tracks coming into contact
with trains. The incidents dont end well for the animals, and often
delay services.
Under the law, the onus is on the owners of the livestock, or
the person in charge of them, to ensure they do not wander onto the
rail lines. When trains are damaged in the incident, costs can be
recovered from farmers. Back to top
Access to EU for NZs Grain-Fed Beef The European Union (EU) has
agreed to allow NZ access to a quota for grain-fed high quality
beef. This country has been approved to join a list of countries
able to access an annual quota of 20,000 tonnes tariff-free (going
up to 45,000 tonnes in 2012), which is administered by the EU.
More is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/access-european-union-new-zealand-grain-fed-beef
Back to top
& More Fonterra Expansion in China Fonterra has signed an
agreement with the Government of Yutian County of China to develop
a new dairy farm in Yutian County, Hebei Province. The
RMB260million (US$40 million) investment is Fonterras third dairy
farm in China and is the next step in its strategy in building
fresh milk supply for its Chinese customers. Back to top
Environment E-waste Report Released The eDay NZ Trust has
released a report highlighting the spiralling electronic waste
(e-waste) problem in this country. The report estimates that 2.2
million televisions and 1.5 million home computers, each containing
toxic cathode ray tubes, will be dumped in the next few years. The
report, titled Ewaste in NZ: five years on, follows from e-Waste in
NZ: taking responsibility for end-of-life computers and TVs, which
was produced in 2006.
Both reports can be downloaded from www.eday.org.nz/, and there
is more at
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1107/S00114/new-zealand-faces-an-ewaste-crisis-says-new-report.htm
Back to top
Making the Boardroom Green Companies keen to improve their
environmental performance should take a look at the characteristics
of their board of directors,says new research from the University
of Canterbury. The research found that corporate boards play an
important role in promoting strong environmental performance. The
main findings include that:
companies that had greater board independence, and fewer
directors appointed after the CEO, performed better
environmentally; and
companies with larger boards, with CEOs of other companies
sitting on the board, and with directors with legal expertise, had
better environmental performance.
15 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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The research findings will be published in the Journal of
Management in a paper titled The effect of board characteristics on
firm environmental performance.
More is at
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1107/S00485/making-the-boardroom-green.htm
Back to top
Australias Carbon Credit Plans Australia has unveiled extensive
plans, including a tax on its worst polluters, to reduce its carbon
pollution by 5% over the next nine years.
In the largest carbon-reduction scheme outside Europe, the 500
worst polluters will pay $25 for every metric tonne of carbon
dioxide they emit from 2012.
Some of this money will be used to help compensate households
that will be hit by higher power bills.
The scheme will cover 60% of Australia's carbon pollution apart
from exempted agricultural and light vehicle emissions. It could
also aid global efforts to fight carbon pollution, which have
largely stalled since the US President last year ruled out a
federal climate bill this term.
The scheme will cost $4.7bn to implement. Coal miners would be
eligible for a $1.4bn compensation package to help the intensive
mines adjust to the tax, which would add an average $1.9 per tonne
to the cost of mining coal.
Australia, a major coal exporter, relies on coal for 80% of
electricity generation, which accounts for 37% of national
emissions.
The government would also set up loan guarantees for electricity
generators through a new energy security fund, to help the industry
refinance loans of between $9bn and $10bn over the next five
years.
The scheme will fund the shut-down or partial closure of the
dirtiest generators and remove up to 2,000 megawatts of capacity by
2020.
Europe's reduction system, which covers the 27 European Union
member states plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, has forced
power producers to pay for carbon emissions, driving cuts where
power plants were forced to switch to less carbon-emitting natural
gas or biomass.
Outside the EU, only NZ currently has a national scheme in
operation.
More is at
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2011/07/20117104423651839.html?utm_source=Al+Jazeera+English+List&utm_campaign=132bb43f3d-Newsletter&utm_medium=email
Back to top
Other Global Environmental Stories The Role of Forests in
Regulating Climate Change a new study published in the journal,
Science, has put a figure on the role of forests in regulating
carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere. The study found that
the world's established forests remove 8.8 billion tons of CO2 from
the atmosphere per year. This equates to nearly one third of all
annual fossil fuel emissions from humans. Because plants absorb CO2
as part of their metabolism, the greater the forest, the more CO2
is removed, and the impact of global climate change is
decreased.
Read more at http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/42933
Renewable Energy Sector Still Going Strong: the renewable energy
sector (for example, energy produced from wind or the sun) has
continued to perform well says the REN21 Renewables 2011 Global
Status Report. The renewable energy sector supplied an estimated
16% of global energy last year. The sector also delivered close to
20% of the worlds electricity production. Global solar power
generation doubled last year compared to the previous year, and
wind power added the most capacity, said the report.
More is at
http://unep.org/newscentre/Default.aspx?DocumentID=2647&ArticleID=8812&l=en
Cleantech Trends in the US: in the last decade, the US has been
decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels by investing into clean
technologies, including renewable energy and energy efficiency. The
top 10 trends are: 1) the US military becoming greener; 2) more
employment opportunities available; 3) increase in international
cleantech partnerships; 4) more homes becoming energy
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 16
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efficient; 5) increase in sale of hybrid vehicles; 6) more
buildings becoming LEED certified*; 7) recycling initiatives get a
boost; 8) exporting clean technologies around the world; 9) more
airline companies becoming greener; and 10) hotels become greener.
*Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is an
internationally recognized green building certification system,
providing third-party verification that a building or community was
designed and built using strategies intended to improve performance
in areas such as energy savings etc.
More is at
http://blog.cleantechies.com/2011/07/01/top-ten-long-term-trends-of-cleantech-in-the-united-states/
Asia looks to Nuclear Future: continuing economic growth in the
region will still be fuelled by nuclear power. Taiwan, South Korea,
China, and India remain committed to increasing their nuclear
capacity. The demands of the growing consumer economies in
Southeast Asia are also likely to lock in the nuclear option.
Read more at
http://www.asianz.org.nz/newsroom/regional-matters/asia-nuclear-future
Report Ranks Food by Environmental Impact: according to a new
study of 20 popular meat, fish, dairy and vegetable proteins from
the US-based Environmental Working Group, lamb, beef, and cheese
generate the most greenhouse gases. The Meat Eaters Guide used a
cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment* to determine each food's
rank, including the amount of fertilizer used to grow animal feed,
as well as data on each food's processing, transportation, and
disposal. *A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a technique to assess
environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's
life from-cradle-to-grave (i.e., from raw material extraction
through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use,
repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling).
Read more at
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2011/07/meat-eaters-guide.html
Back to top
Tourism Volcanic Ash Disrupts June Travel Both visitor arrivals
and short-term trips by NZ residents were down in June 2011 when
compared with June 2010. This had a lot to do with the ash cloud
from the Chilean Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano.
Despite the flight disruptions, more visitors arrived from China
and Malaysia. Fewer short-term trips by NZ residents were taken to
Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan. But,
Kiwis took more short-term trips to Thailand, the Cook Islands,
Malaysia, and Fiji.
This country had a net migration* gain of 3,900 in the year
ended June 2011, down from 16,500 the previous year. This is below
the average annual net migration gain of 12,000 over the last 20
years. The decrease in net migration, compared with 2010, was
mainly due to an increase in departures to Australia. *The net
migration rate is the difference of immigrants and emigrants of an
area in a period of time.
More is at
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/population/Migration/IntTravelAndMigration_MRJun11.aspx
Back to top
Domestic Tourism Steady in March Year Figures from the Ministry
of Economic Developments latest Domestic Travel Survey show that
domestic tourism spending held steady in the year to March 2011.
Overall, NZers spent slightly more on domestic travel than the year
before, but there was a 6% decrease in spending by international
tourists over the same period. In total domestic travellers spent
$9.0 billion dollars, the second highest amount recorded, although
overnight trips decreased slightly.
More is at www.tourismresearch.govt.nz/dts
Back to top
17 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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Auckland Lifts Guest Nights in May National guest nights rose
0.9% in May 2011 compared with May 2010. This rise follows falls in
each of the five previous months. Although Canterbury continues to
show a large drop in guest nights because of earthquakes, in May
this was more than offset by a large rise in Auckland.
The trend for the number of guest nights, which presents a
longer-term picture, shows a decline in the South Island for the
latest 15 months and a moderate rise in the North Island for the
latest 12 months. Back to top
Holiday Parks Awards Highlights of the recent Holiday Parks
Awards include:
Outstanding Service to the Holiday Park Industry Award:
Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park "Creeksyde" owner Erna
Spijkerbosch;
AA Spirit of Hospitality Award: the Beachaven Motel and Holiday
Park at Waihi Beach; ReserveGroup Award for Innovation: Taupo De
Bretts Spa Resort; Jasons SMART Business Award 2011: Taupo De
Bretts Spa Resort (for its online initiatives); and Seekom
Innovation in Online Marketing Award: Martinborough Holiday
Park.
More is at
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1107/S00286/awards-recognise-excellence-in-holiday-parks.htm
Back to top
Health Child Abuse: How Can I Tell Child abuse prevention
organisation, Child Matters, has launched the booklet How Can I
Tell? an educational resource available to the public to help
people know what to look for and know what to do if they are
worried about a child. This is a practical, easy-to-understand
guide that not only educates people about the signs of child abuse,
but also provides steps for taking action: Signs of child abuse may
be physical or behavioural, so:
learn to recognise the signs; provide a listening ear; offer
help; give supportive information; explain that violence is not ok;
talk it over with an experienced person; learn more about how to
help by contacting Childmatters, Barnados, Plunket, or the
Salvation Army or, if necessary , talk over your concerns with
Child, Youth and Family.
The free How Can I Tell? booklet is on the home page of Child
Matters website http://www.childmatters.org.nz (hard copies can be
ordered from the website for $2). Barnados is at 0800 227 627,
www.barnados.org.nz ; Plunket is at 0800 933 922,
www.plunket.org.nz; the Salvation Army is at 04 384 5649,
www.salvationarmy.org.nz, and Child, Youth and Family is at 0508
326 459
Back to top
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 18
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Residents Views of Retirement Village Act According to a recent
report from the Retirement Commissioner, some retirement village
operators need to improve the way they communicate with their
residents, and also need to make sure that potential residents
understand exactly what they are signing up for.
The report follows the Commissioners Retirement Villages Act
2003 Monitoring Project asking retirement village residents about
how well they understood the Act, and how it works in practice.
It says that often residents move to retirement villages
primarily for the security they offer. The Commissioner found that
most retirement village operators communicate really well and put
in place the Act properly, and their residents are very happy and
do feel secure. But, in villages where the Act isnt put into place
well, the opposite can be true, with some residents becoming
anxious about the future of their villages and how future changes
may affect them.
Among other concerns cited by some residents were: fee
increases; reductions in services; failure to provide planned
amenities; and a lack of consultation over changes in the operation
or ownership of the villages.
Main recommendations in the report include:
consultation guidelines for operators and residents need to be
developed and put in place; key documents need to be consistent
between retirement villages and written in plain English; and an
industry standard and best practice for complaints, mediation, and
disputes procedures (which includes recording all
complaints) should be developed.
The report is online at www.retirement.org.nz/monitoring
Back to top
.. & Aged Residential Care Confidence Survey According to an
annual Colmar Brunton survey done for the NZ Aged Care Association
(NZACA), 68% of NZers with direct experience of aged residential
care facilities rated them as good or very good, with a further 22%
rating it as fair. Some 6% of the public regards the services
provided by aged care organisations in this country as poor this is
down from 8% in 2010.
To see the full survey email [email protected]
Back to top
Older peoples Home-based Support Services Assessed The
Auditor-General's (OAGs) report Home-based support services for
older people says that these services generally appear to be
delivered adequately. However, this is a qualified view because the
Ministry of Health and DHBs do not have reliable information to
confirm an assessment. For example, spending on home-based support
services increased by 70% during the four years to 2008/09.
However, because of the lack of reliable performance information,
OAG is unclear about whether this means simply that more older
people received services, or whether they received better
services.
OAG says the Ministry and DHBs need to address the current
deficiencies in performance information about home-based support
services.
The report is available at
www.oag.govt.nz/2011/home-based-support/
Back to top
Subsidies for Aged Residential Care Up On 1 July the subsidy
paid for aged residential care services increased by 9.2% for
dementia services and 1.5 % for all other levels of care. The
increase in subsidy levels also means that the maximum contribution
older people are required to pay towards their residential age care
rises.
19 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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New rates are online on the Ministry of Health website:
www.moh.govt.nz/olderpeople
Back to top
Study of Oz-Kiwi Stroke Victims A study of stroke patients from
Australia and NZ shows those from the most disadvantaged areas had
a 70% higher chance of having a stroke than those in wealthy
suburbs. Those living in poorer places also were more likely to
have strokes at younger ages on average: 68 compared with 77 for
those in wealthier areas. The authors say that effective preventive
measures in the more deprived areas of the community could
substantially reduce rates of stroke.
An article is at
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wellbeing/5231625/Poor-at-greater-risk-of-stroke.
The article abstract is at
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/195_01_040711/hee11421_fm.html
Back to top
Changes to Rules About Medicines The Medicines Regulations 1984
and the Medicines (Standing Order) Regulations 2002 have been
amended to:
allow some fluoride toothpastes, anti-dandruff shampoos, and
anti-pimple creams sold in supermarkets to no longer be treated as
medicines;
include changes to the labelling and advertising requirements
for medicines, bringing them into line with those of other
countries;
restrict prescribing to doctors, dentists and midwives
respective scopes of practice, and remove the ten-day limit on the
period of supply for prescription medicines issued by dentists;
create a delegated prescriber under the supervision of an
independent prescriber, to allow highly trained health
professionals in a collaborative team environment to prescribe
within their scope of practice, for a specific group of
patients;
allow pharmacists to substitute an alternative brand of a
medicine in certain circumstances; update some requirements (e.g.,
how data sheets are prepared and distributed, and how prescriptions
are dispensed); allow the Director General of Health to issue a
waiver to permit electronic prescribing in specified situations;
and allow the sale of general sale medicines (e.g., cough and cold
remedies, travel sickness medicines) via vending machines.
A (little bit) more is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/updated-medicines-regulations-confirmed
Back to top
& Care of Medicines in Rest Homes New Medicines Care Guides
for Residential Aged Care have been produced for managers, nurses,
health care assistants, and other health professionals who work in
residential aged care facilities. They cover procedures for
managing and storing medicines, keeping records and dealing with
adverse reactions, and also provide quick clinical references for
common conditions older people in care may have.
The guides are at
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/medicines-care-guides-for-residential-aged-care
Back to top
NZ Universal List of Medicines Released The NZ Universal List of
Medicines (known as the NZULM) provides the health sector with an
up-to-date, one-stop-shop of core and commonly used information
about medicines (from Medsafe, PHARMAC, and the Pharmacy Guild).
Before the NZULM, there were
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 20
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several lists with information on prescribing and dispensing
medicines, and this created room for confusion among doctors and
pharmacists.
This release covers medicines used in primary and secondary
care. It will be updated on a monthly basis.
Users will usually access the NZULM information through their
business or clinical software. They can also use the NZULM website
at www.nzulm.org.nz to obtain NZULM information directly
Back to top
New Requirements for Teeth Whiteners The Governments
Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) now known as the
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has set rules around teeth
whiteners containing hydrogen peroxide and their use.
The Authoritys decision includes requirements for labelling of
over-the-counter) tooth whitening products you would find in a
chemist, supermarket, beauty salon, spa, gym, etc.
It also divides tooth-whitening products into three categories
and places sale and use restrictions on the highest two of these
categories, including requiring dentist supervision of the products
posing a higher risk to public safety. Teeth whitening products
containing less than 7% hydrogen peroxide will continue to be
available to the public and used and sold without restriction.
Products containing more than 7% hydrogen peroxide will be subject
to some restrictions on their sale and use.
More is at
http://www.nzctwa.org.nz/nzctwa.asp?DocumentID=147
Back to top
Developing Cultural Competency in Health A paper called
"Developing cultural competency* in accordance with the Health
Practitioners Competence Assurance Act indicates that Maori receive
fewer referrals, fewer diagnostic tests, and less effective
treatment plans from their doctors than do non-Maori patients.
*Cultural competence is the ability to interact respectfully and
effectively with persons from a background different from ones
own.
The paper is at http://www.mauriora.co.nz/file/Bacal_Oct_06.pdf.
A Pharmacy Council paper on cultural competence is at
http://www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz/cms_show_download.php?id=204
Back to top
Self Help For When Times are Tough A new Home and Family
Counsellings blog offers general information, geared towards
self-help for people in traumatic situations, that helps them find
ways to move forward. The initial list of topics for the coming
months is: The boredom factor (in time for school holidays);
Motivation: where does it come from and where does it go; Bullying;
Staying healthy as you get older; Understanding Kiwi culture;
Keeping safe from shattering events; Family court changes; Domestic
Violence; Reaching across to new NZers; Living cheaply and well;
Mindfulness; and Grief.
You can subscribe to the blog at
www.homeandfamilycounselling.wordpress.com or via the website
www.homeandfamily.org.nz. There is also Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/homeandfamilycounselling
Back to top
Skylight: A Resource for Bullies Who Me? is the first NZ booklet
designed for 10-17 year olds who have been bullying. This title
reflects one teens response made when his teacher gave him a
detention for bullying. He didnt think his taunts and threats were
bullying.
21 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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The booklet aims to help them stop their bullying behaviour by
giving them information about what bullying is, its effects on them
and others, very practical, everyday steps to take to stop it, and
what the positive outcomes can be for them (and others) when they
do stop it.
Skylight has also developed information for parents and carers.
When The Bully Is Your Child is an 8-page leaflet helping them to
understand bullying and giving key ways to help their own child to
stop their bullying behaviour.
To obtain copies people can contact Skylight on 0800 299 100.
Any parent or professional seeking help about the impact of
bullying on children or teens that they know can contact Skylight
directly for a personalised support pack again, phone 0800 299
100
Back to top
Movember: Raising Awareness of Mens Health During November each
year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on
thousands of mens faces in NZ and around the world. The aim is to
raise vital funds and awareness for mens health, specifically
prostate cancer and depression. Back to top
Synthetic Cannabis Products: 12-Month Ban Amendments to the
Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill have recently come into force. They
remove Kronic and all other synthetic cannabis products from the
market for 12 months while the Government works on its detailed
response to the Law Commissions recent report (see the June
Bulletin Aotearoa for more details of that report).
A press release is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/all-synthetic-cannabis-products-be-banned
Back to top
Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Guidelines Quick reference guides for
managing type 2 diabetes have been developed by the Ministry of
Health and the NZ Guidelines Group. They will help with identifying
patients at high risk of diabetes-related complications, managing
raised blood pressure effectively, controlling blood sugar levels
well, and starting insulin treatment appropriately.
Type 2 diabetes is related to unhealthy weight and is a major
cause of illness and early death. The range of complications that
may develop with diabetes include heart disease, blindness, foot
problems, and kidney disease. More than 200,000 NZ adults have
diagnosed diabetes, predominantly type 2, and it has been estimated
that around 100,000 have not yet had it diagnosed.
They are at http://www.nzgg.org.nz/practice-tools/diabetes
Back to top
Communication Services for People with Disabilities The Deaf,
deaf-blind, speech and hearing-impaired community are to get
greater access to a range of communication services. New services
to be progressively introduced from 1 October 2011 include
captioned telephony, which allows people to read live captions of
spoken phone conversations. People will also be able to contact the
relay contact centre by mobile phone, and use a prepaid calling
card to make international calls by Internet relay.
More information is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/communications-upgrade-hearing-and-speech-impaired-communities
Back to top
Increase in Breastfeeding Plunkets latest figures on
breastfeeding indicate a steady increase in breastfeeding rates
over the last 10 years. Up to the age of 6 weeks 85% of babies are
getting some breast milk, a 5% increase over the last 10 years.
Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524
Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 22
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Plunket supports the World Health Organisations recommendation
that babies are fed only breast milk for the first six months.
After six months other foods can be added to a babys diet, but
breast milk remains the ideal milk drink for children up to two
years and beyond.
For support, information or advice about breastfeeding contact
your local Plunket nurse or call PlunketLine 0800 933 922 - 24
hours, 7 days a week. More is at
http://www.plunket.org.nz/news-and-research/media-releases/
Back to top
Two Cancer Drugs Funded PHARMAC recently approved wider funding
for two cancer treatments: rituximab (for chronic lymphocytic
leukaemia) now has widened funded access; and docetaxel (used for
many different cancers) now has open access.
More is at
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1107/S00147/pharmac-widens-access-to-two-cancer-drugs.htm
Back to top
Health of Older People Strategy: Report The HOPE Foundation has
released a report on its evaluation of District Health Boards
(DHBs) Implementation of the Health of Older People Strategy. A
major finding was that none of the DHBs has implemented the
Strategy in full, though most have done so in part. According to
the Foundation, major factors needing attention include:
institutional boundaries e.g., the need for collaboration
between primary and secondary services, the need to deal with patch
protection within and between services, and the time thats needed
to change attitudes; and
the need to improve: relationships with primary health
organisations (PHOs), home-based services, and problems with IT.
This report is a follow-up to the Foundations 2008 report on how
well DHBs were doing in meeting the Governments policy on the
health of older people.
Download the report at
http://www.hopefoundation.org.nz/pdf/Sarah%20Hood%20Research%20final%20.pdf
. More is at
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1107/S00103/difficulties-for-health-boards-in-dealing-with-the-elderly.htm
Back to top
ACCs Injury Limit & Age Deduction: HRC Action The Human
Rights Commission (HRC) has accepted the National Foundation for
the Deaf combined cases submission that the ACC 6% injury threshold
and age deduction scale are discriminatory on the grounds of age
and disability.
Under the threshold a person must have a total hearing loss of
at least 6% before ACC will take the claim, and if the damage is
less than 6% the claim is rejected.
The next step will see the HRC invite ACC to join mediation, and
further action would depend on how ACC responded.
More is at
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1107/S00072/hrc-accepts-case-against-acc-injury-threshold.htm
Back to top
UN: More Graphic Anti-Smoking Labelling In its third annual
report on the global tobacco epidemic, the United Nations World
Health Organisation (WHO) said more than one billion people in 19
countries are now covered by laws requiring large, graphic health
warnings on packages of tobacco. This is nearly double the number
of two years ago, when only about 547 million people were covered
in 16 countries.
23 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ,
[email protected], 04 473 5524
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More is at
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2011/tobacco_20110707/en/index.html
and you can downloa